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7
EXPOSITORY NOTES
WITH
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS,
OR
THE NEW TESTAMENT
or our
LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST,
WHKKBIN THE
SACRED TEXT IS AT LARGE RECITED,
THE SENSE EXPLAINED, AND THE INSTRUCTIVE EXAMPLE OF THE BLESSED
JESUS, AND HIS HOLY APOSTLES, TO OUR IMITATION RECOMMENDED.
TUB WHOLE DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE THB RBADING OF THB SCRIPTURES IK
PRIVATE FAMILIES, AND TO RENDER THB DAILY PERUSAL OF
THEM PROFITABLE AND DELIGHTFUL.
BY WILLIAM BURKITT, M. A.
LATE VICAR AND LECTURER OF DBDHAM, IN BSSBX.
VOL. I.
LONDON :
JAMES DINNIS, 62, PATERNOSTER-ROW.
MDCCCXXXH.
»n-£MG,';-
^-^^_' ...»
PRINTED BY J. R. AND C. CHILD8, BUNGAY-
^
%
TO THE
Right Ban. and Right Rev. Father in God, HENRY, LORD
BISHOP OF LONDON, one of her Majesty $ most Honourable
Privy Council.
*
My LORD,
r' ever my mean labours were a blessing to the people of my charge, I with them,
and they with me, hare abundant cause to bless Almighty God for your Lordship,
who was the immediate instrument of my coming amongst them.
And we jointly lie under superadded obligations to your Lordship, for repeated in-
stances of respect to this poor town in general, and to myself in particular, in an allow-
ance for one to assist the minister of this place, in that great work which is here daily
incumbent upon him.
I think myself therefore obliged, both in duty and gratitude, to give your Lordship
an account how I have spent my time here, (especially since I have had help by your
Lordship's particular favour;) which has been employed, as I could redeem it, in an
endeavour to render the leading of the New Testament profitable and delightful to my
people, both in their families and private apartments.
In which undertaking my care hat been, to be as clear and particular as I could, with
an eye to the benefit of the plain and unlearned reader ; and have suited things, as far
as (heir nature would bear, and my skill would reach, to the most ordinary capacities
and vulgar apprehension*.
And whatever the success may be, I hope I shall receive the reward of an honest
endeavour from Him, who estimates our pains, not by their events, which are not in
our power, but by their natural tendencies, and our sincere intentions*
My Lord, controversies are here industriously declined, as inconsistent with my chief
design ; yet not so as knowingly to betray any text, or wilfully to deliver up truth'
into the hands of its avowed enemies, whether Papists at Socmians.
Against the contagious corruptions of the former, and the more refined subtilties, yet
no less penurious errors, of the latter, the clergy of this diocese have been happily an-
tkloted by your Lordship, at your frequent conferences with them. And the great
/reedom and condescension with which your Lordship is pleased at such times to treat
us, doth at once invite and oblige us also, upon all occasions, publicly and gratefully
to acknowledge it
Yea, to your lordship's lasting honour, and everlasting comfort, be it spoken, that
not only your own clergy, but these three nations, are mexrjreasibly indebted, for your
Lordship's pious care, in instructing in the holy principles of our established religion, the
glorious Queen MARY of immortal memory, and her illustrious sister our most august
Queen ANNE, when vour Lordship had the honour to wait upon them in their tender
years : from whence her Majesty has been so zealous to run all hazards for its pre-
May heaven long, very long, continue your Lordship an ornament to the church,
an honour to the English nobility, a patron of refugees for the sake of religion, a pat-
tern of sincere piety towards God, and of the most extensive charity to all mankind :
and after many holy and happy days here on earth, crown your Lordship with the re-
of a glorious immortality. So prayeth, in great sincerity,
My LORD,
Your Lordship's much obliged and most obedient Servant,
W. BURKTIT.
[«1
To the Right Honourable, CHARLES, Lord FITZWALTER.
My LORD,
THE sacred pages inform us of 4 son, that whs nourished up in the vords of faith,
by his grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice.
The Uke pious care has been taken for your Lordship's religious education, by one
of the wisest of women, and the best of mothers that the age has afforded : and that
your Lordship's improvement in knowledge and sincere piety, may answer the prayers,
the tears, the endeavours, of such an endearing parent, who prefers your Lordship's
temporal happiness abundantly before her own ; I take leave to put a part of the in-
spired Writings into your Lordships hand, with an endeavour of mine, to render the
reading of them both profitable and delightful to your Lordship.
Whilst others consume their precious hours in plays and romances, and such like
corrupting and effeminating trash, which the superfletation of the stage furnishes
the nation with, to the scandal of our holy religion, and the grief of all good men ;
debasing the minds, and debauching the manners, of so many amongst us ; that your
Lordship (and others of your noble order with you) may taste such incomparable de-
light and sweetness in, and experience such invaluable benefit and advantage by, read-
ing the history of your blessed Redeemer's life and actions, and may thereby be trans-
formed into his holy likeness here on earth, and spend an eternity in the rapturous con-
templation and ravishing fruition of him in heaven, is the fervent prayer of.
My LORD,
Your Honour's faithfully devoted Servant and Chaplain,
W. BURKITT.
To FAMILY GOVERNORS, particularly thou of my Charge.
AS religion did always consist in an imitation of Qod, and in resemblanceof those ex-
cellences which shine forth in the best and most perfect Being, so we may imi-
tate him now with much more ease and greater advantage, since his Son tons manifest
in the flesh, and dwelt amongst us : for he was pleased to become man, on purpose to
show us how we might become like to Qod, by a daily imitation of his holiness. And it is
most certain, that God our Father will never own any of us for his children, unless he
sees upon us the air and features, the impresses and resemblance, of Christ our elder
Brother.
This consideration has induced me to set the example of the holy Jesus before my-
self and you, in these plain practical Notes upon the Holy Evangelists, which con*
tain remarks upon the history of our Saviour's life, doctrine, and miracles, and of his
death, resurrection, and ascension ; to the intent that the temper of our minds, and the
actions of our lives, may be a lively transcript of the mind and life of our blessed Re-
deemer : that we may admire and imitate his unspotted purity, his condescending hu*
mility, his fervent charity, his patience under sufferings and reproaches, his readiness to
forgive injuries, and his entire resignation to the Divine will in all conditions of life
whatsoever : that so following our Lord and Master in all the steps of an suitable
virtue, and setting his example continually before us, we may be daily correcting and
reforming our lives by that glorious pattern ; for without present likeness to him, we
have no grounds to hope that we shall hereafter live with him.
A true compassion to your souls, and a fervent desire to further their salvation, from
the press as well as from the pulpit, has put me upon redeeming time for this work.
I must acknowledge, my constant preaching thrice a week unto you, (besides occa-
sional,) and visiting as often a populous and scattered parish from house to house
Tiongst you, (which I have always accounted a most important part of my duty,)
[3]
would allow me bat little, too little, time for such a work as this, which I heartily wish had
/aOen upon the shoulders of some that had more leisure, and greater abilities, for writing
on this noble and lofty subject, which even to eternity can never be exhausted. But
thus much I can truly say, that earnestly imploring Divine assistance, I have done what
I could ; my work has been my recreation, and tne Lord accept and succeed it
And I have this observation to ground^ my hope of acceptance and success upon,
that Almighty God has in all ages rendered those labours of his servants, (how mean
soever m thansclvcs,) most acceptable and useful, which have been employed in the
profitable explication of any part of the holy Scriptures : as if He, who imprinted such
a majesty upon the text, delighted also to reflect an honour upon the interpreters thereof.
My design in preparing and giving these Notes into your hands, is to oblige you
to resd a part of the Holy Scriptures in your families every day : and to invite you
thereunto, the sacred text is here at large recited, and controversies declined.
And I do most affectionately request you not to suffer the holy Word of God, which is
in all your hands, to he by you as a neglected book ; but daily to read it in and to
your families, with a simplicity of mind to be directed and instructed by it
All the return I desire from you for this my labour of love, is, your hying in a daily
imitation of that grand pattern of holiness and obedience which is here set before you,
and in every page recommended to you ; and that we may continue to strive together
m our prayers one with and one for another, for that grace which may enable us to
the faithful discharge of our respective duties towards God, towards each other, and all
mankind. And that the happy union and unanimitv which hath hitherto been amongst
us, may continue and increase still with us, to the glory of God, the honour of our holy
religion, the present benefit and comfort, and the eternal joy and rejoicing, both of min-
ister and people, in the day of the Lord Jesus : which, as it is the fervent prayer, so it
shall be the constant endeavour, of your unworthy minister, whose highest ambition it
h to serve you in faith and fellowship of the gospel, whilst I am
W BURK1TT.
A PRA YER before the Reading of the Holy Scriptures.
-A LMIGHTY God and merciful Father, who hast appointed thy Word to be a
•"> light to our feet, and a lamp unto our paths, and caused all holy scripture to
be written for our learning : Grant us the assistance of thy Holy spirit, that we
may in such wise read, mark, team, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and
immfitrt of thy Holy Word we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of
everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
And seeing of thy tender love to mankind thou hast given thy dear and only
8a»9 to be unto us both. a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life, give us
grace that we may always most thankfully receive this Ais inestimable benefit, and
aiso daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life, who
lioetk ami reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
EXPOSITORY NOTES, &c
OR THB
HOLY GOSPEL
ACCORDING TO
SAINT MATTHEW
TaB BOLT BlBLB cootahu the whole Revelation of the will of GOD to the children of men. This
sacred book is anally divided into the Old and New Testament The Old Testament contains the
law and the prophets; the writinri of the New Testament are either histories or epistles: the
- histories are the roar Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles ; the four Gospels were written by the
, soar Evangelists whose names they bear : of whom dt Matthew and St John were eye-witnesses
•f what they wrote, bat St. Mark and St Lake had what they wrote from the relation of others.
This Gospel before as, of St Matthew, contains an history of the birth, life, miracles, death, and
leaniiimlkm of the holy JBSOtf ; all which are the most stupendous andamasing matters and mysteries*
an well as the most necessary truths to be known and believed, in the world : and
This Chapter before as contains the genealogy or pedigree of oar Saviour JbsUS Christ, as he
onto verse 17. and then relates the fact of his wonderful incarnation, to the end of the chapter.
CHAP. I. pitiation for our sins, and not for ours
r|lHE book of the generation of ZJfif* ^^ the «*»«f «•■**
Jesus Chrbt9 the son of David,
the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and
TW *, the descent of Jesus Christ, who Isaafc **** j??0* ; *nd ^^7
was, according to the flesh, the son of gat Judas and his brethren ; 3 And
Bterid and the son of Abraham, is on this Judas begat Phares and Zara of
wise. And bis genealogy from Abraham Thamar ; and Phares begat Esrom ;
down to Us reputed father was thus. Here and Esrom begat Aram ; 4 And
swte, Thai cwrEyangeiist, designing to write Aram begat Aminadab; and Ami-
a narrative of our Saviours life, begins with nadab begat Naa8SOn . a„d Naasson
km pedigree and genealogy, and shews *r . Salmon •
whom he descended from, namely, from De^at *>*imon •
David and Abraham. . Where observe, - Both the Evangelists, St Matthew and
1. That David is named before Abraham, St Luke, make mention of our Saviour's
because he being a king, and an illustrious pedigree ; the former by his reputed father's
re of the Meanas, the Jews expected, and side, the latter by his mother's side : the
to this day expect that the son erf David design of both was to present us with a
aboold reign over them ; and that they general draught of our Lord's pedigree and
should enjoy a temporal kingdom by him. descent and not to be strict and accurate
ObaeiTey 2. The names dven to our blessed in enumerating every individual person.
Saviour, Jesus and Christ; Jesus is his This should teach us, not to be over-curious
Hebrew name, and signifies, A Saviour -y in scanning the parts of this genealogy,
Christ us his Greek name, and signifies, much leas captiously to object against it
Anointed : from whence some do infer an For if the Evangelists were not critical and
inliMialMin and encouragement that both exact in composing this genealogy, why
Hebrews and Greeks, both Jews and Gen- should we shew ourselves so in examining
may alike come unto Christ for life it? Rather let us attend to the design of
salvation, he being the common Sa- the Holy Ghost in writing of it which was
' of both y according to that of St John, two-fold : First for the honour of our Sa-
1. chap. iL ver. 2. He is the pro- viour, as man, shewing who were his noble
VOL L B
2 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. I.
and royal progenitors according to the flesh, fourteen generations ; and from the
Secondly, for the confirmation of our faith, carrying away into Babylon unto
touching the reality of our Redeemer's in- Christ are fourteen generations.
carnation. The scripture making mention ^. „ _ i
of all his progenitor*, from the iirst man 4. 2?^ c •*" ."f™ r""* J*ST
Adam to hi teputed father Joseph, will not U^mJ^^s^^i^^
suffer us to doubt either of the. truth of his "^^^lWi^
huniannatur^orofttecertamtyofhisber H^P"* ,T1^?rM0^!SlW^
ing the promised Messias. iirn^ Sl^^lS J^?T2!1 ""*£
Tfiat the wisdom of God hath taken aline- £"** ■ ^£}&lBx*kiT"!'
<*ssary care, and used all neediul means, ^^S^f^^J^^
ibrthesaiisfymgfhemmdsofaUunpceK ** *£r*T™&JF^V^l£
diced persons touching the reality of dhrist's oneuwllh Z.ul!!L *** ^^S^
huinan^ature,aiKltli oertamty oi his be- ^^^owJ^ T^^ ^ °<li2
ins: the promised Measias: ft* both these J"** * * ^ * to W* *****
e3a is our Saviour's genealogy and descent ^^fl£?L!^
Mcordtd in the holy scriptoria. ^ P*-.*^ £ God.8 P^T1"^
' r extends itself in the saving effects and
6 And Salmon begat Booz of Ra- benefits of it to them mat are most unwor-
chab ; and Boot begat Obed of *J ■»* jjWeserving. 2. To ^courage
Roth ; and Obed be£t Jesse; 6 Jt^JThf i^ SKlS
And Jesse begat David the king ; for m q^ b ^ ^ ^ ^ God^a
and David the king begat Solomon did4 purify our nature from all the pollution*'
of her that had been the wife of of our ancestors, so he can, by the power
Unas ; 7 And Solomon begat Ro- of his grace and Spirit, sanctify our persons
boam ; and Roboam begat Abia ; "^ natures, how foul and impure soever
and Abia begat Asa ; 8 And Asa they either are or have been. 3. Hereby
begat Josaphat ; and Josaphat be- ^^^^^,^^1^^
_ f ¥^ ^ j % u \. r\- • came to save toe most notorious sinners, as
gat Joram ; and Joram begat Ozias ; well as those whose lives have been less
9 And Ozias begat Joatham ; and scandalous. 4. This is recorded for the>
Joatham begat Achaz ; and Achaz support of such as are illegitimate and base
begat Ezekias; 10 And Ezekias bom; how vile soever their parents* sin has*
begat Manasses ; and Manasses be- rendered them in the eyes of men, it is their
gat Amon ; and Amon begat Josias ; own ■» <**T T^*?0*8 £?* to #*-
11 And Josias begat Jechonias and ^PP™ the «ght of Goo\ H is not ilie-
hi. brethren, abo'ut the tone they ^aEST* **"*"'*
were carried away to Babylon ; 13 ,„ ~ A. .j.. _. -» . .
And after they were brought to Ba - ™. Now the„£rth rf A?1™* 7**
bylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel ; 2 th"11™*' Wh? f J"8 T*^*
and Salathiel begat Zorobabel ; IS Mary was espoused to Joseph, be-
And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and ?" &J^*yS*%' t* IVT
Abiud begat Eliakim ; and Eliakim found wtth eh,ld of *• Ho,y Ghe8t<
begat Azor; 14 And Azor begat That fc, the Witt of Cbriatw* not mtfw
Sadoc ; and Sadoc begat Actum ; Zt^ "S.^T^iv J^5 fS!
j * •.• u , rl. ? , . . ! Bury was fouDd to bt wtth cttitd by the
and Achim bggat Ehud ; 16 And ^dinary ^ miraculous orxntion of
Ehud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar the Hory Ghost. Here note.^Tbat the
begat Matthan ; and Matthan begat espousal of Mary to Joseph was for the
Jacob ; 10 And Jacob begat Jo- safety of Christ, and for the credit and re-*
seph the husband of Mary, of whom putation of the Virgin. It was for our Ssu
was born Jesus, who is called Christ. ?**"'* *&?• J***?* . **■& * *? mU>
17 So all the generations from Abra- S^ *»J~ 3^!Z!V^SJS^ *2
i.« .* n. ^J — r -a takecareof him: and it was for the Vugm'st
ham to David are fourteen genera- fepaVSm§ ^ ^ a*^ ^ ^^
turns ; and from David until the counted unclean. Learn hence, What a
carrying away uito Babylon are special regard Almighty God has to tr*
Chap. L ST. MATTHEW.
tame and reputation of his children: he ling, ami desirous above all thine* to come
would have tbem free from the least sua- to the knowledge and right mmerstai
pacion of evil and dishonesty. Mary being of their duty. Observe, 2. How the o
wawmud to to husband, fines herself from clean the Virgin's mnocency, as well as
the saspsckm of auiightinesB, and her ton satisflei Joseph's doubtinp, by 8jsurinff him,
ihsm the amputation of an u^^ that what was concaved in net was By the
Observe farther, The miraculous conception Holy Ghost Learn hence, That God wiR
of the boty Jesus; the Holy Ghost over- in his own time clear the innoosncy of such
shadowed the Virgin, sad did miracnloosly as suffer in their name and reputation for
esaae her conception without the help of the sake of Christ, though for the present
an human nuner. Thus Christ was the they may lie under the burden of disgrace
Son of God as well in his human as in his and shame.
divine nature ; he mutt needs be a perfect a, * j ■ «_ n »_ • e _*t_
hoV person, wtio was puielycoiM«ved by 2l And shc flha11 bring forth a
tiir H^SpuitV flpprwfrrn. son» and tnou »nult call his name
1» The. Joseph her husband, JESUS: for he shaUsaTe his people
bring, a just man, and not willing from ihm 9aa- _
to Make her a public example, was . 0??!e..het^ H,. ?"t^?L? °"£ ^
That is, being a holy person, and a strict his name; Thou shall call his name Jesus,
observer of the rites of his nation, he was that is, a Saviour. 3. The reason why that
unwiuW to icotrfpany with a defiled wo- name was given him; because he should
man, and therefore minded to put her away save hit people, not temporally, as Joshua
by giving a bOl of divorce into her hand did the Israelites from their prpmws but
before two witnesses; but being kind and spiritually and eternally, from their sins :
gentle, he intended to put her away pri- not in their sins, but from them : that is,
vt/v, lest she should have been exposed, from (he guilt and punishment, from the
and stoned to death. Observe here, How power and dominion, of them. Observe,
early our eVar Lord's sufferings began ; he 4. The peculiar subjects of this privilege;
andnfeawtheraiedeBgnedtobeputawav, his people: He shall save his people from
even when he was but an embryo in the their sins. Learn, 1. That sin is the evil
womb. Observe ferther, From the great of evils; or that sin, considered in itself, is
clemency of Joseph toward the suspected comparatively the greatest and worst of
Virgin, that MR8 and merciful men always evils. 2. That the great end of Carat's
presume the best, and prosecute with gen- coming into the world, was to be a Saviour
tJeness, especially where life is concerned, from this eviL 3. That Christ's own peo-
Meek Joseob doth resolve upon the milder pfe do want, and stand in need of, a Sa-
course, ana chooses rather to put her away viour, as weU as others : if he does not save
pmOy, than publicly to expose her. them from their sins, they must die in and
20 Bat while he thought on these for their sins, as well as others. Therefore
things, behold, the angel of the heavetthem from sm three ways; LBy
•eying, Joseph, thou son of David, wer of ^ ^ ^planting a new mfc!
tear not to take unto thee Mary thy ciple of lioliness m the heart 3. By per-
wUfe ; for that which is conceived fecting and accomplishing all these happy
is her is of the Holy Ghost. beginnings at the end of this life, in heaven.
Two mings tie here observable jnameJy, Ih' Hammond's Pract Catech.
the case thai Almighty God takes, 1. For 22 Now all this was done, that
Jmepks wtfisfcVtion, 2. For vindicating it might be fulfilled which was spo-
fthe rirgin-s reputation. For Joseph's sa- ken of the Lord by the prophet, say-
tZ^^SLZ&rJZ?^^ in*' M Behold, a virgin shall fee
sTnaanT StJS^^U^ with **?>"* ** ft. fo'* *
*^T Whence note, That Almighty God ^°n» and they shall call his name
«rsH eertamly find out ways and means for Emmanuel ; which being interpret-
she people's satisfaction, when they are wil- ed, is, God with us*
•4 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. II.
Of all the prophets of the Old Testa- be opened, and no man shall enter in by
meat, the prophet E»y has the honour to it ; because the lard God of Israel hath
be first recited in the New. Here the entered in by it, therefore it shall be
Evangelist quotes his prophecy of Christ's shut. And others of the ancients say,
incarnation, Behold, a virgin shall be with That as Christ lay in a tomb, in which
child. Learn thence, That the great mystery none lay before himself, so he lodged in a
of our Saviour's wonderful incarnation was womb, in which none ever lay, either be-
( though darkly) revealed to the church of fore or after himself. But be said, Quid
God under the Old Testament Observe postpartum secutum erat curiose non est
farther, The name given to our Saviour quasrendum : What the Virgin was afier-
under the Old Testament, Emmanuel, that wards, is of small concern to the mystery;
is, God with us: God manifest in our therefore not to be enquired after. And
flesh j God appearing in our nature ; God yet it is now passed by some into a matter
reconciling man to himself. O happy and of faith, that the Virgin Mary was ever a
blessed anion of two natures in one person: virgin, and it hath been styled an heresy id
Christ is God and man united, that God and hold the contrary ; but how it is consistent
man may be reconciled. with good divinity to make that an article
from sleep, did as the angel of the to ^ bf^e^ 'wmch confeMed]y,Tnot
Lord had bidden him, and took contained in the holy scripture, Jet the
unto him his wife : church of Rome answer. ,
Joseph is no sooner assured that Mary CHAP II
i^«f^^^^0W?l,^!ri¥ P?** °« Mom* mm**** exception, by the power
Of the Holy Ghost, but he mstanuy Obeys of the Holy Ohoet, beinc recorded in the first
the Lord's command, and takes Mary to fta?li&,S2S ««»rkawe circum.UDc« reht-
i . — ...„. j-^v j* .ai- ji • in* to hie birth ere let down ib th»: m, namely,
mm, without farther disputing or delaying. fge puu» Cf hi* birth, B*a-Uk*n; and the
Learn thence, That a gracious person, when time, /» tk* day* of Herod (h* king.
once satisfied in God's word of command, TWTOW when Jesus was born in
disputes no farther, but instantly complies i^ Bethlehem of Judea, in the
with the will of ^God, even in the most da of Hcrod the kin^ behold
hazardous and difficult duties. *ul— — *** *a— «m— A^«T *k~ ~>Ji
.11 t . . there came wise men from the east
26 And knew her not till she had ^ Jerusalem
^aI ht « l?u-her firat;^rinTCS011 : Observe here,' 1. The placed our Lord's
and he called his name JESUS. birth, Bethlehem : he was bom, not at
It is piously believed, though not posi- Athens, not at Rome, not at Jerusalem, not
lively in scripture asserted, that the Virgin in any opulent or magnificent city, but in
had no other child but our Saviour ; it is the meanest of the cities of Judah ; thereby
a very probable opinion, though not an shewing us, that his kingdom was not of
infallible article of faith, as the church of this world, and that he little regarded pomp
Rome would make it : for the word until and outward greatness. O how can we be
signifies in scripture, as much as never, abased enough for Christ, that thus neg-
So Gen. xxviii. 15. I will not leave thee lected himself for us ! Observe, 2. The
until I have done that which I have pro- time of our Lord's birth, In the days of
misedl that is, I will never leave thee. So Herod the king. This Herod being a
the words following, her first-born son, do foreigner, and made king by the Romans
not imply that she had any child after, but which now reigned over the Jews ; in him
that she had none before. That child was fulfilled Jacob's prophecy, Gen. xlix.
which first openeth the womb, is usually 10. That the sceptre snould not depart
in scripture called the first-born, though from Judah, that is, the Jews should nave
there was no other born after. Thus, Josh: governors of their own nation, until Shiloh.
xviL 1. Machir is called the first-bom of come; that is, until Christ, the promised
Manasseh, though he had no more chil- Messiah, come in the flesh. So that, con-
dren. So that Christ not only as God,' but sidermg the circumstances of time and
also as he was man, was the nrst-born and place, where and when Christ was born, it
only son. St Austin expounds and ap- was and is wilful obstinacy, in the Jews, to
5 lies Ezck. xliv. 2. to the Virgin Mary ; deny that the Messiah is come in the flesh*
"his gate shall be, shut, and tt shall not Observe, 3. That tribute of honour which
Chap^ II. ST. MATTHEW. &
was paid onto our Saviour at his birth : that was the cause of this perturbation.'
the wise men of the east came and wor- Hence we see that the greatest enmities,
shipped him ; that is, the Chaldean, Arabi- and the bitterest animosities, have arisen
an, or Persian astronomers, who, as the from causeless fears, and groundless jea-
first-fruits of the Gentiles, seek after Christ ; lousies.
£?* %Z {?* ^? S!? P6006' rejeC^ 4 And when he had gathered
him. Oh, how will their coming so far « ,. .• f nP:estfl anrf *r:i™ ftf
as the east to seek Christ, rise up another f" ine c1m? P»«sw and scribes ot
day in judgment against us, if we refuse to tne PeoPIe together, he demanded
be found by Christ, who came from heaven °f them where Christ should be
to seek us! born. 5 And they said unto him,
2 Saying, Wtere is he that is ?* Bethlehem of Judea : for thus
born king of the Jews ? for we have * ls *«"« ty the P~P«Jft. _ 6 A"*
seen his star in the east, and are *™ Bethlehem, m the land of
come to worship him. Ju**> art°f *hc le,ast amonJ* *hc
r princes of Juda : for out of thee
Observe here, 1. The inquiry that they 8nan come a Governor, that shall
S^ *£?"£' ¥* ^ ** *t?hethZ rule my people Israel.
he was born, but where he was bom ; not j r r
doubting of the feet, but ignorant of the Herod, being in great perplexity, con-
place. Observe, 2. The ground of their vened a council of the chief priests and
pquiry, For we hate teen his star : they scribes, and demands of them the place
bad seen astar, but how did they know it where Cnrist the promised Messiah was to
was his star ? Probably by divine revela- oe born : they readily reply, out of the
ton; they had a light within, as well as a prophet Micab, chap. v. 2. that Beth-lehem,
star without, or they had never found was tne P1*06 > this was *** city of David's
ChraL It * likely the Holy Spirit's illu- birm, and of Christ's the sen of David,
minatioo accompanied the star's apparition. Bethlehem signifies the house of bread,
As God made known the birth of Christ to *«* was so called from its fertility and
the Jews by an angel, so he manifested the friritfdness, and, as some think, with re-
same to die Gentiles by a new-created star, ference to Christ, the true bread of life,
Observe, 3. The end of their journey : We born there- Bethlehem was a mean and
art come to worship him; that is, to pay contemptible place in itself; but being
afl that honour andhomage which is due honoured wiw Christ's presence, how great
to a great and mighty prince; all that kit! Learn thence, That the presence of
adoration and worship which belongs to °hrist dignifies and exalts a place, how
the promised Messiah, the Redeemer of the mean soever in itself. Bethlehem, though
world. AH honour and homage, all glory a Uttle city in itself, yet is not the least
and worship, m due to Christ from the among the cities of Judah, because Christ
sons of men, and will be given him by » ^°m there,
those that know him. 7 Then Herod, when he had
3 When Herod the king had P1™1? ^Hf* $5 **? "f"' en"
heart! these things, he was troubled, <lu,red of them ^ligently what time
and all Jerusalem with him. *{* star appeared. 8 And he sent
them to Bethlehem ; and said, Go
Ob«rvehere, That when Christ came and ^^h diligently for the young
■**> the world to save men, it cast the world v ., • , „ j „x__ ' i^.,^ 7u..«3
into a constellation, and caused wonderful child ; and when ye have found
disturbance Herod is first concerned, and ktm> bnnS mf wor«. a?am' "^ l
sect all Jerusalem with him : Herod, for may come and worship him also,
fear of losing his kingdom ; Jerusalem, for Observe here, 1. How Herod cloaks his
fear of new commotions. Thus Christ, intended cruelty with disguised hypocrisy j
who was the angel's song, the wise men's he had a murder in his heart, when he
joy, Israel's consolation, becomes Herod's pretended to worship Christ with his
■tatr, and Jerusalem's terror. But why was mouth. There is no villany so great, but
Besod thus disturbed ? Tis true, a king is will mask itself under a pretence and show.
bom, but one whose kingdom is not of this of piety. Herod veils his intent to kill
worid; 'twas Herod's false apprehension Christ with a pretence to worship him.
* ST. MATTHEW. Chap. II.
Observe, 2. Herod calls him the young dream that they should not return to
child, not the young king; that wocd was Herod, they departed into their own
too big to come out of Herod'* proud country another way.
mouth: he could neither bear the thing, nor ~ , r. , .*:. ......
biook the title, A king 'tis true hen, but , God "J"* T*™* tSL71Ti^f^1 *
one that will never be thy rival; he has a dream not tojp back to teod, Ujeynrturo
kingdom, but it is not of this world. Ob- ^JE&^*f*l£j^ IK
save, 3. How craftily Herod lays his plot: £"fty ^f *?* ^TSl^f?' ^^^
be denies the wise 'men to enquire the- ^ret^^^toH^?„'fe
loujrhly, and to inform him privately. To " *?!*»» not i™* ™y Fomhed Herod to
b^^mdoinginischief,is^wofstwis. "g^ ^^ * ^g^ ** * ""J
dom in the worW : tis not the wisdom from J** w" ^COI^ca^LJ?^
above, but from heU beneath. l^fT^^^^St"* "JS
A«n i .11 i . .. der and destroy him. But if they promised
9 When they had heard the king, hun never ^ positively, God Akmghty
they departed: and, lo, the star, gave them a dispensation from that promise,
which they saw in the east, went by commanding them to return home ano-
before them, till it came and stood hm* **▼• Herod kept his design against
over where the young child was. Ch,j? doie fiom1 J* ,W"B men, but he
10 When they saw the star, they %S^£& ^"SwXSdc^
rejoiced with exceeding great joy. tf hi. n^ and, by his wc^iden^W
11 And when they were come into cfangt out of his hand. There is no wts-
the house, they saw the young child dom, nor understanding, nor counsel,
with Mary his mother, and fell down, against the Lord.
and worshipped him : and when IS And when they were departed,
they had opened their treasures, behold, the angel of the Lord ap-
they presented unto him gifts; gold, peareth to Joseph in a dream, say-
and frankincense, and myrrh. ing, Arise, and take the young child
Observe here, 1. How the star, which ■«* k» mother, and flee into Egypt,
for some time disappeared, now appears *nd be thou there until I bring thee
again, to their farther direction in finding word : for Herod will seek the young
Christ : teaching us, that God will not be child, to destroy him. 14 When he
wantrng to such as are cm the way to seek arogc hc toA the young child and
S^U^I^^S £ttWd-JFlld
.tend in Deed; none ever sincerely sought S^topt: 15 And was there un-
Chrfct, but they certainly found him at the *" «*. death of Herod, that it might
last Obs. 3. That the joy which ariseth be fulfilled which was spoken of the
in such a soul as has found Christ, is unut- Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of
usable and unspeakable : the wise men here Egypt have I called my son.
rejoiced with joy, •**£»' joy. with o^^ hew, l. Our Lori's hinnffiauon*
exceeding greai tjov. Obs. 3. The wise by peisficution m the very morning of bin
men havelound tins young king, they faffo ^ bania^d almost asibon as
bnng presents to him, according to the t^ Flee into Egypt for Herod wia
manner of the eastern countries i ; namely, ieek the young chilfto destroy him. TJn-
gold, fnuuiincense, and myrrh, which were ^g^ fiaogl Waf mis cnteitainment for
ti>^cipaicomimxutjeioftr*ea^ But a Savicw? What! ia« the country iipoa
the best present we can make to Cnnst, is Christ,asif a destroyer, rather than a Sa-
oursdves: he seeks not ours, but us 5 and riourf nad landed upon thy coasts! Oh f
rather deraes what we are than what we barbarous injustice! to deny a subject the
have. Yet the providence of God was protection of those laws under wnfch he
wonderfuUy seen m these presents, for was bom: the child of a beggar might
hereby provision was made for ftesm^ claim that as his birthright, wlhS was here
nance of Joseph and Mary, and the child &>& to the Son of God. Loid! how
Jesus, in their exile, or flight into Egypt, ^ ^ humiliation was this, not only ta
which they were shortly to undergo. ^^^ ^ infant, but in thine infancy to
12 And being warned of God in a be hurried up and down, and drimx out of
Chap. II ST. MATTHEW. 7
thine own bad as a vagabond I Obs. 2. rage, and die for Christ, who came to die
How our Lord himself in a time of penecu- for them; and » were martyn indeed,
ton flies for safety, who was able a thousand though not in wiH Seme affirm that He-
ways to have preferred himself fromdaager: rod did not spare his own child, then at
teaching as that, in tines of difficulty and nurse in the coasts of Bethlehem 5 which
danger, 'tis neither un warrantable nor unbe- made Augustus say, He had rather be He-
coming to preserve our lives by flight •, rod's hog> than Herod's child ; because the
surely 'tis no shame for us to fly, when our Jews did never eat swine's flesh. And
Captain doth both practise it, and command Herod, in compliance with the Jews, ab»
it also. Const by his own example hath stained from it also, •
suctified that state of life untous, and by 17 Then waa fulfilled that which
nn command, nas made it lawful tor us. _ .__ --^w^.* k» iAMM>,. +u^ .MnLAi
Obs. a The place which Christ flies unto w" spoken by Jeremy the prophet,
for safety, and that is Efeypt: an unlikely ^J"1?' *? « Rama wafl <?«* a
pbce, considered in itself; who could ex- v0,ce beard, lamentation, and weep-
pact liberty in that house of bondage? But ing, and great mourning, Rachel
env place is good, if God sends us thither, weeping far her children, and would
and Christ be in our company. His pre- not be comforted, because they are
aenoe can make Egypt itself not only safe, not.
but delightful also. Obs. 4. How readily Observe hoe, The loud and bitter cry
Joseph complies with the divine command: whjchthe mothers of Bethlehem make for
*£?** jJ^^hVr • *?V **» d^"1 <* their innocent children which
child, andjkd. Fwthgave wings to his ^ barbarously slain by the sword of
jbedience, and instantly >, vanquished .all ha ^^ ^ ^ lamentation, weeping,
^^^S^^ftf arid great mourniiig made by Rachel; Sat
tetaaanra ofthe Arabianpmces. Teach. ^ by the women inhabiting in and about
mg us, That, when tour duecfaon is clear, Bethlehem, where Rachel's sepulchre was : ,
om comphance b speedy. Wecannot be for ^ ^ ^^ BethlehemWas called
too forward and expeditious m the exe^ifaon ^^^ fo>m ^ aepuichrcso famous in
efdmae commands. Obs. 5. Though (hose parts. Rachel here Is not the name
Joseph at fee dirme command of God flies of a person, but of a place. Observe,*,
pmntfy from Herod stage, .yet : he flies Ti« catMe and reason cf tins cry and bitter
ornately, by nigtrt, and prudently begins lamentation: the mothers weep, not because
ha journey whenjeast notice should^ be the chfldren we, but becaiae they are not ;
taken of h* motion: teaching us, That ^ dki nott with some wicked parents,
aftboogn we i have never so many promises Kraae because they had children, but be-
of safety and deliverance, yet we must not ca» triey had lort ti^m: mothert have
fust God npon working miracles for our the sharpest throes both in their children's
fwaciyjijon, when it may be obtained m Dirtng g^ burials. As children in their
she use of means, births are their mothers' Benjamins ; so in
16 Then Herod, when he saw that their burial they are their mothers' Renonis,
he waa mocked of the wise men, sons of sorrow,
was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, 19 But when Herod was dead,
and slew all the children that were behold, an angel of the Lord ap-
in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts peareth in a dream to Joseph in
thereof, from two years old and Egypt, 20 Saying, Arise, ana take
under, according to the time which the young child and his mother, and
he had diligently enquired of the go into the land of Israel : for they
wise men. are dead which sought the young
Observe here, How Herod, having played child's life,
the fox before, acts the lion now; his secret Observe, 1. Herod's death: like a bloody
policy not snocmlmg, he breaks out into persecutor, he is sent unlamented to hs
open and inhuman cruelty. Learn, That grave.' Historians say, that out of his body
when fraud and subuTty fail the enemies of issued forth such impure streams of blood,
tte dutch, then they fell to open rage, and that the loathsomeness and pain made him
barbarous inhumanity. Thus here these attempt the lulling of himself. God seldom
holy innocents fellas a sacrifice to Herod's suffers persecutors to peas in quiet to their
* ST. MATTHEW. Chap. lit
graves; they rarely die the common death lutkm. Christ was a holy person, but no
of aJL men, having no other balm at their NazaritQ, in a strict sense; for he drank
Mineral than their own blood. Observe, 2. wine* and touched the dead. 2. Others
The happy consequence of Herod's death, read the words, He shall be called a Net-
Christ is now called home without danger,: zer, a branch, in allusion to Isa. xi. 1.
Herod being sent to his grave, the coast is where he is called a Branch of the root of
clear for the return of the holy family. The Jesse, Christ was the true branch of which
death of persecutors is the delivery of the the prophets had so often spoken. 3. Others
persecuted. . Observe, 3. An angel is des- will have the word Nazarene refer to the
patched to acquaint Joseph with Herod's city of Nazareth, where Christ was conceiv-
death. O how cheerfully do those glorious ed, and lived most of bis time: He shall
spirits execute the commands of their sove- be called a Nazarene, because he dwelt at
reign Master ! With what delight do they Nazareth. Hence his disciples were called
carry the message of God's kindness to their the sect of the Nazarenes ; that is, the fol-
fellow-creatures ! Lord, what an argument lowers of him that dwelt at Nazareth : and
is this of thy love unto us, that in this our Christ himself is pleased to own the title,
pilgrimage state thou allowest us thine own Acts xxii. 8. I am Jesus of Nazareth,
royal guard to attend and preserve us 1 whom thoupersecutest. Learn from hence,
21 And he arose, and took the the gieat hunulfty of mind^t v^^und
. i. i i . ., j in our Saviour. He was born at Bethle-
young child and his mother and hein, a little city ; he lives at Nazareth, a
came into the land of Israel. 22 ^ contemptible place: he aspires not
But when he heard that Archelaus after the grandeur of the world, but b meek
did reign in Judea in the room of and lowly in spirit May the same humble
his father Herod, he was afraid to mind be in us, which was also in Christ
go thither: notwithstanding, being J«us! •
warned of God in a dream, he turned CHAP. III.
aside into the parts of Galilee : ^^^^V^n^lS^f^: .
Observe here, 1. The just fear that Jo- corded several remarkable circumstances relating-
*ph ta upon his mind, that Hewd's son S& W£rW?5E&tii€W&
WOUld be as bloody a tyrant as his flagitious coarae of our Sariaar'i life in private ; taking bo
father. No wonder that the children of 3*ig*^2&h* mMFF* whi}$Se dwe,t
__. . *i**j. ** flaaaretb, which waa till he was thirty years
cruel persecutors are suspected to tread in old ; at which time he entered upon hit public
their bloody parents* Steps. Observe. 2. mioiatry, having John the Baptiat for biaharbin-
How God'/ warrant anrdirectkm doth E^™. t°tamma- - *•■ *•»•■* *** *■.
l2^ttSZ£SSZSt I* J— *£ came John the Bap-
comply with the command of God: Being rtlst> preaching in the wilderness
warned of God, he removes out of Egypt of Judea, 2 And saying, Repent
into Galilee. O how safe and satisfactory ye : for the kingdom of heaven is at
is it in all our ways to follow' the call and hand.
command of God ! Joseph and Mary durst Observe here, 1. The preacher sent by
not move their feet, no not out of Egypt God, John the Baptist ; a pattern of mor-
itself, till God gives them a warrant for their tification, and a preacher of repentance*
departure, and bids them go. Observe, 2. The place he was sent to
23 And he came and dwelt in a preach in, The wilderness of Judea ; not
city called Nazareth : that it might ? populous Jerusalem, but in a barren wil-
be fulfilled which waa <mnken hv thp derness, where inhabitants are few, and
be tnt&lled iwnicn was spoken by the robabl • ormi ^ ^ l^
prophets, He shall be called a Na- ^ fc* J £.3^ prerogative t0 send
zarene. form the preachers of the gospel when, and.
A threefold interpretation is given of whither, and to what people, he pleases;
these words, He shall be called a Naza- and none must assume the office before he
rene. Some read the words, 1. He shall be sent Observe, 3. The doctrine that he
be called a Nazarite. The Nazarites were preaches ; namely, the doctrine of repent-
a religious and separate rank of persons ance, Repent ye. This was to prepare the
among the Jews, who abstained from wine, people for the Messiah, and the grace of
and came not near the dead for fear of poi- the gospel. Learn thence, That the preach-
Chap, nn ST. MATTHEW. • ft
ing of the doctrine of repentance is abso- Observe here, The grant encouragement
lately necessary, in order to the preparing which John had in his ministry, from^the
of the hearts of sinners for. the receiving people's attendance upon it: he was now
Christ Jesus and his holy doctrine. Ob- fishing for souls, and God brought the
serve, 4. The motives which St John uses people very thick about the net of the gos-
to enforce the exhortation to repentance: pel, and multitudes wereencloeed,nodoubt,
The kingdom of heaven is at hand: that to his joy and great satisfaction. For it is
is, Now is the so much expected time of matter of great rejoicing to the ministers of
the appearing of the .Messiah come ; the Christ, when they find their people forward
Okl-Testament dispensation is now to be to encourage their ministry by a diligent
abolished, and the mercy and grace of the attendance.
gospel is now to be revealed: therefore re- 6 And were baptised of him is
pent, and amend your lives. Note thence, Jordan, confessing their sins.
That the free and full tenders of grace and This place the papists bring to support
mercy in the gospel, are the most alluring their doctrine of auricular confession j but
arguments to move a sinner to repent, and very groundlessly. For, 1. The confes-
to convert to God. 8ion 0f those converts was voluntary, and
3 For this is he that was spoken not constrained. 2. It was general, and
•f by the prophet Esaias, saying, notofeveiyrArticularsin. 3. Itwaspub-
The Voice of one crying in the wil- £c **d °P«. «* in the ear of a priest 4.
. n • , ° c . , It was a confession of sin committed be-
derness, Prepare ye the way of the fore ^^ not ^ mey were ^^j .
Lord, make his paths straight. in ^ which circumstances it differs from
The papists, from John Baptist's living in the auricular confession of the church of
the wilderness, would make him the first Rome very greatly. Note, The confession of
founder of the order of the hermits, but very sin past, together with a profession of faith
soundlessly. For, 1. What he did was in, and obedience to, Christ for the time to
by God's command ; what they do, is by come, are necessary requisites and qualifi-
'the dictates of their own fancy. He busied cations in all persons of riper years that are
himself in ' preaching in the wilderness ; admitted to baptism. John admitted these
they bury themselves alive, and do nothing, persons to baptism, upon their confession
2. rjetived in the wilderness but for a time, of sin and promises of amendment From
afterwards we find him at court, preaching whence we may learn, that such persons
srsermon to Herod, but they bind themselves as have been very bad, upon a profession
by a vow to live and die hermits. of their repentance, and promising to be*
4 And the same John had his rai- come ****** "^J* ******* » 6^ holy
^tof^er.hair.aBd a leathern rCSS^SJ^^ S
girdle about his loins : and his meat profession of repentance, but to bring forth
was locusts and wild honey. fruits worthy of repentance.
The plainness of John's habit and diet 7 But when he saw many of the
is here declared : He was habited in a plain Pharisees and Sadducees come to his
suit of camel's hair, much as Elijah was be- baptism, he said unto them, O gene-
fore him : and as his habit was plain, so ntion of vipcr who hath warned
IS^mX^ youtofleef^thewratM
Hence it was mat Nazianzen said, He was ? Bnn& forth therefore fruits meet
aU voice ; a voice in his habit, a voice in for repentance : 9 And think not
ms diet, and a voice in his whole conver- to say within yourselves, We have
stnbo. His example teaches us, that the Abraham to our father : for I say
monsters of the gospel are not to affect unto you, That God is able of these
bravery in apparel, or o^hoacy in diet, 8tone8 to raise up children unto
but having the necessary comfortsaad need- Abraham
^conveniences* life, tobe therewith con- Here W(/ ^ ^ ^aUtona* which
* in. _ ^ * A .* * ua » Jonn gave to his unexpected auditors, the
5 Then went out to him Jerusa- ^^^ and Sadducees, which came to
km, and all Judea, and all the region bear him, and to*be baptized by him. He
round about Jordan, gives them first a quiet and cutting com-
to ST. MATTHEW. Chap. III.
peUation, O generation of vipers I next a suddenness of that vengeance which would
■harp and severe reprehension, Who hoik come upon them if they continued im-
warned you tofee from the wrath to come f penitent; Now is the axe fad to the root of
It was matter of wonder and admiration to the trees. Learn, 1. That thoae whose
seesuch men turn proselytes. Notethence, ^hearts are not pierced with the sword of
That the condition of proud Pharisee* God's word, shall certainly he cut down
pretending and fedse-bearted hypocrites, and destroyed by the axe of his judgments,
though it be very dangerous, yet is not Learn, 2. That it is not unsuitable tor gos-
hopelessanddesperiUe;andthetf sdvaiion, pel-preachers to press repentance and
though very improbable, yet must not be holiness of life upon their hearers from
despaired of as impossible; and accordingly arguments of terror; John does it have,
the Baptist, having given them a smart re- and Christ elsewhere. Observe farther,
proof, subjoins a seasonable exhortation, That forasmuch as the sin here specified is
Bring forth fruits meet for repentance ; a sin of omission, which brings this sore
as if he had said, Do not satisfy yourselves andsevere judgment, Every tree that brmg-
with a bare profession of repentance, but eth not forth good fruit f as well as that
let us see the fruits of repentance in your which brmgeu forth evil fruit, wiltfVffdlra^i^
daily conversation. I^arn thence, That and cast into the fire; we may gather, that
sincere repentance is not a barren thine, but sins of omission are certainly Hanging as
constantly brings forth the fruits of holiness well as sins of commission ; the neglects of
answerable to Hs nature. As the body duty are as dangerous and damnable as-the
without the spirit, and as faith without acts of sin. Such trees as stand in God's
works, is dead ; so repentance without fruits orchard, and brine forth no good fruit, are
is dead also. Observe farther, How he en- marked out as fuel for the devil's fire.
JWrfi^ U Iind^bapti« you with water
We have Am^Xfm^^ 'as u5to «P«*Mce : »»t he that cometh
!f he had said, Trust not to your outward aftcr ■* ls mightier than I, whose
privileges, and glory not in them ; flatter shoes I am not worthy to bear : he
not yourselves, mat because you are Abra- shall baptize you with the Holy
ham s seed, and the only visible church, that Ghost, and with fire,
therefore the judgments of God will not btiMewoRbJollll d*^ ^ «.
mchyou; for God can, out of the obdu- cdknc^ ^ CbMt ^ ^ ^
tateGentuewor^whonow^or^rtone* .boye&own. At totapenon, he own.
taiseupapeopletohiin^andtalwthem that he wa. w* worthy tetany hb atae.
into covenant wrfh hnnself, and cart you all g^ ^ to ^^ ^ ^^ ^^
out, who have Ahraham .blood runnings ^ ^^ for hkT A«l a. to W. office,
vour van., but nottun$ of Abraham s firth ^ dedaM9 ^ q^ ^^ ^ ^^
& your heart^nor of hi. obedience in your ^ ^ ^ ^^ but with ^ g*£
feJL°r *om,?fc j^fj*"1 dflm« Ghort, and with fire; (hat is, ahouMpfcn-
J^S^.^? .^Sf9 T hken^htfcfropera^
hypocrites from therr vam confidence, who jj^ ^^ fttxa ^^n^n^ therrluste
doconstantly bear up themsdves upon their ^ coautfkymi •but atthe same tim*
external [privileges, *^«i<>y™** of ^ haVaieTu^gnation, and flaming
which tteyoromise ««mselves a freedom judgineiltof to d^taoVaud bum upitf-
Uomtefu^tMot^Thtnknotto }^^^°^^^ Ji^^
say wtthm yourselves. We havet Src ^^ oh|erve> m>w cbrigt fc —^e^
10 And now also the axe is laid by one and the same metaphor of fire, in a
unto the root of the trees : therefore way of comfort to his children, and in away
every tree which bringeth not forth of tenor unto hit enemies; he is a fire unto
.rood fruit is hewn down, and cast J***1'- besifsmlfcclE^iBaiasWsto;
into the fire ** * W0OO9^ h» enemies as a conraamg
TheBaptisthavmgpreachedto fi infSftt^J^ £"*"
of repentance* thelormer verses, he backs *> a *" ** ta "T"! * J**?*** *
it with a powerful motive in this verse, 12 Whose fan u in his hand, and
drawn from the certainty, the severity, and he will thoroughly purge his floor.
Chap. lit. »T. MATTHEW. il
and gather his wheat into the garner; thtfsocie!Yofchrktianaia»by cireundnoa
but he wiH burn up the chaff with un- he had done into the society of Jews; m
quenchable fire, a ^T^T^?***0" to J* ""£
In these wdhis the Baptist compares "^T8.!*^ m c°K?,0il- *
Christ, the promised Inessia^ to an W ™*£ "Jf*1* ha o^ baptira san^
bandmen.theJe1r^^ f^^ i^^i^^J^^
It* office of the husbandman is to thrash, ctair^ 3. That tta^y he iiu^fiihil
t^aDdwmnowhiScorn,separaliogitfrom the r^teousne*. ^ of ^ *eren^ hw.
the chaff 5 preserving the one/aSd con- ^^rec^^wwh!^of ^^
turning the SheT fi*rn hence, 1. That 1^ ^J^T^^J^^
medurch is Christ's floor. 2. That this g*** /*%?T ♦ *j *?* 4;
6V)orChri8twiUpnrge,ai^ that thoroughly, ffigT6! ^J» «** °?™£!?^ <*
aTTrfuWorToiCrnT^ £**• "i f^^iubl!S?1? *? ?•
hanibyandwiAwhiAbewiUnV)roughly h^pofjof John: Christ cometh to John,
purge hh floor. The church is compared «>ot John to Chnst BehoWl the Lord
to a floor, upon account of that mature f^?,^ 5? •ervant> y1*1* *■? **
wh^bm the churchy in a floor there 1b *»&"*<*** THS** °T Sm!0£i
itraww well as grain, chaffas well as corn, *^ h^ TO. ?!^ 7ft* # J1*
huoasweUasw^cockleand darnel si n «* "Pon ^J?^ £ J?™/ 9 how
wdl as good seei Thusin the church *»*? f«testupon ^fespisethe
tr^.a^dwiUteainixtureofgoodand *TiM?£' ^S * "P"" tja°di
^^•amtBar^sn^^hypo^t^andsin- ^lch Christ honoureH m his own person,
cere christians. But thiilloor Christ will ™f^7^^0WnP,«eilce? .
purse; puige it but not break it up ; purge 14 But John to™*** .nlin» **W*
out its corruptions, but destroy not its es- ' have need to be baptized of thee,
senceand existence: and the fan with which and comest thou to me ?
he wul purge his floor is his word, ac- Note here, 1. The modesty of John's
compamed with the wind of discipline, refusal : John forbade him, and refused to
The fan detects and discovers the chaff, and admit him: but why? 1. In regard of
the wind dissipates and scatters it ; and by Christ, because be knew he needed it not :
the help of both, the floor is purged. His such was his majesty and greatness, that
fan is m his hand, «$•(?. he was above it ; and such was his purity
13 Then Cometh Jesus from Ga- **& holiness, that he could not want it $
like to Jordan unto John, to be bap- 2- ** resPec^ °f J1"* 5eJknfw J" ^
t*i»*a Afkim undeanness: I have need to be baptized
lEJ LTw» m mw. ^l™™ w, ' «f **«t ** He ^o^ht it unsuitable
i^ *J* €55II!2 „J ^tem ?" ^tasmner should baptii and wash him
SfjfcW tftaS^'S^ that ™ no *«*• 3. With respect to
4. When we have observable, 1. • ., mA_j,„ Ya^. ™ <Ta..i~
~a ....... JwJ. 1^ ™.wkT\-j-sI«!I7 «f <"**•' As if he had said," Thou art
iSLS^^iJ^L^rtS^S; purity, I am pollution } thou art spirit, I
3-^J^«^!S5^^1r^ amtf«hithoiartthefeonof Goilam
^,2^lL£l£^1Z^ the son of Adam :" such an humble appre-
tTL^ffi&^??S^r^: ***** has this holy man of himSett
£ «2™^PiSL JSr^ST I«m. That the more holy a pason fa, the
^JnlZrtl' HV^JH^l '«» *"«»>>« he is of hbSmholmess;
SSUS&Steill^S; ^And Jesus answering said nnto
or the baptismal water : yet purity itself nim' Suffer it to be so now : for thus
condescends to be washed, Christ to be it becometh us to fulfil all righteous-
baptized* for these reasons! 1. That by ness. Then he suffered him.
tfua symlbet he might enter himself into These woidsoontamourSaviour*s reason,
If ST. MATTHEW. Chap. IV;
why he submitted to John's baptism, be- the designation of his person, to show that
cause H became him to fulfil all righteous- Christ was the person set apart for the
ness ; that is, to own every divine institu- work and office of a mediator. Second-
tion, particularly the righteousness of the ly, For the qualification of his person for
ceremonial law, which required the wash- the performance of his office. This was
ing of the priests in water, when they Christ's unction, Isa. lxL 1. when he was
entered upon their office, Exod. xxix. 4. anointed above his fellows, to be the king,
Learn hence, 1. That whatever the law priest, and prophet of his church. Last
required in order to perfect righteousness, of all, We have the audible voice of God
that Christ fulfilled in most absolute perfec- the Father pronouncing, 1. The nearness
tion. 2. That as it became Christ to fulfil of Christ's relation to himself, This is my
the righteousness of the ceremonial law for Son, not by adoption, but by eternal
himself, so it is our duty and interest to generation. 2. The endearedness of his
fulfil the righteousness of the moral law for person, This is my beloved Son. 3. The
ourselves, as an evidence of our being right- truit and benefit of this near and dear rela-
eous in God's sight, 1 John iiL 7. He tion unto us, In him I am well pleased,
that doeth righteousness is righteous, even Note, 1. That there is no possibility for any
as he is righteous. person to please God out of Christ ; both
16AndJesus,whenhewasbaptiz- our persons and om r^orniances find
, " /. u „ . T ,r acceptance only for his sake. 2. That in
ed, went up straightway out of the ^4^^ (5^ God is well pleased
water: and, lo, the heavens were with all behevers : This is my beloved Son,
opened unto him, and he saw the in whom I am well pleased, Sfc. Lord!
Spirit of God descending like a dove, what reviving news is this to thy church, to
and lighting upon him : 17 And , lo, hear that her headland husband, her surety,
a voice from heaven, saying, This is mediator, and intercessor, is that only Son
my beloved Son, in whom I am well of God » *ho* ^ f0?1 ■ **&** **d
1 H ^ weU pleased ! that Son who always
pleased. pleased thee, and by and through whom
Here we have the solemn inauguration thou art well pleased with, and reconciled
of Christ into his prophetic office, accom- to, thy offending creatures !
panied with a threefold miracle. 1. The CHAP. IV.
Opening of the heavens. 2. The descent Tfae former psrt of this chapter acquaints us with
Ol the Holy Ghost upon him like as a dove ' our blessed Strfour's combat with, and conquest
A***~*nAa q d^A l\\* Pofhor'a vrtir* nrm • °*eri Satan ; and the first verse informs us 01 the
descends. 3. God tne*atners voice con- time' when'Md place where ^ eomhtit w
ceruing the Son. The heavens were fought
opened, to show that heaven, which was rfHEN was Jesus led up of the Spi-
'^^J^9^^^^* l rit into the wilderaess, to be
now opened to us, by Christ s undertaking . . , r ., , .. '
for us. its the first Adam shuts us out of tempted of the devil,
heaven, the second Adam lets us into it; Observe, 1. The great humiliation of the
he opened heaven to us by his merito- Son of God, how exceedingly was he hum-
rious passion, and he keeps it open by bled by the horrid temptations wherewith he
his prevailing intercession. Next, the Ho- was assaulted, than which nothing could be
ly Ghost descends like a dove upon our more grievous to his holy heart What
Saviour : here we have an evidence of the could be more burdensome to him that was
blessed Trinity 4 the Father speaks from brought up from eternity with God the Fa-
heaven, the Son comes out of the water, ther, than to be shut up in a wilderness with
and the Holy Ghost appears upon him. the devil, there to be baited by him so many
Hence we gather, That the Holy Ghost is days, having his ears filled, though not de~
not a quality or an operation, but a per- filed, with horrid blasphemies spit upon
son, and a person really distinct from the the holy and reverend name of God ! O
Father and the Son. But why did the deep abasement and wonderful humiliation
Holy Spirit now descend upon Christ, of the Son of God! Observe, 2. The time
seeing he was now truly and really God ? when Christ entered the lists with Satan,
Ans-w. The divinity of Christ was quiescent implied in the word then! that is, first,
in him, till he entered upon his prophetic immediately after his baptism j he is no
office at thirty years old, and after. And sooner out of the water of baptism, but he
the Holy Ghost now descends, first, For is in the fire of temptation : secondly, inv-
Chap. IV. ST. MATTHEW. IS
mediately after the Spirit descended upon, him, he said, If thou be the Son of
and Hie Father had by a voice from heaven God, command that these stones be
manifested his complacency and satisfaction ma(je bread
*J*SLTh%J'> "* ,""££?* *Ci Observe here. 1. The occasion of the
$** £"?&?* great niamfatauons of temptation. 2. The temptation itself. The
love from God are usually foUowed .with occasion was our Saviours hunger and want
great temptations from Satan. Observe, 3. of bread ^^ ^ j^ wheQ God
The place wl^t^ combat was fought, suffers any of his dear chadren to fall into
u^+mtkewdderm*. Learnthence, want,and to be straitened for outward things,
pat no place can pnvdege us from temnta- Satan takes a inighty advantage thereupon
non,orteasanc^fromSatosj^ults: to tempt and alslult them, Ttotwhatcfoth
the solitary wilderness has a tempter in it, he tempt our Saviour to? to the sm of distrust,
l^J^ **Sl!? T^ZJ* °f *"** to q^a his Sonship, If thou be the Son
sohtarinesstofartoer^^^ a cell, ^^M ^ next ^distrust his Father's
a nunnery, or a closer, are as open to providence and care, Command that these
^ as the open fields; and uhe persons Atones be made bread . As if Satan had said,
that live m themhave a tempter without, u How unUkely » it that thou shouldest be
a^anentocer^vito,asweUasothermra. highly fevoured, and yet deserted. What!
Observe, 4. The efficient cause of Christ s ^ Son of God> 9nd ^ ready to 9toxye ,
going into the wilderness to be tempted by Certainly if thou canst not supply thy ne-
f^ : ?e *"%£*<?* &/** Sp?"f "^ cessities, thou art nothing akii to God."
St Matthew : The Spirit drove him, says Learn hence, 1. That Satan's grand design
St Hark : that is, the Holy Spirit of God, ^ ^ to(empt the children of Godtodoubt
not Satan the unclean spirit, for the devil of theiradoption . and next,to distrust God's
b seldom if ever called the spirit, but fc^ ^ oya ibsmf 9nd provi8ion for
usually some brand of reproach is annexed, them Jmd ^ of ^ t0 ^ ^warrantable
as the evil spir£ or the unclean spint. meang to ^ themselves. Thus Satan
{^ww^theSpirit}thatis,hewas dealt with Christ, and thus he deals with
carried by a strong impulse of the Spmt of christians : for to work a miracle at Satan's
God into the wilderness tobe tempted by direction wasnotalawful mean of providing
Satan. Learn hence, 1. That none of the f^d for himself,
children of God ought to expect aireedom . „ A , , , . , TjL .
fiom temptation ; seeing Christ himself, in 4 But hc answered and said, It is
the days of his flesh, was strongly solicited written, Man shall not live by bread
by Satan unto sin. 2. That all the tempta- alone, but by every word that pro-
tions wherewith the children of God are ceedeth out of the mouth of God.
assaulted, are ordered by a divine and Observe here, The weapons which our
special dispensation. Satan could not assault Saviour made use of to repel the tempta-
our Saviour till he was led by the Spirit into tkra, and to vanquish the tempter; and
the wilderness for that end ; and he shall that is, the word of God : It is written.
not assault any of his members, but by Learn, That the scripture, or the written
divine permission. word of God, is the only sure weapon
2 And when he had fasted forty, wherewith to vanquish Satan, and to beat
days and forty nights, he was after- back all his fiery temptations. Satan him-
ward an hungred. K^ has not the impudence to oppose scrip-
Observe here, How the divine power up- «"*• W*** monsters of impiety then are
held the human nature of Christ without «**. who ridicule and deride it ? They
food. What Moses did at the giving of the not only run counter to the practice of Christ,
law, Christ doth at the beginning of the gos- but outdo *** devil bimself in impudence.
^, namely, fiut forty days and forty nights. 5 Then the devil taketh him up
Christ hereby intended our admiration, not into the holy city, and setteth him on
ourmitanon ; or, if our imitation, oftheac- a pinnacle of the temple,
twnonlv^not of the tone. Christ teaches j^ ^ Satan> b q^ pennon, took
as iby fasting and Sprayer to prepare our- up his body and carried it in the air, and
selves for a ccufcctwith our spiritual ene- ggtitupon 0neof the battlements of thetem-
^^irJ" mselfbyfestmgto le# Learn hence, 1. What a mighty
grapple with the tempter, so should we. Lpwer evil gpiritg nave over our bodies, if
3 And when the tempter came to God permits them to execute and exercise
14 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. IV.
their power upon them. 2. Thai it it sticks not presumptuously to handle the
owing to the gracious care and watchful holy scriptures of God with his tongue
providence of God over us, that we are Yet observe, How wretchedly the devil
not hurried away bodily by Satan. Thanks wrests, perverts, and misapplies, the scrip-
be to God, though the devil's malice be in* ture. When God promises his angels shall
finite, yethis power is limited and bounded j keep us, it is m ww, nan in pracipitiis ;
and as he cannot do all the mischief he 'tis mall God's ways, not in any of our own
would to the bodies and souk of men, so he crooked paths. Note here, That although
shall not do all he can. Suest. But why the chilcu^ of God have the promise of the
is the holy city, and holy temple, chosen guardianship of holy angels, yet men only
by Satan to be the scene of this temptation ? may they expecttheir protection, when they
Answ. I cannot tell, unless he apprehended are walking in the way of their duty, ana
(as he might) that the holiness of the place using the means for their own preservation,
would aggravate the sin. No place sosa- 7 jesus saj<| unto him> ft fc y^t-
cred, no duty |» holy, as to protect us from ten ^ j^ ghalt not Um % th
Satan's assaults. This enemy pursues us T™|#k «7a~l r
ought we at all times and m all place to be _^S^ 3i^«22^^!SVS
upon our watch and guard, especially in r^^™!^^^
<nypiesence,becaiisemen and there Satan »W ^^P*^11* 7™? ^ 7
ismc7ac*rve and busy, and most desirous rap^b7 J^J^"^^110^
to draw us into sin. gument against the use of^ Weinust
not throw away our Bibles because the
6 And saith unto him, If thou be devil quotes scripture: but as Christ here
the Son of God, cast thyself down : compares scripture with scripture, so
for it is written, He shall give bis *">«* we, in order to find out the true
angelschar^^ ^0^^ tf &t 3^2
jnlAetrhandstheyshallbear^eeup, m08t ci^/ expounded oy scripture.
lest at any time thou dash thy foot This Satan knew full well, and therefore
against a stone. dares not make any further reply.
Here we have observable, first, The sin 8 Again, the devil taketh him up
which Satan tempts Christ unto : and next, into an exceeding high mountain, and
^ aigument which ^tempts turn from : ghewcth him aU tbe kingdoms of th*
That se^urder is a sin which Christ him- 8a,tn unto nim» AU these things will
selfwas, and the best ofsainta may, by Satan, I give thee, if thou willt fall down and
be fwwip^ to the commission of. But worship me.
forasmuch as Satan tempted Christ to mur- The next sin, winch Satan tempts our
der himself; but had not power to do H him- Saviour to, is the sin of idolatry, even to
self, (do thou cast thyself down,) we learn, worship the devil himself. O thou impo-
That though Satan may tempt, yet he can- dent and foul spirit! To desire thy Creator
not compel ; he may entice, but cannot en- to adore thee, an apostate creature ; Surely'
force any to sin, without their own consent there can be no sin so black and feat, so
• Observe, 2. The argument which Satan gross and monstrous, but that the christian
uses, it is a scripture argument ; he quotes may be tempted to it, when Christ himself
the promise of God, He shall give hts an- was tempted to worship the tempter. . St.
gels charge otter thee. What a marvel is Matthew reads the words, If them wilt fall
here, to find Satan with a Bible under his dawn and warship me ; St Luke, If thorn
arm, and a text of scripture in his mouth ! wilt warship before me. Whence we may
Christ had alleged scripture before to Satan; gather, says Dr Lightfoot, That if to war-
here Satan retorts scripture back again to ship before the devil be to worship the
Christ : It is written, says Christ ; It is devil, then to worship before an image is
written, says Satan. Learn thence, That to worship the image. Obs. 2. The bait
it is no wonder to hear heretics and hypo- which Satan makes use of to allure our
crites quote scripture, when Satan himself Saviour to the sin of idolatry *, and that
durst recite it: hethat had profanely touched was, in representing to his eye and view all
the sacred body* of Christ with his hand, the glories of the world in tne most inviting
Clap, IV; St. MATTHEW. 16
Banner, and that in a moment of ttaej ' 12 Now when Jesus had hean)
to the intent it might affect him the mora, that John was cast into prison, he
and prevail the sooner. Learn thence, departed into Galilee: 13 Andleav-
a^a^^^^tlimtiJS Jng Nazareth, he came and dwelt in
of bySatan, as a dangerous snare to draw C*P«niaura, which is upon the sea-
men to a comphanoe with him, in his &***>> » the borders of Zabulon and
temptations unto tin. When Satan aeto Nephthalim : 14 That it might be
thee upon a pinnacle, look to thyself. fulfilled which was spoken by Esaiaa
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get the prophet, saving, 15 The land
thee hence, Satan : for it is written, of Zabulon, and the land of Neph-
Thon ahalt worship the Lord thy thalim, by the way of the sea, beyond
God, and him only ahalt thou serve. Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles ; 16
Observe here, 1. With what seal and Thc Wj? "hich ■■* » darkB.«?
indignation of spirit our blessed Saviour saw ^reat light : and to them which
xepeb and beats back this temptation of satin theregionand shadow of death
Satan : Get thee hence. Note thence, That light is sprung up.
the greater the sins are which the devil Observe here, 1. Our Saviour, hearing
tempts us to, the greater our zeal and in- 0f John's imprisonment, provides for his
dignation ought to be in opposing and re- own safety, %y departing into Galilee,
sistog the temptation to them. Agreat fa our holy Lord avoided persecution, so
temptation must be withstood with great may we. Observe, 2. The place in Galilee
resolution, Obs. 2. The weapon with he comes to, Capernaum. Christ had
which he repels and beats back the fiery three cities which he called his own ;
dart off Satan*stmptation, and that is, with Natareth, where he was bred; Bethlehem,
the shield of scripture : It 'is written , them where he was born; and Capernaum*
shait worship the Lord thy ChtL I^arn where he dwelt : this was a sea-coast town
thence, That God is the sole object of re- m the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalu
hgious worship : it is so peculiarly the Observe, 3. The special providence of God
Creator** due, that to give it to any crea- m this change of our Saviour's habitation $
tare is gross idolatry, and repugnant to the for by that means the prophecy, Isa. ix. 1.
scriptures. No creature is to pay divine was fiilrllled, which declares, that in that
adocatkm to any but his Creator; hence it dark part of the country, the Messiah, the
appears that Christ is not a creature, divine true light, should shine forth. Learn
worship being given to him. hence, I. That a people destitute of the
11 Then the devil leaveth him, »ving knowledge of the gospel are in
and, behold, angels came and minis- *»** daitaeavj how neat soever the light
tered unto him. of ^,°?wa^ ??£* ™* he. This
r^JSr^1 *£!L ^ J*™**™'* *"»• they wanted the light of Christ and his
tW^'^'S?^Bg *** f ***!!? LSdp nd therefore are said to sit in
\7^^TT^1^^L^Z S3SSJ 2. That wherever the gospel is
£?tL^!!!L i!^^^!!!X^!^J?rP*ili * J? living and cheering, the souls of those
^^^^^^^w^ who*entertamit,bSw great soever their
^LA^^l^^^S^ ^tJ outward darkness and distress may be.
^^^^D^^M8^' The people that sat in darhnesssaw'great
ancef they came now, because he was /;„if\£j *« *h~» *hM *** •'• *h~ ~Mv».
now pleased to make use of their assistance. l$\T%j! Jl^h &h£ t Z£Z
nhence,That those who in the hour of ^ IT*** °f 4tM§ l%ghi U *""*
temptation do hold out in resisting Satan, Wt * * ^
shaft find the power and faithfulness of God W From that time Jesus **gan
will not be wanting to them, to send in to preach, and to say, Repent: for
succour and rdief in the end. the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
a 6 §T. MATTHEW. Chap. VI.
■ Hoe our Saviour begins to eater upon man, to this great work; and all little
nis prophetic office, and by preaching to enough to carry it on with advantage and
make known the will of God to mankind $ success. Observe, 3. The work which
and observe, the doctrine which he preach- they were called to, from being fiabermgn
ed is the same that John the Baptist did to being fishers of men. They catched
preach, namely, the doctrine of repentance, fish before with the labour of their hands;
Repent ye : and the argument is the same they shall catch men now with the labour
alsa,forthe kingdom of heaven is at hand: of their tongues. Observe, 4. Our Sa-
that is, now is the so much expected time viour's command ; first to follow him,
of the appearing of the promised Messiah, before they are sent out by him : Follow
Learn hence, That the doctrine of Christ me, and I will make you fishers of men.
and his ambassadors is alike, and the We must be Christ's disciples before we
same in substance : they both teach the ace his ministers : his followers before his
doctrine of repentance to a lost world, as ambassadors. We must learn Christ before
most suitable to the time and dispensation we preach him ; otherwise we may fish for
of the gospel. a livelihood, for honour and applause, but
18 And Jesus, walking by the ^ot for soub: if we be not fi^ inclosed
-^ «r r««i:i~~ -™ *—^ u .1 ourselves in the net of the gospel, we can
sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, ^ ^ 8mall b oFbS^ing in
Simon called Peter, and Andrew his others. Observe, 5. TCie promise which
brother, casting a net into the sea : Christ gives the apostles for their en-
for they were fishers. 19 And he couragement : 1. To qualify them, I will
saith unto them, Follow me, and I make you fishers. 2. To succeed them,
will make you fishers of men. 20 I«w0«"«k you fishers of men. Faith-
And they straightway left their nets, fumets. and «"? duigence and endea-
and followed him. 21 And going ^V^J ^k^T"* *?
r r Ai_ i_ aL e ^ 5 success is Christ s. • " Our labour is only
on from thence, he saw other two m the cast, Christ's power is wholly in
brethren, James the son of Zebedee, the draught Some fish cleave to the
and John his brother, in a ship with rocks, others play upon the sands* »M
Zebedee their father, mending their more wallow in the mud ; and we shall
nets : and he called them. 22 And labour all our days and catch nothing, if
they immediately left the ship and ^^ *oth ?ot ^ our fish to the net,
«h*i* £» + kA» • nA £*u A»_,i u:~T and inclose them in it, as well as assist us in
their father, and followed him. ^ ^^ rf ^^ HqU 0bflen^
Our blessed Saviour, as he was the great 6. The apostles* ready compliance with
prophet of his church, had power and our Saviour's call, 5/rn^/wajf they follow^
authority to appoint teachers under him ; ed him. Whom Christ calls, he calls per-
and accordingly here he begins to call his suasively and effectually ; whom he calls,
apostles to that great work; and in his call he draws, and works them to a willing
we have several particulars very observ- compliance with their duty. Lastly observe,
able: as, 1. The meanness of the persons Upon their call to the ministry they leave
whom he calls, illiterate fishermen ; not a off their trade, they forsake their- ship and
Paul, that had lone studied at the feet of their nets, and lie close to their ministerial
Gamaliel, is first called ; but Peter, who employment Teaching us, that the mi-
was a stranger to eloquence and human nisters of the gospel should wholly give
learning. Hereby our Saviour took ef- themselves to their work, and not encumber
fectual care that his gospel should be themselves with secular affairs: nothing
known to be the power of God, and not but an indispensable necessity in providing
the wisdom and device of man ; and that for a family can excuse a nunister's en-
the instrument should not carry away the tangling himself with worldly business. -
dory of the work. Observe, 2. How our . 23 And Jesus went about all
r?^081^ ap?tie9^by ^P1^ ^ Galilee, teaching in their syna-
and two, Peter and Andrew, James and ^„„™ ' j »-AA~k;«~ *u- ^.^.^li Ar
John ; to let us understand, that the work JW?8 J1- VTe*c*mf. the JP*!*1 of
of the ininistry requires the concurrence of tne ""ngd°m> a™ healing all manner
all hands that are called to it jail the minis- °f sickness and all manner of dis-
iers of God should put their hands, join ease among the people.
{heir hearts, and set their shoulders, as one Our Saviour having called Peter, James,
Chap. IV. ST. MATTHEW. 17
Andrew* and John, to be disciples in or- opportunities and advantages for the good
der to their being apostles to preach the of souls : " for be that winneth souls la
gospel* in the foregoing verses $ this verse
acquaints us how he went himself alone CHAP. V.
With them in the work : he did not send ™" chapter and the two next following cooteii
them forth accurate to labour, and lie «■£££« ^S'JKSSUSA Jjfi
at home himself upon his COUCh at ease. Old and New Teataroeot Oor Saviour begins
What shall we say to those lazy fishermen ttJfa **•"*»* with » *eJ}mM?".'rtQ •r^6-1"
.tum. atMu w^ a»j %y ~t , J , ed : including an exhortation to duty, and an-
who can set Others to the drag, and care nexea a reward to the performance of that duty.
Only to feed themselves with the fish, not By ttibaermon the^natiaii world will be Judged
wifime to wet their hands with the net > ^JgfitiSA lha """"^ J H "
Out blessed Saviour, when he sent forth a kfi ««*;««• +h» m»u;+..,i~. w*
his aportles, went alone with them, and A. ""V, *" mu,t't,!de»' »•
hWedhiLdf as omen as any tfthem. u *«?* up into a mountain ; and
»j * j v e i*l l x when he was set, hu disciples came
« And his fame ^went throughout untQ h|m 2 And hc * ^ ^
aU Syria; and they brought unto him mouth ^ ta ht th £ m
all sick people that were taken with 0bflerve ^ f ^ reftc^er ?' ^
divers diseases and torments, and that is, Christ, the great Prophet and
those which were possessed with Teacher of his church. Observe, 2. The
devils, and those which were lunatic, place where he preached, upon a mountain ;
and those that had the palsy ; and probably for convenience to himself, and
he healed them. advantage to his auditors ; though some
,v . . -- . lA, , will have a mystery in it : that as the law
Observe here, 1-J That although our at m ^ s ^ a mountam, so Christ
SaWidoctrme needed no confirmation woukl now explam it upon a mountain 5
beyond ms own authority , jrethe was gra- or to 8how ^ ^Manty of his doctrine
sed to exert the power of his ^ pieccptl. Observe, 3. The posture in
T^"* SSf^rSLlr *Z which he preached, sitting: When he rat
That the imracles which^ Christ wrought of ^ j^ docton| ^ ^ to ^
were not judicial, but beneficial tc > man- their authority. Observe, 4. The sermon
kmd, Moses miracte iwerei as great judg. ^ which begins with beatitudes and
"*"* ?/?,W^J ^ Ch,?t118 !?***? bleamigs,aiidisaccompaniedwimpromisa
were salubrious and healing, full of good- c^wMd. Not as the law was delivered
neat and compassion, and very advan- on Mount Smai? ^ threatening* and
*&?* to. P* ^^ \ hLff£??eM0d thunder, with fire and earthquake, but in
dCT* h^^i" j * ^^ ^^P08' a stin and soft voice. Our Lord's lips are
J?ZtjlZ% • bTii,aS • totnelame. ruU ci gr«!e, they drop as the honey-comb.
OWearfSa^lmvhfe^ 3,^^ ^ *£ m ^ encourage-
was a hie of universal servrceableness and ments to obedience.
to all mankind. _, . _ ...
25 And there followed him «eat , *tP^^h?ZFm7l ■p"* ''
sistv ^p,e {r, G4ilee' fcote^.ws ..na
and from DecapoJis, and from Jeru- m ihe poor in e8taUt but hteued m the
Satan, and from Judea, and from p^r fn ^f>,v . 'tis not^a poverty of purse
beyond Jordan. and possession, but a poverty of spirit,
Obserrehere, How averting ow Saviour's that entitles us to the blessing. 2. Tis
ninistry was at first : multitudes throng not said, blessed are the spiritually poor,
after bnn ; they come from all parts to at- but, blessed are the poor in spirit : he that
tend upon his ministry, when be first be- is destitute of the grace and spirit of Christ,
gan to pieach among them. His mi- that has no sense of his spiritual wants, he
nuaus find it thus also ; at their first com- is spiritually poor, but be is not poor in
ing amongst a people, their labours are spirit. Farther, 3. Tis not said, blessed
nost acceptable, and they do most good : are the poor-spirited, but, the poor in
our people's aflections are then warmest, spirit. Such as act below and beneath
and our own xeal perhaps h then greatest themselves as men and as christains, these
Happy is that minister that improves all are poor-spirited men; but these are not
c
16 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. V;
poor in spirit. 4 Tto not aid, blessed are ger and thirst after righteousness t
they that tn*kethemuhespoor9by\&9va% for they shall be filled.
their estates and callings, and Jturningbeg- Observe; 1. The character of the persons
jars, as some do among the Papists ; but, whom Chj]^ pronounces blessed; such as
Blessed are they whom the gospel makes h erand thirst after righteousness. 2.
poor, by giving ; (hemasight of theirspi- ^f^ their blindness doth consist:
ritual wants and necessities, and directing Th shaU ^j^^ By righteousness we
them to Christ, that they may be made rich. m ^ ^derstand, xf jf righteousness
In sum, not those that are poor in estate, or - jutiij!eaiiim . the righteousness of the
those whom the world has made poor m jj^* imputed to us, by which we
possession, but those whom to gospel has gtand ^ieow in God's sight, being
made poor in spurt, that is, the truly hum- &eed from condemnation. 2. A right-
ble, lowlv spirits, have a right and trite to eousness 0f Sancttjicationy wrought in us by
the kingdom of heaven. Now humility js ^ Hol < ^ ^hhn% ^ to act right-
caned rx>verty of spu^l^ eously/ By the former, there is a relative
tet and fruit of Gods Spirit changein our condition ; by the latter, a
4 Blessed are they that mourn: real change in our constitution. 1. Learn,
for they shall be comforted. That all and only such as do spiritually
^. *. * m. a -»•«_<•,«.«;.. hunger and thirst after Christ and his right-
0haf!fi*!!, \J*?i m£f,un8 *V" eouJness, are in a happy and blessed £>n-
faagoapd-dutytftelawatowsnoptaoe dWon 2. T^ to 1^ Md thirst after
for repentance, thoȣi we seek 1 1 <*efaU hoUness fc apprehend Ae worth of it, to
ly withtean. /^£ 2-J1* •« «* be sensible of tK want of it, to be desirous
season for this duty. Btawrfarethey that rf ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^^^^ ^ ^ M
"""uT^ iT*^ ""»" ^^^ «o» ««"% do that are pinched with
earth, but "us food .inhelL R*p^toce» hunger. &. Hammmts ¥rac. Cat**.
here a grace, but there a punishment 3. ^
As mourning goes before comfort, so com- 7 Blessed are the merciful : for
fort shall follow after mourning. Our god- they shall obtain mercy.
lL J""?. f°r TJ""1- "* ^f^ Here our blessed Redeemer recommends
shall end m everlasting joy and comfort. to m a compassionate regard towards the
5 Blessed are the meek : far they miseries of others, and mat both in soul
shall inherit the earth. *nd .body, name and estate ; to be forward
to pity and pardon, to relieve and help, to
Observe here,!. The grace and duty re- ^ye ^ forgive. And as an enoou-
commended, meekness. 2. The wages iugement, he adds, that as we deal with
and reward belonging to that mace and ^^ God will deal with us; ourcharity
duty, the mherttanceofthe earth. Meek- towar<k men shall be crowned with mercy
ness either respects God, or our neighbour, from God, and that in abundance too; for
tok^q^Q^nkuo^tesAbatm our rivulet ofcharity we shall partake of an
to Ms commanding will, and submit- ocean of mercy: Blessed are the merciful*
siveness to his providential pleasure. As it fa they shall obtain mercy. Learn, That
respects our neighbour, it consists in for- me merciral man is a blessed man, and
giving injuries, bearing reproaches, and re- therefore blessed because he shall obtain
.comDensmg good for evil. The reward meroy> when he mo8t y^^ it> ^d mo8t
and blessing ensured to this grace and duty desires ft. Mercy, not wages,
is, the inheritance of the earth, where hea-
ven is not excluded, but included;, yet the 8 Blessed are the pure in heart :
earth is mentioned, to show that men should for they shall see God.
^i?8!!?!* ^"27*^^ ^u Note here, 1. The duty required and
outward «tete^for Ahmghty God will ^^ f -, of ^ ^ Ufi ^
make good to them whatever they lose for ^ e^ssed, & Joibes mcluded < for a
peace sake. Ohappy tem^ of rmnd^tfiat dean heart will te accompanied with a
at once i secures heaven and earth to boot f dean ^ Whete fbm ^ a prmciple of
Blessed^thei^ek:forthe^aUn^ertt ^*x within, there will be tl£ acting off
the earth m mis life, and heaven m the ^without Note, 2. The incentiv\* to
next< this duty ; thepure in heart 9 and holy in &/*»
6 Blessed are they which dohun- shall see and enjoy God ; the infinitely
Chap. V. ST. MATTHEW.
pae and perfectly holy Ood. They shall the life that is to come. Great i* yomr
ae him spiritually and mediately in mis life, reward, Sfc.
gknmty and immediately in the life to 13 Ye are the salt of the earth :
9 Blessed are the peace-makers : b?t if th« "j* .ha'e "°8t j* " T-*
for they shall be called the children J****?* sha,Il ,rt bl?I*Bd/ * "
of God henceforth good for nothing, but to
Observe, 1. The connection between J6 «*«■*■ aod *> ** *•»» under
peace and parity: purity of heart and root of men, ^
peaceableness of life accompany one ^ur Saviour compares christians in
another. There is no inward purity where gena'al» »ad his ministers in particular,
there is not an endeavour after outward unto*i/f, for a double reason, Pint, Became
peace. 2. The duty exhorted to, namely, *j J- the nature of salt to peserve things
to love peace, and to labour after peace ; ™t>m corruption and putrefaction, and to
to love it ourselves, and promote it amongst "sader them savoury and pleasant Thus
others; to be not only peaceable, but mJb*riaMmi*lbBfpmfrtDUbom9n&
peace-makers. Note, 4. The title of honour endeavour, by the punty of their doctrine,
(hat is here put upon such as are of this to »w«ten putrefying aimers, that they
peaceable and peace-making temper : they may become savoury unto God and man j
ihtll be called the children of God; that ™ "^ ^ W *** ***"* *r-**™
is, they shall be reputed and esteemed God's v™ errors and false doctrine. Secondly,
children, for their likeness to him who is Because salt has a piercing power in it,
the God of peace. And they shall be which «*Mues the whole lump, and turns
dignified and honoured with the privileges it into its own nature: sucb a piercing
of Gad's children ; namely, grace here, P°wer » ***** m the ministry of the word,
and glory hereafter. that it subdues the whole man to theobedi-
W Blessed are they which are ence of feelf. M if Christ had said, - Ye
persecuted for righteousness' sake : ■"* ^ tt^JSl **!T* V"
ET\i_ - ' *u i^ — i r l world s ye are appointed by your pure doc-
for theirs ui the kingdom of heaven. ^ & good ^nversanon, to purge the
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall worid from that conuption in which it lies;
revile yon, and persecute you, and but if you lose either soundness of doctrine,
shall say all manner of evil against or the savour of a good conversation, yon
yo* misery, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, will be wholly useless, as to these great ends,
and be exceeding glad : for great is «* mu8t «lj** *>*e cast off by me, as
your reward inheaven : for so per- ««?■* «* is cast to the dungrull."
secuted they the prophets which were W Ye are the light of the world,
before you. A city that is set on a hill cannot be
Note bene, 1. That all the disciples and aid. 15 Neither do men light a can-
tbUowets of Christ, live they never so holily die, and pot it under a bushel, but
and ino&nsxvely in the world, yet must on a candlestick ; and it giveth light
fe^^wffi^^J?eraecutioil# \ unto afl *«* arc in tnc house. 16
JSc^T^ V* *r light BD 9hiut MT mtn'
m^erTof Christ, and falls heaviest on that they may see your good works,
the prophets of God. 3. That such suf- aB<" gl«f *fy your Father which is in
Jerings and persecutions as will afford a heaven.
man solid comfort, and entitle him to real Observe here* 1. Our Saviour's doctrine,
blessedness, must be endured and undergone 2. Hie inference which he draws from it,
for righteousness' sake. 4. That it is the by way of application. The doctrine
wjQ and command of Christ, that those delivered is this, That christians in general,
which sufier for him^aiid for righteousness' and the ministers ofthe gospel in particu-
sake, should not only be meek and patient, lar,arethe light ofthe wor/d. But how?
but joyous and cheerful ; Rejoice, and be Not originally, but derivatively j not effi-
exceeding glad. 5. That such a patient ciently, but instrumentally. Christ himself
and cheerful suffering of persecution for is the tightof the world by way of original;
rn-^ in this life, shall certainly be hb ministers are /i£Afr by way of derivation
" with the glory and blessedness of and participation from .htm. Farther,
c2
20 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. V.
Christ teaches them the end why he 1. That the law of God is an eternal and
communicated light unto them* namely, to. unchangeable rule of life and manners, and
enlighten, direct, and quicken others; even is to stand in force as long as the world
as the sun in the firmament, and a candle stands, and the frame of heaven and earth
in the house, diffuses and disperses its light endures. Learn, 2. That Christianity is
to all that are within the reach of it; so not contrary to the laws by which mankind
should all rhriaHftna, and particularly had formerly been obliged. Clirist com-
Christ's ministers, by the light of life and mands nothing that the natural or moral
doctrine, direct people in their way towards law had forbidden, and forbids nothing that
heaven. Observe, 2. The inference which • they had commanded, but has perfected the
our Saviour draws from the foregoing doc- law,and set it higher than any of the most stu-
trine, ye are the light of the world; there- died doctors did think themselves formerly
fore let your light so shine before men. obliged by it To suppose that Christ has ad-
Where note, 1. That our good works must ded to the moral preceptsofthe first tablets to
shine, but not blaze ; all vain-glory and suppose that he nas added to perfection ; for
ostentation must be avoided in the good thatrequiredtheJewto love God with all his
works we do. 2. Although we must heart, soul, and strength; which is the same
abound in good works, that men may see that Christ requireth of us christians here,
them, yet not to be seen of men. 3. That Nor has Christ added to the duties of the se-
Jie glorifying of God, and doing good to cond table, since that requires us to love our
mankind, must be the great end we neighbour as ourselves, which St Paul tells
propound in all the good works which we us, Rom. xiii. 9. is the fulfilling of the law.
perform. 19 Whosoever therefore shall
17 Think not that I am come to *>™k one of ****** !«*•* command-
destroy the law or the prophets : I ments» an« 8*a» *?*<* mc? »°» he
am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. ■•»» be called the least in the king-.
Our Saviour here informs his followers, *om °'h? ave» :, ,but WJ"»<*W »**"
That he had no design to abrogate any do and teach them> thc. 8amc shatl
part of the moral law, or to loose mankind be called great in the kingdom of
from the least measure of their duty, either heaven.
towards God or man, but that he came to To evidence yet farther that the moral
fulfil it 1. By yielding a personal obe- , law is a perfect rule of life, our Saviour tells
dience to it 2. By giving a fuller and his disciples, that if any of them did, either
stricter interpretation of it, than the Pha- by their doctrine or practice, make void
risees were wont to give ; for they taught any one of the least of God's commands,
that the law did only reach the outward either by allowing themselves in the
man, and restrain outward actions. Am if omission of any known duty, or m the
Christ had said, " Though I preach a more commission of any known sin, they should
special doctrine than is contained even in never enter into the kingdom of God.
the letter of the moral law, yet think not Learn, That such a professor of Christianity
that I «une to destroy or dissolve the obliga- as allows himself m the least voluntary
tion of that law, for I came to fulfil the transgression, either of omission or corn-
types and predictions of the prophets, and mission, and encourages others by his ex-
to give you the full sense ana spiritual ixn- ample to do the like, is certainly in a state
port of the moral law/* of damnation.
18 For verily I say untojou, Till 20 Fori say unto you, That except
heaven and earth pass, one jot or your righteousness shall exceed the
one tittle shall in no wise pass from righteousness of the scribes and Pha-
the law, till all be fulfilled. risees, ye shall in no case enter into
Another reason is here given by our the kingdom of heaven.
Saviour why he had no intention to abro- Observe here, 1. A glorious prize or
gate or abolish the la w ; and that is drawn reward set before the christian as attainable,
from the duration and perpetuity, the un- namely, The kingdom of heaven. Observe,
changeableness and immutability, of the 2. The means required in order to our
law : sooner shall heaven and earth be obtaining this prize, and laying hold of this
abolished, than the authority and obliga- reward ; we must be holy and righteous
tion of the moral law be dissolved. Learn, persons; heaven is the reward of ria&teoiis-
Chap. V. ST. MATTHEW. 21
ness, a reward conferred only upon right- with the sixth commandment, Thou shalt
cons persona, Observe, 3. Here is the not kill: where he shows, that besides the
special Qualification of that righteousness actual taking away of life, a person may
expressed which will entitle us to heaven violate that command; 1. By rash anger,
and salvation : it must be a righteousness 2. By disgraceful and reviling words,
which exceeds the righteousness of the Thence learn, That every evil motion of
scribes and Pharisees, and that these three our hearts consented to against our neigh-
ways: 1. In its principle and motive j love bour, all unjust anger towards him, all
to God, and obedience to his command ; terms of contempt put upon him, are for-
not the applause and commendation of bidden by the law of God, no less than the
men. 2. In its aim and end. The phari- gross act of murder itself. Learn, 2. That
sees made themselves, their own credit and wrath and anger without just cause hath
esteem, their worldly gain and interest, its degrees; and accordingly to the degrees
their ultimate end j and not God's glory of the sin will the degrees of punishment be
their supreme aim. 3. In the manner of proportioned in the next world. Learn, 3.
performance ; the Pharisees' duty wanted That self-murder is here forbidden, and in
that purity and spirituality which the law no case lawful, man having no more power
of God required. They had respect only over his own life man over another's :
to the outward action, without any regard though life be never so miserable and pain-
to the inward intention, and to that purity fulv yet must we wait God's time for our
of heart which God required. Suest. In dismission and release,
what things are we to exceed the scribes and AO m. t .- .. , . A.
Pharisees? Answ. In sincerity, or by being *? Therefore, if thou bring thy
that within which we seem to be without £Itt to tne altar» *M* there remember-
In simplicity, or having holy ends in our €st that thy brother hath ought
religious actions. In humility, or having against thee, 24 Leave there thy
low and humble thoughts of ourselves and gift before the altar, and go thy way ;
ourbestperformances. In chanty, or having first be reconciled to thy brother,
compassion on all ld«tressed persons. In and thcn am, offer J -ft M
universality of obedience to all com- a--— '*l *k' j j • 11
rnands. Iiarn, That holiness of heart, and Agree with thine adversary quickly,
righteousness of life, which God's law re- wnllcs thou art in the way with him ;
quires of us, is absolutely and indispensably *c*t at anv time the adversary deliver
necessary to salvation. thee to the judge, and the judge de-
%l Ye have heard that it was said Jiver thee to the officer, and thou be
by them of old time, Thou shalt not ca8t into Pri9°n. 26 Verily I say
kill : and whosoever shall kill shall unto tnee> Thou shalt by no means
be in danger of the judgment. 22 come oljt thence, till thou hast paid
But 1 say unto yon, That whosoever the uttermost farthing.
is angry with his brother without a For preventing the sin of rash anger,
cause shall be in danger of the judg- which in our Saviour's account is a degree
ment: and whosoever shall say to of murder, he exhorts all rus disciples and
his brother, Raca, shall be in dan- foU_°we« *> brotherly agreement, and to
set of the council • but whosoever 8f k mutHa! raoncihation with each other.
ger or tne council . nut wnosoever Jgree w/M thine ^^ ^ ^ ^
shall J** Thou fool, shall be in dan- tended or offending brot&r ; agree with
ger of hell-fire. him, as becomes a man j quickly, as De-
Here our blessed Saviour begins to comes a christian 5 implying, that it is a
expound the spiritual sense and meaning of necessary duty for every christian to seek
the law, and to vindicate it from the cor- reconciliation sincerely and speedily with
nipt glosses of the Pharisees; where observe, such as have offended him, or have been
Christ doth not deliver a new law, but offended by him. Observe, 2. The argu-
expotmds the old ; doth not enjoin new ment or motive with which Christ enforces
duties, but enforces the old ones. The his exhortation to brotherly reconciliation,
law of God was always perfect, requiring drawn from the peril and danger of the
flie sons cf men to love God with all their neglect; and this is twofold : Thefirstre-
hearts, and their neighbour as themselves, spects our present duties and services, when
In this exposition of the law, Christ begins we wait upon God at his altar, and attend
?ft ST. MATTHEW. Chap. V.
upon him in holy offices. None of our thee : for it is profitable for thee
performances will find acceptance with that one of thy members should
&od, if there be found malice and hatred, perigh> Bnd not that fa whole fc^y
anger and ill-wfll, against our brother. 8houki be cast into hell. 30 And if
Learn, that no sacrifice we can oner will ., . , . , , ~ , .. . .. ~
oe^ptable to God, so long as we our- % *fr **f °*V* *?. ™\ * «*
selves are implacable to men. A second «>d cast if from thee: for it is pro-
danger respects us, when we appear before fitable for thee that one of thy mem-
God in judgment ; then God will be our bers should perish, and not that thy
Adversary, Christ our Judge, Satan our ac- whole body should be cast into hell.
cuser, hell our tormentor} If now from the .
heart toe do not every one forgive owbro- ^ Saviour had condemned ocular
ther his trespasses. Lord ! how heinous adultery in the foregoing verse, or the adul-
then is this sin of inveterate anger, hatred, **? °[ the eye :Jfr that iooketh on a wo-
and malice, in our hearts, against any per- *«» io «■* *fler. *?> ™™ committed
son I No gifts, though never so costly, no adulte*l mt* her !* ku. hfart- Whence
devotions, though never so specious, will no*» That the eye is an inlet to sin, espe-
prevail with God to pass it byTwhikt we ^ly the m of undeaimea : lust enters the
live : andifwediewithheartefeillofthisran- heart at the window of the eye. Now in
eour and bitterness, we can never expect to these verses Christ prescribes a ^remedy for
beendrcledmtheaniisrfHimwhoisall tbecure of tms eye-malady : If thine eye
love, all mercy, all goodness and compas- f^i^**^ •*' !ft* " ** to
sion : no reconduction with God without ** un<krstood liteially, as ?f Chnst com.
an hearty good-will to all men. Nayfer- panded any man to maun his bodilv mem-
ther, the teit here speaks cf a prison, which ***'> hut "pintoally, to mortify the lusts
is the dreadful dungeon of hell, into which of the flesh, and the lusts of the eye, which
the implacable and unreconciled person otherwise would prove a dangerous snare
must be cast, and lie for ever without mix- to ™,80U?; . Learn1' J. ™t sm may be
ture of pity : and it is not men's scoffing avoided : it is our duty to avoid whatso-
at it that will secure them against the ho7 ^Jcad^ to iV or may be an occasion of
ror 0f fa it ; if we find the view of an ensnaring
~- v . * j A. . -a • * object will inflame us, we must, though
27 Ye have heard that it was said not put out our eye, yet make a covenant
by them of old time, Thou shalt not with our eye that we will not look upon it
commit adultery : 28 But I say unto Note, 2. That the best course we can take
you, That whosoever Iooketh on a to be kept from the outward acts of sin, is
woman to lust after her, hath com- to mortify our inward affection and teve to
.*« adultery with her already in ~ ^^J^g^
ftistieart. our bodil ^^ ^ te ^^ ^
Oui -Saviour next proceeds to aptafte preserved; for they wm no lon^ be wea-
seventh commandment, which forbids fa of ^ ^ i^^^ ofrighteous-
adultery j by which the Pharisees under- Jgsi ^^ holiness,
stood only the gross act of uncleanness,
and carnal lying with a woman. But, 31 It hath been said, Whosoever
says our Saviour, Whosoever secretly in his shall put away his wife, let him give
heart desires such a thing, and casts his eyes her a writing of divorcement : 32
upon a woman in order to such an act, en- But I say unto you, that whosoever
tertaining only a thought of it with plea- h^i 1 «wav his wife savinir lor
sure and delight, he is an adulterer in God's f^1 Put aw*? ?ia Awltc' wvl? *°r
account LeWn, That such is the purity thc <*u™ of fornication, causeth her
and spirituality of the law of God, that it to commit adultery : and whosoever
condemns speculative wantonness, no less shall marry her that is divorced,
than practical uncleanness; and forbids committeth adultery,
not only the outward action, but the secret Qur blessed Saviour still proceeds m
purpose and intention, and first out-goings vindicating and clearing the seventh com-
of the soul after unlawful objects. mandment from the comipt glosses of the
29 And if thy right eye offend Pharisees. Almighty God Bad tolerated
thee, pluck it out, and cast it from the Jews, in case of uncleanness, to put
Cha*. V* ST. MATTHEW. 23
away their wives by a bill of divorce, by the inagistrate ; for Christ himself, when
Demt* xxiv. 1. Hereupon the Pharisees adjured by the high-priest, did answer
mamtflhntfiil it lawful to put sway the wife upon oath. But he forbids all voluntary
upon every slight occasion* This abuse oaths in common conversation, and in our
Christ corrects $ and shows that divorce, ordinary discourse j because an oath is an
except in case of adultery, is a certain act of religious worship : therefore to trifle
bceach of the seventh commandment Learn, with it is an horrid provocation.
1* That so indissoluble is the marriage- 37 But let your communication
covenant betwixt two persons, that nothing be, Yea, yea ; nay, nay : for what-
but adultery, which violates the bands of ^^ b more ^ ^^ comcth of
marriage, can dissolve or disannul it Learn, -i
83 Again, ye have heard that it using and accustoming ourselves in con-
hath been said by them of old time, venation to a true simplicity and constant
Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but plainness of speech $ either affirming or
ahalt perform unto the Lord thine denying/ according to the nature of the
oaths: 34 But 1 say unto you, ^iJ^^^^^^^maOM
Swear not at all • neither bv heaven • t0 them W* &** occasioM» for ending
awearnotatail. neiiner Dy neaven , gtrffe l^een man and man. Learn, Sat
for it is Gods throne: 36 Norbythe ^ —a eikd & 5peech being to com-
earth ; for it is his footstool : neither mimicate the sense of our minds to each
by Jerusalem ; for it is the city of the other,, we ought to use such plainness and
great King. 36 Neither shalt thou simplicity in speaking, that we may believe
swear by thy head, because thou onc another without oaths, or more solemn
canst not make one hair white or ■■* J*1®6^ ^ asseverations. ...
black . 88 Ye have heard that it hath
The next commandment which our ',eei1 9a^» An eye *°r an e.ve» and »
Saviour expounds and vindicates, is the tooth for a tooth : 39 But I say
third, which requires a reverent use of unto you, That ye resist not evil:
Gods name. Now the Pharisees taught but whosoever shall smite thee on
that perjury was the only breach of this thy right cheek, turn to him the other
«mmandment; and that swearing ; was algo, 40 And if any man will sue
nothing, if they did not forswear them- t_ . t- , and take awav thv
selves; and that persons were only obliged tnc* a* ;d?.Iaw' ana, V*™ **** "V
to swear by the name of God in public °°^ let him havc ih9 cloak als°.
courts of justice, but in their ordinary and 4l And whosoever shall compel thee
common discourse they might swear by any t° £9 * mile, go with him twain,
of the creatures. Now, in opposition to Our Saviour here vindicates the sixth
these wicked principles and practices, Christ commandment, which obliges us to do no
says, Swear not at all: that is, 1. Swear wrong to the body of our neighbour. God
not profanely in your ordinary discourse. 2. had given a law to the public magistrate,
Swear not unduly by any of the creatures ; to require an eye for an eye, and a tooth
for that is to ascribe a deity to them. 3. for a tooth, when a person was wronged :
Swear not lightly upon any trifling or hereupon the Pharisees taught, That a pri-
fiivolous occasion ; for oaths upon small vate person, wronged by another, might
occasions are great sins. So that an oath exact satisfaction from him to the same de-
is not here forbidden by our Saviour, but gree in which he had been wronged by him ;
restrained. For though light and needless, if he had lost an eye by another, he might
common and ordinary swearing, be a very revenge it, by taking away the eye of ano-
greatsm, yet to take an oath upon a solemn ther. But, says Christ, t say unto you,
occasion, when lawfully called thereunto, resist not evil; that is, seek not private re-
is a christian and necessary duty. Christ venge, but leave the avenging of injuries to
by this prohibition doth not forbid all God and the magistrates 5 and in trivial
swearing as a thing absolutely evil ; nor matters not to appeal at all, and, when
doth he forbid all assertory or promissory forced, not for revenge sake : teaching us,
oaths in matters testimonial, when imposed That christians ought rather to suffer a
*4 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. V;
double wrong, than to seek a private re- here the inward affection is required,
venge. Christianity obliges us to bear Bless them that curse you; there outward
many injuries patiently, rather than to re- civility and afiability is required. Do
venge one privately. Religion indeed doth good to them that hate you ; here real acts
not bid us invite injuries, but it teaches us of kindness and charity are commanded to
to bid them welcome : we are not to return be done by us to our bitterest and most
evil for evil, but are rather to endure a malicious enemies. Pray for them that
greater evil than to revenge a less. despitefuUy use you, and persecute you ;
42 Give to hhn that ajketh thee SSEC^ESS? ^2
and from him that would borrow of we conunanded to pmy for mose that touch
thee, turn not thou away. us in these two tenderest points, our repu-
Our Saviour here presses the law of tation and our life. Learn, That chnsti-
charity upon his disciples: this is two-fold : anity obliges us to bear a sincere affection
a charity in giving to them that beg, and towards our most malicious enemies; to be
a charity in lending to them that desire to ready upon all occasions to do good unto
borrow. Christianity obliges all those who them, and pray for them,
have ability, to abound in works of charity 45 That ye may be the children
of all sorts and kinds whatsoever. He 0f vour Father which is in heaven :
that is toily charitable, doth not only eive, for hc maketh hi8 sun to rise on the
E^JlriL*^ *vil and on the fc^' and *****
for nothing again. It is not enough to .. . . D , *l • *
act charity o?one sort, but we must be mm on the just and on the unjust,
ready to act it in every *ind, and to the To encourage us to the foregoing duty
highest degree that our circumstances and of 1°™% our enemies, our Saviour pro-
abilities wfll admit. Giving is a God-like pounds «* examplcof God himsdl "to our
thing, he is the Giver of every good and mutation, That ye may be the children of
perfect gift; he gives before we ask : and P™ Father •' *■** ^J0" "JR*8
we must imitate God in giving; namely, ™w».t0 ** « a™™* of your Father
by giving what we give cheerfully, sin- which tsmheav^bjy<w\±*KMtDb^
cerely, discreeUy, proportionaHy, univer- **& ■»**» of him. Note, 1. That the
sally, in obedience to God's command, and best evidence we can have of our divine
with an eye at his glory. And there is 80nshlP» » our conformity to the divine
sometimes as great charity in lending as natoe, especially in those ^ excellent pro-
there is in giving; many a poor fiunily, P«S« rfJF»^? andfoipeness. K ote,
byourlendmgth^asn^ln^,maV 2. ^ ^dom good to them that are
raise meraselves into a condition to live oontmuallv doing e^ unto him. Ram
comfortably and honestly in the world, and «in, fet and sweet, gold and adver, are
„«, v I i_ j *£ a •* 1- *L 1. 8ucn goodthmgs as then* hearts and houses
43 Ye have heard that it bath been m tffa ^^ who j^ altogether empty
said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, of grace and goodness,
and hate thine enemy : 44 But I 43 For if ye love them vhich |ove
say unto you, Love your enemies, what f£mxA have yc? do not
bless them that curse you, do good even thc pubiicail9 the sanie? 47
to them that hate you, and pray for And if 8alutc our brethren only,
them which despitefuUy use you whatdoyemorelAajtolA«-s? do not
and persecute you : cven the pubiicans so ?
Another corrupt gloss which the Phari- Yet farther to encourage us to the duty
sees had put upon the law of God, our Sa- of loving our enemies, Christ assures hi
viour here takes notice of : the law said, disciples that he expects more from them
Thou shalt love thy neighbour. Lev. xix. than from others ; more than common hu-
18. This they interpreted to relate only to inanity and civil courtesy towards friends :
their own countrymen, the Jews ; conclud- for even heathens by the light of nature
ing, that they might hate all the uncir- were taught to love those that love mem :
cumcised nations, as enemit*. But, saith but he expected that Christianity should
our Saviour, I require you to love all men ; teach them better, and lead them farther,
for if enemies must not be shut out of your even to love their enemies, and to bleu them
love, none must l*ove your enemies ; that curse them. Note, .Love for love is
Chip. VI. ST. MATTHEW. 25
j love for no love is fevour and ther, which seeth in secret, himself
m: bat love for hatred arid enmity 8hall reward thee openly.
b divine goodness ; a Christ-like temper,
which will render us illustrious on earthy Observe here, 1. The duty directed to,
and glorious in heaven. Bat Lord ! how alms-giving after a right manner j Do not
do inen confine their love to little sects and your aims before men: some copies read it,
pamei! and from thence comes that bit- Do not your righteousness before men ;
terness of spirit of one party towards ano- because alms-giving is a considerable part
ther; and oh how ham is it to find a chris- of that righteousness and justice which
tian of a true catholic love and temper ! we owe unto our neighbour ; he that is un-
n m r _/• charitable, is unjust : acts of charity are
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even acts ofjusuce and equity. It also intimates
as your Father which is in heaven is to us, That the matter of our alms should
perfect, be goods righteously gotten : to give
•m^ • a- *„iu~*: • ii ^ •*• ahns of what is gotten unjustly, is robbery,
J^i^*1*^^ *** not righteousness. Observe, 2. Our
virtues and divine graces, but narticutarly Saviour's cautionary direction in giving
m dusjof love; in mutanon of vour hea- ,^ Take heed that you do them not to
vadv Fatter, wfo> is the perfect Pattern of Se seen of men. It is one thing to do our
*«m^g«)dn«J *» adorable per- ai,^ t^ n^ ^y ^ thein, and another
fecnons. Imperfect as our heavenly thm to dothem that we may be seen of
I**" £**&?' ? "^ m2^,Ha>1%f men- We ought to do alms before men,
to epahty, but not as to^ mntenon. The that God may be glorified: but not to be
word rendered here perfict, by St Mat- seen ofmen, that ourselves may be applaud-
^'IfTV^S* ■ i • %£nT^ **• Observe, 3. The particular sin which
merafiU, Luke vl 36. implying, That cha- w Saviour vwm his disciples against in
?*.," ?? ^f^L^ christian s graces ; iving their alms, namely, ostentation and
he Oat * made perfectm love, ^perfect ^^oryt which the Pharisees were note-
L^L^FiEI^ ™^7f5rt*yoU sounding a trumpet, to
t?^ Li^^"^t?rf^™!S «» P^pJe about them when they gave
Region, but he thatj inU be saved must their ahnV Thence leani, That the dW
press on toww^ perfection. Learn, 2. ^ ^ W0lk^ w?eciaSiy *>„ work of
^ no k» than perfect and completeper- <^ ^ vam^oriously,andnot
fecuon if grace, and particularly in the with in eye to God's glory, wm certainly
pceandk>veofcnarrty,Mandoughtto miss of tlie reward of weU-doing in another
j^S? <?evS? chn*Bm J? this life, world# Observe, 4. The advice given by
and snail be ins attainment m the next our Saviour for the prevention of this sm
CHAP. VL an(^ danger ; and that is, to do our alms
Tbie chapter is m cootinaatioo of our SaW. in- ""^/"TF^^^ftffc*****
MuuiUe Kmooopoo the mount, io which ha A7KWP vArf thy left hand docth ; that IB,
cu&om h» diwipjeii •pint the hyppemy md conceal ft from thy nearest relations, and,
Tftm-rlorr of the Pbanaees, both in their aim*- .- -. . ,. J .« ,- -mv^^L
g*f»r awl ftayen ; the femcr io the fint four « possible, from tnysen. Note tnence,
*mwn of am chapter, which speak thus t That the secrecy ofouT charity is one good.
TAKE heed that ye do not your evidence of its sincerity. Hence the Egyp-
alms before men, to be seen of ***» *»*& *» emblem of charity to be a
them : otherwise ye have no reward £^ *?7J*^ °* ^^ * a ***
of your Father which is in heaven. ** *■* lort ta wm88-
2 Therefore when thou doest thine 5 And when thou prayest, thou
alma, do not sound a trumpet before shalt not be as the hypocrites are :
thee, an the hypocrites do in the for they love to pray standing in the
synagogues and in the streets, that synagogues, and in the corners of
they may have glory of men. Verily the streets, that they may be seen of
I say unto you, They have their re- men. Verily I say unto you, They
ward. 3. But when thou doest alms, have their reward. 6 But thou,
let not thy left hand know what thy when thou prayest, enter into thy
ri^ht hand doeth; 4 That thine closet, and, when thou hast shut thy
alms may be in secret: and thy Fa- door, pray to thy Father which is in
i
26 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. VL
secret ; and thy Father, which seeth prayers without ceasing for St Peter's en-
in secret, shall reward thee openly, Iaigement And weraad ofSt Paul'spiay-
Here our Saviour warns his disciples mg "right ■«* day, 1 Thess. iii- 10. and
against the same Pharisaical hypocrisy in <* his commanding -me churches to be in-
piaying, which he had before reproved in ****** J"^* "^ *° continue hi payer,
ahnsghring. It was lawful to pray iu the Batons* here condemns prayers length-
synagogues, and to pray standing, and •» «* "P?* ** appiehension that we
that before men : but to do this upon ^^ te ^^ for our much »P«k»fr or
design to be applauded by men, is con- «** .■»*» Go* ty "E"^.*1"1* **
demned by Christ Our business in prayer contmue m our ams. Dr.Whtthy.
lies with God, we are not to concern our- 9 After this manner therefore
selves how men like our performances, it is pray ye in-
sufficient if God doth approve and will A w _ _ . . M _ vwmmmMn m
accept them. To cure the Foregoing vanity, ** *S^J~J2r. For P^®1**
Christ directs to secret »pr m our ^^ 41 <***** mmt9lw&
closets, where God is the Witness, and will «*■* V™ you a complete form of pray-
be the Rewarder, of our sincerity. Note, er, and an^e^ pato and platform for
That secret prayer is a commanded and X™ ™*"« *J« ^"iJS?* *g%
encouraged duty, and when in sincerity J** ** ^ 8 $*!" I*? *La 23*?*
performldshaU^ attended with a public foim of preyer wh^oi«ht to be used by
andglcmomrewaidiPrwroMvJfirfArr ^ J?* *° • . P8*?* «* P^orm, ac-
„ _ . .he framed. St Matthew says, After this
7 But when ye pray, use not vain manner pray ye : St Luke says, When
repetitions, as the heathen do : for ye pray t say,
they think that they shall be heard —Our Father which art in heaven ;
for their much speaking. 8 Be not Hallowed be thy name : 10 Thy
ye therefore like unto them: for your kingdom come: Thy will be done
Father knoweth what things ye have inearth, as it is in heaven : 11 Give
need of, before ye ask him. ns thig day oar <|ajiy bread . 12 And
A vain-glorious ostentation in prayer forgive us our debts, as we forgive our
was condemned by our Saviour "in the for- debtors. 13 And lead us not into
mer vase j 1 bere a vam-glonousmuluplica- temptation, but deliver us from evil :
££T£^ Fo/thine is the kin«lom, and the
after the manner of the heathen, who ex- P°wcr» and the&lory. forever. Amen,
pect to have their prayers granted by God The sense and signification of this best
for the multiplicity of words used by of prayers, is this : ' O thou our Father in
themselves. Hence note, That a christian's
business in prayer being not to inform God,
(for he knoweth what things we need, be-
fore we ask him ;) nor yet to move and
persuade God, (for be is our Father:) it
certainly argues an undue apprehension of
God, when we lengthen out our prayers with
vain repetitions and a multitude of words.
Yet note, 1. That it is not all repetition of
the same words in prayer which Christ
here condemns, for he himself preyed thrice,
using the same words, that the cup might
pass from him. Nor, 2. Are we to appre-
hend that prayers continued to a consider-
able length are forbidden by Christ ; for
Solomon's prayer was such, 1 Kings viiL
Nehemiah's such, chap. ix. Tis said the
people confessed and worshipped for
three hours : Christ continued in prayer all
night ; and the church, Acts xii. made
Jesus Christ! who remainest in thy
throne in heaven, and art there per-
petually praised, and perfectly obeyed by
glorious angels and glorified saints; grant
that thy name may be glorified, thy throne
acknowledged, and thy holy will obeyed,
here on earth below, by us thy sons and
servants, most sincerely and readily, and
in some proportion to what is done in
heaven. And because, by reason of the
frailty of our natures, we cannot subsist
without the comforts and supports of life,
we crave, that such a proportion of the
good things of this life may be given unto
us, as may be sufficient for us j and that
we may be content with our allowance.
And knowing that thy holiness and justice
oblige thee to punish sin and sinners, we
plead with thee, for the sake of thy Son's
satisfaction, to pardon to us our daily
Cfcap. VI. ST. MATTHEW. Sf
we are guilty of in this to God. » 1. That his name mum be hallow-
'jtateofimperjection; as we do freely and ed. By the name ofGoo%uikleiBtand God
* heartily forgive others that have offended himself; as made known to us in his attri-
• and wronsed vs. And seeing that by butes, words, and works. This name is
'lesson of the frailty of our natures we are hallowed or sanctified by us three ways ;
• prone to rush upon and run into tempts- by our lips, when we acknowledge his di-
'tion; we crave that, by the power of thy vine perfections, and tell of all Lis won-
* competent grace, we may be kept from drous works ; in our hearts, by entertain-
* Satan's temptations, from the world's ing suitable conceptions of God; and in
' atonements, from our own evil mclina- our lives, when the consideration of these
'tuns, and be preserved unblamable to divine perfections engages us to suitable
• thine everlasting kingdom ; which is ex- obedience. 2. That his kingdom may
'altodoverall persons, overall places, over comet by which we are not to understand
* all things, m all times, past, present, and his general and providential kingdom, by
• to come: and accordingly, in testimony which he ruleth over all the world, that
' of our desires, and in assurance to be heard being always come, and capable of no rir-'
' and answered, we say. Amen ; so be it ; ther amplification; but principally the king-]
' ao ki it be, evm so, O Ixnd, ik it be for dom of grace, promoted in the hearts of bis
'ever.' More particuMy,m this compre- people by the preaching of the gospel:- we
hensnre sad compendious prayer, the fol- pray that God would dethrone sin and Ss>
lowing severals are remarkable. Namely, tan in our own and others' souls, and in-
1. That the learned observe, that this pray- crease grace and sanctification both in us
cr is taken out of the Jewish liturgies, in and them, and that the kingdom of glory
which it is entirety found, excepting these may be hastened, and we may tepre-
words, Am we forgive them that trespass served blameless to the coming of Christ
agents* us. From whence Grotius notes, in his kingdom. 3. That his will may be
bow far Christ the Lord of his church was done ; by which the preceptive rather than
from affecting novelties, or despising any the providential will of God, is to be un-
tiring because it was a form ; a piece of derstood: we are to obey the former uni-
piteous weakness amongst some at this day. versally, and to submit to the latter very
Observe, 2. The person to whom Christ cheerfully. It intimates, that it ought to
directs us to make our prayers; namely, to be the prayer and care, the study and en-
God, under the notion of a Father ; teach- deavour, of every christian, that the com-
ing us, mat in all our religious addresses to manding will of God may be so done by
God, we are to conceive of him, and pray men upon earth, as it is by the glorified
unto him, under the notion and relation of saints and glorious angels done in heaven j
a Father. Our Father, fa. So is he by namely, with that alacrity and cheerfulness,
creation, by a right of providence and pre- with thatapeed and rpfldirteiw, with that con-
serration, by redemption, by outward and stancy and diligence, that the imperfection
viable piofassion, by regeneration and of human nature will admit of; imitating
adoption ; and this relation which God the blessed angels, who execute the divine
stands in to us, may encourage us to pray commands without reluctancy or regret
Inn ; lor being our Father, we are Observe, 4. The three last petitions respect
that he is of easy access unto, and ourselves, as the three former did Almighty
pusly ready to grant what we pray God. The first of which is a prayer for
And whereas it is added, which art temporal blessings : give us this day our
m Jatp*jt;this is not to be so understood as daily bread, Where note, The mercy pray-
if has essence were included, or his presence ed ior, bread, which comprehends all the
rifcuiusoibed or confined there, for he fills comforts and conveniences of life, and
heaven and earth with the immensity of it : whatever is necessary for the supporting
but he ss said to be so in heaven, because human nature. Also the qualification ;
there is the special manifestation of his pre- it must be our own bread, not another's.
sence, of his purity, of his power and glory, what we have a civil right to as men, and
and teaches us with what holy fear, with a covenant right to as christians. Note
what humble reverence, and not without a farther. The kind of bread we ask and de-
tmnbting veneration, polluted dust ought sire ; it is daily bread. Hereby we are
to make their solemn approaches to the put in mind of our continual dependence
God of heaven. Observe, 3. That the upon God for our lives, and for alt the sup-
Ihsta first petitions relate more immediately ports of life which we enjoy, and also kept
38 ST. MATTHEW/ Chap. VI.
hi mind of our mortality. And mark the way We pray here that God would graciously
and manner of conveying all good things piuwAve us from those vicious inclinations
to us, it is in a way of free-gift. Give us of our minds, and evil dispositions of our
ourdaily bread, we cannot give it ourselves; hearts, which render us so prone to yield
and when we have it of God, we receive it to the temptations of Satan. Here we sec
not as a debt, but as a free gift The next the ugly and deformed face of sin : it is
petition is for spiritual blessings, Forgive evil : evil in its author and original, it is of
us our debts us we forgive our debtors, the devil, the evil one; evil in its effects and
Where note, 1. Some things supposed, fruits, it doth debase and degrade us, pol-
namely, That we are all sinners, and, as lute and defile us, befool and deceive us,
such, stand in need of pardon and forgive- and, without repentance, damns and de-
ness. 2. That our sins are debts, wilful stroys us. Observe lastly, The conclusion
debts, repeated debts, innumerable debts, of the Lord's Prayer, which contains a com-
inexcusable debts, debts difficultly discharg- plication of arguments to urge Almighty
ed, and yet, if undischarged, undoing God with, for obtaining the mercy prayed
debts. 3. That we are obliged to pray for. 1. For thine is the kingdom ; thou
every day for daily pardon, as we do for art the only absolute and rightful Sovereign;
daily bread, for our sins are many and daily, and all men are concerned to honour thee,
4. ft is here supposed, that since we are to and obey thy laws ; thou art the supreme
pray for forgiveness of sin, it is impossible Governor of the world, and King of thy
ever to satisfy the justice of God for sin. church, therefore let thy kingdom come,
Lastly note, The condition or qualification and thy will be done. 2. Thine is the
required, forgive as we forgive : This re- power* therefore give us daily bread, and
quires, 1 . That our minds be full of charity, forgive our daily . sins ; for thou hast pow-
free from rancour and ill-will, and all de- er to supply the one, and authority to
sires of revenge, and a secret grudge against pardon the other. The power of God is a
another. 2. That we stand ready t6 help mighty encouragement to prayer, and (kith
them, and to do any office of love and ser- in the power of God has a mighty preva-
vice for them that have offended us. 3. lency in prayer with God. 3. Thine is the
That we admit our offending brother into glory, that is, thine will be the glory ; as
friendship and familiarity, which is called a if we should say, " Lord ! by enabling us
forgiving him from the heart : our heart to hallow thy name by owning thy king-
must be towards him as formerly it was. dom, by doing thy will, and by thy pro-
The sixth and last petition follows, J^eadus viding for us, and pardoning of us, thou
not into temptation, but deliver us from wilt have much glory by us and from us.**
evil. Here note, A double mercy prayed It teaches us, that as our prayers in general
for; namely, preventing mercy, and deli- ought to be argumentative; so an argument
vering mercy. 1. Preventing mercy, lead in prayer drawn from the glory of God, is
us not into temptation. ' Hereby it is sup- a mighty encouragement to hope for au-
posed, 1. That we are unable to keep our- dience and acceptance. 4. For ever and
selves from temptation, partly through our ever, that is, thy kingdom is eternal, thy
natural depravity, partly through carnal se- power eternal, thy glory eternal ; the God
curity. 2. That it is God that must keep whom we pray to is an eternal God, and
us from Satan's assaults, his traps and snares, this attribute of God is improvable in
which every where he lays in ambush for us. prayer, as an encouragement to expect the
3. That it is our own daily duty to be ear- same blessings from God which others have
nest and instant with God in prayer, not to done before us ; for he is the same yester-
suffer us by the subtraction of his grace, or day, to-day, and for ever. Amen ; a word
in a way of punishment for sin, to run into used in all languages, denoting an hearty*
the circumstances which may prove snares assent to our own prayers, and an hearty
to us, but daily to afford us such a measure desire to receive the mercies "prayed for.
of his grace, as may keep us from falling by and an humble assurance that we shall be
temptation, and not leave us falling under heard and answered,
the temptation, but recover u» speedily by u F ;f f j aeir tre8_
his power, and enable us to stand more J» ° i *• *i_ -« i
firmly for tbe future. 2. We here pray for P^ses, your heavenly Father will also
delivering mercy. Deliver us from evil; forgive you : 15 But if ye forgive not
by which may be understood Satan the men their trespasses, neither will
evil one, but especially the evil of sin. your Father forgive your trespasses.
Chap. VI. ST. MATTHEW.
There being no duty to which oar cor- tire, and not to affect any thing that may
rapt natures are more backward, than this make us look like mourners when really we
aftvgiviog miuries, our Saviour repeats that are not so. Where we may note, That
duty over and over, and frequently incul- though hypocrites, by their dejected coun-
caftes it in the holy Gospels; assuring us, tenancea and mortified habits, do seek to
mat fonjpvmg others is the indispensable gain an extraordinary reputation for piety
condition upon which we are to expect for- and devotion, yet the smcere christian is to
gifeness from God. Learn thence, That be abundantly satisfied with God's appro-
ver? time we go to God in prayer, and baton of his services, and with the suent
begforgivenesB of him, as we forgive others ; applause of his own conscience.
if we do not forgive them heartily and sin- 10 r.M «^* „« #u« „^ i
c^ytmhya^n^y,readilyaiiwilliDg. A 19 "J not UP ;or y0l>™«^ei
ly, we fly m the face of God, and our pray- treasures upon earth, where moth
as are a sort of imprecations against our- tLn^ rust doth corrupt, and where
Note farther, That although God thieves break through and steal :
pronusea us forgiveness if we forgive others; 20 But lay up for yourselves trea-
yetit is with this limitation, if no other con- sures in heaven, where neither moth
dnoa of salvation be wanting, ^thiavir- nor rust doth corrupt, and where
*<¥%!!??? °btailS!!!17lfll °0df thiev<* <*° «><* break through nor
uakss other duties are performed. . , ol « , ®
16 Moreover, when ye fast, be fteJ: 2l.1IFor w*ereJ°"r tfea8ure
**, a. the hypocrite., of a sad coun- MV^W£?T *£*** **
. r jrZC j. j» Au • Observe here, 1. Something implied.
tenaiice : for they disfigure their iaindy, That every man has hS treaW
faces, that they may appear unto men and whatsoever or wheresoever that treasure
to fast. Verily I say unto you, is, it is attractive, and draws the heart of a
They have their reward. 17 But man unto it: for every man's treasure is his
thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine chief good. 2. Something permitted j
head, and wash thy face ; 18 That ™nely> the getting, possessing, and enjoy-
thou appear not unto men to fast, "*' ,?f e^y treasure, asan instrument
i . /*7L r» *l i.- u • • enabling us to do much good. 3. Somen
bat «to Ay Father which is in se- a^^^ . ^ thatTthe treasur-
cret: and thy Father, which seetn ingupof worldly wesJth, as our chief trea-
in secret, shall reward thee openly, sure : lay not up treasures on earth ; that
The next duty which our Saviour instructs is, take heed of an inordinate affection to, of
his disciples in, is that of religious tasting, an excessive pursuit after, of a vain confi-
which is a devoting of the whole man, soul dence and trust in, any earthly comfort, as
and body, to a solemn and extraordinary your chief treasure. • 4. Here is something
attendance upon God, in a particular time, commanded : but lay up for yourselves
set apart for that purpose ; in order to the treasures in heaven : treasure up those ha-
deprecating of his displeasure, and for the bits of grace, which will bring you to an
snppKrating of his favour, accompanied with inheritance in glory: be fruitful in good
an abstinence from bodily food and sensu- works, laying up in store for yourselves a
al delights, and from all secular affaire and good foundation against the time to come,
worldly basmess. Now our Saviour's di- that ye may lay hold of eternal life. Ob-
jection as to this duty of tasting is double : serve, 5. "fbe reasons assigned, 1. Why we
1. Be cautions us to beware of an abuse in should not lay up our treasure on earth ;
anting: Be not as the hypocrites are9 of a because all earthly treasures are of a perah-
smi countenance ; that is, Do not affect a ing and uncertain nature, they are subject
sullen sadness, ghaadiness, and unpleasant- to moth and rust, to robbery and theft ;
of countenance, like the hypocritical the perishing nature of earthly things
ees, who vitiate and discolour their ought to be improved by us, as an argument
and mar and abolish their native com- to sit loose in our affections towards thorn;
plesjon. Hypocrisy can paint the free 2. The reason assigned why we should lay
black and same, as well as pride with red up our treasure in heaven, is this : because
and while. 2. He counsels us to take the heavenly treasures are subject to no such
right way in lasting; to anoint the head accidents and casualties as earthly treasures
ami wash the face: that is, to look as at are, but are. durable and lasting. The
other times, using our ordinary garb and at- things that are not seen are eternal. The
90 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. VI.
treasuresof heaven are mviolai>le,mcornn> with the wodd: no itnn can seek God and
tible, and everlasting. Now we may know Mammon both as h* chief good and ulti-
whether we hare chosen these things for our mate end ; because no man can divide his
treasure, by our high estimation of the worth heart betwixt God and the world. Learn,
of them, by our sensible apprehension of That to love the world as our chief good,
the want of them, by the torrent and ten- and to serve the world as our chief and
dency of our affection towards them, and sovereign corrnnanripr, cannot stand with the
by our laborious diligence and endeavours love and service which we bear and owe to
in the pursuit of them. Where the trea- God. The world's slaves, whilst such, can
sure is, there will the heart be also* be none of God's freemen.
. 22 The light of the body is the 25 Therefore I say unto yon, Take
eye: if therefore thine eye be single, no thought for your life, what ye
thy whole body shall be full of light: shall eat, or what ye shall drink ;
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole nor yet for your body, what ye shall
body shall be full of darkness. If put on. Is not the life more than
therefore the light that is in thee be meat, and the body than rai-
darkness, how great is that darkness ! went ? 26 Behold the fowls of the
In the foregoing verses our Saviour ao- air : for they sow not, neither do
quainted us what in our affections and they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet
tre&ton^w WuS^ccScerE your heavenly Father feedeth them.
our chief treasure, is byour SaviouTtef Arc Jc not much ***** ^ they ?
compared to the eve; as the eye is the can- The next sin which our Saviour cautions
die of the body, that enlightens and directs his disciples against is, immoderate care for
it, so our understanding and judgment of the things of this life, such a solicitous and
the excellency of heaven and the mines vexatious care for food and raiment, as is
above, will draw our affections towards accompanied with diffidence and distrust of
them, and quicken our endeavours after God's fatherly providence over us, and pro-
them. Note thence, That such as our vision for us; and the arguments which
judgment is concerning happiness, such our Saviour uses to dissuade from this sin*
will our desires and endeavours be for the are many and cogent, laid down in the fol-
athunment of that happiness. Our afiec- lowing verses. Learn here, 1. That AI-
nons are guided by our apprehensions : mighty God will provide for every servant
where the esteem is high, endeavours will of his, food and raiment, and a competency
be strong. of the comforts and conveniences of life.
24 No man can serve two masters : Learn, 2. That want of faith in God's
for either he will hate the one, and promise, and a distrust of his fatherly care,
love the other; or else he will hold » • G^-piwol^. s«^ wiatli^rocmta
to the one, and despise the other. ■n- Ji"**;3' ThatnotwithstandmgGods
v ' •>, j i «* promising to supply our wants, we not
Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. £nl ^ but Su£ «* such pn.dent.al
Observe here, A two-fold master spoken and provident means as are in our power,
of, Gad and the world. God is our Master in order to the supply of our wants. Dr.
by creation, preservation, and redemption : Hammond** Practical Catech.
^^^^Z^'J^I^Z » w^00 of yo«' by ***«
us our wages, ine world is our master by ., «. ji ^-i A l-
mt^on/usurpation, and a general ettuna- thought can add one cubit unto his
tion: too many esteeming it as their chief stature ? 28 And why take ye
good, and delighting in it as their chief joy. thought for raiment ? Consider the
Observe, 2. That no man can serve these lilies of the field, how they grow ;
two masters, who are of contrary interests, they toil not, neither do they spin :
and issue out ccutrary commands; when 29 And yet I say unto you, Thai
^J^ll^0^^^^^' ^en Solomon in all his glory wat
mands subservient each to other, the dim- _. A ,., c .7 J A"
cnlty of serving both is not great: but ?** arrayed like one of these. 30
where commands interfere, and interests Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass
dash, it is impossible. No man can serve of the held, which to-day is, and to-
God and the world, but he may serve God morrow is cast into the oven, shmU
<*•* VL 1ST. MATTHEW. 31
Ar aot nrach more cloihe you, O ye of they shall be added in measure, though
tattle faith ? SI Therefore take no not m excess; to satisfy, though not tosa-
thoaght, saying, What shall we eat ? *jj»*M for health, though not for surfeit,
or, What shall we drink? or, Where- °b*fr?6> *• That christians must here on
withal shall we be clothed? 32 ^^^S^^J!?*^^'0'^
G«til<» seek :) for your heavenly ness : holineS » the only way to happt
talker knoweth that ye have need ness. 3. That heaven, or the kingdom of
of all these things. God, mast be sought in the first place, with
Fonr arguments are here used by ourSa- <*■ chief care and principal endeavour,
vionr to dissuade as from the sin of anxious *■ That heaven being once secured by us,
one; 'feneedks%'tisfrrittess,'t8heathenish, •" earthly things shall be superadded by
tb brutish. 1. "fts needless; Yourheaoenly God, as be sees needful and convenient for
Father knoveth that ye have need of these xa-
things, and will certainly provide for you ; 34 Take therefore no thought for
and what need you take care, and God too ? the morrow: for the morrow shall
2. TfafrahJesi; Which of you by talcing take thought for the things of itself.
T&?^^™J%Lt0k"*tatwre* Sufficient unto the day is the evU
That a, by all our solicitous care we can *!,„_,-#• J
atf nothing eito to toe tagnW comfort 2™ - . . , ....
ofowuves? 3. Tkheatbenish; after aU «*£<** ,^10ur «"»*»«» h*dehort»-
tkete thing, do the QentiUt seei. 3. Tis tMk ™n *>***** care for worldly things;
braosh; My, worse than brutish-, the ?^ ^.^J^/^ ?£ b^¥I'^,,,
fin* of the or, and the beasts of the field, ? •»«*cjent burden of trouble, and tW
are fcdfhy God: much mote shall hbchil- foreJ [»«<»*»•» not to torment ousalvcs, by
Aen. As Gob' a breakfest for every little «*^«ms]nwi,«dtaB*|
bM that comes chirping out of its nest ? ?«W, °r. •»*? .»» <*«* •> J»»-
sad to every beast in the wilderness Oat ZS&S* t * ■ » pmM. «bH anrfun-
comes leapme out of his den? and will he *£™£ y ^Jll&eL0ax?if? **
not mWniSre provide for you, O ye of ™*^^to*n^****«***roK,
Uttkfiitht Sureryhefiiatfee^tnerivens ^TaT^^ ^t£*]!"1£ra**
when they cry. wul not starve his children ^J^^' TAit^Ttluf^F^mM
when they pray. Naturalists observe of %J2^!£Ett^l£?m^
n^wenTthatshe exposes her young ones 2t£™? <£? m **» "J1 *• *■■
as soon » they are natebedy leaves them <* »»•» ™y be tMnorrowj but every day
metfe. J^thertes. to shift and -rug. S^AlT****0'11*
gle with hunger as soon as they come into J *««** «» »—
the world ; and whether by the dew from CHAP. VH.
heaven, or flies or worms, God feedeth OorM^dSstfoqr haying contfaufd hi. sermon
fvWTa . tskon *U-m, MnA .» J ««» *k~., «««. °° "*• Mount id the former elmntcr. concludes it
^^i Tr* <?' gal* and ay* *ney are itl this, with an exhortation to seVeni dotiSi tht
provided for: from whence Our Saviour in- first of which If, to forbear rash judging of others.
fen, that man being much better, that is, a JUDGE not, that ye be not judged,
"S^l^^r^^^^^ 2 For with what judgment ye
hjhie« of ha contributes thereunto. wnat measure ye mete, it shall be
33 B«t seek ye first the kingdom m*J£™d l^^*^ •♦•
<*CU»A mmA h.- v^^«,OM, ««*i Observe here, The prohibition, and the
iiL?* ^ 1?!?!TS?iJ * reason of ** prohifDition. The prohi-
all these things shall be added unto ^^^ j^ nor . t^ * not meant of
J011- ourselves, but of our neighbour. Self-
That is, l«et your first and chief care be judging is a great duty , judging others, a
to promote the kingdom of grace in this grievous sin j yet is not all judging of others
world, and to secure the kingdom of glory condemned, but a judging of our neigh-
n the next, and in order unto both, seek hour's state or person rashly and rigidly,
after an universal holiness and righteous- censoriously and uncharitably , especially
neat, both of heart and life, and then fear unrighteously and unjustly. And the
not the want of these outward comforts, reason of the prohibition is added ; if we
32 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. VII.
judge others rashly, God will judge us 'tis possible for sinters to arrive at such a
righteously. Learn thence, That a rash and height and pitch in wickedness and sin,
censorious judging of others renders a per- that it may be a christian's duty not to
son liable and obnoxious to the righteous admonish or reprove them. Observe, 2.
judgment of God. Note farther, That How Christ provides, as for the honour of
Christ doth not here forbid judicial judging his word, so for the safety of those that
by the civil magistrate, nor ecclesiastical publish it As Christ will not have his
judging by the church governors, whose word offered to some sinners, lest they
office gives them authority so to do. Nor should abuse it ; so lest they should abuse
does he forbid one christian to passajudg- those that bring it. When sinners turn
ment on the notorious actions of another, rinish swine, and we are in danger of being
seeing the duty of reproof cannot be per- rent by them, Christ himself gives us a per-
formed without it ; but it is such a rash mission to cease reproving of them,
and censorious judging our brother^as is ? A-fc d ft fc u b . •
void of chanty towards him, as is accom- , J • *■ "• ■■ ™ ■** © T^" Jvu »
panied with contempt of him; especially if ■*«• and ye shall fiud ; knock, and
we have been guilty of the same or greater >* shall be opened unto you : 8 For
sins before him. every one that asketh receiveth ; and
3 And why beholdest thou the he ™* seeketh findeth ; and to him
mote that is in thy brother's eye, but tha* knocketh it shall be opened,
considerest not the beam that is in 9 °T what man » there of vou,
thine own eye ? 4 Or how wilt wtom " hls s011 *•* bread, will he
thou say to thy brother, Let me pull Sivc *»* a "tone ? ™ Or if he ask
out the mote out of thine eye : and, a fish» wlU he &lve him a serpent?
behold, a beam U in thine own eye ? ll If ye ^en, beln5 evil, know how
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the to &lv« go*** gift» unto your children,
beam out of thine own eye ; and then how much more 8na11 your Father
shalt thou see clearly to cast out the wnich is in beaven give good things
mote out of thy brother's eye. to them that *»* nim ?
By Me More in our brother's eye, is to be . Observe here, A preceptand a promise ;
understood, small and little sins, or some me preceptor duty commanded, is, impor-
supposedsins : by the beam in our own eye, **% *?* constancy in prayer, we must
is meant, some notorious sin of our own. ***• *e**f and knock : the promise, or mer-
Learn, 1. That those who are most censo- cy ensured, is, audience and acceptance
rious of the lesser infirmities of others, are fffliCted. Note, 1. That man is a poor,
usually most notoriously guilty offer great- indigent, and necessitous creature, lull of
er fellings themselves. 2. That those who 2?nto' ^ ""S6 *2 ■"»& thenL 2'
desire others should look upon their infir- ™t Q°* » an all-sufficient Good, able to
mities with a compassionate eye, must not mV$J *be wants, and to relieve the neces-
look upon the Mings of others with a cen- ■*■» of bis features, if they call upon
serious eye. • 3. That there is no such way bim, and cry unto him. 3. Yet if we do
to teach us charity in judging others, as to not presently receive what we ask, we
exercise severity in judging of ourselves. murt 8liU continue to seek and knock;
6 Give not that which is holy unto though PiaZfr.Abe *£ always answered in
thp doirs nrithpr cast vp vnnr nostril 0ur tnne» J* xt anaU never »ll Of an an-
tne aogs, neither cast ye your pearls gwer m q^ fhD^ 4 ^ ^^
before swine, lest they trample them p^y which we find in our breasts to hear
under their feet, and turn again and the desires, and to supply the wants, of our
rend you. own children, ought to raise in us a confident
By that which is holy, understand, the expectation that Almighty God will hear
word and ordinances in general ; but ad- our prayers, and supply our wants, when
monition and reproof in particular : by dogs we call upon him ; ii a father will give
and swine, incorrigible and unreclannable when a child asks, much more will God.
sinners, hardened scorners of holy things ; If ye, being evil, know how to give good
'tis a proverbial speech, expressing how sure gifts unto your children, how much more
charitable reprehensions are to be cast away snail your Father, Src. God loves to be
upon incorrigible sinners. Learn, 1. That giving, and to give good gifts is his delight.
Chap. YD. ST, MATTHEW.
But piayer is the key that opens both his alone to life, than to run with the multitude
heart and hand : yet not every person, nor in that broad way, which leads down to
every prayer, shall find acceptance with the chambers of death and hell. 5. That
God : the person praying must be a doer the metaphor of a gate denotes our first
of God's will, St. John ix. 31. and not re- entrance into a religious course of life, and
gard iniauiiy in his heart, nor entertain its being strait denotes the difficulty that
any grudge against his neighbours j the attends religion at first : evil habits to be
matter we pray for must be what is agree- put off, old companions in sin to be parted
able to Goa's will, and the manner of our with ; but when faith and patience have
prayer must be in faith, and with fervency, once smoothed our way, love will make
and unfainting perseverance. our work delightful to us.
12 Therefore all things whatao- 16 Beware of false prophets, which
ever ye would that men should do come to you in sheep's clothing, but
to you, do ye even so to them : for inwardly thev are ravening wolves,
this is the law and the prophets. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Observe here, 1. An ^comparable rule Do men gather grrapeg 0f thorns, or
of hie: always to do as we would be done 4- * ♦if;-*i,« a -in r™- .« „.,*•.,
by. Note, that the great rule of righte- *&?[ thl* U.es \k*7^ vcn 8° €VCjy
outness and equity in all our dealings with SP**1 ***** bnngeth forth good fmit ;
meantim, to do as we would be done unto: but a corrupt tree bringeth forth
it is a .short rule, a mil rule, and clear rule; evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot
both the light of nature and the law of bring forth evil fruit, neither can a
Oirist bind it upon us. Observe, 2. The corrupt tree bring forth good fruit,
commendation of this rule, tii is the t law 10 Every tree that bringeth not
^T^^U^^^Z^ forth good fruit, is hewn £wn, and
to our neighbour, and the substance of the cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore
second table. Learn, That it is the design ty their fruits ye shall know them,
of the scriptures of the Old Testament, first, Observe here, 1. A caution given, Be-
to render men dutiful and obedient to God, ware of false prophets. . There were two
and then righteous and charitable one to sorts oi deceivers which our Saviour gave his
another. This is the law of the prophets, disciples a special warning of; namely,
yea, the whole of the law and the prophets, false Christs, and false prophets: false
to love God above ourselves, ana to love Christs were such as pretended to be the sure
our neighbour as ourselves. Messias; false prophets were such as pretend-
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate : edtoown Christianity, but drew people away
for wide is the gate, and broad is from the simplicity of the gospel. Observe,
the way, that leadeth to destruction, 2- The ground of this caution, they come
and many there be which go in ™ **eep's ckthing, but inwardly are ra-
thereat: 14 Because strait I the ^^^^t^l^L^J^
., , .; ,. , tences to strictness m religion, and to great-
pte, and narrow u the way which a measvaeii and degreea of mortification
leadeth unto life ; and few there be and aelf-denial than others. Whence we
that find it. learn, That such as go about to seduce
Observe here, 1. That every man is a others, usually pretend to extraordinary
traveller in a certain way. 2. That there measures of sanctity themselves, to raise
are but two ways in which the race of an admiration amongst those who judge of
mankind can travel ; the one strait and saints more by their looks than by their
narrow, that leads to life and salvation ; lives ; more by their expressions than by
tfap other broad and wide, which leads to their actions. What heavenly looks and
hell and destruction. 3. That because of devout gestures, what long prayers and fre-
the difficulties in the way to salvation, and quent fastings, had the hypocritical Phari-
the easiness of the way to hell and destruc- sees, beyond what Christ or his disciples
tion, hence it is that so few walk in the one, ever practised ! Observe, 3. The rule laid
and so many in the other. 4. That chris- down by Christ, whereby we are to judge
tians having the strait way to heaven reveal- of false teachers ; By their fruits ye shall
ed to mem, in and by the yord of God, know them. Learn, that the best course
should choose rather to go in that way we can take to judge of teachers pretend-
D
*4 ST. MATTHEW. . Chap. VII.
. ing to be sent of God, is to examine the and it fell not i for it was founded
design and tendency of their doctrines, and upon a rock: 26 And every one
the course and tenor of their conversions. that heareth these sayings of mine,
?^^^^ ^X^A^ l1™* ™d <*<** them not, snail be likened
forth the good fruits of truth and holiness : A t «. , • ' , . , , .. ,.
but evil men and seducers, like corrupt «nto a foolish man, which built his
trees, will bring forth error and wickedness house upon the sand: 27 And the
in their life and doctrine. rain descended , and the floods came,
21 Not every one that saith unto and the winds blew, and beat upon
me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the that house ; and it fell : and great
kingdom of heaven ; but he that was the fall of it.
doeth the will of my Father which Christ here speaks of two houses, the one
is in heaven. 22 Many will say to built upon a rock, the other upon the sand :
me in that day, Lord, Lord, have these two houses were alike skilfully and
we not prophesied in thy name ? and strongly built to outward appearance ; while
in thy name have cast out devils? thesun shone, and we weather was fair, none
and in thy name done many wonder- ""J* discern but that the house upon the
ful works > 23 And then will I nro- 8and was budt M wdl' and m^A stand **
nil works . AA Ana men will I pro- iongfasthatontherock; butwhentheram
fess unto them, I never knew you : feu, the foundation foiled. Thus, where is the
depart from me,ye that work iniquity, hypocrite, with all his faith and fear, with
Not every one, that is, Not any onef all his show and appearance of grace, in a
that saith, Lord, Lord, that is, that own- wet and windy day > His goodly outside
eth me by way of profession, by way of fe like the apples of Sodom, fair and aU
prayer, and by way of appeal, shall be luring to the eye, but, being touched, in-
saved ; but he that doeth the will of my stantiy evaporate into dust and smoke.
Father, sincerely and universally. Learn An hypocrite stands in grace no longer
hence, 1. That multitudes at the great than till he fall into trouble ; and accord-
day shall be really disowned by Christ as mgly our Saviour here concludes his ex-
none of his servants, that did nominally cehent sermon with an elegant similitude,
own him for their Lord and Master : many The wise builder is not the frequent hearer,
that have now prophesied in his name, shall but the faithful doer of the word, or the
then perish in his wrath : many that have obedient christian ; the house is heaven,
cast out devils now, shall be cast out to the hope of eternal life; the rock is Christ ;
devils then : such as have now done many the building upon the sand is resting in
wonderful works, shall then perish for evil the bare performance » of outward duties,
workers. Note, 2. That a bare name and The rains, the winds, the foods, are all
profession of Christianity, without the prac- kinds of afflicting evils, sufferings, and
tice of it, is a very insufficient ground to persecutions that may befall us. Note, 1,
build our hopes of heaven and salvation That the obedient believer is the only wise
upon. A profession of faith, and purposes man, that builds his hopes of heaven upon
of obedience, without actual obedience to a sure and abiding foundation. Note, 2.
the commands of God, will avail no per- That such professors as rest in me outward
son to salvation. 3. That gifts, eminent performance of holy duties, are foolish
gifts, yea, extraordinary and miraculous builders, their foundation is weak and
gifts, are not to be rested in, or depended sandy, and all their hopes of salvation
upon, as sufficient evidences for heaven and vain and uncertain. An outward profes-
salvation. Gifts are as the gold which 8ion of Christianity, though set off by pro-
adorns the temple, but grace is like the pbesying and doing miracles, will not avail
temple that sanctifies the gold. any man towards his account at the great
24 Therefore whosoever heareth day, without that real and faithful, that
these sayings of mine, and doeth universal and impartial obedience to the
them, I will liken him unto a wise laws of Christ which the gospel requires
man, which built his house upon a 28 And it came to pass, when
rock: 25 And the rain descended, Jesus had ended these sayings, the
and the floods came, and the winds people were astonished at his doc-
blew, and beat upon that house; trine: 20 ^or he taught them as
£hap. VM. ST. MATTHEW. 85
one having authority, and not as a leper, he came and worshipped Christ,
the scribes. aiwl pedtiora him to heal him, saying, Lorrf,
Here we have two things observable: 1. iC/*°" •**» ihou "*?** J"*** ^ clean.
The manner of our Lord's teaching, it was wbere he disoovers a firm belief of Christ's
vrilhauthoritu : that is, it was grave and se- E?wer» »* a diffidence and distrust of
rious, pious and ardent, plain and profitable. Christ s will, to heaJ torn. Learn, Christ's
With what brevity, without darkness I with divine power must be folly assented to, and
what gravity, without affectation! with J™* believed, by all those that expect
what eloquence; without meretricious oma- ■*?*« hl « ' ... healin« V0111 him-
ment, were our Lord's discourses f The Obsen^ 2. How read^y our Saviour panto
majesty he showed in his sermons, made it ^ft»^:Je4w touched Atm^sa^mg, I
evidently appear that he was a Teacher w# ; he thou clean. Our Saviour by
sent of God, and clothed with his authority, torching the leper showed himself to be.
Observe, 2. The success of his teaching : *}*>™ ** law> M God 5 though subject to
The people were astonished at his doctrine : the kw, as man ; for by the ceremonial
affected with admiration, believing him to Iaw ™ ]efer *** forbidden to be touched,
be an^xtraordinary prophet Learn, That Yet it was a received ruteamcw the Jews,
such b the power of Christ's doctrine, ** ;a P1^* *?&* ^ ^m *" \™*B*»
when accompanied with the energy* of the °f «* "^o™ *w> ?\ T?"8*,/ "^f1
Holy Spirit, that it makes all the auditors fwj n™ %!* streteh himself on the
admirer^ yea, believers j it causes astonish- dead chM, and Elisha on the Shunamite's
ment in their minds, and reformation in 80n». notvnthstandmg the prohibition of
their manners. commg near the dead. But Chnst s cunnff
ru ap vnr ePer ? word of his mouth, and
CHAr. Viil. the touch of his hand, showed his divine
^sas ts&^sfiri as p°r" "? »rEi hrdf to£_truly rl
> in* semi grettmineiei recorded in this elup. really sent of God : leprosy being called
tet i «• Uk cicaoniig of the leper.tbc curing; of the Dy the Jews the finger of God, a disease of
eeotartoo'a arrvaot, the appealing of tbe winds, v;a _-_j;_,. aJj ^* t;* .«.„„.„;-«. rt„,
*c. Oor Serionr ha™* Seiimed his doctrine J"9 sending, and of his removing : our
m the former chapter* ; hi thit he becka hia Saviour therefore, as a proof of his being
c^^tTo^ont" ** "* <*Ubl Mimtat Md the Messia8» tella ** daciple* of John, That
Wcon rma iw o ^ &»«•! were cleansed, Matt xi. 5. <r«4J
HEN he was come down from the dead rais€d . which heing ^ together,
the mountain, great multitudes intimates, that the cleansing of the leper is
followed him. 2 And, behold, there as peculiar an act of divine power as the
came a leper and worshipped him, raising of the dead ; and accordingly, 2
saying, Lord , if thou wilt, thon canst K™gs v- ?• said the king, Am I God, that
- - this man sends to me to cure a man of his
. _ _ leprosy was cleansed: Christ not only
immediately his leprosywas cleansed, cured' him without means, but without the
4 And Jesus saith unto him, See ordinary time required for such a cure.
thou tell no man ; but go thy way, Thus Christ showed both power and will
show thyself to the priest, and offer to cure him miraculously, who believed
the gift that Moses commanded for Ws^wer, but questioned his willingness.
atesTmonynntothem. ^^^I^t^ff. f»C
Note here, In general, that the Jews paid man ; wherein the modesty, humility, and
cfrril adoration to their kings, and to their piety of Christ, is discovered, together with
prophets : thus Saul stooped with his face the care of his own safety. His modesty,
to the ground to Samuel ; Nebuchadnezzar in not desiring his good deeds should be
fell on his face before Daniel; and Obadiah proclaimed; his humility, in shunning
before Elijah j from whence may be gather- vain-glorious applause and commendation :
ed that the adorations given to Christ by his piety, in desiring all the praise, honour,
them that knew nothing of his divinity, and glory, should redound entirely to God ;
were paid him as a prophet sent from God. and his care of his own safety, lest the pub-
Only next, several particulars are here ob- lishing of this miracle should create him
•etvable j as, 1. The petitioner, and that is untimely danger from the Pharisees. Chris-
n 2
96 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. VIII.
tiaiis, behold your pattern to do much good, believes in and relies upon the power of
and make but little noise. Christ affected Christ. Note, That such is the freeness of
no popular air ; he did not spoil a good divine grace, that it extends itself to all sorts
wort by vain ostentation. When we and ranks, to all orders and degrees of men,
work hard for God, take we great care that without exception. Even the bloody trade
Sride doth not blow either it or us. Ohow of war yields worthy clients to Christ,
ifficult it is to do much service, and not He doth not so much regard who we are,
value ourselves too much for the services and whence we are, as what we are, and
which we do ! The second part of the with what dispositions and inclinations we
charge which Christ ^avethe recovered le- come unto him. Observe, 2. The person
per was, To show himself to the priest, whom the centurion comes to Christ for ;
and offer the gift which Moses commanded, not for himself, nor for his son, but for his
for a testimony unto them ; that is, as a servant j his servant is sick, he doth not
testimony to the Jews that he was the drive him out of doors, nor stand gazing
Messias, and that he did not oppose the by his bed-side, but looks out for rehef for
ceremonial law given by Moses. Where him : a worthy example. Some masters
note, That our Saviour would have the have not so much regara to meir sick servants
ceremonial law punctually observed, so long as they have to their oxen or their swine ;
as the time for its continuance did endure : but he is not worthy of a good servant,
though he came to destroy that law, yet that in a time of sickness is not willing to
whilst it stood he would have it observed, serve his servant A conceit of superiority
Here Dr. Lightfoot observes, that though must beget in no man a neglect of charitable
the priesthood was much degenerated from offices towards inferiors. Observe, 3. Unto
its primitive institution by human invention,' whom the centurion seeks, and with what
vet Christ sends the leper to submit to it $ zeal and application : he seeks not to
because though they did corrupt, yet they wizards and conjurers, but to the physician,
did not extinguish, the divine institution. for his poor servant ; yea, to Christ, the best
. A . . . , Physician : and this not with a formal re-
5 And when Jesus was entered fenon in h* mouth, but with a vehement
into Capernaum, there came unto aggravation of the disease : My servant is
him a centurion, beseeching him, grievously tormented: where the master's
6 And saying, Lord, my servant condolency and tender sympathy with his
lieth at home sick of the palsy afflicted servant is both matter of cornmen-
grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus jjj^ ■»* ™totion^-.r40b8e7^1-
saith unto him, I will come and heal V?^™7 ™^.rf *™^ ■"* *£
i»:« o mu * w "".""* ,,co which was found m this centurion: he
him. 8 The centurion answered owns ^ unworthiness of having Christ
and said, Lord, I am not worthy come under his roof; yet he acknow-
that thou shouldest come under my ledged Christ's power, that by speaking of
roof: but speak the word only, and a word his servant might be healed by him.
my servant shall be healed. 9 For Humility is both the fruit of faith, and the
I am a man under authority, bavin* ^P8*"™ °f faith; an humble soul has
soldiers under me : and I say to this *?>h jfeem of Chrirt, ™* * low erteem
«,„« r^ o.wi u« ,™*u a 1 of himself. Observe, 5. How our blessed
man Go and he goeth ; and to Saviour exceeds both his desires and his ex-
another, Come, and he cometh ; and pectations j Christ says, not only, I will
to my servant, Do this, and he doeth heal him, but, I will come and heal him :
it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he wonderful condescension! In St John,
marvelled, and said to them that chap. iv. 47. we read of a certam nobleman
followed, Verily I say unto you I and Iutar» tnat twice entreated our Saviour
have not found so great faith, no, Ef™i*Jt]E? ^A^f ^JF1 ;
tift* in 1.1-0*1 • » but our Lord refused, and did not stir a
not in israei. foot . ^ ^ ^4,,^ doth but barely
The second miracle our Saviour works in tell Christ of his poor servant's sickness, and
this chapter, is the healing of the centurion's Christ both unasked and undesired says,
servant : where observe, 1 . Th<* person that I will come and heal him. O how far was
applies to our Saviour for help and healing : Christ from seeming in the least to honour
lie was a Gentile, an heathen, a Roman riches and despise poverty ! He that came
soldier, an officer and commander j yet he in the form of a servant, goes down and
Chap. Vm. ST. MATTHEW. 3f
visit* a side servant upon his poor pallet- into outer darkness ; that is, into the dark-
bed, that would not visit the rich couch of nes of hell, where shall be perpetual lamen-'
the ruler's son. How should we stoop to tation for the remembrance of the gospel
the lowest offices of love and kindness to kindly offered, but unthankfully rejected.'
one another, when Christ thus condescend- 14 And whcn JegU8 waa ^^
mgfr abased himself before us! Observe, :nto Peter's house he saw his wifo'a
6. The notice and observation which our .. , *2 a de,saw / wlte 8
Saviour takes of the centurion's faith ; he mother laid, and sick of a fever,
wondered at it from him,who had wrought *■& And he touched her hand, and
in him. Christ wrought mis faith as God, the fever left her : and she arose,
and wondered at it as man : what can be and ministered unto them,
more wonderful than to see Christ wonder? The next miracle which our Saviour
We do not find our Saviour wondering at wrought, was> m curmg Pet^s wife's mo-
worldly pomp and greatness. When the ther of a fever; the nuracle was not in curing
apples wondered at the magnrficence of m incurable distemper, but in the way and
the temple, Christ rather rebuked them, manner Df curing : For, 1. It was by & touch
than wondered with them; but when he of our Saviour's hand. 2. It was instanta-
sees the gracious acts of faith, he is ravished neoua and 8udden . immediately the fever
with wonder. I^t teach us to place our up her. 3. The visible effects of her reco-
admiration where Christ fixes his : let us be very presently appeared ; she instantly rose
more aflfected with the least measure of and ministered unto them. That she could
grace m a good man, than with ail the arise, argued her cure miraculous j that she
gaieties and glory of a great man ; let us ^^ Qnd did ^^ ^ administer unto
not envy the one, but admire the other. q^ argued h^ thankfulness, and a great
11 And I say unto you, That sense of his goodness upon her mind.
many shall come from the east and Note here, 1. That marriage in the minis-
west, and shall sit down with Abra- te» of ** gospel, yea, even m the apostles
ham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the J6^1^ *** m Pe^» ** <*»f* «
i- j ^r l _ i« d * *k them, was neither censured nor condemned
kingdom of heaven: 12 But the by our Saviour. St Peter had a wife and
children ot the kingdom shall be family, which Christ condescends to visit,
cast out into outer darkness : there Observe, 2. That the first thing which
shall be weeping and gnashing of Christ takes notice of in the house which
teethe 13 And Jesus said unto the he condescends to visit, is what aileth any
centurion, Go thy way ; and as thou m j* 5 w|* need «** *«£ in of his help
hast believed, so be it done unto and heahngj and accordingly, togrtte
., A . ,: . i i j with his presence, he affords them relief.
thee. And his servant was healed 1,^, 3. That when Christ has graciously
in the seli-same hour. visited and healed any of his servants, it
Tins was the first occasion that Christ ought to be their first work and next care
took to speak of the calling of the Gen- to administer unto Christ ; that is, to em-
tiles, and the rejection of the Jews. Ob- piov their recovered health, and improve
serve here, That the unbelieving Jews their renewed strength, in his service : She
are called the children, of the ktngdom, arose and ministered.
because born within the pale of the visible - a w. A, .•
church 5 they presumed Sat the kingdom , 16 fhea ^e even was come, they
of heaven was entailed upon them, because brought unto him many that were
they were Abraham's seed 5 they boasted possessed with devils: and he cast
of and gloried in their external and outward out the spirits with his word, and
privileges. Note thence, 1. That gospel- healed all that were sick : 17 That
ordinances, and church-privileges enjoyed, jt might . be fulfilled which was
^.tl^ •h°riir *? 1 P"*16 afn^-d spoken by Esaias the prophet, say-
to the participation of them : our Saviour .5 u: 11*4^1, ^„. ; *£_—:*;,»«, 'a
here styles tneJews upon that account, «*• Himself took our infirmities, and
the children of the kingdom. 2. That bare our sicknesses,
such privileges enjoyed, but not improved, It was very common about the time of our
do provoke Almighty God to inflict the Saviour's coming in the flesh, for the devil
heaviest of judgments upon a people, bodily to possess persons, and very griev-
The ohildren of the kingdom shall be cast ously to torment them. This is one of the
9* ST. MATTHEW. Chap.VIlL
•
sad and dianal evils which sin has made humanity ,• The Son of man must be Han.
us liable and obnoxious to, to be bodily 2. To show the depth of his abasement ;
possessed by Satan : when we give Satan Christ humbled, yea, emptied himself, when,
me power of our hearts, it is a just and being the Son of God, he submitted to be
righteous thing with God to give him the made Man : The Son of man hath not
possession of our bodies. But who is the where to lay hi* head.
pereon that dispossesses Satan? Christ Jesus: 21 And another of his disciples
*ns a stronger Jtan the strong man that gaid unto w hlui9Wag„ me grst
TSffS^iZZZZ * *° -^ »y **- » But
deliver from Satan's power, and all the sad Jesus said unto him, Follow me:
effects and consequences thereof. But and let the dead bury their dead.
observe, with what condolency and sympa- We must not suppose, by this prohibition,
thizing pity he exercises these acts of mer- that Christ disallows or disapproves of any
cy and compassion towards poor creatures : civil office from one person to another, much
he is said to take our infirmities upon him- less of a child to a parent, either living or
self, and to bear our sicknesses ; he bare the dying : but he lets us know, 1. That no
guilt which was the cause of these griefs and office of love and service to man must be
sorrows ; and he bare the sorrows them- preferred before our duty to God, unto
selves by a tender sympathy with us under whom we owe our first obedience. 2. That
the burden of them. Christ considers our lawful and decent offices become sinful
sufferings as our own : he is afflicted in all when they hinder greater duties. 3. That
our afflictions, and pained with all our gych as are called to the work and employ-
pains ; in this sense, he took our infirmities, ment of the ministry, must mind mat atone,
and bare our sicknesses, and leave inferior duties to inferior persons :
18 Now when Jesus saw great as if our Saviour had said, Others will serve
multitudes about him, he gave com- T*J «*»* t0 ^ the dead ; but thou,
*~«„,i™«* ^ A<m<>~* ,,ntJ tUo ~*i™ that Mt a consecrated person, must do that
toandinent to depart unto the other ^ wbich ^ ^^3^^ ^ ^
side. 19 And a certain scribe came 9^ Uwfcr the Uw, the priests might not
and said unto him, Master, I will c^e near a dead corpse, nor meddle with
follow thee whithersoever thou goest. the interment of their own parents ; unto
20 And Jesus saith unto him, The which our Saviour probably alludes,
foxes have holes, and the birds of 23 And when he was entered into
the air have nests ; but the Son of a ship, his disciples followed him.
man hath not where to lay his head. 24 And, behold, there arose a great
Observe here, a person resolving to fol- tempest in the sea, insomuch that
low Christ: a good resolution, if made the ship was covered with the waves:
deliberately, and not rashly ; nor for sinister but he was asleep. 26 And his dis-
eni and secular advantages; which, it is ci Us to hi and ftWoke u
to be feared, was the case here, by the an- : t j ' • i_
swei which ourSaviour gives; fof sayshe, **"*• "f"1' ?aJe °?! Z* **%&.
Foxes have holes, fa that is, my condition 26 Ab<* he sa,th unto them, Why
in this world is very poor, worse than the are ye fearful, O ye of little faith ?
birds of the air, for they have their fixed Then he arose, and rebuked the
nests; or the beasts of the earth, for they winds and the sea ; and there was
have their dens and holes , but I have no a ^at C8jm. 27 But the men mar-
fixed habitation. Note, 1. That many velled, saying, What manner of man
persons take up rash and sudden resolutions . ... AuL* *u - j j ^
tofollow Christ, before they have well con- w *»• *•* eveo ** wind9 *nd ***
sidered what it will cost them: what they sea obcy nim •
are like to lose by being his disciples. 2. Observe here, 1. Christ and his disciple*
That such men may find themselves misers- no sooner put forth to sea, but dangers at-
bly mistaken, who expect to gain any thing tend* and difficulties do accompany them z
by following Christ, but their soul's salva- a tempest arose, and the ship was covered
tion. Note, 3. The tide given to Christ ; he with waves. Learn thence, That the pro-
is stiled here, and frequently elsewhere, The sence of Christ itself doth not exempt his
Son of man: 1. To show the truth of his disciples and followers from trouble and
Chap. VOL ST. MATTHEW. Oft
danger : here is a great tempest about the method to rid the disciples of their fears,
disciples' ears, though Christ was in their by rebuking their unbelief.
SSS^L. ^Zn A ZtjE^J^ 28 Al,d WhCD b€ WM «>*« *<> th«
aanourwas m when this tempest arose: ^*u~- »:j :~* ^ A * A«
he being weary on the land, was fallen °ther 8ldc' mto lbe cou«try of the
asleep m the ship : our blessed Redeemer Gergesenes, there met him two pos-
hereby showed himself to be truly and sessed with devils, coming out of the
really Man; as he took upon him our hu- tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no
man nature, so he subjected himself to our man might pass bv that way.
human infirmities. Observe, 3. The dis- w- ^ A ^f tmmr •*"„ . +Ua ^
^j^, ^j^;^ maja *7 K;™ . #k«.. Wc read °* few, if any, m the Oia les-
ass? Sffi&E-1* ^^^SfcSSrftJS
they concluded he m'ust awake* befo£ jt^S iLSfJLSS.^S? E£f* ?
be could save them: whereat, though his ^kto TJf??" ?*,l^,lfm^
, ~_ ^^ i ~"I rT • Note here, 1. That the evil angels by their
faaman nature was asteep. yet ha ivine fal, lost ^ ^ but not ^ *
nature neither slumbered nor slept Leam „ .„,„ tk_ J{n '' ftBnar „,„,, „J~„ *
hence. That the_ prevalency of fear in a _ j_ ,!_{__ m«ni»rf«« ,i„ K^i- .r.^'n™.
evidence of want of faith : in the midst of _i,5-i«v_ „„.u »_j »u— . .i._ii »j .n
the disciples- fears, they believed Christ's £* **? wouW' "* *^ 8haU notdo ^
power. Observe, 4. A double rebuke ^^
given by our Saviour: 1. To the winds 20 An(«» behold, they cried out,
and seas; next, to the fears of his disciples, saying, What have we to do with
He rebukes the winds and the seas, and in- thee, Jesus, thou Son of God ? art
stantly they are calm ; when the sea was thou come hither to torment us before
as furious as a madman, Christ by his di- *u0 itrnf% *
vine power calms it Learn hence, That "*!! ' , ., t ^ . , u
the most raging winds, and outrageous seas, Observe, The devils knew Chnst to be
cannot stand before the rebukes of Christ : «* gpn of God, and that he came into the
if oncehe rebukes them, theirrage isdown: w.orld t0 *» * j~™^'ubut not "JL?*:
God lays a law upon the most lawless Y101* 5 and therefore ttey cry out. What
creatures, even whenthey seem to act most *«* »/ to do mthe '**'* "J^*1* ? ?
lawlessly. 2. Christ rebukes his disciples' £ wha* anmicomfortable faith isthis,tobe-
fears. Why are ye fearful* No sooner lieve ** Christ is a Saviour, and at the
wisthestomup,b^Wfearswereup; ^e time to know Aat he is none of our
and they were aT much overset with their Saviour ! But what is their outcry against
boisterous passions, as the vessel was with ax^J ™"» *rtJ h°u com\ t**0™?"*
the tempestuous winds: and accordingly ™&<fore the time* Learn, 1. That there
Christ rebukes thetempek within, and then ■» *»*"» appointed to the spiritual na-
the tempest without; first he calms their turesof evil angels. The fire of hell is con-
hearts, and then the seas. From this in- <*"?* *> be partly material, and partly
stance we see, that great feith in the habit JP^tual; P"*y iwteml, to work upon the
may appear little in act and exercise: the bodies of evil men, and partly spiritual, to
disdpfo^&ith in forsaking all and follow- "^^tombdwa^ibBm^
ingfinist, was great faith; but in this pre- of evil angels. 1^, 2. Tliat though the
sent act, their faith was weak through the devik be now as 1^1 of discontot as mey
prevatency of their fear. Note, lastly, «»J* J***f ■» ™* *° fu" °* tonnent
That the disciples' faith was lessened by as they shall be ; their speech here rau-
tbeir fear: feai Ss generated by unlxhef, ™**> that there will be a tone when their
and unbelief strengthened by fear: as in torments shall be i increased, when they
thmgB natural there is a circular generation, £*" have their fill of torment ; therefore
vapours beget showers, and showers va- J>ey P»y. Ino«». not ouf torments be-
pouis; soit is in things moral, •nothing fore the appointed time of their increase.
can cure us of fear, till &d cures us of un- 30 And there was a good way off
belief; Christ therefore takes. an effectual from them an herd of many swine
40 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. IX.
feeding. 31 So the devils besought loss of their swine enrages them, and make*
him, saying, If thou cast us out, suf- ***** ***** C^* to **$*** *** ******
fer us to go away into the herd of Temf»Z* lo?* *% !° ^""iT^
° J men s estimation, that spiritual advantages
8Wlne# , . A ^, , ., rare nothing esteemed ; carnal hearts prefer
Observe here, 1. A notable evidence of tbeir ^^ More their Saviour, and had
Satan's limited power, that a whole legion n^ loae Christ's presence than their
of devils had not power to destroy one woridly profits. Observe, 2. flow unani-
man, nor were able. to hurt tte meanest mou8 9nd importunate these Gadarenes
creature without pennission. Observe, 2. were to get rid of Christy the whole city
Thedevds acfaiowledgment oftheurown came ou£ and are not onW willing to hi
unpotency, and Christ s power ; their ask- departure, but they beseech him to depart
ing leave of Christ to go into the swine, 0UCf meir ce*sts. Learn hence, Thatde-
shows^ttheycc^d^tgoofthein^es. piorabiy sad is the conation of such from
Learn hence, 1. The restlessness of Satan s whom Christ departs ; more deplorably sad
malice; he wdl hurt the swine rather than their state who say unto Christ, Depart; hut
not hurt at all. 2. That though Satan's most deplorably sad is the case^f them
malice be infinite, yet his power is limited ^ ^^ J ^^ q^ to jg^
^J^Undcd,iMl?fCT?,td0f1itbe,m^ fix>m them :mus did these Gadaienes, and
chiefhe would, so he shall not do all he according Christ took ship and departed
can* from them, and we never read of his return
32 And he said unto them, Go. unto them.
And when they were come out, they CHAP. IX.
went into the herd of swine : and, a nD he entered into a ship, and
behold, the whole herd of swine ran -» pa^ed over, and came into his
violently down a steep place into the own cjtv.
sea, and perished in the waters : In the last verse of the foregoing chap.
Although Christ seldom wrought any ter, the Gadarenes with one consent desire
destructive miracle, and although he cer- Christ to depart out of their coasts ; here
tainly foresaw that the swine would perish w« And our Saviour, according to their de-
in the waters ; yet that the people might see sue, departing from them into his own city,
how great the power and malice of the which was Capernaum : for Bethlehem j
devil would be, if not restrained by Christ, brought him forth, Nazareth brought him'
he permitted him to enter into the swine ; "P> and Capernaum was his dwelling-place.
Christ said unto them, Go ; and how glad From their desire of Christ's departure, and
was Satan of this permission to enter into from Christ's departing according to their
the swine, in order to their destruction. Let desire, we learn, That the blessed Jesus will
it teach us our duty, by prayer, to commit not long trouble that people with his pre-
ourselves, and all that we have, morning sence, who are weary of his company, and
and evening, into the hands of God's care ; desirous of his departure,
all that we have in the house, and all that 2 And, behold, they brought to
we have in thefield, that it may be preserved him a man sick of the palsy, lyingon a
from the power and malice of evil spirits, bed . and JesU8 ^ ^ f^
33 And they that kept them fled, said unto the sick of the palsy, Son,
and went their ways into the city, be of good cheer ; thy sins be for-
and told every thing, and what was given thee.
befallen to the possessed of the de- Observe, 1. The patient, One tick of the
vils. 34 And, behold, the whole palsy 9 which being a resolution of the
city came out to meet Jesus : and nerves, weakens the joints, and confines
when they saw him, they besought ^ $***>* to his bed. or couch. M a de-
him that he would depart out of «««**<*} of Christ's divine power, he
fh»irr.»it. was Pi68"*1 to single out some incurable
weir coasts. diseases (as the world accounts them) to
Observe, 1 . Whit a contrary effect this work a cure upon, as the leprosy and palsy
miracle which Christ wrought had upon 2. The Physician, Jesus Christ; he alone
these people: instead of believing on him is that wise, faithful, and compassionate
for his miraculous cure of the possessed, the Physician, that can aud doth cure bom soul
Chap. IX. ST. MATTHEW. 41
sod body. Observe, 3. The moving and of angels or men, but the prerogative of God
impulsive cause of bis cure, Jesus seeing only. Secondly, by assuming to himself
their faith ; that is, their firm persuasion a power to forgive sins ; — the Son of man
that be was clothed with a divine power, hath power to forgive sins. Our Saviour
and able to help ; together with their con- here, by forgiving sins in his own name,
nVkneem his goodness, that he was as will- and by his own authority, doth give the
inga* he was able ; and no sooner did they world an undeniable proof and convincing
exercise their faith in believing, but Christ evidence of his godhead : for, Who can
did exert his divine power m healing. It forgive tins, but God only *
was w*l fliestt man'sjai&butthe fiuthof 7 And he aro8e and departed to
^S^J!^\££F ^UT^ W* house. 8. But wben the multi-
far cotaining corporal benefits and temporal . , .. .. ... .
bie^gsfo? us: thus the centurion's feith *dc. "*,#5 ™ey marvelled, and
healed his servant, and Jairus's faith raised glorified God, which had given such
lnsdanghfer. Observe, 4. The marvellous power unto men.
efficacy and power of faith : it obtained Note here, The multitude marvelled, but
not only what was desired, but more than not belieyed ; they admire our Saviour forj
vasexpected : they desired only the healing an extraordinary man, but did not believe
of me tody; but Jesus seeing their faith, in him as the Son of God : they praise God*
heab body and soul too, saying, Be of for giving such power to heal the bodies of
pod c&eer: thy sins are forgiven thee; men : but not for sending his Son into the
intimating, that diseases proceed from sin, world, to save the souls of men. Learn
because Christ first speaks of forgiving hence, That the sight of Christ's miracles
(hem ;.yetit is conceived that Christ rather is not sufficient to work faith in the soul,
speaketh here of the temporal remission of but requires the concurring operation of the
the punishment, than of the eternal ; be- Holy Spirit j the one may make us marvel,
cause that depends on our own faith, and the other must make us believe,
not others'.
8 And, behold, certain of the 9 And as Jesus passed forth from
scribes said within themselves, This thence, he saw a man, named Mat-
mb blasphemeth. thew, sitting at the receipt of cus-
See here how the best of men are some- torn : and he saith unto him, Follow
times charged with saving and doing me. And . he arose, and followed
the wont of things ; to do well and bear him.
Hh. "££ V°^a $2"? £?"&!!!! Observe here, the number of our Lord's
may be the portion of the holiest of those „„_rfi_. „„« i J-l„ en^t „„ „v„4 . ^___
tha? beteng'to Christ : the innocent Jesu. •££ £d ^S^S^tblS^
was accused of Uaspbemy, of sorcery, and e^™ a™ cnoice ne majtes , raattnew, a
of the Wacfastataes. LmoSibelf f^J^^* ^.man- ^ff0!
^Z_^jT^^ ^_L *?"»?*"*■} •«" Such is the freeness of God s (trace, that it
«•£*** no man from dander and false choo9eB,andsuchfatheefficac^of»,that it
" r^i ¥ i. Ai. • overpowers and brings in, the worst of
4 And Jesus knowing their finnen ^^ God: Matthew a publican,
thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye Zaccheus an extortioner, Manasseh amur-
evil in your hearts ? 5 For whether derer, Paul a persecutor; all these are
is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven brought home to God by the power of
thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? converting grace. Observe, 2. Matthew's
6 Bat that ye may know that the r^ycom^^^C^sc^l He arose
c« *e MAn i.a*i. «JtWA.. *v« A«wu *^ and followed Christ. When the inward
©on of man natn power on earth to .. ^r4, 0 ... ^ _. ,. M t ,
r . , . . *^ ... , . . , call of the Spirit accompanies the outward
forgive sins, (then saitn he to the call 0f me word, the soul ieadily complies,
sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy ana presently yields obedience to the voice
bed, mod go unto thine house. of God. Christ oft-times speaks by his
Our Saviour here gives the Pharisees a word to our ears, and we hear not, we stir
t«o4aid demonstration of his godhead : not ; but when he speaks by his Spirit to
Fust, by letting them understand that he our hearts, Satan shall not hold us down,
knew their thoughts ; for to search the the world shall not keep us back, but we
hearts, and to know the thoughts, of the shall arise, and follow our Lord and Master
csrihksen of men, is not in the power either Bp. Hall.
4*2 /ST. MATTHEW. Chap. IX.
10 And it came to pass, as Jesus world to do the office of a kind physician
satat meat in thehouse, behold, many untomen; surely then I am to take all op-
publicans and sinners came and sat £,*mm€? * J* •»* " themlLj1fy
j -iL u- , k. j. . i that are sick need the physician: but for
down with him and his disciples. p.^^^ who „*ZLl* and weU in
' .P1^?^^™^**^10 your own opinion, and swelled with a
a discipleship, Matthew invites Christ to a ^c^ of you^ own righteousness, I have
feast; the servant mvites to Jnaster, a -sin- nonope80/ doing any good upon you 5 for
ner invites his Saviour. We do not find, ^ ^^^0^% whole, desire no
whereverChnst was invited to any table, phygician's M?:> Learn hence, 1. That
^^r^J°JS°> ^aj*an9ef' rf * Jinisthesoul/inalady,ito^
pubhcanmvited, he constantly went : not ^ uto^ 2. That Christ is the Phvsi.
for the pleasure of eating, but for the op- ^ appomted by God, for the cure and
TOrtunity of conversing and doing good: ise^isZrlf $& ^goase „& malady. 3.
Christ feasts us, when t we feast him. From That 4^^ multitudes spiritually sick,
Matthew s example, learn, That newcon- who ^ thmk t^nselves sound and whole,
verts are mil of affection towards Christ, 3. liat oiuy such as are sensmte of their
^i7^^pfWVeof^^eUn5^m' Viriwsl **»* ^ «%** capable of
Such as befow ^conversion disarmed him, curefimd the persons wh^Oirist is a
o^aferwarjkmdly and lespe^y enter- healing Physician to : They that are whale
^Y^im}b^9^o^wA%wom^ .Z^Ztaphyiician, but tLy that are tick.
Christ s nch love, makes him a royal feast _. r * . . * . ,. .
Observe farther, How at this feast many 14 Then c*™6 to him *hc dl9C1-
publicans and sinners were present, of Mat- pies of John, saying, Why do we and
thew's acquaintance no doubt, and proba- the Pharisees fast oft, but thy dis-
bly invited by him, that they might also ciples fast not ? 15 And Jesus said
see Christ, and be partakers of the same ttnto them, Can the children of the
grace with him. Whence we learn, That bride-chamber mourn, as long as the
STP^!faoX, tST £4. If ^ bridegroom is with them ? but the
conversion 01 others: and sucn as are , 0.,. , - , .,
truly brought home to Christ themselves, davf8l m" come, when the bridegroom
will study and endeavour to bring in all shall be taken from them, and then
their acquaintance to Christ also. shall they fast 16 No man putteth
11 And when the Pharisees saw * P^ce of new cloth unto an old gar-
tf, they said unto his disciples, Why m«nt 5 *>' *hat *hlch » Put ln to fill
eateth your Master with publicans lt UP taketh from the garment, and
and sinners > *ne rent 's made worse. 17 Neither
See here, what a griefit is to wicked men *? ™n put new wine into old bot-
to find others brought in to Christ ; the U?s ' else thf bottles b'ea*' and ™*
wickedPhariseesmurmur, repine, and envy, wine runneth out, and the bottles
instead of admiring Christ's condescension, perish : but they put new wine into
and adoring his divine goodness : they new bottles, and both are preserved.
ensure him for conversing wim sinners ; The ph^gees themselves had a conten-
but Christ tells them m the following tion with our Saviour in the foregoing ver-
verses, that he ^conversed withthem as their » ; here mey set on me disdpll oHohn,
Physician, not as their Companion. to ^ntend ^ him about fefgDg> ^^
12 But when Jesus heard that, he that the disciples of John tasted often,
said unto them, They that be whole Christ's disciples not at all. Our Saviour
need not a physician, but they that owns **» that his disciples did not last at
are sick. 13 'But go ye and learn pi^t, for two reasons. 1. Because it was
™k«* #*.„# mAnMA*u 1 «„:n k«.,« —«. unsuitable to them. 2. Because it was m-
what that ineaneth, I will have mer- toleraWe fof ^ it was unsuitable to
cy, and not sacrifice : for I am not mem> tec^ 0f Christ's bodily presence
come to call the righteous, but sin- with them ; this made it a time of joy and
ners to repentance. feasting, not of mourning and fasting :
As if our Lord had said, " With whom whilst Christ the Bridegroom is with them,
s)iould the physician converse, but with his they must feast and rejoice ; when removed
sick patients ? Now I am come into the from themr there will be cause enough to
Chap. IX, 5T. MATTHEW. 48
fart sad mourn. Christ n the bridegroom faith, though in much weakness of fiuth.
and Iris church the bride, which he has es- Jesus arose, and followed him.
pound and married to himself; and whilst 20 (And, behold, a woman, which
frisspousedid enjoy h» bodily presence with was diseased with an issue of blood
her, it wasa day of wy and rejoicingto her, tweive vear8> came beWnd kim and
her.
present
were raw, green, and tender, and could ino but tou<5n his garment,
more beartne severities of religion at present, whole. 22 But Jesus turned him
than an old garment could bear a piece of about ; and when he saw her, he
new stiff cloth to be set into it, which will said, Daughter, be of good comfort ;
make the rent worse, tf the garment comes tbv fajtn had made thee whole.
toa6tretdi;noriion^manoldbo^ And ^ woman WM made who,e
St^A-K^S from that hour.)
weak, newly converted, they cannot bear While Christ is on his way to the ruler's
the severer exercises of religion presently ; house, a diseased woman comes behind
but when I am ascended into heaven, I will him, touches his garment, and is instantly
send down my Holy Spirit, which shall en- healed ; the virtue lay, not in ner finger, but
able them to do all the duties which the in her faith ; or rather in Christ, which her
gospel enjoins. Hence we may gather, faith instrumentally drew forth. Observe
That young converts, till grown up to some here,How faith oft-times meets with a sweeter
consistency in grace, must not be put upon welcome than it could expect. This poor
(he severer exercises of religion ; out nan* woman came to Christ trembling, but went
died with that tenderness and gentleness away triumphing; Christ bids ha be of
which becomes the mild and merciful dis- good comfort, thy faith hath made thee
pensation of the gospel. Our Saviour here whole.
cornrnends prudence to his ministers ; that 23 And when Jesus came into the
fk^notttopeopleupon duties beyond rulcr,g h and 8aw the minstrels
^"^ Y*£ « £* *£**£ « and the people making a noise, 24
Christianity, and the proficiency they have „ ^j^/ lL ^ . ' r
matemrel#on,andtr^ He said unto them, Give place ; for
. the maid is not dead, but sleepeth.
18 While he snake these things Afld thcy iaugned nim to scorn. 25
unto them, behold, there came a But when the people were put forth,
certain ruler and worshipped him, hc went in> anJ ioA her by the hand#
saying My daughter is even now and the maid arose# 26 And the
dead : but come and lay thy hand fame hereof went abroad into ali that
upon her, and she shall live. 10 jand
And Jewis arose and followed him, ^ ^^ j. ^ tQ ^ ^^
and so did his disciples. house> finds ^ p™?,, very busy preparine
Observe the humble posture in which for the interment of the dead corpse, witf*
this man came unto Christ, namely, falling music and other solemnities. This custom
at hisfbofcand worshipping him ; which was of having music at funerals came from the
not only a sign of tender affection towards heathens ; no mention is made thereof in
ms daughter, but an evidence of his faith in the Old Testament : we read of tearing the
our blessed Saviour ; yet his confining flesh, shaving the head, eating the bread of
Christ's power to his bodily presence and mourners, also of funeral songs, but these
to the touch of his hand, was a token of were only sung with the voice ; but instru-
the weakness of his faith : Come, says he, ments of music at funerals came from the
and lay thine hand upon her, and she shall Pagans. Weeping and lamentation are the
live. As if Christ could not have cured her, most proper funeral music j then nothing
without either coming to her, or laying his sounds so well as a sigh, nor is any thing
hand upon her. Note here, That although so much in season as a tear : yet are afl
all that come to Christ are not alike strong demonstrations of immoderate and exces-
in faith, yet our blessed Redeemer refuses sive mourning both hurtful to the living
none that come unto him with a sincere and dishonourable to the dead ; nor is it an
44 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. IX
argument of more love, but an evidence of straitly charge them to tell no man of the
less grace. Observe next, In what sense cure ? Herein the great modesty and hu-
our Saviour affirms, that the damsel was utility of Christ appeared, in avoiding all
not dead. Mortua est vobis, mihi dormit, ostentation and commendation ; as also a
says St Jerome ; She is dead to you, but due care of his own safety, lest the publish-
asleep to me : I can as easily raise her ing of his miracles should create him un-
from death, as you can awake her out of timely danger from the Pharisees,
sleep. Her soul was ; separated from her 32 As they went out, behold,
body, but not yet fixed m its eternal man- A-h„ k««.,*k# 4~ k:~. « ^..™k „,• *
sionf Souls departed are under the conduct they bro«Sh? *> him a dumb mail
ot angels, good or bad, to their several possessed with a devil. 33 And
places of bliss or misery. Probably the when the devil was cast out, the
soul of this damsel was under the guard of dumb spake : and the multitudes
angels near hex dead body, waiting the marvelled, saying, It was never so
pleasure of Christ in reference to it ; either seen in Israel.
to restore it again to the body, or to trans- still our Lord goes about doing good ;
late it to its eternal mansion. Note here, before, he healed the disea^ here^ helps
That from these words of our Saviour, the „«, possessed. Learn, 1. That amongst
m aid ts not dead, but sleepeth, the Jesuits the many calamities which sin has rendered
plead for their doctrine of equivocations human nature liable and obnoxious to, this
and mental reservations, aUegmg, that when » one, to be bodily possest by Satan. This
Christ said, she is not dead, he reserved m his n^g dumbness was caused by the devil's
mind, in respect of my power. But the possession. Learn, 2. That one demon-
words of Christ were plainly spoken to those rtntfon of chrirfg d^e power> ^^ a
who were preparing for her interment and convincing evidence of his being truly and
faneralrites, and accordingly only mtimate, ^^y God, was, his casting out devils by
that she was not so dead as that they need- the word ofhis power,
ed to make these preparations, he being n. n . ., „, . . , „
come to awake her as out of sleep. ** ?ut the Pharisees said, He
27 And when Jesus departed J^^ J™'8 throu*h the Pnnce
thence, two blind men followed him, sJhaTtb dreadful and sad effect* of
crying, and saying, Thau son of Da- blindness, obstinacy and malice ; the Pha-
vid, have mercy on us. 28 And risees charge Christ with making a contract
when he was come into the house, with the devil, affirming that he derived his
the blind men came to him : and power from him; but how unlikely was
Jesus saith unto them, Believe ve mis» ma* Satan should lend our Saviour a
that I am able to do this ? They said P°wer ?&** himself and for the destruc-
unto him, Yea, Lord. 20 Then *on of> own km^om ? Ohowdan-
i_ j ■: lL • * gerous is a wilful and obstinate opposition
touched he their eyes, saying, Ac- *f the truth ! It provokes God to JSrver a
cording to your faith be it unto you. person up to final obduracy.
30 And their eyes were opened : ^ And Jegus wcnt about M the
and Jesus straitly charged them cities and vin Caching in their
saying See that no man know •/. 8vnag0gllC8, and preaching the gos-
31 But they, when they were de- £, 0Vthe ^^ and "healing
parted, spread abroad his fame in £ sickness and every disease
all that country. among the ^^ ^ But when
The ruler, and others who came to Christ be saw the multitudes, he was moved
for cure aiid healing bel^edhim to be a with ^^^^ on thcnif because
man unto whom Almighty God had com- ,. r • * j a **. j
municated divine powS. Butitis observa- *? tinted, and were scattered
ble, that these poor blind men did believe abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
him to be the Messias, by their calling him Observe here, 1. Our Saviour's great
the Son of David j and according to their work and business in this world ; it was
feith,;so was their success : their faith capa- doing good both to the bodies and souls of
citated them for a cure. But why did our men ; the most pleasant and delightful, the
Lord enjoin the blind men silence, and most happy ana glorious work that a per-
Chap. X. ST. MATTHEW. 45
too can be employed about. 2. Hisun- pJ&*J"i?*ll*l*rilf I'T?b ?*
.» ».,. r_ J .. j . * ._ • 4u:- instructs them. Secondly, As to the doctrine he
weaned diligence and industry, in this would hate them preach, iiamely, the doctrine of
neat and good work ; He went about all repentance. And, lastly, he anna them against all
4h- -i+i+* Lj «.t7AtA*« «MM>yr/<A«M«r th+ t*n» t°e difficulties they might meet with in their mi-
tt* cities ami vittages, preaching thegos- niitry . tnd p^rtieS,,,,* forlifiei them ^^ ^
pelt and heating diseases : he travelled from ream of poverty and persecution.
place to place, to seek occasions, and to lay a ND when he had ^j^ unt0 kim
^^^i^^^nl^^ !>«• twelve disciples, he save
and beneficial to mankind. Observe, o. The A. . r , P..
particular instance of our Lord's goodness 4thcm P°w«r a0fll»" unclean spirits
and cempassion towards the people in those to cast "jem out> and to heaI a"
cities and villages where he travelled: they manner of sickness and all manner
wanted the preaching of the gospel, that is, of disease.
faithful dispensers of it For though they M the Jewish church arose from twelve
had the scribes and Pharisees to teach them, patriarchs, so did the christian church be-
they instructed them rather in their own come planted by twelve apostles ; the per-
traditions than in the simplicity of the gos- son commissionating them, was Christ,
pel ; Christ pities the people as sheep with* None are to undertake the work and calling
out a shepherd. Thence learn, That idle of the ministry, but those whom Christ ap-
and lazy, unskilful and unfaithful, labourers points ; and the persons coinmissioned
in Christ's harvest, are no labourers in his were disciples before they were apostles,
account. They were as sheep having no To teach us, that Christ will have such as
shepherd. He who doth not instruct his preach the gospel to be disciples before they
flock, and feed them with the sincere milk are ministers ; trained up in the doctrine of
of the word, from a heart full of love to God the gospel, before they undertake a public
and of compassion to souls, deserves not charge. Note farther, The power here
the name of a true shepherd. Dr. Whitby, delegated by Christ to his apostles, over un-
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, clean spmts, and for haling diseases, in his
tu~ k»-»~..+ «~.ii« -•- niAt.*AA... k«* name. And after Christ s resurrection,
The harvest truly t# plenteous, but ^ were ^^ to ^^ ^ miraculou;
the labourers are few : 38 Pray ye ^r upon omera> by k ing ^ ^^
therefore the Lord of the harvest, upon them . ^ eminent demonstration of
that he will semi forth labourers the truth of the christian faith. Learn
into his harvest. hence, That to the intent the apostles might
As if Christ had said, " There is a great preach the gospel with more authority and
number of people that are willing and pre- greater efficacy, Christ gave them a power
pared to receive instructions, but there are of working miraeles j namely, to cast out
out few who are able to instruct these poor devils, and heal all manner of diseases, in
people in the ways of righteousness and his name. When he had called together
trntn ; therefore may and plead with God, his disciples, he gave them power against
that he would provide skilful and faithful unclean spirits.
ramiatatobesento^ 2 Now the names of the twelve
througout the world. Note here, 1. apostles are these : The first Simon,
That God s church is an harvest-field. 2. K . hjt>* ~ a a a
That the ministers of God are labourers in who "called Peter, and Andrew
his harvest, under God, the Lord of the har- his brother : James the son ot Zebe-
vest. 3. That to God alone doth it belong dee, and John his brother ; 3 Philip,
to send forth labourers into hia harvest; and and Bartholomew ; Thomas, and
none must thrust themselves in, till God Matthew the publican ; James the
sends mem forth. 4. That the number of 9(m of Alpheus ; and Lebbeus, whose
fi^llab0^^^•^^^wm; surname was Thaddeus; 4 Simon
»d^ *■ Ca-anite ; and Judas Iscariot,
and incessantly, to the Lord of the harvest, who also betrayed him.
toincreasethe number offafthful labourers, Observe here, Of the twelve apostles
and also to increase their faithfulness. Peter is named first, and Judas last Peter
CHAP. X. i* named first, because first called, Matt, iv.
Th» chapter acquaints ua with the fint commission 1 8. or because probably elder than the rest ;
which w Savour nre bis ^*iri« itopreaeb the or because, for order-sake, he might speak
ipspel • he directs them. First, Whither to go, and . - Ar~7V-* *» % ^ ur.
u» *h«n to preaeh i namely, to Uie Jew* whom before the rest : lrom whence may be in-
48 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. X.
ferred a primacy, but no supremacy; a As ye go, preach. Note thence, That the
priority of order, but no superiority of de- plain and persuasive preaching of the gos-
gree. As the foreman of a grand inquest pel, is the special mean appointed by Christ
has a precedency, but no pre-eminency. for the salvation of lost sinnen. Observe,
Judas is named last, with a brand of infamy 2. The doctrine they are enjoined to preach,
set upon him, that he was the traitor, the namely, that the kmgdom of heaven is at
person that betrayed his Lord and Master, hand; that is, that the promised Messias
Learn hence, That though the truth of was come, and had set up his kingdom in
grace be absolutely necessary to a minister's the world, and expected their obedience to
salvation, yet the want of ftdoth not disan- his laws. Where note, How mat the
mil his office, nor hinder the lawfulness of preaching of John, of Christ, and his apos*
his ministry : Judas, though a traitor, was ties, was one and the same ; namely, the
yet a lawful minister. Inward holiness is doctrine of repentance : repent f say they
not necessary to render the offices belong* all, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ;
ing to the ministerial function valid and ef- that is, the time of the Messiah's appearing,
fectual : Judas preaches Christ as well as which has been so long expected, is now
the rest, and was not excepted when Christ come.
said, He that recevoeth you, receiveth me. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers,
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, raise the dead, cast out devils : free-
and commanded them, saying. Go ly ye have received, freely give*
not into the wav of the Gentiles, and Here our Saviour empowers his apostles
into any city of the Samaritans en- to work miracles for the confirmation of
ter ye not : 6 But go rather to the their doctrine ; but gives them a charge to
lost sheep of the house of Israel. work them freely, without making any pri-
This was only a temporary prohibition, ^^^^T7^ ■ w ^
whilst Christ w* here upon 4rth, the Jews S^J^T ^f^J^ "^J^
being Christ's own people, of whom he ^ich^and his arxjsto wrought) to
cam|andtowhomn^was^prornised;the ^J™± 1^mB^iE? M8E*
gospel is first preached to them j but after- {42^3323 ^^'
«oWi. »iw» „™J*i~, UaA « ™>m~*J*A ♦/> *««„u nencent, they delivered men from miseries,
^Jr%ttLt?2« «* Chmt, to .how hiJetfafa* Saviour,
gives of the Jews, «%to W then, ^ flj™^^ came fiom him was tte
ni^^t^s^.balo.tconi.ion^in. S^ftT^JS^jSK
ners are as lost sheep, wandering and going *~ " ~~ v* *"*»*» WIUWUI #"VUCJ» *"" wu"-
astray from God, till the ininistry of the 0UlPnce-
word finds them. 2. That the great work 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver,
and office of the ministers of the gospel is to nor brass, in your purses : 10 Nor
call home, and to bring in, lost sheep unto scrip for your journey, neither two
Jesus Christ the great Shepherd. Go, says coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves :
iwK f hi^e?9 *5. Mif^' ****• for the workman is worthy of his
calls the Israelites sheep, though they were mea*
not obedient to (he voice of their Shepherd, TiSv , - «. ..
oecause they were God's chosen people : J" * '"'ST* i Z^ft ^ !SP?rSZ:
and he calls them the lost sheep, becaW «* ^£* ™£ to *■ wfefm **
they were both lost in themselves, and also J«"™y.wMdi they were soonto ^despatch :
in great danger of being eventually and JS*,8??? ^courages them to trust to
finally lost, by the ignorance and wicked- <** 5 first for protectwn; take no Steves
ness of their spiritual guides. ™m y?u- that "» n0 f*ng °r smitm^
m A , r ° , staves for your own defence. Preachers
7 And, as ye go, preach, saying, must be no strikers, though a walking-staff
The kingdom of heaven is at hand. they might take with them: itinerant
Observe here, 1. The duty enjoined the preachers might be wearied with travelling.
apostles in order to the bringing home of as well as with speaking. Next for previa
lost souls to Christ, and that is, preaching ; sion ; he would not have them over-solici-
Chap. X. ST. MATTHEW. 4l
• • • *
lows for that neither ; saying, the workman a wilful am, which it was in their power to
is vorthy of his meat. As it is a minister's avoid ; because it rendered them obnoxious
great duty to trust God for his maintenance; to greater punishment than Sodom and
to it is the people's duty to take care for Gomorrha were to suffer at the day of judg-
the minister's comfortable subsistence. The ment ; and because committed against great-
la&ourer is worthy of his hire, and the er light, and greater confirmation of the
workman is worthy of his meat, truth : doubtless the higher a people rise
under the means of grace, the lower they fell
11 And into whatsoever city or if they miscarry.
town ye shall enter, enquire who in it fi hoW , gend forth
wwortky ; awlthere ab.de till ye go . . ft ^y rf ^, be
thence. 12 And when ye come into ^^re wige „ ^
«n house, salute it 13 And if the h ^ ftg dove8
house be worthy, let your peace come . . , , .
upon it : bnt if it be not worthy, let 0ur SaT10Uf ' »*»">* *• {oU7»8
■^ . ,-•■ * . verses, arms his apostles against all the
your peace return to you. 14 And difficulties, dangerTand discouragements,
whosoever shall not receive yon, nor wnich they might meet with in the course
bear your words, when ye depart out of their ministry : hetellsthem, he sentthem
of that house or city, shake off the forth as sheep amongst wolves; intimating
dust of your feeL 15 Verily I say thereby unto them, tnat the enemies of the
unto won, It shall be more tolerable S05!*1 h%ave M P** ** inclination, from
for the land of Sodom and Gomor- ^ "£**"" mature, to devour and de-
. . . . , c • a 4iL e stroy the ministers of Christ, as wolves have
rl.a in the day of judgment than for fronJ ^ Mta|d femper t0 devour shecp .
that city. he therefore recommends to them prudence
Our Saviour proceedi to direct his disci- *** innocence ; be ye wise as serpents, to
pies how to manage this their first journey av0ld ^ world's injuries, and harmless as
mpreachiDg the gospel : he enjoins them, dox>es* in not revenging them. The minis-
1. To observe the rules of decency in their J" °J ^^ ™* not ** altogether doves,
eomg fiom one place to another •, hot like Iest mey fal1 "^ dangers ; nor altogether
beggars wandering from house to house, serpents, lest they endanger others. For as
b^taving entered a city, or village, tomake W** witoout policy is too simple to be safe.
inquiry who stood best affected to the gos- *> policy without piety is too subtile to be
peUand there turn in. 2. Our Saviour B00*- f** Saviourm this te*t teaches us
enjoins them civil and religious courtesy that wisdom and innocency should dwell
towards those whom they applied them- together. Oflend none by word or example.
selves unto. When ye come into a house, 17 But beware of men : for they
saUte it; give it a civil salutation, but es- wiU deliver you up to the councils,
pecnlry a christian and spiritual salute, and tney ^\\ gcourge you in their
wntuDgihem mercy, grace, and peace. 3. ^afroi?nes. ig And ve shall be
ffeenoounges his apostles in the want of ?™af£? U? S; 1<f And ye ,,! **
successVtftitey hear yonnot, shahe of the brought before governors and kings
4isr of Your feet. This action wasemble- «>r "iy sake, for a testimony against
mabcal, and signified. That Almighty God them and the Gentiles. 10 But
would in Eke manner shake off them, and when they deliver you up, take no
them no better than the vilest dust thought how or what ye shall speak ;
Hole, That those who despise the message for it sha|i be given you jn that game
^L^S^S^^^rrtJ011!} *">«* w*at ye shall speak. 20 For
£sdl hereafter find the dust of their feet, and ., . . J., . f Ku .., e - ..
the ashes of their graves, to give a judicial ^ is not ye that spak, but the Spirit
taftsmony against mem in the day of Christ of 3°™ Father which speaketh m you.
Whescver the word is preached, 'tis for a Here our Saviour lets his apostles know,
against them; for if the dust of a that for their owning him, and preaching
feet bear witness against the des- his gospel, they should be brought before
of the gospel, their sermons much all sorts of magistrates, and in all kinds of
Sere fortius well notes, that the courts : but he advises them, when they are
of those who reject the gospel must be brought before kings and princes, not to be
48 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. X.
anxiously thoughtful wbat&ey should say; 23 But when they persecute you
for it should be given them in that hour, what in this city, flee ye into another : for
rather than they shall want a tongue to plead . ,.
for it, God himself will promptthem by his <** S*™>™ heredirects his apostles to a
Spirit, and suggest such truths to theirminds P™ent care for their own preservation, and
as all their oppoeers should not be able to *u°™ **** to « m time of persecution ;
gainsay. Yet, note, That Christ doth not "?un¥ *£?• *£* , 2* r*7 bid P?116
here forbid all fore-thoughts what to say, ^ugh aU tte cm« of tbe^^ preaching
but only distrustful thoughts; that they ™ g^P* ** *0UJd *«rtamly come in
should not, like orators or advocates, strive judgment against Jerusalem, and with
to make studied pleas or rhetorical apolo- severity destroy his own murderers and their
gies for themselves, since the Spirit would persecutors, learn, TtotChrist allows his
bein their mouths, and give them immediate ministers the liberty offligntinumeofper-
supplies. Note also, That because Christ secution, that they may preserve their lives
here promised his apostles an immediate for future service. Surely it is no shame to
assistance from the Holy Spirit, how vain flJ» whe» <»*.<*&** ?>nnnands J» "P*
the Anabaptists and Quakers are, who by d*0 P***^ *• Matt.u. Christ by his
virtue of this promise do now expect the own example has sanctified that state of life
same assistance in prayer and preaching: «}to us, and by his command made it law-
but they may as well pretend to cast out ™* *or u8'
devils as the apostles did, by virtue of the 24 The disciple is not above his
same assistance which the apostles had; master, nor the servant above his
whereas these extraordinary gifts have long lord# 26 It is enough for the disci-
ceased- pie that he be as his master, and the
21 And the brother shall deliver servant as his Lord. If they have
up the brother to death, and the called the master of the house Beel-
father the child : and the children zebub, how much more ihall they call
shall rise up against their parents, them of his household ?
and cause them to be put to death. q^ s^naar here teaches all chnuans,
22 And ye shall be hated of all but especially ministers, how treasonable
men for my name's sake ; but he and absurd it is for them to expect kinder
that endureth to the end shall be usage from an unkind world than he himself
saved. niet with. Are we greater, holier, or
^SaW^ninatarther^j tX^^KSfS
of the worW. habed and enmity agamrt tecato^ie^ mnrfewd, for thehotoess
the rapel, and the preaches of it; and ofhis doctrine and the wefiilnew of hit life?
oflhe^^^^ &™^x£ ** ** must
eachother. Grace teaches us to lay down he hope to be above him ?
our lives for the brethren, but corruption 26 Fear them not therefore : for
teaches a brother to take away the life of a there is nothing covered that shall
brother; The brother shall deliver the bro- not be revealed ; and hid, that shall
ther to death. Yet observe. Our Saviour not be known. 27 What I tell you
comforts his disciples that there will be an in darkness, that speak ye in light :
end of these sufferings; and assures them, . , t ■ \ ^ »-.
that if their faith and patience did hold out ana *ttat ?c he*J "J tac f ar» tna*
unto the end, they should be saved. This preach ye upon the house-tops.
is our comfort, mat if our sufferings for Christ here exhorts his disciples to a free
Christ end not in ourjife-time, they wul end profession and open publication of the doc-
with our lives. trine of the gospel, from this consideration,
Chap. X. ST. MATTHEW. 40
ftat whatever they ay or do shall be 29 Are not two sparrows sold for
brought to light proclaimed and published a farthing ? and one of them shall
to the world. I wiU make the excellency not foU on thc ground withoui your
SKST^^ Fath- 30 B«\ the very haii of
dBpew^of^aiM^tienceinsufeingfor your h€a<* are all numbered. 31
it, «i»ii redound to God's glory and your Fear ye not therefore ; ye are of more
commendation, at the revelation of your value than many sparrows.
Locd from heaven. As wicked men have Observe here, 1. The doctrine which
cause to fear because their evil deeds shall our Saviour preaches to his disciples : and
be made evident, so good men have cause that is the doctrine of divine providence ;
to rejoice because their goodness and good which concerns itself for the meanest crea-
deedsshaU be made manifest Let it be our tunes: even the birds of the air, and the
care to do good, and it shall be Christ's care hairs of our head, do fall within the compass
to discover the goodness which we do, to of God's protecting care. 2. Here is the
vindicate it from misconstruction, and set it use whichour Saviour makes of this doctrine;
in its clearest light namely, to fortify the spirits of his disciples
28 And fear not them which kill ag*** ^ ds-S?*,L"M1 ^d to*™***
tk- Ha*1v hnt ftn> not flhlp ti% kill th* <***- Leam» That &* consideration of the
» ^yi *u ? T I- u • ^vine care and gracious providence of God
soul : Dot rather fear him which is 0ver us and ours, ought to antidote our
able to destroy both soul and body spirit, ^^ ail distaistfulfean whatsoever.
in belL Iran hair from the head fid Is not to ure ground
Observe here the following particulars, 1. without a providence, much less shall the
An unwarrantable fear condemned; and head itself; if the very excrements of the
that as, the sinful, servile, slavish fear of im- body, (such are the hairs,) be taken care of
potent man : Fear not him that can kilt the by God, surely the more noble parts of the
#Wp. 2. An holy, awful, and prudential body, and especially the noblest part of
fear of the omnipotent God commended : ourselves, our souls, shall fall under his
Fcmr Asm that is able to kill both body and particular regard.
W 3.Thej^nsth^^dutyoffear 32 Whosoever therefore shall con-
£J2™!^ fess me before men, him will I confess
Carats own cuscrpies, yea, ms ministers • u r _ r« a. i_- i_ • •
«idssnl)assadOTs;u^bommayandoiight aIso before my "ther which is in
to fear ton; not only for his greatness and heaven. 33 But whosoever shall
but upon the account of his pu- deny me before men, him will I also
ce; as being able to east both soul deny before my Father which is in
body into hell, such a fear is not only heaven,
kw^botkudable, not only commendable, Observe here, 1. That not to confess
esJconsmsnded, and well ihecomes the ser- Christ, m his account, is to deny him: and
rants of God themselves. This text contains to deny him, is to be ashamed of him. 2.
a certain evidence that the soul doth not That whosoever shall deny, disown, or be
perish with the body; none are able to kill ashamed of Christ, either in his person, in
the soul, but it continues after death in a his gospel, or in his members, for any fear
—idt sensibility; it is granted that men 0r fevour of man, shall with shame be dis-
till the bodv, but ft is denied that they ownedi and eternally rejected by him at the
kin the soul: it » spoken of temporal dreadful judgment of the great day. Christ
h; consequently then the soul doth not may be denied three ways; doctrinally, by
perish with the body, nor is the soul reduced ^ erroneous and heretical judgment ; ver-
snto an insensible state by the death of the bally, by oral expressions ; vitally, by a
body; nor can theaoul be supposed to sleep wicked and unholy life. But woe to that
aw the body doth till the resurrection ; for an soy] that denies Christ any of these ways '
nste&gfcle, thinking, and perceiving being, 34 Tnink nor that I am come to
" ^V0"1.* ^?!!i^k5priVed °f "T1" «"»<* P^ce on earth : I came not to
*~ i^^t^K^I^Z *»d Jeace, but a sword. 35 Fori
of flic body, Wag capable of bliss arn come to set a man at variance
, must continue in a state of sensa- against his father, and the daughter
against her mother, and the daughter -
12
60 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. X.
in-law against her mother-in-law. ligion. 2. That such as for secular interest,
96 And a man's foes shall be they of «* *» %ZZr^*%XZ£ ^°
u\- ~ «- ua....i.aU renounce their profession of Christ and his
hisown household. ^on, they <fo not only greatly hazard
We must distinguish herebetwixt the m- ^^^J yfe, but ex^sl^eiJ eternal
tentional aim of Christ s coming, and the m ^ ib^t&iaA daD^7He thatfindeth
acadental event of it. His intentional ami hts hfc J^ ^7^%^
was to propagate and promote peace m the J , lL
world j but through the corruption of man's 40 He that receiveth you, receiv-
nature, the accidental event of his coming eth me ; and he that receiveth me,
is war and division : not that these are the receiveth him that sent me. 41 He
genuine and natural fruits of the gospel, but that receiveth a prophet, in the name
occasional and accidental only. Note, of a pr0phe t, shall receive a prophet's
?^^i£!?^rff^'TO^«^ «*•«•* •*» hc ** receiveth a
tine up the kingdom of Christ m the world, • ,A « : *u _~^r -i_l*
though it be not the natural cause, yet it is "S«teous mail, m the nameof aright-
the accidental occasion, of much of that war e0,,s man» snaU receive a righteous
and tumult, of much of that distraction and man's reward. 42 And whosoever
confusion, which the world abounds with. shall give to drink unto one of these
37 He that loveth father or mother little ones a cup of cold water only
more than me is not worthy of me : in the name of a disciple, verily I
and hc that loveth son or daughter say unto you, He shall hi no wise
more than me is not worthy of me. lose his reward.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, Here in the close of the chapter, our bless-
and followeth after me, is not worthy ed Saviour encourages his apostles to faith-
of me. 39 He that findeth his life fulness in their office, ,by assuring them that
shall lose it : and he that loseth his he **** «*» aad f «* ** *?. k™*T
,.r e i , n c j •* ness shown to them as done unto himself t
life for my sake shall find it. and fe ^unp the world to be kind to
Note here, That by worthiness we are ^ jj^ ^ ministers, he assures them
not to understand the j meritonousness of the that eveJ a of cold ^^ ^M mcet
action, but the qualificauon of the person. with a libcral reward. How cold is then-
He that coraeth to Chmt, (that is, wil be chari^ who d a ^ ofeo\& water to
his disciple,) must, by a deliberate act of ^ ministers ^a Asciples of Christ ! Learn,
the understanding, and ^well-advised choice i. That there is some special and eminent
of the will, prefer him before all the world, rewaid duet0 the Mi^ propnets of q^
and his dearest relations whatsoever ; not above other ^ 2. That he that shall
that our Saviour by these expressions doth ^a^ a prophett md do ^y g^ office
condemn natural love and affi-cuon, either for ^ linder (b3t n^ that ^ for ^ of_
to our relations or our own lives, but only fice ^ shall ^ ^^ of that Tew3rd^
regulates and directs it ; and showsthat our 3# tj^ ^ least ^ of love ^ Tespect
first and chief love must be bestowed upon of kindness and charity, which we show to
himself. We may lave tender and relent- a of ^ rnillisters or members of Jesus
mgaffections towards our dew relations ; Christ for his sake, Christ accounts it as done
but then the consideration of Christ s truth unt0 him8elf and it ^jj ^ n^^ka by
and religion must take place of these ; yea, himselt
of life itself: nay, when these come in PTfAP YT
«^~ wt^st and h JJ2TA *• je8us
than u they were the objects of our hatred. 1%. * j j Ji V _ _■
Luke xiv. 26. If any man hate not his fa- . ^d ma?e *?. cnd,of command-
ther, See. Learn hence, That all the dis- ,n& hls twelve d>*ciplea, he depart-
ciples of Christ should be ready and willing, «<l thence, to teach and to preach in
whenever God calls them to it, to quit all their cities.
their temporal interests and enjoyments, Our blessed Saviour having sent forth his
even life itself, and to submit to any tern- twelve .apostles m the foregoing chapter, to
poral inconvenience, even death itself; and plant ana propagate the gospel, we fintl him
all this willingly, cheerfully, and patiently, in this chapter following them himself in that
father than disown their relation to Christ, great and necessary work : he departed t&
and quit the profession of tin truth and re- teach and to preach in their cities. Christ,,
Chap. XI. ST. MATTHEW. 61
the great Bishop and Shepherd of souls, tent racks wrought by himself and submit* the
not forth the apostles as his curates, to la- miracles wrought by him to the judgment of
bour and sweat in the vineyard, whilst lie their sense ; Go and show John the mira-
took his ease at home; but he followed cles which you hear and tec. Observe, 2.
them himself; his word of command to The miracles themselves; The blind re-
them was, Praite, seauar ; Go ye before, ceive their sight, the tame walk, the deaf
I will follow after. Note, 1. That preach- hear, fyc. Christ was all this in a literal
ing of the gospel is a great and necessary sense, and in a mystical sense also j he was
work, incumbent upon all the ministers of an eye of understanding to the ignorant, a
Christ, let their dignity and pre-eminency foot of power to (he weak ; he opened an
in the church be what it will. None of the ear indeaf hearts to receive the word of life;
servants are above their Lord. 2. That if and the poor are evangelized, that is, turn-
mere be a distinction betwixt teaching and ed into the spirit and temper of the gospel ;
preaching,(aflsoirieapprehend^)they are both the rich hear the gospel, but the poor re*
the work of Christ's ministers, whoareoblig- ceive it, {hat is, they feel the powerful ira-
ed from their Master's example to perform pressions of it ; as we say, such a one is
both : teaching is in order to the conversion Italianized, when his carriage is such as if
of sinners, and preaching in order to the he were a natural Italian. The passive
edification of saints. verb EuafyiXtfytreu denotes, non actum
2 Now when John had heard in PJ^caiianis, sed affectum cvangelii pre-
the pmon the work, of Christ he tf^S^At^A^
sent two of his disciples, 3 And tranrfonning them into the likeoei. of itedf.
said unto him, Art thou be that Lean,, a » a blessed thing, when the
should come, or do we look for ano- preaching of the gospel has such a powerful
ther ? influence upon the minds of men, that the
It was not for John's information that he ^P^.of their mif?dB. «* the .•J"0™ °f
senthisdisciplesto Jesus, but for their satis- *» '"J" «• a hyelytamscr.pt of the
faction, that he was the true and promised ST* and temper of the holy Jesus. Note,
Messiah ; John was assured of it himself by ™* « * *"• F°ph««d of the Messas,
a sign from heaven at our Saviour's baptism, that "5 *"!>* P«»>ch the gospel to the
chap. iii. 17. But John's disciples, out of P°°r' *£ ,x'- »• ■» "J"** **? were tbe
great zeal to him their master, envied Christ P001" lth whon!iCh^.Preac^i^toifot
timself, and were unwilling to believe any the Pharisees and rabb.es neglected them
penon greater than their master: therefore « ^J^Ph rf *e, "f"1/* m 4»'
Jota/orf* a pious design to confirm his ^*ota» says that they hada proverb,
disciples in fhefr belief of Jesus being the ^ *• ^^ ^^ neyer^ts but upon
true Messias, sends tbem to our SavicSr to a "ch ,"»• , .Besxles, the PbarBees' and
hear thedoctrine which he taught, and to rabb,es . **5»* **** **Y V™*"*'
see the miracles which he wrought. Learn were vain tradrtions, aUegoneal interpreta-
hence, What a pious desire tbSe is in such £'^d.^bal,stlca* 3ed»^K>ns', **"*
as know Chri/experimentally themselves, ^f^Aed *? <**»*** «f ** 7^' -80
to bring all that befcng to them to a saving *"**7 ^ff' ^J1^ b? "E"'
acmamtancewithhim! Arch6p. TUhUoS, ZfJ^- "^T^™* ** hn^elr
VoTy interpretations of the law ; and therefore
* " our Saviour, in the close of this cliapter,
4 Jesus answered and said unto ^\\9 the people off from them to leam of
them, Go and shew John again those him, ver. 28. Come unto me, 4-c.
tWs which ye do hear and see : 6 A d bfe d . ^ whowever
The blind receive their sight, awl ghaU be offende<, fa ^
the lame walk, the lepers are cleans- . .
ed, and the deaf hear, the dead are . . °mJ^n9lu hei^ bX *W"?W *«n
— • ~a ~ —a 4UA ~w*.. u««« *u* blessed that are not offended tn htm, doth
raised up, and I the poor have the intinwte tltt miae^ 04ose who ^^ at
gospel preached to them . him> and to whom he ^ the Rock of 0ffence#
Observe here, 1. The way and means Some are offended at the poverty of his per-
wfakh our Saviour takes for the conviction son, others are offended at the sublimity
and satisfaction of John's disciples, that he and sanctity of his doctrine. Some are of-
was the true Messias : he appeals to the mi- fended at his cross, others are offended at
e 2
ST. MATTHEW. ChaP- xl-
52
tion upon him, are in a happy andtort ™e J^P1* wsu^a M Jolm w^. Learn
offended tn me. (^ to, his fiu^ul ministers, when aU the
7 And, as they departed, Jesus worid foraake them. Let the world slight
began to say unto the multitudes anddespisethem at their pleasure, yet Christ
concerning John, What went ye out y^ maintain their honour, and support
into the wilderness to see ? a reed their cause ; as they beara faithful witness
shaken with the wind f ■ ; But what ^^Vt^^^t^
TSr-^J?slLStt Behold commendation itself. Our Saviour com.
clothed in soft raiment? ISenoia, ^^ John>1 For his constancy: he was
they that wear soft clothing are m nQt a reed shaken w^ tfo ujnj. that is>
kings' houses. 6 But what went ye a man 0f an unstable and unsettled judg-
out for to see > a prophet ? yea, I TDeait but fixed and stedfast. 2. For his
sav unto you, and more than a pro- sobriety and high measure of mortification:
nhet 10 For this is he of whom it is he was no delicate, voluptuous person, but
^•♦V^ nl^A I .end mv messenger grave, sober, and severe ; he was mortified
wntten, Behold, 1 send my messenger g« «* • honour, to the ease and
before thy face, which shall prepare JJ^Ktow^ j0hn wrought no
thy way before thee. miracles ; but his holy conversation was as
Our Saviour having given satisfaction to effectual as miracles to prevail with the peo-
John's disciples, next enters upon a large pfe. 3. For his humility : he might have
commendation of John himself: Where ob- been what he would : the people wererea-
serve, 1. The persons whom he commended dyto cry him up for the Messiah, the Christ
him before ; not John's own disciples, for 0f God : but John's lowly spirit refuses all ;
they had too high an opinion of their mas- he confessed, and denied not, saying, I am
ter already, and were so much addicted to not the Christ, but a poor minister of his,
John that they envied Christ for his sake ; willing, but not worthy, to do him service.
see John iii. 26. Behold, Christ baptizeth. This will commend our ministry to the
and all men come unto him. It was a great consciences of our people, when we seek not
eye-sore that Christ had more hearers and 0ur own glory, but the glory of Christ 4.
followers than John ; therefore not before Our Saviour commends John for his clear
John's disciples but before the multitude, preaching and revealinff of Christ to the
Christ commends John ; for as John's dis- people : he was more than a prophet, ver.
ciples had too high, so the multitude had 9. because he pointed out Christ more
too low, an opinion of himj possibly be- dearly and My than any before him. The
cause of his imprisonment and sufferings, ancient prophets saw Christ afar off; John.
There was a time when the people had high beheld him face to face : they prophesied
thoughts of John, but now they undervalued 0f him : he pointed at him, saying, This is
him. Learn thence, The great uncertainty he. Whence learn, That the dearer any
of popular applause: the people contemn ministry is in discovering of Christ, the
to-day whom they admired yesterday ; he more excellent it is.
who to day is cried up, to-morrow is trod- \\ Verily I say unto you, Among
den down. The word and the ministers are ^eln fa^ ar€ born of women, there
the same; but this proceeds from the fickle- hath not ^ a greater than John
nessandmco^cy ofthe^pleino- Baptist: notwithstanding, he
thine is so mutable as the mind of man, no- ;T x . r .. .. u:»^i^« Jkao
thinl sociable as the opinion of the mul- that is least m the kingdom of bea-
titude. Observe, 2. The time when our ven is greater than he.
Saviour thus commended John; not in the Our Saviour having highly commended
time of his prosperity and greatness, when John in the foregoing verses, here he iseta
the people flocked ate him, and Herod got bounds to the honours of his ministry,
him to court and reverenced him 5 but adding, That though John was greater than
when thegiddy multitudehad forsaken him, all the prophets that went before him.
Mid he was fallen into disgrace at court, and seeing more of Christ than all of them, yet
Chap. XI. ST. MATTHEW. 63
he saw less than them that came after him. it j none but the violent are victorious j they
The meanest evangelical minister that take it by farce. Which words are both
preaches Christ come, is to be preferred restrictive and promissive. They are the
before all the old prophets, who prophesied violent and none other, that take it ; and all
of Christ to come. That minister who the violent shall take it Though careless
sets forth the life, death, resurrection, and endeavours may prove abortive, vigorous
ascension of Jesus Christ, is greater in the prosecution shall not miscarry. There is
kingdom of heaven, that is, has an higher also another exposition of these words ; the
office in the church, and a more excellent violent take the kingdom of heaven by
ministry, than all the . prophets, yea, than force ; that is, the publicans and sinners,
John himself. The excellency of a ministry and poorer sort of people, who were well /
consists in the light and clearness of it. looked upon by the scribes and Pharisees [
Now though John's light did exceed all that as persons who had no right to the blessings
went before him, yet it fell short of them of the Messiah ; these, as violent invaders ,
that came after him : and thus he that was and bold intruders, embrace the gospel, and
least in the kingdom of grace on earth, do as it were take it by force from the
much more he that is least in the learned rabbies, who challenge the chief-
kingdom of glory in heaven, was greater est place in this kingdom: and accord-
thanJohn. Not that the meanest christian, ingly our Saviour tells them, St Matt.
hut the meanest evangelical prophet, or xxi.31. The publicans and harlots go into
preacher of the christian doctrine, is greater the kingdom of God before you ; for you
than John j partly in respect of his doctrine, believed not John's coming to you in the
which is more spiritual and heavenly; part- way of righteousness, but the publicans
ly in respect of his office, which was to and harlots believed him, when at the
preach Christ crucified and risen again; same time the Pharisees and lawyers1
and partly in respect of divine assistance, rejected, &c. being not baptized of him.
for John did no miracle, but the apostles ^ por au the prophets and the
that succeeded him went forth, the Urd law prophesied until John. 14 And
working with them, and connrmmg the :e * :n •* xu- • rr
vord with signs following. Add to this, ^ ?e wlU ^ceive t/, thisis Ehas,
that the Holy Ghost fell not upon John, and ™hl™ was for to co1me- . ** Hc that
he spake not by any extraordinary inspira- nat" ears t° hear* let him hear,
tion of the Holy Spirit sent down from Here is still a farther commendation of
heaven, as the apostles did ; and thus he John. The law and the prophets till the
that was least in the kingdom of heaven coming of John did foretell the Messiah,
was greater than John. but not so deteiminately, not so nearly,
12 And from the days of John the not *° clearly, as John did : and accord-
Baptist until now, the kingdom of 2#»I?V™! *}??*£ t^L^t- Md
» r _ ff _.. . | _ _ ° . .. Malachi foretold should be the harbinger
heaven suffereth violence, and the ^ forenmner of c^. But wh ^
violent take it by force. john ^ fop^ ^ riSaDe of ^lias «
OurSaviourgoeson in commending John's Possibly because they were alike zealous in •
ministry from the great success of it: it had the work of God; they were alike successful
that powerful influence upon the consciences m that work ; and they were alike perse-
of men, that no soldiers were ever more Cuted for their work ; the one by Jezebel,
violent and eaeer in the storming and the other by Herodias.
taking a strong hold, than John's hearers -- „ . , A . .. - ...
wereln pursuing the kingdom of heaven. J6 But thereunto shall I liken
Never any minister (before) discovered the tnIS generation ? It is like unto
Messiah and his kingdom so clearly as John children sitting in the markets, and
Ad; and therefore never was there such calling unto their fellows, 17 And
zeal to press into the kingdom of heaven saying, We have piped unto you,
amongst any, as the hearers of John had. an(| ye have not danced ; we have
I*arn henc^l. That t^cW knowledge mourJned unto vou> and ye have not
any people have of the worth and excel- t . • 10*r ' f i; „
Wcy of heaven, the more will their zeal '^nted. 18 For John came nei-
\se inflamed in the pursuit of heaven. 2. ther eating nor drinking ; and they
That all that do intend and resolve for say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son
heaven must offer violence in the taking of of man came eating and drinking ;
54 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XI.
and they say, Behold a man glutton- Christ'* familiarity, would gain upon the
ous and a wine-bibber, a friend of «-ri»eM. ft m our duty fa the come
publican, and sinner, But Wisdom rf~^ *-£ it^endS
w justified of her children. voun to ^^ ^1, m ^ ^^ but
Our Saviour in these words describes very few; but if God and conscience be of
the perverse humour of the Pharisees, whom the number of those few, we are safe and
nothing could allure to the embracing of happy. Observe, 8. That it has been the
the gospel ; neither John's ministry, nor old policy of the devil, that he might
Christ's. This our Saviour seta forth two hinder the success of the gospel, to fill the
ways. 1. AUegorically,'ver. 16, 17. 2. Pro- minds of persons with an invincible preju-
periy, ver. 18, 19. By way of allegory, dice against the ministers and dispensers of
he compares them to sullen children, whom the gospel. Observe, 3. That after all the
nothing would please, neither mirth nor scandalous reproaches cast upon religion,
mourning: if their fellows piped before and the ministers of it* such as are Wisdom's
them, they would not dance ; if they sung children, wise and good men, will justify
mournful songs to them, they would not religion ; that is, approve it in their judg-
ement : that is, the Pharisees were of such ments, honour it in their discourses, and
a censorious and capricious humour, that adorn it in their lives : Wisdom is justified
God himself could not please them, though of her children.
he used variety of means and methods in 20 Than began he to upbraid the
order to that end. Neither the : delightful citie9 therein most of his mighty
arte of mercy, nor the doleful ditties of workg were d beceLUM they re-
judgment, could affect or move their hearts. ' J
drinking. w w
is, not so freely and plentifully as other done in you had been done in Tyre
men, being a very austere ana mortified and Sidon, they would have repent-*
man, both in his diet and in his habit : and e(j iong ago in sackcloth and ashes,
all this was designed bv God, that the ^ B||t j unto ,t ghall ^
as a X&&ZZ ~ ■* »* * *j» • -} «*-
repentance: but instead of mis, they at the day of judgment, than for yoM.
censure him for having a devil : because he Our Saviour having gone through the
delighted in solitude, and • avoided con- cities of Galilee, preaching the doctrine of
verse with men ; according to the ancient repentance, and confirming his doctrine
proverb, that every solitary person is with miracles, and finding multitudes after
either an angel or a devil, either a wild all his endeavours remain in their impeni-
beast or a god. John being thus rejected, tence, he proceeds to upbraid them severely
Christ himself comes to them, who being for that their contempt of gospel grace :
of a free and familiar converse, not shun- Then began he to upbraid the cities, Sfc.
ninff the society of the worst of men, even Where observe, 1. The cities upbraided,
of the Pharisees themselves, but complying Choraxin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum :
with their customs, and companying with in their pulpits he daily preached, and
them at their feasts, yet without the least those places were the theatres upon which
compliance with them in their sins; but his miracles were wrought; other cities
the freedom of our Saviour's conversation only heard, these saw; but where he
displeased them as much as John's re- preached most he prevailed least; like
aervedness of temper ; for they cry, Behold some fishermen, he catched least in his own
'« man gluttonous, Christ's affability pond. Observe, 2. What he upbraids them
towards sinners, they call approbation of for ; not fof disrespect to his person, but
their sins ; and his sociable disposition, for disobedience to his doctrine ; because
looseness and luxury. Learn hence, 1. they repented not. The great design of
That the faithful and zealous ministers of Christ, both in the doctrines which he
God, let their temper and converse be preached, and in the miracles which he
what it will, cannot please the enemies of wrought, was to bring men to repentance;
religion, and the haters of the power of that is, to forsake their sins, and live well,
godliness; neither John's austerity, nor Observe, 3. Whom he upbraids them
Chap. XL ST. MATTHEW. 66
with; Tyre and Skhn, Sodom and Go- day of judgment 2. That in the day of
merrah ; nations rude and barbarous, out judgment some sinners shall fare worse
of the pale of the church, ignorant of a Sa- than others. There are degrees of punish-
vsour, and of the way of salvation by him. ment among the damned. 3. That the
Learn, That the higher a people rise under worst of heathens, who never heard of a
the means, the lower tney fell if they Saviour, nor ever had an offer of salvation
miscarry. They that have been nearest to by him, shall fare better in the day of judg-
eonversion, and not yet converted, shaJI ment than those that continue impenitent
have the greatest condemnation when they under the gospel. Christ here avouches,
ate judged. Capernaum's sentence shall that Capernaum's sentence shall exceed So-
exeeed Sodom's for seventy, because she dom's for severity,
exceeded Sodom in the enjoyment of means 25 At that time Jesus answered
and mercy. The case of those who are an(| sai(|f j thank thee, O Father,
impeniteatunder the gospel, is of all others j^ of heaven Bnd earth heaiU9e
^^£^^^^LdT^9 *ou ha*t W I these tjings ^from the
the stain of mankind, a city soaked in the wwe and P™dent, and hast revealed
dregs of vittany ; yet this hell upon earth them unto babes. 26 Even so, Fa-
shaTl have a milder hell at the last day of ther : for so it seemed good in thy
judgment, than unbelieving Capernaum, as sight .
the next verse informs us, verse 23. Id these verses our Saviour glorifies his
23 And thou, Capernaum, which F*Aer for ^ *«* *«<* ^ disjxnsation of
art exalted unto heaven, shalt be ^ gospel-grace to the meanest and most
bright down to hell: for if the ^{.J^^
mighty works which have been done it B wis€ and pnidenif Christ means
in thee had been done in Sodom, it worldly wise men, particularly scribes and
would have remained until this day. Pharisees, from whom God in judgment did
This city lying under greater guilt than hide the mysteries of the gospel, and said,
the rest, Christ names it by itself, without ye shall notice; because they had dosed
the rest : nay, he doth not only name it, meu% eyes, and said, we will not see. By
but notify it, as being lifted up to heaven °abe*f understand such as are at the great-
by signal favours and privileges, namely, «t distance in natural consideration from a
C&rist's presence, Christ's preaching and capacity for such nch and heavenly maoi-
nriracks. Observe, 1. Capernaum's privi- testations. By hiding these things from
leges enjoyed, though a poor obscure place the wise and prudent, we are not to under-
in itself, yet she was iby the person, ministry, stand God's putting darkness into them, but
and miracles of Christ, lifted up to heaven, his leavine them to itheir own darkness, or
Learn thence, That gospel-ordinances and denying them that light which they had no
church-privileges enjoyed, are a mighty ho- desire to see ; plainly mtnnatmg, that God
nour and advancement to the poorest per- judicially hides the mysteries of heavenly
sons and obscurest places. Observe, 2. An wisdom from worldly wise men. Learn,
heavy doom denotmced. Thou shalt be 1. That till God reveals himself, his nature
brought dawn to heU; that is, thy condi- and will, no man can know either what he
tion Tshall be as sad as that of the worst of »» or what he requires : Thou hast revealed.
men, for thy non-proficiency under the 2. That the wise men of the world have in
means enjoyed. Learn thence, That gos- all ages despised the mysteries of the gospel,
pd-ordraances and church-privileges en- and therefore been JudicaUy given up by
joywi, but not improved, provoke Almighty God to their own wilful blindness : Thou
God to inflict the sorest of judgments upon k**t *«? these things from the wise and
a people. Thou Capernaum, which art prudent 3. That the most ignorant and
naked to heaven, shalt be brought down most humble, not the most learned, rf
1 0 heU ° proud, do stand ready to receive and em-
« A t> A i a iL , .4 i n brace the gospel revelation : Thou hast re-
24 But I wy unto you, toat it shall ^ t£Zunto bao€S. 4. This is no
be more tolerable for the land of lesa pleasing to Christ, than it is the plea-
Sodom in the day of judgment, than 8ure 0f the Father: Even so, Father, for
for thee. so it seemeth good in thy sight. As if
Observe here, 1. That there shall be a Christ had said, Father, thy election and
66 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XI.
choice pleases me, as being the choice and yoke of the commandments; and the
good pleasure of thy wisdom. ceremonies imposed upon the Jews are
27 All things are delivered unto called a yoke, Acts rv. 10. Now as Moses
me of my Father : and no man know- h** * yoke, «o hasCtorist : and according-
eth the ;Ln but the ; Father .neither gnj-^ Cg.^^-
knoweth any man the Father, save ke of mstructioni ^ a yoke of affile
the Son, and he to whomsoever the tjon . Christ's law is a yoke of instruction ;
Son will reveal him. it restrains our natural inclinations, it curbs
In this verse our Saviour opens his com- our sensual appetites ; it is a yoke to
mission, and declares, 1. His authority ; corrupt nature ; this yoke Christ calls his
that all power is committed to him, as yoke, Take my yoke upon you: 1. Because
Mediator, from God the Father. 2. His he, as a Lord, lays it upon our necks. 2.
office : to reveal his Father's mind and will Because he, as a Servant, bore it upon his
to a lost world. No man knoweth the own neck first, before he laid it upon ours.
Father ', but the Son ; that is, the essence Observe, 2. That the way and manner how
and nature of the Father, the will and to bear Christ's yoke must be learnt of Christ
counsel of the Father, only as the Son re- himself, Take my yoke upon you, and
veals them. Learn, That all our saving learn of me ; that is, learn of me, both
knowledge of God is in and through Jesus what to bear, and how to bear. Observe,
Christ : he, as the great Prophet of the 3. That Christ's humility and lowly-
church, reveals the mind and will of God mindedness, is a great encouragement to
unto us for our salvation, and no saving christians to come unto him, and learn of
knowledge without him. him, both how to obey his commands, and
28 Come unto me all ye that la- how to suffer his will and pleasure. Learn
hour and are heavy laden, and I of me, for I am meek.
will give you rest. 30 por my yo|<e ft ea-y> and my
Here we have a sweet invitation, backed hlir/i„n ;« iiJLt
with a gracious encouragement; Christ in- T™ w "&, _ ^ 4U ^_ J
vites such as are weary of the burden of sin, Observe here, 1. Christ s authority and
of theslavery of Satan, of the yoke of the greatness: he hw power to impose a yoke,
ceremonial law, to come unto him for rest ** m5«* » ****** M* %*e : !** *T"
soul's laborious burden : Come unto me, *» »y aemct " B00* ""J g^ful* P^
all ye that labour. Labouring supposes a *b e ** «** 5 ** only, tolerable, but
buiden to be laboured under ; this burden delightful and as is my yoke, such is my
is* sin's guilt 2. That such as come to burden; the burden of my precepts, the
Christ for rest must be laden sinners. 3. burden of my cross, both light, not abso-
That laden sinners not only may, but ought lutdv» but comparatively ; the weight of
to come to Christ for rest: that they may my cross is not comparable with the glory
come, because invited ; they ought to come, <* my crown. Learn, That the service of
because commanded. 4. That the laden Chnst' though hard and intolerable to
sinner, upon his coming, shall find rest corrupt nature, yet is a most desirable and
Come, Src. Note here, That to come to delightful service to grace or renewed
Christ, in the phrase of the New Testament, n^e ; Christ s service is easy to a spiritual
is to believe in him, and to become one of mm?' L " B «"*• ?» rt » a rational
his disciples. John vi. 35. He that service : consonant to nght reason, thou^i
cometh unto me shall not hunger, he that contradictory to depraved nature. 2.
believeth on me shall not thirst ^V* » it is a spiritual service ; delightful
29 Take my yoke upon you, and to ? somtual mind. 3. Easy, as it is an
« ^ * r*Li Tu j i assisted service ; considering that we work
learn of me ; for I am meek and low- „rtf in _,„ Awri ' *^„„*u u.,t ;„ n~i»- a
... ' , •iii-i not m our own strength, but in Uod s. 4.
ly in heart : and ye shall find rest Easv> when once *t ^ ail accustomed
unto your souls. service; though hard to beginners, it is easy
Here note, That the phrase of, Take the to professors ; the farther we walk, the
yoke, is judicial : the Jewish doctors speak sweeter is our way. 5. Easy, as it is the
frequently of the yoke of the law ; the most gainful service ; having the assurance
A
Chip. XII. ST. MATTHEW. 57
of an eternal weight of dory, as the reward shew-brcad, which was not lawful for
of our obedience. Well therefore might him to eat, neither for them which
o« holy Lord say to his followers, My wcre with him but onl for ihe
yoke n cosy- ™* >»* ^den ts light. ^^ ? fi Qr hftve yc ^ ^^ ^
CHAP. XII. fhe jaw> how that on the sabbath -
Oar Moard Saviour in Urn chapter takes occasion to An..„ #u - .^i^^a^ ;„ |LA *a«.^i^ ,,>«^iu— ~
iartmct km diKipia iu the Soctrioe of th« »b- day* the priests in the temple profane
uu.Aowiog.Uutworkj of necessity and mercy the sabbath, and are blameless ? 6
out be performed apon that day, without any n . . * lL , . iL . .
mhiioaof the dirine command. J But I say unto you, that in this place
T that time Jesus went on the is <>»« greater than the temple,
sabbath-day through the corn ; In these words our Saviour defends the
aid his disciples were an hungered, action of his disciples in plucking the ears
aid began to pluck the ears of corn, of <*>** m $*** necessity, by a double
and to eat. argU^t^VFr?m ^n > "rt!:
Observehere the poor estate and low necessity ^ hm W fault m eatuig the
i-.- r /-n_ ■_j,r^ j- • i .i • consecrated bread, which none but the
condition of Christ's own disciples in this _r!rTT7i. "i^Z?.._. __" " -T_ ™- .. .
world : they wanted bread, and are forced F™*» "»fc** lawfully «t}for m case* of
to ptockS ear* of com to satisfy their nfcem^' a ceKf^i P"*? »«* V™
hj«. (^sometime, differs his Lrest ^ ?L1J^ J^"0** ,° f TSJ
dXnmth* world to fall into straits, and %*£%*"!& ** 'T^S!.^6'' "*
to tote of want, forthe trial of theirfeith, ****** f*K " ^^fiST0* "?
^dependence upon his power and pro- Z£X™ff f£. ™£ £ £
2 B«t when the "»««-«-*. oZarfS »WSui$££
they said unto him, Behold, thy dis- orifices, and many other acts of bodily
ciples do that which is not lawful to labour, which would be accounted sabbath-
do apon the sabbath-day. profanation, did not the service of the
Observe here, 1. The persons finding temple require and justify it. Now,saith
tank with mis action of the disciples, the our Saviour if the temple-service can
Pharisees ; many of whom accompanied justify labour on the sabbath, I am greater
oca* Saviour, not out of any good intentions, than the temple, and my authority and
but only with a design to cavil at, and service can justify what my disciples have
quarrel with, every thing that either Christ done. From the whole we learn, That
or his dsapks said or did. Observe, 2. acts of mercy, which tend to fit us for works
The action which they found fault with : of piety, not only may, but ought to be,
die disciples' plucking off the ears of corn done on the sabbath-day.
on the sabbath^day. Where note, It is not 7 But if ye had known what this
tb^ft which the discrete are accused of by meanetb, i wi|i have mercy, and not
the Phansees; for to take in our necessity rffi * _e would t C con.
» much of our neighbour's goods as we ^cnnce> ye wowa not nave con-
may reasonably suppose that, if he were demned the guiltless,
present, and knew our circumstances, he Learn hence, That the law of mercy is
would give us, is no theft ; but it was a much more excellent than the law of cere-
servile labour on the sabbath, in gathering monies j and where both cannot be ob-
fhe corn, that the Pharisees scrupled : served, the less must give place to the
plackmt; the ears was looked upon as a greater. God never intended that the
*crt of reaping. Learn thence, How ceremonies of his service in the first table,
zealous hypocrites are for the lesser things should hinder works of mercy prescribe^
' f the law, whilst they neglect the weight- in the second table. All God's command*
cr ; and bow superstitiously addicted to are for man's good. Where both cannot
*e ootward ceremonies, placing all holi- be obeyed, he will have the moral duty
nos m the observation of them. performed, and the ceremonial service
3 Bat be said unto them, Have ye omitted : he will have mercy and not sa-
»ot read what David did when he crifice ; that is, he will have mercy rather
*as an hungered, and they that were than sacrifice, where both cannot be had.
*ilh him : 4 How he entered into 8 For the Son of man is Lord
the bouse of God, and did eat the even of the sabbath-day.
58 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XII.
As if Christ had said, " I, who am Lord all ; 16 And charged them that
of the sabbath, declare to you, that I have they should not make him known :
apower to dispense with ilie obswiration of Q ^ ^^ d _
it : and it is my will that the sabbath, which . ,„ ™L ^J1Mruf u« jmTcLfen*'. JZL
was appointed for man, should yield to loiis cure wrought by <nn- Saviour 8 power
man's safety and welfare/' Christ the Son SFV^TS^w tjf w'*'
if -. J iu- *i^ c«. *e n~A «« a *. Stretch out tkme hand, tarn hit hand ens*
ofmanwas really the Son of God : and as Observe, T What a contrary
snchliadix>weroyerthesabbath,todispense J^^ ,^^^n ^h!^T^
^1UW I"""" vr" ""•"""»*"♦, « «Tr"; effect this cure had upon the Pharisees ; m-
with it. vea, to abrogate and change it, at ™m*w*a v"*c *™ ui™ "■* * «««», <«
u» !««»«»». against him : Christ s enemies, when argu-
0 And when he was departed ments fail, fell to violence. Observe, 3.
thence, he went into their synagogue. J** prudent means which our &viour
10 And, behold, there was a man forte own preserv^^^
l« u u j l* u~_ i :4l-mj a«j self> Christ s example teaches his minis-
which had Aw hand withered And ^^ d to Joid ^ ^^ of
they asked him, sayiug Is it lawful secutors, mi prudently to preserve their
to heal on the sabbath-days ? that lives, unless when their sufferings arc
they might accuse him. 11 And he like to do more good than their lives
said unto them, What man shall Observe, 4. The great humility of Christ.
there be among you, that shall have m concealing his own praises; he had
one sheep, and frit fall into a pit on no "*%? that 9* *"? ,of ^b m!!?-
the sahbath-dav will he not lav hold c,es should ^ sPread abroad» for "* ^"g111
tne saDDatn-aaY, win ne not lay now not nis own . neither wouM te , the
on it, and lift tf out? 12 How noise of his miracles enrage the Pharisees
much then is a man better than a against him to take away his life; know.
sheep ? wherefore it is lawful to do ing mat his time was not yet come, and
well on the sabbath-days. he had much work to do before his death.
Here we have another dispute betwixt 17 That it might be fulfilled which
our Saviour and the Pharisees concerning was spoken by Esaias the prophet,
the sabbath j whether it be a breach of that gaying, 18 Behold my servant
^£!5?^Lto^ipol^liaviS? a whom Ihave chosen; my beloved,
withered hand ? Christ confutes them • „ . ^ „m%f 0i. • * ■■ 'L\Mkm^A i
from their own practice, telling the Pha- In *hom »*■?«> lB well pleased ; I
risees, that they themselves judged it wiU put my Spirit upon him, and he
lawful to help out a sheep, or an ox, if shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
fallen into a pit on that day: how much 19 He shall not strive, nor cry ;
more ought the life of a man to be pre- neither shall any man hear his voice
ferred f Here we may remark, how inve- in the streets. 20 A bruised reed
terate a malice the Pharisees fed [against our shaI| he not break ^j smoking
!TS^wl^tnffC J- "*» h< «* *■-*•. f * "£
working a merciful and miraculous cure fort* judgment unto victory. 21
upon the sabbath-day. When envy and And in his name shall the Gentiles
malice (which are evermore quick-sighted) trust.
can find no occasion of quarrel, they will That is, our blessed Saviour did those
invent one, against the innocent good acts before spoken of, that it might ap-
-•« rn« ..* v A ,i pear that he was the true Messias prophesied
13 Then saith he to the man, of by j^ ^ prophet> ^p. x]il 1> Qm
Stretch forth thine hand. And he Behold my servant whom I have set apart
stretched it forth; and it was re- for accomplishing the work of sal vation for
stored whole, like as the other. 14 a lost world ; he by the fulness of my
Then the Pharisees went out, and Spirit shall teach the nations the way off
held a council against him, how they *** a™1 righteousness -, he shall no*
might destroy him. 15 But when 4^SmOT^f^J!^r0teibl^^!
i™.« l- •: u *lj u- ir *he Prince of Peace, shall deal gently with
Jesus knew ti, he withdrew himself ^ weakf ^ ^^ the ^a* Wires of
from thence : and great multitudes g^, j^a j^^rees ^ goodness. ObservaJ
followed him, and he healed them here, 1. A description of Christ as Mediator]
■
i
Chap. XII. ST. MATTHEW. 60
heis God the FathertS^^, employed in let the world pan their censures at their
the most noble service, namely, that of pleasure. When the holy and innocent
instructing and saving a lost world. Ob- Jesus was thus assaulted, what wonder is it
serve* 3. With what meekness and gentle- if we his sinful servants be branded on all
ness Christ sets up his spiritual kingdom in sides by reviling tongues I Why should
the world j he doth not with noise and we expect better treatment than the Son of
clamour, with force and violence, subdue God.
and conquer j but with meekness and 26 And Jeans knew their thoughts,
gentleness gains persons' consent to his and said unto them, Every kingdom
government and anthoritv. Observe, 3. divided against itself is brought to
The gentle carriage of Christ in treating degoiat:on . ami *verv citv or honaa
those of infirmer grace j he doth and wifl ?— i J '•-?•* \Vl 11 y ♦ f T
gracionsly r*eser£ and tenderly cherish £mded I against itself sliaU not stand :
the smallest beginnings, the weakest mea- ?6 And " Satan cast out Satan, he
sores, and the lowest degrees, of sincere is divided against himself; how
grace, which he observes in any of his shall then his kingdom stand ? 27
children and people. By the bruised reed And if 1 by Beelzebub cast out de-
and smoking JUix, understand such as are y\\Bf by whom do your children cast
bro^ai.^uthe8®?8eof8in' wch * ■" them out? therefore they shall be
weak m faith* such as are so much over- • « *%<% » * •* » *. *.
powered by^rruption, that they do rather TO^?' Q^w/i ^ T
smoke than burn or shine j such as are devils by ™* SP,nt of God» then ^
thus low and mean in spirituals, Christ will kingdom of God is come unto you.
not break with his power, nor auench with 20 Or else, how can one enter into
his rebukes, till he has perfected their a strong man's house, and spoil his
conversion, and their weak grace is become goods, except he first bind the strong
victorious, man ? and then he will spoil his
22 Then was brought unto him house. 30 He that is not with me
one possessed with a devil, blind is against me ; and he that gathereth
and dumb : and he healed him, in- not with me scattereth abroad,
somuch that the blind and dumb 0ur bleBsed ^^^ to dear his ^0.
both spake and saw. 23 And all cence, and to convince the Pharisees of the
the people were amazed, and said, unreasonableness of this their calumny and
Is not this the Son of David I 24. false accusations, offers several arguments
But when the Pharisees heard it, t0 their consideration. 1. That it was
they said. This/e//ou> doth not cast v«7 **&& *■* ***** .*»£ *£ ***
out devils but by Beelzebub, the Lh* P™* * ™? rt ^^ h"2dt **
. i:. j -JJ *~««wuw, iUC Satan has a kingdom, so he has wit enough
pnnce of the devils. t0 preserve ^ kingdom, and will do
As a farther instance of Christ's miracu* nothing to weaken his own interest. Now
lous power, he healeth one whom the devil if I have received my power from Satan for
had cast into a disease which deprived him destroying him and his kingdom, then is
both of speech and sight : at this miracle Satan divided against himself. 2. Our
the multitude wonder, saying, Js not this Saviour tells them, they might with as much
the son of David .* that is, the promised reason attribute all miracles to the devil, as
Messias. The Pharisees hearing this, with those mat were wrought by him. There
great bitterness and contempt said, This were certain Jews among themselves, who
fellow easteth out devils by Beelzebub the cast out devils m the name of the God of
'prince of devils. Observe from hence, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob 5 Christ asks
How obstinacy and malice will make men the Pharisees, by what power these their
misconstrue the actions of the most holy children cast them out ; They acknow-
and innocent j Christ easteth out devils, ledged mat those did it by the power of
say the Pharisees, by the help of the devil. God ; and there was no cause but their
There never was any person so good, nor malice, why they should not acknowledge
any action so gracious, but they have been that what he did was by the same power,
subjectboth to censure and misconstruction. If least out devils by the Spirit of Godf
The best way is to square our actions by the then the kingdom of God is come unto you ;
right rule of justice and charity, and then that is, the Messias is come, because he
60 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XII.
wrought these miracles to prove that he waa dangerous, but desperate ; because they
the Messias. 3. Another argument to resist their last remedy, and oppose the
prove that the miracles which Christ best means for theu conviction. What can
wrought were by the power of God, and God do more to convince a man that Jesus
not by the help of Satan, is this : The Christ is the true Messiah, than to work
devil is very strong and powerful, and miracles for that purpose ? Now if when
there is no power but God's only mat is men see plain miracles wrought, they will
stronger than his : Now, says Christ, If I say it is not God that works them, but the
were not assisted by a divine power, I devil j as if Satan would conspire against
could never cast out this strong man; who himself, and seek the ruin of his own
reigns in the world as in his house : it must kingdom ; there is no way left to convince
be a stronger than the strongman that shall such persons, but they must and will con-
bind Satan : and who is he but tiie God of tinue in their opposition to truth, to their
strength ? inevitable condemnation.
31 Wherefore I say unto you, All 33 Either make the tree good,
manner of sin and blasphemy shall and his fruit good ; or else make the
be forgiven unto men : but the bias- tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt :
phemy against the Holy Ghost shall for the tree is known by his fruit,
not be forgiven unto men. 32 And These words may either refer to the
whosoever speaketh a word against Pharisees, or to Christ himself. If to the
the Son of man, it shall be forgiven g*™** *" *aue j* Yo» ayP^tical
him • but whosoever soeaketh a- H*118** *"*» yourselves what you are by
mm . Dui wnosoever 8peaKeui a- wordjS ^ ^ even as the fruit
gainst the Holy Ghost, it shall not ioweth what the tree is. If they refer to
be forgiven him, neither m this world, Christ, then they are an appeal to the Pha-
neither in the world to come. risees themselves, to judge of our Saviour
Observe, 1. How our Saviour makes a and his doctrine by the miracles which he
difference betwixt speaking against the Son wrought. If he wrought by the devil, his
of man, and speaking against the Holy works would be as bad as the devil's ; but
Ghost By speaking against the Son of if his works were good, they must own them
man, is meant all those reproaches that were to be wrought by the power of God. The
cast upon our Saviour's person as Man, expression implies, that a man may be
without reflecting upon his divine power known by his actions, as a tree may be
as God, which he testified by his miracles, known by his fruit ; yet not by a single
Such were their reproaching him with the action, but by a series of actions : not by a
meanness of his birth, their censuring him particular act, but by our general coarse.
for a Wine-bibber and a Glutton, and the 34 0 generation of viper* ! how
like. But by speaking agatnst the Holy „«_ \ . •• v ■ ,
G host, is meant, the* bSpheming ai £? ??' Dein* «v£ speak good
reproaching that divine power whereby he tJ*ing8 ? for out of the abundance of
wrought his miracles; which was an im- tnc ncart tne mouth speaketh.
mediate reflection upon the Holy Spirit, Note here, 1. The fervency and zeal of
and a blaspheming of him. Observe, 2. our Saviour's spirit in the compeUation
The nature of this sin of speaking against &iven to the Pharisees: he calls them a
the Holy Ghost : it consisteth in this, that generation of vipers ; intimating that they
the Pharisees seeing our Saviour work mi- were a venomous and dangerous sort of
racles, and cast out devils by the Spirit of men- Learn hence, That it is not always
God, contrary to the conviction of their railing and indiscreet zeal to call wicked men
own minds, they maliciously ascribed his hy such names as their sin deserves. Ob-
miracles to the power of the devil, chargiDe serve farther, From our Saviour's saying,
him to be a sorcerer and a magician, ana that out of the abundance of the heart the
to have a familiar spirit, by whose help he mouth speaketh ; that the heart is the
did those mighty works; when in truth fountain both of words and actions: ac-
he did them by the Spirit of God. Ob- cording as the heart is, so is the current of
serve, 3. That this sin above all others is men's words and actions, either good or
called unpardonable, and upon what ac- evu<*
count it is so. The case of such bias- 35 A good man, out of the pood
phemers of the Holy Spirit, is not only treasure of the heart, bringeth forth
Chep.XH. ST. MATTHEW. 61
good things: and an evil man, out tongue that spake it is oWf A word spoken
of the evil treasure, bringeth forth » physically transient, but morally per-
evil things. • manent
Observe here, A double treasure dis- 37 For by thy words thou shalt
covered in the heart of man. 1. An evil be justified, and by thy words thou
treasure of sin and corruption, both shalt be condemned,
oatoral and acquire^ m?m whence proceed Observe here, The argument which our
evil thmgs. Now this »calleda treasure, $&YiQm ^ to move *, to watchfumeM
^^^^°T^l^1+<hbUJf0rvthe °verourwords: by our vords we shall be
ibun^nceof it; a little doth not make a j^. not meritoriously, but declare-
^S^^n continuance of ^. ^j woxds dedai goodnw in
^^ii^J?TS0V^0^g,n oui^vesfa^weshaUbedecSredgoodto
iL ^»y i°^ MbBBt 2**?" mS othere °y our words, if our worSTand
to treasure of original corrupbon in man's ^^^ do correspond and agree with one
atomay be drawn low in this life, by ^ther. Defend life ar% in the power
jnctrfpng grace, but it never can be of the tongue: f^ik, accordingto the
Z^idgy* _2i "* ^Ef1 t!!eaSUre °/ ^ or ™*S '**& of the toniue, we
giaced^ve^masanctined and renewed raay j^ ^a ga^ whether men are
inan; which is the source and springfrom dead or alive as to God ; and bound for
whenoeaU gracious acbons do proceed heaven or hell. Doubtless justification or
^f - \iJ?r ? ■<hLheMV,f "■» bX condemnation will pass upon men at the
°g™ * *Lf?^!fm *« whence *? « day of judgment, according to the state ot
spr*igssother*ar^^ the person* and frame of the heart; now
aqroe and spring from whence all gracious our words will justify or condemn us in
acnon* do proceed and flow. th^ ^ M evkences of the state and
36 But I say unto you, that every frame of the soul. We use to say, such
idle word that men shall speak, they witnesses hanged a man j that is, the evi-
shan give account thereof in the day £*!?? ^ £?ve ?* ** condemned him.
of judgment U think of mis seriously : if words evidence
, T , the state of thy soul, what a hellish state
I say unto you; I, that have always must thy soul be in, who hast inured thy-
taea m my Father's bosom, and fullv self to the language of hell, to oaths and
know his mmd; I, that am constituted curses; sins whereby the devil cheats men
J"g1qf <!?** ^ dead» ^ understand more than by any sins whatsoever! They
the rate of judgment ; I, even I, do assure are damned for them, yet get nothing by
you mat every word that has no tendency them, neither profit nor pleasure.
* the great day, without an intervening re- and of tnc Pharisees answered, say-
peataace. Note here, That there are two ing» Master, we would see a sign
nrtsof wotds for which we must be judged -9 from thee. 39 But he answered and
cafrl words, and idle words. Sinful said unto them, An evil and adulte-
woris are blasphemous words, censorious rous generation seeketh after a sign ;
^lyingand slandering words. Idle and there shall no sign be given to
venjaaresuchas savour nothing of wisdom :* k..##k« «:^,«f*u« «.™l * i
tad piety ; that have no tendency to make ?A £ ^ofthe prophet Jonas:
»~ eaher wiser or better : how hght soever *° For .as Jon^ was three day® and
make of their words now, yet in God's "Ircc nights in the whales belly;
another day they will be found to so shall the Son of man be three
cry heavy. What a bridle should days and three nights in the heart
4a text be to extravagant tongues! see of the earth. 41 The men of Ni-
C*g', \LLeiu*S!r**eeck' u e °?Vy* neveh shall rise in judgment with
tt£l££tttt this generation and shall condemn
k*g tane after theyire spoken. How rt : bf?ause *** repented at the
naay years may a frothy or a filthy word, preaching of Jonas ; and, behold,
s prafne scoff, an atheistical jest, stick in a greater than Jonas it here. 42
tk aands of diem that hear it, after the The queen of the south shall rise
03 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XII.
up in the judgment with this genera- goeth he, and taketh with himself
tion, and shall condemn it : tor she seven other spirits more wicked than
came from the uttermost parts of the himself, and they enter in and dwell
earth to hear the wisdom of Solo- there : and the last state of that
mon : and, behold, a greater than man is worse than the first. Even
Solomon is here. so shall it be also unto this wicked
Observe here, 1. The request which the g«"«*tion.
Pharisees make to Christ; Master, we The design and scope of this parable
would see a sign from thee. But had not » to show that the Pharisees, by rejecting
Christ showed them signs enough already ? the gospel and refusing to believe in Christ,
What were all the miracles wrought in were in a seven-fold worse condition than
their sight, but convincing signs that he if the gospel had never been preached to
was the true Messias ? But infidelity mix- them, and a Saviour had never come among
ed with obstinacy is never satisfied. Ob- them ; because by our Saviour's ministry
serve, 2. Our Saviour's answer to thePha- Satan was in some sort cast out : but for
risees* request: he teDs them that they should rejecting Christ and his grace, Satan had
have one sign more, to wit, that of his re- got a seven-fold stronger possession of them
surrection from the dead : For as Jonas now than before. From this parable learn,
lay Buried three days in the whale's belly, 1* That Satan is an unclean spirit ; be has
and was then wonderfully restored, so lost his original purity, his holy nature, in
should (and did) our Saviour continue in which he was created, and is become uni-
the grave part of three natural days, and versally filthy in himself ; no means being
then rise again. Observe, 3. How Christ allowed him by God for purging of his
declares the inexcusableness of their state, filthy and unclean nature. May, he is a
who would not be convinced by the former perfect enemy to purity and holiness, ma-
miracles he had wrought that he was the hgning all that love it, and would pro-
true Messiah j nor yet be brought to be- mote it 2. That Satan is a restless and
lieve in him by this last sign or miracle unquiet spirit 5 being cast out of heaven,
of his resurrection. The Nmevites shall he can rest nowhere ; when he is either
condemn the Pharisees, they repented at gone out of a man through policy, or cast
the preaching of Jonas ; but these would out of a man by power, he has no content
not be convinced by the preaching and or satisfaction, till he returns into a filthy
miracles of Jesus. The queen qfSheba, heart, where he delights to be as the swine
who also came from the south to hear and in miry places. 3. That wicked and pro-
admire the wisdom of Solomon, shall rise fane sinners have this unclean spirit dweli-
up in judgment against those that reject ing in them : their hearts are Satan's house
Christ, who is the Wisdom of the Father ; and habitation ; and the lusts of pride and
and the doctrine delivered by him, which unbelief, malice and revenge, envy and
was the power of God, and the wisdom of hypocrisy, these are the garmshines of Sa-
God. Learn, that the sins of infidelity and tan's house. Man's heart was God's house
impenitency are exceedingly heightened, by creation, it is now Satan's by usurpation
and their guilt aggravated, from the means and judiciary tradition. 4. That Satan by
afforded by God to bring a people to faith the preaching of the gospel may seem to
and obedience. The sin or the Pharisees go out of persons, and they become sober
in rejecting Christ's miracles and ministry, and civilized ; yet may he return to his old
was by far greater than that of the Nine- habitation, and the last end of that man
vites, had they rejected Jonah's message may he worse than the beginning,
and ministry sent by God amongst them. ^ whUe he yei ^^ to ^
43 When the unclean spirit is people, behold, his mother and his
gone out of a man, he walketh brethren stood without, desiring to
through dry places, seeking rest, speak with him. 47 Then one
and findeth none. 44 Then he said unto him, Behold, thy mother
saith, 1 will return into my house and thy brethren stand without,
from whence I came out ; and when desiring to speak with thee. 48
he is come, he findeth it empty, But he answered and said unto him
swept, and garnished. 46 Then that told him, Who is my mother ?
Chap. XI!!. ST. MATTHEW. OS
and who are my brethren ? 40 And tmuance of hi* preaching to the multitude,
he stretched forth his hand toward where three things are observable. l.Our
his disciples, and said, Behold my ford's assiduity and unwearied diligence
mother and my brethren ! 60 For m P^^gofthegosnelj for ^sermon
u - i. ii a it -it c was made the same day with that m the
whosoever shall do the will of my former chapter, ver. 1. the same day went
Father which is in heaven, the same jesu$ outf and sat by the sta-sule. A
is my brother, and sister, and good pattern for the preachers of the gos-
mother. pel to follow. How ashamed may we be
Loid
nkeanttt ii*** i t»,« „*«♦• «t cua**'* to preach once a week, when our I
,'m«, ™^„. ™L i„ iSSi V*"* «»_ *<?* yn*A*d in, a ship 5
sanguinity with men, persons near in blood S"Tl j rlr.iT. 1 i!f'
to Kn. Sailed hb brethren, that ia, Ws ^ S£Z& t^tfLZLX^Z
courin-germans. 2. That the holy virgin S^^rf^^W^^
henelf^asnot whoUy free from fiuhnia and "J?? tf them, Christ thought an
infirmities; for here Wdo^ntime? 2nd £^TT^ AaS£E
_ V. . 4 . o • * «_ to preacn in. It is not the place that sane-
unseasonab y mterrupt our Sarour when tajnETordmance, ^ the ordinance that
I»«clung to the : people, and^ployed sanctifcsthepkee. Oba^fcTheman-
^hafraaier .business. 3. ThatChnst ^^ j^., pwMhing'. It ^ by
did notneglect ha holy mother, nor <hs- ^^ ^ tim^uda "j^ ^ ^
regard his near relations; only showed ITl^* „„.,«* ;«-#-.,^i^» • mMM«.*kA f«—
thai he nreferred his Father's semce before an?ent **? of "nstruction among the Jews,
tbem. W 4. How dear believers are ^afaJ^oa „.* minds, memories,
?J^r^nSti.b^£re^8,??i!plntU?1 «*» «^ctS» 5 making the mind *!
kindred before h» natural. Alliance in #^*^,A 4i^ „,' ^w JL^,*;^ «„,i *k-»
faith, and spiritual relation to Christ, is t*ftf* *• •m^0llJlm?' ^2? J*8
^ p Tj lc»"jj" w r"*"M* " auditors mqmsitrve after the interpretation
much nearer and dearer than albance by ^ fi_ ^^CL c™*, •«* *# ^-*;JTj^ *w
blood : to bear Christ intlie heart ismucn ^ "P™"- ^S" "* ° °Cff ^*
J~##~ rt^TT^ t-»ri!;L! ;« rtxl »^u our Savour's parables were suited to his
{^^r^^k^L^^vi^; hearers' emplo^ients, some of whom ^
I?f5i^ £* ^LT^f? ?£^3P J! ** hmbandWn, he resembles his doctrine
nctdenied to us even now: though see ^^ 3^ m ^ ^ for to hc
Christ we cannot, yet love him we may; SDea^ .
his bodily presence cannot be enjoyed by P**" •
us, but his spiritual presence is not denied —Behold, a sower went forth to
us. Though Christ be not ours, in house, sow : 4 And when he sowed, some
in arms, in affinity, in consanguinity, yet seeds fell by the way-side, and the
in heart, in faith, in love, in service, be is or fowls come and devoured them up.
maybeours. Verily, spiritual reraieration 6 Some feHupoil 8t0ny places, where
hringsmenmtoamore honourable relation 4Lfl„L 1 „_. L.„„u ^A..iT. ~~a c*-*u
tourist than natural generation ever did. th.^ *ad n0t much eaTth ' and forkthT
Whosoever shall do the will of my Father, Wl» they sprung up, because they had
he is my brother, and sister, and mother. "° deepness of earth : 6 And when
CHAP Xm ^e 9Un Wa8 UP' ^^ WCrC 8Corcned i
T___ _ " * . and because they had no root, they
HE same day went Jesus out of withered away. 7 And some fell
the house, and sat by the sea- among thorns; and the thorns
side. 2 And great multitudes were 8pning up> and cboked them. 8
gathered together unto him, so that Rut other fell into good ground, and
he went into a ship, and sat ; and brought forth fruit, some an hun-
the whole multitude stood on the dred-fold, some sixty-fold, some thir-
shore. 3 And he spake many ty-fold. 8 Who hath ears to hear,
things unto them in parables, say- iet hjra hear#
1D€' — The scope of mis parable is to show
The foregoing chapter gave us an ac- that there are four several sorts of hearers
count of an awakening sermon preached of the word, and but one sort only that
by our Saviour to the Pharisees. In this hear to a saving advantage : also to show
chapter we are acquainted with the con- us the cause of the different success of the
64 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XIII.
word preached. Here observe, 1. The which they do not understand ? They can-
sowers, Christ and his apostles j he the not see the soul of thy meaning, through
prime and principal Sower, they the second- the body of thy parables. Christ answers,
ary and subordinate seedsmen. Christ " To you, my disciples, and such as you
sows his own field, his ministers sow his are, who love the truth, and desire to obey
field ; he sows his own seed, they sow his it, the Spirit gives you an effective, ope-
seed. Woe unto us, if we sow our own rative, and experimental knowledge, not
seed, and not Christ's. Observe, 2. The barely to krfow these things, but to be-
seed sown, the word of God. Fabulous lieve them, and feel the power of them in
legends, and unwritten traditions, which and upon your own hearts ; but the gene-
the seedsmen of the church of Rome sow, rality of hearers do Batisfy and content
these are not seed, but chaff; or their own themselves with a bare notional knowledge
seed, not Christ's. Our Lord's field must of what they hear ; a parable therefore is
be sown with his own seed, not with mixed well enough for them." Learn, 1. That
grain. Learn, 1. That the word of God the doctrines of the gospel are mysterious,
preached is like seed sown in the furrows of 2. That it is a matchless and invaluable
the field. As seed has a fructifying virtue privilege, practically and savingly to un-
in it, by which it increases and brings forth derstand and know gospel-mysteries. 3.
more of its own kind j so has the word of That this privilege all are not sharers in, nor
God a quickening power, to regenerate and partakers of, but only those to whom it is
make alive dead souls. Learn, 2. That the given: Unto you it is given to know the
seed of the word, where it is most plentifully mysteries of the kingdom, but to them it
sown, it is not alike fruitful. As seed doth is not given.
not thrive in all ground alike, so neither ,«r« l l *i * ■•
doth the word fructify alike in the hearts of . \? *or .wn°*>ever hath, to him
men. There is a difference both from the 8DaU ** &lyen, and he shall have
nature of the soil and from the influence of more abundance : but whosoever
the Spirit Learn, 3. That the cause of hath not, from him shall be taken
the word's unfruitfulness is very different, away even that he hath.
of unbelief: .in others, the cares of the t£jS* Df^J T^ ta 5i,.i,T1I
world, like thorns/choke the word, over- ^A^lt^ "Sff "*t?
grow the good serf, draw away the mois- ^°^f "J*"^ ""V* UA*~* *"
toe of tkearii. and the heart of the soil. ?ZZ!%2?\A "*"* £$"?"*,
and hinder ttetafluences of the sun. The i^L^ ^Sf "S6 b5*mmn«8 rf
far greater part of hearers are fruitless and troe.gn^ ELm "fl* T* **? "JE?™"
unr^ntablehearers. Learn. 4. That the ^of it, God wfi make nch addibons
best ground doth not bring forth fruit alike: £?£ £"?£ *" P**911 ttodt wh,ch
some good ground brings forth more, and wenave moot**.
some less: some thirty, tome sixty, and 13 Therefore speak I to tbem in
tome an hundred-fold. .In lie manner a parables : because they seeing, see
peat a proportion as others, provided he T^ J° ^R^T**"*'^ 14
brings forth as much as he can. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy
10 And the disciples came, and °f £**>*»» which saith, By hearing
said unto him, Why speakest thou ve 8naN near» an<' 8naH not under -
unto tbem in parables ? 11 He 8tand > and seeing ye shall see, and
answered and said unto them, Be- 8naW not perceive : 15 For this
cause it is given unto you to know people's heart is waxed gross ; and
the mysteries of the kingdom of hea- '*c*r ears are dull °f hearing, and
ven, but to them it is not given. tne*r eyes they have closed ; lest at
Here we have the disciples* question, and anv ^me they should see with their
our Saviours answer. Their question is, eyes, and hear with t heir ears, and
Why speakest thou to thepeople in parables, should understand with their heart.
Chap. XIII. ST. MATTHEW. 65
and should be converted, and I heareth the word of the kingdom,
should heal them. and understandetb it not, then
These words of our blessed Saviour, as I cometh the wicked one, and catch-
conceive, have a peculiar reference and re- eth away that which was sown in
htion to the Pharisees, who attended upon his heart< Tnis j, nc wnico reCeived
^r*s ministry, ; not with an thonesi |sim- seed b the wav_sidc. 20 But nc
pbcity of mind, to be instructed by it, but ., . J . i A j . . .
to cafp and cavil at it. Our Saviour tells *at reived the seed into stony
them he had formerly spoken things very places, the same is he that heareth
plainly and clearly to them, and also the word, and anon with joy
wrought miracles before them, to convince receiveth it : 2 1 Yet hath he not
them of me divinity of his person and the root in himself, but dureth for
verity of his doctrine: but they would not awhile: for when tribulation or
believe eittier h* person or his doctrine to persecutioii ariseth because of the
be from God ; and therefore he would now * ,. j u 1 • *******
speak to then! in dark parables, that they ?;ord; bv Jnd b? hc » °*kwM. 22
may be judicially blinded : they sinfully He also tnat received seed among
shut their eyes against the clearest light, tbe thorns is he that heareth the
and said they would not see ; and now word ; and the care of this world,
Christ closes their eyes judicially, and says, and the deceitfulness of riches,
they shall not see. Learn hence, To choke the word, and he becometh
acknowledge the divine justice, which unfruitfui. 23 But he that re-
BtSi VZ y^Xth^ ^ seed into the good ground is
shall see the shell, but not the kernel: they he that heareth the word, and un-
shall hear the parable, but not understand derstandeth it ; which also beareth
the spiritual sense and meaning of it. fruit, and bringeth forth, some an
When wilful blindness of mind is added to hundred- fold, some sixty, some
natural blindness, it is a just and righteous thirty,
thing with God to superadd judicial blind-
ness, and give them obstinacy of heart, his As if our Lord hadsaid, " You, my dis-
curse unto them. ciples, who are not satisfied with a sound of
-i4» u * ui j r words, I will explain to you the sense and
16 But blessed are your eves, for 8ign^cati0n of this parable : the scope of
they see; and your ears, for they ^ch is, to show the different effects which
hear. 17 For verily I say unto you , the word of God has upon men's hearts, and
that many prophets and righteous the reason of that difference. The seed is
men have desired to see those things the word, the sower is the preacher, the
which ye see, and have not seen "^ » the heart and soul of man." Now
them ; and to hear those things our S*™* assures us, that the hearts of
which ye hear, and have not heafd S^jKtt
**ff#" . harrow of meditation; others are like stony
Here our Saviour pronounces such of his ground, in which the word has no root :
disciples and followers blessed, as receiv- no root m their understandings, memories,
ed the truths of the gospel so far as they conscience, will, or affections: but they
were already taught them ; he assures them are 0fendcdt either at the depth and pro-
that they shall receive farther light, and foundress of the word, or at the sanctity or
fuller measures of spiritual illumination : strictness of it, or at the plainness and sim-
?€UedrJ!r€ •yfttr **"' $" **<& /ee- plicity of it. Again, some hearers our
Learn, That such as have received the least Lord compares to thorny ground. Thorns
measure of spiritual knowledge and saving are covetous desires, which choke the good
illumination, and do improve it, are in a g^ shadow the blade when sprung up,
happy and blessed condition ; for as they keep off ^ influences of the sun, and draw
are capable of farther measures of divine away the fatness of the soil from the seed,
knowledge, so shall they be partakers of AH these effects have thorns in and among
them. the seed ; and the like effects have world-
18 Hear ye therefore the parable iy affections and covetous desires in the
of the sower. 19 When any one heart of man, rendering the word unfruitful
66 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XIII.
and unprofitable. But the good christian the tares, and hind them in bundles
hears the word attentively, keeps it reten- to burn them : but gather the wheat
tiveiy, believes it stedfastly, applies it par- jnto my barn,
ticularly, practises it universally, and brings ~
forth fruit with patience and perseverance ; The design and scope of this parable is,
fruit that will redound to his account, in the to *how that there is no expectation of uni-
great day of account Learn, 1. That no veraal punty m the church of God in this
hearers are in Christ's account good hear- hTe; but as the tares and the wheat grow
ers of the word, but such as bring forth the together in the same field, so hypocrites
fruits of an holy, humble, and peaceable and sincere christians are and will be inter-
conversation. 2. That a person may be a mixed in the same church, and can hardly
good hearer of the word, if he brings forth he discerned one from the other. St Je-
the best fruit he can, though it be not in so romeobserves, That in the eastern countries,
great a proportion as others do j as some the tares and the wheat were so like one ano-
ground brinES forth thirty, some sixty, and ther,whilst they were in the blade, that there
some an hundred-fold: in like manner do all was no knowing them asunder. Learn, 1.
the sincere hearers of the word, they all That in the outward and visible church
bring forth fruit, though not all alike ; all there ever has been and will be a mixture of
in sincerity and reality, though not all to good and bad, of saints and sinners, of
the same degree, and none to perfection, hypocrites and sincere christians, until the
Observe, lastly, Satan is here compared to day °f judgment. 2. That in that day
the fowls of the air, which pick up the Christ will make a thorough and a perfect
seed before it takes any root in the earth, separation, and divide the tares from the
The devil is very jealous of the success of the wheat: that is, the righteous from the
word, and therefore labours all he can to wicked. 3. That in the mean time none
destroy the word, before it comes to ope- ought to be so offended at this mixture in
rate upon the heart : which he doth some- the church, as to separate from church-corn-
times Dy the cares of the world, sometimes munion on that account : until the harvest
by vain companions, who prove mere it is not to be expected that the tares and
quench-coals unto earjy conviction : if he wheat should be perfectly separated. Yet
can steal away the word, or choke it, he observe, 4. That though the tares are for-
has his desire and design. bidden to be plucked up when sown, yet it
is the church's duty, all she can, to hinder
24 Another parable put he forth their sowing. Though we must not root
unto them, saying, The kingdom of the wicked up, yet we must prevent the
heaven is likened unto a man which rooting of wickedness all we can. Our
sowed good seed in his field: 25 Saviour, tfiat forbad to pluck ^up the tares,
But while men slept, his enemy £df not f°rbld * *»*» *«. ">™&
»> j * ^ ^ 4L Note here, How vain is the collection of the
came and sowed tares among the En^s'fom ^^ ^t the wicked are
wheat, and went his way. 26 But not to be cut oflFby excommunication from
when the blade was sprung up, and the communion of the church; nor doth
brought forth fruit, then appeared this text prove that the magistrates may
the tares also. 27 So the servants not cut off evil-doers; seeing this was not
of the householder came and said unto *\xkea to them, but to the ministers of the
him, Sir, didst not thou sow good dlurch.
seed in thy field ? from whence then 31 Another parable put he forth
hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, unto them, saying, The kingdom of
An enemy hath done this. The ser- heaven is like to a grain of mas-
vants said unto him, Wilt thou then tard-seed, which a man took and
that we go and gather them up ? 29 sowed in bis field : 32 Which in-
But he said, Nay ; lest while ye deed is the least of all seeds : but
gather up the tares, ye root up also when it is grown, it is the greatest
the wheat with them. 30 Let both among herbs, and becometh a tree,
grow together until the harvest : and so that the birds of the air come
in the time of harvest I will say to and lodge in the branches thereof,
the reapers, Gather ye together first 33 Another parable spake he unto
Chap. XUL ST. MATTHEW: 67
them: The kingdom of heaven is in the kingdom of their Father.
like onto leaven, which a woman Who hath ears to hear, let him hear,
took, and bid in three measures of The parable of the tares of the field Christ
meal, till the whole was leavened. ' is pleased to explain to his disciples titer
34 All these things spake Jesus unto this manner. The person sowing good
the multitude in parables ; and *&& **» himself, the Son of man ; who
without a parable spake he not unto *J< P^1*1 the S08**1 : the field in which
which was spoken by the prophet, ^^ thc children of the kingdom, are sin-
saying, I will open my mouth in cere christians; ibe tares, adled the children
Cbles : I will utter things which of the wicked one, are profane sinners, and
been kept secret from the foun- unsound hypocrites : the enemy is the de-
dation of the world. vil» *he harvest is the end of the world, and
the angels are the reapers. Learn, 1. That
Our Saviour's design in this parable is, the mixture of the tares and the wheat, of
to show how the gospel, from small and the righteous and the wicked, must and shall
little, from unlikely and contemptible be- remain in the church unto the end of the
gmnings, shall spread and increase, fructify world. 2. That in the end of the world
and grow up : like as mustard-seed, one of the angels shall perform the work of sepa-
the smallest of grains, grows up to a con- ration, gathering the righteous from among
siderabie tallness : and as a littler leaven the wicked ; when every one's harvest shall
turns a great heap of meal into its own na- be according to his fruit: the righteous
ture; so the gospel shall spread and increase, shining in the kingdom of their Father,
nations and countries becoming christian, the wicked cast into a furnace of fire.
learn, That how small beginnings soever 44 A„ajn . Tne kingdom of hea-
£frt^ wltS ^^^J ven «■ !** unto treasure hid in a
the fructifying blessing of God it has had r> 1 A ., , . , , ...
and shall have a wonlerful increase. ?eld 5 ^e J*** wheA a ™*n }*th
found, he hideth, and for joy there-
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude of goeth and selleth all that he hath,
away, and went into the bouse : and and buyeth that field. 45 Again :
his disciples came unto him, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto
Declare unto us the parable of the a merchantman seeking goodly
tares of the field. 37 He answered pearls: 46 Who, when he bad found
and said unto them, He that soweth one pearl of great price, went and
the good seed is the Son of man : 38 sold all that he had, and bought it.
The field is the world : the good By ^ t^^ m in the field> and ^
seed are the children of the king- pearl of great price, are understood, Christ,
dom ; but the tares are the children the grace of the gospel, and .the way to life
of the wicked one : 39 The enemy and salvation therein discovered : he that
that sowed them is the devil : the * thoroughly convinced of the worth and
harvest is the end of the world ; and €S^sf °[ Cl!fisni &?*' ^j P?* .**»
*k~ ~~An~~, .-^ *i,^ a.^i. At\ a- ^1 that he has to purchase and obtain it.
the reapers are the angeb. 40 As Leam, mt tte sinner who wUl have an
therefore the tares are gathered and intstesA m c^ snd a ^ m vmpAmV9ee9
burned in the fire ; so shall it be in must part with all that he has to purchase
the end of this world . 41 The son and obtain them, even his goods and lands,
of man shall send forth his angels, with his wife and children ; for Christ and
and they shall gather out of his bis grace are a real good, a substantial good,
kingdom ail things that offend, and fudu^>le good j he outbids all the offers
them which do iniquity; 42 And ^^^~^»i^?T?,wll5
u 11 a *i. • * J J c ou* wisdom to part with all for him, and
shall cast them into a furnace of especially our sins, dearer to us than all the
ore: there shall be wailing and rest.
gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall 47 Again: The kingdom of heaven
the righteous shine forth as the sun, is like unto a net, that was cast into
f 2
C8 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XHI.
the sea, and gathered of every kind : 53 And it came to pass, that,
48 Which, when it was full, they when Jesus had finished these para-
drew to shore, and sat down, and bles, he departed thence. 54 And
gathered the good into vessels, but * when he was come into his own
cast the bad away. 40 So shall it country, he taught them in their
be at the end of the world : the synagogue, insomuch that they were
angels shall come forth, and sever astonished, and said, Whence hath
the wicked from among the just. 50 this man this wisdom, and these
And shall cast them into the furnace mighty works ? 55 Is not this the
of fire : there shall be wailing and carpenter's son ? Is not his mother
gnashing of teeth. called Mary ? and his brethren,
The design and scope of the parable also James, and Joses, and Simon, and
is, to set forth the state of the goBpel-church, Judas? 56 And his sisters, are
which is like a floor, where chaff is mixed thfcy not aU with 118 ? whence then
with wheat ; a field, where tares are mixed l„4£ #k • ^^ ^n ^^^ *u;«-« ? *»%
with good cWn; a net, where bad fishes hath this man all these things ? 57
are involved with the good. As the wheat Am£ thev were P"5^^ m »"»— - ^
must not be removed out of the floor before Observe here, 1. Christ s tender and
the time of winnowing; nor the tares ga- compassionate regard to his own country-
thered out of the field before the time of men» me P60^ of &*&<* and Nazareth ;
reaping; nor the good fishes break through he preached to them in their synagogue,
the net to get from the bad before the time 2- The effect which his doctrine had upon
of separation ; so must not christians for- them > theV were astonished at it, but not
sake a church's communion, because of the converted by it ; they admire, but did not
present mixture of good and bad in the believe. 3. The cause of their rejecting
church. For a mixed communion in the Christ's ministry was the meanness of his
church, and the good christians communi- person, the contemptibleness of his out-
eating with the bad, doth neither defile the ward condition, the poverty of his relations :
ordinances of Christ nor pollute those that -" not *"** ™e carpenter's Son ? Mark vi.
sincerely join in them. 3. he is called the carpenter ; whence the
51 Jesus saith unto them, Have %***!* concluded, that our Saviour, during
sajrunto him, Yea, Lord. 52 Then md Justm Martyr *" ^ ^ ^ ^
said he unto them, Therefore every and yokes. Sure we are, our Lord spent
scribe which is instructed unto the no time in idleness, though we are not cer-
kingdom of heaven, is like unto a man tain how he employed his time before he
that is an householder, which bring- entered upon his public ministry. Note,
eth forth out of his treasure thine* T^ *e P°vert7 «* .meanness off Christ's
new and old condition was that which multitudes stum-
the office of those stewards; and that is, to 5LTS:t£T« t J^^Jtt^H'
provaetothehouseholdbothwHU plenty £J£23 £&XZZ£ ~w
and variety. He must bring forth out of ni^\!^L~L> m aT^a~u «™. v«!!L iu-
-«j 1.Jm,«, w«, mi.o«i^ h,v.tJL* ««j cut* ^Qi neard nis doctrine, ana were witnesses
S ^SS^JTShA^^^ of his holy conversation, yet instead of be-
fid, m bringing out of his own treasure, Jfe. m^ . fauMi at him.
not another s ; and he must be prudent, in t» * i «««««.««* »* **««.
bringing things new, as well wold; not —But Jesus said unto them, A
new truths, but old truths in a new dress; prophet is not without honour, save
lest the household, by always feeding upon in his own country, and in bis own
the sdme dish, do nauseate it, instead of be- house,
ing nourished by it Our Saviour tells them, he doth not
Chap. XIV. ST. MATTHEW. C5>
vender that so many of his own country- at court ! He once sent indeed a
meo, to whom he had been to familiarly to that fox (Herod) whose den be
known, did despise his parson and reject his not approach ; teaching us, by his example,
doctrine ; for a prophet generally has least not to affect, but to avoid, outward pomp
esteem where he has been brought up ; be- and glory. The courts of princes are loo
cause perhaps the follies of his childhood, often a very bad air for piety and religion
sad indecencies of his youth, are remem- to thrive in. Observe, 2. The misconstrue-
bered and reported to his disparagement tion of Herod, when he beard of our
Learn, 1. That there is a real tribute of ho- Saviour's fame : this, says he, is John the
mar due and payable to every prophet or Baptist, whom I beheaded. Hb conscience
faithful mmkfpr of Jesus Christ 2. That told him he had offered an unjust violence
the ministers of Christ, for the most part, to an innocent man ; and now he b afraid
hare least honour from their own country- that he is come again to be revenged on
men, to whom they are best known. 3. him for his head. A wicked man needs no
That although it be so, yet this may not be worse tormentor man his own mnd. O
through their own fault, for Christ was so the terrors and tortures of a guilty eonaei-
amoagst his. ence ! how great are the anwptips of gudt,
58 And he did not many mighty and the fears of divine displeasure, man
works there, because of their unbe- whi<* nothing is more stinging and per-
t-f petually tormenting?
This sin not only locks up the heart of 3 For Herod had laid hoJd om
a sinner, but also binds up the hands of a j0juit ^ bound him, and pat
SnT"' J!£W^b8tnlC!£ ^5** "t » Pri*>n for Herodias' sake, his bro-
racolous works when on earth, and it 00- ,, r n, ... , -r ^ 0 « ■_ ♦ .
struct* ms gracious works now in heaven. thcr ^l,,Pf ■ *■*• ,4 *7,J(*? M,d
Ah ! cursed unbelief! which shuts up, O unto ™m> " w not lawful for thee to
sinner, thy heart, and shuts out thy Saviour, have ber. 5 And when he would
and wfl] etfectually shut thee out of heaven, have put him to death, be feared the
and not only procure damnation, but no multitude, because they counted !*■■>
damnation like it ! Mark xxv. 16. Christ gg a prophet.
was unable, because they were unwilling; caLJL k-L 1 iv^^.w^
hisimpc4encywasc<x;asionedbytheirin- ^^^^^'^?,^i^^
ndehtyThe did not, because he would not ; *** ^Jl?3** to u %£^Z£ZZ?
and that he would not, proceeded fit>m a TiT* *J!^J5P ^^S^St^J^t
defect in the* faith, not fiomany deficiency ~ ].ohxi * ?!*"* ^cf^™"ld ™
in Christ's power: their unbelief bound lus jfft-J- HjTES^^S *£
hands, aXhindered the execution of his **?** W^'^J^*£5j^
il Cruelty runs m a blood. Herod, the
" CHAP. XIV. murderer of John who was the forerunner
TW fc» imt pu i of th» chapter girt* m ma account of Christ, descended from that Herod who
trf the death of John ib« Baptist, together with would have murdered Christ himself 2.
?;^V0?Sfito£?t It wa. He^fcW Sad! fto prince
who should always be nuismg-fathers to,
T that time Herod the tetrarch should at any time be the bloody butchers
heard of the fame of Jesus ; 2 of, the prophets of God. 3. It was Herod
And said unto hb servants, This is tliat heard Johnjbdly: John took the ear
John the Baptist: he is risen from ^^^ Z^fi^ U^t^
.. . , r , ., - ... the hands and feet of John. O how ra-
the dead ; and therefore mighty constat fa a carnal heart to good resolu-
»orts do shew forth themselves in nonsr The word has oft-times an awaken-
him. ing influence, where it doth not leave an
Observe here, 1. How strange it was abiding impression upon the minds of men.
tlast Herod should not hear of the feme of Observe, 2. The cause of the Baptist's
Jesus till now: all the country and ad- death; it was for telling a king of his
j*>imng regions had rung of his fame, only crime. Herod cut of that head whose
Herod's court hears nothing. Miserable tongue was so bold to tell htm of his faults.
b thai greatness which keeps princes from The persecution which the prophets of God
tise knowledge of Jesus Christ How plain fall under, is usually for telling great men
at s fiom hence, that our Saviour came not of their sins j men in power are impatient
70 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XIV.
of reproof, and imagine that their authority ning ; although circumstances may make
gives them a licence to transgress. Observe, it sinful. But from this disorderly banquet
3. Theplain dealing of theiaptist in reprov- on Herod's birth-day, we learn, That great
ing Herod for his crime, which in one act men's feasts and frolics are too often a season
was adultery, incest, and violence. Adul- of much sin. Observe, 2. The instigator
tery, that he took another's wife ; incest, that and promoter of the holy Baptist's death,
he took his brother's wife; violence, that he Herodias and her daughter : that good man
took her in spite of her husband. There- falls a sacrifice to the fury and malice, to
fore John doth not mince the matter, and the pride and scorn, of a lustful woman,
say, It is not convenient ; but, It is not for being a rub in the way of her ti-
lawfxd for thee to have her: it was not centious adultery. Resolute sinners, who
the crown and sceptre of Herod that could are mad upon their lusts, run furiously upon
daunt the faithful messenger of God. There their gainsayers, though they be the pro-
ought to meet in God's ministers both cou- phets of God themselves ; and resolve to
rage and impartiality. Courage, in fearing bear down all opposition they meet with in
no faces ; impartiality, in sparing no sins, the gratification of their unlawful desires.
For none are so great but they are under Observe, 3. With what reluctance Herod
the authority and command of the law of consented to this villany ; the king was
God sorry. Wicked men oft-times sin with a
6 But when Herod's birth-day ^led «»* *"*!*!? ^TT^
i_ - *u j li ru «~j* have a mighty struggle with themselves
was kept, the daughter of Herodias ^^ ^^^ mbeir sins ; but at last
danced before them, and pleased He- tnejr lusts get the mastery over their con-
rod. 7 Whereupon he promised sciences. So did Herod's here; for, 4.
with an oath to give her whatsoever Notwithstanding his sorrow, he commands
she would ask. 8 And she, being the fact; he sent and beheaded John in
before instructed of her mother, said, the prison. And a threefold cord tied
Give me here John Baptist's head in ^^"S^W : x" V* TS
l ft a j li u- . of his oath. See his hypocrisy i he made
a charger. 9 And the king was conscience ofa ^ *gh, wn^ ^^o
sorry : nevertheless, for the oath » ^pfe of ^ murder. 2. Respect to his
sake, and them which sat with him reputation : them that sat with him heard
at meat, he commanded it to be him promise, and will be witnesses of his
given her. 10 And he sent, and levity, if he did not perform. Iraistine
beheaded John in the prison. U «pon punctilios of honour, has hazarded
And his head was brought in a char- thelossofimllionsofsouls. 3. A loathness
_ j • *~ *i. J a~~—\ . ~-a to discontent Herodias and her daughter.
ger, and given to the damsel : and Q ^ ^ foolish h ritef who a^u
she brought i* to her mother. ^ displeasure of a wanton mistress, before
Several observables are here to be taken the offending of God and conscience1,
notice of. 1. The time of this execrable Observe, 5. These wicked women not only
murder: it was upon Herod's birth-day. require the Baptist to be beheaded, but
It was an ancient custom among the that his head be brought in a charger to
eastern kings to celebrate their birth-days. them. What a dish is here to be served
Pharaoh's birth-day was kept, Gen. il. up at a prince's table on his birth-day ! a
Herod's here \ both with blood : yet these dead man's head swimming in blood !
personal stains do not make the practice How prodigiously insatiable is cruelty and
unlawful. When we solemnize our birth- revenge ! Herodias did not think herself
day with thankfulness to our Creator and safe till John was dead ; she could not
Preserver, for life and being, for protection think him dead till his head was off; she
and preservation to that moment, and could not think his head off till she had
commend ourselves to the care of his good it in her hand. Revenge never thinks it
providence for the remainder of our days, has made sure enough* O how cruel is a
tbis is an act of piety and religion. But .wicked heart, that could take pleasure in a
Herod's birth-day was kept with revelling spectacle of so much honor ! how was that
and feasting, with music and dancing : not holy head tost by impure and filthy hands !
that dancing, which in itself is a set, regular, that true and faithful tongue, those sacred
harmonious motion of the body, can be lips, those pure eyes, those mortified cheeks,
unlawful, any more than walking or run- ari now insultingly handled by an meet-
Chap. XIV. ST. MATTHEW. 11
tuous harlot, and made a acorn to the cured, without charge ; and ease, in that
drunken eyes of Herod's guests ! From the they were cured without pain.
whole learn, 1. That neither the holiest of 16 And when it was evening, his
prophets, nor the best of men, are more disciples came to him, saying, This
secure from violence than i from natural ,§ a feaert , and the £„* js now
death. He mat was sanctified in the womb. _ , J.u n-* a lL 4
conceived and born with so much miracle, g"1 ; send th.e multitude away , that
lived with so much reverence and observa. *hev may 8° into the villages, and
tion, is now at midnight obscurely murder- Du v themselves victuals,
ed in a dose prison. Learn, 2. That it is Note here, 1. The disciples* pity to-
ss true a martyrdom to suffer for duty, as wards the multitude that had long attended
for&ith: be dieses truly a martyr that dies upon Christ's ministry in the desert: they,
for doing his duty, as he that dies for presuming the people hungry, having fated
professing the frith and bearing witness to all the day, request our Saviour to dismiss
the truth. them, that they may procure some bodily re-
12 And his disciples came and freshment Learn hence, That it well be-
took up the body, and buried it, and «"*■ *■ mSm?lB,» of C*** £ "*** <|»
went and told Jesus. 13 When Jc- **£ .""Tl^/SJ8" ** *} "*?* £?
? j /.. l j _* j 1Z spiritual wants, of their people. As the
sus heard of it, he departed thence bodily father must take care of the soul of
by shin into a desert place apart : his child, so must the spiritual father have
and when the people had heard respect to the bodily necessities of his
thereof, they followed him on foot children. Observe, 2. The motion which
out of the cities. ue disciples make on the behalf of the mul-
The disciples of John hearing that their titude: Send them away, thai they may
holy master was thus basely and barba- huH victuals. Here was a strong charity,
rousiy murdered, took up his dead body but a weak frith. A strong charity, in
and buried it Whence we learn, That that ^ desired the people's relief; but a
the faithful servantsof God arenot ashamed weak faith> m th*t they suppose they could
of the sufferings of the saints, but will not otherwise be relieved, but by sending
testify their respect unto them both living them away to buy victuals ; forgetting
and dead. Observe farther, How our bless- "*** Christ, who had healed the multitude
edSaviour, upon the notice of John's death, miraculously, could as easily feed them
flies into the desert for the preservation of miniculously, if he pleased ; all things be-
his own life. Jesus knew that his hour mS "P^Y ^Y lo Omntpotence.
was not yet come, and therefore he keeps 13 But Jesus said unto them,
out of Herod's way. It is no cowardice to They need not depart ; give ye them
fly from persecutors, when Christ our Cap- to eat.
tain both practises it himself, and directs Observe here, 1. Our Saviour's strange
us to it, saying, When they persecute you answer to the disciples' motion • They need
inonecitv,fee, fa. not depart, says Christ Need not ! Why,
14 And Jesus went forth, and the people must either feed or famish.
saw a great multitude, and was Victuals they must have, and this being a
moved with compassion toward desert place, there was none to be had.
them, and he healedtheir sick. Surely then there was need enough. But,
Observe here, I. With what condolency £ °**% command was more strange
and tender sympathy the compassionate *"» to assertion : Giveye them to eat,
Jesus exercised acteof mercy and^mpas- £bj> poor disciples ! they had nothing for
sion towards the miserable and dstiessed; themselves to eat : how then should they
He was moved with compassion; that is^ Pve.me altitude to eat? When Christ
touched with an inward sense and feeling "ft™* *» wh* ?f# omfy€* we ■» un'
of their sorrow : And he healed their sicl J bIe t0 !**»»• rt ,s to *ow m °" 1IDp?"
Those that came to Christ for healing, ency and we^ess, and to provoke usto
found three advantages of cure, above the look J -mm that workct* rf our work$ tn
pow«aiid performance of any earthly pay- W?T*T ."*;, . ,. x„
sician^to wit, certainty, bounty, and ease. 17 And tbey **? unto hm> Wc
Ceckaiity, inthatall comers were infallibly have here but five loaves, and two
cured j bounty, in that they were freely fishes.
72 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XIV.
Kote here, What a poor and slender pro- reservation, of whathe gives us. Scattering
vision the Lord of the whole earth has for is the way to increasing. Not grain hoard-
his household and family ; five loaves, and ed up in the granary, but scattered in the
those barley : two fishes, and they small : furrows of the field, yields increase,
teaching us, that these bodies of ours must Liberality is the way to riches, and pemi-
be fed, but not pampered. Our belly must riousness the road to poverty. 3. Christ
not be our master, much less our god. We gave the bread thus broken to his disciples,
read but twice that Christ made any enter- that they might distribute it to the multi-
tainments, and both times his guests were tude. But why did not our Lord distribute
fed with loaves and fishes ; plain fare and it with his own hand, but by the hands of
homely diet The end of food is to sustain his disciples ? Doubtless to win respect to
nature, we stifle it with a gluttonous his disciples from the people. The same
variety : meat was ordained for the belly, course aid our Lord take in spiritual
the belly for the body, the body for the distributions. He that could feed the
soul, and the soul for God. Observe far- world by his immediate hand, chooses
ther, As the quality of the victuals was rather by the hands of his ministers to divide
plain and coarse, so the quantity of it was the bread of life to all hearers,
small and little : five loaves and two fishes. 20 And they did all eat, and were
Well might the disciples say, What are fiUed an(J lh took up of the frajr-
these among so many? The eye of sense h remained twelve baskets
ind reason sees an impossibility of those Jr?, """ ■«"•"■*•*■ y* V* ,
eflects which faith can easily apprehend, ful1- 21 A°d » ey »** had eaten
and divine power more easily produce. were about five thousand men, beside
m « -jo- i.u u-*u * women and children.
18 He said, Bring them hither to __,.,„ 4 . , , ^
mA 10 a~a u„ ^LmmOMiriA^ *K~ They did all eat, not a crumb or a bit*
n->? ^Ka comm»»ded the but to* satiety and fulness: they did cat,
multitude to sit down on the grass ; and wer€fiifa yet tweive baskets remain-
and took the five loaves and the two ^ . moreis left than was at first set on.
fishes, and, looking up to heaven, he So many bellies, and yet so many baskets,
blessed, and brake; and gave the filled. The miracle was doubled by an act
loaves to his disciples, and the dis~ of boundless omnipotency. It is hard to
ciples to the multitude. ™Y> *J«* wa? ** &**<? miiacle» f ***
V,, , „ . .. . - A. r 4 miraculous eating, or the miraculous
Observe, 1. How the Master of the feast leavin tf we ^^ what ^ ate^ ^
marshals his guests, he commands them aU justl wonder that ^y \A my tW;
to sit downs none of them reply, "Sit if What triy left, that they ate any tih^!
down! but to what? Here are the r\u««™ «ui«k_ tk^ f^^t. 4CZJL
^i ^JL0thl??i.0f thB: .^^^7 gathered up. the liberal Housekeeper of
andexDect O how easy is it to trust Gocf, the world wUl not aUow the loss of hiJ^rb.
and rely u^n Providence, when thereis 0 how fearful men ^ ^ acC0Ullt of
commthebaraandbreadmthecupboard! moae ^ who ^ ^ ^ lentiM
B^beL?UI *"£ a? ? T^* ""* «tates to answer for as lost, being spent
nothing before us, then to deoentf upon an their lusts m fiot ^ ^^ ,B *""*
invisible bounty is a true and noble act of r »o a~a a*ra;^i>«Wo„ i~...«
faith. Observe; 2. The actions performed # 2? *~* *™«P$way Je8"8. ~n'
by our blessed Saviour, He blessed, and strained his disciples to get into a
brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, shlP» an<» to go before him unto the
and they to the multitude. 1. He blessed, other side, while he sent the multi-
teaching us, by his example, in all our wants tudes away.
to look up to heaven for a supply, to wait Jesus constrained them ; that is, he
upon God for bis blessing, and not to sit commanded them to go away before him.
down to our food as a beast to his forage. No doubt they were very loath to leave him,
2. He brake the loaves. He could have and to go without him ; both out of the
multiplied them whole; why would he love which they bare to him and themselves,
rather do it in the breaking ? Perhaps to Such as have once tasted the sweetness of
teach us, that we are to expect his blessings Christ, are hardly drawn away from him :
m the distribution, rather than in the however, as desirous as the disciples were to
Chap. XIV. ST. MATTHEW. 73
stay with Christ, yet at his word of com- Christ having seen the distress of his dis.
anndthey depart from him. Where Christ ciples on the shore, he hastens to them on
faai a will to command, his disciples and the sea. It was not a stormy and tern-
followers must have a will to obey. pestuous sea, that could separate betwixt
23 And when he had sent the him and them ; he that waned through a
multitudes away, he went up into a sea of blood, and through a sea of wrath,
mountain apart to pray : and when to f v* ** P^P1^ ^J *■* uP?n a ■», °f
A» r 1. lL water to succour and relieve them. But
the evening was come, he was there ob8emj> ^ ^ when c^^une to
*^Xe* i_ , ^ru- v • i_ hdp them, not tUl the fourth watch, a little
Observe here, 1. Christ dismisses the before the morning. They had been many
multitude, and then retires to pray ; teach- hours upon the waters, conflicting with the
mg us, by his example, when we have to waves, with their fears and dangers. God
do with God, to dismiss the multitude of oft-times lengthens out the troubles of his
o« a&irs and employments, of our cares children before he delivers them ; but when
and thoughts. O how uiiseemly it is to they are come to an extremity, that is the
have our tongues talking to God, and our season of his succours. As God suffers his
thoughts taken up with the world! Observe, church to be brought into extremities before
2. TTie place Christ retires to for prayer, a he helps her, so be will help her in ex-
solitary mountain-, not so much for his tremity. In the fourth watch Jesus
own need, for he could be alone when he came, Src.
was in company, but to teach us, that __ A' . . A. .. . .
when we address ourselves to God in duty, _.M *£? when *he disciples WW
we are to take all the helps, furtherances, him walking on the sea, they were
and advantages we can, for the doing of it. troubled, saying, It is a spirit ; and
When we converse with God in duty, O they cried out for fear,
how good is it to set upon a mountain, to Sec howthe disciples take their Deliverer
get onr hearts above the world, above to be a destroyer : their fears were highest
worldly employments and worldly cogita- when their Deliverer and deliverance were
tiona ! Observe, 3. The occasion of nearest. God may be coming with salva-
Chrisf s prayer ; he had sent the disciples tion and deliverance for his church, when
to sea, he foresaw the storm arising, and she for the present cannot discern him.
now be gets into a mountain to pray for «- « t atra:ffktwav jeau. annv^
them, that their faith might not fail them f \1fut 8t™Sntw*y Je8Uj 8Pake
when their troubles^** upon them, unto them, saying, Be of good cheer;
Learn hence, That it is the singular com- it is 1 1 be not afraid.
tort of the church of God, that in all her dif- Observe, When the disciples were in the
fictrfnes and distresses Christ is interceding saddest condition, how one word from
for her; when she is on the sea conflicting Christ revives them! It is a sufficient sup*
with the waves, Christ is upon the moun- port in all our afflictions to hear Christ's
tain praying for her preservation. voice speaking to us, and to enjoy his fa-
o^ ii„* #1.^ cu;„ .„««, „,*„, :„ ♦u^ vourable presence with us. Say but, O
•5i Br*u C !P ™f •?? l C Saviour, ft is I; and then little evils do
midst of the sea, tossed with waves : meir woret: ^^ one wordf It is I% ^
for the wind was contrary. enough to lay all storms, and to calm all
Note here, The great danger the disciples tempests.
were in, and the great difficulties they had 28 And Peter answered him and
to encounter with, they were m the midst said j^j if it ^ thou> bid mc
0^Ae^fbeyWelt° tSe a fit*'.™™' come unto thee on the water. 29
the Vina was contrary, and Christ was » , , -j /-. A j u
absent. The wisdom of God often suffers £nd he said, Come. And when
he church to be tossed upon the waves of Petcr was come dowfl out of tnc
affliction and persecution, but it shall not ship, he walked, on the water, to go
be swallowed up by them : often is this to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the
ark of the church upon the waters-, seldom wind boisterous, he was afraid;
of them; but never drowned. anc| beginning to sink, he cried,
25 And id the fourth watch of saying, Lord, Sa*e me !
(he night Jesus went unto them, Observe here, 1. The mixture of Peter's
walking on the sea. faith and distrust ; it was faith that said,
74 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XV
Master; it was distrust that said, if it be unto him all that were diseased ;
thou ; it was faith that said, bid me come 36 And besought him that they
to thee ; it was faith that enabled him to mjght only touch the hem of his
^^??*^^pifT?/ *¥* garment: and as many as touched
faith thai said, Lord, save me; butitwasdis- ® «•,!-, MMfiM*i., „jLiA
trust that made him sink. O the imperfect were made perfectly whole,
composition of faith and fear in the best of Observe, 1. Our Saviour's unwearied
saints here on earth ! sincerity of grace is diligence in going about to do good : he
found with the saints here on earth j perfec- no sooner Tandeth, but he goeth to
tion of grace with the saints in heaven. Here Gennesaret, and healeth their sick. Ob-
the saints look forth, fair as the moon, which «rve, 2. The people's charity to their sick
has some spots in her greatest beauties: neighbours, in sending abroad to let all the
hereafter they shall be clear as the sun, country know that Christ the great
whose face is all bright and glorious. Ob- Physician was come amongst them. Ob-
serve, 2. That whilst Peter oelieves, the sea serve, 3. Where lay the healing virtue ;
is asrlrm as brass under him ; when he be- not in their finger, but in their feith; or
gins to fear, then he begins to sink. Two rather in Christ, whom their faith appre-
hands upheld Peter ; the hand of Christ's hended.
power, and the hand of his own faith. CHAP. XV.
£to hand of Christ's powr laid hold' on rpHEN came to Jesus scribes and
Peter, and the hand of Peters faith laid X m. • u- ^ - »
hold on the power of Christ If we let go Pharisees, which i were of Je-
ourhold on Christ, wesink ; if he lets go "walem, saying, 2 Why do thy dis-
his hold on us, we drown. Now Peter ciples transgress the tradition of
answered his name Cephas , and sunk like the elders ? For they wash not
a stone. their hands when they eat bread.
31 And immediately Jesus stretch- x^ former ^ of this chapiter acquaints
ed forth his hand, and caught him, us with a great contest between our Saviour
and said unto him, O thou of little and the Pharisees about their traditions and
faith, wherefore didst thou doubt ? old customs, which they valued more than
32 And when they were come into $** commandments of God: they accused
the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then ^disciples for eating bread w^ unwashed
thev that were in the shin camp and handi» wmch thouSh rt were m ltself *"* »
tney triat were in me snip came and decent ^ ^ p^,^ made tt
worshipped him, saying Of a truth religious rite 5 for which reason our Saviour
thou art the Son of God. and his disciples would not observe it.
Observe here, 1. The mercy of Christ is Whence we learn, That what is in itself
no sooner sought, but found: Im- and may without offence be done as a civil
mediately Jesus put forth his hand and custom, ought to be discountenanced and
caught htm. O with what speed, and with opposed when men require it of us as a
what assurance, should we flee to that religious act, or place religion in it The
sovereign bounty, from whence never any Pharisees placed so much religion in wash-
suitor was sent away empty ! Observe, 2. ing their hands before meat, that they
Though Christ gaye Peter his hand, yet looked upon it as highly criminal to neg-
withhis hand he gave him a check : O thou lect it as to lie with a whore. One of them
of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? being in prison, and not having water
Though Christ likes believing, yet he dis- enough to drink and to wash his hands too,
likes doubting. A persoa may be truly chose rather to die with thirst than to trans-
believing, who nevertheless is sometimes gress the tradition of the elders,
doubting ; but his doubting eclipses the 3 But he answered and said unto
beauty of his believing. thenif Why do y e also trail9gresa the
34 And when they were gone commandment of God by your tra-
over, they came into the land of dition ? 4 For God commanded,
Gennesaret. 35 And when the saying, Honour thy father and mo-
men of that place had knowledge ther: and, He that curseth father
of him, they sent out into all that or mother, let him die the death,
country round about, and brought 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say
Chap. XV. ST. MATTHEW. 15
to his father or his mother, It is a, whosoever presumes to add thereunto, they
gift, by whatsoever thou migbtest be worship him in vain. Our Saviour farther
profited by me; 6 And honour not J*0.*8* .»* ^ tius proceeded from the
his father or his mother, he shall be T*0"*? rf ^ JF^V Th? 4^
x* rriu u j al. honoureth me with their ops, out thetr
free. Thus have ye made the com- heart is far from me. Whence learn, 1.
mandment of God of none effect by That the removing of the heart far from
your tradition. God in worship is a great sin, and an high
Observe here, 1. The heavy charge degree of hypocrisy. 2. That whatever
which our Saviour brings in against the outward show and profession of religion
Pharisees; namely, for violating an express men make, if their hearts be not right with
command of God, and preferring their own God, and what they do proceed not from
traditions before it : you make void the ^ inward principle of love and obedience
commandments ofQodby your traditions, *> God, they are under the reign and power
Observe, 2. The command which our °f hypocrisy : Ye hypocrites, in vain do
Saviour instances in, as violated by them ; y°u worship me. Learn, 3. That we must
it is the fifth commandment, which requires n0* he forward, from Christ's example, to
children to relieve their parents in their pronounce men hypocrites; because we
necessity. Now though the Pharisees did rove neither that authority nor knowledge
not deny this in plain terms, yet they made °f *&* aeart which Christ had, to authorize
an exception from it, which, if children had «■ to to do. Christ here called the Phari-
a mind, rendered it void and useless. For **» hypocrites; 1. Because they placed
the Pharisees taught that in case any would holiness and religion in ceremonies of
give a gift to the temple, which gift they human invention. 2. Because, being so
called Cordon, and of which they them- superstitiously careful to avoid bodily poi-
se! ves had a great share ; that then children hitions, they left their hearts within mil of
were discharged from making any farther hypocrisy and iniquity,
provision for their poor, aged, or impotent io And he called the multitude,
paMte54Sd*^?y*uUnt0ti^a?erSi* and said unto them, Hear, and un^
s^i,^^ d«^:ll^
cannot relieve thee, So that covetous and ,nto thc mouth defileth a man ; bat
graceless children looked upon it as the tnat which cometh out of the mouth,
most frugal way, once for all to fine to the this defileth a man.
temple, rather than pay the constant rent of Our blessed Saviour, leaving the Phari-
daily relief to their poor parents. Learn, sees with some dislike, applies himself to
That no duty, gift, or offering to God is the multitude, and shows them the true
accepted, where the duty of charity is neg- spring and original fountain of all spiritual
lected. It is more acceptable to God, to re- pollution and uncleanness; namely, the
fresh the bowels of his saints, who are the filthiness and impurity of man's heart and
living temples of the Holy Ghost, than to nature; when boiling m the heart, the
adorn material temples with gold and silver, scum mns out at the mouth: whereby
7 Ye hypocrites! well did Esaias '^rming the multitude, that not that
«.™i™., Ze „„v„ -™„~ o tk:- which is eaten, but that which is spoken,
prophesy of jou, saying, 8 This defiks a man . »no| the m&a ^ ^ ^
people draweth nigh unto me with roouth> but me wickedness of the heart
their mouth, and honoureth me with vented by the mouth, pollutes a person
their lips : but their heart is far in God's account
from me. 9 But in vain they do 10 T. „ __ m- t. j;a„;^iAa OMj
___• • . « . • + t /. 12 inen came his disciples, and
worship me teaching for doctrines ^4 UBto hi Knowest .Lu that
the^ commandments of men. ^ pharl8ees 'were offendedf after
Ow Ssrioor reprove* the hypooWcal thcy heard tnis saying? 13 But
SSSbtSCttJL&SS htVere,d anVf kEverfan!
precepts. 2. That by their human tra- whlch my heavenly Father hath not
ditionsthey made void the worship of God. planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let
It is God's undoubted prerogative to pre- them alone : they be blind leaders
scribe all the parts of his own worship; and of the blind. And if the blind lead
76 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XV.
the blind, both shall fall into the of the foregoing parable, our Saviour gives
ditch it them; but withal expostulates with them,
Observe here, 1. How the disciples °f. **! <*** ** understand a thing so
wonder that our Saviour did so little regW obv}0™ ™* P^"1 : AAre/e. ** T Z
the displeasure of the Pharisees, Knoiett understanding f As if he had said,
thou that the Pharisee, were offended? " ?*» **.** *»» lon* ™** VJ*Z*i
Although nothing vexed the Pharisees more ^^ *»<*"«. «?<* «>J°y«i *■ bf^t of
than the discovery of their false doctrine my company and conversation, andyet are
before the multitude, yet our Saviour did ?° farth? 9*°%*?** «L pledge?
not stick to detecttheirenors, and todeclare ^teace learn. That .our Lord expects a
the truth, let the effects of their displeasure proficfncv m knowledge from us, answer-
be what they would : sinful man-pleasing •"• ^ the opportunities and means of
is fruitless and endless. Observe. 2. Our *»"*** "OT«J ty «• Next he gives
Lord'sanswer, which shows a double reason «he? *f ,!?a,s?1'md ^F^?*1011. off ■ *?i
■why he thus slighted the offence taken by «■"• i*®*? **"> *** rt ""* rf * ™f ">
the Pharisees. 1. He compares the Phari. n^ «■»*■? ™ J**""*1.5 *? heart ■.*"
sees' doctrine and tradition to noisome cageornert, which »M of the* unclean
weeds in the church, planted there not by J** «£ *°? *hence *•*» ^e the,r
God, but themselves; and consequently ftf* .£"?»**■ occasions of sin are
shall certainly be rooted up. In^nattersoY from witho^ yet ^ source and original
religion, if men will act according to the ?f *»» » <rom within. Learn, That the
dictates of their own fancies, and not walk heaIt ofJman ■ *J f"*,81^ ""H?* of ?U
by the rule of God's word, they may please ■»• ■■£ the fountain of all pollution ; the
themselves perhaps, but they can never 1& <»uld not be so ba^rf the heart were not
please tharTifaker! Divine institution is worse :aUtte regularity of our hves flows
flie only sure rule of religious worship. 2. ^°m *" ""P""1* rf our heart» «»* "*"
Christ compares the Pharisees themselves to ^^1 _, . ., ,
blind guides. They ore blind leaders of 21 Then Je8U8 went thence, and
the blind: leaders and followers both departed into the coasts of Tyre and
blind, who will certainly and suddenly./^// Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman
into the ditch of temporal and eternal of Canaan came out of the same
destruction. Learn, 1. That ignorant, coasts, and cried unto him, saying,
erroneous, and urrtaithful ministers, are the Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou
heaviest judgments that can befall a people. e r\ Li . jl..„.i,,>. ;. „,:«..-
2. That thelbllowing of such teacherVand son.of DavJd \™1 <»auShter » Sr,evT
blind guides will be no excuse to people ously vexed wlth a dev,L
another day, much less free them from the Observe here, The constant employment
danger of eternal destruction. of our Saviour : he went about doing good,
15 Then answered Peter, and said Jj°m P1*/*. *° P1""*- ,la *b*l'?rdeis rf
unto him, Declare unto us this para- ?/£ "^ **% * find\a "^.ZE^
ii n^, a j t -i a *i ofthe race of the Canaanites, who becomes
ble. 16 And Jesus said. Are ye also an humble ^p^t to 0,^ whiie the
without understanding ? 17 Do not jeWs neglected so great salvation. Yea,
ye yet understand, that whatsoever she not only speaks, but cries unto him.
enteretb in at the mouth goeth into Were we duly affected with our spiritual
the belly, and is cast out into the wants, we could speak to God in no other
draught ? 18 But those things which ^GWP than ** of cnes and tears ; no-
proceed out of the mouth come forth <Wut "**"* Pie?* h<*™' # °^"rf'
4r~~m 4U~ k^««* . ««,i 4k a c\ .v 2. Though all Israel could not example
from the heart . and they defile the the faim%f ^ Canaanite, yet was her
man. 19 For out of the heart pro- daughter tormented with a devil. Learn,
ceed evil thoughts, murders, adulte- That neither truth nor strength of faith can
ries, fornications, thefts, false wit- secure us either against Satan's inward
ness, blasphemies. 20 These are temptations, or outward vexations; and
the things which defile a man : but consequently, the worst of bodily afflictions
to eat with unwashen hands defileth ?Jf no "^^ P^of of divine displeasure.
not a man Observe, 3. The daughter did not come to
* Christ for herself, but the mother for her.
The disciples desiring the interpretation Perhaps the child was not sensible of its
Chap. XV. ST. MATTHEW. 77
own misery, but the good mother feels both dismay it This woman will not despond,
the child's sorrow and her own. True though her prayer of faith, from the Knees
goodness teaches us to appropriate the of humility, succeed not.
afflictions of others to ourselves ;.it causes 26 But he answered and said,
"•£ J£l ?b5L.Bn* ind to ^P*™1*5 It is not meet to take the children's
with them in their sorrows. , , , . . .. . ,
bread, and to cast t. to dogs.
23 But he answered her not a Observe here, The seeming severity of
word. And his disciples came and Christ to this poor woman, he calls her not
besought him, saying, Send her a woman, but a dog ; and as it were spurns
away ; for she crieth after us. her from his feet with an harsh repulse.
Strange! that a miserable supplicant Djd ever so ^ere a wonl drop from thwe
should ^ and sue, whilst the Bod of mild lip. ? Mfhat rfiall we say ? Is the
mercy is speechless. What ! is the foun- ?*■* 4of Go* *** a ho(n 8 *"* a woma2
tain ofmircy dried up? O Saviour! we m d«^ ■mplonne pity, yea, a good
have oft fouid cause to wonder at thy ^^. «d aa humble supplicant, sl.ould
words, but never till now at thy silence. $" *» J"** °ut of <2S^f i^T™*. *5.R
Learn hence, That Christ doth sometimes ^L^^' Tb^Su Pub *»
delay to return an answer to a well qua- *OT»* (a,.th °^t ?wnh ch,ldren uP°n *•
Hfiedprayer. Sometimes his people do not 7^'!.^ ^^ b? w
pray earnestly enough; somettaes they *an>. '« h« iaithl^ not been so strong.
pmy too earnestly for rome outward ana £sual|y» whcr* i God 6»ves much S™00' ta
temporal mercy ; sometimes the mercy they ^ VF*** mucn.
pray for is not good for them, or may beit 27 And she said, Truth, Lord:
is not yet good for them. Let us not then yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which
judge of God's hearing piayer by his present fall from their master's table,
answer. Observe, How her humility grants all, her
24 But he answered and said, I patience overcomes all ; she meekly desires
am not sent but unto the lost sheep t0 possess the dog's place ; not to crowd to
of the house of 1 srael. £j *■*£ but toucreeP **** £ VfJPF*"
-. _ _,_, „ . , , take of the crumbs of mercy that fall from
Observe, When our Saviour doth an- ^0^ Indeed she showed one of the best
swer, he gives not one word of comfort, but qualities of a dog, in keeping her hold where
rather- a repulse. Christ has often-times sne had once fastened, not letting go or
love in his heart to his people, when they giving over, until she had gotten what she
can read none m his countenance, nor Seared. Learn hence, That nothing is so
gather it from his discourse. Observe, pleasing unto Christ, as to see his people
The answer itself: Christ says not, I am following him with faith and importunity,
not sent but unto the lost sheep of the when he seeaa t0 withdraw from them.
house of Adam, but, to the lost sheep of 28 Then Jesus answered and said
*?r P^T3^^^^1?^^ unto her, O woman, great t# thy
the Gentiles unto does. Christ insinuates, r .A, , ' ., . ., ' 6 *, J
that though she were t lost sheep of Adam, fa.l,th : ]>e it unto thee even as thou
yet not being one of the lost sheep of Israel, Wllt» And her daughter was made
he could do nothing for her. It was a com- whole from that very hour,
mon saying among the Jews, " That the The disciples observing her behaviour,
nations of the world were likened to might have been ready to say, O woman,
d°gs» whereas they were God's sons and great is thypatience, great is thy humility :
daughters.*' but, says Cnrist, Great is thy faith : he
26 Then came she and worship- f??!?-100^^ the branches. Nothing
n**l !»;«. D«„:«~ 1 *~a lai„ ma| but faith could thus temper the heart, thus
ped him, saying, Lord, help me ! strengthen me ^ thus^harm the tongue.
Yet hath not this poor woman done ; O powerful grace of faith, which Christ
Christ's former silence, and his present himself could no longer withstand, but
denial, cannot silence her. She comes, cries out as a person overcome by the pre-
she worships, she cries, Lord, help me. valency of it, O woman, great is thy faith.
0 what an undaunted grace is the grace of Note, That no grace ever goes away from
feith! It has a strong heart, and a bold Christ uncrowned; though we may wait
forenead ; peremptory denials cannot long for a mercy, yet the hand of faith
7B ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XV.
never knocked in vain at the door of hea- They glorified the God of Israel ; that is,
ven. Mercy is as surely ours as if we had they acknowledged it to he a wonderful
it, if we have but faith and patience to wait work of power and mercy wrought by that
for it This good woman found it so, to God whom Israel worshipped. Whence
her unspeakable comfort ; and the same we learn, That the miraculous works of
shall we rind, in the exercise of the same Christ, which he wrought before the mul-
grace. Suest. But how doth this poor titude, were obvious to their senses ; and
woman's faith appear to be great faith ? did constrain the beholders (if not blinded
Answ. Because having no promise to rely with pharisaical obstinacy) to acknowledge
upon, and suffering so many repulses with the power of God communicated to Christ,
seeming contempt, she still retained a good and to praise him for it : The multitude
hope of Christ's kindness and mercy, marvelled, and glorified God.
Learn hence, 1. That the faith of those ,..,.,..,
who, depending on God's goodness, do 32 Then Jesus called his disciples
place an humble confidence in God, and unto him, and said, I have compas-
are not by great temptations or discourage- sion on the multitude, because they
ments removed from that their confidence; continue with me now three days,
such faith is deservedly -styled great kith. and have nothintr to eat: and I
2. That the faith of believing Gentiles was .., . - then?aWftv fMtin«r Ie«t
not only praiseworthy and weU-pleasing to "lU "° • ^na *nem ***? J" W 7 !*
God, but more excellent and better pitas- *qr faint in the way. 33 And his
ingthan that of the Jews, to whom the disciples say unto him, Whence
promises did belong. should we have so much bread in
«« * i ¥ a ~ *. a r the wilderness, as to fill so great a
29 And Jesus departed from muUitl]de? 34* And Jesus saith un-
thence, and came nigh unto the sea . „ , .
of Galilee; and went up into a XZ^fZFS^JTlil
mountain and sat down there. 30 ,. , fi £ ' A rf £ comn)and.
And great mulmudes came unto h.m, d multitude to 8itdowI1 onthe
having with tlfem those that were , na A . , . . .,
1 ur a a u ~~^-a ~~a ground. 36 And he took the seven
lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and j^ and ^ fi . and
many others, and cast them down at .. . . * , ^ ,. ' ^ , * .
w •» r A juu i a *u - -»! thanks, «Hid brake them, and gave to
Jesus feet; and he healed them : 31 .. ..' . , , th '^j*^ to
Insomuch that the multitude won- ™ J^JJJ; <"sciples to
dered, when they saw the dumb to "
speak, the maimed to be whole, the Here we have (he second <hiracle of
lame to walk, and the blind to see : Christ's compassionate feeding the hungry
and they glorified the God of Israel, multitude. J**!** ?iv- we «■* °f £•
J ° thousand fed with five loaves and two
Observe here, 1. The charity, 2. The fishes; here Christ feeds four thousand with
faith of the multitude, in bringing the seven loaves and a few small fishes.
blind, the deaf, and the dumb, to Christ : Where observe, That Christ fed fewest
their charity, in lending eyes to the blind, when he had most provision ; when he had
and a tongue to the dumb ; who could seven loaves he fed but four thousand ;
neither come to Christ themselves, nor when he had five loaves he fed five thou-
speak for themselves. Every man has a sand. Thus the wisdom and power of
tongue to speak for himself happy is he Christ is glorified by him as he pleases
that has a tongue to pray and intercede for The feeding of one thousand with one loaf,
others ; this charity did the people exer- was as true a miracle as the feeding seven
cise here. Observe also, Their faith ; they thousand. Our Saviour did put forth the
laid the lame and blind down at Jesus* feet power of his Godhead in working miracles,
reiving upon his power, and believing his after what manner seemed best to his own
willingness to help and heal them. Ob- wisdom. Observe farther, A double action
serve farther, The effects of this miracle upon performed by our Saviour: He gave
the multitude; it was two-fold: 1. They thanks; that is, he prayed for a blessing
were struck with admiration and wonder, upon the food. Teaching us our duty, that
to see such cures wrought as exceeded the if the Son of God did look up to heaven,
course of nature, and the power of art 2. and bless his food, we should not sit down
Chap. XVI. ST. MATTHEW. 79
to our food as a beast to his fodder, without lowring. O ye hypocrites 1 ye can
caving a blessing upon it. The next discern the face of the sky ; but
^n^JFl^u!°i!s1'9cipieu ?ul can ye not discern the signs of the
why did he distribute the loaves by the *** a A a „;„ijmi <>„a !!,i..w~m..«
ba4ofhisdisciples? Answ. Because the time* ? 4 Awicked and adulterous
disciples questioned, through the weakness generation seeketh after a sign ; and
of their feith, whether such a multitude as ***** 8na» n0 8,&n be &,ven unto lt»
four thousand could be fed with so small a but the sign of the prophet Jonas,
provision as seven loaves. Now our Sa- AwFhe left them, and departed,
viour to convince them how easily he could Observe here, 1. The persons demand-
do that thing which they had judged ing of our Saviour a sign, the Pharisees and
impossible, distributes the bread by them *. Sadducees, persons of contrary opinions and
making use of their own eyes ana hands, interests ; yet both agree in tempting and
for their conviction and satisfaction. Thus opposing Christ. Learn thence, That
Christ, to shame the unbelief of his disciples, wicked men how opposite soever they are
makes them not only spectators but actors to oue another, yet can agree together in
in that work, which they judged to be opposing Christ, and undermining his
impossfcte to be effected. truth. Observe, 2. The sign demanded,
o-» * jA j- . it . j Shew us a sign from heaven: as if they had
37 And they did all eat, and were saidf Put m«^ off ^ wch eaMy L,,
nlled: and they took up of the aswe nave seen, in multiplying loaves; but
broken meat that was left seven has- let us see a miracle from heaven, such as
kets full. 38 And they that did eat Moses and Elias wrought This they
were four thousand men, beside wo- desired, not so much for their satisfaction,
men and children. 39 And he sent J* out <* curiosity, nay, wicked treachery.
awav thp multitude And tnnlc «hin Leam thence, That to demand a sign, not
away the multitude, and took slip, confam our&ith but to y^^ our-
andcameintothecoastsofMagdala. ^^ m our ^^^ ^ a dangerou8
Tkey did all ealf not a crumb or bit, tempting of Christ. Observe, 3. Our Sa-
but to fulness and satisfaction ; yet seven viour' s rejection of this .demand of the
baskets remain ; answering the number of Pharisees to give them a sign : O ye
the loaves, as the twelve baskets in the for- hypocrites, says he, ye can discern the face
roer miracle answered the twelve apostles ; of the sky, but ye cannot discern the signs
in both, more is left than was at first set on: of the times. As if Christ had said, "Did
it is hard to say, which was the greater not malice and obstinacy blind your eyes,
miracle, the miraculous eating or miraculous ye might as easily see and discern that these
leaving. If we consider what they eat, are the times of the Messias, and that I am
we may justly wonder that they left any he, by the miracles wrought by me, as you
thing; if what they left, that they eat any can make a judgment of the weather, by
thing. Observe, lastly, Christ would not looking upon the sky.** Learn, That to
have these fragments lost, but gathered up : pretend more ignorance and uncertainty in
the great Housekeeper of the world will not discerning the signs of gospel times, than
allow the loss of his orts. O how dreadful the signs of the weather, is great hypocrisy :
will the account of those be, who have Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of
large and plentiful estates to answer for as the sky, but can ye not discern the signs
lost, being spent upon their lusts in riot and of the times ! Observe lastly, That our
excess. Dr. Fuller. . Saviour doth not condemn the study of
CHAP. XVI. nature, or making observation of the state
mxi-n tm_ . * i " . L t o j of the weather from the face of the sky.
J^Hfc Pharisees also with the Sad- All that our Saviour blamed was, that they
ducees came, and tempting, de- were better skilled in the signs of the
sired him that he would shew them weather, than in the signs of the times,
a sign from heaven. 2 He answer- As God by natural signs gives us warning
ed and said unto them, When it is of a .^"W in natural thin^; so by his
i evening, ye say, It will be fair wea- I™**-** o^pensatons he gives us
»»,«- . r it i • j « a i • warning of a change m civil things. H6
her ; for the sky is red : 3 And in ^ b * ^ ^ oh^rve the8e ^ and
the morning, It will be foul weather by their observations will come to under-
to-day; for the sky is red and stand the pleasure of the Lord.
80 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XVI.
5 And when his disciples were judgments are to be avoided, as well as
come to the other side, thev had for- those that are lewd and wicked in their
gotfeU to take bread. 6 Then Jesus conversations. • He that has a duecare cf his
• a . .*~ *u rr u^ u ~a —a i souls salvation, must as well beware of
said unto them, Take heed, and be- cmmeoill principle, as of debauched prac
ware of the leaven of the Pharisees ^^ Observe, 4. Our Saviour does not
and of the Sadducees. 7 And they command his disciples to separate from
reasoned among themselves, saying, communion with the Pharisees, and oblige
// is because we have taken no bfead. them not to hear their doctrine ; but only
8 Which when Jesus perceived, he to beware of the errors that they mixed
said unto them, O ye of little faith, 4WI* £** doctnne- We may and ought
■ _ J i i to hold communion with a church, though
why reason ye among yourselves be- mmnm m doctrinef if not fuudamea^
cause ye have brought no bread ? 9 erroneous. Separation from a church is not
Do ye not yet understand, neither re- justifiable upon any other ground, than
member the five loaves of the five that which makes a separation between God
thousand, and how many baskets ye and that church : which is either theapos-
took up? 10 Neither the seven loaves tasy of that church into eross idolatry, or
of the four thousand, and how many in P°mt of docJrmf ml° **mnable heresy,
baskets ye took up ? 1 1 How is it or ,mposing wnful tmD& of commu™n-
that ye do not understand that I 13 When Jesus came into the coasts
spake it not to you concerning bread, of Ccsarea Philippi, he asked his dis-
that ye should beware of the leaven of ciples, saying, Whom do men say
the Pharisees and of the Sadducees ? that I, the Son of man, am ? 14 And
12 Then understood they how that he they said, Some gay that thou art
bade them not beware of the leaven John the Baptist ; some, Elias ; and
of bread, but of the doctrine of the others, Jeremias, or one of the pro-
Pharisees and of the Sadducees. phets. 15 He saith unto them, But
Observe here, 1. How dull the disciples wbom say ye that l am ? wm A n(l Si'
of Christ were under Christ's own teaching, mon Peter answered and said, Thou
how apt to put a carnal sense upon his art the Christ, the Son of the living
words; they apprehended he had spoken to God. 17 And Jesus answered and
them of the leaven of bread, what he intend- Ba\^ unlo |,im> Blessed art thou, Sl-
ed of the leaven of the Pharisees' doctrine. mon Bar.jona: for flesh and bi^
Observe, 2. The smart and sharp reproof i .. ■' t j •* *^*u~ i *
which Christ gave his disciples, foV not un- hath not revealed U unto thee, but
derstanding the sense and sicnification of my Father which is in heaven,
what he spake. The Lord Jesus Christ is Observe here, 1. Our Saviour'sjquestion,
much displeased with his own people, when and the disciples' answer. Our Saviour's
he discerns blindness and ignorance in them, question is two-fold : 1 . Whom do men say
after more than ordinary means of knowledge that I am? Not that the Son of God
enjoyed by them : How is it that ye do not was ignorant what men said of him, but he
yet understand ? Observe, 3. T*he meta- had an intention more firmly to settle and
phor which Christ sets forth the corrupt establish his disciples in the belief of bis
doctrine of the Pharisees by j he compares being the promised Messias. And mere*
it to leaven partly for its sourness, and part- fore, 2. He puts the question to them,
ly for its diffusiveness. Leaven is a piece of Whom do you, my disciples, say that I
sour dough, that diffuses itself into the whole am .* " You, that have heard the holiness
mass or lump of bread with which it is mix- of my doctrine, and seen the divinity of my
ed. From whence our Saviour intimates, miracles ; what say you to me : and what
that the Pharisees were a sour and proud confession do you make of me." Christ
sort of people: and their doctrines like expects greater measures of grace and
themselves, poisonous and pernicious in knowledge, and higher degrees of affiance
their consequences : the contagion of which and faith, from those that have enjoyed the
our Lord warns his disciples to avoid and greatest means of grace and knowledge,
shun. Whence learn, That error is as Thediscipleswereeyeandearwitnessesofhis
damnable as vice; persons erroneous in their doctrine and miracles, and accordingly he
Chap, XVI. ST. MATTHEW. 81
expects from them a full confession of his apostles elsewhere, Gal. ii. 9. James' and
divinity. Observe, 2. The answer return- John are called pillars as well as Peter. So
ed, 1. By the apostles in general: And that Peter's superiority over the rest*t)f the
they said, Some say that thou art John apostles-can with no show of reason be from
the Baptist ; some alias ; some Jeremias. hence inferred. " Upon Christ the Rock
It is no new thing, it seems, to find diver- confessed," say the Protestants ; for Christ
sity of judgments and opinions concerning is the Foundation-Stone, upon which his
Christ and the affairs of his kingdom. We church is built, Ephes. ii. 20. Ye are
find that when our Saviour was amongst built upon the foundation of the apostles
men, who daily both saw and heard him, and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being
yet there was then a diversity of opinions the chief Corner-Stone. So then, not upon
concerning him. 2. Peter, in the name of Peter the rock confessing, but upon Christ
the rest, and as the mouth of all the apostles, the Rock confessed, and upon the rock of
makes a full and open confession of his Peter's confession, that fundamental truth,
being the Son of God : Thou art Christ, That Christ is the Son of the living God, is
the Son of the living God. Whence note, the church built Upon this rock will I
That the veil of Christ's human nature did build my church ; Super hone confessionis
not keep the eye of his disciples' faith from tute Petram tedificabo ecclesiam meam.
seeing him to be the Son of uod as well as Yet Christ may here be said to build his
the Son of man ; Thou art Christ, the church upon reter, because he used St.
Son of the living God. Observe, 3. How Peter's ministry in laying the foundation of
highly pleased our Saviour was with this a christian church among the Jews and
confession j he pronounces Peter, and the Gentiles j he being the first preacher of
rest in him, blessed, who had by him made that faith which he here confessed, first to
this christian confession : Blessed art thou, the Jews, Acts ii. and then to the Gentiles,
Simon; and tells him, 1. What did not Acts a. And accordingly, St. Peter's con-
enable him to make that confession, Not version of three thousand souls by his
flesh and blood: that is, not man, nor the ministry, Acts ii. 41. is looked upon by
wisdom and reason of man. 2. But, posi- some as a punctual fulfilling of this promise
trvely, God the Father, by the operation of here made unto him. He was styled the
his Spirit, and the dispensation of the gos- rock, because he laid the foundations of
pel, has wrought this divine faith in you, faith among the nations, that is, the first
and drawn forth this glorious confession foundations of a christian church in the
from you, that I am indeed the Son of God. world. Whence it appears, that in this
Thence learn, That no man can savingly matter St. Peter neither had nor can have
believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son a successor j but if the Pope will pretend to
of God, and Saviour of the world, but he be his successor in this affair, he must not
in whom God himself by his holy Spirit sit at Rome, lording it there over God's
has wrought such a persuasion by the mi- heritage, but must go in person to the
nistry of the gospel. unbelieving Jews, and unconverted hea-
18 And 1 say also unto thee, That ******* 4Peter. did 5 *«<* labour by his
thou art Peter; and upon this rock J~^? ^PT .*? T"rk' ft^'
¥ -in* i j u i_ v j xl y and the infidel, to Christianity. Observe
I will build my church ; and the gates next, our Saviour's promise for the uphold-
of hell shall not prevail against it. jng, as well as the building, of his church :
Observe here, 1. As Peter confessed The gates of hell shall not prevail against
Christ, so Christ confesses him: Petersaid, it; that is, all the policy and power of the
Thou art Christ; Christ says, Thou art devil and his instruments shall neither de-
JPeter, alluding to his name, which signifies stroy my church, nor extinguish the light of
a. rock; he having made good that title, by this divine truth, which thou hast now
the strength, stability, and firmness of his made confession of; namely, " That I am
fiath. Observe, 2. A double promise made the true Messias, the Son of the living God."
by Christ to Peter. 1. For the building : Note, 1. That Jesus Christ is the Builder,
2. For the upholding of his church. For and will be the Upholder, of his church,
the building of his church: 1. Upon this 2. That the church, upheld by Christ's
rock will I build my church. Upon what power and promise, shall never be van-
rock ? " Upon Peter, the rock con- quished by the devil's policy or strength :
teasing," say the Papists : but if so, no Upon this rock, Src. and the gates, Src>
more is said of Peter here, than of all the By the gates of hell understand, 1. The
a
82 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XVf.
wisdom of hell; gates being the teat of he. And St Paul, who was the apostle
counsel. 2. The censures and sentence of of the Gentiles, opened the kingdom of
bell, gates being the place of judicature, heaven to far more Gentiles than ever
3. By the gates of hell, understand the Peter did; and therefore had this iey of the
arms and power of hell, gates being a place kingdom of heaven given to him, as much
of strength and guards. So that when as to St Peter.
2?£L M°Zt E£ £* ^.^Z 20 Then charged he his disciples,
against all that receive their commission .,..«_ , « %°. u .,r., '
torn hell : neither hell, nor any envenom- that they should tell no man that he
ed by hell, shall prevail against my church, was Jesus the Christ.
19 And I will give unto thee the That is, till after his resurrection. It
keys of the kingdom of heaven : and may seem strange that our Saviour should
whatsoever thou shaft bind on earth charge his disciples to tell no man that he
shall be bound in heaven ; and what- was Jesus the Christ, seeing the knowledge
soever thou shalt loose on earth shall of * *■» # M ""TO- ^ "f™ ^
» , j • i conceived to be : 1. Because the glory of
be loosed in heaven . , u his godhead was not to be fully manfest-
Observe here, 1. The person to whom ^ fa after his resurrection, and then to be
this promise is made, namely , to Peter, publisned by himseU; ^d confirmed by his
with the rest of die apostles : the confession ^ minc{&t 2. Lest the knowledge of
being made by him in the name of the rest. itshould have hindered his death : for, had
Elsewhere we find the same authority and ^ rulers known, they would not nave cm-
power given to them aU, which is here cifedikeLord of glory. Learn, That Christ
committed unto Peter ; John xx. 23. ^ his own ftf&Mg*nA ^^ seasons,
Whose *™™*ry* remih **V **' re.' in which he reveals his own mysteries to
nutted. Although there might be a pn- the wqM 3 That q^ ^^ mteQt
onty of order amongst the apostles, yet no ^ , m down hU m for sinnen^
superiority^ power was founded ^in any ^ ^ W0lJd *not ^ his death fc^^.
one of them over and above the rest b an untimely declaration of his being:
Observe, 2. The power P^aed ; I will ^ and ^/g^ ; after his death it wal
gtve thee the keys of thejemgdom of hen- that' he ^^ ^^]f tobeftego|l of
ven ; that is, the key of doctrine, and the God wim b the resurrection from
key of discipline, or full power and au- ^ dead r J
thority to preach the gospel, to adminis- " .
ter sacraments, and execute church-cen- 21 From that time forth began
sores. The speech is metaphorical, and Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how
alludes to stewards and officers in great that he must go unto Jerusalem, and
houses, to whose trust the keys of the house- suffer many things of the elders and
hold are c^mitted. Christ's ministers are chief ricsts and 8Cribcs ^d be
the stewards of his house, into whose hands imi • *[_ A v •.„,,! •««:« «^L*u:-j
the keys of his church are committed by Jllfed» and be fwaed a&ain tfc ***
Christ : the Pope would snatch them out "ay*
of all hands, and keep them in his own ; Observe, 1. The wisdom of our Saviour,
he snatches at Peter's keys, but makes ship- in acquainting his disciples with Che near
wreck of Peter's faith : arrogating Peter's approach of his death and sufferings. This
power, but abrogating his holy profession, he did for several reasons : 1. To let them
Learn, 1. That the authority and power understand that he was really God, (as they
which the ministers of the gospel do exer- had just before confessed him to be,) by
rise and execute, is from Christ! / will his foreknowing and foretelling things to
give thee the keys of the kingdom. 2. come. 1. To convince them of their error,
That this power of the keys Christ dis- in apprehending that his kingdom was of
pensed promiscuously to all his apostles, this world, and that he was to reign here as
and never designed it as peculiarly for St. a temporal Prince. 3. To prevent their
Peter. As they all made the same profes- being offended at his sufferings, and to pre-
sion of faith by Peter, so they all received pare them for their own ; that they might
the same authority and power with Peter, neither shrink at them, nor sink under
And, accordingly, the apostles exercised them. Observe, 2. The persons foretold by
their office independently of Peter, in con- Christ, that should be the bloody actors
verting those of the circumcision as well as in the tragedy of his death : namely, the
Chap. XVI. ST. MATTHEW. 63
rulers and chief prists : it was the poor Observe hoe, 1. How our Saviour re-
tort received Christ, and embraced the gos- commends his religion to every man's
pd j it was the great ones of the world that choice ; not attempting by force and vio-
rejected him, and set him at nought ; and lence to compel any to the profession of it
the rulers both in church and state con- If any man will come after me: that is,
demoed and crucified him. if any man choose and resolve to be a chris-
__ _, _ , , . , tian. 2. Our Saviour's terms propounded :
22 Then Peter took him, and L Self-denial, Let him deny himself By
begin to rebuke him, saying, Be it which we are not to understand the deny,
far from thee, Lord : this shall not ing and renouncing of our reason in mat-
be uoto thee. ters of religion: but by self-denial is meant,
No doubt Peter spake all this out of a ** w* u*oukl j*?™? *P^wit)*aU
«u ««»rw TrT^ *" . , r_ our earthly comforts, and quit all our tem-
LiSMS S^T? ^L1-,,1!^ w«. to be crucified, took his cross upon
E^,*!^ W°°^"/to "EE!?,*1 *% h» shoulder, and carried it to the placTof
fmZr^Ll^'JTZ? *25S& «ecution. Where note, Not the Wing
LISlLl!!!^* "?£}* fatnrf of the cross for ourselves, but the patient
»j«*fetempta^offher^aswellas b^ng rf tt when Qod fcys it upoTour
a enomes; for Satan can make good men .u—.i-iL - »>.„ ,»,,♦» ^^L^a . Y^t *;«
fcnpoon rf mankind, by dissuading Christ """*•"* ^Uo VJ? ""T^ 11 w^
fiSKTrtoKTS^nStve«e f« my I* and doctrme contmually before
«m «j"^. ..**^ru™7J[.*" • *r» V , him. and must be daily correcting and re-
^Ittrndigoation Christ rejects Peters fonmw hk life by th^ rule and^ pattern.
MT1CC- , a #J See on Luke ix. 23.
P? ^^"^"L'S* Wc I1"10 25 For whosoever will save his
Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan : nfe ghall logc u . and whosoever will
bou art an offence unto me : for lose hb Ufe for gake ahall find
thoa savoarest not the things that be -t '
of God but those that be of men. "observe here, 1. That the love of this
Owlooked upon Peter with anger and temporal ijfe fc a great temptation to men
oMwqtc: Christ heard Satan speaking to cleay Christ, and to renounce his holy
^J?*: V^ ***!!? **&% ^r*?11 religion. 2. That the surest way to attain
tad ^ therefore Christ calh i Peter by ^eToal life, is cheerfully to lay down a
Sitans name ; they that wil do the deyd s mortal lif when ^ x of fo^ and
*«*, shall have the devil s name too. ^ ^^ ^^ m thereunto.
« that would hinder the redemption of ^ _ ■ A . r. .
nankind, is Satan, an adversary to man- 26 For what is a man profited,
bai From our Saviour's smart reproof if he shall gain the whole world, and
given to Peter, learn, That no love or re- lose his own soul ? or, what shall a
*ped to men's persons or piety must draw man give in exchange for his soul ?
a to flatter them in their sins, or cause us Learn, 1. That God has intrusted every
Joipeak lightly of their sins. From our one 0f us with a soul of inestimable worth
Strom's resolution not to favour himself, ^^ preciousness, capable of being saved
Qotvjthrfanding Peter's advice, learn, That or lost, and that to all eternity. 2. That
» intent was the heart of Christ upon the the gain of the whole world is not com-
gnat work of man's redemption, that he parable with the loss of one precious soul,
could not bear the least word that should The soul's loss is an incomprehensible and
obtfruct hhn in it, or divert him from it. irrecoverable loss.
24 Then said Jesus unto his dis- 27 For the Son of roan shall come
ciples, If any man will come after in the glory of his Father with his
«*, let him deny himself, and take angels ; and then he shall reward
»p his cross, and follow me. every man according to his works.
c 2
84 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XVtf.
There is two-fold judgment spoken of transfigured before them : and his
by this evangelist, St Matthew, namely, a face did shine as the sun, and his
particular comtaeof Christ to execute ven- rajment was white as the light,
eeance on the Jews at the destruction of ti. r . „«• ,v:. _u„_._ _i
Judge described, Tke « ««». he who ,wle tj ^f ^^g toyhimseif Uk
was and is both God and Man, shall judge robes rf -^ ^ .* the of te
bothangeb and men. 2. The splendour divinU dartedforth; hi. face shined with
of that day declared, He ihaUcome tn , J ^Mto^^ ^ ,3^ w«h
jfaywM A»Ao/v angels. The attend- ^ s^^n lus^ dk, at 0Dce
ance of angeb ; shall be requued by Christ, ^ j^ ^ ^^ ^ of ^
not fornec^ty, but for majesty. 3. The ^0,^ Here observe, 1. The reasons
wo*andbusmessofthat day demonstrated, cf our Lord's transfiguration. 1. To de-
and that is, To render to every man accord- mon$trateandtestify&truthofhisdiviiiity,
tng to huwork. Learn, That the judg- ^ he ^ christJthe &,„ of ^ liTing
ment of the greatday will Lbs imos glorious q^. accotiiag t0 St. Peter.s cootal|0,
and righteous : Christ will be glorious in just ^^ jfa divine ^ was M evi.
^^n;«fdSto™Hs.mJni atten4antf' Sence of his divine nature! 2. Christ was
and the judgment wdl be according to lhus n^figured, t0 prefigure the glory of
righteousness, without respect of persons, hjs KCOad*coJog toF judgment, when he
according to what has been done m the shaU ta .j^',, hfg ^ „ j^fc
^L«* »r -i i x rut. was admired by his disciples. Observe,
28 Verily 1 say unto you There 2. The choice which our Siviour makes of
be some standing here which shall the wimesses of lib transfiguration, his three
not taste of death, till they see the disciples, Peter, James, John. But why dk-
Son of man coming in his kingdom, ciples? why three disciples ? why these
A threefold sense and ihterpretation is *«' -1- Ttotnorfgantioo **!#£
given of these words. 1. Some will have f ndshadow of the glory of heaven : Chnst
them refer to our Saviour's transfiguration, J48™ vouchsafes the earnest and tint-
mentioned in the next chapter fas if he f™to * ** ^^L t0 *£*JnY*
had said, " Some of you, as Peter, James, w^m he mtended to l^w the Mhar-
and John, shall shortly see me upon mount ve£- . 2; P^^P1?8 T1* wlt?S
Tabor in such glory as J will come in to "fluent to testify this miracle. Jud*
judgment." 2? Others understand the was un wormy of tna favour : yet lest he
woSls of Christ's exercising his kingly should murmur or be discontented d his
power in the destruction of Jerusalem and J»* ]f out,others are also leftout besides
the Jewish nation; which St. John did J"*- ^J^ mi^ mther thaii others;
live to see. 3. Others refer the words to ^cause, 1- These disciples are more emi-
the time of the gospel after Christ's resur- "** for &raoe' "* *** love }?*?*¥ '>
rection and ascension, when the gospel was an!*' consequently, are most highly dig-
propagated and spread far and near, accord- n™*1 and honour~ by j"™- ™ m(?
me to St. Mark ix. 1. There are some fm™n} manifestations of glory are made
standing here, that shall not taste of death by God *° %?* ^ •» most ep11"311 m,
till they see the kingdom of God come with £**-, 2- Tk" tbree werc witnesses of
power; that is, till they "see the increase £hnsts agony and passion ; to prepare
and enlargement of the church by the gos- them foJ which, they are heremade wit-
pel. Thence note, That where the gospel ne!se8 °/ hl8 transfiguration. This glorious
ST powerfully preached and cheSfully viswn from mount Tabor fitted them to
obeyed, there Christ cometh most gloriously £lde *he to™1* of mount Calvary. Learn,
"in his kingdom. *"•* mose WDOm **od angles out for the
rniAD yvtt greatest trials, he will fit beforehand with
CHAf. AV1I. ^ ^ enablements.
A ND after six davs Jesus taketh 3 Andj behold, there appeared
Peter James, and John his bro- unto them Moses and Elias> taikinp
ther, and bnngeth them up into an with him.
high mountain apart, 2 And was Observe here, The glorious attendants
Chap. XVII. ST. MATTHEW. 85
upon our Saviour at his glorious transfigu- was but transient and momentary. This
noon y they were two, two men ; and vision was only a taste of glory, not a full
these two men, Moses and Elias. This repast He errs, in that he would bring
bene but a glimpse of Christ's glory, not down heaven to earth, and take up with
* full manifestation of it, only two of the Tabor instead of heaven. He errs, in that
glorified saints attend upon Christ at it : he would enter upon the possession of
when he shall come in his full glory, ten heaven's glory without suffering, and
thousand of thousands shall attend him. without dying. Peter would be clothed
These two attendants were two men, not upon, but was not willing to be unclothed,
two angels; because men were more Learn, 1. That a glimpse of glory is enough
nearly concerned in what was done ; they to wrap a soul into ecstasy, and to make it
were not only spectators, but partners, out of love with worldly company. 2.
Man's restoration was Christ's principal That we are apt to desire more of heaven
aim; the angek* confirmation his less prin- upon earth, than God will allow: we
opal design. But why Moses and Ehas ? would fain have the heavenly glory come
1. Moses the giver of the law, and Elias down to us, but we are unwilling to go by
the chief of the prophets, attending both death to that : we know not what we say
upon Christ, did show the consent of the when we talk of felicity in tabernacles upon
law and the prophets with Christ, and their earth,
fulfill^ and accomplishment in him. 2. 5 while he yet spake, behold, a
^^r^0^^!^^1!^^ bri*ht dond overshadowed them :
seroats of Christ, both adventured their ? . . fJ . _. *** • .
foes in Gods cause, and therefore are and behold a voice out of the cloud,
highly honoured by Christ Such as J*hlch 8a,d» Thls ls mJ beloved Son,
tow him, he will honour. in whom I am well pleased ; bear ye
him
4 Tbeo answered Peter, and said nL™u« i a „u«j «... w,* u-
hllU 1 . « . .. . J - . unserve here, 1. A cloud was put be-
**o Jesus Lord, it is good for us to fore me apples' eyes, for two reasons. 1.
w here: if thou wilt, let us make To alky the lustre and resplendency of that
we three tabernacles ; one for thee, glory which they were swallowed up with,
ud one for Moses, and one for -As we cannot look upon the sun in its full
Elias. brightness, but under a cloud by reflection ;
^ so the glory of heaven is unsupportable, till
ytaerve here, 1. The person suppli- God vails it, and shelters us from the sur-
otmg, Peter. No doubt the other two, charge of it. 2. A cloud overshadows
gna and John, were much affected, but them, to hinder their farther prying and
ftter is more fervent and forward ; yet looking into the glory. We must be con-
yere g no arguing, with the papists, from tent to behold God here through a cloud
«b wreacy to his superiority ; his personal darkly; ere longwe shall see him face to
Pw^ganVes were not hereditary, Ob- fece. Observe, 2. The testimony given by
*ro, 2. The Person supplicated, Jesus ; God the Father out of the cloud concem-
w» Moses, nor Elias : the disciples make ing Jesus Christ his Son : This is my be-
*> prayer, no suit to them, but to Christ loved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
™y- "ayers to saints departed are both Here note, 1. The dignity of his person,
vjm and unlawful Observe, 3. The sup- he is a Son, therefore, for nature co-essential,
pucatxm itidf, and that was, for their fordignity co-equal, for duration co-eternal,
cpntmuance where they were : It is good with the Father ; and a beloved &ro, be-
/»** to he here. O what a ravishing cause of his likeness and conformity to
«orfoit is the fellowship of the saints ! but him. A father's likeness is the cause of
j« presence of Christ among them renders love; an union of wills causes a mutual
<*ayoys transporting. Observe, 4. Their endearing of affections. Note, 2. The ex-
pfofler of service to further this continu- cellency of his mediation, In whom I am
*&: Let us make three tabernacles, well pleased. Christ in himself was most
£°l5»onon was well meant and devout, pleasing to God the Father, and in and
** Peter will stick at no cost nor pains for through him he is well pleased with all
we enjoyment of Christ's presence and his believers. Christ's mediation for us makes
•"^company ; yet was the motion un- God appeasable to us. Note, 3. The au-
waedand rash. St Peter erred in de- thority of his doctrine; Bear him: not
™o * perpetuity of that condition which Moses and Elias, who were servants, but
80 St. MATTHEW. Chap. XVII.
Christ my Son, whom I have commis- unto them, Arise, be not afraid* did
sioned to be the great Prophet and Teacher by his Spirit breathe life and convey
of my church : therefore adore him as my strength into their souls, to enable them to
Son, believe in him as your Saviour, and arise. Observe, 4. The strict injunction
hear him as your Lawgiver. He honours given by Christ to his disciples, not to
Christ most, that obeys him best The publish or proclaim this vision till after his
obedient ear honours Christ more than resurrection, for two reasons: 1. Lest it
either the gazing eye, the adoring knee, or should hinder his passion *, for had the
the applauding tongue. This is my be- rulers of the world known him to be the
loved Son, hear him. Lord of life and glory, they would not have
6 And when the disciples heard crucified hra: therefore Christ porpotely
if thev fell on their face and were c*1"**1"1 ta **%> to W* way to b»
U9 tney tell on tneir lace, ana were p^^ 2. Christ being now in a stale of
sore afraid . 7 And Jesus came and himiiijatkra, would have his majesty veiled,
touched them, and said, Arise, and his glory concealed, and consequently fqr-
be not afraid. 8 And when they bids that the glorious vision of his trans-
had lifted up their eyes, they saw no figuration should be published, and Be-
rn an, save Jesus only. 9 And as cordingly charges his disciples, thai they
they came down from the mountain, Mt**mjtm to no mantiU he was risen.
ta_T.- ~un.~~A *k««™ -«„;««. taii »i«A As if Christ had said, Tell no man the
Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the m which hm9mm : not the resi-
vision to no man, until the Son of dueof thed^iples, they that benottrou-
man be risen again from the dead. bled that they were not admitted to see
Observe here, 1. The effect which this with you; nor those believers who now fol*
voice from heaven had upon the apostles, low me, they that be not scandalised at my
it cast them into a passion of horror and sufferings after so glorious a transfiguration.
amazement. They were sore afraid, and i0 And his disciples asked him,
fell on iter free. Learn ^henoe, That j wh then £ A gcrib^
such is the majesty and glory of God, .. J . s£,. * * * / »
that man in his sinful state cannot bear so *■* _HlM m,,8t *»* ^oin«| 1X
much as a glimpse of it, without peat con- And Jesus answered and said unto
sternation and fear. How unable is man them, Elias truly shall first come, and
to hear the voice of God ! and yet how restore all things. 12 But I say
ready to despise the voice of man! If unto you, that Elias is come already,
God speaks by himself, his voice is too an(j tney knew him not, but have
terrible |ifh€ j speaks by his ministers, it is d(me unto him whateocvcr thcy list.
too contemptible. Observe, 2. The Person * » .■ . _ . tl % ., 0J -
by whom the disciples were recovered out ed' Likewise shall also the Son of
of these amazing fears into which they were m.an. 8uftcr °" them. 13 Then the
cast,; namely, by Christ : Jesus came and disciples understood that he spake
said, Be not afraid. It is Christ alone who unto them of John the Baptist,
can raise and comfort those whom the Here we have the disciples* question,
terrors of the Almighty have dejected and and our Saviour's answer. TVy ask our
cast down. Observe, 3. The manner how Saviour, how the observation of the Jew-
Christ recovered them out of this passionate ish doctors holds good, that Eiias must
amazement, it was threefold: 1. By his come before the Messias come? We see
gracious approach : He came unto them, the Messias, but we see no Elias. Our
Christ will come with comfort unto his Saviour answers, That Elias was come al-
children, when they are disabled trom com- ready : not Elijah in person, but one in
ing to him for comfort. 2. By his com- the spirit and power of Elias : one of his
iortable touch : He came and touched spirit and temper, to wit, John the Baptist,
them. Christ comforts believers by a real who was prophesied of under the name of
and close application of himself unto them. Elias. And indeed great was the resem-
An unapplied Christ saves none, comforts blance between the Eiias of the Old Testa-
none. 3. By his comforting voice : He ment, and of the New, namely, John the
said, Be not afraid. It is a word of Baptist: they were both born in bad times;
assurance, that there is no ground nor cause they were both zealous for God and reli-
ef fear : and it is a word of assistance. It gion ; they were both undaunted reprovers
is Verbum Operatorium; he that said of the faults of princes; and they were both
Chap. XVII. ST. MATTHEW. 87
bated and implacably persecuted for the doth discover it. The disciples were not
same. Learn* That hatred and persecution, sensible of that unbelief which lay hid in
even unto death, has often been theiot them, till this occasion did discover it.
sod portion of such as have had the zeal Learn, 2. That the great obstacle and
and courage to reprove the faults of princes : obstruction of all blessings, both spintuil
Elks is come, and they did unto him what- and temporal, coming to us, is our unbelief :
soever they mould. O faithless generation I Others conceive
14 And when they were come to that these words were not spoken to the
the multitude, there came to him a disciples, but to the scribes, which St
tertai* man, kneeling down to him, Mark, chap. ix. says, at this time were
and saying, 15 Lordfhave mercy on fvutaig wuh Oirots disciples, and per-
j »6 , « *~ «, **, yj u j^ n^jitmg wej[ them, as having found
my son ; for he is lunatic, and sore oufa di8tenJer which could not be cured
»exed: for oft-times he falleth into by Christ's name and power; and these
the fire, and oft into the water. 16 he called now, as he had done heretofore,
And I brought him to thy disciples, a generation of vipers.
and they could not cure him. IB And Jesus rebuked the devil,
Observe here, 1. A sick patient brought and he departed out of him : and
to Christ, the great Physician, for cure and the child was cured from that very
hdilmg. A lunatic, that is, a person at hour.
eatain i times of the moon afflicted with Observe here, With what facility and
tbe &Umg sickness. 2. This sickness of ease our Saviour cured this poor man, who
te was aggravated by Satan, who bodily ^ bodily possessed by Satan : with one
pwseased him, and cruelly cast him into word speaking he delivered the distressed
ite nie and into the water, but rather for person from the malice and power of Satan,
toraroman despatch. Ohow does Satan, thence learn, That how long soever, and
Jatmatoous tyrant, rejoice in doing hurt hoW stamg soever, Satan's possession has
to msnkmd ! Lord, abate his power, since been in a person, Christ can eject and cast
to malice will not be abated. Observe, y^m out both easily and speedily.
^The person that brought him forth for 19 Then came the d j8Cjples to
^t^nToi^t^^ *r apart; ^ 8a^%wicoAulJ
nake a person both humble and eloquent not wc cast hm out * 20 And
Ewryoaehas a tongue to speak for him- Je8US said^ unto them, Because of
seK-, happy is he that keeps a tongue for your unbelief : for verily 1 say unto
°thers. 4, The physicians that he was you, if ye have faith as a grain of
brought unto ; first, to the disciples, and mustard seed, ye shall say unto this
J1"8 % cou!d not. «« him, then to mountain, Remove hence *to yonder
bSL7e,JT£^y ° lii mXZ~ Pfcce ; and it shall remove^ and
«wa? to the God of power, till we be- r ... ' , ., , .. , .
gm to despair of the creatore's help. nothin& fthallu be impossible unto
,- «,, ¥ j j j you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not
17 Then Jesus answered and said, £ ^ b and fag*
0 fcuhless and perverse genera- 0bafirve ££ ^ ^^^ £ d^
ton ! how long shall I be with you ? ples were of thia open rMke gYen ibem
now long shall I suffer you ? Bring by their Master ; they privately ask him the
aim hither to roe. cause of their ill success, why they could
These words are a severe rebuke given not cast out Satan, according to the power
by Christ to his own disciples. Where promised them to work miracles ^ Our
observe, The persons upbraided, his disci- Saviour tells them, that their power to
pies ; ami the sin upbraided with, unbe- work this miracle now failed them, for a
'«! O faithless generation! Yet was double reason. 1. For their unbelief; by
it not (he total want of faith, but the weak- which we are to understand the weakness
ness and imperfection of faith, that they of their faith, not the total want of faith.
«ere upbraided with, and reproved for. 2. Because they neglected the special means
Hence leara, 1. That secret unbelief may appointed by God in order to that end -, to
lie hid and undiscerned in a person's wit, fasting and prayer: that is, a fervour
beart, which neither others nor himself of devotion, joined with faith and fasting,
any take any notice of, until some trial Thence learn, That fasting and prayer are
88 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. Wit.
,two especial means of Christ's appointment, thou, Simon ? of whom do the kings
for the enabling us victoriously to over- of the earth take custom or tribute ?
come Satan, and to cast him out of our- 0f their own children, or of stran-
sclves and others. We must set an edge up- g? 26 peter gaith Uf)to him>
onourfaitobyp^ Ofstrangers. Jesus saith unto him,
er by fasting, zuest. But what are wn to » , .... r *
understand ly faith as a grain of mustard- Then are the children free. 27
seed? An$. I. Some do thereby under- Notwithstanding, lest we should of-
stand a faith that groweth and increaseth as fend them, go thou to the sea, and
a grain of mustard -seed, or a faith as strong cast an hook, and take up the fish
and active in the heart as mustard-seed that first cometh up ; and when thou
is on the palate. And by removing moun- i,ast opened his mouth, thou sh alt find
tarns, understand I the 4 performing things apiece of money: that take, and give
that are most Difficult : as rf Christ had J h f m d fa
said, Did your faith increase as a grain of "uw *■■««■ w* «**; »«« *
mustard-seed grows, it would enable you Observe here, 1. The question put to St*
to surmount all difficulties whatsoever. 2. Peter : Doth your Master pay tribute ?
Others, by faith as a grain of mustard-seed, This tribute-money originally was a tax
understand the least degree of sincere faith paid yearly by every Jew to the service of
on God, it being a proverbial speech among the temple, to the value of fifteen pence a
the Jews, used pro re minima, for the least head. But when the Jews were broueht
thing ; as if Christ had said, " Had you under the power of the Romans, this
the least measure of that faith which casts tribute-money was paid to the emperor,
out fear and doubting of success in the and was changed from an homage-penny
discharge of your office, you might perform to God, to a tribute-penny to theconqueror.
things most difficult, and even this faith in The collectors of this tribute-money ask
its effects would be most mighty." Dr. Peter, whether his Master would pay it or
Whitby. not? Observe, 2. The answer returned,
22 And while they abode in positively and suddenly, He does pay.
Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The ^<^*noJ.fint ^« our Saviour,
« „ ^c I u ii u i * a • i. whether he would pay it: but knowing
Son of roan shall be betrayed into ^ readiliess t0 K0^ *, J, ibgk due> £
the hands of men ; 23 And they nyt. Yes. There was no truer Pay-Mas-
shall kill him, and the third day he ter of the king's dues, than be that was
shall be raised again. And tbey were King of kings. He preached it, and be prac-
exceeding sorry. * tised it : One unto Ccesar the things that
Observable it is, how fasquently our are Cff't\ ** obsenre. 3- . 0m ?*■
Saviour forewarned his. disciple of his ywur insmuates his own exemption, prm.
approaching sufferings. All was little e- *** «d freedom, from paymgthis taW
nougbtoarmthemagainstthescandalof the moa^>^ ta *■»*• Son o f G°d.«be uni-
crZ and to reconcSe them to the thoughts J™} *"$ >"**«* ^Th££fci£2
of what he was to suffer for them, and km6! chJWren ■» *» Thwgh Chnst
they were to suffer with him. Learn, That Ta?/reeJ™m P8^ ***? b? a "^
we can never hear too much of the doctrine V&J* ta "ould 2?*^ free Vaj01™-
of the cross ; nor can we too often be in- *'? d»P«»>t">n|- . TbT*%? <*TV*' 1°
structed in our duty to prepare for a suf- P""** 'Tdal.,.and.?flT?' .be W°rks
fering condition. As Christwent by his \ m^h' "**% ^^ ^iTS?
cross to bis crown, from a state of abase- Wt** ^Jf1' JFS?". ^ by h"
ment to a state of exaltation, so must all his "•"■jf** ™rf «■** *"? P!" of mo?eX.
disciples and followers likewise. m *" m?u* °f *? *%£%2* T ™»
r a crown, for himself and St Peter, who had
24 And when they were come to an house in Capernaum, and was there to
Capernaum, thev that received tri- pay his toll,) or whether Christ caused the
bute money came' to Peter, and said, ^h to take up this piece of money at the
Doth not your master pay tribute ? ho^om of the *ea, is not necessary to in-
25 He saith Yea And whpn hp quire, nor possibe to determine. Our duty
lt> ne saitn, lea. And wften ne ^ L Reverentially to adore that omnipo-
was come into the house Jesus pre- tent po^ which could command the fish
vented him, saying, What thinkest to be both his treasurer to keep his silver,
Chap. Will. ST. MATTHEW. 89
and his purveyor to bring it to him. 2. or turned from this sin of pride and ambi-
Industriously to imitate his example, in tion, and become as a little child in lowli-
shunning all occasions of offence, especi- ness of mind and contempt of worldly
ally towards those whom God has placed greatness, they cannot be saved. Learn
in sovereign authority over us. Observe, hence, 1. That no sins are more odious
lastly, The poverty of our holy Lord, and and abominable in the sight of God, than
his contempt of worldly wealth and riches : pride and ambition, especially amongst the
he had not so much as fifteen pence by ministers of the gospel. Learn, 2. That
him to pay his toll. Christ would not ho- persons already converted' do stand in
dout the world so far as to have any part need of further conversion : they that are
of it in his own possession. The best man converted from a state of sin, may want to
that ever lived in the world had not a be converted from a particular act of sin :
penny in his purse, nor an house to hide this was the disciples1 case here ; they
his head in, which he could call his own. were turned from a course of sin, but they
CHAP. XVHI. wanted a conversion from a particular act
AT the same time came the disci- j£ ■»» t0 wi** fron? ^Uion. Learn, 3.
~i*. ..«♦,* ¥««„- •».,:«» wu~ :- That conversion, though sincere, may be
plea unto Jesus saying, Who is ^perfect. Converts still have re-
the greatest in the kingdom ot liea- mains of corrUption, some lust often break-
ven ? ing forth, which they must take special
Notwithstanding our blessed Saviour had care to resist and subdue.
so often told his disciples that his kingdom 4 Whosoever therefore shall hum-
was not of this world, yet they still dreamt ble himse|f as tnis litUe ch|ld the
of a temporal and earthly kingdom, which nt%mA • «^k«*A-* :„ *u-* L;»^^^m «r
be, a. thV Meoias, shJd sh£r forth the fame » &***** m the klnKdom of
glory of ; in which there should be distinct neaven»
places of honour and offices one above ano- As if our Lord had said, " That apostle,
ther ; and accordingly at this time, the am- or that minister, who thinks as meanly of
bition of the disciples led them to inquire himself as a little child, and is humble and
of our Saviour, who should have the chief lowly in his own esteem, he deserves the
place of honour and dignity under him in highest place of dignity and honour in my
that his kingdom? who should be the church." Note, That the truly humble
principal officers of state ? concluding it person, who is freest from directing pre-
must be some of them, though they could eminency, is most worthy of the highest
not agree who were fittest for those high dignity and eminency in the church of
C of honour and service. Learn hence, God j and, in the account of Christ, the
the best and holiest of men are too way to be honourable is to be humble,
subject to pride and ambition, to court " Before honour is humility."
worldly dignity and greatness, to affect a . A • . , ,,
precedencf before, anJa superiority above, **** wLh.°?°. 8haI1 rece,vc °.ne
others : the disciples themselves were taint- 9Uch httle chlld 1D iny name, receiv-
ed with the itch of ambition, which prompt- eth me. 6 But whoso shall offend
ed them to inquire of their Master, who one of these little ones which believe
should be the greatest in his kingdom of the in me, it were better for him that a
church. millstone were hanged about his neck,
2 And Jesus called a little child and thai he werc drowned in the
unto him, and set him in the midst depth of tne sea#
* ' .. L * *. s Our Saviour having declared that the
unto you, except ye be converted, ^J^ shoufd ^ ^ hi ^
and become as little children, ye j„ his esteem, he next declares how exceed-
shaJl not enter into the kingdom of mg dear and precious such christians are to
heaven, him, who resemble little childreu in hu-
Our Saviour, intending to cure this pride mility of heart, and innocency of life :
and ambition in his disciples, first preaches assuring the world, that whatever kindness
to them the doctrine of humility ; and to and respect is showed to such for his sake,
enforce his doctrine, he sets before them a he reckons shown to himself ; and all
little childt the proper emblem of humility, the disrespect and unkindness which is
assuring them, that unless they be converted, offered to them, he accounts as done unto
HO ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XVIII.
himself; so near is the union, and so dear ever leads unto it, or may be the instrument
the relation, betwixt Christ and his mem- or occasion of it 2. That the best way to
bers, that whatever good or evil is done be kept from the outward acts of sin, is to
unto them, he reckons as done unto himself, mortify our inward affection and love to sin.
_, „r , ... r If our love and affection to sin be mortified,
7 Woe unto the world because of our hod^ members may be preserved, for
offences ! for it must needs be that they will no longer be weapons of sin, but
offences come ; but woe to that man instruments of holiness.
by whom the offence cometh ! 10 Take heed that ye despise not
Two things are here observable: 1. The one of these little ones; for I aay
necessity of scandalous offences : It must unto you, That in heaven their an-
needs be that offences come. 2. The mi- gels do always behold the face of
sery and mischief that comes by them : my Father which is in heaven.
Woe unto the world because of offences. Observe here, 1. A cautionary direction
Woe unto such as give offences ; mis is, given by Christ to the men of the world
Vas indignantis, the woe of one denounc- concerning his members ; Take heed that
ing : and woe to such as stumble at offence you do not offend one of my little ones,
given; this is Vat dolentis, the woe of 'that is, that ye do not undervalue and
one lamenting. From the whole, note, 1. neglect, much less injure and afflict them.
That scandals, or offensive actions in the 2. A reason assigned, Because their angels
church of Christ, will certainly fall out being constantly and immediately in the
amongst those that profess religion and the presence of God, are perpetually ready to
name of Christ ; offences wilt come : their execute his will, by revengiug any wrongs
necessity is partly from the malice of Satan, and injuries done unto his friends and
partly froin the wickedness and deceitful- children. Learn, 1. What is the office
ness of men's own hearts and natures, God and employment of the glorious angels;
permitting those to have their natural ef- namely, to be the immediate attendants
fects. 2. That scandalous and offensive upon the royal person of the Supreme King
actions from such as profess religion and and Sovereign of the world. Learn hence,
the name of Christ, are baneful and fatal 2. In what esteem good men are with God,
stumbling-blocks to wicked and worldly and what a mighty regard he has for the
men. 3. That the offence which wicked meanest of his children, that he commits tfce
men take at the falls of the professors of care and preservation of them to the holy
religion, to the hardening of themselves in angels, who are nearest to him, and in high-
their wicked practices, is matter of just and est favour and honour with him. It is St
ffreat lamentation : Woe unto the world Jerome's note upon this place, That great is
because of offences ! the dignity of these little ones, seeing every
8 Wherefore, if thy band or thy Jf °\^ from Ws birth has an angel
foot offend thee, cut them off, and S^. ^FfTV^ ?ut^gh
. Jf c /l •* • i_ 7/ J others think that the opinion of a tutelary
cast them from thee : it is better for a^], 0r of one particular angel's having
thee to enter into life halt or maimed, the custody of one particular saint, as his
rather than having two hands, or continual charge, has not a sufficient foun-
two feet, to be cast into everlasting dation in the holy Scriptures; yet all the
fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, **&** m heaven are ministering spirits to
pluck it out, and cast it from thee : ^j and ^Bh % d? n<* ^^J!
it is better for thee to enter into life ffifKJ^€fiW»^ ^
„ .Ai ., ,, , betore the face of God,) yet rt is to receive
with one eye, rather than having his coinmands, eimer to help them in their
two eyes to be cast into hell-tire. exigences, or punish those that injure them.
This command of Christ is not to be n For the Son of man is come
understood literally, as if it were our duty to save that which WM !ost 12
to maim our bodily members: but the HrtM/ ♦i%:„i, „• a i* « «.-« u* ^
exhortation is, to cut off all occasions that ?ow. *"* ?e ? »" man have an
may betray us into sin j and to mortify our nundrert sheep, and one of them be
darling and beloved lusts, though as dear to gone astray, doth he not leave the
usasourriehteye. Learn, 1. That sin may ninety and nine, and goeth into the
be avoided: it is our duty to avoid what- mountains, and seeketh that which
Chap. XVIII. ST. MATTHEW. 91
is gone astray t 13 And if so be claimable. 4. Persons justly falling under
that he find it, verily I say unto you, *he censures of the church, and rightly ex-
He rejoiceth more of that sheep, fommunic^tfetobelooW
•k«M Ze it*,* «;»*«» <*~a «;„*. «,K;JTk tumacious and stubborn offenders, and the
than of the ninety and nine which membera of ^ church to ^ ^ ^
went not astray. 14 Even so, it is conversation with them : If fie neglect to
not the will of your Father which is hear the church, let him be unto thee as
ill heaven that one of these little an heathen man, and as a publican was
ones should perish. among the Jews .* wholly neglected, and
Bae our Saviour continues his argument not A****1 fit to be conversed with,
against giving oflence to his children and 19 Verily I say unto you, What-
rnembers ; he came into the world to re- soever ye shall bind on earth, shall
deem and save them : ; therefore none ought be bound in heaven and whatsoevcr
to scandalize and offend them. And to ■ », , _ ^ % , „ , , ,
fflwtaate this, be compares himself to a good ?"hal1 lo08e on earth ,haH «* lo08ed
shepherd, who regards every one of his ,n "eav©o.
sheep ; and if any wander or go astray, he That is, whomsoever the officers of my
seeks to recover it with desire and joy. church shall justly excommunicate upon
Learn, 1. That the natural condition of earth, shall, without repentance, be shut
mankind is like to that of wandering sheep; out of heaven; and whosoever upon
they err and go astray from God, their their true repentance shall be absolved on
chief Good, and the Object of their complete earth, shall be absolved m heaven. Learn,
happiness. 2. That it was the work and That Christ will ratify in heaven whatso-
business, the care and concern, of Jesus ever the church assembled doth in his
Christ, to seek and recover lost souls, as name upon earth ; whether to the cen-
the shepherd doth his lost sheep. 3. That suring of the guilty, or the absolving of the
the love and care of Christ towards his penitent Tnis power of binding and
sheep, in seeking to save and to preserve loosing is by Christ committed to his
them, is a forcible argument unto all not church.
to scandalize and offend them, much less 18 Again I say unto yon, That if
to persecute and destroy them. two of you gha|f agrcc on earth> ag
15 Moreover, if thy brother shall touching any thing that they shall
trespass against thee, go and tell him ask, it shall be done for them of my
his fault between thee and him Father which is in heaven. 20 For
alone : if he shall hear thee, thou where two or three are gathered
hast gained thy brother. 16 But if together in my name, there am I in
he will not hear thee, then take with the midst of them,
thee one or two more, that in the Here we ^ a ^ous mise made
mouth of two or three witnesses by Christ, of his presence with allhismem-
every word may be established. 17 bers in general, and with his ministers in
And if he shall neglect to hear them, special ; whenever they meet together in
tell it unto the church: but if he *» ««■*» that is, by his authority, in obe-
neglect the church, let him be unto £»« to hit .command, and with an eye to
thee as an heathen man and a pub- ^J&'JEF'TP* "H aBJ
Y r sacred institution of his, or execute any
I,can> church-censures, he will be in the midst of
In these words our Saviour gives us an them to quicken their prayers, to guide
excellent rule for the duty of fraternal their counsels, to ratify tneir sentence, to
correction, or brotherly admonition. Where accept their endeavours. Learn, 1. That
note. 1. That brotherly reproof and admo- Christ will be graciously present with and
nmon is a duty incumbent upon church- amongst his people, whenever they assem-
members. 2. That it may be administer- bleand meet together in his name, be it
ed successfully, it must be administered never so small a number. 2. That Christ
privately and prudently. 3. When pri- will in a special manner be present with
vate admonition prevails not, Christ has the guides and officers of his church, to
appointed church-governors to execute direct their censures, and to confirm the
church- censures on the obstinate and ine- sentence passed in his name, and pro-
02 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XVIII
nounced by his authority, upon obstinate that thou owest. 29 And his fellow-
offenders. servant fell down at his feet, and
21 Then came Peter to him, and besought him, saying, Have patience
said, Lord, how oft shall my brother with me, and I will pay thee all.
sin against me, and 1 forgive him ? 30 And he would not ; but went and
till seven times? 22 Jesus saith cast him into prison, till he should
unto him, I say not unto thee, Until pay the debt. 31 So when his fel-
seven times ; but, Until seventy times low-servants saw what was done,
seven. they were very sorry, and came and
Here St Peter puts a question to our Sa- io™ unto tneir lord M that was done-
viour, how often christians should forgive 32 Then his lord, after that he
offences to their brethren professing repent- had called him, said unto him, O
ance ? Christ answers, that there should thou wicked servant, I forgave thee
be no end of our mutual forgiving one aJ1 that debt> because thou desiredst
another, but we are to muhiply our par- me 33 Shouldest not thou also have
don as our brother manifests his repent- , , ., ,„
ance. Not that we are hereby obliged to had compassion on thy fellow-scr-
take the frequent offender into our bosom, vant» even *« l ha<" P*y on thce { 34
and to make him our intimate ; but to lay And his lord was wroth, and deliver-
aside all malice, and all thoughts and de- ed him to the tormentors, till he
sires of revenge, and to stand ready to do should pay all that was due unto him.
him any ofhce of love and friendship. 35 go likewise shall my heavenly
Learn, 1. That to fell often into the same Father do alg0 unf0 tf f ^
offence against our brother, isagreat ag- ■ . r . A_/ l-
gravatioifof our offence. 2. Tht as the p«r hearts forgive not every one hia
multiplication of sin is a great aggrava- brother their trespasses.
tion of sin, so the multiplication of for- ~ , , , e, . - ...
givenos is a demonstration of a godlike P"]*"?* Sa/,ouf ^enforce the fore,
temperinus. He that multiplies sin, doth, gomg.doctnne <)f m^ual forgivenes.pio.
liluTSatan, sin abundantly fand he that pounds a paiable ; the miim scope of whjch.
multiplies pardon, doth, lie God, pardon B. t0 sho,w' ** un.,e?s we *° m*^' for-
abundantly. Pve a*"* J*» bJJnJur^'.done ,0. »• ™*
, . 1 • ■ cut ourselves off from all interest in God s
23 Therefore is the kingdom of pardoning mercy, and must expect no
heaven likened unto a certain king, forgiveness at the hands of God. From
which would take account of his ser- the whole, note, 1. That as we all stand in
vants. 24 And when he had begun need of forgiveness from God, so likewise
to reckon, one was brought unto him of forpveness from one another. 2. That
which owed him ten thousand talent. : Z,J%i TmSL ^ fal£ ™
ocr>.r , i_Lj AA "0|y religion, to forbear and forgive one
25 But forasmuch as he had not to another. 3. That Almighty God has
pay, his lord commanded him to be made the forgiving one another the
sold, and his wife and children, and certain and necessary condition of his
all that he had, and payment to be forgiving us. 4. That such as are inex-
made. 26 The servant therefore oniAe towards their brethren, shall find
fell down, and worshipped him, say- Almighty God Hard to be entreated towards
intr Lord have natience with mp themselves. We may expect the same
wg, loto nave patience witlv me, rf and ^^ from God which
and I will pay thee all. 27 Then g&wtomen. 5. That the freeness of God's
the lord of that servant was moved love in forgiving us, ought to be both an
with compassion, and loosed him, argument to excite us to forgive one another,
and forgave him the debt. 28 But and also a rule to direct us in the manner
the same servant went out, and °f forgiving each other. Doth God
found one of his fellow-servants forgive m when he r^ power in his hand
which owed him an hundred pence ; a^,shan^? ^S^T9 feT^ST"
and he laid hands on him, and took DothyGod forgiVrunWe^ly°all Je^nT?
film by the throat, saying, Pay me So must we all provocations. Doth he
Chap. XIX. ST. MATTHEW. 03
forgive freely and willingly, heartily and 3 The Pharisees also came unto
moody ? So must we ; we must be as him, tempting him, and saying unto
forward in foxing » they in provoking. hi ,s it ,awful for a man to t
Learn from the whole, The equity of un- .- .f f 7 *
hunted forgiveness of our brother, because awa* hIS wUc tor e?er? cause f
our God and Saviour forgives us more Observe here, 1. Thai wheresoever our
numerous and heinous sins than our blessed Saviour went, the Pharisees follow-
brother is capable of committing against ** him : !iot out of a sincere intention,
us. Let all unmerciful and unchristian hut with a design to ensnare him ; and
creditors remember this text, who cast accordingly, they propound a question to
poor men into prison for debt, who have him concerning divorce, Whether a man
nothing to pay : surely he who bids us might put away his wife on any occasion,
lend, looking for nothmg again, will not ■» the manner of the Jews was ? con-
allow us to imprison where nothmg can be eluding that they should entrap him in his
hoped for. It is to be feared, such will answer, whatever it was. If he denied the
find but little mercy hereafter, who have lawfulness of divorce, then they would
showed no mercy here. For if at the great charge him with contradicting Moses, who
day such shall be condemned as did not allowed it. If he affirmed it, then they
visit christians in prison, what will their w<>uld condemn him for contradicting hi
coodenmatxm be, who cast them into own doctrine, chap. v. 32. for favouring
prsoo ? men's lusts, and for complying with the
CHAP. XIX. wicked custom of the Jews* who, upon
A ND it came to pass, that when wery 1>Be*t *** frivolous occasion, put
A Jesus had finished these sayings, TO^Sf!^ *"?• J"*™ •<tal£
k- j _* j / n ri j !• That wheresoever our Lord went, as he
he departed from Galilee, and came }md ^ le9 ^ ^^ foUowerSf ^ ^
wto the coasts of Judea, beyond Jor- devil stirred him up bitter and malicious
dan : 2 And great multitudes follow- enemies, who sought to render his persosj
ed him ; and be healed them there, unacceptable, and his doctrine unsuccess-
The country of the Jews was divided ful. 2. That of all Christ's enemies, none
into three provinces : namely Galilee, had such a bitter hatred and enmity against
Samaria, and Judea. In Galilee, were the his person, ministry, and miracles as the
ones of Nazareth, Chorazin, Bethsaida, Pharisees : men of great knowledge, who
and Capernaum ; here Christ dwelt and rebelled against the fight of their own con-
spent a considerable part of his time, sciences, and the clear convictions of their
preaching to them, ana working miracles own mind. 3. That such was the wisdom
among (hem. But now comes the time in of our Saviour in all his answers to his
which our holy Lord takes his leave of this enemies, that neither their wit nor malice
province of Galilee, and returned no more could lay hold upon any thing to ensnare
to k ; woe to that people, whose unthank- him. But observe the piety and prudence
fulness for Christ's presence and ministry of his answer to the Pharisees in the next
among them causes him finally to forsake words.
****- Harm* left Galilee, our holy Lord 4 And he answered and said unto
Daises throu^Samam, (the Samaritans lhem Have ye not read that ^
of Judea, where multitudes of people made V1"" maI? and f«male! 5
nocked after him. But observe the quali- And said, For this cause shall a man
ties of his followers, not the great ones of leave father and mother, and shall
the world, not many mighty, not many cleave to his wife ; and they twain
noble; but the poor and despised multi- shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore
tode, the ** and weak, the deafand blind, they arc no more twam> but one
^J^J^^St « V^ £ fi**h. What therefore God hath
«ave,Tnat none but such as find their need . . , . 4, , . A _ .
<* Christ, wfll seek after him, and come Jolne? together, let not man put
unto him. None apply to him for help, asunder.
till they feel themselves helpless. Great Observe here, Christ gives no direct
mUitudcs of the sick and diseased came answer to the Pharisees' ensnaring question*
unto him, and he healed them all, but refers them to the first institution of
94 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XIX.
marriage, when God made them one, to the beginning it was not so. Uarn, that
the intent that mfth-imnnisd love might be according to the word and will of Godf
both incommunicable and indissoluble, nothing can violate the bonds of marriage,
Whence learn, 1. The sacred institution of and justify adivorce between man and wife,
' marriage: it is an ordinance of God'sown but the defiling of the niarriage-bed by
appointment, as the ground and foundation adultery and uncleanness : this is the only
of all sacred and civil society : What Qod case in which man and wife may lawfully
has joined together. Learn, 2. The part. Whosoever shall put away his wife,
antiquity of this institution, it was from the except for fornication, commttteth aduU
beginning: He which made them at the tery. „.«.._ ,. _.
beginning, made them mate and female. 10 His disciples say unto him, If
Marriage is almost as old as the world, the case of a man be so with his wife,
as old as nature : there was no sooner one it j8 not good to marry.
person, but God ^^ojo: That is, if a man be so strictly tied by
andno sooner was thereto, ^but he girted marria^it ^ ^ for ^ not'to '.
?T mt° T^^If^t^^J^ A vSy rash saying of the disciple^
mrnnacy and nearnea irf tins Reared and ^^ ^ theiTgreai cama%/and
e^ewing nation; to conjugal faiot is ^ ^ * f ^ ice *^
tied so close, that the bonds of inatnmomal ^J ^ ^theW
Si "•• *^ng? ^L^l ZL^A men have their weaknesses and infirmities r
fS^1S^fw -If* * A^tiA^ and the flesh takes its turn to speak as welf
wn^thanttotawixt^ as the Spirit in them. All tbaTtbe saints
according to God's own instihition, For P ^ ^ 2 Row .
this cause shall a man leave father and ^ naturei0J^aint, and how desiraUe
mother, and cleave to hts wife. ^ ^ liberty, and to be fieed from the ties
7 They say unto him, Why did «*d bonds which (he holy and wise laws
Moses then command to give a ofGodputuponit
writing of divorcement, and to put n But he said unto them, All
her away? 8 He saith unto them, men cannot receive this saying, save
Moses, because of the hardness of they to whom it is given. 12 For
your hearts, suffered you to put there are some eunuchs, which
away your wives ; but from the were so born from their mother's
beginning it was not so. 0 And I womb : and there are some eunuchs,
say unto you, Whosoever shall put whieh were made eunuchs of men :
away his wife, except it be for for- and there be eunuchs, which have
nication, and shall marry another, made themselves eunuchs for the
committeth adultery: and whoso kingdom of heaven's sake. He that
marrieth her which is put away doth i3 able to receive it, let him receive
commit adultery. tr.
Observe here. The Pharisees' demand, As if our Lord had said, " You, my
and our Saviour's reply. They demand, disciples, do not consider what you say.
Why Moses commanded to put away the All men without sinning against God can not
wife by a bill of divorce ? Where note, abstain from marriage, but those only
The wicked abuse which the Pharisees put to whom God has given the gift of con-
upon Moses, as if he had commanded tinency, and grace of chastity. Some
them, whereas he only permitted to put indeed by nature or natural impotency are
them away. Moses suffered it for the unfit for marriage. Others wickedly are
hardness of their hearts, that is, he did made unfit by castration j others by reli-
not punish it; not allowing it as good, gious mortification bring under their
but winking at it as a lesser evil ; because bodies, that being free from the incum-
theJews were so barbarously cruel to their brances that attend a married state, they
wives, as to turn them away upon every may give up themselves the better to the
disgust. Now our Saviour in his reply exercises of a holy life." Learn, 1. That
refers them again to the primitive institution Almighty God has given to divers persons
of marriage, bidding them compare the different tempers and constitutions : some
precept and their practice together ; for in can subdue their impure desires and
Chap. XIX- ST. MATTHEW. 95
affections without the remedy of marriage 5 of glory* then they may be baptized : for
omen cannot. 2. That continency, or they that are in covenant have a right to
an ability to live chastely, without the use the seal of the covenant If Christ denies
of marriage, is the especial gift of God $ not infants the kingdom of heaven, which
not common to all, but bestowed only is the greater, what reason have his. mi-
upoa some. A gift it is, worthy of vour nisters to deny them baptism, which is the
fervent prayers, worthy of our best endea- less ? But, say some, Christ did neither
touts. 3. That a vow of chastity is not baptize them, nor command his disciples
in our power j to quench a natural affection so to do ? Answer, That is not to be won-
requires a supernatural gift All have not dered at, if we consider that they had already
received: that is, all men cannot live entered into covenant with God by circum-
single, and abstain from matrimony, cision, and christian baptism was not yet
From whence it follows, that men and instituted : John's baptism was the baptism
women are not by monastical vows to be of repentance, of which infants were in-
obliged to live a single life, which some capable.
cannot perform without sin. Notefarther, 16 And behold, one came and
When Christ says, that miw mode said unto hi Good Mafite what
themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of _ , ... 1 n 1 j lL . i
heaven's soke: the mining is, taat some «ood th,n&* *** l do> that l may
have abstained from matrimony that they have eternal life ?
might be more expedite in preaching the Observe here, A person addressing him-
gospd, if ministers, or more prompt, fit, self to Christ, and propounding an inl-
and ready to regard only the things of the portant question to him: namely, What
Lord, if private christians. he should do to cain eternal life ? Where
13 Then were there brought unto n^ ^ He believes the certaintv of a
1 • i***i u-ij xl 4. u u 1 j future state. 2. He professes his desire of
him little children, that he should an eternal happmess to that state. And, 3.
put Aw hands on them, and pray : He declares his readiness to do some good
and the disciples rebuked them. 14 thing, that he may obtain that happiness.
But Jesns said, Suffer little children, Learn, That the light of nature or natural
and forbid them not, to come unto religion, directs and teaches men, thatgood
roe ; for of such is the kingdom of w0«s ■» necessary to salvation, or that
heaven. 15 And he laid his hands "f f*1 ^J!^L^SL J^
.. 1 , . 1 .% that at death expect eternal life. What
on them, and departed thence. good M^ ,w/ f^ that j may haoe
Observe here, A solemn action perform- eternal life ? It is not talking well, and
ed. Children are brought to Christ to professing well, but doing well, and living
be blest by him. Where note, 1. The well, that entitles us to eternal life,
persons brought, chndren, youne children, 1? And hc wM unto hi wh
in their arms, not led them by the hand. &°od but one, that it God : but if
2. The person they are brought unto, thou wilt enter into life, keep the
Jesus Christ 5 but for what end ? Not to commandments,
baptize them, but to bless them : the The person thus addressing himself unto
parents looking upon Christ as a prophet, Christ, was either a Pharisee, or a disciple
a great prophet, the great prophet, do bring of the Pharisees, who did not own Christ
their infants to mm, that they may to be God, or to come from God; but
receive the benefit of his blessing and thought that eternal life was attainable, by
prayers. Whence learn, 1. That infants fulfilling of the law in that imperfect sense
are subjects capable of benefit by Jesus Which the Pharisees gave of it. And accord-
Christ, 2. That it is the best office that ingly, 1. Christ reproves him for calling
parents can perform unto their children, to him good ? Why callest thou me good .*
bring them unto Christ, that they may be when thou wilt neither own me to be God,
made partakers of that benefit 3. If nor to come from God : For there is-none
infants be capable of benefit by Christ ; if good, that is, essentially and originally
capable of his blessing on earth, and pre- good, but God only ; nor any derivatively
stoce hi heaven, if they be subjects of his good, but he that receives his goodness
kingdom of grace, and heirs of his kingdom from God also. From this place the
06 ST. MATTHEW. Chap.XlX.
Socinians argue against the Divinity of pretaUon, which condemned only the groas
Christ : thus, " He to whom the title of outward act, not the inward lust and mo-
good doth not belong, cannot be God Most tion of the heart. Learn hence, How apt
High. But bv our Lord's words this title men are to think well of themselves, and
belongs not to him, but only to God the to have too high an opinion of their own
Father : therefore God the Father must be goodness and righteousness before God :
God alone." Answer, Christ may be Alt these have I kept from my youth up*
supposed to speak to this young man thus : 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou
"Thougivestmeatitle which was never wyt be perfect, g0 and se\\ tnat
given to the most raowned rabbins, and h h £ and ^ve to ,h d
which agrees to God alone : now thou . , .' , B. . r, '
oughtest to believe that there fa something thou shalt have treasure in heaven ;
in me more than human, if thou conceivest and come ana follow me.
that this title of good doth belong to me." That is, " Thou hast been all thy days a
Observe, 2. That our Saviour might con- Pharisee ; if now thou wilt be a christian,
vince him of the error of the Pharisees, who thou must maintain a readiness and dispo-
belieyed that they might without the sitwn of mind to part with all that thou hast
knowledge of him, the true Messias, enter hi this world, at my call and at my com-
into life, by keeping the law of God mand, and follow after me." Learn, 1.
according to that lax and loose interpreta- That such as enter themselves disciples of
tion which they, the Pharisees, had given Christ, must be ready, at Christ's call, to
of it; he bids him keep the commandments. J*rt with all for Christ'* sake that they
Where note, Christ calls him off from have in this world. 2. All that profess
outward ceremonies, which the Pharisees themselves to be Christ's disciples, must
abounded in, to the practice of moral he his followers ? that is, they must obey
duties ; yet withal lets him understand, his doctrine, and imitate his example, his
that if he expected salvation by the moral holiness, his humility, his heavenlf-mind-
law, he must keep it perfectly and exactly, edneas, his patience, his meekness, nis rea-
without the least deficiency, which is an diness to forgive injuries, and the same
impossibility to man in his lapsed state. m™d musi oe *n w which was in Christ
Learn, 1. That such as seek justification J^us.
and salvation by the works of the law only, 22 But -when the young man
must keep the whole law, or covenant of heard that saying, he went away
works, perfectly and exactly. Learn, 2. sorrowful : for he had great posses-
That the best way to prepare men for Jesus s|ons.
Christ, is to let mem see their own impo- ^ ^ wfth ^ for q^ ^^^
tency to keep and fulfil the covenant of ^ hard a condition to the young man.
w *• that he went away sorrowful from Christ.
18 He saith unto him, Which ? Whence learn, 1. That a man wedded to
Jesus said, Thou shalt do no mur- the world will renounce Christ rather than
der, Thou shalt not commit adultery, ?eZorld' when bofll stan,d ixl ^P^011-
Thou .halt not steal Thou shalt 2. ^Sta^TS « J^lM
bear false witness; 19 Honour thy that they cannot have heaven upon their
father and thy mother; and, Thou own terms, and win it in their own way.
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man went away sorrowful.
20 The young man saith unto him, 23 Then said Jesus unto hi*
AH these things have I kept from disciples, Verily I say unto you, that
my youth up : what lack 1 yet ? a rich man shall hardly enter into
Observe here, That the duties which our the kingdom of heaven.
Saviour instances in, are the duties of the Our blessed Saviour takes occasion, from
second table, which hypocrites are most what had passed, to discourse with his disci-
failing in j for the sincere practice of our pies concerning the danger of riches, and
duty to our neighbour, is a signal evidence the difficulties mat attend rich men in their
of our love to God. These duties of the way to salvation. A rich man shali hard-
second table the young man says he nad fy enter into the kingdom of God.
kept from his youth, and perhaps might Bay Whence note, 1. That rich men do cer-
it truly, according to the Pharisees' inter- tainly meet with more difficulties in their*
Chap. XIX. ST. MATTHEW; 87
way to heaven, than other men : iris diffi- poor in spirit ; and them that are poor in
cok to withdraw their affections from riches, this world, rich in grace/* Learn, 1. That
lo pface their supreme love upon* God in the it is impossible for any man, rich or poor,
midst of their abundance. It is difficult by his own natural strength, to get to hea-
to depend upon God in a rich condition, ven. 2. That when we are discouraged
Tie poor commitietk himself to God, but with a sense of our own impotency, we
the rich maris wealth is his strong tower, should consider the power of God, and act
2. That yet the feult lies not in riches, but our faith upon it : With Qod all things sort
in rich men; who by placing their trust, possible.
aod putting their confidence in riches, do nm rm, „ j « 4 ^ j
icnder^Selves incapable of the kingdom » Then answered Peter, and
cfGod. ° said unto him, Behold, we have
24 And acain I sav unto von It is ^orsa^en a"» anc* followed thee:
osier for a Lnel to go through the *h*t fM we. ,have, ^refor* ? .. *
ej* of a needle, than for I rich And Jefu" *»d ""J0 ^'.^y '
man to enter into the kingdom of "J? "■* you» •th*tK >e wh,ch *ave
q * * followed me in the regeneration.
These words were a proverbial speech J0611 therS?? of man sha11 *U fa*?
among the Jews, to signify a thing of great throne of hls Poiy» Je. also shall
difficulty, next to an impossibility : and sit upon twelve thrones, judging the
they import thus much: "That it is not twelve tribes of Israel,
only a very great difficulty, but an imDOs- The apostles having heard our Saviour's
sftffiiy, far such as abound in worldly command to the young man, to sell and
wealth to be saved, without an extraordi- giveto me poor, St. Peter, in the name of
wry grace and assistance from God. It the rest, tells Christ that they had left all,
b hard for a rich man to become happy, and followed him; Behold! we have left
even by God, because he thinks himself „#. where note, How Peter magnifies
happy without God." that little which he had left for Christ, and
;[l * Learn thence, That although it be a very
The disciples, understanding how na- littlo that we suffer for Christ, and less that
taaDy and strongly men love the world, we have to forsake upon his account, yet
and how idobtrously and inordinately their we are apt to magnify and extol it, as if it
hearts run out upon it, they say unto were gome great matter. Lord, we have
Christ, Lard, who then can be saved? forsaken all What all? His tattered
team, I. That when the general difficul- figher-boat and his ragged nets ; scarce
to i which lie m the way of salvation are wormy to be mentioned : yet how is it raag-
fcud forth and sufficiently understood, we nified f Behold, Urd, we have left all!
may justly wonder mat any are or shall But observe our Lord's kind and gracious
be saved. 2.™ such are the special an5wer . « you that have left all to follow
sad pecuhar difficulties in the nch man's me, shall beno losers by me : forinthe we-
wty to heaven, that his salvation is matter neration, that is, at the resurrection, when
J^f ^ great admiration to thedis- believers shall be perfectly renewed, both
aples of Christ When the disciples m sou) and body, and shall enjoy my king-
hemrd tk^thev were exceedtngfy amazed, dora, then, as I sit upon the throne of my
*eytng, Who then can be saved ? ^ry, so shall you sit with me in a higher
26 But Jesus beheld them, and degree of dignity and honour, judging the
said onto them, With men this is twelve tribes of Israel; that is, the Jews
impossible ; but with God all things ?*» for tnf unbe!ief' and *? aU °th^
»ri™««;iiU despisers of gospel grace and mercy."
arc possiuie. learn, 1. That such ministers as do most
A* if Christ had said, " Were all men service for Christ and forsake most to fol-
irft to themselves, no man either rich or low him, shall in his kingdom partake of
poor would be saved ; but God can bring most honour and dignity with him and
\ to heaven by the mighty power of from him. 2. That as the ministers of
guce; he can make the rich in estate, Christ in general, so his twelve apostles in
B
tie ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XX.
particular, shall tit nearer the throne of in their own, and less in the esteem of
Christ, and have an higher place in giory others, who had a len name and vogue in
at the great day, than ordinary believers. the world, shall yet be first and highest in
oa l~a — ~, *„* that wk myfevour." Learn hence, That the day
29 And every one that hath J,^^^ wiU fo^t^ a great many
forsaken houses, or brethren, or ^^^ expectations, both as touching
sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, others, and concerning themselves. Many
or children, or lands, for my names will miss of heaven, and be last, who
sake, shall receive an hundred-fold, looked upon themselves to be first. And
and shall inherit everlasting life. many will find others m heaven, whom
m. r . M oq ~~~^ they least expected there. The Lord
Tteforegomgpr^ Wejadge
ed the apostlesj tins,all chnsfcans who ^^ outwaid ip s^ces, bitwe
forsake their dear«t enjoyments for Crinst; ^/that the ju^fement of God is
in this life an hundred-*) Id. How ? JVb« ^^^ * deceim
formolttcr, stdeminrnter : not tn specie, * ntiAD w
but ro vaiore ; not in kind, but in equiva- CHAP. XX.
knee; not an hundred brethren, or sisters, TJV3R the kingdom of heaven is
or lands ; but, First, He shall have that in M? ^e unto a man that is an
God, wluch all creatures would not be to bousehoWcT, which went out early
him, if they were multiplied an hundred . . ^ '• ^ u;M LiWM.«».i
times. Secondly, The gifts and graces, !" *• morning to hire labourers
the comforts and consolations, of the Holy mto his vineyard. 2 And when he
Spirit, shall be an hundred-fold better por- had agreed with the labourers for
tion man any thing we can part with for a penny a day, he sent them into
the sake of Christ and his gospel here, bis vineyard. 3 And he went out
Though we may be losers for Christ, yet about the ^j^ hour, and saw others
shall we never be losers by him. Christ standing idle in the market-place,
^^^^TZ^Xo^ 4 And *said unto thern^ Go f also
suffered and lost most for Christ, have ne- into the vineyard ; and whatsoever
ver complained of their sufferings or tosses, is right, I will give you. And they
Therefore never be afraid to lose any thing went their way. 5 Again he went
for Christ, he will not only see you indem- out about the sixth and ninth hour,
nified, but plentifully rewarded ; in this amj dy likewise. 6 And about the
world an hundred-fold, in that to come elcventh hour he weilt ^^ and
30 But many that are first shall fo™d **» 9£"din* jdle' *nd
be last ; and the last shall be first. ""* ^ ^\™J &** >C *V
. * r . . ... ... . all the day idle ? 7 They say unto
A two-fold sense and mterpre^n is h . ^ J hat^ hired US-
given of these words : the first respects the „ ^ * *\- n 1 • *
Jews and Gentiles in general : thTsecond He saith unto them, Go ye also into
all professors of Christianity in particular, the vineyard ; and whatsoever is
« The Jews (as if Christ had said) look right, that shall ye receive,
upon themselves as first, and nearest to the A two-fold sense and interpretation is
kingdom of heaven, but for their infidelity riven of this parable : but both analogical,
they shall be last in it ; that is, never shall One of which relates to the calling of the
come there. And the Gentiles, who were Gentiles. The Jews were the first people
looked upon as dogs, and farthest from that God had in the world j they were hired
heaven, shall be first there, upon their into the vineyard betimes in the morning,
conversation to me, and faith in me." the Gentiles not till the day was for spent :
As the words respect all professors, the vet shall the Gentiles, by the favour and
sense is, " Many that are first in their own bounty of God, receive the same reward of
esteem, and in the opinion of others, and eternal life which was promised to the Jews,
forward in a profession of religion, yet at who bare the heat of the day while the
the day of judgment they will be last and Gentiles stood idle. In the other snalogi-
least in mine and my Father's estimation cal sense we may understand all persona
and account And many that were little indefinitely called by the gospel into the
Clap. XX. ST, MATTHEW. 90
viable church : those that tie called last, mine own ? li thine eye evil because
sballbe lwwsnfed together withthefiistj I am good ? 16 So the last shall be
and accordingly the design and scope of first and thc first la8t . for m bc
tins parable a, to show the fieeness of « d b . f chosen J
divme trace in the distribution of those cal,ea> Dut ICW cnosen.
rewards which the hand of mercy confers Here observe, 1. That thc time of God's
upon God's faithful servants. The vine- full re warding of his labourers, is theevening
yard is the church of God, the husband- of their days; that is, when their work is
man is God himself: the labourers are done. When the evening was come, the
particular persona. God's going at divers Lord of the vineyard coiled hit labourer*,
lanes into his vineyard, imports the several ond gave them their hire ; not but that they
ages of man's Hfc $ some are called early ***** pert of their reward in band, but it is
lotfce morning* some at noon, others at chiefly laid up in hope. Observe, 2. That
ntthL Now when God comes to dispense though God makes no difference in his
bis rewards, those that entered first into the servants' wages for the time of their work,
vineyard, and did most service for God, yet he will make a difference for the de-
shall be plentifully rewarded by him; and grees of their service. Undoubtedly they
such as came in later, but did faithful that have done most work, shall receive
service, shall not nnss of a merciful reward, most wages. He that soweth bountifully.
Learn, 1. That so long as a person keeps 'hall reap bountifully; God will reward
eat of Christ's vineyard and service, he is «>«y man according to his works ; that
idk. Every imregenerate man is an idle *• not o&ly according to the nature and
man. 2, That persons are called by the quality, but the measure and degree, of his
preaching of the gospel at several ages and works. All shall have equity, but all
periods of hie into God's vineyard ; that is, shall not have equal bounty. Observe, 3.
into the communion of the visible church. That all inequality in the distribution of
3L Hs*t *M*h as do come in, though late, rewards, doth not make God an unjust Ac-
is** God's vineyard, and work diligently cepter of persons ; he may dispense both
andtaushmlly, shall not miss of a reward of grace and glory in what measure and de-
grace at the **yA of tree mercy. gree he pleases, without the least shadow of
^ „ • .. unrighteousness. Is it not lawful for me
B So when even was come, the to do what JwiU viih mine ^ i 0b.
lord of the vineyard saith unto his serve, 4. That when we have done much
steward. Call tbe labourers, and give service for God, by labouring longer than
them their hire, beginning from the others in his vineyard, it is our duty to
last mnto the first. 3 And when have a low esteem bom of our services and
they came that were hired about the fa*Tf2?&%f£ $hf. be *?' *■?
eleventh hour, they received every 1^?^^^-
man a peaty. 10 But when the last and least in God's account
•k_ — ., „-„«.! -*._, '- » leni, took the twelve disciples apart
MR^lTiSrtrto in the way, and said unto them, 18
HI^Li u 4k«» -.-w—,,-^1 «?L;«-* Behold,we go up to Jerusalem; and
one boor, and thou hast made them , a—JL -■*» a j u n a ■• Mf.-M
% i —u: u l „ l ^ 4L to death, 19 And shall deliver him
equal unto us, which have borne the . .» 1* ,., . « . .
Ufa. and heat of tbe da,. 18 *• *£ ^S^fcfi' *±£
Bat he answered one of them, and "W "J £SE$ j£i
amd. Friend, 1 do thee no wrong : th,rd day he 9baU rwe ***m'
tide* not thou agree with me for a _ J1* fa ?°» *• <*>£*.*?* *«* Chnrt
P> thy way : I will give unto this ^^ *£ did J twice fo^ ^^
laat even a» unto thee. 15 la it not xvj. and chapter xvii. yet now be mentions
lawfol for me to do what I will with it again, that «hey might not be diamavad,
n 2
100 ST. MATTHEW. Cnap. XX.
and their faith might not be shaken to see disciples did still dream of Christ's tempo-
him die, who called himself the true Mes- ral kingdom, (although he had so often
sias and the Son of God. > The first time told them, that his kingdom was not of
he told his disciples of his death in general ; this world,) and ambitiously seek to have
the second time he declares the means, by the preference and pre-eminence in that
treason ; now he tells them the manner, by kingdom. See here how these poor fish-
crucifying : that he should be scourged, ermen had already learnt craftily to fish
mocked, spit upon, and crucified : all for preferment. Who can wonder to see
this he did, to prevent his disciples' de- some sparks of ambition and worldly de-
jection at his sufferings. Learn thence, sires in the hoUest ministers of Christ, when
That it is highly necessary that the doctrine the apostles themselves were not free from
of the cross be often preached to us ; that aspiring thoughts, even when they lay in
so being armed with the expectation of the bosom of their Saviour ? Ambition
sufferings before they come, we may be has all along infected churchmen, and trou-
theless dismayed and disheartened when bled the church, even from the very first
they come. Our Lord's frequent fore- original and foundation of it. Observe, 3.
warning his disciples of his death and Both the unseasonablemss and unreasona-
sufferings was to fore-arm them with bleness of this request made byihe dtfci-
expectation of his sufferings, and with pies. Christ speaks of his sufferings to
preparation for their own. them,' and they sue for dignity and meat
^ _,. A , . ., ., places from him, ro optimis non nihU est
20 Then came to him the mother ^essimi . ^ holie8tf ^ y,^ ana best
of Zebedee's children with her sons, of men> in their imperfect state, are not
worshipping him, and desiring a wholly free from passionate infirmities.
certain thing of him. 21 And he Who would have expected, that when our
said unto her, What wilt thou ? She Saviour had been preaching the doctrine
saith unto him, Grant that these my °f th* crow tojin disciples, telling them
right hand, and the other on the left, ^M ^ |eeUng ^ guing t0 ^m fo*
in thy kingdom. secular dignity and honour, pre-eminence
To sit on the right hand and on the and power ! But we plainly see, the best
left, is to have the most eminent places of of men are but men, and that none are in
dignity and honour after Christ. This the a state of perfection on this side heaven,
mother might be encouraged to ask for .
James and John, because of their alliance 22 But Jesus answered and said,
to Christ, and because Christ had admitted Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye
them with Peter to be with him at his able to drink of the cup that I shall
transfiguration. However, the rest of the drink of, and to be baptized with the
disciples hearing of mis ambitious request baptism that I am baptized with ?
t^ta^ ThTey say unto him, We are able.
the same honour, they had indignation As if Christ had said, " You do but
against them. Whence note, That none abuse yourselves with fond and idle dreams;
of the disciples did imagine that Christ there is other work cut out for you in
had promised the supremacy to Peter, by the purpose of God, than sitting upon
these words, Tu es Petrus, thou art Pe- thrones and tribunals : to think of sufler-
ter ; for then neither James nor John had ing would do you more service." And
desired it, nor would the rest have contend- accordingly our Saviour in his answer
ed for it. Observe here, 1. The persons tells these disciples, 1. That they were
making this request to Christ, Zebedee's greatly ignorant of the nature and quality
children ; that is, James and John, by the of his kingdom, which was not secular,
mouth of their mother. They speak by but heavenly ; but the carnal notion of
her lips, and made use of her tongue, to a glorious earthly kingdom upon earth,
usher in a request which they were ashamed in which they should be delivered from
to make themselves. Observe, 2. The re- the Roman power, was so deeply imprinted
quest itself, Grant that these two may sit, in their minds, that they frequently de-
the one on thy right hand, the other on clared their expectation of it, notwithstand-
thy left hand* Where note, How these ing all the assurances which Christ had
Chap. XX. ST. MATTHEW. . 101
given them of the contrary. Observe, 2. But if Christ be here supposed to deny
The course which our Saviour takes to cool this power to himself, he must then mani-
the ambition of his disciples ; he tells them, festly contradict himself, when he says, J
they must expect here, not crowns on their appoint unto you a kingdom, and Allpow*
beads, but a cross on their backs ; they er in heaven and earth it given to me.
must first taste of his sufferings, before they When Christ therefore saith, he could
talk of his glory ; and patiently suffer for only give this to them for whom it was
him, before they expect to reign with him ; appointed of his Father ; this doth not
plainly intimating, that the cross is the way signify any defect in hispower, but a per-
to the crown, suflering.the way to reigning, feet conformity to his Father's will, and
and that those that suffer most for Christ, that he could not do this unless the divine
shall partake of highest dignity and glory essence and nature abided in him. This
from him. Observe, 3. The presump- the words rather show, than that there is
tuous confidence which the disciples had of any want of power in Christ,
their own strength and abiUty for sufferings. 24 And when the ten heard it,
Areycrik,*YsCb^todrmkofmt, they were moved with indignation
cup * They reply, We are able. Alas, «s . A, . _ . ,• _ «* n *.
pcir disciples ! wfien, it came to the trial, *S*inBt *}* ,tw? brethren 25 But
they all cowardly forsook him and fled. Jcsu8 called them unto htm, and
A bold presumption makes us vaunt of our said, Ye know that the princes of the
own ability ; holy jealousy makes us dis- Gentiles exercise dominion over
trustful of our own strength. Those that them, and tbey that are great exer-
are least acquainted with the cross, are d^ authority upon them. 26 But
usuaUy the most confident undertakers. it shall not bc go am . but
JS/^t h5 ^ r UQ ° thCm^Ie whosoever will be great among you,
shall dnnk indeed of my cup and be ,et him be *inl8ier ; 27 And
baptized with the baptism that I am whosoever WJU1 be chief among ou
baptized with ; but to sit on my nght ,et him ^ 9ervant
hand and on my left, is not mine to Note ^ L mt c^ by a^
give, but U shall be given to them for words doth not forbid the exercise of civil
whom it is prepared of my Father. dominion and lawful magistracy ; for then
Observe here, Our blessed Saviour's all order, all defence of good men, and
wonderful mildness and gentleness towards punishment of evil-doers, would be taken
his disciples ; he doth not with passion, away. Magistracy is God's ordinance,
much less with indignation, reprehend and the magistrate is God's minister for the
them, cither for their ambition or presump- good of human society, and consequently
tion, but makes the best of their answer, not here censured or condemned by Christ,
and encourages their good intentions ; he True, when Christ was here on earth, he
tells them, that they should have the ho- refused to execute the magistrate's office,
nour to share with him in his sufferings, because his kingdom was not of this world,
to pledge him in his own cup, and after a and because he would give no umbrage to
conformity to him in his sufferings, they Caesar or the Jews : and because he would
might expect to be sharers with him in his leave us an example of humility and con*
glory. Yet observe, that when Christ says, tempt of worldly grandeur, and not because
thai to tit at hit right hand wot not hit the office of civil magistracy was unlawful.
to give ; he means, as he was Man, or as Note, 2. That Christ by this text doth not
he was Mediator : for elsewhere, as God, condemn the exercise of ecclesiastical go-
we find him asserting his power to dis- vernment, that being as necessary in the
pose of the kingdom of heaven : John x. church as the former in the state. The
28. I give unto them eternal life. How- welfare of the church necessarily depends
ever the Artans of old, and Socinians of on the exercise of ecclesiastical discipline,
late, do from this text infer, that God the Note, 3. Christ here forbids only the
Father has a power reserved to himself, exercise of that dominion which is attended
which he hath not committed to Christ with tyranny and oppression ; and is man-
bis Son ; from whence they would con- aged according to men's wills and lusts :
dude, that he is not the same God which now, says Christ, you shall have no such
the Father is, because he hath not the same government, you shall command nothing
power which the Father has. Answer, for mere will and pleasure, but your whole
10* ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XX.
office aball consist in being ministers to the Christ gave his life a ransom for many ;
good of others; and herein ye shall re- it is elsewhere affirmed, that he tasted death
semble me the Son of man, who came not for every man, even for them that denied
to be ministered unto, but to minister, the Lord who bought them. The word
And accordingly, that Christ might effec- many, in other places of Scripture, is not
tually quench those unhappy sparks of exclusive of some, but inclusive of all.
ambition which were kindled in his apos- Thus Dan. vii. 2. Many that sleep in the
ties* minds, he tells them, that supremacy dust shall arise ; answers St John v. 28,
and dominion belong to secular princes, 29. All that sleep in their graces shall
not to evangelical pastors, who ought to hear his voice. Thus Horn. v. 15. Through
carry themselves with humility towards the offence of one many died ; answers
one another ; not that Christ directs to a 1 Cor. xv. 22. In Adam all died. There
parity and equality amongst all his minis- is a virtual sufficiency in the death of Christ
ters, and forbids the pre-eminence of some for the salvation of mankind, and an actual
over others ; but the affectation of superi- efficacy for the salvation of them that re-
ority, and the love of pre-eminency, is that pent, and believe, and obey the gospeL
which our Saviour disallows. Learn, 1. Note, 2. From these words, He gave his
That so far ought the ministers of Christ to life a ransom; that Christ suffered in our
be from affecting a domination and superi- stead, and died in our place, and gave his
ority of power over their fellow-brethren, life instead of ours. It was the constant
that, in imitation of Christ their Lord and opinion both of the Jews and Gentiles,
Master, they ought to account themselves that their piacuhr victims were ransoms for
fellow-servants j I am amongst you, saith the life of the offender, and that he who
Christ, as one that serveth. 2. That such gave his life for another, suffered in his
ministers as do love and affect pre-emi- stead, to preserve him from death. And.
nency and superiority are most unfit for who can reasonably suppose, but that our
it ; and they deserve it best, who seek it Lord intended by saying, he save himself
least. 3. That the dignity and honour a Ransom, that he gave his life instead of
which the ministers of Christ should chiefly the lives of those for whom he suffered f
and only affect, is in another world ; and Vain are the Socinians, when they say
the way to be greatest and highest there, this price was to be paid to Satan, be-
is to be low and humble here, mean in our cause he detained us captive. True j the
own eyes, and little in our own esteem, price is to be paid to him that detains the
Whosoever will be chief, says Christ, let captive, when he doth this for gain to
him be your servant. make money of him, as the Turks detain
28 Even as the Son of man came ** chrisnans captive at Algiers; but when
nn+ *^ k~ m;n;a«AM/i ,...«,« k«* *^ .»:» a majl B detained in custody for violation
not to be ministered unto, but to mm- of a k ^ ft fa not ^ ^ fe ^
ister, and to give his life a ransom legislator, to whom the price of redemption
tor many. mu8t ^ paj^ or satisfaction be made,
To encourage his disciples to the fore- Accordingly this price was paid to God r
mentioned condescending humility one to- f°r Christ Became our Ransom, as be offered
wards another, our Saviour propounds to UP his life and blood for us ; now he of-
them his own instructive example ; J fered himself without snot to God, Heb.
came not to be ministered unto, says he. 14. be therefore paid the price of our
Christ, but to minister to the wants and redemption to God.
necessaries of others, both for soul and rt~ A • ,. » . j ^
body. « O what a sight will it be, (as if , 29A„d M they departed from
our Lord had said,) to behold an humble Je«cho, a great multitude followed
God, and a proud creature; an humble Sa- him. 30 And, behold, two blind
viour, and an haughty sinner !" Yea, our men sitting by the way-side, when
Lord urges his example farther, that as he they heard that Jesus passed by,
laid down his i life for us, so should we be cricd 0ut, saying Have mercy on
JSf Y VSyfi°^ 0UrA * v f i ?nf "^ **> O Lord, thou son of David. 31
tner. Did Christ lay down his life for us, A j *u i*-* j i. i j *i_
and shall we not lay down alust for him? £nd thc multitude rebuked them
our pride, our ambition, our affectation of because they should hold their
dignity and superiority over others ? Note peace : but they cried the more, say*
here two things, 1. Whereas it is said, that ing, Have mercy upon us, O Lord,
Chap. XXL ST. MATTHEW. 10*
thorn son of David ! 32 And Jesus straightway ye shall find an ass, tied,
stood still, and called them, and and a colt with her: loose them,
said, What will ye that I shall do and bring them unto me. 3 And if
onto you ? 33 They say unto him, any man say ought unto you, yc
Lord, that our eyes may be opened, shall say, The Lord hath need of
34 So Jesus had compassion on them ; and straightway he will send
Meat, and touched their eyes : and them.
kanediatelv their eyes received
sight, and they followed him. The former put of this chapter gives us
° . . A . . ,A. . an account of our Saviours solemn and
Th» chapter concedes with a famous ^mjmA ^^ mto ^ dt ^ JerUBa.
muscle, ivrou^by Christ upon two Umd y^ *wWohSrve, That in all our Sevi-
"51 » **J!F*i rf trF** J™"™8 cur's jouroles and travels from place to
whxj i followed him. mere observe, 1. ^ heconsantly went, like a poor man,
^^^^S^m^rTOWledglDugJ?" Sn foot, without noise, and wnhouttram;
sui to be the true Mesas, for so much the now he eoe* up to Jerusalem to die for
** ^JPJt". °frDavtd *&&*; 0b" sinners, he rides, to show his neat cheer-
""*■?" ™******f» m crying so ^j^ m ihat 9ervkef ^ ^ fonrgrfness
e»iiesflytoainstform^andhe^b?: to lay down his life for us. But what
Han mercy yon us, thou Son of Davtd. dothk ^upm} Ana99t aowdmg to
^senseof want wfll make us cry unto ^ naama <f^ ^^ ^^Vfe
Chnst for help eamestiy^and wifo undo- j butespecMytofuralthepiophecy,
iiB^importunity. OWe, 3. The great Zech.ix.9. ST^Mmk^zkiD^d^
conafecensjon of rCMtar^tanoor j AoM come ri^ "^ m
hhndmen: He stood tttll, he caUed them, B* ih* au was a coU, th* Jbal of an au,
he had companion on them, he touched M wkick ^^ man htd rf)de .^
e^^XzJe7^ SF^K St Mark, chap, xl 12. simiifymg thereby,
ice of Christ's divine power. He that «u.* ^ „^ .\L-.i- *-a TL^i^S ~-~*.~
mstance ot Uirat s divme power. «e itnat fhaX ^ m08t ^^ ^ ^^0^ creatures
2!L^]^CleilT!.lthat0UCh0fh'8 l^ome obedient aW obsequious to him 5
S1 If/^J^ ^ P°T!S *! aiiduponaiam^rftfftTSeuseof which
_ .- - .„ . .. . . , . cordingly he bids his disciples — _
yrt_ before he will restore then i to sight, owner of the ass, that Me W Atfrf ««/
they must t sensibly complain i of the want of ofhim . not our Lonif ^ the j^ that
ft&d, and cry unto him for mercy and », he that is the Lord of all, wAo#<r are Me
heafag^^ara hence. That although €attie a tkou8and Mfr; he that is
Christ perfectly knows all our wants, yet Lorf of all the beasts, and the owners too.
he take no notice of them till we make observe ferther. That notwithstanding
ftemknown to him by prayer. Observe, Christ.g mvtme j^ t0 the ass and the
t*}* ^Jf* "^ ^^*u iCJ\ colt> he will have neither of them taken
bfandmenfeke toeimftefhanMute ^tooiA the owner's knowledge, or against
to Chrat for recovered sight :they foL h* win . but the disciples must acquaint
7wtdJnm:. i^J??10^ ^* *"?** him with it, and by a double argument
^C1l^»^r,e^^P^^hen move him to it 1. Christ's right or do-
vTS^^^mwSL ™Jh?£ rainfonaiidsoveieigntyowthemiheis
be te««rf^ "**ra wrought for the Lord ^ 9B[A% for ibeaim 3> H|s
b. Be praiseth God b^,foat serveth —^ occagjon for them . the Lord has
^obeyeAh^mmort;^lifeofftank- rneedof them. Note also here a wonder-
folnemconastsm the thankfulness ot thehfe. M ja^j^ 0f Christ's prescience or fore-
CHAP. XXI. knowledge, even in the most minute and
AND when they drew nigh unto smallest matters. 1. You shall find a colt.
*T Jerusalem, and were come to 2 - °» J>*™}™ ?m.4«>.'r?a- & ^
lUk^i..^ ««*^ *k- Kfnn«* *r colt tied and bound with tts dam. 4. J»
Betkphaee, unto the Mount cf M<? ^ wAw ^ ffl^ 5 ^
Olnres, then sent Jesus two disciples, Mry ^rrrrf f^ eflfag£ 6. 2%«f M^
» Saying unto them. Go into the ^^ should he vnWng to let him go.
village over against you, and Such an exact knowledge had Christ of
104 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXL
persons and actions, even of the circum- not to dispute, but to obey. The disciples
stances of actions. did as Jesus commanded them. Observe,
.2. The actions of the multitude in acknow-
4 All this was done, that it might ledging Christ to be their king ; They cut
be fulfilled, which was spoken by their garments upon the ground lor him
the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the to ride upon, according to the custom of
daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King princes when they ride in state ; but they
cometh unto thee, meek, and sit- do n<* £*> &**». *** *"**, but
j w xl expend their breath m joyful acclama-
ting upon an ass, and a colt the «£ and Joud hosaJ^ wiahing ^
foal of an ass. manner of prosperity to this meek but
Here the reason is assigned why Christ mighty king. In this princely, yet poor
rode upon the ass into Jerusalem ; it was and despicable pomp, doth our Saviour
to fulfil an ancient prophecy, that the enter into that famous city of Jerusalem.
Messias, or king of the Jews, should come O how far was our holy Lord from aflect-
riding upon that beast into Jerusalem, ing worldly greatness and grandeur ! He
There was not any prophecy of Christ despised that glory which worldly hearts
more plainly fulfilled than this. The pro- fondly admire ; yet because he was a King,
phecy alluded to, is Zcch. ix. 9. Rejoice he would be proclaimed such, and have
greatly, O daughter of Zion ; shout, O his kingdom confessed, applauded, and
daughter of Jerusalem ; behold, thy King blest j but that it mjght appear that his
cometh unto thee ; he is just, and having kingdom was not of this world, he aban-
salvation ; lowly, and riding upon an ass, dons all worldly magnificence. O glori-
and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Where ous, yet homely pomp! O meek, but
note, The character given of the Messias ; mighty prince.
heisAesupremeKmgandGovonorofhis 10 And when he maa come into
church, thy King cometh. The errand T , ,, .. .. ^m*a
that he comes ug>n, bringing salvation: Jerusalem all the cUy was moved,
and the entertainment which his church say»% Who is this ? 11 And Uie
was to give him; namely, to receive him multitude said, This is Jesus, the
with triumphs of joy, and universal accla- prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
mations. Rejoice, O daughter of Zion ; This is not the first or only time that
and shout, O Jerusalem, for joy, Jerusalem was moved and troubled at the
• A , . j. " . t A • appearance of Christ : at his birth, Afatf.
6 And the disciples went, and £\£ read, all Jerusalem vas troubled,
did as Jesus commanded them, 7 together with Herod j and now that he
And brought the ass, and the colt, rides into Jerusalem, though in so mean a
and put on them their clothes, and port, yet there is a new commotion. Je-
they set him thereon. 8 And a nisalem, instead of being thankful for his
very great multitude spread their SSmpany7 * troubled at his presence.
garments in the way ; others cut Then« ^ Th£??h1 P^SSt
5 i u r al * j ccs as have the greatest helps and privileges
down branches from the trees, and afforfed to th|n> m not Ways the most
strawed them in the way. 9 And answerable in their returns of thankfulness.
the multitudes that went before, and It is not Christ's presence with us, but his
that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna welcome to us, that makes us happy. Christ
to the Son of David ! Blessed is he » daily taught in our synagogues, and
that cometh in the name of the Ff ched in our streets ; yet, alas ! muto-
Lord ; Hosaona in the highest ! tnto » S™«* of him, and say w*tte
° men of Jerusalem, when Christ was before
Observe here, 1. The obedience of his their eyes, Who is this?
disciples, and the motions of the multitude ; 12 And Jesus went into the tem-
the disciples never dispute their Lord's ple of God, and cast out all them
commands, nor raise objections, nor are fi^* ^1 • • 1 . . - ,» ^ *„„,«!-
afraid of dangers, but speedily execute their th*1 80,d ™d bou£ht ln *hc te/X
Lord's pleasure, and find every thing ac- and overthrew the tabks of the
cordine to their Lord's predictions, when money-changers, and the seats ot
our call is clear, our obedience must be them that sold doves ; 13 And said
speedy. What God commands, we are unto them, It is written, My house
Chap. XXL ST. MATTHEW. 106
shall be called the house of prayer ; came to him in the temple ; and he
hot ye have made it a den of thieves, healed them. 15 And when the
Our blessed Saviour having entered Jeru- chief priests and scribes saw the
salem, observe, his first walk was not to the wonderful things that he did, and the
palace, but to the temple, and his work children crying in th# temple, and
there was to purge and reform : all refor- ^ • „ n^2L *„ *^ *u« lerl :^i i
mation of manners must begin first at the ***** "osanna to the son of David !
houseof God. Our Lord's business was to tncy were sore displeased, 16 And
reform the temple, not to ruin it Places »a«a unto him, Hearest thou what
dedicated to the service of God, if profaned these say? And Jesus saith unto
and polluted, ought to be purged from them, Yea : have ye never read, Out
their abuses, not pulled down and destroy- Gf the mouth of babes and sucklings
!i ^^ttey 5««be« a***1; »«* thou hast perfected praise ?
what was the profanation of the temple, -., * . _ r .
which so ofifended our Saviour ? Answer, Observe here, 1. That our blessed Savi-
Withia the third or outward court of the our works his miracles, not secretly in a cor-
temple, there was a public mart or mar- nw, but openly matemple, and submits them
ket held, where we£ sold oxen, sheep, to *• «ounination of al persons' senses,
and doves, and such things as were need- A miracle is a supernatural action which is
ful for sacrifice ; many of the Jews coming °°v*"- to ***: A «>P«»hmiiacies are talk-
anhuiid^inilestothetemple,itwasbur. ^^ by many, but seen by none. Observe,
densome to bring their sacrifices so ferwith ?• Tha* prists enemies are never more
tbemi wherefore order was taken by the mcensed, than when his divine power is
priests, that sheep and oxen, meal and oil, m(f e?eited' and his^^vine iiature owned
and all other requisites for sacrifice, should and acknowledged. When the chief priests
be had for money close by the altar, to the 'J™ the mirac*e9 *™icA Jesus did, and
great ease of the offerer. Nothing could ^eard the children crying, Hosanna to
be more plausible than mis plea. But the thj: San of David, they wm sore displeas^
fairest pretences cannot bear out a sin with £?■ g1""7? 3- ^ ^h?? <** ?lon^
God; therefore our blessed Saviour, in Jvmsdf by the mouth of babes and suck-
indignation at so foul an abuse, whips '"^ i he c^ form and fit up w^t instru-
out these chapmen, casts down their ta- ments ** PleMes t0 *now *orth his excei-
bks, and vindicates the honour and repu- *»«■ «» cetebrate his praises. Out of
tation of his Father's house. Learn thence, the mouth of hahes and sucklings thou
That there is a reverence due to God's hast perfected praise.
house for the Owner's sake, and for the 17 And he left them, and went
service sake. Nothing but holiness can out of the city into Bethany ; and he
become that place, where God is worship- lodged there. 18 Now in the
ped in the beauty of holiness. Observe morn{ngf as he returned into the city,
^y^^^tr^:ftyt \h™*™\ » A-**.* ™
■written, My house >haU be called an house a fig-tree in the way, he came to it,
of prayer. Where by prayer is to be »•><! found nothing thereon, but
understood the whole worship and service leaves only, and said unto it, Let no
of Almighty God, of which prayer is an fruit grow on thee henceforward for
eminent and principal part That which ever. And presently the fig-tree
gives denomination to an house, is certainly withered away,
the cmef work being done in that bouse. /•. . , • £* • t_ • j • ,t
Now God's house bemg called an house of . *** **«*. Sm^^nSLiTT»fba
prayer, certainly implies that prayer is the buyers and sellers out of the temple, lodges
chief and principal work to b!> performed not*^ n,ght m. Je™salem, but withdraws
inl»bou£; yet must wetakeW that to Belhany, a p^ of retiienient from the
we set not the ordinances of God at va- noreand tarndtofthecity. Where note,
riaace one with another: we must not ^ ^?iT°f.*° '^J" dretfd.nes!:
idolize one ordinance, and vilify another ; Howdelightful is it to a good man, to dwell
but pay an awful respect and regard to «>?**"»« V0™ *■■•* '• *«*» ^
all ttW msiitutions of ourMaker. «"ff $?t°'' T^ ™"V' "f* ff "
rest l Yet the next morning our Lord re-
14 And the blind and the lame turns to the city : he knew when to be
104 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXL
persons and actions, even of the circum- not to dispute, but to obey. The disciples
stances of actions. did as Jesus commanded them. Observe,
2. The actions of the multitude in acknow-
4 All this was done, that it might fedging Christ to be their king ; They cast
be fulfilled, which was spoken by their garments upon the ground for him
the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the to ride upon, according to the custom of
daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King princes when they ride in state ; but they
cometh unto thee, meek, and sit- do n<* only disrobe their bacEs, but
a:— ..«.*« «« «««. nnA L ~*u *iw* expend their breath in joyful acclama-
ting upon an ass, and a colt the |k£ ^ ,oud hamJ^ wi8hing ^
ioal or an ass. manner of prosperity to this meek but
Here the reason is assigned why Christ mighty king. In this princely, yet poor
rode upon the ass into Jerusalem ; it was and despicable pomp, doth our Saviour
to fulfil an ancient prophecy, that the enter into that famous city of Jerusalem.
Messias, or king of the Jews, should come O how far was our holy Lord from affect-
riding upon that beast into Jerusalem, ing worldly greatness and grandeur ! He
There was not any prophecy of Christ despised that glory which worldly hearts
more plainly fulfilled than this. The pro- fondly admire ; yet because he was a King,
phecy alluded to, is Zcch. ix. 9. Rejoice he would be proclaimed such, and have
greatly, O daughter of Zion ; shout, O his kingdom confessed, applauded, and
daughter of Jerusalem ; behold, thy King blest ; but that it rnteht appear that his
cometh unto thee ; he is just, and having kingdom was not of this world, he aban~
salvation ; lowly, and riding upon an ass, dons all worldly magnificence. O glori-
and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Where ous, yet homely pomp! O meek, but
note, The character given of the Messias ; mighty prince.
he » ftesupremeKingandGovmiorof h« 10 And he„ he WM ^^ into
church, thy Kms cometh. The errand T , ,, ., .. .
that becomes upon, bringing salvation: Jenisalem all the city was moved,
and the entertainment which his church say,n&. w"0. «■ tnls " , « And we
was to give him ; namely, to receive him multitude said, This is Jesus, the
with triumphs of joy, and universal accla- prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
mations. Rejoice, O daughter of Zion ; This is not the first or only time that
and shout, O Jerusalem, for joy. Jerusalem was moved and troubled at the
"._,«_ j. '. • A i appearance of Christ : at his birth, Matt,
6 And the disciples went, and a. we read, all Jerusalem was troubled.
did as Jesus commanded them, 7 together with Herod ; and now that he
And brought the ass, and the colt, rides into Jerusalem, though in so mean a
and put on them their clothes, and port, yet there is a new commotion. Je-
they set him thereon. 8 And a rusalem, instead of being thankful for his
very great multitude spread their S2inpariy,* " ^2ubledvat *■ P^ce.
garments in the way ; others cut J*™** lea?' Th£f?h1 '^JSfjS;
5 * i r *l a j ces as have uie Greatest helps and privileges
down branches from the trees, and affonled to ^ ^ not^ways the most
strawed them in the way. 9 And answerable in their returns of thankfulnesa.
the multitudes that went before, and It is not Christ's presence with us, but his
that followed t cried , say ing, Hosanna welcome to us, that makes us happy. Christ
to the Son of David ! 'Blessed it he » daily taught in our synagogues, and
that cometh in the name of the P*fchedin our streets; yet, alas ! mufti-
Observe here, 1. The obedience of his their eyes, Who is this?
disciples, and the motions of the multitude; 12 And Jesus went into the tern-
the disciples never dispute their Lord's ple 0f God, and cast out all them
commands, nor raise rtmtami, nor are th t ,d d fc ■ t . ft f ,
afraid of dangers, but speedily execute their • '? "f ' ,, r it-
Lord's pleasure, and find every thing ac- and overthrew • the tables of the
cording to their Lord's predictions. When money-changers, and the seats of
our call is clear, our obedience must be them that sold doves ; 13 And said
speedy. What God commands, we are unto them, It is written, My house
Clap. XXI. ST. MATTHEW. 106
shall be called the house of prayer ; came to him in the temple ; and he
bat ye have made it a den of thieves, healed them. 15 And when the
Our blessed Saviour having entered Jeru- chief priests and scribes saw the
sum, observe, his first walk was not to the wonderful things that he did, and the
patee, but to the temple, and Ins work children crying in the temple, and
fere was to purge and reform : all refer- . IIosanna to the 80ftof David t
nanon cf manners must begin first at the **J"*a» «*»-»■■• ^ ««- «v«v ■*"*»■«.
hooeofGod. Our Lord's business was to they were sore displeased, 16 And
icfcnn the temple, not to ruin it Places said unto him, Hearest thou what
dedicated to the service of God, if proftned these say? And Jesus saith unto
and polluted, ought to be purged from them, Yea : have ye never read, Out
their abuses, not pulled down and destroy- Gf the mouth of babes and sucklings
m\becaose they have ibeen abused. But thou hast perfected praise ?
vast was the profanation of the temple, ~, * . _ , ,. , « .
which so offended our Saviour ? Answer, Observe here, 1. That our blessed Savi-
Wimin the third or outward court of the our works hisiniracles, not secretly in a cor-
fenple, there was a public mart or mar- aer, but openly matemple, and submits them
ketWd, where weVe sold oxen, sheep, *° *■» examination of al persons* senses,
and doves, and such things as were need- A nuracfe is a supernatural action which is
fidfwsacrifice; manyof the Jews coming obvious to sense. Popish miracles are talk-
an hundred miles to the temple, it was bur- odofbyinany,butseenbynone. Observe.
deasonietobTmgtheh-sacrhlcessoiarwith ?■ Tha* cJnst 8 enemies are never more
them; wherefore order was taken by the mcensed> than when his divine power is
priests, that sheep and oxen, meal and oil, most €XCrted» and his divine nature owned
and all other requisites for sacrifice, should and acknowledged. When the chief priests
be had for money close by the altar, to the 9™ ^'mi™£* •***. JciuL ** and
great ease of the offerer. Nothing could *J»* the children crymg, Hotarma to
& more plausible than this plea. But the tAf S^ Dav^^ ZT? "■* duRleaf-
fairest pretences cannot bear out a sin with J* S^* 3' ^ ^ "£ ^ /lon,fy
God; therefore our blessed Saviour, in hnnself by the mouth of babes andTsuck-
iodimbon at so foul an abuse, whips lmg» 5 he can form and fit up w^ instru-
out these chapmen, casts down their ta- nients he pleases to show forth his excet-
bfes, and vindicates the honour and repu- i*1088 •*» celebrate his praises. Out of
tafcon of his Father's house. Learn thence, the mouth of babes and sucklmgs thou
Tb* there is a reverence due to God's hast perfected praise.
house for the Owner's sake, and for the 17 And he left them, and went
service sake. Nothing but holiness can out of the city into Bethany ; and he
become that place, where God is worship- lodged there. 18 Now in the
pad [ m the beauty of holiness. Observe morning, as he returned into the city,
lastly, Thereason which our Saviour gives h illlfl^prp<j w a nri -,hpn hf> *'
lor this act of his: for, says he, It is &e nungerecl W And when he saw
vritten, My house shall be called an house a fig-tree in the way, he came to it,
*f prayer. Where by prayer is to be a*d found nothing thereon, but
understood the whole worship and service leaves only, and said unto it, Let no
of Almighty God, of which prayer is an fruit grow on thee henceforward for
eminent and principal part. That which ever. And presently the fig-tree
gvesdenoimnatk>n to an housed certainly withered away,
me dnef work being done m that house. r, u j i . , • j • 4t_
NowGod's house bemg called an houseof . 0ur **"* ^TJr1?*^^*
prayer, certainly imphls that prayer is the ouy^rs and sellers out of the temple, podges
chief and principd work to be performed »**■* n,Sht » J«imkm. but withdraws
m Us bouse ; yet must we take heed that to **»* a place of retoement from the
• not the ordinances of Godatva- noise and mmult of me city. }*%"«*+
one with another: we must not ^^!iT^f° ^^l^De8?i
one ordinance, anc\ vilify another; Howddightful«ittoagoodman,todw
but pay an awful respect and'regard to «>petiines within himself, to take the
aB tfc mstitutions of oirMaker. ^ mJ< &?£** ™d& «*** ™* ** **
rest ! Yet the next morning our Lord re-
14 Aad the blind and the lame turns to the city : he knew when to be
106 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXI.
solitary, and when to be sociable ; when 23 And when he was come into
to be alone, and when to convene in com- the temple, the chief priests and the
pany. In his passage to the city, lie espied c|derg 0f the people came unto him
a fig-tree; ndW an hundred (to show M he teaching, and said, By
the truth of his humanity) he goe%to the , . A. .. iD' . 4. .. /, J
fig-tree, and finds it full of leaves, but wJ?at authority doest thou these
without any fruit. Displeased with this things * and who gave thee this
disappointment, he curses the tree which authority? 24 And Jesus answered
had deceived his expectation. This action and said unto them, I also will ask
of our Saviour, in cursing the barren fig- you one thing, which if ye tell me,
tree, was typical ; an emblem of the de- i m ifce wige wju tell you by what
struction of Jerusalem in general, and of authority I do these things. 25
SbttSJE^ The bapLmofJohn, whence was it T
leaves only, but no fruit As this fig-tree from heaven or of men ? And they
was, so are they nigh, unto cursing. Learn reasoned with themselves, saying, If
hence, That such as content themselves we shall say, From heaven : he will
with a fruitless profession of religion, are say unto us, Why did ye not then
in mat danger of having God's blasting believe him? 26 But if we shall
added to their barrenness. say> Qf men . we fear the people ;
20 And when the disciples saw it, for all hold John as a prophet. 27
they marvelled, saying, How soon is And they answered Jesus, and said,
the fig-tree withered away ! 21 We cannot tell. And he said unto
Jesus answered and said unto them, them, Neither tell 1 you by what
Verily I say unto you, If ye have authority I do these things,
faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only j^ Pharisees having often questioned
do this which is done to the fig-tree, our Saviour's doctrine before, they call in
but also, if ye shall say unto this question his mission and authority now ;
mountain, Be thou removed, and be although they might easily have understood
thou cast into the sea, it shall be his divine mission by his divine miracles.
done. 22 And all things whatso- AlinWitjr God never empowered any to
i •! t • ^^„ «,u^i :-.-.:« ~ work miracles that were not sent by turn.
ever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ^^ ^ mbmmriM of Christ can object
ye shall receive. nothing against his doctrine, they then
The disciples being filled with admi- quarrel with him about his commission
ration at the sudden withering of the fig- and calling, and demand by what autho-
tree, thereupon our Saviour exhorts them to rity he doth teach and work miracles,
h&ve faith in God; that is, firmly to rely Our blessed Saviour, well understanding
upon the power of God whereby he is their drift and design, answers them one
able, upon the goodness of God whereby question by asking them another. The
he is willing, to fulfil his promises to us. Baptism of John, was it from heaven, or
Learn, 1. That faith is a necessary ingre- of men ? Was it of divine institution, or
dient in prayer. Praying without faith, is of human invention ? Implying that the
like shooting without a bullet : it makes a calling of such as call themselves the mi-
noise, but does no execution. 2. That nisters of God, ought to be from God. No
whatsoever good thing God has made the man ought to take this honour upon him-
matter of a promise, shall begiven to good self hut he that is called of Goa, as was
men, praying in faith, whatsoever ye Aaron,Heb.v. 4. The Pharisees reply* they
ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive, could not tell whence John had his mis-
Yet note, That the faith here promised to sion and authority. This was a manifest
root up mountains, must be restrained to untruth : by refusing to tell the truth, they
(hat age of miracles, and to the persons to fall into a lie. One sin ensnares, and
whom this was spoken, namely, the apos- draws men into the commission of more,
ties and first propagators of the gospel ; it Such as will not speak exact truth, ac-
being certain from experience, that this is cording to their knowledge, they fall
no ordinary and perpetual gift of chris- into the sin of lying against their con-
tians. sciences. Our Saviour answers them, Nri-
Chap. XXL ST. MATTHEW. 107
tker tcU I you by what authority I do before the proud Pharisees. The reason
these things. He doth not say, I cannot, was, became their hearts lay more open to
or, I will not tell you $ but I do not, I the strokes of conviction, than those that
need not tell you, because the miracles were blinded by vain hopes and presump-
which I work before you, are a sufficient tuous confidence. Security frustrates all
demonstration of my divine commission, means of recovery,
tf* I am sent of God amongst you ; for 83 Hear another lrablc x^
God never s^ the «e^ of h^ompipotenoe . householder, which
to a he, or empowered an impostor to work , " * , ^ . iwwwwtoi , "««^«
real miracles. planted a vineyard, and hedged it
_ , . round about, and digged a wine-
26 But what think ye ? A certain prets io it> and boilt a tower> and
roan had two sons ? and be came to fet it out t0 husbandmen, and went
die first, and said, Son, go work to- int0 a far comtTy . 34 An(j whcn
daj in my vineyard, 29 He an- the ^me of thc M% drew near> he
swered and said, I will not; but 8ent his servanU to the husbandmen,
afterward he repented, and went. ^ thev might rcccive the fruits of
90 And he came to the second, and it# 35 And thc husbandmen took
said likewise. And he answered hig ^ants, and beat one, and kill-
and said, I go, sir ; and went not. ed anothCr, and stoned another. 86
3^^ » * °1 * mriwa"1 d * e Again. *»c »en* <*»«* servants more
will of*is father? They say unto thanthefirst: and they did unto them
him, The first. Jesus saith unto likewise. 27 But last of all he sent
them, Verily I say unto you, That unt0 them hig aon> gaving| Thcv will
the publicans and the harlots go into reverence my son. 38 But when
the kingdom of God before you. thc husbandmen saw the son, they
32 For John came unto you in the gaW anJOng themselves, This is the
way of righteousness, and ye be- heir. ^^ let ug kiJl nim> and let
lieved hun not ; but the publicans us ^m on his inheritance. 39
and the harlots believed him : and And they caught him> and cagt him
ye, when ye had seen it, repented outof the vineyard, and slew *t«.
not afterward, that ye might Believe ^ ^ ^^ ?od ^ ^ Jew-
"1ID* ish church to a vineyard ! himself to an
The design and scope of this parable is householder : his planting, pruning, and
to show, That publicans and harlots, that fencing his vineyard, denotes his care to
is, the vilest, the profanest, and worst of furnish his church with all needful helps
sinners, who, upon the hearing of Christ's and means to make it spiritually fruitful.
doctrine and miracles, did repent and be- His letting it out to husbandmen, signifies
here, were in a much better condition than his committing the care of his church to
the proud Pharisees, who though they ore- the priests and Levites, the public pastors
tended to great measures of knowledge, and governors of the church. His servants
and high degrees of holiness, vet did are the prophets and apostles, whom he
obstinately oppose Christ, disobey his doc- sent from time to time, to admonish them
trine, deny his miracles, and set at nought to bring form fruit answerable to the
his person. Learn hence, That the great- cost which God had expended on them.
est, the vilest, and the worst of sinners, His son is Jesus Christ, whom the rulers of
upon their repentance and faith in Christ, the Jewish church slew and murdered.
shall much sooner find acceptance with The scope of the parable is to discover to
God, than proud .Pharisaical judiciaries, the Jews, particularly to the Pharisees, their
who confidently rely upon their own right- obstinate impenitency under all means,
eousness: Publicans and harlots, says their bloody cruelty to the prophets of
Christ here to the Pharisees, shall go into God, their tremendous guilt in crucifying
the kingdom of God before you. Publi- the Son of God ; for all which, God would
cans were the worst sort of men, and har- unchurch them finally, and ruin their na-
lots the worst kind of women ; yet did tion, and set up a church among the Gen-
these repent sooner, and believed in Christ tiles that should bring forth better fruit
108 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXL
than the Jewish church ever did. From hend themselves to be concerned in, till he
the whole note, 1. That the church is God's brought the application of it home unto
vineyard, exceeding dear and precious to them. Therefore I say unto you, The
the Planter and the Owner of it. 2. As kingdom of God shall be taken from you,
dear as God's vineyard is unto him, in case ire Note, 1. The greatest mercy that God
of barrenness and unfruitfulness, it is in can bestow upon any people, is his giving
great danger of being destroyed and laid his kingdom to them ; that is, all gospel-
waste by him. 3. That the only way ordinances and church-privileges, leading
and course to engage God's care over his to the kingdom of heaven. 2. Observe
vineyard, and to prevent his giving it to the terms upon which God either gives or
other husbandmen, is to give him the continues his kingdom to a church and
fruits of it. It is but a vineyard that God nation ; and that is, upon bringing forth
lets out, it is no inheritance. No people the fruits thereof Learn, 3. That the
ever had so many promises of God's favour greatest judgment which can befall a peo-
asthe Jews had, nor ever enjoyed so many pie, is the taking away the kingdom of
privileges, whilst they stood in his favour, God from them. The kingdom of God
as the Jews did ; yet though they were the shall be taken from you, and given, Sfc.
first, and the natural branches, they are 44 ^nd whosoever shall fall on
broken off, and we Gentiles stand by tni8 stone shall be broken: but on
^ kt *?9n %A-™^4 *** whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind
fear, {torn. xi. *0. ,. , ' °
• • 40 When the Lord, therefore, of «. . * , , ^ •• „u
the vineyard cometh, what will he p These «^™<^<*<^^
j 1 *L uuj i At Psalm, which the Jews understood to be a
do unto those husbandmen ? 4l prophecy of the Messiah, and accordingly
They say unto hira, He will misera- Christ applies them to himself. Thechurch
bly destroy those wicked men, and is the building intended, Christ himself
will let out his vineyard unto other the Stone rejected ; the rejecters, or the
husbandmen, which shall render builders rejecting, were the heads of the
him the fruits in their seasons. Je*i8}> church > £at, «■» ** chief priests
~, . and Pharisees. God, the great Master-
Observe here, At the first mentioning of Builder of thiB church, takes this precious
the parable, the Pharisees express a bitter foundaiion.storle out 0f the rubbish, and
indignation against such wicked servants, sets it m the hcnd ofthe corner. Never-
not considering what a dreadful sentence ^^ there m wme who stumble at this
mey passed upon themselva and Aeir own stone. Some through ignorance, others
nation. Little did they think, that there- lh h mauce, stumble at his person, at
by they condemned their temple to be ^ d^ctrine> at his institutions. These
burnt, their city to be destroyed, their shaU be broken in • but on vhmso.
country to be ruined ; but m these words ever this stone shall fall, it wMgrindhm
they vindicate God, they condemn them- topawdetm That is> fchria himsetf will fall
selves, and own the justice of God in in- M a burdensome stone upon all those that
flicung the severest punishments on them, knowingly and maliciouriy oppose him ;
« 42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye and* particularly upon the Jews, who not
never read in the scriptures, The only r?J?:ted h™> bu* *^ n^vS
stone which the builders rejected, *?*? h^'JP^ V ^!mb
.• . .v .l l / /*l priests and Pharisees their own particular
the same is become the head of the 5oom> 9nd ^ declares what will be the
corner : this is the Lord's doing, fetal issue of all that opposition which is
and it is marvellous in our eyes ? made against himself and his church. It
43 Therefore say I unto you, The will terminate in their inevitable and irre-
kingdom of God shall be taken from parable destruction. Whosoever shall fall
you, and given to a nation brineing °\ thts st(me* **# *f *ro*Sl *' ^fi?
forth the fruits thereof. f^T^^'^
to powder. That is, " He that stumbles on
Which words are the application that this stone, while Christ is here on earth,
our Saviour makes of the foregoing para- being offended at his doctrine, life, and
ble concerning the vineyard ; which the miracles, shall be broken by his fall uproi
chief priests and Pharisees did not appre- it ; as the person stoned' is by the sharp
Chap. XXII. ST. MATTHEW. 109
stone which he falls upon. But he on 7 But when the king heard thereof,
whom this stone shall fall, when Christ is he was wroth : and he sent forth his
elevated to his throne of glory, shall be armjes> and destroyed those raur-
more violenrty shattered by it, as is the de anJ burned theif dty 8
person stoned, by the great stone as big as »«. -*u u * w * * tl *
twTinen can lift, thrown down violently Th™. sait.h he * *»* servants, The
upon his breast" wedding is ready, but they which
Afi A a u «i w c -4 were bidden were not worthy. 0
45 Ana when the chief priests ~ ., c . . .. .. *J
^ a iiu- • u j u a u- Go ye, therefore, into the highways :
and Pharisees had heard his para- AJ ' * u u c a u/Y*
,, .. . ,. . , r • and as many as ye shall find, bid to
Dies, they perceived that he spake ., . J J,rt «, .,'
of them/ 46 But when the, sought *»»e marriage 10 So those ser-
to lay hands on him, they feared the va"U ™n °u* ,n'°K *e «ngliw»,i,
omltita.de, because thej took him ""l »*th,ere^ W h£? "• ? m^y
fo a ' rool t ^ found, both bad and good :
L.,^ ;ie* , and the wedding was furnished with
^hS?^chiefpur!estsCamei? un<fe g^sts. 11 And when the king
stand that these parables were all applied ° . . __ .• MmM*m u~ -~Z
to them, that theVwcre the murderers of camc in t0 8ee *« SUefts' *e saw
the King's Son, that they were the builders there a man whlch had n0t 0n a
that rejected the chief corner-stone, they wedding-garment : 12 And he saith
were enraged at the close application made unto him, Friend, how earnest thou
to themselves ; and had not fear restrained in hither, not having a wedding gar-
them, would have laid violent hands upon ment > And he was speechless. 13
him. Learn thence, That nothing doth Thcn 9aid the ki to the servants
close coming home, of the word of God nim awayf and cast Am into outer
unto their hearts and consciences. So darkness ; there shall be weeping
long as the truths of God are generally and gnashing of teeth.
dehvered, sinners are easy, looking upon The design and scope of this parable ot
themselves as unconcerned ; but when the the marriage-supper, is to set forth that
word of God comes close to them, and gracious offer of mercy and salvation,
says, Thou art the man, this is thy wick- wnich was made by God in and through
edness •, they are angry at the message, and the preaching of the gospel to the church
rage at the messenger. 0f the Jews. The gospel is here compared
CHAP. XXII. to a feast, because in a feast there is plenty,
A ND Jesus answered and spake variety and dainties. J^ to* marriage-
A unto them again by parables, /^. bemgfiul of joy, delight, and ptea-
• . « ~ ,-,, 9u . jJ r - . ' sure. And to a marriage-feast made by
and said, 2 The kingdom of hea- Q kingf M ^ng full of ^ n^ific^
vert is like unto a certain king, ^d grandeur. To this marriage-feast, or
which made a marriage for his son, gospel-supper, Almighty God invited the
3 And sent forth his servants to call church of the Jews ; and the servants sent
them that were bidden to the wed- forth to invite them, were the prophets and
ding : and they would not come. 4 »P°«to in general, and John the Baptist
Again, he sent forth other servants, ^.Particular, whom they entreated spite-
• rp ii iu l- u L'jj fully, and slew. The making light of the
saying, Tell them which are bidden, inv]tationf sigmfie8 the generality of the
Behold, I have prepared my dinner : jews« refusal and careless contempt of the
my oxen and my fatlings are killed, offers of grace in the gospel. By the ar-
and all things are ready : come unto mies which Qod sent forth to destroy those
the marriage. 5 But they made murderers, are meant the Roman soldiers,
light of it, and went their ways, *ho sP°i,ed »nd laid Y8816 ** city of
one to his farm, and another to his Jemsalem, and were the severe execu-
__ u j: * a -a 4.u~ - tioners of God 8 wrath and judgment upon
merchandise : 6 And the rem- lhe wicked Jewg ^ k}h* ^
naat took his servants, and entreat- lhe despised Gentiles, who upon the Jews'
ed them spitefully, and slew them, refusal were invited to this supper, and
110 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXII.
prevailed with to come in. The king's of the foregoing parable to the Jew*; be
coming in to see his guests, denotes that tells them, that many of them, indeed all
inspection which Christ makes into his of them were called, that is, invited to the
church in the times of the gospel. By the gospel-supper ; but with few, very few of
man without the wedding garment, un- them, was found that sincere faith, and
derstand such as are destitute of true grace that sound repentance, which doth accom-
and real holiness, both in heart and life, pany salvation. Learn hence, That a-
In the examination of him, Christ says, raongst the multitude of those that are
Friend, how earnest thou in hither f not, called by the gospel unto holiness and obe-
Friends, why came ye along with him } dience, few, very few comparatively, do
Teaching us, that if unholy persons will obey that call, and shall be eternally saved.
SZ "w ft^ SPi£j2rJl5Jj « Then went th« Pbwwee., and
theirs ; but if we come not, because tney A . . , Al . *
will ime, the sin is our*. The presence took counsel how they might en-
of an unholy person at the Lords table, tangle him in hu talk. 16 And
ought not to discourage us from our duty, they sent out unto him their disciples
or cause us to turn our back upon that or* with the Herodians, saying, Master,
dinance. The command to bind the un- we know thai thou art true, and
ouahfied perwn W teachest the way of God in truth,
£"! !w" HrtfchPSTS ^ther carest thou for any man ;
that the condition of such persons as live c , , * *l
under the light, and enjoy the liberty of the fo/ thou re**™**t "J* "J* P^00
gospel, but walk not answerably to their ™ ««"• W Tell us therefore, What
profession, is deplorably sad and doleful : thinkest thou > Is it lawful to give
they do not only incur damnation, but tribute unto Cesar, or not? 16
no damnation like it Bind him hand But Jesus perceived their wicked-
and foot, and cast him into outer darkness. neg and ^ Wby Um?t yc m
From to whole note, 1. That fee gospel, nypocrUct ? 19 Shew me the
for its freeness and fulness, for its varieties J .. f r M » _. . . ^
and delicacies, is like a inarriagt-supper. tribute money. And they brought
2. That ffosr^-mvitations are mightily unto him a penny. 20 And he
disesteemed. 3. That the preference which saith unto them, Whose is this
the world has in man's esteem is a great image and superscription ? 21 They
cause ofthe gospel's contempt. They went say unto him, Cesar's. Then saith
we to hu farm, and another to hu mer- he'unto them, Render therefore unto
ehandise. 4. That such as are careless in nesftr thp thin** which are C**slt\
the day of grace, shall undoubtedly be ^e*ar :heJ?,K1wl^ are Cesar s,
speeches uTrnTday of judgment 5. ^ "nto J?"* the *"*£ ** *":
That Christ takes a more particular notice God s- 22 When they had heard
of every guest that cometh to his royal the** words, they marvelled, and
supper, than any of his ministers do take, left him, and went their way.
*J?° J^* ^^ was bu* ^'f**™ Here we have another new design to
without Ae weo^mg gannent, and he tails entangle our blessed Saviour in his dis-
under the eye and view of Christ 6. coun£ Where obeerve> 1# x^ ^
That it » not sufficient that we come, but employed to put the ensnaring question to
clothed we must be before we come, if ever 0ur Saviour, namely, the Pharisees and
we expect a gracious i welcome ^to Christ s the Uerodians. The Pharisees were against
supper; clothed with smcenty, dothed ^yin ^fo^ to q^ looking upon
with humility ; clothed with love and tbemaeive8 as a fiee people, and the em-
chanty; if we be not thus clothed, we ^^ ^ an vmxpeit HSt the Herodians
shall appear ^naked to our shame, and hear were for it Herod being made by the
that dreadful charge, Bind km hand and Roman emperor king ofthe Jews, was zea-
foot, and cast htm into outer darkness, Ious for having the Jews ^y tribute to
where ts weepmg and gnashing of teeth, q^ . and ^ of ^ Jewrs ^ Med with
See Luke xiv. 17. jn^ aud pgjticularly his courtiers and
14 For many are called, but few ^vourites, were called Herodmns. Ob-
are chosen. serve, 2. The nohcy and wicked craft here
used, in employing these two contrary
This is our blessed Saviour's application sects to put the question to our Saviour
Clap. XXII. ST. MATTHEW. Ill
concerning tribute ; thereby laying him us seven brethren : and the first,
nder a necessity (as they hoped) to offend when be had married a wife, de-
oae side, let him answer how he would, ceased, and, having no issue, left his
*£^^Rl^£<^^,IHl wife unto his brother : 26 Likewise
ttaVSSS* £ WS £ *• -ond also and I the third unto
voted for paying tribute, then he is looked the seventh- 27 And last of aU
upon as an enemy to the liberty of his the woman died also. 28 There*
country, and exposed to a popular odium : fore, in the resurrection, whose wife
it has been the old policy of Satan and his shall she be of the seven ? for they
mrfruments, to draw the ministers of God an had her. 29 Jesus answered
mto dbhke, ei ther with the magistr^ or and ^ unto them ye do err, not
wan the people, that they may either tail i ^ .„ ,. mn . '.,m„a _ * ^^
imderthe^ensure of the one, or the dis- lowing the *CIWtu™>. n™ *•
pleasure of the other. Observe, 3. With P0™* of G°*- » For ID *• **-
what wisdom and caution our Lord an- surrection they neither marry, nor
swers them; he first calls for the tribute- are given in marriage, but are as
money, which was the Roman penny, the angels of God in heaven. 91
answering to seven pence halfpenny of But as touching the resurrection of
our money^two of which they paid by the dead have ye not read that
way of tribute, or PoU-money, for every h| h spokc„ unto you by God,
head to the emperor. Christ asks them «« ? *u /^j /il
whose image o/Tuperscription their coin J*?"1* « l «* *he p^ of Abra-
bore ? They answer, Cesar's : Bender «»»> «"<* the God of Isaac, and
tint, says Christ, to Cesar the things thai the God of Jacob ? God is not
are Cesar's. As if he had said, " The the God of the dead, but of the
admitting of the Roman coin amongst living. 33 And when the multi-
you, is a testimony that you are under tude heard ikii fay were astonish-
jrtjection to the Roman emperor, because ed at hb doctrine.
the coming and imposing of money is an
act of soraeign authority. Now you have Our blessed Saviour having put the Pha-
owned Cesar's authority over you, by ac- risees and Herodians to silence, next the
ceptiag of his coin as current amongst you, Sadducees encounter him. This sect de-
give unto him his just dues, and render nied the immortality of the soul, and the
unta Cesar the things that are Cesar**" resurrection of the body, and as an ob-
Learn hence, That there was no truer pay- jection against both they propound a case
Boaster of the king's dues, than he that to our Saviour, of a woman that had had
was King of kings;. he preached it, and seven brethren successively to her hus-
fepsacnsed it, Matt, xvii. 27. And as bands: they demand, Whose wife of the
Qsnst is no Enemy to the civil rights of seven this woman shall be at the resurrec-
princes, and Ins religion exempts none tion? Asif they had said, " If there be a
from paying their civil duties ; so princes resurrection of bodies, surely there will be
should be as careful not to rob him of his a resurrection of relations too, and the
divine honour, ss he is not to wrong them other world will be like this, in which men
of their civil rights. As Christ requires will marry as they do here. And if so,
aR his followers to render unto Cesar the whose wife of the seven shall this woman
Hangs that are Cesar's so should princes be, they all having an equal claimtoher in
oblige all their subjects to render unto Now our Saviour, for resolving of this
Gad tie things that are God's. question, 1. Shows the different state of
men in this world and in the other world.
33 The name day came to him The children of this world, says Christ,
the Sadducees, which say that marry, and are given in marriage; but in
there is no resurrection, and asked the resurrection they do neither. As if
kirn, 24 Saving, Master, Moses w ^ had ssid%«« After men tavelr^
**id, If a man' die, having no chil- awhi!e m .this worid ^ ** "J* merefore
a * •• i 4. _ ' tii IL u- marriage is necessary to maintain a sucoes-
dren, his brother shall marry his 8ion $mankind . gut in the other world
wtfc. and raise up seed unto his men should become immortal, and live for
brother. *25 Now there were with ever ; and then the reason of marriage
112 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXIL
will wholly cease. For when men can ish the evil-doers; but this being not al-
die no more, there will be no need of any ways done in this life, the justice of God
new supplies of mankind." 2. Our Sa- requires it to be done in the next,
viour having got clear of the Sadducees' 34 Rut when the Pharisees had
objection, by taking away the ground and ^ear(j tnat ^e na(j put the Sadducees
foundation of it, he produceth anaigument t n ft wcre gathercd t0ge-
foRa proof of the soul's immortality and . * ,«. * MA % . • .7 .
the body's resurrection. Thus, « Those tber- » Then one of them, «*tcA
to whom Almighty God pronounced him- «*«* a lawyer, asked Attn a questum,
self a God, are alive ; But God pronounced tempting him, and saying, 36 Mas-
himself a God to Abraham, Isaac, and ter, which is the great commandment
Jacob, many hundred years after their in the law ? 37 Jesus said unto
bodies were dead ; therefore their souls j^ Tnou shalt love the Lord thy
are yet alive, federally alive unto » God: God wJth aU th heart> and wim
their covenant relauon lives still, otoejwise u . , d ^ u h ind
God could not be their God : for he ts not "* "^. . \ £ . , J> *m
the God of the dead, but of thi living. If 39 This is the first and great com-
one relation fails, the other, necessarily mandment. 39 And the second w
fails with it; if God be their God, then like unto it, Thou shalt love thy
certainly they are in being, for God is not neighbour as thyself. 40 On these
the God of the dead ; that is, of those that two commandments hang all the
are utterly perished. Therefore it must law and the prophets,
needs be, that although their bodies be r r
naturally dead, yet do their souls still live, The Sadducees being put by Christ to
and their bodies shall also live again at the silence, the Pharisees again encounter him ;
resurrection of the just." From the whole, they send to him a lawyer, that is, one of
note, 1. That there is no opinion so absurd, their interpreters and expounders of the
no error so monstrous, that having had a law of Moses, who propounds this question
mother will die for the lack of a nurse, to him, Which is the great commandment
The beastly opinion of the mortality of of the law* Our Saviour tells them, Jtis
the soul, and the annihilation of the body, to love the Lord with all the heart, and
finds Sadducees to profess and propagate it. with all the soul, and with all the mind.
Note, 2. The certainty of another life after That is, with all the powers, faculties, and
this, in which men shall be eternally hap- abilities of the soul, with the greatest mea-
py or intolerably miserable, according as sure and highest degrees of love. This is
they behave themselves here : though some the sum and substance of the duties of the
men live like beasts, they shall not die first table. And the second is like unto
like them, nor shall their fast end be like it, not equal with it, but like unto it. The
theirs. Note, 3. That glorified saints in duties of the second table are of the same
the morning of their resurrection shall be authority, and of the same necessity with
like unto the glorious angels: not like the first Asa man cannot be saveavith-
them in essence and nature, but like them out the love of God, so neither without the
in their properties and qualities, in holiness bve of his neighbour. On these two com-
and purity, in immortality and incorrup- mandments hang all the law and the
tibility, and in their manner of living ; they prophets ; that is, the whole duty of man,
shall no more stand in need of meat and required by Moses and the prophets, is
drink than the angels do ; but shall live comprehended in, and may be reduced to,
the same heavenly, immortal, and incor- these two heads, namely, the love of God
ruptible life, that the angels live. Note, 4. and our neighbour. From the whole note,
That ail those that are in covenant with 1. That the fervency of all our affections,
God, whose God the Lord is, their souls and particularly the supremacy of our lore,
do immediately pass into glory, and their is required by God as his right and due.
bodies at the resurrection shall be sharers Love must pass through and possess all the
in the same happiness with their souls, faculties of the soul ; the mind must me-
If God be just, the soul must live, and the ditate upon God, the will must choose and
body must rise : for good men must be embrace him, and the affections must take
rewarded, and wicked men punished ; God complacency and delight in him ; the mea-
will most certainly, some time or other, sure of loving God, is to love him without
plentifully reward the righteous, and pun- measure. God reckons that we love him
Chap. XXII. ST. MATTHEW. 113
not at all, if we love him not above all 1. not seen, A conscientious regard to the
We must love him above all, apprctiativl, duties of both tables, will be an argument
» as to prize him in our judgment and es- of our sincerity, and an ornament to our
teem above all and before all thongs. 2. We profession. Let it then be our prayer and
are to love God above all things compara- daily endeavour that we may love the
the, preferring his favours above all things, Lord our God with ail our heart, and our
comparatively hating whatever stands in neighbour as ourselves. For this is the
competition with him. 3. We are to love sum of the law, and the substance of the
God above all things intensive. That is, our gospel.
^S^ t^TlT ?? ^ ***"% 41 While the Pharisees were ga-
must pant and thirst for the enjoyment of ,u ^ » 4 *u - t i j lLB
him. *We must love every thing m subor- ^el?d W*"*' Je?u,8 ask*£ them,
dioafcon to God,and nothing co-ordinately 42 Saying, What think ye of Christ ?
or equally with God. Note, 2. That thus whose son is he ? They say unto
to loveGod is the first and great command- him, The son of David. 43 He
ment Great, in regard of the object, saith unto them, How then doth
whkh is God, the first Cause, and the chief David in spirit call him Lord ? say-
(***L J*1?*' £ IWBld *%* obli?ition in*, 44 The Lord said unto my
of st. To love God is so indispensable a ■ rVi cu 4. ^„ rt„ ^„ • U4. u~nA
command, that God himself cannot free us J*1*. Sit thou on my right hand,
from the obligation of it ; for so long as he tl11 \ make ™"c enemies thv foot-
is God, and we his creatures, we shall lie sto°'- 45 V Davl.d tnen caI1 nlm
under a natural and necessary obligation Lord, how is be his son? 46 And
to love and serve him. Great, in regard no man was able to answer him a
of the duration of it, when faith shall be WOrd ; neither durst any man, from
swallowed up in vision, and hope in fro- that day fortb ask him an more
ihon -, love will then be perfected m a full ot/w#,-0»f
enjoyment Note, 3. That every man "
may, yea, ought to love himself, not his The Pharisees had often put forth several
liniul self, but his natural self, and especi- questions maliciously unto Christ, and
ally ms spiritual self, the new nature in him. now Christ puts forth one question inno-
Ths it odeht to be his particular care to in- cently unto them ; namely, What they
crease ana strengthen. Indeed there is no thought of the Messiah whom they expect-
apress command in scripture for a man to ed ? They reply, that he was to be the
love himself, because the light of nature di- Son of David, a secular prince descending
reefs, and the law of nature binds and moves, from David, that should deliver them
every man so to do. God has put a prin- from the power of the Romans, and restore
crate of self-love and self-preservation into them to their civil rights. This was the
all his creatures, but especially into man. notion they had of the Messiah, that he
Note, 4. As every man ought to love him- should be a man, the Son of David, and
sd£ so it is every man's duty to love his nothing more. Our Saviour replies,
neighbour as himself. 1 . Not as he dots Whence is it then that David calls the
lace himself, but as he ought to love him- Messiah Lord? Psal. ex. 1. The Lord
seIC Not in the same degree and measure said unto my Lord : how could he be both
that he loves himself, but after the same David's Lord and David's Son ? No son is
manner, and with the same kind of love lord to his father ; therefore if Christ were
that he loves hmwelf. M we love ourselves David's Sovereign, he must be more than
freely and readily, sincerely and unfeign- man, more than David's sod. Ab Man, so
edry, tenderly and compassionately, con- he was David's Son : as God-man, so he
standy and perseveringly \ so should we was David's Lord. Note hence, That
love our neighbour. Though we are not although Christ was really and truly Man,
i *w*mwtA*A to love our neighbour as much yet he was more than a bare man : he was
as we love ourselves, yet we are to love him Lord unto, and was the salvation of, his own
Hte as we love ourselves. Note, lastly, forefathers. Note, 2. That the only way
That the duties of the first and second to reconcile the scriptures which speak
ttbte are inseparable. The love of God concerning Christ, is to believe and ac-
and oar neighbour must not be parted, knowledge him to be God and Man in one
He thai loxeth not his neighbour whom he person. The Messiah as a man was to
heth *ce*, neverloved God whom he hath come forth out of David's loins, but as
T
ll4 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXlIf.
God-man he was David's Sovereign and are obliged to follow their ^ teachers' pattern
Saviour. As Man, he was his father's Son; and example any farther than it b agreeable
as God, he was Lord to his own fether. to scripture-rule, and conformable to
CHAP XXm Christ's example: Do not after their
aaiu. works, who say and do not
rpHEN spake Jesus to the multi- For A bind h burdens>
. .tude *«d to his disciples, 2 and griev0U8J to be borne, and lay
Sayin^Thescri^sandthePhaTisees ^ ^ mens shoulders ; but they
sit in Moses seat : 3 All, therefore, ihemseives will not move tnem with
whatsoever they bid you observe, onc f ^ fi
that observe attd do ; but do not ye ® m .
11T *u • .V- . fil *i.M, —v «n<l These heavy burdens which the Phan-
*fter their works : for they say, and ^ ^ ^^ ^^ shouldenj> ^
do not. counsels and directions, rules and canons*
The scribes and Pharisees, so often men- austerities and severities, which the Phari-
tioned in the gospels, were the great doc- gees introduced, and imposed upon their
tors and spiritual guides amongst the Jews, hearers, but would not undergo the least
Scribe is the name of an office 5 Pharisee part of those severities themselves. If we
the name of a sect. They were both do not follow our own counsels, we must
learned in the law and teachers of the law not think to oblige our people to follow
of Moses. Our blessed Saviour in the them. No man ought to press upon others
former part of this gospel held many con- what he is unwilling to perform himself.
ferences with these men, and used the most It is very sinful to give that counsel to
persuasive arguments to convince them both others which we refuse to take ourselves.
iXZFZTLStiS? £*£ *ButaVheirTk8^etadr
neither oiir Saviour's minisuy nor miracles to be seen of m*n : they make broad
could convince them ; hereupon our Lord their phylacteries, and enlarge the
denounces in this chapter eight several borders of their garments, 6 And
woes against them. But first he charitably love the uppermost rooms at feasts,
warns his disciples and the multitude amj tn€ cnjcf seats in the syna-
against the pernicious practices of this sort KOffue8, 7 And greetings in the
sMK£rt£Era rSVS- t0 "■ -■* of ■*
expound the law of Moses, which they Kabbi, Kabbi.
were wont to do sitting. Whatsoever they In these words our blessed Saviour ad-
bid you observe, that observe and do. monishes his disciples and the multitude to
That is, " What they teach you consonant take heed of imitating the Pharisees in
to the word of God, and agreeable to the their ostentation and hypocrisy, in their
writings of Moses and the prophets •, if they ambition and vain-glory ; and he instances
go not out of Moses* chair into their own in three particulars wherein they expressed
unwritten traditions, follow their doctrine it; 1. All their works, says Christ, they
and obey their precepts. But do not after do to be seen of men. To do good works
their works ; follow not their example, that men may see them, is a duty ; but to
take heed of their pride and hypocrisy, of do all or any of our works to be seen of
their ambition and vain-glory. Obey their men, is hypocrisy. 2. They make broad
doctrine wherein it is sound; but follow their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders
not their example wherein it is corrupt" of their garments. These phylacteries
Learn, 1. That the personal miscarriages were certain scrolls and labels of parcb-
of ministers must by no means beget a ment, in which were written the ten com-
disesteem of their office and ministry, mandments, and some sections of the law j
Charity must teach us to distinguish betwixt these they tied to their foreheads, and
the calling and the crime. 2. That the pinned upon their left sleeve, that the
infallible truths of God recommended to us law of God might be continually before
by a vicious] teacher, ought to be enter- their eyes, and perpetually in their remem*
tamed and obeyed by us without either brance. This ceremony they judged God
scruple or prejudice. What the Pharisees prescribed them, Deut. vi. 8. Thou shall
themselves, says Christ, bid you observe, bind them for a sign upon thine hand, ana
thai observe and do. 3. That no people they shall be as frontlets between thit*
Cbap. XXIII. ST. MATTHEW. 116
eyes. By enlarging the borders of their your servant. 12 And whosoever
garments, our Saviour points at the fringes 8naII exalt himself shall be abased ;
aiKl blue ribboiisw^ch the Jews did wear and he that shaH humblc himse|t
upoQ their garments, m obedience to the „u~u k« ..j^j
Smmand, Sum*, xv. 37, 38. As the sha11 * cxa,ted'
threads in those fringes and ribbons close The word rabbt signifies a doctor or
woven together did represent the connexion, teacher, eminently endowed with variety
complication, and inseparable conjunction, of knowledge, whose place it was to sit in
of God's commandments among them- an exalted chair, or chief seat in the syna-
selves; so the wearing of these fringes gog"6; their disciples and scholars sat
was to put them in mind of the laws of uP°n l°wer fonns at the feet °f their teach-
God, that which way soever they turned ere« ^ur Saviour doth not simply condemn
their eyes, they might meet with some the pving or receiving of these titles of Rab-
pious admonition to keep the law of God. bi, Master, and Father ; but the things for-
Now the vain-glorious Pharisees, that they bidden are, 1. A vain-gloriousaifectation of
might be thought more mindful of the such titles •* these, the ambitious seeking of
law of God than other men, did make tbenit and glorying in them. 2. He con-
their phylacteries broader, and their fringes demn» that authority and dominion over the
thicker and longer, than other men. 3. consciences of men which the Pharisaical
They fondly alfected, and ambitiously doctors had usurped; telling the people that
contended for, the first and uppermost they ought to believe all their doctrines, and
seats in all conventions, as at feasts, and in Poetise all their injunctions, as the com-
thesynagogues,andlovedtoberespectfuny inands of the living God. They did iu
saluted in open and public places, and to effect assume infallibility to themselves,
have titles of honour, such as Rabbi, JVf<w- Leam bence, 1. That there have been in
f<r, Father, and Doctor, put upon them. al[ *&* "* the church a sort of teachers.
Now that which our Saviour condemns, who have usurped authority and dominion
is the Pharisees* fond affectation of these over the faim and consciences of men. 2.
little things, and unduly seeking their own T^t christians ought not to submit their
honour and glory. It was not their talking, ^th a™1 consciences in matters of religion
hut their loving the uppermost rooms at to ^Y human authority whatsoever, nor
feasts, that Christ condemns. From the to £ive UP themselves absolutely to the
whole note, 1. That hypocrites are fond conduct of any man sjuo>ient or opinion
of aflecting ceremonial observations, and » matters of faith. 3. That L Christ alone,
outward parts of commanded duties, neg- the S"*1 Pr°phet and infallible Teacher of
lecting the substance of religion itself. *?* c^u^ch, ,is ** only persDn to1wl!ose
These Pharisees were for carrying a library doctrine and precepts we owe absolute
of God's law on their clothes, scarce a letter farth ^ obedience : One ts your Master,
of it in their hearts. They wore the law ev*n ChrisL 4. As God will abase, and
of God, as frontlets before their eyes, but inen. wil1 ***&* the proud, specially
not engraven on the tables of their hearts, ministers who are such; so shall God
Observe, 2. That the nature of hypocrisy «*lf » an* men win honour; them tha}
is to study more to seem religious in the S*°°P J° the meanest services for the good
sight of men, than to be religious indeed °[ sou]8 • M°'° e*alMA htmself shall be
before God. The hypocrite is the world's f**** T.hls was * ■»*«« olten ^
saint, and not God's ; he courts the world's hY our Saviour, and was a frequent saying
acceptation more than the divine favour and among the Jews.
approbation. 13 But woe unto you, scribes and
8 Bat be not ye called Rabbi : Ph*™e^ hypocrites ! for ye shut
for one is yoor Master, even Christ ; UP the kingdom of heaven against
and all ye are brethren. 9 And men: for ye neither go in ywnefow,
call no man yonr Father upon the ne,*her suff«r ?e them that m en~
earth: for one is your Father, which te™& to *?,?"• .. . ,. t..^.
U ;. k„...» in xj„:.k„_ k- ..«. From the thirteenth verse to the thirtieth,
„'" "«»*«>• 1(> Ne,ther. be ye the Pharisees have eight several woe. de-
caUed masters : for one is your nouncea agaulrt themby our Saviour ; the
Master, eve* Christ. 11 But he first is, for perverting the scriptures, and
that is greatest among you shall be keeping the true sense ami knowledge of
i 2
ll6 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXIII.
them from the people. This St Matthew sake, is the way to be damned with a ven-
calls the shutting up of the kingdom of geance for religion sake. Woe unto you,
heaven against men. St Luke rails it, a scribes, fa.
taking away the key of knowledge from 16 Woc nnU> ou> gcribes an(i
men. whicn » an allusion to a known phari hypocrites ! fof yc com-
custom among the Jews in admission ot j i j * Ji
their debtors; for those that had authority pass sea and land to make one
given them to interpret the law and the proselyte ; and when he is made,
prophets, were solemnly admitted into ye make him twofold more the child
that office, by delivering them a key and of hell than yourselves,
a table-book. So that by the key of The next woe denounced » for their
knowledge, is meant the interpretation and founded zeal and earnestness in prose-
understanding of the scriptures; and by , tin heathens to the Jewish religion;
taking away the key of knowledge, is not witQ % -Qm intention to ^ve them,
signified, first, that they arrogated to them- but to ?erve themselves upon them, to have
selves alone the 'understaiidmc of ^the scrip- ^ conscience8 and w^ under their
tures. Secondly, That they kept the true wer And when ^ poaoned
knowledge of the scriptures from i the peo- them> our ^yl0UX9 by your co^t
pie, especially the prophecies which con- doctrine> md hardened them in a course
earned the Messias : and so they hindered of Rm b wicked g^j^ ihejf ^
men from embracing our Saviour s doc- more the cnii{iren 0fheU than before you
tone, who were otherwise well enoigh dw- practised up0I1 them. Learn, 1. Great is
posed for it Learn hence, 1. That the me ^^^^^ indefetigable the industry
knowledge of the holy scriptures is abso- wm5f|lllB teachers l*ein gaining prosed
lutelv and mdispensably necessary in > order , to to ^ mion m£ p^f ftAt„
to salvation. This our Saviour «dls the > „ „fl ^//^ io tnJToLpros?-
key, which lets men into the kingdom of / fcf 2 t^ guch M ^ pTOsely,^d t0
heaven. Learn, ^2. That great is the guilt, ± ^ oft4imes fe^ rivetted m their
and mexcusable the ifault, of those who de- fal8e ^^ thtB ^ ^^ them^
pnve the peopte of the knowledge of the j— *tt are made two_fo(d ^^ ihe
senptures. !T% iU tfe W?u ^ ckUdras of hell than yourselves,
heaven against men, and do what m them , , ,. , . , •
lies to hinder their eternal salvation. Men W Woe unto you, ye blind guides !
may miscarry with their knowledge, but which say, Whosoever shall swear
they are sure to perish for want of know- by the temple, it is nothing ; but
ledge. * whosoever shall swear by the gold
14 Woe unto you, scribes and of the temple, he is a debtor. 17
Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye de- Ye fools ***& Wmd * for whether
vour widows'* houses, and for a pre- ** greater, the gold or the temple
tence make long prayer: therefore that sanctifieth the gold ? 18 And,
ye shall receive the greater dam- Whosoever shall swear by the altar,
nation. '* >s nothing ; but whosoever swear-
_ . , , eth by the gift that is upon it, he
i»J5l!r0w7<fJel,OUnC^ aga"?8t *e » &«»'*■ 1* Ye fools, aod blind !
Pharisees, is for their cross hypocrisy, in r u \u *l -a.
colouring over their cWetousne* with a f?r ^ether u greater, the gift or
pretence of religion : making long pray- lhe altar that sanctifieth the gift ?
ers in the temple and synagogues for wi- 20 Whoso, therefore, shall swear by
dows, and thereupon persuading them to the altar, sweareth by it, and by
give bountifully *to the Corban, or the com- all things thereon. 21 And whoso
raon treasury of the temple, some part of shall swear by the temple, sweareth
r^^r^^^^r1!}^111106- by it, ™<* by him that dwelleth
Learn, 1. It is no new thing for designing *lL.. •' 00 a-a u~ *u«* .u«ii
hypocrites to cover the foulest tranigres? therein- u22 And he that shall
lions with the cloak of religion. ThePha- swear by heaven, sweareth by the
risecs made long prayers a cover for their throne of God, and by hhn that
covetousness. 2. That to make use of re- sitteth thereon,
ligfon in policy for worldly advantage The fourth woe which our Saviour de-
Chap. XXIII. ST. MATTHEW. 117
noonceth against the Pharisees, is for their the poor, and faithfulness in their promises
febe and erroneous doctrine concerning and covenants one with another. This,
oaths. 1. They taught men to swear by says our Saviour, is to strain at a gnat,
the creatures. 2. They taught that some and swallow a camcL A proverbial ex-
oatfas made by the creatures were obliga- pression, intimating, that some persons pre-
tory and binding, others not : particularly tend great niceness and scrupulosity about
tfaey affirm, that if a man swear by the small matters, and none, or but little, about
temple, or the attar* it is nothing ; that duties of the greatest moment. Hence
it, he was not bound by such an oath : but note, 1. That hypocrites lay the neatest
if a man swear by the gold of the temple stress upon the least matters in religion,
and the altar ; that is, by the gifts offered and place holiness most in those things
to the Corban, or treasury of the temple, where God places it least Ye tithe mint,
sad by the sacrifices and oblations on the fyc. but neglect the weightier matters of
altar ; such an oath they affirmed was the law. This is indeed the bane of all re-
foduig, because it was for their profit that ligion and true piety, to prefer ritual and
(be gifts on the altar, and the gold brought human institutions before divine commands,
into the treasury, should be accounted and the practice of natural religion. Thus
most holy, seeing that would encourage to do is a certain sign of gross hypocrisy,
tbe people to be more ready to contribute Observe, 2. That although some duties are
sad otter. This horrid hypocrisy and of greater moment than others, yet a good
cOTCtoosness our blessed Saviour here man will omit none, but perform every
sharply reproves, and shows that oaths duty, the least as well as the greatest, in
made by the creatures, though unlawful, obedience to the command of God. These
yet being once made, did oblige, as if the things ought ye to have done, and not to
parties had sworn by God himself. For leave the other undone.
he that swears by the temple, swears by it n. .., . •• •
sad him that dwelleth therein. Learn, 1. 25 Woc Unto you, scribes and
Tat swearing by the creatures is no new Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye make
sin, hot as old as the Pharisees. 2. That clean the outside of the cup and of
swearing by the creatures is a great pro- the platter, but within they are full
fanaaon of the name of God, and a mighty 0f extortion and excess. 26 Thou
provocation to him. a That this notwith- Wind Pharisee! cleanse first that
S^^ £t matt<Jraf#8Ucl1 °f*. 5* which U within the cup and platter,
S^th^sXe^t Se^S **< tbf °UtSidC °f thCm ^ *
svtaem indeed by the God of the crea- c,can als0-
tores: For, says our Saviour, he that Our Saviour doth not here condemn
sjsearetk by the heavens, sweareth by their legal or traditional washing of pots
the throne of God, and by him that sitteth or cups, or any external decency and
lAcremu cleanliness in conversation; but his de-
23 Woe onto you, scribes and "g11 » to show ibem ibe **% of out"
Plferisees, hypocrites! for ye pay ^ard purity, ^out in waid sanctity, and
^. -, '. .Jr , i to convince them of the necessity of cleans-
ttfiie of mint, and anise, and cum- w the heart, in order to the purifying and
an, and have omitted the weightier n3brming the life: plainly intimating, 1.
suffers of the law, judgment, mercy, That men's lives could not be so bad, if
and faith : these ought ye to have their hearts were not worse, all the ob-
and not to leave the other liquity of their lives proceeding from the
24 Ye blind guides! which impurity of their hearts and natures. 2.
strain at a gnat, and swallow a *£■» *}* ** *f ^JJffffS?
° with an holy life. A man may be out-
wardly pure, and yet inwardly filthy;
The next woe denounced is for the Pha- but he that has a pure heart will live a
ees* ostentation of a precise keeping of pure and holy life. Cleanse that which is
Ike law m smaller matters, and neglecting within the cup, that the outside may be
Irtier duties : They paid tithe of mint, clean also.
« and cummin ; but at the same time
•mdted judgment y mercy, and faith; that ~ 27 Woe unto you, scribes and
% jus! dealing with men, charity towards Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye are
t
1
118 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXIII.
like unto whited sepulchres, which yet as gross as it is, it prevails to this day.
indeed appear beautiful outward, ™ chun* of Rome, who magnify mar-
but are within full of dead men's *** %* <***?** ^t^T^tlF*
. j r 11 i « l)a yet added to their numbers by shedding
bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 -^ blooi 3 ,„ fc^ ^ .^^
Even so ye also outwardly appear <rf their love to the saints departed, from
righteous unto men, but within ye their building their tombs, and garnishing
are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. their sepulchre* ; whereas the best evidence
Here we have a woe denounced against £..our. J0™ ™«> *■■• h *» j™**0*
the Pharisees for cheating and deriving ^virtues, and cherishing their followers,
the people with an outward show, a5 » » gT^bypocmy to pay respect to the
external appearance, of piety and religion : fehc» of "T'8' J^ veneration to thar
their lives were seemingly very religious, im*8«; andat the same time >to penecote
but their hearts were full of hypocrisy and "I?8?*! ^j0"owT-1 "TLlf'S
all impurity, like sepulchres panted with- »• P* ^uT?ridJIM1?,! ■ta* ^J*.
out, aid full of rottenness withmT Whence **** ""* better^ hvmg ones. Aforfta
learn, That the great design of hypocrisy J*0" fT*" '• ™ «« wm,, ?*mP5
is to cheat the world with a v4aTana how.^ ■T*' »not «° *?,?In? "J
empty show of piety. The ambition of troublesome at a distance; and behalf
the hypocrite is to be thought good, not •» loa^ *P* m other mens hght;
to be io; he is the wor&s taint, not whjreas *• ],vm? ■f,'^''
God'g. ' cutting reproof to sin and vice. Observe,
" „. .. , 2. That there is a certain civility in human
29 Woe unto you, scribes and nature, which leads men to a just corn-
Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye mendation of the dead, and to a due
build the tombs of the prophets, and estimation of their worth. The Pharisees
garnish the sepulchres of the right- here, though they persecuted the prophets
cous, 30 And say, If we had been whilst $™, vet .had **y a "W*? *»*
in the days of our fathers, we would ~tion for their piety and virtue after they
.• J . . | .., 4, were dead, and thought no honour too
not have been partakers with them t to £ donc mfQ them Note> 3#
in the blood of the prophets. 31 that it is the grossest hypocrisy to pretend
Wherefore ye be witnesses unto to love goodness, and yet hate and per-
yourselves, that ye are the children secute good men. These hypocritical
of them which killed the prophets. Pharisees pretended highly to piety and
32 Fill ye up then the measure of religion, and at the same time killed the
your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye proPh** ^/^ *?* *? **? **!
J .- c i u J unto them. 4. That the highest honour
generation of vipers! how can ye we can pay to the saints de^rted,isnot
escape the damnation of hell i by ^^^ mom,ments and buildine tombs
This is the eighth woe denounced by our to their memory ; but by a careful imita-
blessed Saviour against the Pharisees for tion of their piety and virtue, following
their grand hypocrisy, in pretending great the holiness of their lives, and their pa*
honour to the saints departed, building tience and constancy at their deaths,
their tombs, and garnishing their sepal. 34 Wnerefore, behold, I send
enres, and declaring against their fathers „M*^ ^ ^ u » j • _*-
Tm^y.ThBihadtieyEedin their days, un*° J0" P">P^> and wise men,
they would not have been partakers with a™ scribes : and some of them ye
them in the blood of the prophets. Now "M"l kill and crucify ; and icwieof
their hypocrisy appeared in three parti- them shall ye scourge in your syna-
culars. 1. In that they continued in their gogues, and persecute them from
own wickedness, and yet recommended city to city : 36 That upon you may
the saints departed ; they mamify the come all the rjgnteous blood shed
saints, but multiply their sins, and instead „_-„ xla At%^u *.~»« «u^ ui^rwi «f
of imitating the/ virtues, they content yP™ the CAa^' fr0m *e **"} °i
themselves with garnishing their sepulchres, fl^eous Abel unto the blood ot
2. In professing great respect to the dead Zachanas, son of Barachias, whom
saints, and at the same time persecuting ye slew between the temple and the
the living. Palpable hypocrisy! And altar. 36 Verily I say unto you,
OiaM* XXIII. ST. MATTHEW. lip
All these things shall come upon that killest the prophets, and stonest
this generation. them which are sent unto thee, how
Observe bote, A prophetical predio- often would I have gathered thy
tkm, and a severe denunciation. 1. A children together, even as a hen
prediction foretelling what cruel usage the gathereth her chickens under her
apostles should meet with from the Jews, Wx and wouW no|I 33 ^
famed in the crucifying of St. Peter, the desolate. 39 For I say unto you,
scourging of St. Paul, in the stoning of St. Ye shall not see me henceforth, till
Stephen, and killing of St James. The ye shall say, Blessed is be that
first planters and propagators of the gospel cometh in the name of the Lord,
come *U the rigiteou. ilood tied upon m rf qV,,., aflfecti^ towarfj ^^
tk~^Jhm^UZ*kmm.U,*m and 4 ^^ of y, desiltsl for „£
££rZZ£P? n. hiv. 20. who was ^^ oba^ , ^ t ^
r *■* I"t?phl,S?exTder ." r^tod »«• and compassion of Christ to the Jews
** J^t mJ? S TfSt VT ™ general, aVJ Jerusalem in particular,
words are not to be understood as if the mat & v xJi « i;„^i« ™^«r^.. «Ci «„,;.;
end and intent of Christ's sending the fitor\b? a ilVely ™**Vh°l™* Mnuu-
_ u^*- ~~ \u * 4U f ^"^"6 U1Y tude : that of an hen sathertnsr her
^&T^ ^ i^ T- ^ PU* «**»&» «»*>■ *«• ™S'- Aa ^ ben
S~! t .'k^Ii^ to? "^T do* tendaly cherish, aid carefully hide
"^^ ^T^S ' 1% T.k*6 and ^er hi young from the eye of the
ST*''!0! ^ „T",« .1^ * I destroyer; so woukfChrist have'shrouded
^f^f^ iL^Trf^11 "* aQd *eKered his people from all those
intent of tf. team, 1. That raging per- bi^ f ancfpMticuIarly from the
seaitors have no regard either to the extra- R *£. Jfc ^ ^m ^ ,-
ordinary misson or eminent sanctity of &„„£* Atf* as the heu continueth
persons who reprove them for then- sins. ^ ^, fc ^^ ones from morning
M»(.»^.,«yS(nr&vn«r, t0 ^ and 'hold? out her wings for
""ttSfj* "^""Jf & ^ *elte? to them all the day long -lo did
SL!^ £L*"* CrUe'fy- -a .? Christ wait for this peoples repentance
*",£* ££■ P""? ** ° ^i?* ^ conversion for more than forty years
S!^^te2",^dltSi,,n,8eandJ^ter after they had killed his prophets/and
btoriyposecuton fomttar rage and fury murdere7 y^f befi^ ^ *& with a
anmst the pr^hetsof God. In the tern- fina] overthrow< observe, 2. The amaz.
pie .(kIC m the court of the house of the ■ obgtmacy and wilfulness of this peo-
lord, evenhetoeen the Porchmd the ^ . rejecting this grace and favour, this
tfer wo Zachanas skm. That it is a j^gj^ ^ndeJcension of the Lord
iffi"**^* W1^^i * l™-1 ?" Jesus Christ : laxw/rf toe gathered you,
children for the myiete of their parents ; w w</ Bo/ observ<* 3, j^^
a* "J^J^ ,,??i^, '. !T *J ■« <* »W« obsUnacy, Behold, your house
dren tread u» their fathers steps, and con- u ^ mto d3esolaU £ uft ^
Ju"% A.*^? P'T1 r* '.^ Sfy «»• catainly an"d suddenly will be so. The
2l5 *7 JS "JJfft, them,o "^?r P«sent tense put for the pculo pctfutu-
£T'£* *£!!£**,*? . i ""! «»# « denotes both uncertainty and
■ to be miderstood of temporal evils, no nearnea of &ia k>s ruin# ^ ,,
of eternal punuhmentj. *Ko man shall ^ ^ ^ aid destruction of sinners
tehisfathen «ns te down to everlastmg b whol, chargeable upon themselves;
buramgs. A. our fathers faith wdl not that ^ ^^^ own n\ffine* and obsu'
let us into heaven, so neither will their
impiety shut us into hell.
judgment every man shall „,._„. „._ „_ . _
considered, according to his deeds. rfshTwho' perish~by"their "own' wiifalnw
97 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou under the gospel. 3. That there is no de-
120 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXIV.
ike like unto God's desire of a people's Christ's heart. Even the temple itself,
repentance : no longing like unto God's that most magnificent structure, Christ va-
loneine for a people's salvation : O Jeru- lues no more than an heap of rubbish,
salemf Jerusalem, how often would I have when the impiety of the worshippers had
gathered thee ! When shall it once be ! devoted it to destruction. Not one stone,
Christ did very seriously desire the conver- says Christ, shall he left upon another sm-
sion of the Jews, who continued still in thrown down. This threatening was ful-
their impenitency and unbelief. And con- filled forty years after Christ's death, when
eequentW they whom he so seriously de- Titus the Roman emperor destroyed the
sired to convert, might have been convert- city and burnt the temple, and Turaus
ed, but they would not be so : I would Rufus, the general of his army, plowed
have gathered you, but ye would not up the very foundation upon which the
* * * temple stood. Thus was the threatening
CHAP. XXIV. 0f God fulfilled, Jer. zxvi. 18. Zkm shaft
• A ND Jesus went out, and depart- he plowed as a field* and Jerusalem shall
ed from the temple : and his become heaps. The truth and veracity,
disciples came to him, for to shew the faithfulness and fidelity of God, is as
him the buildings of the temple. 2 much concerned in the execution of his
And Jesus said unto them, See ye threatenings, as m the performance of his
not all these things ? Verilv I say pro°u*8-J .
unto you, There shall not be left here * And as he sat upon the mount
one stone upon another, that shall of Olives, the disciples came unto
not be thrown down. M» privately, saying, Tell us, when
Our blessed Saviour had often acquaint- »mH these things be? and what
ed his disciples with his approaching death shall be the sign of thy coming, and
at Jerusalem. The Son of man must go of the end of the world? 4 And
up to Jerusalem to be crucified. Now in Jesus answered and said unto them,
this chapter he acquaints them with the Take hecd tuat no man deceive you.
destruction that should come upon Jeru- 6 For shall come m n
salem in general, and upon the temple in T J _ r«k-:.* . ~Ja .k_ii
particularffor their putting him, theF Son WS' l am Chnst • and shal1
of God, to death. The disciples, looking deceive many.
upon the temple with wonder and admira- A double question is here propounded
tion, were apt to think that the temple, by the disciples to our Saviour. First,
in regard of its invincible strength, could As to the time of the temple's destruction*
not be destroyed; or, at the least, in re- Secondly, As to the signs of that destruction*
gard of its incredible magnificence, it was As to the former, the time when the tera-
great pity it should be destroyed ; and pie should be destroyed. See the curiosity
accordingly they say to Christ, See what of human nature, bourn desiring to know
goodly buildings are here. As if they what should be hereafter, and also when
had said, Master, what great pity it is, that hereafter should be. Thence learn*
that such a magnificent structure should That there is found with all of us an itch-
become a ruinous heap ! But hence we ing curiosity and desire, rather to inquire
learn, 1. That sin brings cities and king- and pry into the hidden counsels of God's
doms, as well as particular and private secret will, than to obey the manifest de*
persons, to their end. There are no clarations of God's revealed will : Tell us
places so strong, but an Almighty God when these things shall be. As to then-
is able to destroy them, and sin is sufficient second question, What should be the sign
to lay them waste. Observe, 2. That the of his coming ; our Saviour acquaints
threatenings of God are to be feared, and them with this among many others, That
shall be fulfilled, whatever appearing im- there should arise false Christ*, false
probabilities there may be to the contrary, prophets, and seducers, a multitude of im-
God had threatened Jerusalem with de- posters, that would draw many after them ;
sanction for her sin, and now it is not all therefore he bids them take heed and 6c-
her strength that can oppose his power, ware. Where observe, That Christ doth not
Learn, 3. That notwithstanding magni- gratify his disciples' curiosity, but acquaints
ficence and worldly glory doth mightily them with their present duty, to watch
dazzle our eye, yet how little doth it affect against deceivers and seducers, who should
Chap. XXIV. ST. MATTHEW. 121
have the impudence to affinn themselves to shall many be offended, and shal]
be Christ Some, Christ personal, or the betray one another, and shall hate
Messiah; others Christ doct^, affirminff one another. 11 And many false
their erroneous opinions to be Christ smmd __A_illl#ll aji „• tt . 1*11 i
and doctrine, Eom the whole, note, 1. Pr?Phete 8ha11 ™1' .anud shail **
Thai there wiU be many seducers, many cei7e ""J; J2 A"d because wi-
enoneoaa persons, and false opinions, be- quity shall abound, the love of
fore the end of the world j for Jerusalem's many shall wax cold. 13 But he
destruction was a type and emblem of the that shall endure unto the end,
world's destruction. 2. That such se- the same shall be saved,
ducers will come in Christ's name, and Chn* Saviour here goes on in riving far-
then errora and felse opinions shall begiven ther signs of the destruction of Jerusalem,
out to be the mind of Christ 3. That i. Hedeckres me sharp persecutions which
many will be seduced and earned away ghould feu upon ^ apostles themselves ;
with their fair pretences and plausible de- They shall kill you. Thence learn, That
ceits. 4. That Christ's own disciples had thekeenest and sharpest edge of persecu-
need to take heed, lest they themselves, tion is usually turned against the ambas-
betng led away by the error of the wick- sadors of Christ, and falls heaviest on the
ed,do fall from thetr own stedfastness. ministers of God. You shall be hated
Take heed that no man deceive you; and killed. The next sign is the apostasy
far many will come in my name, saying, 0f professors upon the account of those
I am Christ, and shall deceive many. persecutions : Then shall many be offend-
6 And ye shall hear of wars, and ed, and shall betray one another, and
rumours of wars : see that ye be hate one another. Learn hence, that times
not troubled : for all these things of persecution for Christianity are constant-
must come to pass, but the end is ,v times °* apostasy from the christian pro-
rjoi yet. 7 For nation shall rise ff"™- 2; Tblii apostates are usually
kingdom : and there shall be fa- one another, and hate one another. A
mines, and pestilences, and earth- third sign is the abounding of false teach-
quakes, in divers places. 8 All ers : Many false prophets shall arise, and
these are the beginning of sorrows. shall deceive many. Where note, That
The next sign which our Saviour gives the fair pretences and subtle practices of
hk disciples of Jerusalem's destruction, heretical teachers have drawn off many
b the many broils and commotions, civil from the truth, whom open persecution
discords and dissensions, that should be 0°^ not drive from '*• A fourth sign is
found amongst the Jews : famines, pesti- the decay and abatement of zeal for God,
Inters, and earthquakes, fearful sights and and love one to another: The love of
signs in the air. And Josephus declares, many shall wax colt, that is, both towards
mat there appeared in the air chariots and God and towards man. When iniquity
horses, men skirmishing in the clouds, and abounds, trouble waxes hot j and when
encompassing the city ; and that a blazing trouble waxes hot, false love waxes cold,
star, m fashion of a sword, hung over the and true love waxes wanner than it was
city for a year together. Learn, 1. That before ; the cold blasts of oersecution blow
war, pestilence, and famine, are judgments UP the love of a few, but blow out the love
and calamities inflicted by God upon a sin- of many more. These are the signs laid
fal people for their contempt of Christ and down by our Saviour foretelling thedestruc-
gospel-grace. Ye shall hear. of wars, fa- tion of Jerusalem : and forasmuch as Je-
mime, and pestilence. 2. That although rusalem's destruction was not only a fore-
mese be mighty and terrible judgments, runner, but a figure of Christ's coming to
jet are they the forerunners of worse judg- judgment, these are also the signs fore-
senta. All these are the beginning of telling the approach of that dreadful day.
smraws. Verse 13. He that endureth to the end,
o TkA« .i.aii a**, A*\\„A- „«„ ..^ the same shall be saved. Our Saviour
♦ J £•} J I inll UP closes his discourse with an exhortation
to be afflicted, and shall kill you : t0 constancy and perseverance : teaching
and ye shall be hated of all nations U9f That there is no such way to overcome
for my name's sake. 10 And then temptation and persecution, as by keeping
122 .ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXIV.
our integrity, and persevering in our fide- to the ground." Learn thence, That God
lity to Christ . 2. That constancy and has instruments ready at his call to lay
perseverance in our integrity and fidelity waste the strongest cities, and to ruin the
towards Christ, is sometimes attended with most flourishing kingdoms which do op-
temporal salvation and deliverance in pose the tenders of his grace, and can
this life, but shall certainly be rewarded make those whom most men abhor, to be
with eternal salvation in the next: He the occasions of their destruction.
that endureth unto the end, the same 16 Then let them which bc in
shall be saved, Judea flec jnto the mountain8 . yj
14 And this gospel of the king- j^t him which is on the house-top
dom shall be preached in all the not come down to take any thing
world, for a witness unto all nations; out 0f his house: 18 Neither let
and then shall the end come. him which is in the field return back
Here our blessed Saviour comforts his to take his clothes,
disciples with a foreefold consideration. 1. j^ meanmg ^ « As soon as you shall
That his gospel, how hated and per- ^ tbe Roman a ^^ me cit
secuted soever, should be plainly and of Jerusalem, let every one that values ha
it discovers the way to the kingdom of SAVe their fives, though the| lose^their
heaven. Observe, 2. The extent of the g^ their clothes ^ ^ mngs beside."
gospel ^publication. It shall be preached |-rom bence learn> L x^ wh£ Almigh-
unto all nations, that is, to the Gentde ty God is pouring forth his fury upon a
world j not only among the Jews, but 8mful £ it ^ful, yea a necessary
among the chiefand pnncipal nations of dut C ^Qt to eud&iYJova the hiding
the Gentiles. Observe, 3. The design andJ sh&eriSg themselves from the apt
and end of the gospel s publication, and proachmg c^ty and desolation : When
hat is, for a witness or testimony j name- * shali%ee j^ainn encompassed wM
ly, for a witness of God s grace and mercy *armi tken ^ to the mottn/<w>w, 2.
offered to sinners, and of their obstinacy That in the due of flight before a bloody
who reject it. Learn thence, That the enemyand army, if we lose all that we have,
preaching of the gospel, wherever it comes, tnd ^ Hve9 £ ^ven ^ we ^ ^
proves a testimony to them to whom it fmd the j^d deais very mercifully with us.
comes. To the humble and teachable, it j j
is a testimony for, to the scorners and 19 And woe unto them that are
despisers, it is a testimony against ; or in with child, and to them that give
the words of the apostle, 2 Cor. ii. 16, To suck, in those days ! 20 But pray
some rit ts the savour oj 'death unto death ; ye that flight be not in the
to others, the savour of Ufe unto hfe. '.^ neUhero*the 8abbath-day.
15 When ye, therefore, shall see Here our Saviour declares the doleful
the abomination of desolation, spo- distress of those that could not flee from
ken of by Daniel the prophet, stand the siege of Jerusalem; as women big
in the holy place, (whoso readeth, vfth child, and such as give suck, who by
let him understand,) that means are like t0 lose their lives-
And he farther adds, that it should increase
The sense is, " When ye shall see the the calamity, if their flight should happen
armies of the Romans, who are an abomi- to be in the "winter, when none can fly
nation unto you, and an occasion of great either fast or far \ or if they should be
desolation where they go ; when you forced to flee on the sabbath-day, when
shall see that abominable, dissolute army the Jews scrupled travelling farther than
begirting the holy city of Jerusalem, then a sabbath-day's journey, which was about
call to mind the prophecy of Daniel, two miles. From thence learn, That it
which primarily belonged to Antiochus, is a great addition to the trouble and dis-
but secondarily to Titus, and shall now be quiet of a good man's spirit, when the
fully completed: for the siege shall not day of his spiritual rest is interrupted, and
be raised till both city and temple be razed instead of enjoying communion with God
Chap/ XXIV. ST. MATTHEW. 12»
ii Jut house, he is driven from house and forth : behold, he is in the secret
home, and flees before the face of an chambers ; believe it not.
awged enemy. fray ye, says our Sa-
7%'J* ttJ^ ? ^S^LZ** themselves a vain expectation, that the
Ul4ay; that being a day of holy rest. J— j Masiah gJ«- ; "J
21 For then shall be great tribu- deliverer, that should set them a( t liberty
i *: - - u «.. ... _~? ™„~ *u^ from the power and slavery of the Ro-
Ution, Buch as was not since the man8 J^^y Ch^t declares to
beginning of the world to this time, ^ disCvp\e& here, that immediately before
no, nor ever shall be. 22 And ex- Jerusalem's destruction, several persons,
cept those days should be shorten- taking the advantage of this expectation*
ed, there should no flesh be saved : would make themselves heads of parties*
but for the elect's sake those days a*"1 pretend that they were the true Mes-
shall be shortened. **• J*? woul4 "!J "* deliTf *■»
_.,,-. , , w. , from their enemies, if they would repair
The doleful miseries and dreadful ca- to them, and follow after them. Hereupon
families which were coming upon the Jews 0ur Lord cautions his disciples against such
in general, and upon Jerusalem in parti- fate Christs and false prophets, and bids
cubr* are here foretold by our Saviour, them believe them not, though they did
partly from the Roman army without, never so many great signs and wonders,
and partly from the seditions and factions and promised them never such glorious
of the zealots within, who committed such deliverances. Learn hence, That the
outrages and slaughters, that there were church's great danger is from seducers
no lea than an hundred thousand slain, that come in Christ's name, and pretend
aod ninety-seven thousand earned away to work signs and wonders by his au-
captive, and made prisoners. They that thority. 2. That such is the power of
bought our Saviour for thirty pence, were seduction and delusion, that many are
now themselves sold thirty for a penny, carried away with seducers aud false teach-
Xow did the temple itself become a sa- ere. 3. That the elect themselves, if left
crifice, a whole burntoffering, and was unt0 themselves, might be seduced $ but
consumed to ashes. Yet observe, Christ divine power guards them against seduc-
promises that these calamitous days shall tion and delusion : They shall deceive,
be shortened for the elect's sake. God if it were possible, the very elect. Which
had a remnant, which he determined phrase imports not what the event would
should survive this destruction, to be an be upon the elect, but the vehemency
holy seed; and accordingly the providence 0f the endeavours of seducers; namely,
of God so ordered, that the city was taken that they would do the utmost that they
«i six months, and the whole country could, to shock the christian, and cause
depopulated in dehteen. Whence ob- him to fell upon his stedfestness.
serve, How the Lord intermixes some ftw « ,. .. . 4 . ..
mercy with the extremest misery that doth 27 J°f a.8 the «g™«"ng cometh
befell a people for their sin. On this side out °» the east> and shineth even
hell, no sinners can say that they feel the unto the west ; so shall also the
strokes of justice to the utmost, or that coming of the Son of man be.
lhay have judgment without mercy. x^ ^ a threefold coming of Christ
23 Then if any man shall say ***?* of m me New Testament 1. His
»_*A «A.. i * k™ 2 nu • 4 coming in his spiritual kingdom by the
E. JS- L0,.,h€? "S?"! °r P"*<*»W <>f thePgospd amSng tie Gen-
there ; believe U not. 24 For there ^ 2. His coming ^o destroy Jerusalem
shall anse false Christs, and false forty years after his ascension. 3. His
prophets, and shall shew great final coming to judgment at the great day.
signs and wonders ; insomuch that, All these comings of the Son of man, for
if it were possible, they shall de- their suddenness and unexpectedness, are
ceive the fery elect. 25 Behold, «>mpared unto lightning, which in a
1 k«»« «~L4 ^^L \>m>c~~ oa «7i moment breaketh out of the east, and
I have tohk yon before. 26 Where- ahineth umo the wegt. j^ hence; Tha
tore if they shall say unto you, the coming and appearance of the Lord
Heboid, he is in the desert ; go not Jesus Christ, to the judging of the wicked
124 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXIV.
and impenitent sinners, will be a very mus hmc, " Let us go hence." Learn
certain, sudden, and unexpected appear* hence, God premonishes before he punishes;
ance. he warns a people of destruction often, be-
28 For wheresoever the carcase forc he destroys them once,
is, there will the eagles be gathered — And then shall all the tribes
together. of *ne earth mourn, and they shall
If the coining of Christ be understood 8ee *he Son of man coming in the
in the former verse of his coming to destroy clouds of heaven with power and
Jerusalem, then by the carcass in this verse great glory. 31 And he shall send
are to be understood the people of Jerusa- his angels with a great sound of a
km, and the body of the Jewish nation ; trumpet ; and they shall gather to-
and by eagles are to be understood the Ro- gether his clect from the four wind
•SET* ^IT^ ^"tL^i *°m one eDd of heaven t0 lhe oth*r-
standard, inese were tne instruments
which Almighty God made use of, as Then shall the tribes mourn ; that is,
his rod and scourge, to chastise and punish then shall the Jews be convinced that their
the people of Jerusalem. Learn thence, destruction was the punishment of their sin.
That the appointed messengers of God's m rejecting and crucifying Christ ; andac-
wrath, and the instruments of his ven- cordingly they that pierced him shaH be-
geance, will certainly gather together, cer- hoW hnn» *&* n*011"1 over him. Thus it
tainly find out, and severely punish and was hefore the destruction of Jerusalem,
plague, an impenitent people devoted -to an<* thus will it be before the final judg-
destruction. Where the carcass is (the ment T^ **■* P****1 ^ *hall be
body of the Jewish nation) there will the brought before him. Lord, how will the
eagles (the Roman soldiers) be gathered ■S1* of a ?**<*& Christ pierce their souls
together. w*m horror! they who have not seen a
«w*' t j« a i a *i_ * • pierced Christ in the sorrows of repentance,
29 Immediately after the tn- 8hall hereafter see him in the sorrows of
bulation of those days shall the sun despair. To behold Christ with the eye
be darkened, and the moon shall of sense hereafter, will be very dreadful
not give her light, and the stars and terrible to all those that have not
shall fall from heaven, and the pow- heheld him with the eye of taith here,
ers of the heavens shall be shaken : ^nd he shall send his angels with the
30 And then > shall appear the sign &&'JttJ!tt&
of the Son of man m heaven : angels understand the ministers of the
Our Saviour goes on in figurative ex- gospel, who by the trumpet of the word
pressions to set forth the calamities that aid bring in believers throughout all Judea,
should befall the Jewish nation, immediately who were saved from that destruction,
after the destruction of Jerusalem : The sun Those that understand it of the general
shall be darkened : that is, all their glory judgment, take it literally, that Christ at the
and excellency shall be eclipsed, all their great day will send forth his holy angels,
wealth and prosperity shall be laid waste ; and gather all his elect to himself with the
the whole government, civil and ecclesi- sound of a trumpet Probably, as there
astical, destroyed ; and such marks of mi- was an audible sound of a trumpet at the
sery found upon them, as never were seen giving of the law, so there shall be the like
upon a people. By the sign of the Son sound of a trumpet, when Christ shall
of many the papists will have understood summon the world to judgment, for trans-
the sign of the cross. Others understand greasing of that law. A joyful sound will
it of those prodigies which were seen a little this be to the friends of Christ, a doleful,
before the destruction of Jerusalem, which dreadful sound in the ears of his enemies.
Josephus mentions ; as, namely, a comet 32 Now learn a parable of the
in thejorm °^^^^\^ g fig-tree : When his branch is yet
toplerandyatoutXTrtor? sefn /mid! tender, and pntteth forth leaves, ye
night for half an hour ; a cow, led by the know that summer xs nigh : 33
priest to be sacrificed, calred a lamb ; a So likewise ye, when ye shall sec
voice heard in the temple, saying, Abea- all these things, know that it is near,
Chap, XXIV. ST. MATTHEW. 125
even at the doors. 84 Verily I Jerusalem's destruction, and the world's
«ay unto you, This generation shall final dissolution at the great day, would
not pass till all these things be ** much i*eu *» destruction of the old
MfilC. 35 Heaven and earth ^jt££^Tti5
shall pass away, but ray words shall 0i%ecurity and Msuality. How sensual
not pass away. 36 But of that and secure was the old world before the
day and hour knoweth no man, no, flood ! They vert eating and drinking,
not the angels of heaven, but my marrying and giving in marriage. That
Father only. b» wholly given up to sensuality and de-
Here our blessed Saviour declares two bauchery, and did not know of the flood's
things with reference to his coming. 1. coming; that is, did not consider it, till
The certainty of the thing itself. 2. The the food swept them away. Thus was it
uncertainty of the time. The certainty m me destruction of Jerusalem, and so
of his coming he sets forth by the simili- will it be in the end of the world. Learn
tude of the Jig-tree, whose beginning to hence, 1. That as the old world perished
bud declares the summer at hand. Thus by mfidehty, security, and sensuality, so
when they should see the fore-mentioned "*{ the .8ame «ns he prevailing before the
signs, they might conclude the destruction destruction of this present world. As tt
of their city and temple to be nigh at hand, *** M the Jays of Noah, so shaU ttbe
and that some then living should see all vnen the Son of man cometh. 2. That
these predictions certainly fulfilled. What the true reason why sinners are drowned
Christ foretells, shall certainly be fulfilled. in sensuality, and given over to security,
his word being more firm than the fabric » this, because they do not believe the
of heaven and earth. Observe, 2. The certainty, or consider the proximity and
uncertainty, as to the precise time, when nearness, of an approaching judgment,
this judgment should come. No angel The old world knew not of the flood's corn-
in heaven nor creature on earth could m& Strange ! when Noah had told them
determine the time, only the riorious per- of * an hundred and twenty years together.
sons in the Godhead ; the Father, Son, The meaning is, they did not consider it,
and Holy Ghost Learn, 1. That all *""* prepare for it. To such as are unpre-
things are not revealed to the angels them- P*™ for, and unapprehensive of death and
selves, but such things only as it concerns judgment, those evils arealways sudden, al-
thetn to know, and the wisdom of God though men be never so often warned of
thinks fit to reveal. 2. That the precise them. But to such as are prepared, death
time of the day of judgment is kept by » never sudden, let them die never so
God as a secret to himself. He will not suddenly.
have us know that hour, to the intent that 43 Watch, therefore ; for ye
we may be upon our watch every hour. know not what hour your Lord doth
37 But as the days of Noe were, come. 43 But know this, that if
so shall also the coming of the Son the. good man of the house had
of man be. 38 For as in the davs known in what watch the thief would
that were before the flood they were come, he would have watched, and
eating and drinking, marrying and would not have suffered his house to
giving in marriage, until the day be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye
that Noe entered into the ark, 39 also ready : for in such an hour as
And knew not, until the flood came ye think not the Son of man cometh.
and took them all away ; so shall Here we have the application made by
also the coming of the Son of man our Saviour of the foregoing doctrine con-
be. 40 Then shall two be in the cerning the certainty and suddenness of a
field ; the one shall be taken, foture judgment. Watch therefore al-
and the other left. 41 Two wo- **?) .DOt wimoutmtermission, out with-
» », . .j. 4 A. -I, out giving over : that ye may be not only
men shall be grinding at the mill; m J riabitual but actual leanness for my
the one shall be taken, and the appearance. Learn hence, That it is the
other left. indispensable duty, and ought to be the in-
to these verses our Saviour declares that defatigable endeavour, of every christian,
126 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXIV.
to stand upon his watch in a prepared rea- shall say in his heart, My lord de-
dinessfor Christ** appearance, both for his layeth his coming; 49 And shall
coming to us, and for our going to him. begin to smite his fellow-servants,
Watch always,/*- ye hum not the hour ftnd to cat and drink with ^ drullk.
when our Lord comcth. cn . ^ The jofd of that gemnt
45 Who then is a faithful and ahall come in a day when he look-
wise servant, whom his lord hath eth not for him, and in an hour
made ruler over his household, to that he is not aware of, 51 And
give them meat in due season ? 46 snall cut him asunder, and appoint
Blessed is that servant whom his A»m his portion with the hypocrites ;
lord, when he cometh, shall find there shall be weeping and gnashing
so doing. 47 Verily I say unto of teeth.
you, That he shall make him ruler q^ ^^ m a^ v^nes describes an
over all his goods. unfaithful and negligent steward, and de-
These words may be applied two ways* nounces the dreadful sentence of wrath
1. To all the faithful servants of Christ in hanging over him. He is described, 1.
general. Thence learn, That for a person By the character of infidelity ; he bdieveth
to spend and end his days in the service of not Christ's coming to judgment, though
Christ, and doing his will, gives good as- he preaches it to others : he saith in his
surance of a blessed condition. Blessed heart, My lord delayeth his coming. 2.
»« that servant. 2. To the ministers of He is described by his hatred, envy, and
the gospel in special, may these words be malignity against his fellow-servants, that
applied. And here observe, 1. The cha- were more painful and faithful than him*
racter and duty of a gospel-minister : He self. He begins to smite, at least with the
is the steward of Christ's household, to virulence of his tongue, if not the violence
give them their meat m due season. Ob- 0f his hand. 3. By his associating with
serve, 2. The qualifications requisite in the wicked, and strengthening their lands
such stewards, faithfulness and prudence, by his ill example, He tateth and drink-
Who thenis that faithful andwise steward? eth with the drunken; that is, as their
Observe, 3. The reward insured to such associate and fellow-companion. Thus
stewards as answer these qualifications : the unfaithful servant is described \ next
Blessed is that servant. Learn hence, his judgment and sentence is declared.
That the ministers of the gospel are in a Observe, 2. The tremendous judgment that
special sense the stewards of Christ's house- shall come upon unfaithful stewards. 1.
hold. 2. That faithfulness and prudence Christ will surprise them in their sin and
are the necessary and indispensable quali- security, by coming in an hour when thy
fications of Christ's stewards. 3. That look not for him. 2. He will execute tan-
wherever these qualifications are found, poral vengeance upon them: He will cut
Christ will graciously and abundantly re- them asunder, or new them in pieces, as
ward them. Our faithfcdness must respect the Jews did their sacrifices ; that is, sepa-
God, ourselves, and our flock, and in- rate their souls from their bodies by un-
cludes our integrity of heart, purity of in- timely death. Hence some observe, That
tention, industry of endeavour, imparti- God seldom suffers slothful, sensual, wick-
ality in our administrations. Prudence ap- ed, and debauched ministers to live out half
pears in the choice of suitable subjects, their days. 3. Christ will punish them
m the choice of fit language, in exciting with eternal destruction also : appointing
our own affections, in order to the moving them their portion with hypocrites; that
of our people's. Ministerial prudence will is, with the worst of sinners, they shall
teach us, oy the strictness and gravity of have a double damnation. As the hypo-
our deportment, to maintain our esteem in crite has a double tongue, a double heart,
•the consciences of our people. It will as- and is a double sinner, so shall be under-
sist us to bear reproach, and direct us to go a double damnation. Learn hence,
give reproof: he that is silent cannot be That such ministers as neglect the service of
innocent : reprove we must, or we cannot God, and the souls of their people j a*
be faithful j but prudently, or we cannot they are ranked amongst the worst of sin-
be successful, ners in this life, so shall they be punished
48 But and if that evil servant with them in the severest manner in the
Chap. XXV. ST. MATTHEW. 127
text When Satan destroys the souls of foolish virgins, as many saints as hypo-
men, he shall answer for it as a murderer crites in the church. All these virgins
only, not as an officer that was intrusted are said to take their lamps and go fori h
with the care of the soul. But if the stew- to meet the bridegroom. For understand*
ard doth not provide, if the shepherd doth ing which, we must know that our Sa-
notfeed, if the watchman doth not warn, viour alludes to the ancient custom of mar-
they shall answer not only for the souls riages, which were celebrated in the night j
that have miscarried, but for an office neg- when usually tea young men attended the
letted, for a talent hidden, and for a stew- bridegroom, and as many virgins attended
ardship unfaithfully administered. Woe the bride, with lamps in their hands j the
unto us, if at the great day we have dis- bridegroom leading home his bride by the
tressed souls roaring out their complaints, light of those lamps. By these virgins are
and howling forth that doleful accusation shadowed forth the professors of chris*
against us ; " Lord ! our stewards have tianity. The foolish virgins are such as
defrauded us, our watchmen have betrayed satisfy themselves with a bare profession,
us, our guides have misled us.'* without bringing forth fruits answerable
A yyv thereunto. The wise virgins are such as
CHAP. XX v. walked answerably to their profession,
oarbi^ ^fic«r iothecioMof th« foregoing persevered and continued stedfast therein,
chapter, had exhorted all Christians to the great ^, » j j • al j^* r
datv of watchfulness, and to be tu a posture of &nd abounded in the graces ana virtues of
reaiinc« against liis coroi&g. Which duty he is a good life. They are called tt>isc virgin*
tSS&tfSZS Z^JnSSi & for the purity of their feith, for the purity
emineol parables ; the former, Of the ten tirgini of their worship, and for the purity of
tord^S, w. M.1"* °f * man travfUin9 int* a their conversations.
HHHEN shall the kingdom of hca- 3 They that were foolish took
M ven be likened unto ten virgins, their lamps, and took no oil with
which took their lamps, and went them: 4 But the wise took oil
forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 in their vtssels with their lamps.
And five of them were wise, and B ^ & m ^ m outwanl
live were foolish. profession of faith and holiness. By the
By the kingdom of heaven here, is oil in the lamps, is to be understood that
meant the state of the visible church on solemn profession of repentance and faith,
earth ; it cannot be understood of the which all christians make in baptism. By
kingdom of glory, for there are no foolish oil in their vessels is meant the sanctifying
virgins in that kingdom $ nor yet of the and saving graces of the Holy Spirit ; the
invisible kingdom of grace, for therein are growth and improvement of them, with
no foolish virgins neither. But in the visible constancy and perseverance in them,
church here on earth, thereover has been a Observe here, wherein tlie wise and foolish
mixture of wise and unwise, of saints and . virgins agreed, and wherein they differed :
hypocrites. Five of these virgins were wise, they agreed thus for, that both took their
ondjiveTDerefooltsh. Where observe, Our lamps, both lighted them, they both had
Lord's great charity, in supposing and hop- oil in their lamps ; the difference was not
ingthatamongst the professors of the gospel that the wise had oil, and the foolish had
the number of sincere christians is equal none j but in this, that the wise took care
with hypocritical professors. Five were for a future supply of oil to feed their
vise andjbe foolish. Teaching us, that lamps, when the first oil was spent Some
we should not confine the church of Christ professors, like foolish virgins, content
within a narrow compass, nor confine our themselves with a blazing lamp of an out-
charity to a few, and think none shall go word profession, without concerning them-
to heaven hut those of our own party selves to secure an inward principle of
and persuasion, but to extend our charity grace and love, which should maintain that
to sit christians that hold the foundation profession, as the oil maintains the lamp,
with us, and to hope well of them. Lord! As the lamp will not long hold burning
let me rather err on the charitable hand, without a stock of oil to feed it ; so a
ihan be found on the censorious and damn- profession of religion, though never so
irtg side ! This is to imitate my Saviour, glorious, will not be lasting nor persevering,
whose charity supposed as many wise as without a principle of faith and love in
128 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXV.
the heart to support and maintain it. surprising word will this be, Behold, the
Learn hence. That the true wisdom of a Bridegroom cometh ! Learn hence, That
christian consists in this, to take care, the Bridegroom will certainly come, thoueh
that not only the lamp of his life may at his own time ; and then all shall be
shine by outward profession, but that the called upon, both prepared and unpre-
vessel of his heart may be furnished with pared, to go forth to meet him. Reason
the graces of the Holy Spirit, as a pre- says he may come, because there ii a
vailing and abiding principle. just God, that will render to every one
5 While the bridegroom tarried, ?^ordin§ t0 ft dee£\fnd rewaitf ^
they all slumbered an*d slept ** £ ff &^tb5^5
That is, whilst Christ delays his coming always remain like a solitary widow in
to persons by death and judgment, they the dust, but shall meet its old companion,
are not so diligent as they ought, to pre- the soul, again. And as reason says he
pare themselves for death and judgment, may come, faith says he will come, and
Instead of being upon their watch and argues from the promise of Christ, John
guard, they slumbered and slept. Note, xiv. 3. and from the purchase of Christ
That not only visible professors, but the from Christ's affection to us, and from
holiest and best of christians, are very our affection to him : faith has seen him
prone to spiritual slumber. While the upon the cross, and determines she shall
bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered see him in the clouds. The Bridegroom
and slept. Spiritual slumber consists in will certainly come at his own time : hap-
this : when graces are not lively and kept py they that are ready to go forth to meet
in exercise, particularly faith, hope, and him.
love ; when there is an abatement of our
love and zeal, an intermission of our care 7 Then all those virgina arose,
and watchfulness; this* a degree of spi- an<J trimmed their ,ampg# 8 And
ritual slumber: yet the saints slumber 4. c r l «j * »u • /-•:««
is not a prevailing slumber; it is not an the £ooll9h "^ u?to the wwe' Give
universal slumber; it is not in all the fe- us of .your oil ; for our lamps are
culties of the soul ; if there be deadness gone out.
in the affections, yet there is no searedness
in the conscience. I sleep, says the church, The virgins' arising and trimming their
but my heart awaketh, Cant v. 2. Still lamP»» d<*h denote, their actual prepara-
there u a principle in the soul which takes tion for Christ's coming and appearance,
God's part, and the christian groans under aQd their putting themselves into a pos-
the burden of his dull and drowsy state. ture of readiness to receive him. Thence
But the greatest wisdom is, to maintain leam» Th** » believing apprehension of
a constant watch, that we may at no time ^ certainty and suddenness of our Lord's
be surprised by the bridegroom's coming, coming and approach will rouse us out of
or be in a confusion when death and our spiritual slumber, and prepare us to
judgment shall overtake us. Blessed are ra«* ™ with j°y «*<* assurance. Then
those virgins whose lamps always burn Mey arose, and trimmed their lamps.
bright ! And the foolish said to the wise, Give us
of your oil, for our lamps are gone out.
6 And at midnight there was a Observe here, 1. A request made, Ghent
cry made, Behold, the bridegroom of your oil. There is a time when the
cometh ; go ye out to meet him. neglecters of grace will be made sensible
At midnight, that is, at the mostdismal 2f ** worth of f«*}* *» wwS-of#?'
and unseasonable time, when all the vir- Such « 5°Y ^^^ J** **ff the
gins were fast asleep ; and, when awaken- g^ce of God, will be heard ^ ™ q^c
Id in great affrightment, could not on «*°f your oil. Observe, 2. The reason
a sudden consider what to do. Such is of\me l"**** *or ^L^L T* *""?
the case of those who put off their repent- out' V**0* «"!• . ™ ™ JW. of
ance and preparation for another wVrld, profession will certaiidygo out, which has
till they are surprised by death and judg- not ^ stock rigrace to feed and maintain it
ment. Lord, how will the midnight crV 9 But the Wl8e answered, saying,
of the Bridegroom's coming terrify and Not so; lest there be not enough
amaze the unprepared soul! What a for us and you: but go ye rather
Chap. XXV. ST. MATTHEW. * 189
to them that sell, and buy for your- and righteous, consists our actual prepare-
selves. n°n. Observe, 3. The doleful condition
Observe here, 1. The wise virgins' of wch as were unready : the door is
denial, Not so; they will part with no "hut against them : the door of repentance*
oil. Learnhence, That it must be the care ™f *** of h<>f*> *» door, ?f aslvation,
of every one to get grace of his own, «* ***• eternally shut, and by him that
otherwise the grace of others will do him J****** andnone can +*** Learn hence,
no good. It is not what others have done, ™ ***** impossibility of ever getting
nay, not what Christ himself has done, 5ur condition altered by us, when the
that will save us, without our own en- dav of g1"*08 **** salvation is once over
deavours. Observe, 2. The reason of w *h **• Woe to such souls, who, by the
their denial, Lest there be not enough for «% °(,their own «*»y»» have caused the
w and you. Thence note, That such door of conversion and remission to be
christians as have most grace, or the largest everlastingly shut against their own souls,
stock of grace, have none to spare ; none 11 Afterward came also the other
to spare in regard of their occasions for virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to
grace on earth, and in regard of their U9# 12 But he answered and said,
psss£&sr^?SE vfyI My unto y°n-1 know*on
than that sell, and buy for yourselves, D
Some take this for an exhortation, others Observe here, The virgins* petition, and
for a mocking derision. Go to them that the Bridegroom's reply : the petition, Lord,
sell: That is, say some, to the shop of the Lord, open to us. Learn hence, That how
ordinances, where it may be had. Thence negligent soever men are of heaven and
note. That such as would have grace, must salvation here, there are none but will
have timely recourse to the ordinances desire it earnestly and importunately here-
and means of grace : Go to them, and buy. after $ Afterward; that is, when too late.
Others understand the words ironically, Observe farther, the Bridegroom's reply, I
and as spoken by way of derision, 6o know you not ; that is, I own and approve
to them that sell, if you know where to you not There is a two-fold knowledge
find them* and either buy or borrow for that Christ has, a knowledge of simple in-
yourselves. Learn thence, That it is the tuition, and a knowledge of special appro-
greatest folly in the world to have oil to bation; the former knowledge Christ has
buy, when we should have oil to burn : of all men, the latter only of good men.
to have our grace to seek, when we should Learn hence, That it will be a dreadful
have it to exert and exercise. It is no time misery for any persons, but especially for
to get grace when the Bridegroom is come, such as have been eminent professors, to
and the day of grace is past and over. be disowned by Christ at his coming, to
™ » i i -i , , hear that dreadful word from the mouth
10 And while they went to buy, 0f Christ, Verily, I know you not.
the bridegroom came ; and they 13 Watch thcrcfo forTe know
Uiatwere ready went in with him ncither the day nor the hour where-
shut marMage : and ** d°°r WM » the Son of man cometh.
Here we have our Lord's application
Observe here, 1. Christ will come at of the foregoing parable, to be always
the great day to his people as a Bridegroom, upon our watch, continually upon our
and to the wicked as a Judge. The re- guard, to meet the Bridegroom in death
lation now begun betwixt Christ and his and judgment, because we know not the
church shall then be pubhely solemnized, time of his coming and approach. Learn
Observe, 2. The qualifications of the per- hence, That watchfulness and a prepared
sons, who shall enter with the Bridegroom readiness is a great duty that lies upon all
into heaven: Such as were ready went those who believe and look for Christ's
in vith him. The readiness is two-fold, coming and appearance. Happy souls !
habitual and actual ; habitual readiness who are found in a posture of readiness
consists m the state of the persons, justified at the Bridegroom's approach, standing,
sod pardoned ; in the frame of the heart, with lamps trimmed, totns girded, lights
sanctified and renewed ; and in the course burning ! that is, improving and exercising
of life, universally and perseveringly holy their graces, abounding in all the fruits of
130 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXV.
the Spirit, and in all the substantial 19 After a long time the lord of
Tirtutt of a good life i such, and only those servants cometh, and reckon-
such, shall have an entrance abundantly et^ wjtn them. 30 And so he that
administered unto them into the everlast- ^ received five talents came and
ing kingdom. brought other five talents, saying,
14 For the kingdom of heaven U Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five
as a man travelling into a far coun- talents; behold, I have gained
try, who called his own servants, besides them five talents more. 21
and delivered unto them his goods. His lord said unto him, Well done,
16 And unto one he gave five ta- tkon good and faithful servant :
lents, to another two, and to ano- thou hast been faithful over a few
ther one ; to every man according things, I will make thee ruler over,
to his several ability ; and straight- many things : enter thou into the
way took his journey. joy of thy lord. 22 He also that
Observe here, the person intrusting, had received two talents came and
Christ; the persons intrusted, all christians; said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto
the talents they are intrusted with, goods : me two talents : behold, I have
that is, goods of providence, riches and gaine(f two other talents besides
honours; gifts of mind, wisdom, parts thcm 23 Hig |ofd gaM unto him^
i^T&JSLl %£«*y1 n£e Wet! done, good and faithful ser-
S^ome, fewer to'olhlw, but wi&'expeo- vant: thou hast been faithful over
tation of improvement from all. Learn, a few things, I will make thee ruler
1. That Christ is the great Lord of the over many things: enter thou into
universe, and Owner of all his servants* the joy of thv lord.
roods and talents. That every talent is "
given us by our Lord to improve and Notehere, 1. That the wisdom of God
employ for our Master's use and service, dispenses his Rifts and graces variously,
3. That it pleases the Lord to dispense* his as so many talents to hit servants, to be
gifts variously among his servants ; to some employed and improved for his own dory,
be commits more, to others fewer talents, and his church's good. 2. That all such
4. That to this Lord of ours every one servants at have received any talents,
of us must be accountable and responsible must look to reckon and account for
for every talent committed to us, and them: that this account mutt be particular,
intrusted with us. personal, exact, and impartial. 3. That
16 Then he that had received the ■" "* "32* r£ T* <wF*2^
* *. \ \ x j * j j .4l improving their talents, at Const s coming
five talents went and traded with ^ h^h commended and lewarded
the same, and made them other five ^ Well ^onet g00d end fmthjul ser-
talents. 17 And likewise he that tant; enter thou into the joy of thy
had received two, he also gained Lord. Where observe, 1. That the state
other two. 18 But he that had re- of the blessed is a state of joy. 2. That
ceived one went and digged in the the joy which the blessed , pnttfa iot is
earth, and hid his lord's money. ^tfl&™ Stf fff
The former verses gave an account of a0aei9 3. ^hat the way after which the
the lord's distribution j these acquaint g^ts partake of this joy, is by entering
us with the servants' negotiation. Some fato ,>f wnich denotes the highest and the
traded with, and made improvement of, fullest participation of it The joy is too
their talents, others traded not at all ; yet g^ t0 enter into them, they must enter
it is not said, they did embezzle their Jatothat: Enter thou into the joy of thy
talent, but not improve it. Learn, It is jjQr^m
^^Tl^^^rJlf lo^to 24 Then he which had received
abuse our talents : it is tault enough to , . , , . , r ,
hide them, and not improve them ; the the one talent came, and said, 1-ord,
slothful servant shall no more escape pun- I knew thee that thou art an hard
ishment than the wasteful servant. man, reaping where thou hast not
Chaw. XXV. ST. MATTHEW. 181
•own, and gathering where thou hast •hall be weeping and gaashiog of
not strawed : 25 And I was afraid, teeth.
and went and hid thy talent in the These words contain the sentence de-
earth : lo, there thou hast that is nounced by Christ upon the slothful ser-
thine. 26 His lord answered and vant: his punishment is firet a punishment
said unto him, Thou wicked ami f ,0*J *■** 9e the tdcnt from him-
slothful servant, thou k newest that tf?Li ^ ™*\ not,imJ,rovinK ** &?*»
i -~-~ »k~.~ tL j * j 0' G°d given as talents to us. provokes
L *Pk r J mmtA. *?' ani »?- God to take them from us, a* welF as mis-
ther where I have not strawed : 27 improving. From him that hath not ;
Thoo oughtest therefore to have put that is, from him that improveth not, shall
my money to the exchangers, and be taken that which he hath. 2. Follows
then at my coming 1 should have re- the punishment of sense : Cast him into
ceived mine own with usury. °*ter, darbuu, where is weeping and
J gnashtng of teeth. Learn thence, That
Observe here, 1. That he that received rail is a place and state of inexpressible
but one talent, m called to an account as misery and torment; a dismal place, as
weE as he that received Ave. Heathens that ^ing deprived of the sight and enjoyment
have but one talent, namely, the light of °? G°d» of Christ, of saints, and of angels j
nature* must give an account for that one a doleful place, full of overwhelming sor*
talent, as weuas christians that have five row and despairing pief. The gnashing
must accou.it for five. Observe, 2. The °f **** ****** signmes their being lull of
slothful attvant's allegation ; I knew thee rage and indignation against God, against
to be an hard mant and I was afraid, the saints, ana against themselves.
TS2&33tt&£KZ. 3l **■ the Son of man shall
efraid • and thefttiit of his fear, he hid hi, com« m h» f ,ory» ,«"»<• tJl the holy
Ulent m the earth. Learn hence, That angels with him. then shall he sit
sinners entertain ia their minds very hard upon the throne of his glory : 32
and unkind thoughts of God) they look up- And before htm ahall be gathered
on him as a hard Master, rigorous in his all nations ; and he shall separate
comnundsjand difficult to be pleased. them olte from another, as a ahep-
aZZJjP?^*^^!***^ herd divideth hi* sheep from the
do naturally occasion slavish fear, which » _ . »o a j u_ .iJlii .-* »u«
amatbaderancetoutt.uuWdisclttge «?**' 33 And he shall set the
of our duty to God. Observe, 3. The mas- sheep on his right hand, but the
ter'srepry to the slotbfml servant'sallegation, goata on the left.
which contains an exprobanon. or upbraid- From !«„«, (o the end of me chapter,
ingot him for his sloth and negligence) V~ j " . .. . .. .!^1^'
Them wicked and slothful servant Where have a draught and scheme of the ge-
note.1. That the slothful servant »s wicked ""^Wg11-^ ^^f3^ V? EH "
servant, a. well as the unfaithful servant *°n F&& the. ^ &FS.' *eJX
3. The wicked and slothful servants, to «- T* J"*"* Z004 md had ; "j8 on« J*11*1
cuae memaalves, will not stick to charge J*"*^ *t T*T* "? £* J
their iniscariaavtipon God himself: 3%S thel(rtDer S^U*™ ^ "<"£"»«* «»
vert en kJntmak 3. That no excuses "A""": Observe <"*>; ,ta, "J™.
wbataoaver shall serve either the slothful or of .ta, *"** to J"**™" • m<*L "f£
msfasthtul servant at the bar of Christ ™d a*"0"5 g,(ono?8 m "".P^0"' &
nous m his attendance. Learn, that
28 Take therefore the talent from Christ's appearance at the great day to the
him, and give it unto him vhich judging of the world, will be a splendid
hath ten talents. 20 For unto and a glorious appesiance : Ife tw// comj
«*v#*rv one that hath ahull h* ffiwn Wlih /Mm*r» md tn ^eai #ior?\ m **&*
^i^l 7L i? 1 g ^ I o^he dignity of his peraon, and the quality
and he shall have abundance ; bnt of his 0jficef ana the greatness of his work.
from bun that hath not shall be He will appear as a king in the midst of
taken away even that which he hath, his nobles, to take off the scandal and ig-
30 And cast ye the unprofitable nominy of the cross, and aa a recompense
servant into outer darkness: there for hu abasement and humiliation, to strike
k 2
132 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXV.
. the hearts of his enemies with dread and all its transgressors accursed, Gal. iii. 19N
fear, and to fill the souls of his people But, says Christ; I, that have redeemed
with joy and confidence. Let us therefore you from the curse of the law, pronounced
propound it to our faith, to believe it $ to you blessed. But why bltssed of my Fa-
our fear, to tremble at the thoughts of it ; ther .* 1. To point out the fontal cause of
to our hope and love, that we may expect all our happiness, the love of the Father ;
and wait, look and long for it Observe this prepared the kingdom. 2. This ex-
farther, The work of this Judge : he shall pression shows how the divine Persons
first gather all nations. Learn, That at glorify one another. As the Spirit glorifies
the general judgment all that have lived the Son, so the Son glorifies the Father,
shall be summoned to the bar of Christ : and refers all to him. Therefore Christ
persons of all sects, of all ages, of all says not, Came, my redeemed ones ; but,
nations, of all conditions : having gathered dome, ye blessed ones : not, Come, you
them together ; he shall next separate that were redeemed by me ; but, Come,
them, as a shepherd his sheep. Thence ye blessed of my Father : it is his good
learn, That though there be a mixture pleasure to give you the kingdom. Learn
and confusion of the godly and the wicked hence, That the Lord Jesus Christ at his
here, yet at the day of judgment there second coming will adjudge all his people
will be a separation made betwixt them, into a state of glorious and everlasting
and they shall never come together more, happiness, which his Father has prepared,
oj rw« _ u it 4k v . andhimself has purchased, for them. Come,
^34 Then shaH the King say unto Umei ^^jK^ ^m, ike
his right hand, Come, ve blessed of kingdom prepared for you.
my Father, inherit the kingdom pre- 36 For I was an hungred, and
pared for you from the foundation ye gave me meat : I was thirsty, and
of the world : ye «ravc me drink : I was a stranger,
Here follows the sentence which Chnst amf ve ^k me in: 36 Naked,
will pronounce upon the righteous and nnd Je clothed me : I was sick, and
the wicked at the great day : first the ye visited me : I was in prison, and
sentence of absolution upon the righteous ; ye came unto me.
then the sentence of condemnation upon Here our Saviour sets forth, not the rae-
the wicked. Learn thence, That at the ritorious cause of his saints* happiness, but
day of judgment the godly shall be ah- the infallible signs of such as should in-
solved before the wicked are condemned, herit that happiness, the character, of the
The reasons are, because it is more delight- persons that might expect it Such as fed
rul to God to reward than to punish, to him, clothed and visited him, in his mem-
save than to destroy ; because it is suitable bers. Where note, 1. That the godly ha?-
to Christ's love to begin with his saints, ing their sins forgiven in this world, some
and to be admired by them : also to put would gather that there should no mea-
tus saints out of fear, as to their eternal tion be made of them in the day of judg-
condition, and to bring them near to him- ment For they observe, that Christ here
self, and to set them upon the throne with only mentions the good works of his
himself, as assessors and judges of the wick- saints : ye fed me, ye clothed me, not a
ed world, 1 Cor. vi. 3. Know ye not word of their railings. Observe, 2. That
that the satnts shall judge the world * they are not the duties of the first, but of
Lastly, With respect to the wicked, that the second table, which here Christ men-
they may be the more affected with their tions, because works of charity are more
loss, and have a vexatious and tormenting visible to the world than works of piety,
sense of that happiness which* they have Learn hence, 1. That at the great day
refused. Observe next, The joyful sentence every man's sentence shall be pronounced
pronounced, Come ye blessed of my according to his works. 2. That worb
Father. Where note, 1. The joyful com- of charity done out of love to Christ, shall
pellation, Ye blessed. Which term is be particularly observed, and bountifully
opposed to these two things: 1. To the rewarded, by Christ at the great day. The
world's judgment of them, which accounts question- then will be, not only how have
them vile and accursed. Here is an abso- you heard, prayed, or preached, but whom
lution from their unjust censures. 2. To have you fed, clothed, and visited. 3.
the sentence of the law, which pronounces That whatever good or evil is done to
Chap. XXV. ST. MATTHEW. 135
the poor members of Christ, Christ reckons of these my brethren, ye did it unto me.
it aa done unto bimsdf, I was an hunger- Where observe, 1. The title pat by Jews
ea\ and ye gave me meat Christ persona) is Christ upon his poorest and meanest mem-
not the object of our pity and charity, but bers, My brethren. 2. The resentment of
Girist mystical is exposed to want and ne- the kindness showed to his brethren, as
cessity ; he feels hunger and thirst, cold and shown unto himself; In as much as ye
nakedness, m his members, and is refreshed did it to them, ye have done it to me.
and comforted in their refreshments and com- Learn thence, Tbat such is the endearing in-
forts. He takes it as a courtesy, who might timacy between Christ and his members,
demand it by authority. How can we be that whatsoever is done to any of them, is
dose-banded or hard-hearted to the necessi* «*ft¥nyH by him as done unto himself.
tons christians, did we steadily believe that
in administering to them, we minister re- 41 Then shall he say also unto them
freshmen* to Christ himself, who parted 0n the left hand, Depart from me, ye
l^.^J^? rf ^eaveD' yea* with to <*««. «to everlasting fire, pre-
beaxts blood, for us ? pared for ^ ^ ^ ^ ^H .
37 Then shall the righteous an- Here we have the sentence of condem-
«wer htm, saying, Lord, when saw nation denounced against the wicked.
we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Where observe, 1. The posture in which
or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 they are found; at Chris Vs left hand.
When saw we thee a stranger, and This doth not so much denote the ienominy
took thee in ? or naked, and clothed ?f ?* P*** (^^Js* P1*?0* * «■* « hand
the* ? 30 Or when saw we thee w, le* honourable) M tne «apiety of their
t*eec . . en !,aW WC tn!e choice; they took up with left-handed mer-
sick, or in prison, and came unto cies, the mercies of the footstool, wealth and
thee? 40 And the King shall an- riches, diraity and honour. As for the good
swer and say unto them, Verily I things which are at God's right hand for
say onto you, In as much as ye have evermore, they never sought after these.
done it unto one of the least of Verily a man may know his future state by
these my brethren, ye have done B!» «*»«* «*?■?• °b8e£re> 2' ^he title
it unto me given to wicked men, Ye cursed. Not
cursed of my Father, because cursing is God's
Here we have a dialogue or interchange* strange work ; we force him to it, he delights
alle discourse betwixt Christ and bis faith- not in it Observe, 3. The sentence itself,
ful servants at the great day. Where ob- Where note, 1. The punishment of loss, De-
serve, Their question and his reply. Their part from me. Learn thence, 1. That it is
question, Lord, when did we feed thee, the hell of hell to the damned, that they
ctotke, or visit thee f We have forgot the must everlastingly depart from, and lose the
time, though such is thy goodness to re- comfortable fruition and enjoyment of, God
member it Learn thence, That Christ in Christ : it is to be deprived of an infinite
keeps a faithful record of all our acts of pious good. Hell is a deep dungeon, where the
charity, when we have forgotten them. If sunshine of God's presence never cometh.
we remember to do good, Christ will be sure 2. The punishment of sense, Depart into
to jemember the good we have done ; aye, everlasting fire. Where note, Its severity,
sad reward it as well as remember it Again, it is fire : its eternity, it is everlasting fire.
this Question of theirs may proceed from ad- Learn thence, That there are everlasting tor-
intntion and wonder, and from an humble merits in bell prepared for the wicked ;
sense of their own nothingness, and from there is a state of torment, and a place of tor-
the greatness of Christ's condescension, in roent, provided by God. All princes have
tuong notice of such mean services, and re- not only their palace, but their prison. God
quitiog them with such a transcendent re- has the palace of heaven, for the enjoyment
ward. Learn hence, That when Christ of himself and his friends j and the prison of
comes to reward bis children and people, hell, for punishing his enemies. The nature
they will wonder and be astonished at the of the damned's misery is set out by fire j
poverty and meanness of their own services, the whole man, body and soul, shall be tor-
aad at the transcendency and greatness of mented in it. 1. The body in all its mem-
his rewards, Observe next, Our Lord's re- bers , their eyes with affrighted spectacles,
ply. In *s much as yt did it to the least the devil and his angels,9nd their old conv
JUH ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXV U
panions in sin: every time they behold wgiin, one prevaUUw conruptioo, U enough
these, U revives thoir guilt, and enrages their to damn a person, because it deprive* a
despair. Their ears are filled with yellmgi manof the grace of the «»pelf and exclude!
aod bowlings, and hideous outers*. 2. The him from all the benefit of the promises,
toul shall suffer in hell, by reflecting upon Note lastly, If such as do not give to Christ
its own choice, by remembering time sin- in his members shall be miserable at the
roily wasted, seasons of grace sadly slight- great day. what will the condition of them
ed, the mercies of God unworthily abused, be that take from them, who strip and starve
}/>rd ! bow will the remembrance of past them, who persecute and bate them, who
mercies aggravate present miseries! Note imprison or banish them ? If the unchari*
farther, 1. That Christ saith not of the pu- table shall scarcely be saved, yea, shall cer>
nishment, as he doth of the blessing, that it tainly be damnea,wbere shall the unmer>
was prepared from the beginning of the ciful and cruel appear ?
vorld, lest it should be thought that God 4e An<j tnese 8nan go away jr.
Corner blessed of my Failr, he saith not, "ghteoua into life eternal.
Go, ye cursed of my Father, because God Observe here, 1. That though the righte-
is the Author and Procurer of men's bappU ous are first judged, yet the sentence is firat
ncss, but man only is the author of his own executed on the wicked. They shall go
misery. Note, 3. That Christ speaks of this into everlasting punishment. Observe, 2,
eternal misery by fire, as designed originally That men's states and conditions in another
not for man, but for the devil and his angels; world will be different, as their ways and
but man, by giving up himself to the power doings have been in this world. 3, That
and thraldom of sin and Satan, and work-, everlasting life shall be the portion of the
fog himself down to the infernal regions, godly, and everlasting punishment the por-
becomei like unto him in torments, whom tion of the wicked. God grant that the
he so much resembled in manners and qua* horrors of eternal darkness, and the dismal
lilies- thoughts of a miserable eternity, may ef«
42 For I was an hungred, and ye dually discourage every one of us from a
«...,««..» «~ MA.* . t .•,*• *k :«,*.. *„a wicked and impenitent course of life! For
gave me no meat : I was thirsty, and ^ ^ ^ P» devouringfire , Wk.
ye gave me no drink : 43 I was a can </„,// ^ everlasting burnings .•
stranger, and ye took me not in :
naked, and ye clothed me not : sick, CHAP. XXVI.
and in prison, and ye visited me not a ^j) lt akme to pa8gf wnen Jesus
4 1 Then shall they also answer him, /* had finj8ried all these sayings,
saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hc said unto hU disciples, 2 Ye
hungred, or athirst, or a stranger knowthatafter two days is the feast
or naked, or sick, or in prison, and 0f tnc passover, and the Son of man
did not minister unto thee ? 45 fc betrayed to be crucified. 3 Then
Then shall he answer them, saying, assembled together the chief priests.
Verily I say unto you, In as much and the scribes, and the elders of
as ye did ft not to one of the least thc people, unto the palace of the
of these, ye did ft not to me. h{gn prlcstf who was caiied Caia-
Observe here, 1. How Christ lays the phas, 4 And consulted that they
charge of the wicked's damnation upon might take Jesus by subtilty, and
themselves alone, Ye gave me no meat, ye kill Aim. 6 But they said, Not on
took me not in : man, and man alone, is the feast- rfay, lest there be an up*
the cause of bis own destruction and dam- roar amoIMr the people
nation. Observe, 2. The kind of sin charged * F^r
on the wicked at the great day. Consider Several things are here observable; as, 1.
it, 1. In general, it is a sin of omission. The persons conspiring against our blessed
Whence learn, That sins of omission are Redeemer's life, namely, chief priests, and
certainly damning as well as sins of com- scribes, and elders, that is, the whole sen-
mission, or want of love to Christ and his hedrim, or general council of the Jewish
members. Learn thence, That one reign- church : these lay their nulicious heads to-
Chap. XXVI. ST. MATTHEW. 186
gether, to contrive the destruction of the murmuring Judas valued at three hundred
innocent Jesus. Here was a general coun- pence; which, reckoiimgthe Roman penny
cil of them, consisting of priests, doctors, at seven pence halfpenny, makes of our
and elders, with the high-priest their pre- money nine pounds seven shillings and •
sident, yet erring in a point of doctrine sixpence. Love (we see) spares no cost 5
concerning the Messiah, not believing Jesus but where the esteem of Christ it high,
to be the Son of God, notwithstanding all the affection will be strong. Note, 2.
the convincing miracles which he had That where strong love prevails towards
wrought before them. Observe, 2. The Jesus Christ, it suners not itself to be
manrMy of this conspiracy against our outshined by any examples. The weak-
Saviour's life ; it was clandestine, secret, est woman that strongly loves Jesus Christ,
and subtfe: They consumed how they will piously strive with the neatest apostle
might take him by subtilty and kill him. to express the fervour of her love unto
Learn hence, That Satan makes use of the nini. I do not find any of the apostles
subuhy of crafty men, and abuseth their at so much cost to put honour upon
parti as well as their power, for his own Christ, as this poor woman was at. Love
purposes. Satan never sends a fool on his knows no bounds, no measures,
errand. Observe, 3. The time when this g But when his disciples saw it,
J?"^y™T^L**J^^u£ they had indignation, saying, To
the paasaver. Indeed at first the chief . f# «..«*«.,* „•?♦!.:. Jl«*« a « t»~.
prkstsdidnotmch™^ what purpose « this waste ? OFor
a tumult and uproar among the peopbf; &* ointment might have been sold
but Judas presenting them with a fair op- for much, and give* to the poor.
portunity to apprehend him, they changed That is, when Judas, and some other
their purpose, and accordingly at the feast disciples whom he had influenced, saw
of U^passoveroorSaviovir suffered. This this action, they murmured : particularly
was not without a mystery, that Christ, the Judas Warned this holy woman for needless
true Lamb of God, whom the paschal lamb prodigality, and did tacitly reflect upon
typified and represented, should be offered Christ himself, for suffering that wasteful
up at the feast ofthepaaooer ; signifying expense. O ! how doth a covetous heart
thereby, that he was the true paschal Lamb, think every thing too good for Christ:
and that the legal shadow ought to cease he that sees a pious action well done, and
in the exhibition of him. Learn hence, seeks to undervalue it, shows himself pos-
That not only the death of Christ in sessed with a spirit of envy. Juaas's
general, but all the circumstances relating invidious spirit makes him censure an action
to it, were fore-ordained of God himself ; which Christ highly approved. Learn
as the place where, at Jerusalem; the thence, That men who know not our
time when, at the time of the passover ; hearts, may, through ignorance or prejudice,
that time did God devise best for this Lamb censure and condemn those actions which
to be a sacrifice. God doth commend and will graciously
6 Now when Jesus was in Betha- reward\ HaPPy for *» P00* woman, that
o wow wnen Jesus was in Betna- ghe ^ a more righteous Judge t0 p^
ny,in the house of Simon the leper, sentence upon her action than wicked
7 There came unto him a woman Judas?
riig u^^Tj" °(JPH' 10 When Jesus understood ft, he
ooa, ointment, and poured tt on w fc m b| • h
his bead as he sat at meat. a c \ , * . ^jLu* -
woman ? for she hath wrought a
This woman St John says was Mary, good work upon me. 11 For ye
the sister of Lazarus, who, to show her love have the poor always with you ; but
to Christ, and put honour upon him, took me havc not aiwavs. 12 For in
custom of the eastern countries, w£> used on my bod* lhc dld * for mJ burilL
so to do at their feasts and banquets ; to Observe here, How readily our Lord
which David alludes, Psal. xziii. 5. Learn • vindicates this good woman : she says
hence, 1. That where true love to Christ nothing for herself, nor need she, having
prevails in the heart, nothing is adjudged such an Advocate. 1. Christ rebukes Judas,
too dear for Christ This box of ointment Why trouble ye the woman* Plainly
186 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXVI.
«
intimating, that it is no small trouble to a 14 Then one of the twelve, called
gracious spirit, to find their good work Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief
misinterpreted and misrepresented: next, priCgtgf 15 And said unto them,
he abends the action, caUmg it a good fyhat wiU iyc nd , wiU
work : because done out of a principle of ... ,. J ® * i a*a «u
love to Christ: She hath wrought a good dchv« hun un* 7™ ? *nd *!***
work upon me. And lastly, He gives the covenanted with him for thirty
reason of her action : She did it for my pieces of silver. 16 And from that
burial. As kings and great persons were time he sought opportunity to be-
wont, in those eastern countries, at their tray him.
funerals to be embalmed with odours and
sweet perfumes ; so, says our Saviour, this Observe here, 1. The person betraying
woman, to declare her faith in me as her our blessed Redeemer, Judas: Judas, a
King and Lord, doth with this box of oint- professor ; Judas, a preacher ; Judas, an
ment, as it were beforehand, embalm my apostle, and one of the twelve whom Christ
body for its burial. True faith puts hon- had chosen out of the world to be his
our upon a crucified, as well as a glorified, dearest friends, and his own family and
Saviour. This holy woman accounts Christ household. Shall we wonder to find
worthy of all honour in his death, believ- friends unfriendly and unfaithful towards
ing it would be a sweet-smelling sacrifice us, when our Saviour had a traitor in his
unto God, and the savour of life unto his own house? Observe, 2. The hemonsness
Sjople. Observe farther, from these words, of his sin in betraying Christ : he betray*
ut me ye have not always, the doctrine ed Christ Jesus, a Man ; Christ Jesus, his
of transubstantiation is overthrown ; for if Master; Christ Jesus, his Maker ; the first
Christ be, as to soul, body, and divinity, was murder, the second treason. Learn
perpetually present in the host among thence, That it is no strange or uncommon
those of the church of Rome, then have thing for the vilest of sins, and most horrid
they Christ always with them : contrary impieties, to be acted by such persons as
to what our Saviour here declares ; though make the most eminent profession of
his poor members would be always present holiness and religion. Observe, 3. What
with them, yet he himself should not be was the sin occasioning and leading Judas
so : The poor ye have always, hut me ye to the committing of this horrid sin; it
have not always. was covetousness. I do not find that
,r „ _ „.. Judas had any particular malice against
13 Venly I say unto you, Where- christ'i person, but a base and unworthy
soever this gospel shall be preached spirit of covetousness possessed him ; tins
in the whole world, there shall also made him sell his Master. Covetousness
this, that this woman hath done, be is a root-sin ; an inordinate desire and
told for a memorial of her. **« °f riches, an eager and tmaatiable
thirst after the world, is the parent of the
Our Saviour having defended this holy most monstrous and unnatural sins : There,
woman from the calumny of Judas in the fort remember we our Saviour's caution,
foregoing verses, in this he declares, that Luke xii. 15. Take heed and beware of
she should be rewarded with an honour- covetousness ; he doubles the caution, to
able memorial in all ages of the church : show us both the great danger of the sin.
Wheresoever this gospel is preached, this and the great care we ought to take to
shall be spoken of her. O what care preserve ourselves from it. Observe, 4.
doth Christ take to have the good deeds How small a sum tempted the covetous
of his children not buried in the dust mind of Judas to betray his Master, thirty
with them, but be had in everlasting pieces of silver ; which amounted but to
remembrance. Though sin causes, men three pounds fifteen shillings of our money,
to rot above ground, to stink alive, and, This was the price of a slave or common
when they are dead, leave an inglorious servant, Erod. xxi. As Christ took upon
memory upon their graves ; yet will the ham the form of a servant, so his life was
actions of the just smell sweet, and bios- valued at the rate of an ordinary servant* s
som in the dust. Learn hence, That we life. It may seem a wonder, that the high-
may laudably prosecute that which will priests should offer no more for the life of
procure us a good name, and spread our our Saviour, and that Judas should accept
seputation to future ages. so little; seeing that his covetousness was
Chap. XXVI. ST. MATTHEW. 137
so great, and their rage so grievous, how money in his purse to buy one, but he
comes it to pass that he demands so little, finds as excellent accommodations in this
and that they offer no more ? Had the poor man's house, as if he had dwelt in
reward been proportioned to the greatness Ahab's ivory palace, and had had the
of their malice, it had been thirty thousand provisions of Solomon's table. Learn
timer than thirty pieces of silver. But hence, That Christ has such an influence
tbe scripture must oe fulfilled; accordingly upon, and command over, the spirits of men,
the wisdom of God overruled this matter, that he can incline them to do what ser-
foc fulfilling that prophecy, Zeeh, xi. 12. vice soever he pleaseth for him. When
They weighed for my price thirty pieces Christ has a passover to celebrate, lie will
if silver. Let not any christian be con- prepare an house, and dispose the heart to
caned «k** he is despised and underva- a free reception of himself. Learn, 2.
bed ; he can never meet with so great a That Christ, being under the law, observes
reproach, so low an abasement, for Christ, and keeps the law of the passover. Thus
as Christ underwent for him. Observe, he fulfilled all righteousness ; and although
lastly, Judas'* folly, as well as treachery ; the ceremonial law was to receive its abolish*
he that might have demanded what he ment in the death of Christ, vet all the
pleated for this purchase, He says unto time of his life he punctually observes it.
tie eJsief prints, What vriil ye gme me f 20 Now, when the even was
Aj if he had said, " lam resolved to sell come, he sat down with the twelve,
him at any rate, give me what you will Observe here, The impudent forehead
for ban.** Nay, farther, Judas covenanted, of this bold traitor, Judas, who presumed,
and they promised, but whether it was as soon as he had sold his Master, to
now paid, appeareth not Learn, That sit down at the table with him, and par-
such a person as has a vile and base esteem take with the other disciples of the so-
of Jesus Christ, will part with him upon lemn ordinance of the passover : had the
any terms. The bare expectation of a presence of Judas polluted the ordinance
few shekels of silver, will make such a to any beside himself, doubtless our Sa-
me wiOmg to part with a pearl of great viour would never have permitted this bold
pnee. Wonder not then to see some intrusion. Learn hence, 1. That nothing
persons selling their country, their friends, is more ordinary than for unholy persons
thex God, and their religion, for money, presumptuously to rush in upon the so-
Jadas did so before them. lemn ordinances of God, which they have
-.-^r *i. i» * _i ri. r .no right, whilst such, to partake of. 2.
17 Now the first day of the/ea*f That ^ presence 0f such persons pollutes
of unleavened bread the disciples the ordinances only to themselves ; holy
casae to Jesus, saying unto him, persons are not polluted by the sins of
Where wilt thou that we prepare such : for to the pure all things are
for thee to eat the passover ? 18 Pure-
And he said, Go into the city to such 21 And as they did eat, be said,
a man, and say unto him, The Mas- Verily I say unto you, that one of
ter saith, My time is at hand ; I you shall betray me.
will keep the passover at thy house What an astonishing word was this !
with mv disciples. 19 And thedis- "One of you my disciples shall betray
cipies did as Jesos had appointed me*" Can any church on earth expect
then; and they made ready the pass- V^toMtov*&Q when Christ's
* J v r own family of twelve had a traitor and a
OTer* devil in it ? Yet though it was very sad
The time for tbe celebration of the pass- to hear that one should betray him, it was
over being now at hand, Christ sends two matter of joy that it was but one ; one
nf his disciples to Jerusalem, to prepare hypocrite in a congregation is too much,
mines necessary in order thereunto: ac- but there is cause of rejoicing if there be
coramgly they enter the city, and rind no more. But why did not Christ name
me master of an bouse, whose heart Christ, Judas, and say, " Thou art he that shall
by his divine power, had so inclined, that betray me ?" Doubtless to draw him to
he willingly accommodated them upon repentance, and to prevent giving Judas
this occasion. Our blessed Saviour nad any provocation. Lord, how sad it is for
not a Isjnb of bis own, and possibly no such as pretend friendship to Christ, and
138 ST. MATTHEW, Chap- XXVI.
call themselves of his fcmiiy and acquaint- whom Christ loved belter, had no such
ance, who eat of his bread* and yet bfi particular boon. Outward good things are
up the heel against him I not always given to the children of men in
love, but are sometimes bestowed in dis-
22 And they were exceeding sor- pleasure; there is no measuring Chrisfs af-
ro wful, and began every one of them factions by temporal blessings* no concludV
to aay unto him, Lord, is it I ? ing either love or hatred by these things.
,-v,/ i_ , mL j. • i ♦ Observe farther, How Judas could sit still
Observe here, 1. The disciples sorrow, ^jd bear tbe threats of judgment denounc-
and next, the effect of that sorrow. Their ^ 9&itlA bkam^s withoilt concern; he
sorrow was (as well it might) exceeding heaw Christ say, Woe to the man by wham
great. Well might innocent disciple* be the Son ofman u betrayed, and is no more
overwhelmed with sorrow, to hear that Wanked than innocence itself: resolved sin-
their Master should die; that he should die ncfl roa ^ desperately in their wicked
by treason j that the traitor should be one c^,^ Md with opeo eyes see and meet
of themselves. 2. But though their sorrow weir own destruction 5 and are neither dia-
wm great, yet was the effect of their sorrow n^yed at it, nor cc«cerned about it Ob-
very good ; it wrought in them a holy sus- ^ fartherf That y^ shameless man bad
picion of themselves, and caused every one the impudence to say to Christ, Master, is
XSJ^h ^niself, a2£ *?' ¥**'"*?** *I* Our Saviour gives him a direct af-
If Thence learn, That it is possible for fixation, Thou hast said. Did Judas,
such secret wickedness to lurk in our heart* thmk blushf ^ ^ down his goflty
as we never suspected, which time and and let fall hia droopiog bead, at so
temptation may draw forth in such a man- „Umg an intimation ? Nothing less. Loid.
ner as we could not believe : and therefore how ^ obduracy in am steel the brow,
rt is both wise and holy to suspect our- and make it incapable of all relenting im-
?lv^uand t0 ^J?"1 "yin* L°r/9 u • *' pressions ! Observelastly, How Christ pre-
I? There is no better preservative from sin, fera noncntity before damnation. It had
than to be jealous over ourselves with a befn beUerLr (hat man if he had never
godly jealousy. Observe farther, That Uen w JA ^^ mtemWc being is
though the disciples fear and sorrow made not wone ^ ^^^ but an eternal
them jealous and suspicious, yet was it of marble being is worse than no being at
themselves, not of one another, nay, not of aU etemal misery „ much wone than w^
Judm himself : every one aid, Master, ts ^ Jt had &en ^tUrfor Judas ifh€
\l I? ^?\ Master, ts tt Judas • ^ Learn kad \Hner htm hnrn% ihui to c^n^ such
hence, That true sincerity and christian a sin> and ]fe under such wrath, and that
chanty will make us more suspicious of everlasting. O, better to have no being,
ourselves than of any other person whatso- than not ^ ^ a ^^ m Christ#
ever ; it always hopes the best of others, °
and fears the worst x»ncerning ourselves. 26 And, as they were eating, Je-
23 And he answered and said, He ™a*°* bread« and "^ ">•**
that dippeth Am hand with me in the brake u> and .1*" U *° . jj!^"
dish, the same shall betray me. Ples« "Jd ""£ T*?' «•*• *«,s
24 The Son of man goeth, a* it "* bodJ- *7 *"£ h* J"* *he
is written of him : but woe unto that fuP; and «^ve tbai*'» and J*7 **
man by whom the Son of man is be- **£"•• »»!* D™k .>%a" of * :
trayed! it had been good for that 28 For th,s is my blood of the new
man if he had not been born. 26 t^ent, .wb,ch " shed f" m*n-T
Then Judas, which betrayed him, for the remission of sins. 29 But
answered and said, Master, is it I ? J ** **» V*! \ ™" /* d?nk
He said unto him, Thou hast said. he"?e[?rt,h .of thlf fn"* °f **?"*•
„ . . . ,. . , nntil that day when I drink it new
Here our Saviour acauamto h» d^c.ple, . h fa Father's kingdom,
who it wa» that had designed hia death, _„ , Jj . ■.. . ■ °
even be that dipped with Eira in the dish. ?0 Andt when thcy >ad ;""« an
or he to whom ha gave the sop. Observe, hymn, they went out into the mount
The traitor, whom Christ less loved, he has of Olives,
tbe sop given to him; the other disciples. Immediately after tbe celebration of the
Chap. XXVI. ST. MATTHEW. 180
passover, follows the institution of the Lord's of my blood, by which the new covenant
supper. In which observe* 1. The Author betwixt God and man was ratified and con-
of this new sacrament, Jesus took bread, firmed. Whence we learn, That every corn-
Note thence. That to institute a sacrament municant has as undoubted a right to the
is Christ's sole prerogative j it is the church's cup as to the bread, in the Lord's supper :
duty to celebrate the sacraments, but she Brink ye all of it, says Christ j therefore
has power to make none. This belongs to deny the cup to the laity is contrary to
only to Christ. Observe, 8. The time of the institution of Christ. After the celebra-
tbe institution, the night before his passion, tjon was over, our Saviour and his disciples
The night before he was betrayed* Jesus sane? an hymn, as the Jews were woot to do
took bread. Learn thence, That it is very at the passover the six eucharistical psalms,
necessary, when sufferings are approaching, from the 1 13th to the 1 19th psalm. Learn
to have recourse to the table of the Lorn, hence, How fit it is that God be glorified
which affords both an antidote against fear, in his church, by singing of psalms, and in
and is restorative to faith. Observe here, particular, when the sacrament of the Lord's
3. The sacramental elements, bread and supper is celebrated. When they had sung
vine ; bread representing his body ; and an hymn, they went out into the mount
wine his blood. Observe, 4. The ministeri- of Olives.
al actions, the breaking of the bread, and ^ _, ., . . .,
the Nesting of the cup. As to the bread, 31 Then saith Jesus unto them,
Jesus took it; that is, set it apart from AU ye shall be offended because of
common use, and separated it for holy ends me this night : for it is written, I
and purposes. He blessed it; that is, will smite the Shepherd, and the
prayed for a blessing upon rt ; and brake gheep of the fl^ ^X be scattered
i/,thetebysbadowmgforAhisDodybroto abroad#
upon the cross. And he gave it to his
disciples, saying, u This broken bread sig- Here our Saviour acquaints bis disciples,
nines my body suddenly to be broken that by reason of his approaching sufier-
upon the cross for your redemption and sal- ing8i tnev should all of them be so exceed-
vatian ; do this in remembrance of me, jogiy oflended, that they would certainly
and of my death." Thus the scriptures fy^^ g^ fe^ him } which accordingly
constantly speak in sacramental matters, eametopass. Learn thence, That Christ's
So circumcision iscaWed the covenant, and dearest friends forsook him, and left him
the lamb the passover. In like manner, a]one m the midst of his greatest distress
here, the bread is called Christ's body, be- ^^ danger. Observe, 2. W hat was the
cause instituted to represent to all future ^me # this their flight, it was the preva-
ages his body broken. Moreover, how |encv 0f tDejr fear. Thence note, How
could the disciples think they had eaten gad it is for the holiest and best of men to
Christ's body, when they saw his body be left un(jer the power of their own fears
whole before them ? And besides, to eat -in a ^y 0f temptation,
human flesh, and drink blood, was not only
agamst the express letter of the law, tjutab- 32 But after I am risen again, I
horred by all mankind. True it is, that the wjh ^ before you into Galilee,
heathens laid it to the christians' charge,
that they ate human flesh ; but falsely, as Observe here, The wonderful lenity of
it appears by the apology made for the pri- Christ towards his timorous and fearful dis-
raitive christians; which apology had been cipfes; notwithstanding their cowardly
false, had they daily eaten the flesh of Christ flight from him, he tells them he would
in the sacrament. The very heathens own- not forsake them, but love them still ; and
ed it a thing more detestable than death to as an evidence of it, would meet them in
eat human flesh, and more to eat the God Galilee : J will go before you into Gali.
they worship, and to devour him whom lee ; there shall you see me. And when
they adore. Again, as to the cup ; Christ tbey did see him he never upbraided them
having set it apart bv prayer and thanksgiv- with their timorousness, but was friends
ing, he commands his disciples to drink all with them, notwithstanding their late cow-
of it ; and subjoins a reason for it ; for this ardice. Christ's love to his disciples is like
is my blood of the new testament, which himself, unchangeable and everlasting.
is shed for the remission of sins; that is, Having loved his own, he loved them to
the wine in mis cup represents the shedding the end.
140 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XX VL
33 Peter answered and said unto* flesh is weak. 42 He went away
him, Though all men shall be offend- again the second time, and prayed,
ed because of thee, yet will I never saying, O my Father, if this cup
be offended. 34 Jesus said unto may not pass away from me, ex-
him, Verily I say unto thee, That cept I drink -it, thy will be done,
this night, before the cock crow, 43 And he came and found them
thou shalt deny me thrice. 35 Pe- asleep again : for their eyes were
ter said unto him, Though I should heavy. 44 And he left them, and
die with thee, yet will I not deny went away again, and prayed the
thee. Likewise also said all the third time, saying the same words,
disciples. Our blessed Saviour being now come
with his disciples into the garden, be falls
See here what stong purposes and settled there into a bitter and bloody agony, in
resolutions both Peter and all the apostles y^ch ^ prayed with wonderful fervency
had, to keep close to Christ 5 but how did ^ imp0rtunity to his heavenly Father,
their self-confidence fail them ! Darn His sufferings were now coming on a great
thence, That self-confidence is a sin, too, p^ ^ gg meets them upon ^ kneeSt
too incident to the honest and best of men. Bnd would be found ia a p^™- 0^,^
Though aUmenforsakethee,yctvtll not jj^^ ihencep j^ prayer fc the best
I. Good man, he resolved honestly ; but preparative for, as well as the most pow-
!°°» too much mh^o^ strength. Little, erful support imder, the heaviest sufferings
little did he think what a feather he should fl^ can befall us. As to this prayer of
be in the wind of temptation, if once God our Saviour's in the garden, many things
left him to the power and prevalence of his ^ very observable. As, 1. The place
own fears. Observe farther, That the rest whfire Jhe ^ in the garden; hut
of the apostles had tte hlw connVleoce of why went Chrbt thither ? Was it to hide
their own streneth with St Peter. Like- or 8nelter y^^ f^ his enemies ? No-
wtse oho said they all. Note thence, mn leas . for if so, it had been the
That the holiest of men know not their most improper p]*^ because he was wont
?wn 5renfh tjl1 } come? to. the *"*- to retire thither to pray, John xviil 2.
Little did these good men imagine what a Judas knaB the piac<rfir JetU9 0jUimcs
cowardly spirit they had in them, ull ^^ thither; so that Chr* went
temptation put it to the proof. mitner not t0 ^^ but to prepare him-
36 Then cometh Jesus with them self by prayer to meet, his enemies. Ob-
unto a place called Gethsemane, serve, 2. The time when he entered the
and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye &**** for W** it was the evening:
here, while 1 go and pray yonder. J?« * Tn^t ^ .m ??U^? ?Ut
q-7 a. .a u~ 4^w ^Wk k1™ !>«♦«- his soul to God: for about midnight Ju-
37 And he took with him Peter ^ and ^ 80ldte <^e and appretend-
and the two sons of Zebedee, and ed him in a praying posture. Teaching us
began to be sorrowful and very by his example, that when immraentdan-
heavy. 38 Then saith he unto them, gers are before us, especially when death
My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even is apprehended by us, to be very much in
unto death : tarry ye here, and P^y* t0 G**1' and very fervent in our
watch with me. 30 And he went a ™*lm$ *** Wm- Observe, 3. TTie
little farther, and fell on his face, TZ?M^
. , . ^ «-. . • tne cup might pass from nim ; that is.
and prayed, saying, O my Father, lhose &tter sufferings which were then
if it be possible, let this cup pass before him ; particularly the insupportable
from me : nevertheless, not as I will, burden of his Father's wrath. He prays,
but as thou wilt. 40 And he cometh if possible, that his Father would excuse
unto the disciples, and findeth them him from this dreadful wrath, his soul
asleep, and saith unto Peter, What I heing amazed at it But what ! Did Christ
could ye not watch with me one ^J^ *t^^PJa%?£?Z
* . J A . w . , , Af_ . for sinners ? Did he shrink and give back
hour? 41 Watch and pray, that when it ^ t0 ^ mch? N£ no. M
ye enter not into temptation: the Christ had two natures, being God and Man,
spirit indeed is willing, but the so he had two distinct wills; as Man,
Chap. XXVL ST. MATTHEW. 141
he feared and shunned death ; as God-man, first, second, and third time. He returns
he willingly submitted to it ; the divine upon God over and over, plies him again
spirit and the human nature of Christ did and again, resolving to take no denial.
now assault each other with disagreeing Learn thence, That christians ought not to
interests, till at last victory was got on the be discouraged, though they have be-
spint's side. Again, this prayer was not sought God again and again for a particular
absolute, but conditional : tfit be possible, mercy, and no answer of prayer has come
Father, if it may be, if thou art willing, if unto them. Observe also, How our Lord
it please thee, let it pass : if not, I will used the same prayer three times over,
drink iL Learn hence, 1. That the cup saying the same words. A person then
of sufferings is in itself considered as a may pray with and by a form of prayer,
very bitter and distasteful cup, which and yet not pray formally, but in a very
human nature abhors, and cannot but de- acceptable manner unto God. Christ both
sire and pray may pass from it 2. That gave a form of prayer to his disciples, and
yet oft-times the wisdom of God is pleased also used one himself. Observe next, The
to put this bitter cup of affliction into the posture in which our holy Lord found
hands of those whom he doth most sin- his own disciples, when he was in his
cerely love. 3. That when God doth so, agony : they were sleeping, when he was
it is their duty to drink it with humble praying. O wonderful ! that they could
submission, and cheerful resignation. Not sleep at such a time. Hence we gamer,
my will, but thine be done. Observe, 4. that the best of Christ's disciples may be
The manner how our Lord prayed j and sometimes overtaken with infirmities, with
here we shall find it, 1. A solitary prayer ; great infirmities, when the most important
he went by himself alone, out of the duties are performing. He cometh to his
hearing of his disciples ; he saith unto disciples andjlndeth them sleeping. Ob*
them, Tarry ye here, while I go and pray serve farther, The gentle reproof ne gave
yonder. Mark, Christ did neither desire the disciples for sleeping : What / could
his disciples to pray with him, nor to pray ye not watch with me one hour .* Could
for him. No, he must tread the wine- not you watch, when your Master is in
press alone ; not but that Christ loved and such danger ? Could not you watch with
delighted in his disciples' company ; but me, when I am going to deliver up my
there were occasions when he thought fit life for you ? What ! not one hour, and
to leave them, and to go alone to God in that the parting hour too ? After this
prayer. Thence learn, That the company reprehension, he subjoins an exhortation :
of our best friends is not always seasonable. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into
Peter, James, and John, were three good temptation : and superadds a forcible rea«
men ; but Christ bids them tarry, while he vm,for though the spirit is willing, yet
went aside for private prayer. There are thejlesh is weak. Thence learn, That the
times and cases when a christian would holiest and best resolved christians, who have
not be willing that the dearest friend he willing spirits for Christ and bis service,
has in the world should be with him, or yet in regard of the weakness of the flesh,
understand and hear whatpasses betwixt or the frailty of human nature, it is their
him and his God. 2. This prayer of duty to watch and pray, and thereby
Christ was an humble prayer ; that is evi- guard themselves against temptations.
dent by the postures into which he cast Watch and pray,— for though the spirit
himself; sometimes kneeling, sometimes ** willing, yet thejlesh is weak; though
lying prostrate upon his face. He lies in you have sincerely resolved rather to die
the very dust $ lower he cannot fall ; and with me than deny me, yet be assured,
his heart was as low as his body. And that when temptation actually assaults
such was the fervour of his spirit, that he you, when fear and shame, pain and suf-
piayed himself into an agony. O let us fering, death and danger, are before you,
blush to think bow unlike we are to Christ and present to your sense, the weakness
in prayer, as to our praying frame of of your flesh will prevail over these resolu-
spirit ! Lord, what drowsiness and dead- tions, if you do not watch diligently, and
ness! what laziness and dulness! what pray fervently for divine assistance.
stupidity and formality, is found in our Am -, A, . A , . ,. .
pcayeis! how often do our lips move, and 4» Tnen c°metn he to his disci-
our hearts stand still! 3. It was a repeated ples> and saith unto them, Sleep on
aad reiterated prayer. He prayed the now, and take your rest ; behold, the
14t st. matthew. a»p. xxvr.
hoar is at hand, and the Son of man * Pjoftw* **£***?%* ^tSS
i.b^yedintothehand.of.iBaer.. ^-^£T& 5S£ 5S
46 Rise, let us be fcoing ; behold, £ whefl ^y ^^^^ temptations
he is at hand that doth betray me. ^Uy suited to their master-tot. Covet-
47 And while he yet spake, lo, Ju- outness was* Judas's master-tin * the Jove of
das, one of the twelve, came, and thewortdmadehimasiavetoSaton,ttndtho
with him a ereat multitude with devil lays a temptation before him which
swords and staves, from the chief suits h* temper, hte hb t"^"**
priests and elders of the people. ££^4^^
48 Now he that betrayed him gave ^ '^ a temptation suited to your
them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I predominant hist and inclination. Ob-
shall kiss, that same is he : hold him gove, 2. As the betrayer Judas, so the trea-
fast. 49 And forthwith he came to son itself; with its aggravating cJrcum-
Jesus, and said, Hail, Master ; and stances : he led an armed multitude to the
kissed him. 60 And Jesus said place *^^^J£<^V^
unto him, Friend, wherefore art »<~J* tttt&J*-
thou come? Then came they and ^ ^ fl^feh design Satan pot into
laid hands on Jesus, and took him. hk heBStf and it has these aggravating err-
Our Saviour having 'poured out his soul eumstanees attending it He had seen the
m pntyer to God m the garden, he is now miracles whkh Christ wrought by the pow-
ieady, and waits for the coming of his er of God, and could not but know him
enemies ; bema first in the field: accord- to be a Divine Person. He could not sin
mgly, while he yet make, came Judas, out of ignorance or Wind zeal, but the
one of the twelve, ana under his conduct love of money made ban do what he did.
a band of soldiers to apprehend him. It Farther, what he did was not done by the
was the lot and portion of our blessed persuasions of any, but he was a volunteer
Redeemer to be betrayed into the hands in this service The high priest neither
of his mortal enemies, by the treachery sent to him, nor sent for him, but he oners
of a false and dissembling friend. Observe his service, and no doubt they were very
here, The traitor, the treason, the manner much surprised to find one of Ctaisf s own
how, and the time when, this treasonable disciples at the head of a conspiracy against
design was executed. Observe, 1. The bins. Learn hence, That no man knows
betrayer, Judas; all the evangelists care- where he shall stop or stand when he first
fully describe him by his name, Judas, enters the ways of sin ; should any one
by his surname, Iscariot ; lest he should have told Judas, that his love of money
be mistaken for Jude, the brother of James, would at last so far prevail upon him, as
God is tender and careful of the names to make him sell the blood of Jesus Christ,
and reputations of his upright-hearted ser- he would have answered, as Hasael dk
▼ante. He is also described by his office, Elisha, Is thy servant a dog, that Ishonli
one of the twelve. The eminence of his do this thing ? Wickedness, like holi
place of station was an high aggravation uess, doth not presently come to its ful
of hk transgression. Nay, in .some re- strength in the soul, but grows up by in
speet he was preferred above merest, having sensible degrees. Men do not commend
a peculiar trust reposed in him ; he bare masters in the art of vfllany in an in
the bag : that is, he was almoner and slant ; they begin first with lesser, tie
steward of Christ's family, to take care for with greater sins; first with secret, tma
the necessary accommodations of Christ with open sins. Doubtless Judas was a
and his apostles •, and yet this man, thus old though secret sinner $ surely he coul
called, thus honoured, thus respectfully not immediately attain to such an heigi
treated, by Christ, for the lucre of a little of impudence, and so great a degree <
money perfidiously betrays him. O whi- stupidity. Hear, ye professors of refigiot
ther will not a bad heart, and a busy devil, ye that partake of ordinances, frequents
carry a man ! Learn hence, 1. That the cramente, take heed of living ss Judas dk
greatest professors had need be jealous of in the allowed commission of any seer
their own hearts, and look well to the sin, to the wasting of your conscience
grounds and principles of their .profession, and the destroying of your souls. Obser*
Chip. XXVI. ST. MATTHEW. 148
a The manner bow this faeUidi plot was forwardest to lay hold on Jen*. Observe
fifrartnd ; partly by force, and partly by here St. Peter's seal and sincere love for
tend : by force, in that he came with a his Lord and Master : it was in great
wuUtdude armed with swords and staves : sincerity spoken, Though I He with thee,
tnd by fraud ; he gives him a kiss, and yet will I not deny thee. But why did
says, Hail, Muter. Here was honey in not Peter draw his sword upon Judas,
the tongue, and poison in the heart. This rather than Malcims ? Perhaps because
tieachexoas Just enhanced his crime be- though Judas was more faulty, yet Mai-
yoad emprasaion. O vilest of hypocrite* chns was more forward to arrest and carry
how dunt thou approach so near thy Lord off our Saviour. How doth a pious breast
ia the exercise of so much hasmew and swell with mdignation at the sight of any
iagmCs&Kfe! But none sin with so much open affront ottered unto Christ! Observe
jsapudence and obstinacy as apostates, here, That though St Peter's heart was
lean we hence, To beware of men : when sincere, yet his hand was rash : good in-
we. see too. too glittering appearances, we tenuous are no warrant for irregular ac-
may suspect the mside. Charity forothem tions; and accordingly Christ, who ac-
is oar duty, but too great conndence may cepted his affection, reproves mm for the
be our snare. There is so much hypoc- action : put up thy sword; for they that
ifcj m many* and so much corruption in take the sword, shall perish by the sword*
all, mat we must not be too confident Learn hence, That Christ will thank no
Observe, 4. The time when this treasonable man to fight for him without a warrant
iJnrirTi was executed upon Christ ; when and commission from him. To resist a
he was in the garden with his disciples, lawful magistrate, even in Christ's own
exhorting them to prayer and watchfulness, defence, is rash zeal, and discountenanced
dfopfsfcis; heavenly and most seasonable' by the gospel. To a lawful power law-
■wry?!'* upon them. While he yet spake§ roily executed, there must be yielded due
k, Judas came, and the multitude with obedience. Observe lastly, Out Lord's
aim. Judas found Christ in the most bee- absolute refusal to be rescued out of his
veniy and esxdlent employment, when he enemies' hands, with the. reason of it:
came to apprehend him. O how happy is " Did I incline to be rescued by force, (as
hV when oar sufferings find us in God's if our Lord had said,) I could demand all
way, engaged in his service, and engaging the troops of angels in heaven to show
his assistance by fervent supplication ? themselves upon that occasion ; but how
Thus did our Lord's sufferings meet him: can this stand with the decree of my
ty they so meet us! Father, with the declarations of the scrip-
-_ A , , • ,, - .. tare, with the demonstration of my mercy,
51 And, behold, one of them and wim the salvation ci miserable man-
which were with Jesus stretched out xmd ?» Leam thence, That Christ was
kis band, and drew his sword, and infinitely more concerned for the salvation
struck a servant of the high priest, of lost sinners, than for his own death
and smote off his ear. 62 Then aml Bufferings ; more concerned for our
said Jesus unto him, Put up again etem1al «*▼■*». lh™ to his own tern-
Xttr^ttr* r^^^an^w^^a
they that take the sword shall per- p^y ^^ 0f&devils.
ish with the sword. 53 Tbinkest *e t ▲■ . l -j i
«l *u-.» t — ~* «,v™ nrft„ .„ „„ 66 In that same hour said Jesus
too* that I cannot now pray to my . ., .... , . .
Father and he shall oresentlv trive mnlUtndes, Are ye come out
K-a^e than twelve tetrions of an as a£a'nst a thief, with swords and
geb ? 64 But how thin shall the •»"*• for «• toKHe mf ? t.1 f**^
scripture, be fulfilled, that thus it w*h J0" ^W? ™ ** J^Pfe
TmT. % and ye laid no hold on me. 50
T? . ,. , , . t j But all this was done, that the
The rode multitude kyugjwri* upon scripts of the propheU might be
watch, do resume tneir courage, and e ... , - , r
^Bsag to rescue their Master if they forsook him, and fled.
can i particularly Peter draws bis sword. We had an account of our Lord's ap-
and cats off the ear of Malchus, one of the prehension in the former verses \ here,
144 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXVI.
the sad effect of it upon hit disciples : witnesses to take away hit life, not sticking
They all forsook him, and fed. Had this at the grossest perjury, so they might de-
heeii done by the giddy multitude who stroyhim. The chief priests and elders,
followed him for the loaves, it had been and all the council, sought false witness
no cause of wonder; but for those who against Jesus, to put htm to death, Abo-
had already forsaken all to follow him, who minable wickedness ! innocency itself can-
were faithful though fearful friends ; what not protect from slander and false accusa-
an addition to his sufferings must this be ! tioo. No man is so innocent or good
No doubt but the ingratitude of his friends whom false witness may not condemn,
mode deeper wounds in his soul, than the Yet observe farther, our Lord's meekness
malice of enemies could make in his body, and patience, his submissive silence under
They that said all to Christ, verse 36, all these wicked suggestions and false ac-
Though we should die with thee, yet we cusations ; Jesus held his peace, verse 63.
will not deny thee, do here all of them Guilt is clamorous and impatient; inno-
desest and forsake him ; when it came to cence is silent, and careless of misreports.
the push, not a man of them stands by Learn hence, That to bear the reviling*,
bim. Learn thence, That the holiest of contradictions, and false accusations of
men know not their own hearts when great men, with a silent and submissive spirit, is
temptations and trials are before them, till an excellent and Christ-like temper. Our
tbey come to grapple with them, and to be Lord stood before his unjust judges and
engaged in them. We know not our own false accusers, as a sheep before his shearer,
strength till temptation puts us to the dumb, and not opening his mouth. Al-
proof. though a trial for his life was managed
67 And they that had laid hold ^.t^^Kte^S
on Jesus led htm away to Caiaphas when he offered, he threatened not, but
the high priest, where the scribes committed himself to him that judgeth
and the elders were assembled. 68 righteously. O ret the same humble mind
But Peter followed htm afar off, un- be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus,
to the high priest's palace, and went
in, and sat with the servants to 7™* thc h"&h P"cst answered
see the end. 59 Now the chief and said unto him; I adjure thee,
priests and elders, and all the coun- by th.c lmn& Q™> tbat ^ou tel1 u*
cil, sought false witness against Je- whether thou be the Christ, the
sus, to put him to death : 60 But go* of God. 64 Jesus saith unto
found none : yea, though many false »lm> Thou haat f*ld : nevertheless
witnesses came; yet found they none. * »*y unto you. Hereafter shaU ye
At the last came two false witness- seeLthe So,n <* man 8lttlDS on »«
es, 61 And said, This fellow said, f^ht hand °f P°wer» and coming
I am able to destroy the temple of In the clouds of heaven. 65 Then
God, and to build it in three days. the hlSh Priest rent his clothes,
62 And the high priest arose, and wying, He hath spoken blasphe-
said unto him, Answerest thou no- mv > what further need have we o<
thing ? what u it which these wit- witnesses * behold, now ye have
ness against thee ? 63 But Jesus hteard hw blasphemy. 66 What
held his peace. think ye ? Tfaey answered and said,
¥ , . . , , .. . . He is guilty of death. 67 Then
Judas having made good his promise to ..... ° r . . . c » , '
the high priest, aiKldehVcredJesui a prison. d«d they spit m his face, and but-
er into their hands, these wolves of the fetea him ; ana others smote htm
evening no sooner seize the Lamb of God, with the palms of their hands, 63
, but they thirst and long to suck his iono- Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou
cent blood. Yet lest it should look like a Christ, who is he that smote thee \
downright murder, they will allow him a
mock-trial, by abusing the law, and per- We observed even now that our Loir
verting it to injustice and bloodshed ; ac- was silent, and did make no reply to trw
cordingly, they industriously suborn false fabe witnesses tliat evidenced against hin
Cfcap. XXVI. ST, MATTHEW. 145
at hia trial ; became being w manifestly o£a EYophet tf to most high God f Pr*i
contradictory, they did fail to the ground phesy, say they, m a mocking derision,
of themselves. But now when the question who was it that smote thee 9 To such
was solemnly put by the high priest, Art acts of inhumanity did the barbarous rage
thou the Christ ? he said, J am. Thence of the bloody Jews carry them,
learn, That although we are not obliged to m Now peter gat w5thout jn tfj
every cavilling or ensnaring ques- i • , .
hon, yet we are boid faithfully to own P?lace : .and a Ldamsf l came unt?
and freely to confess the truth, when we «lm» saymg, Thou also wast with
are solemnly called thereunto. Christ, who Jesus of Galilee. 70 But he denied
in the former verses was silent, and as a before them all, saying, I know not
deaf man heard not, now witnesses a good what thou sayest. 71 And when
confession: teaching us, both by his ex- he wa8 gone out into the porch anQw
ample and command^ ; to confess and own thcr ^ 8ftW h| an(Tsaid unto
both him and his truth, when lawfully re- .. 4, . .. «,. - r u
quired j when our silence would be a de- them ,that weLre fthere' Jh'8 J*1*0?
nying of the truth, a dishonour. to God, was also with Jesus of Nazareth,
and a scandal to our brethren. Christ 72 And again he denied with aa
knew that his answer would cost him his oath, I do not know the man. 73
life, and yet he durst not but give it Art And after a while came unto him
thou the Son of the Blessed ? Jesus said, they thftt gtood by> and said to pCJ
IamLJfffafetjS^^ ^w C,hrT ter, Snrely thou also art one of
answered directly and plainly at his trial, . . r *u u u *u
so he did not refuse to answer upon oath: ^em ' for*hy 8Pccc\bewrayeth
I adjure thee by the living God, says the thee- 74 Then began he to curse
judge of the court, that thou tell us whc- and to swear, saying, I know not
thcr thou art the Christ ; that is, I require the man. And immediately the
thee to answer this question upon oath ; for cock crew. 75 And Peter remem-
adjuring a person, or requiring him to an- fc^ t|ie WQnu of jesuB> wnich
swer upon oath, was the roannei :of swear- 8aid unto him> Before the cock
a7tfib&t crow thou shalt deny me thrice,
directly, I am, Mark xiv. 61. Hence And he went out, and wept bitterly,
learn, That swearing before a magistrate, This last paragraph of the chapter gives
upon a just and great occasion, is lawful : us an account of the fall and rising of Pe-
if Christ in the fifth of St Matthew forbid ter, of his sin in denying Christ, and of
all oaths, then here his practice was contra- his recovery by a speedy and severe re*
ry to his own doctrine ; but it is evident pentance. Both roust be considered dis-i
that Christ answered the magistrate upon tinctly. First, As touching his sin and
oath, and so may we. Observe lastly, The fall, there are four particulars observable,
sentence of condemnation which the council namely, the sin itself, the occasion of that
passed upon him for owning himself to be sin, the reiteration and repetition of it, and
the Son of God : He hath spoken blasphe- the aggravating circumstances attending it.
my, and is worthy to die. Hereupon the Observe, 1. The sin itself, the denial of
unruly rabble affront him with the vilest Christ, I know not the man ; a manifest
abuses, and roost horrid indignities ; They untruth : next he adds an oath to confirm
spit in his face, they blindfolded him, that untruth ; he swore that he knew not
they smote him with their fists and palms the man. And, last of all, he wished aa
of their hands ; and in the way of con- horrid curse and imprecation upon himself,
tempt and mockery, they bid him divine that is, be wished himself excommunicated
or prophesy who it was that smote him. and cast out of the church, say some ; he
I^earn hence, That there is no degree of wished himself eternally separated from the
contempt, no mark of shame, no kind of presence of God, say others : he wished in
suflfermg, which we ought to decline or effect that the devil might take him, if he <
stick at for Christ's sake, who hid not his were acquainted with Jesus. The jnordi-
£stce from shame and spitting upon our ac- nate love of life, and slavish fear of suffer*
couaL O monstrous impiety 1 how do they ings and death, may draw the best of men
spit on that awful lovely face ! How do to commit the worst of sins. Observe, 2.
they revile and blaspheme his noble office The occasions of this sin, and they wore
140 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXVI.
three: hh following Chrntafiw off-, his be- Peter. 3. Consider before whom be do-
ing in bed company* amongst Christ's ene- nies htm : in the company and presence of
mies; and his presumptuous confidence of his the chief priests, scribes, and elders, and
own strength and standing. 1. His follow- their servants, who rejoiced at it, and were
ing of Christ afar off. To follow Christ hardened by it ) that one disciple should
is the work of faith, and fruit of love j but sell him for money, and another disciple
to follow hiin afar off, was the effect of fear deny him through fear. 4. Consider the
and frailty. Woe unto us, when a temp- time when he denied him ; verily it was
tation comes, if we be far off from Christ's but a few hours after he had received the
presence and assistance. 2. His being in sacrament of the Lord's supper from Christ's
wicked company among Christ's enemies, own hand. How unreasonable then is
O Peter, thou hadst better have been a-coM their objection against coming to the Lord's
by thyself alone* than sitting by a fire en- table, because some that go to it dishonour
compassed with the blasphemies of the Christ as soon as they come from it ! Such
wicked : where thy conscience, though not examples must not discourage us from com-
seared, was yet made hard. The way to mg to the ordinance, but excite and in-
escape prevailing temptations to sin, is to crease our watchfulness after we have been
shun such places, and to avoid such compa- there, to take heed that the future conduct
nions, as in all probability will invite and of our lives be suited to the solemnity of a
draw us into sin. 3. Confidence of his sacramental table. 6. Consider the small-
own strength and standing was another oc- ness of his temptation to deny Christ ; a
cation of Peter's falling. Pride and pre- damsel only put the question to him, Art
sumptuous confidence have been ever the thou not one of hi* ditctptts t If a band
forerunners and occasions of a fall. O of armed soldiers had appeared to him, and
Lord ! to presume upon ourselves is the affrighted him, had he been terrified by the
ready way to provoke thee to leave us to high priest's threatening*, bound and led
ourselves : if ever we stand m the day of away to judgment, sentenced to an igno-
trial, it is the fear of falling must enable minious, painful death, some excuse might
us to stand. Not only they who go forth have been made for him: but to disown
in the strength of nature, but also they his relation to Christ at the question of a
who go forth in the strength of inherent maid-servant that kept the door only, toe
grace, may quickly fall from their own smallness of the temptation was an aggra-
stedfaataess. Observe, 3. The reiteration vation of the crime ! M Ah, Peter, bow un-
and repetition of his sin. He denies him like thyself art thou at this time ? Not a
a first, a second, and a third ,time. He rock, but a reed ; a pillar blown down by
denies him first with a lie, then with an a woman's breath f O frail humanity,
oath, and after all with an anathema and whose strength is weakness and infirmity !"
a curse. O how dangerous is it not to re- Observe here. That in most of the saints*
sist the first beginnings of sin f If we yield tails recorded in scripture, either the first
to one temptation, Satan will assault us enticers, or the accidental occasions, were
with more and stronger. Peter proceeded women. Thus in Adam's, Lot's, Samson's,
from a bare denial, first to perjury, then to David's, Solomon's, and Peter's. A weak
cursing and imprecation. Observe, 4. creature may be a strong tempter; nothing
The aggravating circumstances attending is too impotent or useless for the devil's
this sin of Peter, and they are these: 1. service. It was a great aggravation of
The character of the person thus falling : Peter's sin, that the voice of a maid, adoor-
a disciple, an apostle, a chief apostle, a keeper only, shook] be stronger to overcome
special favourite ; who, with James and him than his faith in Jesus to sustain him.
John, had the special honour to be with But what shall we say > Small things are
Christ upon mount Tabor} Peter, who had sufficient to cast us down, if God doth not
preached and prophesied in Christ's name* hold us up: we slnkr under any burden, if
east out devils, and wrought miracles by he sustain us not, and yield to every temp*
Christ's power, yet he denies him. 2. Con- tation, if he leave us to ourselves. Adam*
eider the person whom he denies : his sel shall then make a disciple shrink, and a
Master, his Saviour, and Redeemer; he door-keeper is enough to drive an apostle
that bad washed Peter's feet but a little be- before her. And immediately the cock
for* ; that eat the passover with Peter, and crew. And Peter remembered the words
gave the sacrament to Peter 5 yet this kind of Jesus, which said unto him, Before
and condescending Saviour was denied by the cock crow, thou shtsU deny me thrice.
Chap. XXVL ST. MATTHEW. 147
And ke went tut and wept bitterly. Here Peter. Christ Ant looks upon Peter with
we have an account of St. Peter's ruing and an eye of mercy, grace, and pity, before
recovery after ha shameful fall, by a renew- Peter looks upon his sin in order to repent-
ed act and exercise of repentance. Where ance. Here take notice of the greatness of
observe, The suddenness of his repentance, Christ's grace, of his wonderful love and
the means of his repentance, and the man- mercy to his poor disciple. When our Sa-
ner of it. Observe, 1. The suddenness of viour was upon his trial for his life, a time
his repentance : although his sin was great, when our thoughts are wholly taken up
yet his repentance was speedy and without about ourselves: even then did Christ find
delay. From whence note, That sins com- leisure to think upon Peter, remember to
mitted by the surprisal of a sudden tempta- turn about, and give him a pitiful but pierc-
tion, are much sooner repented of, than ing look} a look that melted bis heart, and
where the sin is presumptuous and ddibe* dissolved it into tears. We never begin to
rate. David's sin of murder and adultery lament for sin, till we are first lamented by
were presumptuous and deliberate sins j he our Saviour. Jesus looked upon Peter*
continued a long time in them, and lived That is the first more principal means of
almost a twelvemonth without any solemn Peter's repentance. The second is, Peter's
repentance of them. St. Peter's sin was remembering the words of Christ, Before
hairy and sudden, under a violent passion the cock crew twice thou shalt deny me
of sear, contrary to his settled purpose and thrice. This remembrance of Christ's words
resolution of constancy ; and he takes the was an applicative and feeling remembrance
warning of the second crowing of the cock, of them. He remembered the prediction
and goes forth to express his repentance, of Christ, and applies it sensibly to himself.
Observe, 2. The means of his repentance, Teaching us, That the efficacy of Christ's
which was twofold. Less principal, the word, in order to tbe bringing of a soul
crowing of the cook ; more principal, unto repentance, depends not upon the
Christ's looking upon Peter, and Peter's re- historical remembrance of it, but upon the
memberiDg the words of Christ 1. The close application of it to every man's con-
less principal means of St Peter's repent- science. A sanctified remembrance of
ance, was the crowing of the cock : as the Christ's words, and our own sins, is an ex-
voice of tbe maid occasioned him to sin, oeUent preparative to repentance. Observe
so the voice of (he cock occasioned him lastly, The manner of Peter's repentance :
to repent* That God who can work with- it was secret, he went out ; it was sincere,
oat means, doth sometimes work by weak he wevt bitterly ; it was lasting and abid-
nod contemptible means, and when he ing all the days of his life, and attended
pleases can open tbe month of a bird or with an extraordinary zeal and forwardness
beast tor the conversion of a man. But for the service of Christ to the end of his
why should our Saviour choose the crow- life. 1. It was secret, he went out ; Vere
ing of a cock as a mean to bring St Peter doiet, qui tine teste dolet. He sought a
to repentance ? There is ever some mystery place of retirement where he might mourn,
in Christ's instruments; tbe cock was a in secret; he cannot well be thought to
preacher to call Peter to repentance, there dissemble his grief, who chooses no other
being something of emblem between tbe witness but the omnipresent God. Soli-
cock and a preacher. A true minister tartness is most agreeable to an afflicted spi-
must nave tbe wings of a cock to rouse up rix ; and as St Peter's sorrow caused him
himself from security, and to awaken others to go forth, so might also his shame,
to a sense of their duty. He must have Christ looked upon Peter, but how ashamed
the watchfulness of a cock, to be ever ready must Peter be to look upon Christ, con-
to discover and forewarn danger. He must sidering that he so lately denied to have
have the voice of a cock, to cry aloud ever seen him! 2. His repentance was sin-
and teU Israel of their tin, and terrify cere, he wept bitterly t his grief was ex-
the roaring lion, and snake him tremble, traordinary, and his tears abundant There
In a word, he must observe tbe hours of is ever a weeping that follows sin ; sin
the cock, to crow at all seasons of the must cost the soul sorrow, either here or
night, to preach in season and out of in bell ; we must mourn awhile, or la-
senson the glad tidings of salvation. But, ment for ever. Doubtless with Peter's
2. Tbe more principal means of St Peter's tears there was joined hearty confession of
recovery, was, 1. Christ's looking upon sin to God, and smart reflections upon
* Up. fttyookta on fit. Pete* ml himself after this manner : " Lord, what
L 2
1« ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXVII.
have I done ? I thai did once acknowledge diligence in his service, and more con-
my Master to he Christ the Son of the cernedness for his honour and glory. This
living God, have since denied him with would be an happy improvement of this
oaths, curses, and imprecations. I that example. The Lord grant it may have
promised to lay down my life for his sake, that blessed effect. Amen.
have yet disowned and denied him at the
voice of a damsel. O what unfaithful- CHAP. XXVIL
?f^K 7^2^ jr1*. wret<iSdliea! WHEN the morning was come,
O that my head were waters, and mine TT t, ., • . * P . . »•
eyes a fountain of tears, that I might aI1 *** chief Pnests and eK
weep all my days for the fault of this one ders of the P*°ple took counsel
Bight!" Blessed indeed are the tears of against Jesus to put him to death,
a converted, revolter, and happy is the 2 And when they had bound him,
very misery of a mournful offender. 3. they led him away, and delivered
This holy mans i^entance was lasting him to pontius Pilate the governor,
and abiding; he had a lively sense and
remembrance of this sin upon his soul all The foregoing chapter gives us an ac-
hia life. Ecclesiastical history reports, count of Judas his treason, in delivering
that ever after, when St Peter heard the our Saviour into the hands of the chief
crowing of a cock, he fell upon his knees priests. In this chapter we find our holy
and mourned ; others say, that he was Lord brought by the chief priests unto
wont to rise at midnight, and spend the Pontius Pilate the Roman governor, ta
time in penitent devotion between cock- order to his arraignment and coademna-
crowing and day-light. And the Papists, tion. Whence observe, That it has been
who love to turn every thing into super- the old policy of corrupt church-gover*
stition, began that practice of setting a cock nors to abuse the power of the civil ma*
upon the top of lowers, and steeples, and gistrate, in executing their cruel and un«
chimneys, to put the people in mind of this just censures upon holy and innocent per-
sin of Peter, and his repentance, by that sons. The chief priests and elders do not
signal. Lastly, St. Peter's repentance was kill our Saviour themselves, but they de-
attended with an extraordinary zeal and liver him over to the secular power, and
forwardness for the service of Christ to the desire Pilate, the civil magistrate, to sen-
end of his life. He had an earnest love tence and condemn him ; which soon
towards Christ, Thou that knowest all after we shall find he did. They bound
things, knowest that I love thee : and him, and led him away : but what need
as an evidence of it, he fed Christ's sheep : was there of binding him, that never made
for in the Acts of the Apostles, we read any resistance ? And O, what ingratitude
of his extraordinary diligence to spread was it to bind him with cords, who came
the gospel, and his travels in order there- to unloose those bands of sin wherewith
unto are computed to be nine hundred we were bound,
and fifty miles : and the wisdom of God «*«« ». t* ^ i_ j u *
thought fit that this apostle should preach *, Then *udaf » wbicb ?ad betray-
the gospel to the Jews, as St. Paul did cd him> whcn hc ww tha* «e w*s
to the Gentiles; that as he had joined condemned, repented himself, and
with the Jews in denying and disowning brought again the thirty pieces of
Christ, so be should endeavour to persuade silver to the chief priests and cl-
J^.to^yit|^.inj^ntoce,ashe ders 4 Saying, I have sinned
had joined vfxi^^m^xxu 1^ , th t , h ' 6betraycd the inoo_
was in some respect like theirs, therefore . \\ "mil\ ~ T\CJ -j wi.^
he is sent to preach the gospel to them, ?ent, blood- And theJ sald' What
and his diligence therein is an undoubted u ih** to us ? see thou to that.
proof and evidence of his repentance. Have & And he cast down the pieces
any of us fallen with Peter, though not of silver in the temple, and de-
with a formal abjuring, yet by a prac- parted, and went and hanged him-
heal denying, of him, let us go forth and ^{f;
weep with him; let us be more vigilant
and watchful over ourselves for the time Here we have a sad relation of Judas's
to come ; let us express more extraordi- desperate death, after an hypocritical life,
nary love unto and zeal for Christ, more as also of the horror of his mind and con-
Chap. XXVII. ST. MATTHEW. 140
science before his death. Observe here, shall be destroyed. How jolly soever sin-
1. The time when Judas repented; after ners are together, when m the height of their
it was too late. When he saw that he vas lusts ; they are but miserable comforters to
condemned, he repented. Learn thence, one another upon a sick bed, or under the
That they that will not see their sins timely lashes of an awakened conscience. But
to their conversion, shall see them sooner though they may avoid each other now,
or later to their confusion. Observe, 2. there is a time coming when it will be im-
The repentance itself, in the several parts possible ; at the great day the sinner
and branches of it : he was sorrowful for shall see both his companions in sin, and
the feet, he made confession of his sin, his sins themselves, to be what he would
and made restitution for the wrong done, never believe them here, the vilest of roon-
Jle repented, saying, 1 have sinned ; and sters. Observe, 4. The sad and fatal end
east down the thirty pieces of silver, of Judas j he went forth and hanged him-
Learn thence, That a wicked man, when self. Horror and despair took hold upon
conscience is thoroughly awakened, may him, and seized his conscience ; which was
make confession of his sin, express some so intolerable, that he ran to the halter for
sorrow for it, and endeavour also the a remedy. Learn hence, 1, That con-
making of some satisfaction and restitu- science is a powerful though invisible exe-
tion for the wrong and injury done by it cutioner j the wrath of man may be en-
They that mourn for sin as sin j they that dured, but the wrath of God is insupporta-
mourn more for the intrinsic evil that is in ble, and the eruptions of conscience are ir-
sin, than for the penal and consequential resistible. O now intolerable are those
evils that follow sin ; they that confess sin scourges that lash us in this tender and vital
voluntarily and freely, particularly, peni- part ! Judas awakened with the honor of
tently, befievingly, with an eye of sorrow his fact, conscience begins to rouse, and
upon their sin, and an eye of faith fixed the man is unable to bear up under the fu-
upon their Saviour ; they that make resti- rious revenge of his own mind. There is
tuoon as an act of obedience to the com- an active principle in men's breasts and bo-
inand of God, and as an act of justice and soms, which seldom suffers daring sinners
righteousness to their neighbour j such per- to pass in quiet to their graves. Guilt is
sons* repentance shall find acceptance with naturally troublesome and uneasy ; it dis-
God. Observe, 3. The answer and reply turbs the peace and serenity of the mind,
which the wicked high priests and elders and fills the soul with storms and thunder,
make to despairing Judas. 1. They ex- both in life and death. How vainly did
cuse themselves, What is that to us ? It Judas hope to take sanctuary in a grave,
is natural to all sinners to shift sin from and to meet with that ease in another world
themselves, and to lay it at any door which he could not find in this! Thus
rather than their own. Those that have ended this miserable man, Judas. Be-
had a share in the pleasure and profit of hold ! ye professors of religion, the terrible
sin, are yet very desirous to throw the example of God's justice on a deceitful hy-
odium and guilt of it upon others. What pocrite. Behold ! a disciple, an apostle,
is that to us? say these monsters in sin. first a traitor, and then a self-murderer.
O wonderful stupidity ! could they think Behold ! all ye covetous worldlings, to
it nothing to them to hire a man to betray what the love of that accursed idol has
innocent blood? Was not the money brought this wretched apostle. Behold!
given the price of blood, and the field they Judas, once shining in the robes of a glo-
bought called the field of blood ? yet do nous profession, now shining in the flames
they impudently say, What is that to us ? of God's eternal wrath and vengeance.
2. As they excuse and acquit themselves, Lord! how earnest ought we to be for thy
K> they load and burden him : Look thou preserving grace, when neither the presence,
to that. Lord 1 what miserable comfor- the miracles, the sermons, the sacraments
ters are companions in sin to one another, of Christ, could preserve and secure a pro-
when distress and sorrow comes upon them ! fessor, a d isciple, and apostle, from the fatal
When sin comes to be questioned in order to mischief of a ruinous apostasy ! Let him
its bekig punished, every sinner is for shifting that standeth take heed lest he fall,
for himself, and leaves his fellow in the lurch. .
Let us then remember the words of the Holy 6 An« tne c",ef Pr,e*ts took the
-Ghost, He that waJketh with wise men silver pieces, and said, It is not
shall be wise, but a companion of fools lawful for to put them into the
150 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXVfL
treasury, because it is the price of much that the governor marvelled
blood. 7 And they took counsel, greatly.
and bought with them the potter's Observe here, 1. That our Saviour
field, to burv strangers in. 8 readily answers Pilate, but refuses to an-
Wherefore that field was called, The «w ^ chief priets before Mate. Pilate
a i j r 1 1 a —*~ *u;„ j-„ o asks him, Art thou the King of the
field of ^>^ this day. 0 /w. Je^ readily answers, !Z%f«i4^
Then was fulfilled that which was or> it fe as thou sayest But to afl the
spoken by Jeremy the prophet, say- accusations of the chief priests, and to all
ing, And they took the thirty pieces that they laid to his charge before Pilate,
of silver, the price of him that was our Saviour answers never a word : pro-
valued, whom thev of the children hably for these reasons j because his inno-
of Israel did value; 10 And gave «ncy wa» «* M needed no apology;
tZ for -^ JT*'* *■"•" ** tKJ5*2^SthJSB
liOrH appointed me. ^ confutation . to show his contempt of
Observe here, 1. The niceness and scru- ***&> and j° *»ch m bY te own esample
pulosity of these hypocrites : they made no patience and silence, when for his sake
scruple to give money to shed blood, but *e «* J****** a?d traduced, ^eam
they scruple the putting that money into *heaoe» Thai although we are not obliged
the treasury whichwas the price of blood. to answer every captious and ensnaring
They are afraid to defile their treasury, question, nor to refute every slander and
but are not afraid to pollute their souls. ™ accusation, vet we are bound faith-
Thus hypocrites strain at a gnat, and fully to own and confess the truth, when
swallow a camel i scruple a ceremony, but ™* ,m solemnly called thereunto. Our
make no conscience of murder and perjury. Saviour, as a deaf man, hears not, answers
they bought with it a field to bury strangers - _,
in. ThusChrist, who was himself a Stranger ™<h< the Son cf the Blessed t Jesus said.
in a borrowed grave, by the price of his J amlt ^^ knew that answer would
blood (being thirty pieces of sUver) con- cost him his life. Hence the aposrJe, 1
ferred graves on raanT strangers. Ob- Tun. vi. 13. says. That Christ before
serve lastly, How the wisdom of God Pontius PiUte witnessed a good con fes-
ordered it, that hereby a scripture-prophecy "««• Teaching us, sometimes to hold
midit be fulfilled, Zech. xi. 1& They our peace when our reputation u con-
weighed for my price thirty pieces of J*™*1 i £* never to be silent when the
*Uo%r, and I took and cast them unto the honour of God, the glory of his truth, the
potter. Whence learn, That all the in- edification and confirmation of omers, may
dignities and abasing sufferings which the effectually be promoted by our open con-
Lord Jesus underwent, were not only fore- fe^l°n • then must we with Christ give a
ordained by God, but also foretold by the d,rect, plain, and Bmcere answer. For
holy prophets-, his being scourged, buf- whoever denies htm r, or any truth of his,
feted, spit upon, and here his being sold knowingly and wilfully, hm will Chrut
for thirty pieces of silver. *»* «» /*? presence of his Father, and
before all his holy angels.
11 And Jesus stood before the 15 Now at that feast the govei*
governor : and the governor asked nor was wont to release unto the
him, saying, Art thou the king of people a prisoner, whom they would.
the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, 16 And they had then a notable
Thou sayest. 12 And when he was prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 There-
accused of the chief priests and fore, when they were gathered toge-
eldere, he answered nothing. 13 ther, Pilate said unto them, Whom
Then saith Pilate unto him, Hearest will ye that I release unto you } Ba~
thou not how many things they wit- rabbas, or Jesus which is called
ness against thee ? 14 And he Christ ? 18 For he knew that for
answered him to never a word ; inso- envy they had delivered him.
Chap. XXVII. ST. MATTHEW. 151
Now at the feast, that is, at the feast ja observably thai at our Saviour's trial
of thepassover, which by way of eminence not one mouth was opened to plead or
is called the feast, the governor used to speak a word for him, in defence of in-
release a prisoner} (possibly by way of nooency itself, but only Pilate's and his
memorial of their deliverance out of wife's ; they both pronounced him right-
Egypt ;) accordingly Pilate makes a mo- eous, though they were Gentiles and
lion to them, mat Christ may be the pagans, whilst hi own kindred and
prisoner set at liberty in honour at their countrymen, the Jews, thirst after his
vast ; for he was sensible that what they righteous and innocent blood,
did was out of envy and malice. As mA n A A, . . - . A . , .
covetoumess sold Christ, so envy delivered *° ™V * ??*?* , eI .
him. Envy is a killing and murderous persuaded the multitude that they
passion : Envy slayeth the silly one, Job should ask Barabbas, and destroy
v. 2. That is, It slays the silly person who Jesus. 21 The governor answered
harbours this pestilent lust in his bosom, and said unto them. Whether of
and is like a fire in bis bones continually the twain will ye that I release unto
preying upon him, caminghim to pine „ou ? The 8aid Barabbas. 22
n^« T^^SS ~ ^V° ""iW IS
prosperity, » an argument of the worst * do thea Wlth Jesug» whlC0 w cM*&
simplicity; yea, farther, as envy slayeth Christ? They h\\ say uuto him,
the silly one, so it prompts and provokes Let him be crucified. 23 And the
the ssnner to seek the slaying of simple and governor said, Why ? what evil hath
innocent ones. Envy wishes the envied he done ? But they cried out the
person out of the< way, yea, out of the • u% h5m ^ crucificd
world; and, n need be, will not only wish ~
iU but knd a lift towards it too ; witness Observe here, 1. How exceedingly
the chief priests here, whose envy was so unwilling and averse Pilate was to be the
conspicuous, that Pilate himself *&<* no- instrument of our Saviour's death; one
tice of it, and says, He knew that for envy *hile he b*k the Jews take him themselves,
they had (tethered him. and judge him according to their law;
io w,^ k- ~,o- .«* ,!,«-« ™ «i.A wother while he offers to save Christ in
19 When he was set down on the honour of ^ iea$tt when by CU8lom ^
judgment-seat, his wife sent unto ^^ t0 release a prisoner, and this prisoner
him, saying, Have thou nothing to he desired might be Jesus. When this
do with that just man ; for I have would not satisfy, he expostulates with
suffered many things this day in a them about our Saviour's innocency, What
dream because of him. CTtf A<w *• <fr,le' Nav» St Lu*e mJ+
chap, xxiii. That Pilate came forth three
There are several sorts or kinds of dreams, times, and professed that he found no
natural, moral, diabolical, and divine, fault in him. Yet though Pilate was
The question is what kind of dream was satisfied, the Jews would not be denied.
this ? Not natural, all agree ; some think Thence leam, That wicked men and hy-
it was diabolical, and that Satan hoped pocrites, within the visible church, may be
thereby to prevent the work of man's .guilty of such tremendous acts of wicked-
rederoption by the death of Christ. But ness, as the conscience of infidels and pa-
if so, why had not Pilate the dream rather gans without the church may boggle at,
than his wife? Probably this was from and protest against Pilate, a pagan,
God, for even our very dreams are ordered absolves Christ, whilst hypocritical Jews,
by God ; our sleeping as well as our which had heard his doctrine, and seen
waking times are in God's hand. Jjearo his miracles, condemn him. But observe,
hence, How wonderfully the wisdom and 2. Who influenced the main body of the
power of God is seen in this woman's Jews to desire Barabbas, and to destroy
testimony, which she gave to the innocence Jesus. It was the chief priests and ciders,
of our Saviour. When all his disciples they persuaded the multitude. Woe to
were fled from him, when none of his the people when their guides and leaders
friends durst speak a word for him, God are corrupt ; for then they shall be tempted
raises up a woman, a stranger, a pagan, to by wicked counsel ; and woe unto them,
give evidence of hi innocency. And it much more, if they follow their wicked
152 ST. MATTHEW. Chap.XXVCF.
and pernicious counsels. Thus did the selves or others. Woe to such as
Jews follow their guides the chief priests, damnation to themselves, pox and plague
till they had preserved Barabbas and upon others. How if God say Amen,
destroyed Jesus. and ratifies in heaven thy cursed impre-
_ ._ , . . cations made on earth, as he did this of
24 When Pilate saw that he could ^ wicked JeW8 . His ^hod be an us and
prevail nothing, but that rather a 0n our children ! Yet what they with a
tumult was made, he took water, wicked mind put up as a direful impreca-
and washed hi* hands before the tion, we may with a pious mind offer up to
multitude, saying, I am innocent of God as an humble petition , ; Lord, let thy
the Wood of'thi! just person : see ^^- "JJ* itl/ft
ye to if. jjg UDOn w, and upon our posterity after
Two things are here observable in Pi- us, for evermore,
late's washing of his hancU. 1. By this 26 Then rcieased he Barabbas
action he g^™^0™^™^ ™£ unto them: and when he had
hTown?thaThe did art consent* to°our Sa- «m,»fJ Jcsus' he delivercd **» *°
viour's death ; washing the hands being a "* crucified.
usual ceremony in protestation of a person's As the death of the cross was a Ro-
innooency. But, 2. It was great folly and man punishment, so it was the manner of
•madness in Pilate, to think that washing of the Romans first to scourge and whip their
his hands did or could free him from the malefactors, and then deliver them to be
guilt of innocent blood. " O Pilate ! thou crucified. Now the manner of the Romans*
nadst need rub hard if thou meanest to scourging is said to be thus : they stripped
scour from thy soul the guilt of that crim- the condemned person, and bound him to a
son sin which thou hast committed ; thy post ; two strong men first scourged him
Tguilt cleaves so close unto thee, that nothing with rods of thorns; then two others
can expiate it but the blood which thou scourged him with whips of cords full of
hast spilt." Neither was it any excuse of knots : and, lastly, two more with whips
Pilate's sin, that what he did was to please of wire, and therewith tore off the very
the people, andto gratify their importunity, flesh and skin from the persons back and
It is a fond apology for sins, when persons sides. That our Saviour was thus cruelly
pretend they were not committed with scourged, seems to some not improbable
their own consent, but at others1 instiga- from that of the psalmist, Psal. exxix. 3.
tion and importunity. The ploughert ploughed upon my Sack,
^ —, i it .i and made long furrows. Which, if spokea
25 Then answered all the peo- prophetically of Christ, was literally fiuV
pic, and said, His blood be on us, ^\\^ in me day of his scourging. But
«nd on our children. why was the precious body of our precious
That is, " Let the guilt and punishment Lord thus galled and torn with scourgings >
of his blood rest upon us and our posterity." Doubtless to fulfil that prophecy ; I gave
A most horrid and impious imprecation ! ™y hack to the smiters, and my cheeks to
The dreadful effects of it began to come tfem that plucked of the hair.— That 6y
•upon them forty years after in the destruc- nis stripes we might he healed And to
Hon of Jerusalem, and has rested and re- learn us patience from his example; Why
mained upon their posterity to this day, should we think it strange to be scourged
near seventeen hundred years ; the Jews ei*er with the tongue or the hand, or with
being vagabonds over the earth, abhorred both, when we see our dear Redeemer
by all nations wheresoever they come, bleeding by stripes and scourges before our
The just God has heard their wicked wish, «yes ?
and caused that blood to fall upon them in so 27 Th en the soldiers of th e go-
severe, though righteous, a manner, as jmust vernor took Jesus into the common
'^^i i wit MU and gathered unto him the
serve it. God has given them blood to t \ . P *■ »■• «« * j
drink, as indeed they were worthy. This whole band o/ wWier«. 28 And
ought to be a terror and a warning to all they Gripped him, and put on htm
persons, that they avoid all cursed impre- a. scarlet robe. 29 And when they
cations, and wicked wishes, upon thorn- had platted a crown of thorns, they
Chap. XXVIT. ST. MATTHEW. 15*
put it upon his head, and a reed in lots ; that it might be fulfilled
his right hand : and they bowed the which was spoken by the prophet,
knee before him, and mocked him, They parted my garments among
saving, Hail, King of the Jews ! 30 them, and upon my vesture did they
And they spit upon him, and took cast lots. 36 And sitting down,
the reed, and smote him on the head, they watched him there ;
31 And after that they had mocked The sentence of death being passed by
him, they took the robe off from Pilate, who can with dry eves behold
him, and put his own raiment on the sad pomp of our Saviour's bloody ex-
him, and led him away to crucify ecution ? Forth comes the blessed Jesus
fcm out of Pilate's gates bearing that cross
which was soon after to bear him. With
The next part of our Lord's sufferings his cross on his shoulder he marches to-
consisted of cruel mocking*. Our blessed wards Golgotha ; and when they see he
Saviour had said that he was the King of can go no faster, they force Simon the
the Jews; not a temporal king to reign Cyrenoan, not out of compassion, but from
over them with pomp and power, but a indignation, to be the porter of his cross,
spiritual King, to rule in the hearts of his This Cyrenian being a Gentile, not a Jew;
people : but the Jews, missing of their ex- who bare our Saviour's cross, might sig-
pectaUon of a temporal king in Christ, look mfy and show, that the Gentiles should
upon him as an impostor ; and accordingly have a part in Christ, and be sharers with
they treat him as a mock king, putting a the Jews in the benefits of his cross. At
crown upon his head, but a very ignomi- length Christ comes to the place of
nious and painful one, a crown of thorns ; execution, Golgotha, or mount Calvary,
a sceptre in his hand, but it was of a reed. Here in a public place, with infamous
and a rode of purple or scarlet, both company, betwixt two thieves, he is cru-
which were used by princes, and boved cified ; that is, fastened to a great cross of
the knee before him, as they were wont to wood, his hands stretched forth abroad,
do to princes. Thus all the marks of scorn and his feet close together, and both hands
imaginable are put upon our blessed Re- and feet fastened with nails ; his naked
deeraer : yet that which they did in jest body was lifted up in the open air, hanging
God did in earnest-, for all these things betwixt heaven and earth; thereby inti-
were ensigns and marks of sovereignty ; mating, that the crucified person was unfit
and Almighty God caused the regal dignity to live in either. This shameful, painful,
of his Son to appear and shine forth, even and accursed death, did the holy and in-
in toe midst of his greatest abasement nocent Jesus undergo for sinners. Some
Whence was all this jeering and sport, but observe all the dimensions of length, breadth,
to flout majesty? And why did Christ depth, and height, in our Saviour's suf-
tmdergo all this ignominy, disgrace, and ferings : for length, his passion was several
shame, but to show us what was due unto hours long, from twelve to three, exposed
us for our sins, and to give us an example all that time both to hunger and cold ; the
to bear all the scorn, reproach, and shame thieves crucified with him were not dead
imaginable, for his sake : Who, for the so soon ; they endured but personal pain,
joy that was set before him, endured the he undergoing the miseries or all mankind.
<rosi, and despised the shame. But what his passion wanted in length, it
' oa a -i — «i -« «*A ™* *k«« had it in breadth, extending over all the
32 And as they came out, they and ^of ^ ^f and ^ no
found a man of Cyrene, Simon by ^ free rbut his tongue) which was at
name : him they compelled to bear fiberty to pray for his enemies. His sight
his cross. 33 And when they were was tormented with the scornful gestures
come unto a place called Golgotha, of such as passed by, wagging their heads :
that is to sav, A place of a scull, his hearing grieved with the taunts and
34 They gave him vinegar to drink J?« ^J*** !?d P?*1*5 hB 8m^
^:« i J -*u ~n „.wi «,•,«„ u* line offended with the noisome savours in
mingled with gall I: and when he th&place of Skull his ^ with the
had tasted thereof, he would not rfi and vinegar given him to drink. His
drink. 35 And they crucified him, fedfag was wonderfully affected by the
&nd parted his garments, casting nails which pierced his hands and feet,
164 ST. MATTHEW; Chap. XXVII.
and the crown of thorns which pierced his of Israel, let htm now come down
tender temples with a multiplicity of from the cross, and we will believe
wounds. And for the depth of his passion, him# 43 Hc trusted in God: let
it was as deep as hell itself } enduring Mm ^ him if QC wiU have
tortures in his soul, as well as torments m , . - , . . / .» « -
his body 5 groaning under the burden of J™.'- ** h?P J5*!'.1 m *e So" °'
desertion, and crying out, My Qod, ^A. 44 The thieves also which
say God, why hast thou forsaken me ? were crucified with him, cast the
Lastly, for the height of his sufferings, same in his teeth.
they were as high as heaven j his person
being innocent and infinite, no less than Here we have several aggravations of our
the Son of God, which adds an infinite Lord's sufferings upon the cross. 1. From
worth and value to his sufferings. Lord, the company he suffered with, two
let us be able to comprehend with all saints thieves, it had been disparagement enough
•what is the breadth and length, depth to our blessed Saviour to have been sorted
and height, and let us know the love of with the best of men \ but to be number-
Christ, which in suffering for us passeth ed with the scum of mankind, b such an
knowledge. So infinite every way were indignity as confounds our thoughts. This
the dimensions of it was intended by the Jews to dishonour bun
37 And set up over his head his to^^**"™**** wo,¥ ***J
accusation written, THIS IS JESUS "**• f^L°L°^^,i *££&
tup vivp nr tup tpwq overruled this mat the scripture might be
THE KING OF THE JEWS. fulfilled, He was numbered with the trans-
It was the manner of the Romans, when pressors. 2. Another aggravation of our
they crucified any man, to publish the Yard's sufferings on the cross, was, the
cause of his death in capital letters placed ^n ^d mocking derision which he met
over the head of the person. Now see how witn in nif <jy m~ moments from the com-
the wisdom and providence of God pow- ^^ people, from the chief priests, and
erfully overruled the heart and pen of Pi- fe,m foe thieves that suffered with him.
late to draw this title, which was truly ho- The common people both in words and
nourable, and fix it to his cross : Pilate actions expressed scorn and detestation
is Christ's herald, and proclaims him, King ^^t hun. They reviled him, wagging
of the Jews. Learn hence, That the regal /&.,> heads. The chief priests, though
dignity of Christ was proclaimed by an men of age and gravity, not only barba-
enemy, and that in a time of his greatest jousty moct htm in his extreme* misery,
sufferings and reproaches. Pilate did whom humanity obliged them to pity;
Christ a special honour, and an eminent but they scoff atheetically and pro&nely,
piece of service. He did that for Christ jeering at hk faith and affiance in God,
which none of his own disciples durst do : tauntingly saying, He trusted in Qod thai
but he did it not designedly for his glory, he would deliver him ; let him deliver
but from the speasl overruling power of him now, if he will have him. Where
Divine Providence: but the highest services observe, That persecutors are generally
performed to Christ undesignedly, shall n* atheists, though they make a profession of
ver be accepted nor rewarded by God. religion. The chief priests and elders
38 Then were there two thieves here, though learned and knowing men,
crucified with him ; one on the right vet ™«y waspheme God, mock at hh
hand, and another on the left. 30 P°wer» «? <**"<*? *» &»***** !!hich
wagging their heads, 40 And say- ter to God m holy things by way of
ing, Thou that destroyest the temple, office, if they be not the best, they arc
and buildest it in three days, save the worst of men. No such bitter enemies
thyself. If thou be the Son of God, to the power of godliness, as the ministers
come down from the cross. 41 Like- of religion who were never acquainted
wise also the chief priests mocking Wlth the efficacy and power of it in their
him, with the scribes and elders, S^tSi*!
. , ._ TI , .. . . A Bide neli d worse man a wicked priest, a
said, 42 He saved others, himself minWer of God devoted to the service of
be cannot save. If he be the King the devil. A thkd aggravation of our Lord*
Chap. XXVIL ST. MATTHEW. 16*
jyffai^ on the croii,wa», that the thieves not, but still retained a firm persuasion
that so&red with him reviled him with of God's love unto him, and experienced
the rest ; that is, one of them as St. Luke necessary supports from him. My God,
has it, or perhaps both of them, might do my God; these are words of faith and af-
it at first. Which if so, increases the fiance, striving under temptation. Christ
wonder of the penitent thief s conversion, was thus forsaken for us, that we might
From die thief s impenitency we learn, never be forsaken of God ; yet by God's
That neither shame nor pain will change forsaking of Christ, is not to be under*
the mind of a resolute sinner, bat even then stood any abatement of divine love, but only
when he is in the very suburbs of bell, will a withdrawing from the human nature the
be blaspheme. sense of his love, and a lettiog out upon his
46 Now, from the sixth hour there "* a **P ■*£""!« «** «"■ d j V1"***
11 11 .■ * . 4 against sin. There is a total and eternal
was darkness over all the land unto J^^ b which q^ ulterl foraakfi8 a
die ninth hour. 46 And about the n^, both of his grace and glory, being
ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud wholly cast out of God's presence, and ad-
voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lamasabach- judged to eternal torments; this was not
thani t that is to say, My God, my compatible to Christ, nor agreeable to the
God, *hy hast thon forsaken me? dignity of his peron. But t^ » a partial
47 Some of them that stood there, ft* temporary o^ion, when God for a
l *L u j ml \ -j til- httle moment hides his face from his chil-
when thev heard that, said, This dren . now thb was ^ ble to lhe
man calleth for Elias. 48 And dignity of Christ's nature, and also suitable
straightway one of them ran, and to his office, who was to satisfy the justice of
took a sponge, and filled it with God for our forsaking of him, and to bring
vinegar, and put ft on a reed, and us near to him, that we might be received
gave him to drink. 49 The rest forever- £}**™ ^/'^^a* * miraculous
said, Let be, let us seewhether EHaa ^c«Christ gave of h« dimity ^ntly
.„ ' ' « . .~ • before he gave up the ghost He cried
will come to save him. 50 Jesus wM a l9£ voi£ ^ showed thftt ^
when he had cried again with a loud did not die according to the ordinary course
voice, yielded up the ghost of nature, gradually departing and drawing
Observe here, 1. How the rays of Christ's on, as we express it. No, his life was whole
divinity, and the glory of his Godhead, in him, and nature as strong at last as at first
break out and shine forth in the midst of Other men die gradually, and towards their
that infirmity which his human nature la- end their sense of pain is much blunted ;
boused under. He shows himself to be the they faulter, fumble, and die by degrees ; but
God of nature, by altering the course of Christ stood under the pains of death in his
nature. The sun is eclipsed, and darkness full strength ; his life was whole in him.
overspreads the earth for three hours ; This was evident by the mighty outcry he
namely, from twelve o'clock to three. Thus made when he gave up the ghost, contrary
the sun in the firmament becomes close to the sense and experience of all other per*
mourner at our Lord's death, and the whole sons; this argued him to be full of strength,
frame of nature puts itself into a funeralhabit. And he that could cry with such a loud
Observe, 2. That the chief of Christ's suf- voice fin articulo mortis) as he did, could
ferine* consisted in the sufferings of his soul •, have kept himself from dying if he would,
the distress of his spirit was more intolerable Hence we learn, That when Christ died, he
than the torments of bis body, as appears by rather conquered death, than was conquered
ha mournful complaint, My God9 my God, by death. He must voluntarily and freely
why hast thou forsaken me* being the lay down his life, before death could come
first words of the 22d Psalm ; and some at him. He yielded up the ghost, O
conceive that he repeated that whole psalm, wonderful sight ? the Lord of life hangs dead,
it being an admirable narrative of the dolours dead on the accursed tree. O severe and
of his passion. Learn thence, That the inexorable justice in God ! O amazing and
Lord Jesus Christ, when suffering for our astonishing love in Christ ! love beyond
sms, was really deserted for a time, and left expression, beyond conception, beyond all
destitute of all sensible consolation. Why comprehension ; with what comparison shall
hast thou forsaken me t Learn farther, we compare it ! Verily with nothing but
that under this desertion Christ despaired itself ; never was love like thine.
106 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXVIT.
. 51 And, behold, the vail of the and hath not closed the vail. after him, but
temple was rent in twain from the rent itasunder, and made and left a passage
top to the bottom ; and the earth did for ■" "»*» to follow him, first in tteir
ftiiftltP and thp rocks rent • fi2 And Y****** and neXt m lbeir P"8008- $**
quake, ana the rocks rent , &2 Ana £eb x 19> 20> Having therefore boldness
the graves were opened ; and many to ^ter inf the holiest by the blood of
bodies of the saints which slept Jesus, by a new and living way, which he
arose, 53 And came out of the hath consecrated for us through the vail,
graves after his resurrection, and that is to say, hisjiesh ; let us draw near
went into the holy city, and appeared »«'* « t™ heart* *c- Observe, 2. The
unto many. 54 Now when the cen- earth quaked. As there was an universal
*..-:,*„ ««^i ♦!»-.., »u* w*~ 'tu l- eclipse, so likewise an universal earthquake,
tunon, and they that were with him tf fifo^ crucifixioD> WBich didawaken
watching Jesus, saw the earthquake. many of the ^nts (that died before our
and those things that were done, they Saviour's incarnation) out of their dead
feared greatly, saying, Truly this sleep. These arose both as witnesses of
was the Son of God. 55 And many Christ's resurrection, and also as sharers in
women were there, beholding afar >*• But none of them arose till Christ was
off, which followed Jesus from Gali- 'f0; ^e being the First fruits of them that
i«« ™:„:„^..:„~ „«♦«. uim . *ut 9lept. And those holv persons that arose
lee, ministering unto him ; 56 wim him, p^ibjy a^JS him t0 heaven
Among which was Mary Magdalene, at his ^^n. From hence we learn,
and Mary the mother of James and That Christ was the Saviour of those who
Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's believed in him before his incarnation, at
child ren. well as of those that believed in him since his
incarnation ; and that the former are par*
Here we have an account of several extra- takers of the fruit and benefit of his death
ordinary and wonderful things which oc- and resurrection, no less than the latter,
curred and fell out about the time that our Others conjecture, that those who rose out
Saviour died. 1. The vail of the temple of their graves, were such as believed in
rent asunder. That is, the hanging which Christ, and died before him, as old Simeon,
parted the holy from the most holy place, &c. Accordingly they understand St John
to hide the mysteries therein, namely, the v. &5. The hour is coming, and now is,
ark of the covenant and mercy-seat, from that the dead shall hear the voice of the
the view of the ordinary priests. This vail Son of man, of this resurrection here men-
was now rent from the top to the bottom, tioned. And whereas it is said they vent
and the rending of it did import these great into the holy city, and appeared to many ;
mysteries: 1. That now our great High- it is probable they were known to them
Priest was entering into the most holy place unto whom thev did appear j and if so, they
with his own blood, having made the atone- must have lived in the time of their know,
ment for us: Heb. ix. 12. By his own ledge. Observe next, What influence and
blood he entered once into the most holy effect the sight of those prodigious things
place, having obtained eternal redemption had upon the centurion and the soldiers ; it
for us* 2. That the means whereby he convinced them, that verity this was the
entered into the most holy place, was by Son of God. Here, we see the heathen
the rending of his humanity, his soul from soldiers are sooner convinced of the divinity
his body, typified by rending of this vail; of Christ, than the unbelieving Jewish doc-
accordingly his body is called a vail, Heb. tors. Obstinacy and unbelief filled their
x. 20. Consecrated through the vail of minds witfo an invincible prejudice against
hisjiesh. 3. That now by the death of Christ ; so that neither the miracles done by
Christ all those dark mysteries vailed up him in his life, nor wrought at his death,
formerly in the most holy place, as the ark could convince the high priests, that Christ
of the covenant and mercy-seat, are now was auy other than an impostor and deceiver,
unfolded and laid open, and the use of the Observe lastly. Who of Christ's friends were
whole ceremonial law at an end, and the witnesses of his death : They are women*
Jewish temple-service ceased. 4. That now who followed him from Galilee, and
the kingdom of heaven, the most holy place, ministered unto him ; not one of his dear
is open to all believers. Christ, our great disciples, except St. John, who stood by
High Priest, is entered in with his own blood, the cross with the Virgin Mary. What a
Chap. XXVII. ST. MATTHEW. 15»
shame was this for the apostles to be absent with the wicked, and with the rich, in his
from a spectacle upon which the salvation death. (2.) They were good men, as well
of the whole world did depend ; and what as rich men ; disciples, though secretly,
an honour was this to the female sex in for fear of the Jews. Grace doth not
genera!, and to these women in particular, always make a public and open show
that they had the courage to follow Christ where it is. As there is much secret riches
to the cross, when all the disciples forsook in the bowels of the earth which no eye
him and fled ; God can make women glo- ever saw, so there may be grace in the
rious professors of bis truth, and arm them heart of a christian, which the world takes
against the fears of sufferings, contrary to no notice of. We never heard any newa
the natural tiinorousness of their tempers, of Joseph of Arimathea till now ; yet was
These women wait upon Christ's cross, when he eminently rich, wise, and good: a,
apostles fly, and durst not come near it. worthy, though a close disciple. Much
57 When the even was come, there P"°? ""L^™^ T' k, E^. iT?
. . * * • *i_ gracious persons cannot put forward and
came a rich man of Arimathea, nam- 2^^ themselves like others, and yet
ed Joseph, who also himself was Je- «,<& weak christians perhaps, when a trial
sua* disciple : 58 He went to Pilate, comes, shall stand their ground, when
and begged the body of Jesus. Then stronger run away. — We read of none of
Pilate commanded the body to be the apostles at Christ's funeral; fear had
delivered. 6U And when Joseph chase? ; them awav» *™&. ^ [P™*59**
had taken the hodv ho wranned it a read"Mss to die with Christ : but Joseph
nad taften tne Dotty, ne wr apped it and Nicodemu8 appear ^^ for ^
in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid j^ it ^ a caution to strong christians,
it n his own new tomb, which he had neither to glory in themselves, nor to glory
hewn out in the rock : and he rolled over the weak. If God desert the strong,
a great stone to the door of the se- and assist the weak, the feeble thai/ be at
pulchre, and departed. 61 And David and the strong at tow. Observe,
there was Mary Magdalene, and the 3- Tte mourners mat followed the hearse;
other Mary, sitting over against the — j£ ™**^*~£
sepuicHre. Maries: a very poor train of mourners.
Here we have an account given of our a few sorrowful women. Others arc at-
Lord's funeral and interment in the grave : tended to their graves by their relations
such a funeral as never was since graves and friends ; but Christ's disciples were all
were first digged. Concerning; which we scattered, and afraid to own him either
have these particulars observable : Observe, dying or dead. Our blessed Lord affected
1. The preparatives that were made for no pomp or gallantry in his life, and it
our Lord's funeral ; namely, the begging was no way suitable either to the end
and perfuming of his dead body \ his body or manner of his death. Humiliation
could not be buried, till by begging it was designed in his death, and his burial
was obtained of PiJate ; the dead bodies was the lowest degree of his humiliation,
of malefactors being in the power and Observe, 4. The grave or sepulchre in,
disposal of the judge. Pilate grants it, which they buried him ; it was in a gar*
and to manifest their dear affection to their den. As by the sin of the first Adam wo
dead Lord, they wrapt the body in fine were driven out of the garden of pleasure,
linen with spices to perfume it But the earthly paradise ; so by the sufferings
what need of odours for that body which of the second Adam, who lay buried in
could not see corruption ? Though his a garden, we may hope for an entrance
holy body did not want them, yet the into the heavenly paradise. It was in a
affections of his friends could not with- sepulchre hewn out of a rock ; that so his
bold them. Observe, 2. The bearers that enemies might have no occasion to cavil,
carried his body to the grave, or the per- and say, that his disciples stole him away
sons concerned in solemnizing his funeral : by secret holes, or unseen passages under
Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, two ground. And it was in a new sepulchre, in
rich men, and two secret disciples. (\) which never any man was laid, lest his
They were rich men, senators, honourable adversaries should say, it was some other
counsellors; and so that prophecy was that was risen, or that he rose from the
fulfilled, Isa. liii. 9. He made his grave dead by touching some other corpse*
158 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XXVII.
Observe, 5. The manner of our Lord's fa- of death, says David, a type of Christ,
neral ; hastily, openly, decently celebrated. This was the lowest step he could possibly
It was done in haste, by reason of the descend in his abased state ; lower he could
straits of time, the preparation for the pass- not be laid, and so low his blessed head
over caused them to be very expeditious ; must be laid, else he had not been hum-
the sabbath was approaching, and they lay bled to the lowest 4. He went into the
ail business aside to prepare for that grave that he might conquer death in its
Learn hence, How much it is our duty to own territories and dominions. Christ's
despatch our worldly business as early as victory over the grave causes his saints
we can towards the end of the week, that to triumph, and sing, O grave, where is
we may be the better prepared to sanctify thy destruction I Our blessed Lord has
the Lord's day, if we live to enjoy it. perfumed the bed of the nave by his own
We ought to remember that day before it lying in it : so that a pillow of down is
comes, and to sanctify it when it is come, not so soft to a believer's head, as a
Again, our Lord was buried openly, as pillow of dust Observe lastly, of what
well as hastily $ all persons had liberty use the doctrine of our Lord's burial may
to be spectators, that none might object be unto us. 1. For instruction ; here we
there was any fraud or deceit used in or see the amazing depths of our Lord's hti-
about his burial. He was also interred initiation. From what, to what, his love
decently, his body wrapt in fine linen, and brought him ; even from the bosom of
perfumed with odours, according to the his rather, to the bosom of a grave. Now
Jewish custom, which used not to unbowel, the depth of his humiliation shows us the
but embalm their dead. Observe, 6; The fulness and sufficiency of his satisfaction
season why our Lord was buried, seeing as well as the heinousness of our transgres-
he was to rise again in as short a time as skra. 2. For consolation against the
other men lie by the walls ^ and had his fears of death and the grave. The grave
dead body remained a thousand years an- received Christ, but could not retain him.
buried, it could have seen no corruption, Death swallowed him up, as the fish did
having never been tainted with sin. Sin Jonas, but quickly vomited him up again ;
is the cause of the body's corruption, it is so shall it rare with Christ mystical, as it
sin that makes our bodies stink worse than did with Christ personal : the grave could
carrion when they are dead. A funeral not long keep him, it shall not for ever
then was not necessary for Christ's body keep us : as his body rested in hope, so
upon the same accounts that it is necessary shall ours also ; and though they see cor-
for ours. But, 1. He was buried to de- ruption, which he did not, yet shall they
clare the certainty of his death, and the not always lie under the power of cornip-
reality of his resurrection ; and for this tion. In a word, Christ's lying in the
reason did God's providence order it, that grave has changed and altered the nature
he should be embalmed, to cut off all pre- of the grave ; it was a prison before, a bed
tensions. For in this kind of embalming, of rest now ; a loathsome crave before, a
bis mouth, his ears, and his nostrils, were perfumed bed now. He whose head is in
all filled with spices and odours, so that heaven, need not fear to put his foot into
there could be no latent principle of life the crave. Awake and sing, thou that
in him ; being thus buried then, declares aweuest in the dust, for the enmity of
him to be certainly dead. 2. He was bu- the grave is slain by Christ 3. For
ried to fulfil the types and prophecies that imitation : let us study and endeavour to
went before concerning him. Jonas's be* be buried with Christ, in respect of our
ing three days and three nights in the belly sins: I mean, Rom. vi. 4. buried with
of the whale, was a type of Christ's being him into death. Our sins should be as a
three days and three nights in the heart of dead body, in several respects. Are dead
the earth ; and the prophet, ka. liii. 9. bodies removed far from the society of
bad declared the manner of his funeral men ? So should our sins be removed far
long before he was born. He made hie from us. Do dead bodies in the grave
grave with the wicked, and with the rich spend and consume away by little and
in his death. Pointing by that expression little ? So should our sins daily. Will
at this tomb of Joseph's, who was a rich dead bodies grow every day more and
man ♦, and the scriptures cannot be broken, more loathsome to others ? So should our
3. He was buried to complete his humiiia- sins be to ourselves. Do dead bodies wax
tion ; They have brought me to the dust out of memory, and are oolite forgotten >
Chap. XXVII. ST. MATTHEW. 1*9
So should our sins, in respect of any do* obstruct our LonTs resurrection, have ren-
light i**** we fake in remembering of them, dered it more certain and undoubted : had
We should always remember our sins to not all this care and caution been used by
our humiliation j but never think or speak his enemies, the grounds of our faith had
of them with the least delight or sausfac* not been so strong, so evident, and so
ton; for this, in God's account, is a new clear. It was very happy that the Jews
commumon. of them, and lays us under were thus jealous ana suspicious, thus
an additional guilt careful and distrustful ; for otherwise the
02 Now the next day, that fol- r>rid " ~« "°*v?* *> M ["***•
i j *u a~,. ~e *u~ M\.AMA.A*:^M feet an evidence of Christ s resurrection as
lowed the day of the preparation, now> whfireon ^ our ^^ ^ ^
the chief priests and Pharisees came ^^ doth depend. VerUy their solicitous
together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, care to suppress our Redeemer's resurrec-
Sir, we remember that that deceiver tion has rendered it more conspicuous, and
said, while he was yet alive, After freed it from all suspicion of forgery.
three days I will rise again. 64 CHAP. XXVIII.
Command therefore that the sepul- Thto tat chapter or si. Mauk*w contain* tb« hiito-
chre be made sure until the third S^'j^STS^^"*!
day, lest his disciples COme by night tim.of hit triumpbant rararrection tud bu glew
and steal him away, and say unto — VT .. . t ., , , .,
the people. He b rUen from the IN »he e»d.of thf M,*a*' *£ "
dead : io the last error shall be . '"W to dawn towa,d th«fir8t
worse than the first. 66 Pilate said fV of *• "eek> ,c.ameMMary Wa«*
unto them, Ye haw a watch : go d»IeDe a?d the other M»y to »««
•_ the sepulchre.
your way make tt as sure as ye ^^^ life ^ buriedup0ntheFri-
can. 66 So they went, and made ^ in ^ mw^ of ^ da^on which
the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, ^ wag crucified . and his holy body rested
and setting a watch. in the silent grave the next day, and apart
This last paragraph of the chapter ac- of the morning of the day following. Thus
qoaints us with the endeavours mat the he arose again the third day, neither soon*
mmderecs of Christ used to prevent his er nor later ; not sooner, lest the truth of
foretold resurrection : they ask and obtain his death should have been questioned,
of Pilate, that his sepulchre may be that he did not die at all j and not later,
strongly guarded till the third day was lest the faith of his disciples should have
past and over, when probably they in- foiled. And accordingly, when the sab*
tended to have exposed his dead body to bath was past, and it dawned toward* the
the view of the people ; and accordingly first day of the week, in the morning
a three-fold guard is set about the grave ; very early, before day, Mary Magdalene,
the stone, the seal, and the watch $ con- and other devout women, go to visit the
eluding that Christ was safe enough either sepulchre, intending with their spices and
from rising or stealing ; the stone making odours farther to embalm our Lord's body.
the grave sure, the seal making the stone But observe, Although the hearts of these
sore, and the watch or band of soldiers good women did burn with an ardent
making all sure. The stone being sealed love and zeal to their crucified Lord, yet
with the public seal, no person might the commanded duties of the sabbath are
meddle with it upon pain of death. Where not omitted by them: they stay till the
note, 1. The wonderful wisdom, the over- sabbath is ended, and then early in the
ruling power and providence, of God ; by morning they go with odours in their hands
this excessive care and extraordinary dili- to perfume his sacred corpse ; fearing nei-
gence, the high priests hoped to prevent ther the darkness of the night, nor the pre-
our Saviour's resurrection, but the truth sence of the watchmen j how great a tri-
and belief of it was hereby confirmed to bute of respect and honour is due and
aQ the world. How much evidence had payable to these women for their magna-
Chrisfs resurrection wanted, if the high nimity and courage! They followed
priests and eiders had not been thus ma- Christ, when his disciples left him ; they
liciouriy industrious to prevent his rising ! accompanied him to his cross, and followed
tarn, 2. That the endeavours used to his hearse to the grave, when none of hit
160
ST. MATTHEW.
Chap, XXVIII,
disciples durst appear. Learn hence, That
courage is the special and peculiar gift
of God ; and where God gives courage,
it is not in man to make afraid.
2 And, behold, there was a great
earthquake : for the angel of the
Lord descended from heaven, and
came and rolled back the stone from
the door, and sat upon it. 3 Hi»
countenance was like lightning, and
his raiment white as snow : 4 And
for fear of him the keepers did shake,
and became as dead men.
Observe here, 1. With what pomp and
triumph doth our Lord arise. The earth
that quaked before at his crucifixion, quakes
now again at his resurrection : it quaked
then at the dissolution, now at the re-union,
of his human nature, to tell the world
that the God of nature then suffered, and
now conquered. Observe, 2. How an an-
gel is employed in Christ's resurrection ; he
rolls away the stone. But could not Christ
have risen then without the angel's help ?
Yes sure; he that raised himself, surely
could have removed the stone ; but God
thinks fit to send an officer from heaven to
open the prison door of the grave ; and by
setting our Surety at liberty, proclaims our
debt to the divine justice fully satisfied.
Besides, it was fit that the angels, who had
been witnesses of our Saviour's passion,
should also be witnesses of his resurrection.
Observe, 3. How unable the keepers of the
grave were to bear the sight and presence
of the angel ; They shook for fear, and
became as dead men. Angels being pure
and perfect spirits, man is not able to bear
the sight of an angel, no, not in human
shape, without terror and affrightment ;
and if the sight of an angel be so dreadful,
what is the sight of God himself?
5 And the angel answered and
*aid unto the women, Fear not ye :
for 1 know that ye seek Jesus, which
was crucified. 6 He is not here;
for he is risen, as he said. Come,
see the place where the Lord Jay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his dis-
ciples that he is risen from the
dead ; and, behold, he goeth before
you into Galilee ; there shall ye see
him : lo, I have told you.
Observe here, 1. Our Lord's resurrection
asserted and declared, He is risen. God
never intended that the Darling of his soul
should be lost in an obscure sepulchre.
He is not here, says the angel; that is, in
the grave, where you laid him, where you
left him. Death hath lost its Prey, and the
grave hath lost her Guest. Observe, 2. It
is not said, he is not here, for he is raised,
but, He is risen. The word imports the
active power of Christ, or the self-quicken-
ing principle by which Christ raised him-
self from the dead. Acts i. 3. He showed
himself alive after his passion. Learn
hence, That it was the divine nature or
Godhead of Christ, which raised his hntnaa
nature from death to life. Others were
raised from the grave by Christ's power,
he raised himself by his own power. Ob-
serve, 3. The testimony or witness given to
our Lord's resurrection ; that of an angel ;
The angel said, He is not here, but risen.
But why is an angel the first publisher of
our Lord's resurrection ? Surely the dignity
of our Lord's person, and the excellency of
his resurrection, required that it should be
first published by an angel, and according-
ly it is worthy our observation, how very
serviceable and officious the holy angeb
were in attending upon our Saviour in the
days of his flesh ; an angel foretells bis con-
ception to the blessed Virgin; an angel
proclaims his birth to the shepherds; an
angel succours him in bis temptation in the
wilderness ; an angel comforts him in bis
agony in the garden ; and at his resurrec-
tion an angel rolls away the stone from the
sepulchre, and brings the first ridings of it
to the women. In his ascension the angels
bore him company to heaven : and when
he conies again to judgment, he shall he
revealed from heaven with his mighty
angels. Observe, 4. The persons to wnom
our Lord' s resurrection was first made
known, to women, to the two Ma-
ries. But why to the women ? God will
make choice of weak means for producing
great effects, knowing that the weakness of
the instrument redounds to the greater ho*
nour of the agent. In the whole dispensa-
tion of the gospel, Almighty God inter-
mixes divine power with human weakness*
Thus the conception of Christ was by the
power of the Holy Ghost ; but his mother,
a poor woman, a carpenter's spouse ; so
the crucifixion of Christ was in much mean-
ness and outward baseness, being crucified
between two thieves: but the powers of
heaven and earth trembling, the rocks rend*
ing, and the graves opening, showed a mix-
ture of divine power. God wiU honour
Chap. XXVIli. ST. MATTHEW* 101
vim mstniments be pleases, for the accom- And thev came and held him by the*
pbsfijaent of his own purposes. But why feet, and worshipped him. 10
to these two women, the two Manes, is the ju^ ^ Jcgllg UDto thcnlf ^ not
^^aChnLiiem^oa^Tsimide} ^^ % u brethren that
Faa&iy st was a reward for then* magna- :? P" ^ ... J >"^""^" "■••
nimity and masculine courage. These wo- tncy 8° into Galilee, and there shall
men cleaved to Christ when the apostles they M« me-
fled from him, and forsook him ; they as- Observe here, 1. What haste and speed
sated at his cross, they attended at his these holy women make to carry the news
faneral, they watched his sepulchre, of Christ's resurrection to the apostles :
These women had more courage than the such as find and feel their hearts grieved
aperies, therefore God makes the women for the absence and want of Christ, will
apostles In the apostks ; he sends them to be very ready to comfort such as are in
sefl the apostles of the resurrection, and the same condition. O how glad are these
they most have the news at the second holy women to carry the good news of
hand. O what a tacit rebuke was thereby their Lord's resurrection to the heart-broken
given to the apostks! a secret check, that disciples. Observe, 2. How these holy
they should be thus outdone by poor wo- women hastened, in obedience to the an-
sae*. These holy women went before the g^g command, to tell the disciples to meet
apostles in the last services that were done with Christ in the way. Such as obey
for Ovist, and therefore the apostles here the directions of God's ministers, seeking
come after them in their rewards and com- Christ in his own way and means, shall
forts. Observe, 5. The evidence which find him to their comfort sooner than they
me angel oftrs to the women, to evince expected. These holy women find Christ
and prove the verity and certainty of our before they looked for him : As they went
Saviour's lesarrection ; namely, by an ap- to tell his disciples, Jesus met them. O
peal to their senses, Come, see the place happy women! whilst they were weeping
vhcre the Lord lay. The senses, when for a dead Christ, they find a living Jesus,
rightly dispceed, are the proper judges of all Observe, 3. The affectionate and loving
sensible objects; Christ himself did appeal title which Christ puts upon his disciples :
to his disciples' senses concerning the truth Tell my brethren. He might have said,
of his own resurrection ; Behold my hands - Go tell those apostate aposUes, that cow-
rnnd my feet, that it is I myself: and in- ardly left me in my danger, that durst not
deed, if we must not believe our senses, own me in the high priest's hall, that durst
we shall want the best external evidence not come within the shadow of my cross,
for the proof of the truth of the christian re- n0r within the sight of my sepulchre." Not
fapoo; namely, the miracles wrought by a word of this, by way of upbraiding them
ChriA and his apostks; for what assurance for their late shameful cowardice ; but all
cam we have of the reality of these mira- WOrds of kindness : Oo tell my brethren.
dei, bet from our senses ; therefore says our Where note, That Christ calls his disciples
Savionr, If ye believe not me% vet believe brethren after his resurrection and exalta-
thevorks that I do; that is, the miracles tion, as he had done before in his state of
which 1 have wrought before your eyes, humiliation, to show the continuance of
Mowae my senses tell me that Christ's mi- his former affection to them, and that the
ndes were true, so they assure me that change of his condition had wrought no
the duehiue of transubstantiation is false, change in his affection towards his despised
Rom the whole note. That the Lord Jesus members : but those that were his brethren
Christ, by the omnipotent power of his before, in the time of his abasement, arc
Oodhead, revived and rose again from the so still after his exaltation and advancement.
dead, to the terror and consternation of his Observe lastly, The place where Christ
enemies, and the unspeakable joy and con- chooses to meet with and speak to his dis-
ssiatnn of believers. ciples, not in Jerusalem, out in Galilee.
8 And they departed quickly Ig° before them into Galilee, there shall
horn the sepulchre with fear and **V *" me- Jeraflemlwa; no* \fon*k-
«_>_» :^« ~Ia a\a *mm ♦«. k.:-*, k:« en place, a people abandoned to de-
great joy, and did ran to bring his ^J^ . Chr£rSotlid notshow himself
disciples word. O And as they openly t0 tbeni> but Galilee was a place
neat to tell his disciples, behold, wnCre Christ's ministry was more accepta-
Jesns met them, saying, All hail. ble. Such places wherein Christ is most
M
J(J2 ST. MATTHEW. Chap. XX VI IF.
welcome to preach, shall be most honour- demonstration. How strange is it, that
ad with hi* presence. In Galilee shall such a falsehood as this should find belief
they see me, among the Jews to this day I But where
11 Now, when they were going, JJ- * ^ffiKv^ th°Ugh
behold, some of the watch came iu- _„„,.,. ■ j. • ,
to the city, and shewed unto the 16 Thenthe eleven disciples went
chief priests all the things that ***? *nto G?Uet> 'n'° tt ra.0"n:
were done, 12 And when they *fm wh"e 4Je.SU8. ha^ aPP°"»^d
were assembled with the elders, and £"■• ' 7 A"1 J*1"* thcy "* blto*
had taken counsel, tbey gave large *** ™*VV* «"» : *»* some
money nnto the soldiers, 13 Say- ■°»btetl-
5 t,. j- • ii _ £ Ttie meeting of our Saviour and his
mg Say ve, His disciples came by ^ * ^^ fa ^^ ^
night, and stole him away while an appointed and general meeting. The
we slept. 14 And if this come to mountain is supposed to be that near Ca-
the governor's ears, we will per- pernaum, where he made that famous ser-
suade him, and secure you. 15 So mon, called, The sermon on the mount .•
they took the money, and did as "^ tne meeting is supposed to be ap-
tbey were taught : and this saying P*** « a g«f«il rendeavo«, for con.
;. ir.m~~nUr **»„»**a ««>^~ *ul firming the fatth of all his disciples m
is commonly reported among the ^ ^ of his mmMa0m P^Wy
Jews until this day. eur j^ appointed this place in Gali-
Obserre here, 1. How the priests and lee, so far from Jerusalem, that his disci-
elders endeavour by a notorious lie to pies might without danger come thither
hinder the belief of our Lord's resurrection ; to see their Saviour alive again, after his
they suborn and bribe the soldiers to say crucifixion. This is judged to be that fa-
that his corpse was stolen out of the grave j mous appearance of which St. Paul speaks,
lies have been an old refuge which the 1 Cor. xv. 6. When he was seen of
enemies of Christ have all along had re- above Jive hundred brethren at once.
course unto : lying is an ancient device And those who saw him worshipped bits,
of Satan. But, Observe, 2. What an im- who before bad doubted. Learn hence*
probable and unlikely lie this was, which That when faith is once satisfied, and sees
they put in the soldiers* mouths to vouch ; Christ to be God, it engages the soul to
Say, His disciples came and stole him worship him. Divine worship is due to>
away while tee slept. Frivolous excuse ! Christ upon the account of his divine na-
carrying with it a most self-evident con- tore. No creature can be the object of
traduction. If the soldiers were asleep, how divine worship, therefore they that worship
could they discover the disciples stealing Christ by praying to him, and yet deny
away the body ? If awake, why did they him to be God, are certainly idolaters*
not prevent their stealing it ? Besides, how If Christ had had an angelic nature, that
improbable was it that Christ's few and had not made him capable of divine wor>
fearful disciples should attempt to open ship: for adoration Is founded only in Divi-
the sepulchre guarded by soldiers! And nity, and what is but human or angehcal
as unlikely was it that the soldiers should is not adorable.
^k8^ toBBIhff "?.? fast !rt 18 And Jesus camc and 8P**e
too, that the great stone at the mouth of A A. .„ ' .
the sepulchre should be rolled away, and unto *«' saying, All power ts
not one of the soldiers awakened with the Slven unto m€ m heaven and in
noise. Infatuation is the certain conse- earth. 19 Go ye, therefore, and
quence of desertion of God. Yet observe teach all nations, baptizing them
farther, That this incredible falsehood finds in the name of the Father, and of
a fast and firm rooting in the belief of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ;
tte Jews to mis day. Note thence, That 20 Teaching them to observe all
it is a righteous thing with God to de- *• • . , ° * . j j
liver up those to strong delusions, even to things whatsoever I have commanded
the believing of notorious lies, >who will you : and> «°> * am Wlt« y00- alway.
not yield their assent to divine truths upon eras unto the end of the world.
the clearest evidence, and most convincing Amen.
Chap. XXVIII ST. MATTHEW. 169
Observe here, 1. A power asserted. 2. woe circumcised themselves they were
An authority delegated. 3. A command instructed in the law of God; yet when
enjcJned. 4. A promise subjoined. Ob- they are circumcised themselves, their
serve. 1. A power and authority asserted children were not denied circumcision at
by our Saviour, as belonging to himself : A 11 eight days old. In like manner we have no
power is given unto me both in heaven reason to deny the children of baptized
and in earth. (1.) In heaven, which com- parents, who are in covenant themselves,
prebends a power of sending the HolyGhost ; the sign and seal of the covenant, which is
a power over the angels and all the hosts of baptism. God having assured his people
heaven, and a power to dispose of heaven that he will he the God of them and of
toall that shall believe in him. (2.) In earth, their seed. If this privilege be denied, the
which comprehends a power to gather a children of christian parents are in a worse
church out of all nations, and authority to condition than the children of the Jews ;
role, govern, and defend the same against and consequently infants are in a worse
all its enemies. Learn hence, That all condition since Christ's coming, than they
power and authority concerning the church were before, and the privileges of those that
of God, was given unto Christ and confer- live under the gospel are straiter and nar-
red upon him, upon the account of his me- rower than those that lived under the law.
ritorious death and triumphant resurrection. Observe farther, In whose name persons are
All potter is given unto me ; that is, as to be baptized : In the name of the Fatherf
Mediator : but this power was inherent Son, and Holy Ghost. Where we have a
m him as God from all eternity. Observe, profession of our belief in the Holy Trinity,
2. This power delegated by Christ to his a dedication of the person to the worship
apostles : Go ye* therefore* and teach and and service of the Holy Trinity, and a
baptize all nations ; instructing them to stipulation or covenant-promise that we will
observe all things whatsoever I command continue faithful in the service of Father,
won. Here is a threefold power delegated by Son, and Holy Spirit, to our lives1 end.
Christ to his apostles : ( 1.) To congregate and The third branch of the power which Christ
gather a church, a christian church, out of all delegated to his apostles, was by their
the heathen nations throughout the world, ministry to press upon all their converts an
Before he had confined them only to Israel ; universal observance of, and obedience to,
now they must travel from country to coun- all his commands ; Teaching them to ob-
try, and proselyte the heathen nations, which serve alt things whatsoever 1 command
before bad been taught of the devil, and you. Where note, 1. That preaching is
were led away by his oracles and delusions, the ordinary and instituted means to convert
Go, ar.d disciple all nations, without any nations unto God. 2. That preaching
dalhittiuu of country, sex, or age, wbatso- must not only go before baptism, but follow
cstr, and make the gospel-church as large after it. Obedience must be pressed upon,
as you can. Thence note, That the apostles and practised by, all those that enter into
and first planters of the gospel had a com- covenant with God ; otherwise they lie
tassrion from Christ to go amongst the under a great condemnation. 3. That
pagan Gentiles, without limitation ; and preaching of the gospel is a chief part of
were not to take up their settled residence in the minister's work, and no apostle thought
any one nation, but to travel from country himself above that duty. 4. As the apostles
to country, instructing them in the saving did not, so the ministers of Christ ought not
mysteries of the gospel. The second branch to teach any thing but what Christ com-
of their power was to baptize in the name of mands them. !>. & they are to,teach what
the Holy Trinity : Baptizing in the name Christ commands them, so they are to
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the teach all throes whatsoever Christ commands
boty Ghost. Where observe, That all them : Teaching them to observe all things
adatt and grown persons are to be first whatsoever I command you. Lastly, ob-
taugnt and instructed before they be bap- serve the promise enjoined : Lo, I am with
teed. But it follows not from hence, that you always to the end of the world. That
the children of such parents may not be is, I am and will be with you and your
baptized before they are taught : for the successors, lawfully called by my power and
apostles were to baptize all nations, of which authority, by the blessing and assistance
children are the chief, if not the chiefest of my Holy Spirit. I will be with you to
part Besides, those that were proselyted to uphold my own ordinance, to protect, and
she Jewish religion, though Wore they encourage, and reward you, and all your
m 2
164 ST. MARK. Chap. I.
successors, in the faithful discharge of your hit blessing upon their endeavours- Lo, I
trust; and this not for a day, a year, or an am with you, I am always with you, and
age, but to the end and consummation of to the end of the world 1 will be with you.
all ages. Learn thence. That the ministry Thanks be to Christ tor the gracious promise
of the word, and administration of the sacra- of his spiritual and perpetual presence with
ments, are a standing and perpetual ordi- his ministers to the end of the world. May
nance, to continue in the christian church this promise cause us to gird up the loins of.
throughout all ages. Learn, 2. That all our minds, increase our diligence, zeal, and
the faithful ministers of Christ, in what part fervour, accounting no labour too great, no
of the world soever God shall cast their lot, service too much, no sufferings too severe,
and in what time soever they shall happen so that we may but fnish our course with
to live, may comfortably expect Christ's joy, and fulfil the ministry we are engaged
gracious presence with their persons, and in! Amen. Amen.
THB '
HOLY GOSPEL
AOCOBDIHG TO
SAINT MARK
Saint Mark, the writer of this compendious history of oar bleated Saviour's life and death, was the disw
ciple and companion of 8t Peter j and some affirm, that he wrote his Gospel from St Peter's mowtb r
it being: dictated by St. Peter, and indited by the Holy Ghost But since we are assured that the
Spirit of God indited the book, we need not trouble ourselves to find out whose band it was that held '
the pen.
CHAP. I. vine nature ; signifying to us, that the true
iTWE beginning of the gospel of and promised Messias was both God and Mam
Jesus Christ, the Son of God ; >n two distinct natures, and one Person for
The word Gospel signifies a message of •*«. He is true and real God, as well
glad tidings, and intimates to us, that the M the Fatncr and the Ho,v Ghost; not a
gospel of the doctrine contains the most meie Matt» but God as well as Man.
gladsome tidings, the most joyful message, 2 As it is written in the prophets,,
that ever was sent from God to mankind: Behold, I send my messenger before
w^^^ % Jy. -Jich *■« p*P'« «*
how highly should we prize, how stedfastly way **tm tnee«
believe, how cordially embrace, these good St. Mark begins his gospel with an account
tidings of great joy! Observe, 2. This gospel is of St. John the Baptist's preaching and
called the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because ministry, and declares, 1. That the prophets
Christ, as God, is the Author of this gospel, of old, particularly Isaiah and Malachi, did
and also the principal subject and matter long before foretell the Baptist's message
of it Indeed St. John the Baptist was the and ministry j that he should go before
first publisher and preacher of the gospel- Christ as his harbinger to prepare the way
doctrine, but Christ himself was the first and for him : Behold, I send my messenger to
principal Author, and likewise the chief Sub- prepare thy way. Where note, 1. The
ject-matter of it ; for whatever is taught in dignity and authority of the ministers of
the gospel relates either to the person and Christ: they are his messengers sent by him
offices of Christ, or to the benefits received to deliver bis mind and will unto his people.
by him, or the means of enjoying those This ministerial mission is twofold, extraor-
benefits from him. Observe, 3. How St. dinar y and ordinary ; the former when
Mark styles Christ the Son of God, as St. God immediately by himself calls men to the
Matthew had styled him before, the Son of holy function ; the latter, when he uses the
David ; the one sets forth the verity of his ministry of men in order thereunto. Observe*
human nature, the other the reality of his di- 2. The work and office of the ministers of
Chap. I. ST. MARK. 10*
Christ declared, and that is, to prepare or hinder his progress. Learn hence, That
people to receive Jesus Christ, offered and man's heart by nature is. very unfit to
tendered to them in the gospel Behold, embrace and entertain the Lord Jesus
I send my messenger, to prepare thy way Christ We have naturally no fitness,
before thee. Learn thence, That the no disposition, no inclination, to believe
great design and end of the ministry of in him, or to submit, unto him. 2. If
the word, is, to prepare and fit men for ever we desire \o entertain Christ in our
entertaining the holy religion of Christ hearts, we must first prepare and make fit
m their hearts, and to oblige them to walk our hearts for the receiving and embracing
artordmg to the rules and directions of it of him. For though the preparation of
m thesr lives. the heari he from the Lord, yet he re-
q tk. «~™ *e ^„A ««„:«« :« «i. quires the exercise of our faculties, and
8 The voice of one crying in the me ^ of our eodeavour^ He ^^
wilderness, Prepare ye the way of our hearts, by enabling us to the prepara-
tbe Lord, make his paths straight, tion of our own hearts. This is clone by
Here note, 1. The title given to John getting a sight of the evil of sin, a sense
the Baptist : he is called a Voice, in re- of our misery without Christ, an hungering
sped of his ministerial office, which was to and thirsting desire after him, a true faith
speak forth, to promulge and publish, the m nim* Christ will lodge in no heart
doctrine of salvation. 2, The quantity or to** * not &"* mat^e ready to receive him.
kind of this voice, a crying voice, the 4 Jobn dJd fc ^. . ^ M
tmee of one crytng. This implies, 1. , . ■*. . .. c
His earnestness inoV vehernency, his zeal ness' and Preach toe baptism of re-
and fervency, in preaching. When we pentance for the remission of sins,
lift up our voice, and cry aloud, we speak A twofold account is here given of St
with mnwstnfs* and fervour. When our John's execution of his ministry and office :
own hearts are warmly affected with what First, his baptizing ; secondly, his preaching,
we preach, we may hope to affect the John did baptise ; that is, admit persons
hearts of our hearers. Why has God into the church, by washing them with
commissioned men rather than angels, water: John baptized into the name of
to be the preachers and dispensers of his Christ, who was to come ; the apostles
word, but because we can speak to and baptized into the name of Christ, already
treat with sinners more feelingly and more come. The second part of his office was
anectionately than the angels can ? 2. preaching. Where note, That preaching
This crying of the holy Baptist in his of the word, and administration of the
preaching, implies his liberty and boldness, sacraments, are to go together, and belong
as well as ms vehernency and earnestness, only to the ministers of the word, lawfully
in delivering of his message. The lifting called. John did baptize and preach ;
isp of the voice in speaking, argues bold- but where and what did he preach ? The
ness and courage in the speaker ; as, on place where, was the wilderness ; a place
the contrary, the depressing of the voice not much frequented, though not altogether
ihoweth tnnorousness. Learn hence, That uninhabited ; a solitary, mean, and obscure
the ministers of the word are to use both place. Thither God had called him, and
teal and earnestness, and also courage and there he contents himself. Learn hence,
boldness of spirit, in delivering the . word That the ministers of God must be content
and message of God, not forbearing to to execute their ministry where God calls
reprove sin* not concealing any part of them, be the place never so mean and
God's truth, for fear of men's displeasure, obscure, and the people never so rude and
Observe, 3. The sum and substance of barbarous: John was a preacher of great
what he cried, Prepare ye the way of the note and feme ; Jerusalem the chief city
b>rd9 make his paths straight ; that is, might seem more fit for him ; but God had
" Make ready yourselves, prepare your called him to preach in the wilderness, and
own hearts, to entertain the doctrine and glad he would not leave it We must not leave
tidings of the gospel." It is a metaphorical our place because it is mean and obscure,
speech, taken from the custom of loyal and nor desert our people, thinking them too
dutiful subjects, who, when their prince is base to instruct ; but where God has called
coming to lodge in their city, prepare and us we must there abide, till be that called
make ready the way for his coming, by us thither remove us thence. Observe
removing every thing that may obstruct farther, As the place where the Baptist
100 ST. MARK. Chap. I.
preached, in the wilderness, so the doc- fruit of John's ministry was, his hearers*
trine which he preached, namely, the profession of their true repentance, by the
baptism of repentance for the remis- confession of their sins ; as the pro-
sion of sins; that is, the doctrine of bap- fession of repentance is requisite in all that
tism, which seaieth the remission of sins are baptized, so a free and voluntary, an
to the party baptized. Learn hence, That ingenuous and impartial, confession of
the preaching of the doctrine of repentance sin, is a good evidence and testimony of
is absolutely necessary, and the indispen- the truth and sincerity of our repentance.
sable duty of every gospel-minister. John ' 3 ^nd John was clothed with ca-
Baptist preached it, our Saviour preached meW hai and with a M{^ of ^
rt, his apostles preached it: 3% went gkin ^ hisloin8 an(fhe didca|
out preaching every where that men . "• , ... .
should repent. Thi baptism of repent- locusts and wild honey ;
ance (says the learned Lightfbot) belongs This verse acquaints us with the strictness
to children, though they know not what and austerity of St John's life in the wil-
repentance means, because it engages them demess 5 which is kid down in two things $,
to repentance when they come to years in his mean and frugal apparel, and in his
to understand that engagement For thus sober and temperate aiet. His apparel
it was with children circumcised, they was rough and hairy f and his girdle of
became debtors to observe that, whole law, leather ; as Elijah his forerunner was clad
though they knew not what the law meant ; before him, 2 Kings i. 8. His diet was
yet circumcision bound them to it, when coarse and ordinary, locusts and wild ho-
they came to years of discretion. ney ; that is, such plain and ordinary food
6 And there went out unto him as the wilderness afforded. His example
all the land of Judea, and they of teaches us, That the ministers of the gospel
Jerusalem, and were all baptized of are not to aflfect ei^bmve^ in apparel,
him in theme, of Jordan/confess- t^&Sfc 5L?A^
ing their sins. a,^ sobriety before their people ; being in
Here we have an account of the success these, as well as in other things, an exam-
of St John's ministry ; 1. In the general pie unto their flocks,
concourse and resort of the people to it, 7 And prcached, saying, There
AM Judea and Jerusalem ; that is, a great ^^^ /[ «.;»k*:« i«! t «*a^_
many of all degrees and ranks, of all ages QOm€£ ?nf ™^tleJ tha* l ?*"
and sexes. John was famed for a prophet, me» thc latchet of whose shoes I am
and a prophet was now a great rarity, not worthy to stoop down and un-
Malachi was the last prophet before John, loose.
and he lived about five hundred years be- Observe here, 1. The high opinion that
fore John. Now the excellency of his per- the Baptist had of Christ He ts mightier
son, the earnestness of his preaching, the than I; that is, a Person of greater dignity
acceptableness of his doctrine, that the and excellency by far than myself: whence
Messias was come, and the austerity of his may be gathered, that though Christ was
life and conversation, all these caused the Man, he was not mere man, but more than
people to flock unto him. Learn hence, roan : even very God, equal with his
That it is a great encouragement to the mi- Father ; for John Baptist was the greatest
nisters of Christ when people show them- of them that were born of women, Matt,
selves ready and forward to repair unto xi. 11. yet, says he, Christ is mightier*
the places where the word and sacraments and greater than I. How so, but in re-
are dispensed to them : Alt Judea andJc- gard to the dignity of his person, being
rusaiem attended upon John's ministry, both God and Man in two distinct natures
The second fruit of John's ministry was, and one person. Observe, 2. The humble
that the people were ready to receive at and low estimation that the Baptist had of
his hand the sacrament of baptism : They himself: His shoe latchet I am not wort Ay
were alt baptized of him in Jordan, to unloose: a proverbial speech, implying
Learn hence, That the ministers of Christ that he was unworthy to do the basest and
ought not only to preach the word, but meanest service for Christ O how well
also to dispense the sacraments to their peo- doth humility of mind, an humble appre-
pie, even to all that do desire them, and hension, a low esteem and opinion of
are fit to be partakers of them. A third themselves and their own gifts and
Chap. I. ST. MARK. 16?
become the messengers and ministers of opened, to show, that heaven, which
Christ I John was a man of eminent abili- closed and shut against us for our sins, is
ties, yet of exemplary humility ; he thought now opened to us by Christ's undertaking
himself unworthy to unloose Christ's shoe, for us. As Christ opened heaven by his
or do the meanest office for him. meritorious passion, so he keeps it open
8 I indeed have baptized vou with *J }* Jff^lPK **?****• /«*» ihe
— *^». k«* i>« -t»«ii k« »*";..« «-*., **°9 Ghost descends wee a dove upon
^1 u ■ piT P y ou/saviour. Here we have a proof and
with the Holy Ghost. evidence of the Blessed Trinity. The
John showed the dignity of Christ's Father speaks from heaven, the Son comes
person above his own, in the former verse; out of the water, and the Holy Ghost
m this be declares the excellency of Christ's descends in the likeness of a dove. But
office, and the meanness of his own ; I why did the Holy Ghost now descend upon
wash the body with water, but Christ Christ } First, for the designation of his
cleanses the soul by the operation of his person, to show that he was the Person set
Holy Spirit Thence learn, That though apart for his word and office of a mediator,
the ministers of Christ do by Christ's Secondly, for the sanctification of his
command dispense the outward ordinance penon for the performance of that office.
of baptism, yet it is Christ himself, that This was Christ's unction, the day on
by the inward work of his Spirit doth which he was anointed above his fellows
make it effectual to such as receive it to be the King, Priest, and Prophet, of his
I baptize with water; but he with the church: Istu bri. ver. 1. The Spirit of
Holy Ghost. the Lord is upon me, he hath anointed
9 And it came to pass in those ** *?• 0bKrv*ii ^TSi? rf °od
dava that Jesus came from Naza- *** F^her pronouiiced, (1.) Thenean
flays, tflat Jesus came irom rsaza- ofChrisrB ,elan0n to himself: This is my
reth of Galilee, and was i baptized Son. (2.)Theendearedne«ofhisperson:
of John in Jordan. 10 And straight- This is my beloved Son. (&) The fruit
way coming np out of the water, he and benefit of his near and dear relation
saw the heavens opened, and the unto us: In whom I am well pleased.
Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Hence learn, That there is no possibility
him : 11 And there came a voice for ? P"80* t0 P1**86 Qod °u*°f Christ }
/^ u— •« •„,..•«„ f k«.. *»♦ «„ neither our persons nor our performances
[ .!lJi £ ' * y l' i X «« ** aec?«mce but through him, and
beloved Son, in whom I am well for hig gake-^that the Lord Jesus Christ
pleased. is the Ground and Cause of all that love
See the note on Matt. iii. 13. Observe which God the Father showeth to the sons
here, 1. The mat condescension of Christ, of men. In Christ, God m well pleased
in seeking and submitting to the baptism of with us, as a reconciled Father; out of
John: Christ, though be was John's Urn, a consuming Fire.
Lord and Master, yea, Lord of heaven and i^ And immediately the Spirit
c*Ib* Jf t?°!?h.. ^ hejrl/ohn P**** driveth him into the wilderness. 13
S^L^Vm ^}C*L ^in^Si; And he w** therc in th* wilderness
Tbence learn, lnat tne greatest persons ^ . , . A j ro * j
should neither think themselves too great, fortv dav8» tempted of Satan ; and
nor too good, to come unto the ministers was with the wild beasts ; and the
of God, to bear the word from their mouth, angels ministered unto him.
or to receive the sacrament at their hand. Immediately, That is, 1. After bis
Christ the Son of God was content to be baptism. Christ is no sooner out of the
baptized of John, a mean person in com- water of baptism, but be is in the fire of
parsoo of himself. How dare then the temptation : such as are baptized with
greatest upon earth despise the ministry of Christ, and entered into the profession of
man, being appointed by God ? Observe, Christianity, must look to be assaulted with
2. The solemn investing of Christ with Satan's temptations. Again, immediately*
the office of Mediator, by a threefold that is, 2. After the Father had declared
miracle; namely, the opening of the his complacency in him, and being well
heavens, the descent of the Holy Ghost, pleased with him. Learn thence, That
and God the Father's voice or testimony great manifestations of love from God are
concerning his Son; the heavens were usually followed with great temptation*
£66 ST. MARK. Chap. I.
from God. The Spirit drketh hhn, that 14 Now after that John was put
is, the Holy Spirit of God. For the devil jn prison, Jesus came into Galilee,
is seldom, if ever, called the Spirit, but preachinir the gospel of the king-
usually some brand ofi reproach »«nnexed, J f ^ 15 And saying, The
as the evil spunt, or the unclean spirit and A. . c ,£ll . • .. J* °' •
the like. Christ was led by the Spirit. *»• » fulfilled, and the kmg4om
says St. Matthew, chap. It. 1. He was of God is at hand ; repent ye, and
driven by the Spirit , says St Mark ; that believe the gospel,
is, he was carried by a strong impulse of In this our Saviour's first beginning to
the Spirit of God to be tempted by Satan, preach the gospel, we have an account of
and did not go of his own private motion the time when, the place where, and the
to enter the lists with Satan. Teaching us sum of what, he preached. Observe, 1.
our duty, not to run into or rush upon The time when our Lord began to preach)
temptations, without a warrant and call and that was after John the Baptist was
from God. Observe next, The place where cast into prison, Where note, 1. The un-
Satan assaulted Christ with his temptations : due reward which the ministers of God do
it was a solitary wilderness. No place can sometimes meet with from a wicked world ;
privilege us from temptations, or be a sane- they are hated, persecuted, and imprisoned,
tuary from Satan's assaults. The solitary for their courage in reproving sin : John
wilderness has a tempter in it : yea, Satan for reproving Herod's incest was put in pri-
oftentimes makes use of men's solitariness son. Note, 2. John was no sooner in pri-
to further his temptations ; and such as se- son, and stopped and hindered from preach-
parate themselves from human society, and ing, but Christ began to preach. See the
give themselves up to solitude and retire- care and kindness of God towards his church,
ment, give great advantage to the tempter in that he never leaves it wholly destitute
to tempt them. Observe next, The time of the means of instruction : when some of
and continuance of our holy Lord's temp- his faithful ministers are restrained from
tations ; not for an hour, a day, a week, preaching, he stirreth up others in their
or a month, but for forty days and forty room, not suffering all their mouths to be
nights ; not all the time, but very often stopped at once. Observe, 2. The place
in that time. Teaching us what we are to where our Lord first preached, in Galilee.
expect from Satan ; temptations not a few ; The land of Canaan, in our Saviour's time,
he will not solicit us once, but often, and was divided into three principal provinces -.
follow us with fresh assaults ; but the only on the south, Judea : on the north, Gali-
way to overcome is, as often to resist him. lee ; in the midst, Samaria. Galilee was
Observe farther, A special aggravation of divided into the upper and lower Galilee ;
our Lord's temptations in the wilderness, the higher was called Galilee of the Gen-
He was with the wild beasts, having no tiles, because it was the utmost part of the
comfort from man, but only wild beasts for land, and so next unto the Gentiles. In
bis companions, which were more likely to this upper Galilee, Capernaum was the me-
annoy and hurt him, than any way to tropolis, or chief; and Chorazin a lesser
help and comfort him. Here we have an city. Now much of our Saviour's time
evidence of the divine power of Christ ; was spent in Galilee ; he was conceived
who, as Lord of the creatures, can alter and brought up at Nazareth, a city in Ga~
and change the nature of the creature at lilee ; he first preached at Capernaum in
bis pleasure; restraining the most savage Galilee; he wrought his first miracle at Cana
and hurtful beasts from hurting either him- in Galilee ; his transfiguration was upon
self or any of his people. Observe lastly, mount Tabor in Galilee; and our Saviour's
The supply sent in to Christ in the hour ordinary residence was in Galilee. He
of temptation: The angels came and came into Judea, and up to Jerusalem,
ministered unto him ; food to his hungry only at the feasts : and after his resurrec-
body, and comfort to his tempted soul, tion be appoints his disciples to meet him
Learn thence, That those who in the hour in Galilee. Only his nativity, his passion,
of temptation do hold out in resisting Sa- and ascension, were proper to Judea. His
tan, shall find that the power and faith- nativity at Bethlehem, his passion at Jem-
fulness of God will not be wanting to salem, and his ascension upon mount Oli-
tnem to send in succour and relief at last, vet, hard by Jerusalem. Now all this de-
Then the devil leaveth him, and behold, monstrates Christ to be the true and pro-
angels came and ministered unto him. raised Messias ; for according to prophecy;
Chap.!. * ST. MARK. 16»
was to have hit pretence and be known to be the bower of God,
abode in the province of Galilee, and not tbe wisdom and device of man »
1, 2, 3, &c Vet because be waa and that the instruments should not carry
of Galilee, the Jews would not believe away the glory of tbe work. Observe, 2.
bam to be the Messiah, saying in scorn, Christ called his apostles by couples, two
Cm any good thing come out of Galilee ? and two ; first Peter and Andrew, then
Whereas oca* Saviour's habitation and free James and John : thereby signifying to
conversation there, was a proof unto them, us, that the work of tbe ministry requires
and ought to have persuaded them, that the concurrence of all hands that are called
accafdasg to the prophecy he was the very to it All the ministers of God should join
Christ. Observe, 3. The sum of what our their hearts and bands, and set their shoul-
Losd pieached, namely, a doctrine, and an dcrs as one man to this great work ; and
exhortation. His doctrine is, That the all little enough, God knows, to carry it
time is fulfilled, and the kingdom ofQod on with advantage and success. Observe,
is at hand; that is, that the time foretold 3. The work which they are called from,
by tbe prophets, when the kingdom of and called to : from bang fishermen, to be
the Meaner! should begin, was now come, fishers of men ; from catching fish with
The exhortation is, Therefore repent, and the labour of their hands, to catch men
oekeve the gospel. From the former, note, with the labour of their tongues. Observe,
That the Messiah's coming, or our Savi- 4. Our Saviour's command, first to follow
car's appearing in the flesh, was exactly at bim, before they be sent out by him : Fol-
thetime foretold by the holy prophets: The low me, and twill make you fishers of
time is fulfilled* the kingdom of the Mes- men. We must be Christ's disciples before
siah is at hand. Note, 2. That the we are his ministers ; his followers, before
great doctrines of repentance and faith are we are bis ambassadors : we must learn
tacght only in and by the gospel, and ac- Christ before we preach him ; otherwise
conbogly ought in a special manner to we may fish for a livelihood, but not for
be preached and insisted upon by the mi- souls. Observe, 5. The gracious promise
nates of the gospel. The doctrine of which Christ gives his apostles for their
Carat, and his ambassadors, is and ought encouragement ; namely, to qualify them
to be the same ; they both teach the great for, and to succeed them in, their office-: I
dortrineii of fiuth ana repentance to a lost will make you fishers of men. Faithful-
world : Repent, and believe the gospel. ness and care, diligence and endeavour, is
W^a, he walked by the sea tt'X&LttfcXZt
of Galilee, he saw Simon and Christ's power is wholly in the draught
Andrew his brother casting a net Some fish cleave to the rocks, others play
into the sea : for they were fishers : upon the sands, more wallow in mud ; and
17 And Jeans said unto them, Come verily we shall labour all our days and
ye after me, and I will make you to <»** nothing, if Christ do not bring our
B fishers of men. 18 And fi»h to the net, and mclc« t^ in it, as
«*_:_!»*_«.. *k-„ rflMAAL *k-:- — ♦- W*N ■» aaust us in the throwing and cast-
^&£2L?& ^ i 1 t ' «* of it Observe, 6. The apples' ready
and followed him. 19 And when compliance wimwjr Saviours cail. Straight-
he had gone a little farther thence, way they forsook their father and friends,
he saw James the son of Zebedee. ship and nets, and followed Jesus. Whom
and John his brother, who also were Christ calls, be calls effectually : and draws
in the ahip mending their uets. 20 "horn he calls, and works tbeir hearts to
And straightway he called them: a "*£ ^tow ^M^Jr#d%; ?^
sa the ship with the hired servants, ^ ^ Aip ^d net8> g^ fe close
and went after him. to tbeir ministerial employment. Teach-
in this history of our Saviour's calling ing us, That the minister* of tbe gospel
fesav disciples, Peter and Andrew, James should wholly give themselves up to their
and John, observe these particulars. 1. great work, and not encumber themselves
The mitnnriT of the persons whom he with secular affairs and worldly business.
^lw, jOitmle fishermen : Christ took Nothing but an indispensable necessity,
hereby fffwtnal care that his gospel should in providing for a family, can excuse a
170 ST. MARK. * Cbap.L
minister's incumbering hiinself with worldly God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him,
concerns and business. saying, Hold thy peace and come out
21 And they went into Caper- ©f him. 26 And when the unclean
naum ; and straightway on the sab- spirjt had torn him, and cried with a
bath-day he entered into the syna- loud voice, became out of him. 27
gogue, and taught, 22 And they And they were all amazed, insomuch
were astonished at his doctrine : for that they questioned among them-
he taught them as one that had au- g^es, saying, What thing is this >
thority, and not as the scribes. wnftt new doctrine is this ? for with
Our Saviour having called his > disciples, authority commandeth he even the
£Tl£ fit£^ uncleanspirits^ndtheydoobeyJiim.
gospel ; here we may observe how he went St. Mark having given an account of our
himself along with them, teaching person- Saviour's doctrine which he preached, verse
ally in the synagogues wherever he came : 15, namely, the doctrine of faith and repent-
lie did not send his apostles forth as his ance, he now acquaints us in the remaining
curates, and lie at home himself upon his part of this chapter with the miracles which
couch of ease. What shall we say to those he wrought for the confirming of his doctrine,
lazy fishermen that set others to the drag, and they are three. First, The casting of a de-
pot care onlv to feed themselves with the vii out of one possessed, verse 23. Secondly,
fish; not willing to wet their hands with The curing of Peter's wife's mother of a Jf*.
the net, or take any pains themselves ? Our *cr, verse 29. Thirdly, Thecleansing of the
Saviour did not thus ; but when he sent forth leper, from verse 40, to the end of the chap,
his apostles, he still preached himself : he ter. His first miracle was the casting a devil
went into their synagogues and taught, out of one possessed. There was a man
Observe farther, The success of his preaching ; with an unclean spirit ; That is, an unclea a
the people were astonished at his doctrine, spirit did enter into him, and bodily pas-
struck with admiration, apprehending and sess him. Amongst the many calamities
believing him to be an extraordinary pro- which sin has brought upon our bodies,
phet, sent from God. Learn thence, That this is one, that we are liable to be bodily
such is the efficacy of Christ's doctrine, possessed by Satan. . The devil has an
especially when accompanied with the energy inveterate malice against mankind, seeking
and operation of his Holy Spirit, that it to ruin our souls by his suggestions and
makes all his auditors admirers ; causing temptations, and to destroy our bodies by
astonishment in their minds, and reforma- some means or other : but, blessed be God,
tion in their manners. Observe lastly, the though his malice be infinite, yet his power
reason of our Lord's success in preaching : is limited and bounded ; as he cannot do
He taught as one having authority. He all the mischief he would, so he shall not
taught in his own name, as being Lord of do all he can. O how much is it our in-
his doctrine ; not saying with the prophets, terest, as well as our duty, by prayer to put
Thus saith the Lord; but I say unto you. ourselves morning and evening under the
And he wrought powerful miracles, which divine protection, that we may be preserved
accompanied his doctrine. As Christ was from the power and malice of evil spirits !
careful to preserve the authority of his person Observe, 2. The attribute or title given to
and doctrine with the people ; so is it the the devil, he is called an unclean spirit.
duty of his ministers to demean themselves The devils, those wicked spirits of hell, are
amongst their people, that neither their most impure and filthy creatures ; impure
authority may be contemned, nor their by means of their original apostasy j impure
persons despised, but their doctrine and by means of their actual and daily sins, such
themselves reverenced and obeyed. * as murder, malice, lying, and the like, by
23 And there was in their syna- which they continually pollute themselves ;
gogue a man with an unclean spirit ; impure by means of their continual desire
and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let *» colour to pollute mankind with the
us alone • what have we to do with c00^101* of their own ***• ^"^ how
us aione , wnat nave we to do with fou| k ^ ^^ rf which ^^ ^
thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth ? art ^ guch a foul and unckam ^^ , q^
thou come to destroy us ? I know genre, 3. This unclean spirit po sooner saw
thee who thou art, the Holy One of Christ, but he cried out. Whence note,
Chap. I. ST. MARK. 171
That the greatness of Christ's power (being might bring the truth professed into suspi-
the Son of God) over devils and wicked cion, hoping that a truth which received
spirits k such, that it is very terrible and testimony from the father of lies would be
tormenting to them ; it was terrible to tbem suspected. (2.) It might perhaps be done
in his state of humiliation on earth, and that the people might believe that our Sa-
made them then cry out. But oh, how ter- viour had some familiarity with Satan, and
rible will bis power be to them at the great did work miracles by his help, because he
day, when Christ shall come in flaming fire, did confess him, and seem so much to
to render vengeance both to men and devils ! honour him. From this instance and ex-
Observe, 4. The substance of the devil's ample learn, That it is possible for a person
outcry ; Let us alone, what have we to do to own and acknowledge Christ to be the
with thee ? Art thou come to destroy us * true and only Saviour, and yet to miss of
Where note. That though the devils are salvation by him. If a speculative know-
now as full of sin and discontent as they ledge, and a verbal profession, of Christ,
can be, yet are they not so full of misery were sufficient to salvation, the devil him-
and torment as they shall be. Art thou self would not miss of happiness. Observe,
come to torment us before the time ? says 6. How our Saviour rebuaes the devil for
St. Matthew, chap. viii. 29. Art thou his confession, and commands him silence ;
come to destroy us ? says St. Mark : that And Jesus rebuked him, say ins, Hold thy
is to bring upon us our full and final peace. But why was this rebuke given the
destruction. Implying, that the devil has devil when he spake the truth ? Ans. 1.
not yet his full judgment and complete Because Christ knew that the devil confessed
damnation. Therefore there is certainly a this truth on purpose to disgrace the truth,
day of judgment to come, and the devils 2. Because the devil was no fit person to
are in chains of darkness, reserved to the make this profession. A testimony of truth
judgment of that great day. But some by from the father of lies is enough to render
these words, Art thou come to destroy us ? truth itself suspected. Yet the devil's evi-
understand as much as, " Art thou come to dence, that Christ was the holy One of
restrain us from the exercise of our power ?" God, will rise up in judgment against the
Learn we thence, That the devil thinks him- wicked Pharisees, who shut their eyes
self destroyed when he is restrained from against the miracles, and stop their ears
doing mischief. Observe, 5. The title against the doctrine, of the Holy One of
which the devil put upon our Saviour; Jesu s God. Observe lastly, How the unclean
of Nazareth, the Holy One of God. Al- spirit obeys the voice of Christ, though with
though there was ground for the common great reluctance and regret. When the
peopte's calling Chri3t,J&u j of Nazareth, unclean spirit had torn him, and cried
because he was bred and brought up there, with a loud voice, he came out. Christ is
and lived there during his private life, till Lord over the wicked angels, and has an
about thirty years of age ; though he was absolute power and authority to overrule
not bom there, but at Bethlehem ; yet it is them, ana command them at his pleasure ;
conceived that the devil gave this title to our if Christ says to the evil spirit, Come out,
Saviour in policy, to disguise the place of out he must come. Yet observe the devil's
Christ's nativity, that so the Jews might spite at parting, he tears the man, tortures
not believe him to be the true Messiah, his body, throws him violently from place
because he was of Nazareth, whereas the to place, showing how loth he was to be
Messiah was to come out of Bethlehem, dispossessed. Where Satan has once gotten
Therefore to the intent that the Jews might an hold, and settled himself for a time, how
be at the greater loss concerning Christ, and unwilling is he to be cast out of possession !
in doubt of 'his being the true Messiah, the yea, it is a torture and vexation to him to
devil here calls him not Jesus of Bethlehem, be cast out : it is much easier to keep him out
but Jesus of Nazareth. But how comes than to cast him out. Satan may possess the "
the next title out of the devil's mouth ; The body by God's permission, but he cannot
Holy One of God f Could an apostle, possess our hearts without our own consent
could Peter himself, make a profession be- and approbation : it will be our wisdom to
yond this ? But how comes the devil to deny him entrance into our souls at first,
make it ? For no good end or purpose, we by rejecting his wicked motions and sug-
may be sure ; for he never speaks truth for gestions ; for when once entered, he will,
truth's sake, but for advantage. Probably, like the strong man firmed, keep the house
(1.) He made this profession, that so he till a stronger than he casts him out.
172 ST. MARK Chap. I.
28 And immediately his fame of her recovery instantly appeared : She
spread abroad throughout all the **** «"* ministered unto Christ and his
region round about Galilee. 29 {****». That she could arise, argued
. B, c .. ... i .■ A„ „AM ner cure miraculous: that she did arise,
And forthwith when they were ^ did ^^ ^ q^ ^
come out of the synagogue, they thankfulness. Learn thence, That after
entered into the house of Simon and Christ hath graciously healed any of us, it
Andrew, with James and John. 30 ought to be our first work and care to
But Simon's wife's mother lay sick administer unto Christ ; that is, to employ
of a fever ; and anon they tell him our recovered health in the service of Christ,
of her. 31 And he came and took *** to k*""* our "»«** s*»g* «>
her by the hand, and lifted her up ; ^ honour and glory of Chnst
and immediately the fever left her, J#p2 An* at even, when the sun
and she ministered unto them. d»d «*» theX brought unto him all
that were diseased, and them that
' The second miracle which our Saviour were possessed with devils. 33 And
wrought in this chapter, to confirm the all the city was gathered together
truth and authority of his doctrine, was at tne door. 34 And he healed
^^%^of Peter^w^smo M*rfrom many that were sick of divers dis-
her bed of sickness. Where note, 1. That ^ "J . ^ * * j i
St. Peter, now a disciple, and afterwards easf8' and cast out many devils ;
an apostle, was a married person. Neither and »uffe«d not the devils to speak,
the prophets of the Old Testament, nor because they knew him.
the ministers of the New, did abhor the The evangelist here declares sundry
marriage-bed, nor think themselves too other miracles wrought by our Saviour be-
pure for an institution of their Maker. The fore the door of St Peter's house, where he
church of Rome, by denying the lawfulness now was j be healed all the diseased that
of priests' marriage, makes herself wiser were brought unto him, and cast devils out
than God, who says, Heb. xiii. 4. Mar- 0f them that were possessed with them.
rwgc is honourable amongst all men. But how comes it to pass, that we read of
Observe, 2. Peter, though a good man, so many possessed with devils in our Sa-
and his wife's mother probably a gracious viour's time, and so few either before or
woman, yet is his family visited with since? Ans. 1. Probably Satan, perceiv-
sickness ; strength ofgrace, and deamess ing that the Messiah was come in the flesh
of respect even from Christ himself, cannot to destroy his* kingdom, did rage the more,
prevail against diseases. God's own chil- and discover great malice and enmity
dren are visited with bodily sickness as against mankind. 2. Perhaps Almighty
well as others. Observe, 3. The charitable God permitted Satan at that time to pos-
care of St. Peter, and the other disciples, sess so many, that Christ might have occa-
forthwith to acquaint Christ with the sion to manifest his divine power by cast-
condition of this sick person, Anon they iog Satan out: and accordingly we find
tell htm of her. The care of our fellow- our Saviour dispossessing all that were pos-
christians, especially when of the number sessed by Satan. It is added, that he suf-
of our near and dear relations, in a time fercdnot the devils to speak, because they
of sickness, is not to be deferred or de- knew him. That is, Christ would not be
layed. Outward help for their bodies, made known to be the Son of God by the
and the spiritual help of our prayers for preaching of the devil, to whom it belong-
their souls, are both straightway to be ed not to publish the gospel, lest the world
afforded them. Observe, 4. Christ's should take from thence an occasion to
divine power manifested in this miraculous think that our Saviour held a correspon-
cure : He no sooner took her by the hand dence with those wicked spirits, and that
but the fever left her. The miracle was the miracles he wrought were performed
not in curing an incurable distemper, but by the devil's assistance, as being one in
in curing an ordinary distemper after a combination with him. Possibly from the
miraculous manner; namely, 1. By a devil's owning Christ to be the Holy One
touch of the hand. 2. The recovery was of God, the Pharisees concluded that there
Instantaneous and sudden: Immediately was a compact and agreement betwixt
the fever left her. 3. TJie visible effects them, and thereupon their affirmation was
Chap. L ST. MARK. 179
grounded. He casteth out devils by Beel- negation never so small and little, if
zebub9 «$-c. God sends us thither, the greatest of u*
must not think it beneath us to go and
35 And in the morning, rising instruct a handful of people.
up a great while before day, he ^ Aod ibm came a x to
went out, and departed into a soli- h| beBeeching hiro> and kneeling-
tary place, and there prayed. down tQ him> an*d gaying unto him> ff
Observe here, 1. The duty performed thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
by our Saviour, namely, prayer, solitary 41 And Jesus, moved with com-
and private nrayer. He went by himself pa^o,, put forth Aw hand, and
abne, out of the beanngof f his disciples. *^hrf ^ d {th untQ fai ,.
The company of our best friends is not .., * » , AA A . '
always seasonable, nor acceptable: there wdl ; °* thou clean. 42 And as
are times and cases when a christian would soon as he had spoken, immediately
not be willing that his dearest relations the leprosy departed from him, and
upon earth should hear that intercourse he was cleansed. 43 And he straitly
which passes betwixt him and his God. charged him, and forthwith sent
Observe, 2. Christ chooses the opportunity hjm away. 44 And gajth unta
*frT^j*^*&TZ?2Z? him, See thou say nothing to any
while before day to set about this work. * , . .. J. _u™ *u \c
Teaching us, that the morning is a fit sea- man = but &° thy way, show thyself
son, yea, the best season, for private duties: *<> the priest, and offer for thy
now our spirits are freshest and our minds cleansing those things which Moses
freest, before the distractions of the day commanded, for a testimony unto
break in upon us. It is better to go from them. 45 But he went out, and
prayer to business, than from business to began to publUh it much, and to
P1*^ blaze abroad the matter, insomuch
36 And Simon and they that that Jesus could no more openly
were with him, followed after him. enter into the city, but was without
37 And when they had found him, in desert places : and they came to
they said unto him, All men seek him from every quarter.
for thee. 38 And he said unto The last miracle of our Saviour's record-
them. Let us go into the next ed in this chapter, is the healing of a leper ;
towns, that I may preach there also : he came, beseeching Christ to heal him,
for therefore came I forth. 39 And »ywg» IlJ^<m wilt> thou ca?t$t ™ate me
he preached in their svnagogues clean; Where observe, 1. He doth not
throughout all Galilee, an* clst^ut gg» Jt^VR £; Kft
dcv,,s- thou wilt, thou canst. Christ's divine
Observe here two things : First, the power must be fully assented to, and firmly
great end of Christ in his incarnation and believed, by all those that expect benefit
coming into the world, namely, as a Pro- by him, and healing from him. Observe,
phet sent from God to reveal his will, and 2. The great readiness of Christ to help
to publish the doctrine of the gospel, and heal this distressed person. Jesus
Therefor* camel forth ; that is, to preach touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.
and plant the gospel. Secondly, It being By the ceremonial law, the leper was for-
Christ's design not only to plant but to bidden to be touched, therefore Christ's
propagate the gospel, he would not confine touching the leper showed him to be above
his ministry to any particular places, no, the law, and that he was the Lord of it,
not to the great city of Capernaum, but and might dispense with it ; and his heal-
resolves to preach the word in the smallest ing the leper by the word of his mouth,
towns and villages. Leaving his ministers and touch of his band, showed him to be
herein an instructive example, to be as truly and really God. Leprosy among
willing to preach the gospel in the smallest the Jews was an incurable distemper, called
villages, as in the largest cities, if God the finger of God, a disease of his sending,
calls them thereunto. Let the place be and of his removing. Our Saviour there-
never so obscure and mean, and the con- fore, as a proof of his being the true Mes-
174 ST. MARK. Chap. I.
sjah, tells John's disciples, Matt. xL 5. fame of this miracle. It is likely his inton -
that the levers were cleansed, and the tion might be good, in extolling bis great
dead raised by him; which two being Benefactor; but hi acting contrary to
joined together, do imply, that the clean- Christ's command was a fault, and shows
sing of lepers is as much an act of divine the corruption of human nature, in being
power as the raising of the dead. And most forward to that which is most for-
accordingly, 2 Kings v. 7. it is said, Am bidden. It is a sin to do any thing
I God, that this man sends to me to cure against the command of Christ, though
a man of his leprosy .« Observe, 3. The with never so good a meaning, purpose,
certainty and suddenness of the cure was a and intention, to exalt and honour Christ,
proof of Christ's divine power; immedi- Observe lastly, The inconveniences which
atcly his leprosy was cleansed. Christ attended our Saviour upon this radis-
not only cured him without means, but creet publication of the miracle; and
without tye ordinary time required for they were two : 1. Our Saviour could no
such a cure. Thus Christ showed both more enter into Capernaum, and other
power and will to cure him miraculously, cities, to preach in an open manner, as he
who believed his power, but questioned had done, by reason of me great concourse
his willingness. Observe, 4. The cause, 0f people after him. 2. The fame of this
moving our Saviour to cure this leper; miracle brought the people about him front
his bowels were moved with tender pity edl quarters ; not so much to hear as to
and compassion towards him. Christ's gee. not so much to hear his holy and
exercising acts of mercy and compassion, heavenly doctrine which he taught, as to
with such condolency and sympathizing gratify their curiosity with the sirtit of the
pity, should by way of example teach us miracles which he wrought. O how man v
to be inwardly moved with tender com- thronged after Christ, more to have their
passion and mercy towards such as are in bodily diseases cured, than their souls
misery. We are not only to draw out our healed f Christ desired not their flocking
bread, but to draw out our soul, to the after him upon this account; therefore he
hungry. Observe, 5. A twofold charge retires from the breath of popular applause :
and command given by Christ to the leper he would not openly enter into the city.
after his cure. First, to conceal and tell fat was without in desert places. O how
it to no man. Where the great modesty, great humility ! flow little did our Messed
humility, and piety of Christ, is discovered, Redeemer regard the applause and corn-
together with the care of his own safety, mendation of men ! Constantly we find
His modesty, in not desiring his good him, as soon as his public preaching and
deeds should be published and proclaimed ; working of miracles was over, withdrawing
his humility, in shunning vain-glorious himself from the multitude into some pri-
applause and commendation ; his piety, vate place apart : he doth not stay in the
in desiring all honour and glory should crowd with his ear open to listen how
redound entirely to God. And the care men admire the preacher, and applaud
of his own safety appeared, lest the pub- the sermon. Plainly showing, that he
lishing of his miracles should create him sought his Father's glory, not his own
untimely danger from the Pharisees. The praise or the people's commendation ;
second part of the charge given to the leaving his example as an instructive pat-
recovered leper, was, to show himself to tern to all his ministers and ambassadors,
the priest, and offer the gift which Moses to take heed of vain-glory ; not to affect
commanded for a testimony unto them ; popularity, or to seek the applause and
that is, to testify to the Jews, that he did commendation of men in what they do,
not oppose the ceremonial law, which re- resolving that man's opinion shall be
quired a thank-offering at his hand, and nothing with them, but that the pleasing:
that be was the true and promised Mes- 0f Q^t and doing their duty to the souls
siah. Learn thence, That our Saviour 0f their people, shall always be their whole
would have the ceremonial law punctually scope,
observed so long as the time for its con- . CHAP. II.
&r^d^. tti'S £ AND ■**•■» cnterli,,to Ca^r;
would have it punctually observed. Ob- naum **« *>*e da.vs ' . and , lt
serve, 6. Notwithstanding our Saviour's ™" noised that he was in the
strict prohibition, the leper publishes the house. 2 And straightway many
Chap. II. ST. MARK. 176
were gathered together, insomuch 6 When Jesus saw their faith, he
that there was no room to receive said unto the sick of the palsy, Son,
tkem, no, not so much as about the thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But
door: and he preached the word there were certain of the scribes
onto them. sitting there, and reasoning in their
„ t , * .* , hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus
^ J*8* ^^ttaifcl*0!?<Wr apeak blasphemies? who can forgive
we find how industriously our blessed Sa- _r ». g^TA _i * o a~i •
riour withdrew himself from the concourse «ns but God only ? 8 And imme-
and throng of people which flocked after <"atety> when Jesus perceived in his
bin from every quarter ; and to show how spirit that they so reasoned within
little he affected the applause and com- themselves, he said unto them, Why
iwndstion of the multitude, he left the reason ye these things in your hearts?
eities ami was without in desert places. g Whether is it easier to say to the
Hereby grving his ministers an instructive gick of thc ^y Thy 8ins ^ for.
tximrie to d^wfawritDAm ^yen h ^ \ * A[ d
popular applause. But now the words ? , *v u j JJ n •! -~
{XTusVLw that our Saviour having *fkc "P thy bed> a^ walk ? 10
entered (privately, as is probable) into the Bl* th** y« may k"<>w that the Son
city of Capernaum, it is presently noised of man hath power on earth to for-
and reported that he vas in the house, give sins, (he saith to the sick of
and a mighty concourse and throng of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee,
people are after him ; insomuch that a,.^ and take up thy bed, and go
neither the house, nor hardly the streets, th . to thi * . ^ ,« Ajld
could contain them. Thence learn, That £*!?'♦ ik ! v 1
»ich as least seek after honour and applause J»J«l»tely he arose, took up the
from men, are oft-times most femous and ?***• an<* wcnt *°rt^ before them all ;
renowned. Our Saviour was so far from insomuch that they were all amazed,
*xkiog the people's praise and commen- and glorified God, saying, We never
daaoo, that he came into Capernaum saw it on this fashion,
without observation, and betook himself
to his dwelling-house there : but the more Here wc have the relation of our Saviour's
he sought to he bid, the more he was taken niiraculous healingof one sick of the palsy
notice o£ Honour flies from them that •* Capernaum. Where observe, 1. The
pursue it, and pursues those that fly diseased and distressed person ; one stck of
Iromit. The way to be honoured, is to thepalsy, which disease being a resolution
be humble. God seldom honours a proud "» weakness of the nerves, enfeebles the
xcaa, by making him either eminently jornk» and confines the person to his bed
serviceable or successful. Observe farther, or couch. As a demonstration of Christ's
The people being come together, our divine power, he was pleased to sipgle out
Saviour 1?*** the opportunity to preach : *** P*13V ■na* leprosy, incurable diseases,
A»d he preached the word unto them. t0 work a cure upon such as were afflicted
Teaching his ministers by his example, to with *****- Noir &* person was so
embrace all opportunities, in season and f68* a cripple by reason of the palsy, that
oat of season, on the Lord's day and on ™ was borne of four. He could not go,
ihe week day, to edify our people by our nor was capable of being led, but was
minatry, by our public exhortations, by carried by four in his bed or couch. Ob-
«r private instructions, prudent admoni- aerve» 2- As the grievousness of the disease,
Una, and holy examples. *° the greatness of their faith. The man
and his friends had a firm persuasion that
S And they come unto him, bring- Christ was clothed with- a divine power,
mg one sick of the palsy, which was and able to help him, and they hoped in
borne of four. 4 And when they his goodness that he was also willing to help
"mid not come nigh unto him for J""- Accordingly, the roof of the Jewish
,t .. D i x, - bouses being flat, they uncovered some
the press, they uncovered the roof of h> ^ ^^"Sd down with the
where he was : and when they had gick man in it int0 ^ mom where Christ
broken ii «p, they Jet down the bed was. Observe, 3. No sooner did they
* herein the sick of the palsy lay. exercise their faith in believing, but Christ
170 ST. MARK. Chap. II.
exerts his divine power in healing. And ; 13 And he went forth again by
see the marvellous efficacy of faith : it the sea-side ; and all Che multitude
obtained not only what was desired, but re80rted unto him, and he taught
more than was expected. They desired them u And ag he pn.rf.j,-
&t^J&^V*£ Vaw It the ^v1^
cheer, thy sins art forgiven thee, thereby sitting at the receipt of custom
our Saviour shows them, that sin is the and said unto him, follow me. And
original cause of all bodily diseases ; and he arose and followed him. 15 And
consequently, that in sickness, the best it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat
way to find ease and deliverance from aj meat in his house, many publi-
pain, is first to seek for pardon. The cang and 9{nnen g^t also together
sense of pardon insome degree wdl take ^ Jesug ^ ^ disci leg. f
away the sense of pain. Observe, 4. lne .. , .. r- tl .
exception which the scribes took against there were many and they followed
our Saviour for pronouncing that this man*s him. 16 And when the scribes and
sins were forgiven him. They accuse him Pharisees saw him eat with publicans
of the sin of blasphemy : urging, that it and sinners, they said unto his dis-
is God's peculiar prerogative to pardon sin. ciples, How is it that he eateth and
Their doctrine was true, but their appli- drinketh with publicans and sin-
lhaf it is^the CTe^Te^ofb^nheS ncrs * "When Jesus heard t7,
for* a\iy mey^^to^^tetonunieff he »{"* unto them. They that are
the incommunicable prerogative of God, whole have no need of the phy-
which consists in an absolute and authori- sician, but they that are sick: I
tative power to forgive sin. But then their come not to call the righteous, but
denying this power to Christ of forgiving sinners to repentance.
sin, which he had as God from all eter-
nity, and as Mediator, God and man in Observe here, 1. The unwearied pains and
one person, when here upon earth; this diligence which our Saviour used in the exe-
was blasphemy m them ; the challenging cutton of his ministerial office and calling ;
of it, none in him. Observe, 5. Our no sooner had he done preaching in Carjer-
Saviour gives these scribes a twofold de- naum, and healing the sick of the palsy*
monstration of his Godhead, (1.) By letting but he goeth out thence to the sea-side to
them understand that he knew their, preach there. O blessed Saviour! How
thoughts : Jesus perceiving in his spirit perpetually wert thou employed in the
that they reasoned within themselves, labours of thy calling, in the service of thy
To search the hearts, and to know the Father, and for the good of mankind!
thoughts and reasonings of men, is not Thou wentest about doing good, setting
in the power of angels or men, but the a partem for all thy ministers to follow,
prerogative of God only. (2.) By as- How doth the example of thy laborious
suming to himself a power to forgive sin : diligence at once instruct and shame us !
for our Saviour here, by assuming to Observe, 2. The number of our Lord's
himself a power to forgive sins in his own disciples not being filled up, observe what
name, and by his own authority, doth a free and gracious, unexpected and un-
give the world an undeniable proof and deserved, choice he makes. Levi, that
convincing evidence of his Godhead. For is, Matthew, (for he hath both names.)
who can forgioe sins but Qod only? a grinding publican, who gathered the
Observe, 6. The effect of this miracle taxes for the Romans, and was probably
upon the minds of the people; they mar- guilty, as others were, of the sins of co-
veiled and were amazed, but did not be- vetousness, extortion, and oppression ;
lieve. They admire our Saviour for an yet he is called to follow Christ as a
extraordinary man, but did not believe special disciple. Learn thence, That such
him to be God. Learn thence, That the is the freeness of God's grace, that it calls
sight of Christ's miracles is not sufficient and converts sinners unto Christ when
to work faith in the soul, without the they think not of him, nor seek unto lutn.
concurring operation of the Holy Spirit. Little did Levi now think of a Saviour,
The one may make us. marvel, the other much less seek after him, yet he is at this
roust make us believe. time called by him. Matthew, a publican*
Oap.lI. ST. MARK. 179
Zaccbeos, an eatortxraer, Saul, a peraecu- are multitudes of somen spiritually sick,
tor, ail these are brought home to God, who yet think themselves sound and whole,
as instances and evidences of the mighty 4. That such, and only such, as find and
power of converting grace. Observe, 3. feel themselves spiritually sick, are the sub-
Matthew's ready compliance with Christ's jects capable of Christ's healing. They
call; he wrote, and followed him. When the that are whole need not the physician,
inward call of the Holy Spirit accompanieth but they that are sick. I came not to
the outward call of the word, the soul readi- call the (opiniatively) righteous, but the
Jy complies, and presently yields obedience (sensible) sinner to repentance.
'ZJt tt*J2*£J?!!!L ?J"Z 18 And th* <"<**>" <* *>"»» >»<»
speaks by nn word to our ears, and we r . , n, r , „ ~ .
harnot, we stir not; but when he speaks of the Pnanseea used to fast : and
by his Spirit efficaciously to our hearts, they come and say unto him, Why
Satan shall not hold us down, the world do the disciples of John and of the
stall not keep us back, but we shall with Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast
Levi instantly arise and follow our Saviour, not ? 19 And Jesus said unto them, ■
Observe, 4. Uor Matthew, to show his Can the children of the bridecham-
SS^fe^SraV^^/^ ter fast while the bridegroom is
feast Christ invited Matthew to a disciple- .. . A. _ * „ , .? ,
ship, Matthew invites Christ to a dinner. I?**?11* M ^P8^ h*ve
The servant invites bis Master, a sinner the bridegroom with them, they
invites hs Saviour. We do not find, that cannot fast. 20 But the days will
when Christ was invited to any table, that come when the bridegroom shall be
he ever lefosed to go: if a publican, if a taken away from them, and then
Pharisee invited him, he constantly went 5 8hall thev fast in those days. 21
fenVc^Sit^'co^i0 rt&T N° man ils° ieweth a picce °f "eW
good, "^^is^towl^hin? cloth ?° an old garment : else the
Lam hence, That new converts are mil of new P*ce that filled it up taketh
adectioo towards Christ, and very expres- away from the old, and the rent is
swe in their love unto him. Matthew, made worse. 22 And no man put-
touched with a sense of Christ's rich love, teth new wine into old bottles, else
ssakes him a royal feast Observe, 5. The the new wine doth burst the bottles,
cavflnd exception which the scribes and and the wine is 8piUed, and the bot-
Pin^ made at our lonisfae conyer- t| m b ^ b t j
satsoo. They censure him for conversing A ■_ *• * l *,i
with nones ; be justifies himself, telling must •* Put ,nto ne¥r botlle8-
taem, that he convened with them as their Observe here, 1. A great difference be~
paysxan, not as their companion. They twixt John's disciples and Christ's in the
Umt are whole need no physician, says matter of fasting. John's disciples imitated
Carat, hut they that are tick. As if him, who was a man of an austere life, and
onr Lord had said, " With whom should much given to fasting -, therefore he is said
a physician convene, but with his sick to come neither eating nor drinking,
patents ? Now I am come into the world Matt. xi. 18. On the other side, Christ's
to do the office of a kind physician unto disciples follow him, who came eating and
men, sorely then I am to take all opportu- drinking, as other men did ; and yet,
asbaa of convening with them, that 1 may though there was a ereat difference betwixt
heap- and beat them, for they that are sick John's disciples and Christ's in matters of
aeed the physician : but as for you scribes practice, they were all of one faith and re-
and nisWn, who are well and whole in ligion. Thence learn, That there may be
yonr own opaasoa and conceit, I have no unity of faith and religion among those
hopes of doing good upon you : for such who do not maintain an uniformity in
as thank themselves whole desire no phyai- practice. Men may differ in some outward
can's snip.** From this assertion of our religious observances and customs, and yet
Saviour these troths are suggested to us, i. agree in the fundamentals of faith and re-
"* — n the soul's malady, its spiritual ligion. Thus did John's disciples and
sickness.. 2. That Christ is the Christ's; the one fasted often, the other
appointed by God for the cure fasted not. Observe, 2. In that the disci-
*ad heaung of this disease. 3. That there pies of the Pharisees used to fast as well as
Vm ST. MARK. Chap. I#„
John* disciples, we may team, That hypo- began, as they went, to ptacfc ttw»
critcs and wicked men may be, and some- ears of com. 24 And the Phari-
times are, ts strict and forwari mthe out- ^ gai<| unto hjm# Behold, why do
ward duties of religion, at itbe hotest and ^ ^ sabbath-day that Which
best of christians: tbey pray, they last, . J . , - , * rt. . , J, .,
they bear the woid,tbe7 fe«ive the "sacra- w not lawftil? 26 Ami he said unto
meats : they do, yea, it may be, they out- them, Have ye never read what
do and go beyond, the sincere christian in David did, when he had need, and
external duties and outward performances, was an hung red, he, and they that
Observe, 3. The defensative plea which our were with him? 26 How he went
blessed Saviour makes for the not fasting into tne house of God, in the days
of his disciples s he declares that it was of Abiathar fa high priest, and
neither suitable to them, nor tolerable for... ... u - i? J l-l-
them, thus to fast at present. Not suitable, did eat ^e shew- bread, whic* w
in regard of Christ's bodily presence with ** lawful to «** hut for the priests,
them. This made it a time of joy and re- and gave also to them which were
joking, not of mourning and fasting* with him ? 27 And he said unto
Christ is the Bridegroom, and his church them, The sabbath was made for
the bride ; whilst therefore his spouse did ma!lf and Dot raan for foe sabbath i
enjoy his ^bodily presence with ^her^it was 28 Therefore the Son of man is
a day of joy and rejoicing to her, and ¥ . , r .. • . 4.
mourning anci fasting were improper for **»? aiso <* the sabbath,
her. But when Christ's bodily presence Obaarve here, 1. Ite poverty* the low
shall be removed, there will be cause enough ef*te airf conrttion, of Christ s owa dssct-
to fast and mourn. Again, this discipline P1* rm ™ woc~ > *TO ***** owad, and
of fasting was not at present tolerable for ^ *"** *? Pimck *£J*'* *f **** to
the disciples j for they were raw, green, stafy their hunger. God may, and sotwe-
and tender, not fit for austerities j nor could J™68 drtl*V~er B" dearelt CDlk™» *>
bear as yet the severities of religion, no ™,^*ftgl!j'» to jasteofwanU for the
more than an old garment could bear a *™« meirisiln, .and dependence upon fees
piece of new stiff ciolh to be set into it, *»»»_»«* I**™**"*- Observe, 2. How
which will make the rent worse, if the ,he Pharstes (who aoowar^nied our Savi-
garment comes to a stretch ; or no more our *»J .™ a «»«n *° «*«_ al» and
than old bottles can keep new wine. As if $"!* .^ *!?T *"* $* "*" ** «
our Saviour had said, " My disciples at pre- 5* *™F" d5> b"m61 ™ "*** °» *»»
sent are tender and weak, newly called and dsciptas, nariiely»the plucking the eats o€
converted ; they cannot therefore bear the f™ on the ,abbtt~a7* . ™ ■?■> O)
severities of religion presently j but ere long " was not any theft which the daasples
I shall leave them, and go to heaven, from were chssged wiA j for to take in own
whence I win send down the Holy Spirit «■***> much of our neighbour's goods
upon them, which shall enablethem to do all we »»* teasonably suppose that, if he wc
the duties which the gospel enjoins." Now JWBeat» *■■ kncw «" circumstacev He
the intended lesson of instruction from hence wou*i J*** *■» •» no tn8ft- Bat ilia tftao
fa this, That it is hurtful and dangerous for ***** 1fj»» on the sabbath, in gather***-
young converts, for weak christians, to be ^ ears of corn, which the Pharisees scrapie.
put upon the severer exercises of religion, W^°i™"*e» ™ow ~ ?? hjmoonajBa
or to be urged to the performance of such are for *eJM^ ""V °* ™ *w» w/hiWi
duties as are above their strength. Botthey ^"^a** ™ greater, and are
ought to be handled with that tenderness «waly *"*** *> outwaid cer
which becomes the mild and gentle dispen* I""0* •> holmess in the observation
sation of the gospel. Our Saviour here *■»» «fleotiag motel duties. Observe 1
commends prudence to his ministers m ^e[».3- HowowSaviowdelmdstiiea^tio^
treating their people according to their ^^oms^MkaM^tmmn^t^Ka^g^
strengX, and putting them upon duties !JLI55£!^
according to their time and standing. pie of David. Necessity freed him from t%a**l»
oo a a u a lL *. and blame in eating the coasecraied hrsuL-i
23 And it came to pass, that whkh none but the priaas might Ja^rtWil;
he went through the corn-fields on eat For in cases of necessity a rrtsiu
the sabbath -day ; and his disciples nial precept roust give way to a mood <£,
Chap. 1U ST. MARK, TO
WockscfaHrcyaodDeaettfty forpKHrriag Thai the aaiutt censures and malicious
our lives, and for the better siting us for no- cavils of wiofced men against us for well-
batb-aervices, are certainly lawful for the doing, aunt not discourage in from doing
sabbath-day. Observes, 4. A double ar- our duty* either towards God, or towards
gument wbich our Saviour uses, to prove oar neighbour. Though the Pharisees
that the sabbath's observation may be watched our Saviour, and when their envy
dapenaed with in a case of absolute and malice could find no occasion of quar-
noMssaty ; 1. Drawn from the end of id, they could invent and make one j yet
the sabbath's, institution : the sabbath such was our Lord's courage and resolu-
was made for man •* that is, instituted tion, that he bids the man which had the
of God for the good and benefit of withered hand, stand forth : to show that
mankind, both with respect to their souk be was resolved to heal him, notwithstand-
and to their bodies. The outward ob- ing their maJiciouB purpose to accuse him
serving and keeping of the sabbath for it at a breaker of the sabbath. Oppo-
m subordinate to the good of man, and aition met with in doing our duty, must not
therefore the good of man is to be preferred discourage us from doing Rood, if we will fol-
befbre the outwasd keeping of the sabbath, low the example of our blessed Redeemer.
2. Argument is drawn from the authority 6 And when he bad looked round
which Christ, the Iostitutor of the sabbath, ab0„t on them with anger, being
^^a^^yTTw" *■"£•£• &rieved for the hardness of their
of ike sabbath ; that a, he has authority SLQi.#„ i,_ •«*, „„f- fi»« ___
zLs «*«— _ koAk *. fi*Ji o»d •. M*Ai«LrJ hearts, he saith unto the nan,
and power, ootn as uod and at Mediator, «* AJ * aL .•. u a a j l
to maUtule and appoint a sabbath, to alter Stretch forth thine hand. And he
and change the sabbath, to dispense wish stretched %t out : and his hand was
the broach of it upon a just and great oc- restored whole as the other,
casion ; and consequently, acts of mesey, Observe here, 1. The Pharisees' sinful
which tend to fit us for works of piety, not and graceless disposition, and that was hard-
only may, but ought to be done upon toe ness of heart The heart of man is naturally
aabbatb-day: which was the proposition hard, and full of obstinacy and enmity
our Saviour undertook to prove. against Christ : but there is an acquired
CHAP III. hardness, which continuance in sin oc-
ANO he entered again into the f^^na^ the Pharisees ^ laboured under
M».~A<r,i». o,wl 4h»r» »<>« « hoth. Observe, 2. A double affection which
synagogue ; and there was a ^ ^^ Jf ^ found in the p^.
man there which had a withered ^ did 8tir ^ in Chri8t . tamely, anger
band. 2 And they watched <faim, g^ mdignat»n, grief aad commiseration :
whether he would heal him on the He was grieved for the hardness of their
sabbath-day ; that tbey might ac- hearts. Learn hence, 1. That human pat-
case turn. 3 And he saith unto the skms are not sinful, and that the christian
nan which had the withered hand, »l««n doth not destroy r^uial aflfections.
c< a c -*k a l~a u~ .aWK ««♦,* 2- That anger at sin, erther in ourselves or
Stand forth 4 And he saith unto othe^ tf^ witbi; itldlle bounds, is not
them, Is it lawful to do good on the ^ ,awful ^ ^g^g^^ This pat-
sabbath-days, or to do evil ? to save z^n 0f ^^ was found m him, in whom
life, or to kill > But they held their was no sin. 3. That our anger against
peace. sin ought to be accompanied with grief
Toe former part of this chapter reports to and compassion towards sinners. We
is a mfeaculous cure wrought by Christ should pour out our tears of compassion,
upon a man who had a withered hand, when men pour forth their abominations.
The place where he wrought it, was the 4. That of all sins, hardness of heart and
synagogue : the time when, was the sab- unbelief are most grievous and offensive,
batb-day ; the manner how, was by speak- most displeasing and provoking to Jesus
tog a word ; the parsons before whom, Christ : He looked about with anger, be;
•ere the envious and malicious Pharisees, ing grieved for the hardness of their
These men were always cavilling at our hearts. Observe, 3. The sudden and in-
Saviour's doctrine, mad slandering his mi- stantaneous cure which our Saviour wrought
sacks ; yet oar Saviour goes on with his upon the man that had the withered hand :
wctk before their faces, without either in- our Saviour did not touch him, but
•arnsptfonordMX>uragement Learn thence, only said to him, Stretch forth thy hand.
180 ST. MARK. Chap. ML
sod it was presently cured. Learn hence, is a note indeed of the true church : but
That Christ'* having absolute power over unity in opposing Christ, his person, his
all bodily diseases and infirmities, to cure doctrine, his people, is so for from being
them miraculously without means, only a mark of the true church, that it is the
by a word speaking, is one argument that badge of the antichristian synagogue,
proves him to be truly and really God. - Observe, 2. The prudent means which
6 And the Pharisees went fortbi « Saviour uses to preserve himself from
and straightway took counsel with fij^*^^
the Herodians against him, how they teftche^ ^ B^kisien a^ duty m a time
might destroy him. 7 But Jesus 0f danger to fry from persecution, and to
withdrew himself with his disciples endeavour to preserve their lives, unless
to the sea : and a great multitude when their sufferings are like to do ' more
from Galilee followed him, and from good than their lives. Observe, 3. The
Jndea, 8 And from Jerusalem, and ?"* "** and forwaidness of the people
from Idumea, and from beyond Jor- ***»* "£" ™fi^T£ T^Zl
. , ., i . m j o- people come now at first from all places
dan ; and they about Tyre and Si- grf countries, from Judea, from Wumea,
don, a great multitude, when they from beyond Jordan, fit>m Tyre and
had heard what great things he did, Sidon,to hear his doctrine, and see bis mira-
came unto him. 0 And he spake des. The people came from all parts when
to his disciples, that a small ship onr Saviour first began to preach. His
should wait on him because of the minders find it thus : at their first coming
multitude, lest they should throng am^*1a *"?>£ *~ labTJS "^
J". \* v u u a i™i i - acceptable, and they do most good: our
him. 10 For he had healed many; J^s affecuon8 a^ t^n warmest, and
insomuch that they pressed upon perta.^ 0UF own t00. Observe, 4. What
him for to touch him, as many as sort of people they were which attended
had plagues. 11 And unclean thus zealously upon our Saviour's ministry,
spirits, when they saw htm, fell they were the common and ordinary peo^
down before him, and cried, saying, Pje \M* P°°r received the gospel; whilst
Thou art the Son of God. 12 And ^^^a* ^ ^BS£ "^ 3£
he straitly charged them that they %£ men ^ & fle8^0d€SpiS our
should not make him known. Saviour's person, slighted his ministry, and
Observe here, 1. What dismal effects sough*t his life. The ordinary and mean-
this famous miracle of Christ had upon est sort of people ever have been more
the Pharisees and Herodians. Instead of zealous' and forward in embracing the gos-
being convinced by it, they conspire pel, than ever the great, and the rich, and
against him for it These Herodians and the honourable part of the world have
Pharisees were of different opinions, ene- been. It is a sad but a certain truth,
raies to one another, yet they join together heaven is the place where few, corapa-
in seeking the death of Christ. The Pha- ratively, of the great men of the world,
risees were against paying tribute to Caesar, are like to come; their temptations are
looking upon themselves as a free people, many, their lusts are strong, and their
and accounting the Roman emperor an great estates, through their own abuse, he-
usurper. The Herodians were for it come fuel to their lusts. Observe, 5. The
Herod being made by the Roman emperor behaviour of these unclean spirits (die
king of the Jews, was zealous for having devils) towards our Saviour, and our
the Jews pay tribute to Caesar -, and such Saviour's carriage towards mem : they
of the Jews as sided with him, particularly fall down at the very sight of biro, they
his courtiers and favourites, were styled cry out, and confess him to be the Son
Herodians ; but both Pharisees and He- of God j but he sharply rebukes mem,
rodians take counsel against Christ and charges them that they should not
Learn thence, That unity and consent is make him known. Not that our Sa-
of itself alone far from being a mark and viour would nave the knowledge of his
note of the true church. Unity in the person suppressed, but because the devils
faith and doctrine of Christ, and in the were not nt persons to preach Jesus Christ
profession and practice of the true religion, A truth out of the mouth of the father of
€hap. lit. ST. MARK; 181
lies, is enough to render truth itself sus- of the ministers of the church .- solemn
pected. Besides, the time appointed for prayer is to be used by such as are to or-
the full and dear manifestation of the dain and choose them : our Lord's prac-
Godhead of Christ was not yet come. This tice is to be a standing rule herein to all
was not to be done till after his resurrec- church-officers. Observe again, Though
ton ; the divine nature was to be hid Christ called his apostles now, yet he did
under the veil of Christ's flesh, during his not send them forth now : He ordained
state of humiliation and abasement. twelve that they should be with him*
13 And he goeth up into a moun- That is, that they might converse with
lain, and calleth unto him whom he him» a°d be eye-witnesses and ear-wit-
would ; and they came unto him. "esfL°f his "!?• doctrine, and miraclee.
-i4j, a - a 4, \ .i* And having been thus with Christ, and
11 And he ordained twelve, that ntted and ]iepa«d ^r him for their work,
they should be with hun, and that afterwards they went forth. Thence learn,
lie might send them forth to preach . That such as are to take upon mem the office
16 And to have power to heal sick- of the ministry, ought first to be fitted and
nesses, and to cast out devils : 16 prepared for it, then solemnly called to it,
And Simon he surnaraed Peter : 17 befolB they enterpriw and undertake the
And James the son of Zebedce, and executio2 J* *j rf *? "J° ^ *»* *J»
T i Ai • lL ^T rju ^ere called and qualified extraordinarily,
John the brother of James ; (and he were to d ^ time with ctaist to £
SHrnamed them Boanerges, which is, c^ direction and instruction from him
The sons of Thunder;) 18 And before they went forth to preach; how
Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholo- much more needful is it for such as are or-
new, and Matthew, and Thomas, dinarily called, to be well fitted and fur-
and James the ton of Alpheus, and n»hed for the ministerial service, before
Thaddeus, and Simon theCanaanite, *** «>**«*• *l Observe next, How
in k j ¥ a i • * u- u i the several names of the apostles are here
19 And Judas Iscariot, which also ^^ and ^^^ . ££ wi„ honour
betrayed him ; and they went into those that honour him, and are the special
an bouse. instruments of his glory. Of these apostles
- M the Jewish church arose from twelve Peter is named first, and Judas last. Peter
patriarchs, so the christian church became is named first, because probably elder than
planted by twelve apostles. The person the rest, or because for order sake he might
comsfiiwioning them was Christ; none speak before the rest. From whence may be
nay undertake the work and calling of inferred a primacy, but no supremacy ; a
the ministry, but those whom Christ priority of order, not a superiority of degree.
appoints and calls. The persons commis- As the foreman of a grand jury has a pre-
Sfooed were disciples before they were cedency but no pre-eminency 5 he is first
apostles ; to teach us, that Christ will in order before the rest, but has no au-
hire such ss preach the gospel to be dis- thority or power over the rest. Judas is
cipftes before they are ministers ; trained named last, with a brand of infamy upon
up in the faith and doctrine of the gospel, him ; that he was a traitor, the person that
before they undertake a public charge, betrayed his Lord and Master. Whence
Observe farther, The holy preparative learn, That though the truth of grace be
which our Saviour uses in order to this absolutely necessary to a minister's salva-
eiection of his apostles ; he goeth up into a tion, yet the want of it doth not disannul
soouBssin fo,prey upon that great occasion, his office, nor hinder the lawfulness of
So say* St Luke, chap. vi. 12. He went his ministry. Judas, though a traitor, was
up into a mountain to pray, and spent yet a lawful minister. The mission of a
ike night in prayer to God. And when person may be valid, though he be not
rt 94U day, he called his disciples, and of sanctified. Observe lastly, That our Sa-
them he chase twelve. In this prayer no viour surnamed James and John, Boanerges,
doubt he pleaded with his Father to fur- the Sons of Thunder. St Jerome thinks
ash aD those that were to be sent forth by this name was given them, because being
him with all ministerial gifts and graces, with Christ in the mount at his transfigu-
Leam thence, That as prayer is a necessary ration, they heard the Father's voice out
preparative to all duties, so more especially of the cloud like thunder : others think
(jesbie the public election and ordination them so called, because they were more
JM ST. MARK. Chap- III.
vehement and earnest than the rest in followed by; «» % «»ba«do«. Ob-
££££* dTwTth greyer zeal and serve 2.tfhe rash .~^"J»£"
Sower ^ind forth the doctrine of the go* friends, that is, h» kinsinen, ™?**™*
£l liL tounder It is very probable, that this action, in neglecting to eat bread.
&£ga^ and suffering the ™i}tituda ^us un^a-
nf thpW and seal of their temperTof sonably to press upon him. Theyconcln^
wh^ «£ ^n^avf a7 Mn£ in be is rjeskle^imself, out ofhis ^™*>
S^o^meoown from heaven to and accordingly went out to ky bofcUpoa
desiring fire to comedown from heaven to ^^^m^^)^^lr^^
consunfe the Samaritans. him. Learn hence, (M^the Jorward
m , lA.A . _ 4U zeal and diligence of Christ and his mints-
20 And the multitude cometh t^ m p^mg the gospeU is ao»unted
together again, so that they could m^ess and frenzy by a blind workL
..-v* .-** m..~k oa Ant KrPAfL 21 !>..♦ 4l»«« m««r Mil with the anfl&tle. 2 Cbf*.
logeiuer again, w »•• »..^<y ~~-— madness ana irenzy oy » i»««* *»«»■«•
not -so much as eat bread. 21 But they may say with the apostle, 2 Ovr.
And when his friends heard of it, v. 13. If we be 6eiide ourselves tf is to
they went out to lay hold on him: Qod. but who were personsthat thus
{A* said, He is beaufe birn^ ^Y^ZSSSZS&
22 And the scribes which came ^^ t0 ^ flesh. Learn hence, (2.)
down from Jerusalem said, He hath ^^ of£times the servants of God meet
Beelzebub, and by the prince of the with the strongest temptations from, and
devils casteth he out devils. 23 are m0gt discouraged and molested by.
And he called them unto him, and such as are their nearest relations by blood
said unto them in parables, How can or alliance. This is a gf«t to^to *>»
Satan cast out Satan ? 24 And if our relations setting us back, instead I of
a kingdom be divided against Use* JJJ.- ^-jjhe wa^
that kingdom cannot stand. 25 f^m that not only others of God*
And if a house be divided against cniidren, but Jesus Christ, his own and
itself, that house cannot stand. 26 on]y Son, did experience this trial. Ob-
And if Satan rise up against him- serve, 3. The malicious and wicked slander
self, and be divided, he cannot stand, which the scribes endeavoured to fix on
but hath an end. 27 No man can our blessed Saviour ; !?£*'** *™
enter into astrongman', .house and ^A£an^
spoil his goods, except he will first ^ ^^ out of othe^ q^ Qodl
bind the strong man ; and then he how wiA mme own ra(i ^y Son, the
will spoil his house. 28 Verily I holy and innocent Jesus, censured, slan-
aay unto you, All sins shall be tor- dered, and falsely accused of the worst of
eiven unto the sons of men, and crimes: of gluttony, of blasphemy, of
blasphemies wherewith soever they sorcery ! Can any of thy children expect
shalf blaspheme : 29 But .he that ^w^n*^^
shall blaspheme against the Holy «gj ^ ^ ^^ ^
Ghost hath never forgiveness, but j^ ^^on ? Observe, 4. Our Sa-
is in danger of eternal damnation : viour^s answer, and just apology for him-
30 Because they said, He hath an self, in which are contained, (1.) A con-
unclean spirit. rotation of their calumny and *knd»-
Observe here, 1. How truly our Lord's (2.) A reprehension of the scribes for the
words were verified, John iv. 34. My same. To confute this slander, our Sa-
mcat is to do the will of Aim that sent me .• viour, by several arguments, snows how
for he and his apostles going into an house absurd and unlikely H is that the devil
to refresh themselves in their hunger, the should cast out himself, and any way
people pressed upon him so fast to hear the seek to oppose and destroy his own king-
word, that he regards not the satisfying of dom. As if our Saviour had said, "Is
his hunger, but applies himself to instruct it likely that Satan would lend xne his
the people. Lord! how exemplary was power to use it against himself? Surely
thy zeal and diligence in preaching the Satan will do nothing to weaken his own
everlasting gospel to a lost world ! As it interest, or shake the pillars of his own
is instructive to, may it be imitated and kingdom. Now if I have received any
Chip. HI. ST. MARK. IS*
power from Satan, for destroying him and devil : at if Satan would conspire against
his kingdom, then is Satan like a family himself, and seek the ruin of his own king-
divided within itself and like a kingdom dom; there is no way or means left to con-
divided against itself, which can never vince you, but you will continue in your
stand, but be brought to desolation." Our obstinacy, and malicious opposition to truth,
Saviour having sufficiently shown that he to your unutterable and inevitable con-
did not work his, miracles by the power demnatioo."
of the devil, he next informs them from 31 There came then his brethren
whence be had that power, even from and his mother, and, standing with-
God hiniself;aiid accordingly he compares out ^^ unto him ^jj him
Satan to a strong man weU jumed, w*h M A d ft muUitude 8at8about
weapons to defend his house: and he . . , .. ., »wn»
contain liimself, clothed wi(h divine J™5™* I u !a£ J™*
power, to one that is stronger than the Behold, thy mother and thy brethren
strong man. So that the aigument runs without seek for thee. 83 And he
thas : The devil is very strong and powerful, answered them, saying, Who is my
and there is no power but God's only that mother, or my brethren ? 34 And he
■ stronger than his. If then, says Christ, looked round about on them which
I ^^M^J™.**V™ P°wer' * sat about him, and said. Behold my
could never oast out this strong man, who _ ., _ , ' k^*l ' • «* *>J
reigns m the bodies *ndu*$> of men as ™ther and my brethren ! 36 For
satins boose, for it must be a stronger whosoever shall do the will of God,
man the strong man that shall bind Satan $ the same is my brother, and my sis-
and who is he but the God of strength ? ter, and mother.
Learn hence, That Christ's divine power Observe here, 1. The truth and verity of
only b superior to Satan's strength. He Christ's human nature; he had affinity and
only can vanquish and overrule him at his consanguinity with men, persons near in
pleases*, and drive bim out of that posses- blood to him by the mother's side, called
sjoa which he holds either in the bodies or here nts brethren ; that is, his kinsmen,
in the souls of men. Observe, 5. The Observe, 2. That the mother of Christ,
csHOge which our Saviour brings against the though she was a blessed and holy woman,
senbesssm Pharisees' blaspheming his divine yet she was not free from sin, but failures
power in working miracles. He charges and infirmities are found with her. It was
than of sinning the unpardonable sin against a fault to interrupt our Saviour unreasonably
the Holy Ghost. All si* and blamhemy at this time, when he was preaching to the
thaU he forgiven* bat he that thall bla$- people. The like we see in her at other
pheme mgminst the HoJj Gho$tt hath never times, Luke ii. 48, and John ii. 3. No
fergatneu. As if Christ had said, " All the saint here on earth ever was in a state of
Tmrhm which yoncast upon me as man sinless perfection* Blessed be God, we are
are pardonable ; as when you check me hastening to such a state. Observe, 3, That
with the poverty and meanness of my birth, Christ did not neglect bis holy mother, or
when you censure me for a wine-bibber, a disregard his poor kindred and relations, but
gfatftoa, a friend and companion of sinners, only showed that be preferred his Father's
and the like unjust crimes. But when you work and business before their company and
Sssspbeme thai divine power by which all acquaintance at this time. Observe, 4.
say miracles are wrought, and, contrary to How exceedingly dear obedient christians
tan conviction of your own enlightened are to Jesus Christ ; he prefers his spiritual
minds, maiinmnly ascribe all my miracles to kindred before his natural. Alliance by
trie power of the devil, which were wrought faith is more valued by our Saviour than
Mead by the power of the HolyGbost, Ibis alliance by blood. To boar Christ in the
aaakrt your condition not only dangerous but heart, is a greater honour than to bear him
desperate, becauss you resist the last remedy, in the womb. Blessed be God, this great
sad opposetbe beat means for yourconvictioo. and gracious privilege is not denied us even
For what can be done more to convince you now. . Although we cannot see Christ, yet
that I am the true and promised Messiah, love him we* may. His bodily presence
than to work so many miracles before your cannot be enjoyed by us, but his spiritual pre-
eyes to that purpose? Now, if when you aence is not denied us. Though Christ be not
see these you will say, It is not the Spirit of ours in house, in arms, in affinity, in con-
God that works these, but the power of the aanguinity ; yet in heart, in faith, in love, in
*84 ST. MARK. Chap. IV;
service, he is, or may be ours. Verily, spin- pretation of the parable. Some are of opin-
tual regeneration bringeth men into a more km our Saviour's parables were suited to his
honourable relation to Christ than natural hearers' employments ; and accordingly
generation ever did. many of his hearers being husbandmen* be
CHAP. IV. resembles his doctrine to seed sown in the
A^t^ i. i •"•"** i- i- fi^d* For thus be speaks :
ND he began again to teach by „ „ , _ . ., .
the sea-side T and there was f Hearken; Behold there went
gathered unto him a great multitude, f ut a sower * *°w : * And * «■*
so that he entered into a ship, and *? Pass» »* he "J™1' ■?« fe» ]*
aat in the sea ; and the whole multi- *e way-side and the fowls of the
tude was by the sea on the land. 2 aircame and devoured it up. 6 And
And he taught them many things by ?°me feU on -tony ground, where it
parables, and said unto them in his ha^ not mttch ««* * and immedi-
doctrine atel? ft 8Pran& °P» because it had no
^ , ' , ., depth of earth: 6 But when the
♦K^ief0I!!!ingCWCTa^T!SlWW^! sun was up, it was scorched; and
the blasphemous slander which the scribes ■ * u j *. •* -Ji .
and Pharisees cast upon our blessed Saviour, becaU8C jj bad"° TQOt> ^ withered
accusing him of casting out devils by the away- 7 And some fell among
help of the devil. This they did, no doubt, thorns ; and the thorns grew up and
to discredit his person, and hinder his minis- choked it, and it yielded no fruit. B
try; yet for all this the people follow him And other fell on good ground, and
in gieatmultitiides, more than ever, to hear rfy yield f^u tnat sprang up and
fetx^^^ increased and brought forth, some
Satan and wicked men rial! not be able to ^nty, and !om? "ty and ?°,nc ™
suppress the gospel, or hinder the free course hundred. 9 And he said unto them. He
of it ; yea, the more it is opposed, the more that hath ears to hear, let him bear,
it shall prevail : the more the scribes and I. Several things are to be observable ; as*
Pharisees disgraced our Saviour, and vilified 1. How Christ begins and ends the parable
his doctrine, the "more the people followed with an admonition to diligent and serious
him in troops, to be partakers of his ministry, attention. Hearken, says Christ, verse 3.
Observe, 2. The place where our Lord now and he that hath ears to hear, let Aim
preached ; in a ship. Not that he declined hear, verse 9. This shows us at once the
the temple, or the synagogue, when he had people's backwardness and negligence in
opportunity ; but in the want of them Christ applying their minds to bear and receive the
thought an house, a mountain, a ship, no word of God, and also shows the minister's
unmeet place to preach in. It is not the duty to excite and stir up their people's
place that sanctifies the ordinance, but the diligence and attention in hearing God's
ordinance that sanctifies the place. Observe, word. Observe, 2. What is the general
3. Our Saviour's gestures in preaching; he scope and design of this parable: namely,
sat, it being the custom of the Jewish church to show that there are four several sorts of
so to do, Matt, xxiii. 2. The scribes and bearers of God's word, and but one good
Pharisees sit in Moses" chair. Learn one, but one sort only who hear to saving
thence, That in indifferent rites and orders, advantage. Now as to the matter of the
touching the outward worship of God, we parable. Note, (1.) The sower is Christ
are to conform oorselves to the laudable and his apostles; he the principal sowar,
custom and practice of the church in which they the subordinate seedsmen. Christ sows
we live, and whereof we are members, his own field, his ministers sow his field.
This did our Saviour, and so ought we. He sows his own seed, they his seed. Woe
Observe, 4. The manner of our Lord's unto us if we sow our own seed, not Christ's,
preaching, it was by parables and similitudes, Note, (2.) The seed sown, the word of God :
which was an ancient way of instructing fabulous legends and unwritten traditions,
among the Jews, and a verjr convincing which the seedsmen of the church of Rome
way ; working upon men's minds, me- sow, these are not seed, but chaff, or their
mories* and affections, all at once, making own seed, and not Christ's. Our Lord's
the mind attentive, the memory retentive, field must be all sown with his own seed,
^nd the auditors inquisitive after the inter* with no mixt grain. Learn, 1. That the
Chap IV. ST. MARK. 183
void preached is like seed sown in the information. It is no shame for the best of
snows of the field. As seed has a fructifying ministers, yea, the best of men, to acknow-
Tirtue in it, by which it increases and ledge their own ignorance in the mysteries
brings forth more of its own kind, so has of religion, and to attend upon the meant
the word of God a quickening power to of instruction, in order to their further infor-
rajeoaate and make alive dead souls. Learn, mation. In our Saviour's answer, To you
2. From this parable, that the seed of the it is given to know the mysteries of the
iron), where it is most plentifully sown, is kingdom of God* &rc. observe, 1. That the
aot alike fruitful. Seed doth not thrive in doctrines of the gospel are great mysteries,
all ground alike, neither doth the word 2. That it is a matchless and invaluable pri-
uuctjry alike m the souls of men. There is vilege practically to understand gospel-mys-
adiAereoce both from the nature of the soil, teries. 3. That this privilege all are not
and from the influence of the Spirit. For sharers in, and partakers of, but only those
though no ground be naturally good,yet to whom it is given. 4. That it is aright-
some is worse than other. Learn, 3. That eous thing with God, to give such persons
the came of the word's unfruitfulneas is very over to farther blindness and ignorance in
diflerent ; not the same in all. In some it spiritual things, who wilfully reject the
a an hard heart to unbelief, in others the truth, and shut their eyes against the light.
<WytH>g cares of the world choke the and evidence of it. The Pharisees had all
word: hke thorns which hinder the corn's along shut their eyes, and said they would
growth, by overshadowing it, by drawing not see : and now Christ closes their eyes
away the moisture and heart of the earth judicially, and says tbey shall not see.
from it, and by hindering the influence of Seeing ye shall see9 and not perceive ; and
the son from cherishing it Unto which hearing ye shall hear* and not understand.
nay be added the policy of Satan, that bird 14 The sower soweth the word,
of prey, which follows God's plough, and 15 And these are they by the way-
steak away the precious seed of the word 8ide, where the word is sown ; but
ort of the forrows of theirsouls. Learn, 4. when th havc heard Satan cometh
K? •£f^taSSW "«#* and ^ ?\ay the
forth mote, others less f some thirty, some word that was *°™ inLtheir **•*■-
nxty, some an hundred-fold. In like man- M And these are they likewise
aer, a person may be a profitable hearer of which are sown on stony ground ;
ike word, although be doth not bring forth who, when they have heard the
» g^ a proportion of fniit as others, pro- WOrd, immediately receive it with
vxfed he beings forth as much as he can. gladness ! 17 And have no root in
10 And when he was alone, they themselves, and so endure but for a
that were about him with the twelve time : afterward, when affliction or
asked of him the parable. 11 And persecution ariseth for the word's
he said onto them, Unto you it is sake, immediately they are offended,
givest to know the mystery of the 18 And these are they which are'
kingdom of God : but upon them sown among thorns ; such as hear
that are without all these things are the word, 10 And the cares of
done in parables : 12 That seeing this world, and the deceitfulness of
they may see, and not perceive ; and riches, and the lusts of other things
hearing they may hear, and not entering in, choke the word, and it
■adentand ; lest at any time they becometh unfruitful. 20 And these
should be converted, and their sins are they which are sown on good
shosld be forgiven them. 13 And ground ; such as hear the word,
he said onto them. Know ye not this and receive it, and bring forth fruit,
parable ? and how then will ye know some thirty-fold, some sixty, and
ail parables ? some an hundred.
Observe here. The disciples' question, Here our Saviour applies himself to
r Saviour's reply. Their question is interpret and explain the foregoing pa-
he sense and meaning of the parable, rable : the seed is the word, the sower is
They own their ignorance, and desire better the preacher, the soil is the heart and soul
I8G &T. MARK Chap. IV!
of man. Some heaven Christ compares to kept secret, but that it sboold come
the highway ground, in which the seed abroad. 23 If any man have ears
hes uncovered forthe want of the harrow to hear> jct him hemr# 34 An<|
of meditatton. Others to *»u, ground he ^ unto ft Take heed ^^
in which the word has no root No root , . . . \ mj?Murp w
in their understandings, in their memories, ye he*r • "}«! what «««"* 1*
wills, and affections : but they are in- mete, it shall be measured to you 3
stantly offended, either at the depth and and unto you that hear shall more
profoundness of the word, or at the sanctity be given. 25 For he that hath, to
and strictness of the word, or else at the him shall be gives : and he that
plainness and simplicity of it Again, hath not from him ^^ be taken
some hearers our I*rd compares to thorny that wMch he hath
ground : worldly and covetous desires are
as thorns choking the good seed : they Observe here, 1. The end and design
shadow the blade when sprung up, keep of Christ in revealing his word and will to
off the influences of the sun, and draw his disciples, and in commimipating to
away the fatness of the soil from the seed, them the light of spiritual knowledge ;
All these mischievous effects have thorns namely, that they may communicate it to
among the seed. And the like ill effects others, and not keep it close unto them,
have worldly affections and covetous de- selves. Even as the candle in a house dtf-
sires m the soul of man, rendering the fuses and disperses its light to all that come
seed of me word unfruitful and unprofitable, within the reach of it; in. like manner
But the good christian hears the word ought all christians, and particularly Christ^
attentively, keeps it retentively, believes it ministers, by the light of life and doctrine,
stedfastly, applies it particularly, practises to direct persons in their way towards hea-
it universally, and brings forth fruit per- ven. Such as are enlightened by God in
severingly. Learn, 1. That no hearers any measure, with the Knowledge and un*
„ are in Christ's account good hearers of the derstanding of his word, ought not to con-
word, but such as bring forth fruit an- eeal and hide this knowledge within them-
swerable to their hearing. 2. That a selves, but communicate it to others, and
person may be a good hearer of the word employ it for the good and benefit of
m Christ's account, if he bring forth others. Observe, 2. The cautionary di-
the best fruit he can, though it be not in rection given by Christ to his disciples. to
so great a proportion as others do. M take heed haw they hear the word. Such
some grounds brine forth thirty, some as would profit by hearing of the word
sixty, and some an hundred-fold 1 in like must diligently attend to the matter of the
manner do all sincere hearers of the word, doctrine which they hear* and also to the
They all bring forth fruit, though not all manner how they hear. Such is the ma-
alike; all in sincerity, though not all jesty and authority of the Person that
equally, and none to perfection. It is speaks to us in the word, such is the
Theophylact's note on the place : " How sublimity and spirituality of the matter,
small h the number of good men, and and so great is our danger, if we rniscarry
how few are saved ! For only the fourth under the word, that it nearly concerns
part of the seed fell upon good ground, us to take heed, both what we hear, and
and was preserved." Others observe a how we hear. Observe, 3. The argument
gradation here: the seed sown in the which our Saviour makes use of to quicken
highway comes not up at all ; that on his disciples to communicate the know-
stony ground comes up, W increaseth not; ledge, and improve the grace they had
that among thorns increaseth, but bears received for the good and benefit of others,
no fruit ; only that seed which fell on To him that hath §hail be given. That
good ground brings forth fruit unto per- is, such as improve their spiritual gifts
fection. shall have them increased; such at im-
21 And he said unto them, Is a F°ve them not shall have them blasted,
candle brought to be put under a J?» k»ce, Thai te best course we can
bushel, or under a bed ? and not to be "* !.° ,ncrfae ■"£ *"* I? &£* "J0
-* *. , v* uiiu^i •» ■#«.«« «»••*» mw* ■*» »#w exercise and improve it. He that hides
set on a candlestick ? 22 For there ^ ^fa^ doth £* ^ fo^ it# ^ k
is nothing hid, which shall not be in danger of being punished severely for
manifested; neither was anything the non-improvement of it
Chap. IV. ST. MARK. 187
30 And h& said, So is the king- our Lord will reward us secundum Hahorem,
fan ©f God, as if a man should nonfructum; not according to oursuc-
cast seed into the ground ; 27 And «•» but ■0?ldl5& l0 °Vr ende?v^»-
and the seed should spring and grow
up, be knowetk not how. 28 For 30 And he said, Whereunto shall
the earth bringeth forth fruit of her- we liken the kingdom of God ? or
Self: first the blade, then the ear, with what comparison shall we com -
after that the full corn in the ear. pare it ? Si It is like a grain of
29 Bat when the fruit is brought mustard seed, which, when it is
forth, immediately he putteth in die sown in the earth, is less than all
sickle, because the harvest is come, the seeds that be in the earth : 32
But when it is sown, it groweth up,
Tins parable of our Saviour*! is an in- andbecometh greater than all herbs,
tfroctive lesson to the ministers of the gos- and shooteth out great branches ;
pd, nuthfully to do their parts in sowing so that the fowls of the air may
the seed of the word amongst their people, i^ge under the shadow of it. 33
!?!?? ?? £!* ^5i0,icit40,lsr?^ut *■ And with many such parables spake
anent, but to leave the issue to God : not * 4. i * Au ^ r
tobeOsoouraged, though the fruit of 'their h*the "ord u.nto ***• M *«* w«re
labour doth not presently appear. Ac- ab,e t0 near »r. 34 But without a
cMdmgly Christ propounds the laborious parable spake he not unto them :
habandman to his ministers' imitation, and when they were alone, he ex-
A» the bntbandman, when he has pro- pounded all things to his disciples.
dendy tod painfully cast his seed mto die Tfce deg%n rf &^ . ^
VWt {LT* T^1- ^^L 5 ^le is tolhow how the gospel-church,
ro« to bed. and rests in ^pe, and at from ^ ^ h j from8£|ukely and
aerlet fte ministers of God do their duty mtMl^mB^ 0£e of tl^sinauert of grains,
wdHMtdiscouragement ; m the morning fc considerable tannest? even
!2Lu5? J0£\^ mA^ r^JE 2? w Christ foretells that the gospel should
wtfhhold the* tend. And although the d ^ ioc,^ nations and countries
seed sown doth not apwar presently, ^^ christian,. Hence learn, That
(it may be not in our days,) but seems rot- how Jfa beginnings soever the gospel
tog among the clods } yet may it appear ^ fa jt$ ^ pUmtatio„f yet b* {£,
afterwaids widi a plentiful increase, when fructifyiDg blessing of God it his had, and
«*owntods are hid among the clods} ^i bive6 a wonlerful increase.
verifying that saying of our Saviour, One
sovetik, and mother rcapeth. Learn 35 And the same day, when the
hence, 1. That the ministry of toe word even was come, he saith unto them,
» the ordinary, the necessary, and the Let us pass over unto the other side,
pnocipal means which God has appointed 36 And wnen tney had gent away
flowing the seed of ^ gi^ m the hearte the multitude thev took him even
of his people: Sots the kingdom of Goaf ^ ■ . '. ■'.- A . .. _A
« ifolan should cast seed into the ** be was !n^? ship. And there
pW. 2. That the virtue and efficacy were »l«° w>*h him other little ships,
of the void preached doth not depend 37 And there arose a great storm
upon the parts of a man, but upon the of wind, and the waves beat into
sower of God; The seed springeth up, the ship, so that it was now full. 38
he kmerocth not how. Learn, 3. That the And he was in the hinder part of the
word of God sincerelv preached may be gh[ askep on a pinow . and th
J^T^ji^ * ^ fTnte; ^vake him and say unto him, Mas-
restful; the seed sown in one ministers A ', f .. . • •_ .
days, may spring up in another's. Happy ter' ««* thou not that w« P*"8*! '
we, sf as God's husbandmen we be eny 39 And he arose, and rebuked the
ployed in plowing, sowing, or reaping; wind, and said unto the sea, Peace,
laa ST. MARK. Cnap. V;
be stilt. And the Wind ceased, and were uo j they forgot that the Lord High
there was a great calm. 40 And Admiral of the Ocean was on board the
. o ■ j 11W1#_ rLam jjltu-, 0_0 «,«,«* ship : and were as much overset with their
he said unto them, Why are ye so ho^e[0m ion M the vessel was with
fearful ? how is it that ye have no the ^^13^13 winds. and accordingly
faith ? 41 And they feared exceed- (3^ rebukes the tempest within, before
ingly, aud said one to another, What the storm without. First he calms their
manner of man is this, that even the hearts, then he quiets the seas. From
wind and the sea obey him ? this instance of the disciples we may
gather, that great faith in the habit may
Observe, here, 1. Our Saviour and his appeaf "ttle m J?ct ■** ??*"*? = *"
disciples no sooner put forth to sea, but disciples' faith in forsaking all and foliow-
dangers attend and difficulties do accom- "»& Christ, was great faith ; but in this
pany them: a tempest arose, and the present act their fcith was weak, through
ship was covered with waves, which Christ the prevalency of their fears. O, the iro-
himself was in, with his disciples. Learn P»fect composition of the best of saints!
hence, That the presence of Christ himself Fa*h and fear will take their turns, and
does not exempt his disciples and followers ** their Parte» whilst we are upon the
from trouble and danger. Here is a great ^JF^ "* w?ri*J J ere long our fear
tempest about the disciples' ears, though ™fl he vanquished, and our tain swaU
Christ himself was in their company. lowed UP jn vlsion- f** ** «* ««d»
Observe, 2. The posture our Saviour was a IongHig *» ™* joyful hour,
in when this tempest arose: he being-
wearied with the labours of the day, was CHAP. V.
laid down upon a pillow to sleep at
night, thereby showing himself to be truly A^D they came over unto the
and really man, and that as he took upon "^ other side of the sea, into the
him human nature, so he assumed the country of the Gadarenes : 2 And
infirmities of our nature also, as weariness when hc was come out of the ship
S*^J%£ *£12L r2TS l-niediately there met him out Sf
Christ ; they awake him with a sad outcry, th? .tomb* \™*n ™th , an «*clean
Master, carest thou not that we perish * sP»nt, 3 Who had his dwelling
Here was faith mixed with human frailty, among the tombs ; and no man
They believed that he could save them ; could bind him, no, not with chains :
but being asleep, they concluded he must 4 Because that he had been often
be awaked before they can be saved by boiind with fetters and cnains and
him : whereas, though his human nature th riiams naci been nlucked &<tnn
was asleep, yet his divine nature neither lfe f naV1.8 naa ,D?*n PlucRea as«n"
slumbered nor slept Learn hence, That ?er V him' ™ the f<?"ers b«>ken
the prevalence of fear in a time of great and In pieces : neither could any wait
imminent danger, though it may argue tame him. 6 And always, night
weakness of faith, yet is no evidence of a and day, he was in the mountains,
total want of faith ; in the midst of the and in the tombs, crying, and cut-
disciples' fears they 4 believed Christ's pow- ting himself with, stones. 6 But
£ JS^BJ* fit* 2!1 il^ ^ wn*n he saw Jesus afar off, he came
by our baviour, first to the winds, next , . . ... m l . . ,
to the fears of his disciples: He rebukes and, worshipped him, 7 And cried
the winds, and instantly they are calm. w,th a ,oud VOIce> an« 8W«» Whnt
When the sea was as furious as a madman, have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou
Christ with a single word calms it. Learn Son of the most high God ? I ad-
hence, That the most raging winds, and jure thee by God that thou torment
outrageous seas, < cannot stand before the me not. 8 For he said unto him,
Sa„l^?ur G0d\^ Come out of the man, thou unclean
a law upon the most lawless creatures, ... «ajl 1 j l- ««■_ .
even when they seem to act most lawless- "P1"1- 9 And h* asked him» What
ly. Observe farther, Christ rebukes his "thy name? And he answered, say-
disciples1 fears, Why are ye fearful ? No "ig, My name is Legion: for we
sooner was the storm up, but their fears are many. 10 And he besought hiiu
Chap. V. ST. MARK. j8*
•
much thai be would not send them to possess tbem, but also to distemper their
away out of the country. 11 Now minds, and drive tbem to frenzy and mad*
there was there, nigh unto the neaB» cau&ing them to offer violence to their
mountains, a great herd of swine °»wn ^ve* m* t0 do nurt afMi mischief to.
feeding. 12 And all the devils be- the,r °?n bodie»- Thus did this possessed
«ugbt him saying. Send us into STsto^ T^lffS ^
the swine, that we may enter into why the evil angels do no ofiener exert
them. 13 And forthwith Jesus gave their power in doing mischief to the bodies
them leave. And the unclean spi- aod lives of men, is from the restraining
rits went out, and entered into the P°wer of God. The devils cannot do all
swine ; and the herd ran violently *he mischief tfaey would, and they shall not
down a steep place into the sea, £ ■" ^ c™:- Note, 3.The place where
f»H~« —.^.tiLf*-^!. I\ J tnese ev" sPinta delighted to make their
(they were about two thousand,) and abode ; among the tomb, or graves, plaw
were choked in the sea. 14 And desolate, forlorn, and solitary, which are.
they that fed the swine fled, and told apt to breed horror of mind, and give ad-
it in the city, and in the country, vantage to temptations. Learn thence.
And they went out to see what it That rt *■ dangerous, and very unsafe, for
was that was done. 16 And they Personst especially in whom melancholy
come to Jesus, and see him that was FT±£ AS^a ^ to *******
the legion, sitting, and clothed, and advantage to Satan to set upon them with
in his right mind : and they were powerful temptations. It is better to fre*
afraid. 16 And they that saw it quent human society, and especially to de-
told them how it betel to him that Ji8ht in the society and communion of the
was possessed with the devil, and 8aint8» bv means whereof *« may be more
•bo concerning the swine. 17 And V1T"; stn*fthened ^d fortified against
they began to* pray him to depart tTu^ctTto i» LJofc^
oat of their coasts. 18 And when and that he came into the world to be a
he was come into the ship, he that Saviour, but not a Saviour to them ; there-
had been possessed with the devil fore they cry out, What have toe to do
prayed him that he might be with vitfi tnee* or thou with » f O what an
him. 19 Howbcit Jesus suffered UDC°mfortable confession and acknowledge
him not, but saith unto him, Go "?! * ?"'£ 73^^ a S*
la„ ^ . * % /• • . i x I. l viour, and at the same time to know that
home to thy friends and tell them ^ k noneof our Saviour! Note>5> Th£
how great things the Jx>rd hath done though the devils do own Christ to be the
lor thee, and hath had compassion Son of God, and do pay homage and wor-
oo thee. 20 And he departed, and ship, and yield service and subjection to
began to publish in Decapolis how him» M n** ,,ave9 aud vassals, yet it fe
great things Jesus had done for him : not * free *nd voluntary service, but cx-
and all men did marvel. torted "Jfe"? **& from ?» ty the
power of Christ : He worshipped* and
Tins piece of history gives us a very sad cried out, saving, What have I to do
sslarioD of a person that was possessed with with thee? Note, 6. What a multitude
a legion of devils: we read of few, if any, of evil spirits do enter into one man. O
sa toe Old Testament, that were thus pos- the extreme malice and cruelty of the de-
saaed, but of many in the New Testament, vil against mankind, in that so many evil
Our Saviour came into the world to destroy spirits did at once afflict and torment a
the works of the devil j therefore he suffer- single person ; even a jegion, many thou-
ed Satan to enter some human bodies, to sands of them. Observe also, The unity
show bis divine power in casting him out. and agreement which is amongst these evil
Note here, 1. That the evil angels by their spirits in doing mischief: though there
fell lost their purity, but not their power; was a legion of them in this one person*
for with God's permission they have pow- yet they have all but one name. Learn*
er, not only to enter into men's bodies, and That the very devils have a sort of unity
190 ST. MARK. Ghap.Y*
amongst themselves, and in their malice tire Chart to depart from than. Carnal
and mischievous designs against mankind hearts prefer their swine before their Sa-
they are as one. How happy were it, if vkrar, and had rather lose Christ's pre-
good men were as much united in designs senoe than their worldly profit So desir-
and endeavours for the glory of God, as ous were these Gadarenes to get rid of our
devils conspire and combine against it ! Saviour's company, that they pray and
Note, 7. The outcry which the devil makes beseech him to depart out of their coasts.
at the appearance and approach of Christ, Learn hence, Sad is the condition of such
Art thou come to torment us before the from whom Christ departs ; more sad the
timet From thence learn, (1) Inst there condition of such who say unto Christ,
are tortures appointed to the spiritual natures Depart; but most sad the case of them
of evil angels. (2) That the devils are not who pray and beseech Christ to depart
so full of torment as they shall be. Al- from them. Thus did these Gadarenes de-
though they are as full of discontent as sire and beseech Christ to depart from them ;
they can be, there will be a time when which accordingly he did, and we read
their torments shall be increased, when they no more of his return to them. Note
shall have their rill of torment. This they lastly, How desirous the possessed man was
know, and accordingly thus they pray, to continue with Christ : after he was come
Torment us not before our time; that is, to himself, he proved that he might he
increase not our torments before the ap- with him. This he might desire, partly
pointed time of their increase. Note, 8. to testify his thankfulness to Christ, partly
The devils* request, Not to send them out out of fear of being re-possessed again by
of the country, ver. 10 : for being now Satan, or perhaps to have the opportunity
among heathens, they thought they were of hearing Christ's doctrine, and seeing
among their own, and not in Christ's jo- his miracles. For aueh as have once
risdiction, as being not amongst his peo* tasted that the Lord ir gracious, and ex-
pie. Next, for permission and leave to perienced the pleasure and profit of Christ's
fo into the herd of swine. Where observe, company, are very desirous of the continu-
'irst, The <kvil's malice ; he will hurt the ance of it, and exceeding loth to part with
poor beasts rather tlian not hurt at all. it. However, our Saviour at this time did
Secondly, His powerful restraint ; he can- not think fit to suffer him, knowing that
not hurt a pig without permission : Suffer more glory would redound to God, by
us to enter. Satan's malice indeed is iafi- publishing the miracle to his friends. Christ
nite, but his power is bounded ; it is pot- expects, after eminent deliverances wrought
testas sub pottestate, a power under a for us, that we should be the publishers of
power. If he could not hurt the swine, his praise, and declare to al), tar and near,
much less can he afflict the body or soul the great things which God hath dode for
of man without leave or licence. Note, 9. us. Add to this, that our Saviour might
How Satan's request is yielded to by our not permit this man to be with him, to
Saviour : he permits the devils to enter into avoid the suspicion of vain-glory ; of which
the Bwine ; not to satisfy their desire in do- he might have given some umbrage, had he
ing mischief: but, first, to show bis power carried about with him those upon whom
over the devils, that they could do nothing his greatest miracles were wrought. And
without his permission : next, to show how lastly, To show that Christ in bis absence*
great the power and malice of the devil as well as when present, is able to protect
would be, if not restrained : and lastly, those that believe and trust in him from
That the miracle of casting out such a the malice of evil spirits,
multitude of devils might appear to be A. ... . ,
the greater. Learn hence, Ttatsometimei 2l A*"1 whcn JC8U9 **» passed
Almighty God, for wise ends and just over again l>y ship unto the othex
causes, doth suffer the devil to enjoy his side, much people gathered unto
desire in doing hurt and mischief unto the him ; and he was nigh unto the sea .
creatures : Jesus said unto them, Go. 22 And, behold, there cora*th one
Note, 10. What a contrary effect this mi- of the rulcn| ^ fc syfiagogue, Jai-
racle which Christ wrought had upon „,. k„ —™* . -~j «,*.!« wL «.« k;»*
these people ; instead of Sieving his**- l™ W"*™ ; <?T !*e? hj J*w h"?'
vine power, upon the sight of his miracu- he fel1 at h,« feet» 23 And besought
lous healing the possessed, the loss of their htm greatly, saying, My little daugh -
swine enrages them, and makes them dc- ter lieth at the point of death : I
Chap. T. ST. MARK- 191
nruy fie*, crane mod lay thy hands tared, but rather grew worse, 27
ob her, that the may be healed ; and When she had heard of Jesus, came
she shall live. 24 And Jetus went in the press behind, and touched
with him; and mach people followed his garment: 28 For she said, If
him, and thronged him. I may touch but his clothes, 1 shall
Obeerve here, 1. The person who came be whole. 20 And straightway the
to Christ on behalf of bis sick daughter, fountain of her blood was dried
described by his name, Jairut; by his ^. ^ fa fe\t m for body that
^ " [*f,f; synagogue ; by ms ^ hca|€d of ^ ^ £ M
gesture, Ar fell down at Jesus s feet and A . « «j^4. i il
Shipped him. TTih gesture of his was *nd {?**> i»»«^y knowing in
not only a sign of tender affection in n«nself that virtue had gone out of
nan towards bis daughter, bat aho aa en- him, turned him about in the press,
dence of bis faith in our blessed Saviour ; and said, Who touched my clothes ?
yet bis confining Christ's power to bis 91 And his disciples said unto him,
bodily presence, and to toe touch of his Thou seest the multitude thronging
hand, waa a token of the weakness of h» th afld 9tiyesi thou Who t^ched
^k^d^&ul^ -■» « \- tal-J- »-*
could not have cured her without either a1b.ont to «« her that had done this
coming to her, or laying his band upon her. thing. 33 But the woman fearing
Note, All that come to Christ are not alike and trembling, knowing what was
strong in faith. Yet our biased Redeemer done in ber, came and fell down
jefuao none who come to him with a sincere before him, and told him all the
feitb, though in much weakness of faith. tmt^ 34 And hc wM nmto h
»«. Although hh faith was but weak, *h* 5 S°in l*ace' and ta who,e of
yet our Saviour doth not reject him, or deny tn5 plague*
his suit, but readily goes with him. Learn As our Saviour was on bis way to Jaunt's
hence, How ready we should be to go to bouse, a diseased woman comes behind him,
Christ in all our distresses, afflictions, and touches his clothes, and is presently healed.
iieceavties, who is so ready to hear, and so The virtue Jay not in her finger, but in her
forward to help us, if we seek bim in sin- faith ; or rather in Christ, which her faith
cerity, though our faith be feeble. Observe, instrumentally drew forth. Observe here,
3. The great humility of our blessed Saviour ]. The diseased person, a woman with a
in sufieriag himself to be thronged by poor bloody flax. Let women here take notice
people: Much people followed Aim, and of the miseries which the sin of the first
thronged him. O bumble and lowly Sa- woman has brought upon all women,
viour 1 How free was thy conversation from amongst which this is one, that it has made
pride and haughtiness : how willing to con* their bodies subject to unnatural issues and
verse with the meanest of the people for fluxes of blood. Observe, 2. The long
their advantage ! Our Lord did not only continuance of this disease, twelve year*.
suffer mem to come near him, but even to it pleases God to lay long and tedious
throng him. What an example is here for afflictions upon some of bis chUdren in this
the greatest persons upon earth to imitate life, and particularly to keep some of them
and follow, not to despise the persons, nor a very long time under bodily weakness, to
disdaai the presence of the meanest and manifest his power in supporting them, and
poorest of the people; but to look upon to magnify his mercy in delivering them,
somewitb an eye of favour, upon others Observe, a This poor woman was found in
with an eye of pity, upon none with an eye the use of means; she sought to physicians
of contempt for help, and is not blamed for it, though
25 And a certain woman, which *hc n*»* «u ?*" ^d upon them. The
bad an issue of blood twelve veara. "^ ot VhF* tt not to ** n^a*cft3d by us
aa a j u j /r j lL.J r in times of sickness* especially in dangerous
26 And had suffered many things of di9eaaes of the ^ ^ ^ t0 J^ h
many physicians, and had spent all t0 neslect God, and to neglect the means is
that she had, and was nothing bet- to tempt God. The health of our bodies
19* ST. MARK. Chap, V.
ought to be dear and precious to us, end man to follow him, save Peter, and
all lawful means to be used, both to preserve James, and John the brother of
it, to recover it, and confirm it Observe, jame9. 38 And he cometh to the
4. The workings and actings of this poor hougc rf ^ w f thc svnagogue,
woman s faith: her disease was unclean , ^ .. .. . _ ,. .;lL ° J, :
by the ceremonial law, and therefore to be and sect5 the tomqlt, and theoi that
separate from society; accordingly she is ™P% and wailed greatly. 39 And
ashamed to appear before Christ, but comes when he was come in, he saith unto
behind him to touch his clothes, being them, Why make ye this ado, and
firmly persuaded that Christ had a power weep ? the damsel is not dead, but
communicated by God unto him, miracu- sleepeth : 40 And they laughed
lously to cure inctirable dis««es. And see hiBtoiMni But tvhen he had put
how our Saviour encouraged her faith, ,, „ . , . , .. ., r ,f
though she did not believThim to be the thcni *U oui> hc taketh the father
eternal Son of God, but one to whom God and *he mother of the damsel, and
has communicated a power of healing them that were with him, and entereth
bodily diseases; yet, says Christ, This thy in where the damsel was lying. 41
faith hath made thee whole. Learn hence, And he took the damsel by the hand,
That faith oft-times meets with * i better wei- anc| 8aid unt0 |ier> Talitba cttmi ;
come from Christ than it did or could which . being interpreted, Dam~
expect This poor woman came to Christ , . ' . ?. *. \n . ,
trembling, but Vent away triumphing. Ob- ■* } ?<* ™t© thee, arise. 42 And
serve, 5. Christ would have this miracle straightway the damsel arose and
discovered ; he therefore says, Who touched walked ; for she was of the age
me ? and, 1 perceive that virtue is gone of twelve years. And they were
put of me. First, in reference to himself, astonished with a great astonishment,
to manifest his divine power, that by the 43 And he charged them straitly
touch ^o :h» clotheshe could >Cure such in- ^ man fiho*ld know -t ^
curable diseases. Secondly, m relation to j j *l * lL- , ,,
the woman, that she might have anoppor- commanded that something should
tunity to give God the praise and glory for he given ber to eat.
the cure. And thirdly, With respect to
Jairus, that his faith might be strengthened Observe here, 1. Thedoleful news brought
in the belief of Christ's power to raise his to Jairus'sears, Thy daughter u dead. The
daughter. Now from those words, virtue Lord doth sometimes sufler the faith of his
went out of Christ, and he healed them, it saints to be bard put to it, greatly assaulted
is evident,* that the virtue which did these with difficulties and trials. Observe, 2.
miraculous cures resided in Christ, and was Our Saviour's seasonable word of comfort,
not communicated to him ; and conse- Be not afraid, only believe. Christ is
quently proves him to be God ; for the ready to comfort believers in the hour of
divine virtue, by which the prophets and their strongest temptations and greatest trials;
apostles did their cures, is ascribed to God j Observe, 3. Christ's application of himself
as Acts xix. 11. God wrought special to the raising unto lifeJairus's dead daughter.
miracles by the hands of Paul. But the In order to which, 1. He goes into the
miracles done by Christ are ascribed to the house only with three of his disciples, which
divine virtue dwelling in hira. Accord- were sufficient to witness the truth of the
ingly here he says, J perceive virtue is miracle. Our Saviour, to avoid all show
gone out of me. of vain-glory, and to evidence that he
sought not ambitiously his own honour and
35 While he yet spake, there came praise, would not work this great miracle
from the ruler of the synagogue's publicly before all the people. 2. He
house certain which said, Thy rebukes them for the show they make of
daughter is dead : why troublest thou immoderate grief and sorrow for the dead
the Master any further? 36 As damsel : they wept and wwled g^atly. with
.«.«„ *. i„«... Iw»«..j4 #i«a «»^«i »k.+ minstrels and musical instruments, accord-
soon as Jesus heard the word that j (Q ^ cusU)m of the beathenSt who b
was spoken, he saith unto the ruler a &moumfui sort of music did stir up tri
of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only passion of grief at their runerals. To
believe. 37 And he suffered no mourn immoderately for the dead is aa
Chap. VI. ST. MARK. 103
Iwitlimwh practice and custom. It is And wheo the sabbath-day was come,
buftfut to the living* and dishonourable he began to teach in the synagogue :
to the dead; nor is it an argument of more and many hearing him were asto-
bra, J** an evidence of less grace 3. y^ / • From whence hath
He addsa reason for this rebuke and re- ... ' \u- a.: * a u *
proof given them ; The damsel is not ih}* ma* *f^ *»*V ?"<* what
M £/ sUepeth. Vohis mortuay mihi wisdom it this which is given unto
dormit : « She is dead to you, but asleep him, that even such mighty work*
to me j" not so dead as to be beyond my are wrought by his hands? 3 Is
power to raise her to life. Souls departed . not this the carpenter, the son of
are under the conduct of angels to their Mary> the brother of James, and
8CT**1 "gS*^ S? *! 5S?\i 1 *>ses, and of *"•»• and Simoa ?
very probable that the soul of this damsel _ . ' _ 4 .. .' , , ../
w^ider the guard of angels, near her an? ar* "<* hls slsters £15 ™*
ted body, waiting tbe pleasure of God «■? And they were offended at
to oider to its disposal, either to restore it him. 4 But Jesus said unto them, A
again to the body, or to translate it to its prophet is not without honour, bat
eternal mansion. Observe farther, The in his own country, and among his
natare of death in general, and that of tbe own kin, and in his own house. 5
stints in particular, described ; it is a steep. And be coM therc do uo mignty
SSL? * XL XL^n L^£S work, save that he laid his hands up!
sarprisal ; m sleep there is an insensible \ • ■ * « « • 1 j .1 r
pssage of our time; the person sleeping on a few 8Ick fo,k» and heaIed them-
shall certainly awake, either in this world, 0 And he marvelled because of their
or in the next. It will be our wisdom to unbelief. And he went round about
prepare for tbe bed of tbe grave, and so to the villages teaching.
k* £? UST VJll l0Wn IL^^S6 Our blessed Saviour having in the former
may be noting to disturb our rest pb- cha ^ WJOU0lt ^ femolfs ^^ in
serve next, The words which our Saviour ^ a wom^Q of hef blood ^ ^
med at the raising of the damseU TaM+ ^ Jairu8.8 ^ hter from ^ wefind
cu*n. Synac worcb, to show the truth of Wm 1^ m lhe be|inning of this chapter
the miracle, not like a conjurer, muttenmj ., ^ hi^m eJnt that ^
acharm m unknown words to himself; gTJ VnuA m q^ ^^ his
"^ ^ J° 1*h0W ^ S"**0?8 uof *» own city and country, because he was
miracfe, that be was able to raise her by there conceived, there brought up : there
a woid speaking. Observe lastly, The j h and Mary, and his kindred dwelt,
etargegrven by our Saviour not to divulge and q^ with them> during his private
this orale: He charged them straUly ltfe> wnich ^ m ne ^ thirty ears of
tkai nxmc should know it. That is, not Now our Saviour befog come into
to Jrute it imprudently to such of the ^ own ^^ obfierve> ,• What ^
■"*? JFV *T??* ? W°T\ °? j employment was : he preached in their
coavmcad by it, but only cavil at it, and 8yn,agqgUe9f and held communion with
he the more enraged against him, and seek me JewisQ church ^bou^ she had
hl,.df^.bfore.!ll> t,me waf 1C0B*', ^ many corruptions in her. Teaching us,
not to divulge it miseasonably, and all at b £ ■^ not to de8ert and ft*^
?"* 1? ^Sfe!^*^ W*"5,"* the communion of such a church, in
i,5^!i«^^teS!!?JB^ which *«« ■ found neither heretical
oM%fist should not be manifested to the doctrine nor idoiatrous worship, although
Z^t^^I^i • "?* • ^ £■ ."I"8^ k Ut «any «»g» be found in her culpable and
hyla^aiidutue,dunngh» state of hu- UajnVwormy. The Jewish church was
***** '>. ^ J^J^T^^fJT ibe, certainly ■* and yet our Saviour main-
T*JgE°PJ" l^eJUI Sf11^11?11 ?f tained not occasional only, but constant
£ ^be^R5m-!:> D«*f«it<>bc communion with her. Ooserve, 2. The
14* So* e£(5orf ofM power, fy the re- influence and effect which our Saviour's
nartcti&n from the a^ad. preaching had upon his own countrymen,
A__ CHAP. VI. ^ pgQpie 0f Nazareth: it did work
ND he went out from thence, admiration- in them, but not faith; they
and came into his own country ; were astonished, but did not believe.
hi* disciples follow him. 2 Men may be mightily moved and affected
194 ST. MARK. Chap. VL
t>y the word, and yet may never be zareth despised him and aet him at nought*
converted by it: the men of Nazareth because he was their countryman and
wondered* and yet were offended : they acquaintance : their familiarity bred con-
did not believe in him, but were offended tempt Teaching us, That very often the
at him. Observe, 3. The ground and faithful ministers of God are moat con-
cause of this their offence, and that was, temned and dishonoured where they are
the meanness of his extraction, and the most familiarly known. Sometimes the
poverty of his condition : Is not this the remembrance of their mean original and
carpenter •* From whence the ancient extraction, sometimes the poverty of their
fathers, particularly Justin Martyr, con- parents' condition, sometimes the inde-
cluded, that our Saviour did work at his cencies of then childhood, sometimes the
father Joseph's trade, durine bis father's follies of their youth, are ripped up ; all
life, and thence was called the carpenter's which are occasions of contempt, and
son ; and when Joseph was dead, (which gave ground for this proverbial saying,
was before' Christ was thirty years old, That a prophet is not without honour
when he entered upon his pubuc office,) save in his own country. Which, like
lie was then called the carpenter. The other proverbial speeches, holds true in the
ancients say, be spent his time in making general, and that for the most part it is so,
ploughs and yokes, and that thence it but it is not universally true in all persons
was he drew so many similitudes in his and cases. However, this good use may
preaching from the yoke and the plough, be made of our Saviour's observation, to
This we are sure of, that our Lord lived teach his ministers to be wise in conversing
not thirty years before bis manifestation with their people, not to make themselves
idly and unprofitably. It is most pro- cheap and common in every company,
bable that he followed his father's calling, not too familiar with all sorts of persons,
and wrought under him, it being said, nor to be light and vain in any company;
that he was subject to him, Luke ii. 15, for this will certainly breed contempt,
as a child to a parent, and as a servant both of their persons and ministry. Our
to his master. Add to this, that it seems duty is, by strictness and gravity of de-
not only true, but reauisite, that Christ portment, to maintain our esteem in the
should be of some trade, because by the consciences of our people, and to temper
Jewish canons all fathers were bound to gravity w**h condescending affability,
teach their children some trade ; yea, says That minister who prostitutes his authority,
the learned Dr. Whitby, their most ce- frustrates the end of his ministry, and is
lebrated Rabbins thought it a great re- the occasion of his own contempt Ob-
proach not to be of some trade : doubtless serve, 6. How this people's contempt of
out Lord, during his private life, did give Christ's person, and unoelief of his doc-
no example of idleness. Indeed, after he trine, did hinder Christ from working mi-
entered upon his prophetic office, he no racles among them : He could do no
longer followed Joseph's calling, but appli- mighty works there. Not because he
ed himself wholly to the work of the mi- was unable, but because they were unwil-
nistry : he made no more ploughs, but one ling. Not as if their infidelity abated his
to break up hard hearts j no more yokes, divine power, but they were unprepared
but one for the devil's neck. However, in to receive any benefit by him j his miracles
regard to our Saviour's low extraction and would have been cast away upon such
mean education, his countrymen were inconvincible persons. Who will sow
offended at him. Learn hence, That the upon barren sands, or water dead plants >
poverty and meanness of Christ's condition, It was an act of justice in Christ to deprive
was that which multitudes stumbled at, the Pharisees of those advantages which
and which kept many, yea most, from they had so long resisted. Christ had a
believing on him. None but a spiritual natural ability to do mighty works mere*
eye can discern beauty in a humbled and but no moral ability. He could not do
abased Saviour. Learn, 2. That it is the it honourably, their unbelief was a moral
property and practice of profane men to hinderance ; so then this inability proceed-
take occasion, from the outward quality ed from no deficiency in Christ's power,
and condition of God's ministers, both to but from a defect in their faith. He could
despise their persons, and to reject their not, because he would not ; and he would
doctrine. Observe, 4. The reason as- not, because it was not fit for him so to>
signed by our Saviour why the men of Na- do. Although Christ be omnipotent
Chap. VI. ST. MARK. 106
and has all power m his hands, yet un- from Christ's own mouth. Hit minister!
belief binds nm hands, and hinders him now are called mediately, they receive their
in the execution of that power. Unbelief authority from Christ by the hands of the
b such a sin, as keeps men from being governors of hit church. Observe, 2. The
partakers of the benefits of Christ Ob- manner of their sending, by two and two
serve, 6. How the incredulity and unbelief m a company : partly to make their roes-
of this people was so great, that Christ sage of more authority; partly to testily their
wondered at it : He marvelled became of mutual consent in the doctrine which they
their unbekef. Not because he was igno- taught ; and partly to comfort and en-
rant of the caoseof it, but because he had used courage, to help and strengthen, to assist
such marvellous means for the curing them and support each other : in imitation of this
of their unbelief. Learn hence, That unbelief example, the Jesuits send forth their
is a crest am at all limes; but when emissaries by pairs. Learn hence, That
marvels are wrought for the cure and the ministers of the word do stand in great
healing of it, and it remains uncured, it need of the mutual help and comfort, of
is a marvellous sin, and justly causes ad- the united assistance and encouragement of
miration and wonder in Christ himself: each other, in the weighty duties of their
Re marvelled because of their unbelief. calling and function ; like labourers in the
7 And he calleth vnto him the l^?^^^7 rf^^£0^!ll!^
twelve, and ^began to send them forth J^L^^
by two and two ; and gave them g^ sufficient to bewail the want of love
power over unclean spirits ; 8 And and unity, yea* the prevalency of that fear
commanded them that they should and malignity which is found too often
take nothing for their journey, save amongst the ministers of the gospel! So
a staff only ; no scrip, no bread, no J0* insteod of going forth by twoaiid two,
money in their purse: 9 But be ^WJ*^^*^^*^™
two coats. 10 And he said unto he should be freed from the implacable
them, In what place soever ye* enter hatred of divines. This is, and ought to
into an house, there abide till ye de- be, for a lamentation. Observe* 3. The
part from that place. 11 And who- power given by Christ to work miracles
soever shall not receive you, nor hear *f confirming the doctrine of the gospel
you when ve deoart thence shake whicn h» apostles preached ; he gave them
y^\ ? y oeparx me nee snaxe a QVa ^i^ ipirit. and they cast
off the dust under your feet for a {£ ^^ ^ ^ with ^ 3thm
testimony against them. Verily I that were „<*, Md ^aied them. Tins
say unto you, It shall be more toler- power to work miracles was necessary for
able for Sodom and Goroorrha in the apostles; partly to procure reverence
the day of judgment, than for that to their persons, being poor and unlearn-
city. 12 And they went out, and «* men. but principally to gain credit and
nrearhpd that men should renent authority to their doctrine j for the doctrine
preacnea tnai men snouia repent. rf ^ i ^ MeMiaK now ^ ^
13 And they cast out many devils, mMaM m the flesh, being a Strang and
and anointed with oil many that ncw doctrme to ^ Jewif U* m^ and
were sick, and healed them. certainty of it was to be extraordinarily
We beard before, chap, iii of our Sa- ratified by Christ's and his apostles* mira-
viour's solemn calling bis apostles to their des, some of which were casting out of de-
work and office : now be sends them forth vils ; and by anointing with oil, to heal
to execute their office. Where observe, 1. and recover sick persons. This gilt of
The person that sends them forth ; Christ, healing remained some time in the church,
Learn thence. That none ought to take upon as appeared by St James v. 14. Is any
them the office of preaching, or any other tick 9 Anoint him with oil in the name
ministerial function in the church, till there- of the Lord. Where observe, That the
unto lawfully called by Christ himself. The apostles did not use oil as the instrument
apostles were immediately called and sent and means of healing, (for then the cure
forth by Christ himself, and received the had not been miraculous,) but only as a
doctrine which they taught immediately symbol of the cure, or as an outward sign
o 2
IOC ST. MARK. Chap. VI.
and testimony of miraculous healing : is preached, it is for a testimony ; either
-which outward sign was for the strength- for or against a people. For if the dust of
ening of the faith of such as were healed : a minister's feet bear witness against the
assuring them, that as certainly as their despisers of the gospel, their sermons much
bodies were anointed, so certainly should more. Observe, lastly. The dreadful judg-
their health and strength be restored. The ment denounced by our Saviour against
Papists upon this ground their sacrament of the contemners of the apostles1 doctrine :
Extreme Unction j but very vainly : for Verily it shall be more tolerable for So-
the apostles anointed those that were sick, dom and Gomorrah in the day ofjudg-
as a sign of their recovery j but the Papists ment than for that city. Where note, 1.
anoint those that have the pangs of death That there shall be a day of judgment 2.
upon them, that their sins may be blotted That in the day of judgment some sinners
out, and the snares of the devil avoided, shall fare worse than others. 3. That of
Observe, 4. The charge given by Christ to all sinners the condition of such will he
his apostles at the time of their sending out. saddest at the day of judgment who hav-
This is threefold : first, Touching their pre- ing lived under the gospel, have died after
paration for their journey, be bids them not all in iropenitency and infidelity: Verify
take much care, nor spend much time in I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable
furnishing themselves with victuals, money, for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of
apparel, weapons of defence, and the like ; judgment, than for that city.
c^takmg a walking^ 14 And ki Herod heard of
because they were to finish their journey > . ,r - u- . j
speedily, aod to return again to Christ. *» • >r j1!? "T^r l^
This command of our Saviour to his apos- abroad ;) and he said, That John the
ties, not to incumber themselves when go- Baptist was risen from the dead,
ing forth to preach the gospel, teaches his and therefore mighty works do shew
ministers their duty, to tree themselves as forth themselves in him. 15 Others
much as possibly they can from worldly sai<|f That it is Elias. And others
incumbrances, which may hinder them m said That it is a prophct or M one
the performance of their office and func- f fa heU ^6 But when He-
lion, 2 Tim. u. 4. No man that toarreth * , F*"F"*-,rf" *w •*** . ^ " "\
entangUth himself vith the affairs of ?™ ,leard thereof, he said, It is
this life. Secondly, Touching their lodg- John, whom I beheaded : he is risen
ing in their journey. Our Saviour ad- from the dead. 17 For Herod him-
vises them not to change it, during their self had sent forth and laid hold
stay in one place j but into whatsoever UDOn John, and bound him in pri-
house they first entered, they should there gon for Herodias' sake, his brother
^£j%^j£i££ ^i,ip^1fc^fo{;^hjldT^ied
of lightness and inconstancy, and tea- ner- 18 \or Jonn had 8a,d anto
tify all gravity and stayedness in their be- Herod, It is not lawful for thee to
haviour, this being a special mean to win have thy brother's wife. 19 Therefore
authority to their persons and ministry. Herodias had a quarrel against him,
ThirdJy, Christ gives a charge to his apos- an(| WOuld have killed him ; but she
^^^g!^^^t?wardf*auCtM could not. 20 For Herod feared
should refuse to give entertainment to them » ^ u.,™:.^ 4u«* u« «»«- • :..-»
and their doctrinl Tbey were to denounce John' knowing that he was a just
the judgments of God against such con- man and an no|y» and observed
temners, by shaking of the dust of their him; and when he heard him, he
feet for a testimony against them, did many things, and heard him
Thence learn, That the contempt of God's gladly. 21 And when a convenient.
ministers, and especially of their ministry day was come, that Herod on his
and doctrine, ,isan odious and [execrable birth-day made a supper to his
sin, detested by God, and which ought to ia_j_ ui'u *<>^*i** nnJi!.h;«r..#~#~_
be abhorred by man : Shake off the dust Xolf^}^ C*^Ta I . ? ^
of your feet. This action was emblema- °* Galilee ; 22 And when the daugh-
tical, signifying that Almighty God would ter of the said Herodias came ita,
in like manner shake them otf as the vilest and danced, and pleased Herod and
dust Learn, 2. That wherever the word them that sat with him, the ki
Chap. VI. ST. MARIC. 107
said unto the damsel, Ask of me The time of the Baptist** death; it was
whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give «P°* Herod'» birth-day. It was an an.
ii ih** 23 And he aware unto her dent co*0111 among the eastern kings Co
t/Uiee. 23 Andneswareuntoner, ^^ thdr birt^y,. PhaiaohTdid
Whatsoever thou shall ask of me. I Gen ^ md HeK£ heKf but ^
will give it thee, unto the half of my with h\oodi yet these personal sins do
kingdom. 24 And she went forth, not make the practice unlawful, when we
and amid unto her mother, What solemnize our birth-days with thankfulness
shall I ask ? And she said, The to our Creator and Preserver, and recom-
head of John the Baptist. 25 And ■«* ourselves by prayer to his gracious
she came in straiirhtwav with haste P«>rtdence and protection for the remam-
sue came in straigntway wun naste farf d this is an act of piety
into the king, and asked, saying, I and ^^ 'fa Herod,§ b^^y1^
wdl that thou give roe, by and by in kept with revelling, with feasting, with
a charger, the head of John the music and dancing : all which were made
Baptist. 26 And the king was ex- sinful to him bytbe drcumstances which
ceeding sorry ; yet for his oath's did attend it. Great men's feasts and frolics
sake, and for their sakes which sat ■» too often theseason and occasion of much
with him, he would not reject her. 8in- 40ta5^1>li , iSff^JlP
«- a j - j- x i il i i • * promoters of the holy Baptats death:
27 And immediately the king sent ^^^ and her datihtZThuA, how
an executioner, and commanded his deadly is the malice of souls debauched
head to be brought: and he went with lust! Imprisonment would not
and beheaded him in the prison, 28 satisfy them, they must have his blood.
And brought his head in a charger, Resolute sinners, who are mad upon their
and gave it to the damsel : and the *"**> "* *f ™*7 «r» their opposers, and
damsel gave it to her mother. 29 »J* * ^ *"* .f ?&"??? . they
., , & . • j: • i ■ a s •* meet with in the gratification of their un-
And when bis disciples heard of t/, kwfi|, ^^ Jg^ 5 Wfth what
they came and took up bis corpse, g^ reluctance Herod consented to this
and laid it in a tomb. villany : The king was exceeding sorry.
The history of John the Baptist's death Wicked men oft-times sin with a troubled
a here recorded by this evangelist, as St and disturbed conscience ; there is a mighty
Matthew had done before, chap. xiv. 1, 2. struggle betwixt their reason and their
Hoe we have these particulars further ob- lusts j but at last they master their con-
sovable ; 1. The character and description sciences, and choose rather to gratify their
of a zealous and faithful minister. He is lusts, than to obey their reason. So did
one that deals plainly, and dares tell the Herod here: for notwithstanding ha sorrow,
gnatest persons of their faults, Herod, he commands the actf be sent and be-
though a king, is reproved by the Baptist headed John in the prison. Observe, 6.
far ha incest, in taking his brother's wife. The motives and inducements which pre-
The crown and sceptre of Herod could not vailed with Herod to behead this holy man.
daunt the fiuthful messenger of God. There ' 1. The conscience of his oath : Neverthe-
ougfat to meet in the ministers of God less, for his oath's sake. See his hypoc-
botn courage and impartiality. Courage, risy ; be made scruple of a rash oath, who
in fearing no frees ; impartiality, in spar- made no scruple of real murder. See here
iag no sins. Observe, 2. Who it was not only the folly, but great impiety of
tost Tiwm"A,d the Baptist to be beheaded, rash vows ; especially in ignorant persons,
It was Herod the king, whom he had who think themselves obliged by them,
reproved. How sad is it when kings, who whereas it is their duty, first to repent of
should be nursing fathers to the church, them, and then to break them as fast as
• do prove the bloody butchers of the they can. St. Chrysostom says, Herod
prophets of God ! The severest persecu- might have spared the Baptist's head, and
tieas which the prophets of God have yet have kept his oath to Hcrodias ; for
under, are usually occasioned by he swore to give her only half of his
their telling great men of their crimes, kingdom, and bis head was worth more than
Men in power are impatient of reproof, his whole kingdom. 2. Respect to his re-
sad imagine that their authority gives putation, not only for his oath's sake, but
" a licence to transgress. Observe, 3. for them that sat with him. They heard
196 ST. MARK. Chap. VI.
him promise, and will be witness of his regenerate men may be to affected with
inconstancy if he do not perform. Insisting the word of God as to become protectors
upon punctilios of honour has haiardnrt the and defenders of those that dispense it, and
loss of millions of souls. 3. His great un- yet receive no saving advantage by it The
willingness to discontent Herodias and her plain and powerful preaching of the word
daughter. O vain and foolish hypocrite* may win upon and prevail with an unre-
who dreaded the displeasing of a wanton generate man to perform many good duties*
mistress more than the offending of God and to forsake many known sins ; and yet
and conscience ( Observe, 7. These bloody may be, alter all* remain under the power
women do not only require the Baptist of hypocrisy. Nay, from Herod's example
to be beheaded, but that his head be we may learn, That a wicked man may
brought in a charger to them. What a take some pleasure and delight in hearing
dish was here to be served up at a prince's the word preached : either the generality
table on his birth-day ! a dead man's head of the truths asserted, or the novelty of the
swimming in blood. How prodigiously notions delivered, or the wit and fancy,
insatiable is cruelty and revenge ! Herodias the graceful elocution and delivery, of the
did not think herself safe tjBl John was preacher, may create a present delight;
dead j she would not think him dead till but it is neither a spiritual delight, nor an
his head was off, and would not believe abiding delight. And when his disciples
his -bead was off till she had it in her band, heard of it, they came and took up his
Revenge never thinks it has made sure corpse, and laid it in a tomb. When his
enough. O how cruel is a wicked heart, disciples beard of it ; that is, the disciples
that could take pleasure in a spectacle of of John hearing that their holy master was
so much horror ! Methinks I see how that thus barbarously murdered, they took up
holy head was tossed upon Herod's table bis dead body, and decently interred it.
by impure and filthy hands. That true Learn hence, That the faithful servants of
and faithful tongue, those sacred lips, those God are not ashamed of the sufferings of
chaste eyes, those mortified cheeks, are the saints, but will testify their respect
now insultingly handled by a lewd and unto them, both living, dying, and dead.
incestuous harlot, and made a scorn to The disciples of John gave their master an
Herod's drunken guests. Observe, 8. That honourable and respectful burial, fearing
neither the holiest of the prophets, nor neither Herod's power nor Herodias's malice,
the best of men, are more secure from 90 And the apostles gathered
violence than ftom natural ckath. The themselves together unto Jesus,
holy Baptist, who wain sancMed in the and to|d him aU thJ Wfc
womb, conceived and born with so much L ..» •*• » • ,
miracle, lived with so much reverence and J"** they had done and what they
observation, is now at midnight obscurely ™* taught. 31 And he said unto
murdered in a dose prison. Observe, 9. them, Come ye yourselves apart into
That it is as true a martyrdom to surfer a desert place, and rest awhile : for
for duty as for faith. He dies as truly a there were many coming and going,
martyr that diesfor doing his duty, as he and they had no leisure so much as
that dies for prying his «"*» and bear- to t 82 A||d tfa d arted into
rag witness to the truth. Observe, 10. How ^ . . . , ,rT K Al "r**
fa? men may go in religion, and yet be far * ***** P,acc, by ahlP pnvately. 33
enough from saving grace : they may re- Anf the people saw them departing,
verence God's ministers, believe them to and many knew him, and ran a-foot
be holy and just men, hear them with thither out of all cities, and out-
delight and pleasure, protect and defend went them, and came together unto
them from their opposers; they may re- him. 34 And Jesus, when he came
fom j,Mddomanythmgsj ™* **** out, saw much people, and was
far from the kingdom of God. Herod ^a'a -*u _ • * j*.i_
•did all this j he fcew John to be a holy movcd with compassion toward them,
and just man, reverenced and respected because they were as sheep not
him, guarded and kept him safe from having a shepherd; and he began
Herodias's malice. For though he was to teach them many things*
imprisoned before, yet Herod suffered none Observe here, 1. How the report of John*a
to hurt him, but heard him often with death being brought to Christ, he presently
{feature and delight Wicked and un« withdraws, and his dacipka with him, from
Chap. VI. ST. MARK. 100
that place Into the desert. Christ will not unto them, Give ye them to eat.
long continue {its presence in those places And they say unto him, Shall we go
IlWc«Saviom,uponu^otic^^ bread, and give them to eat ? 38
death, flies into the desert for hs own pre- He Mlth unt0 thcin» How m**J
serration ; his hour was no/ jtf «w*e, loaves have ye ? go and see. And
and therefore he keeps out of Herod's way. when they knew, they sav, Five, and
kisno cowardice to fly from the rage of two fishes. 39 And he commanded
!*"■??*• }?*£* *S*f? both Pfactised them to make all sit down by compa-
randgreeted his disciples to it, saying, nie8 upon the green grass. 40 And
to basard, but when the laying down our an.d Dv nfties. 41 A«»d when he had
bveswfll do God and religion more service taken the five loaves and the two
rhsnwecandobyliviDg. Observe, 3. With fishes, he looked up to heaven, and
what condoJency and sympathising pity blessed, and brake the loaves; and
out r blessed Saviour exercised ads of mercy gave them to his disciples to set be-
and companion, when the objects of com- fere tbem ; and the two fishes di-
toward them. Christ, when here cm earth, «iev did all eat, and were filled. 43
did bear a tender and compassionate heart And they took up twelve baskets
towards poor creatures in distress and mi- full of the fragments, and of the
say : and to our comfort be retains the fishes. 44 And they that did eat of
ssmecownpsaskmale nature and disposition the loaves were about five thou-
aow in heaven which be had here on earth. 8and mcn
Observe, 4. The ground or cause of this
roiiiuBajiciu in our Saviour, because they This miracle of our Saviour's feeding:
were as sheep having no shepherd. Learn five thousand men, besides women and
thence, That the case of such people b very children, with five loaves and two fishes,
sad, and their condition to be much la- is recorded by all the four evangelists, and
nsenled and pitied, who are destitute of able, in the history of it these following parucu*
faithful, and conscientious pastors and teach- fas are observable. Note, 1. The discv
en, to feed tbem with the spiritual food of pies' pity towards the multitude, who had
the word and sacraments. Where provi- long fasted and wanted now the ordinary
ska bOb, the people perish. But was the comforts and supports of life. It well be-
Jewnb church now without pastors, as comes toe ministers of Christ to respect the
sheep without a shepherd ? Had they not bodily necessities, as well as regard the spi-
the Pharisees, the scribes, and doctors, to ritual wants of persons. Observe, J2. The
teach and instruct them ? Yes, no doubt; motion which the disciples make to Christ
but they were no pastors ra Christ's account, on behalf of the multitude; Send them
because utmuthful pastors. Thence learn, ow*jf that they may buy victuals. Here
That idle, negligent, and unfaithful pastors, was a strong charity, but a weak feith. A
are no pastors in the sight of God, and in strong charity, in desiring the people's
the account of Christ : Jesus had compas- relief; but a weak faith, in supposing that
sion an the multitude, because they xeere they could not otherwise be relieved but
as sheep having no thepherd. by sending them away; forgetting that
•< a j i- .•_ j Christ, who had beakd the multitude mi.
35 And when the day was now raculously, could also feed tbem miracu-
fiur spent, his disciples came unto lowly if he pleased; all things being equally
him, and said. This is a desert place, easy to an almighty power. Observe, 3.
and now the time is far passed : 36 Our Saviour's strange reply to the disciples*
Send them away, that they may go */**»*; ^ ■■■? not «^Lff* J»
into the country round about, and <*<*""<• .#5^^' 1W?
• * a -n J ju 7l ^, people must either feed or famish. Victuals
into the villages, and buy themselves Jb7fmuBt h^ and a dry desert will afford
bread : for they have nothing to none. Yes, says Christ to his disciples,
eat. 37 He answered and said Give ye them to eat. Alas, poor disci-
200 ST. MARK. Chap. VI.
pies ! they had nothing for themselves to respect to his disciples from the people.
eat, how then should they give the multi- And the same course doth our Lord take
rode to eat ? When Christ requires of us in spiritual distributions. He that could
what we are unable to perform, it is to show feed the world by his own immediate hand,
us our impotency and weakness, and to chooses rather by the hand of his ministers
provoke us to look upon hitn, and depend to divide the bread of life among his peo-
ny faith on his almighty power. Ob- pie. Observe, 7. The certainty and the
serve, 4. What a poor and slender provi- greatness of the miracle : They did all eatt
sion the Lord of the earth has for his house- and were filled. They did all eat, not a
hold and family ; five barley loaves and crumb or a bit, but to satiety and fulness.
two small fishes* Teaching us, That these All that were hungry did eat, and all that did
bodies of ours must be fed, but not pain- eat were satisfied, and yet twelve basket*
pered ; our belly must not be our master, fuU of fragment* remain* More is left
much leas our god. The end of food is to than was at first set on. It is hard to say
sustain nature, we must not stifle it with which was toe greatest miracle, the mira-
a gluttonous variety. And as the quality culous eating, or the miraculous leaving,
of the victuals was plain, so the quantity of If we consider what they eat, we may
it was small ; five loaves and two fishes, wonder that they left any thing : if what
Well might the disciples say. What are they left, that they ate any thing. Ob-
these amongst so many ? The eye of sense serve, 8. These fragments, though of barley
and reason sees an utter impossibility of loaves and fish-bones, must not be lost, but,
those effects which faith can easily appro- at our Saviour's command, gathered up.
bend, and divine power more easily pro- The liberal Housekeeper of the world will
duce. Observe, 5. How Christ, the great not allow the loss of his oris. O how tre-
Bfaster of the feast, doth marshal his guests: meodous will their account be, who hav-
He commands them all to sit down in ing large and plentiful estates, spend them
ranks by hundreds and by fifties. None upon their lusts, being worse than tost in
of them reply, " Sit down, but to what ? God's account.
Here are the mouths, but where is the meat } 45 A nd straightway he constrain-
We maysoon be set, but when or whence ^ his <Hsciplc8 t0 get into thc 8nip
shall we be served?" Not a word like this, tt„j ^ ^ J* 4. Jr*t™ -\a~ u~a*
but they obey and expect. Lord, how an? * «£ *the fthcr *lde ,before
easy it is to trust to thyprovidence, and unto Bethsaida, while he sent awav
rely upon thy power, when there is corn the people. 46 And when he had
in the barn, bread in the cupboard, or sent them away, he departed into a
money in the purse: but when our stores mountain to pray* 47 And when
are all empty, and we have nothing in even was come, trie ship was in the
hand, then to depend upon an invisible mid8t of the ^ and he ^one on
ttV£££tt& ft. la,?d- 4? Ant hl 8aVhem
blessed Saviour : He blessed, and brake, todmE 10 rwing I for ^c wind *M
and gave the loaves to his disciples, and contrary to them; and about the
they to the multitude. 1. He blessed fourth watch of the night he cometh
them, teaching us by his example, never to unto them, walking upon the sea,
use or receive thc good creatures of God and would have passed by them,
for our nourishment without prayer and 49 But when th gaw him walkw
s^si^tstss^ rn the s?a; thes "^ hi
He could have multiplied them whole, why }*** * 8Pl"t> und cried ou' : M
then would he rather do it in the break- For they all saw him, and were
ing ? Perhaps to teach us, that we may troubled. And immediately he talk-
rather expect his blessing in the distribution ed with them, and saith unto them,
of his bounty, than in the reservation of it Be of good cheer : it is I ; be not
Scattering is the way to mcrcasing: libe- afraid# 61 And hc went up unto
fim^ themjnto the ship; and Rewind
they might distribute it to the multitude. ****** : *nd they were sore amaxed
But why did our Lord distribute the loaves in themselves beyond measure, and
by his disciples' hands? Doubtless to gain wondered. 62 For they considered
Chap. VI. ST. MARK. 201
aot the miracle of the loaves : for the present cannot discern it Observe, 6.
their heart was hardened. When the disciples were in the adde* con-
dition, one word from Christ revives them,
This paragraph acquaints us with another it j, sufficient support in alt our afflictions
mnde which our Saviour wrought, tn to hear Christ's voice speaking to us, and to
valkmg upon the sea to his disciples ; and enjoy his favourable presence with us. Say
herem we have observable, 1. His sending but, O Saviour, It is J, and let evils do
tedssaptestDsea: He constrained them their worst: that one word, Jt is J, is suffi-
to go into a ship ; not compelling them c^t to allay all storms, and to calm a thou-
against their wills, but commanding them ^^ tempests. Observe lastly. What in-
to take ship and go before him. No doubt fluence aiid en%rt this miracle had upon the
the dndpies were loath to do this, unwilling disciples} They were sore amazed and
id have him, and to go without him; for heyond measure astonished; they wonder
they that have once tasted the sweetness of at the ceasing of the winds, and calming
Orm*s company and acquaintance, are of tne season/ they had forgotten the
hardly and difficultly drawn away from w/rtfc/r 0f the loaves; which was a great
ban. Observe, 2. Christ having dismissed stupidity and dulness in them, and argued
ha disciples and the company, retires into hardness of heart, and want of consideration
anmmtaim to pray; to teach us, that when m them. Learn thence, That there is much
w« address ourselves to God in duty, we stupidity of mind, and hardness of heart,
lake all helps, furtherances, and advantages, remaining unmortraed in the best of saints,
for the doing of our duty. We must whilst here m an imperfect state : the work
dismiss the multitude, before we addressto of graceamisancnficationisbutmiperfectin
God m prayer; we must send away the the best.
nutetede J* worldly <*»>. jw^y 53 And when they had passed
thoughts, worldly concerns and business, " "«^« *«^j ««*« K»«t«
wheTwe would wait upon God in duty. <*«** they cam« »*> the, land of
3. The great danger the disciples Gennesaret, and drew to the shore,
in, and the difficulties they were to 64 And when they were come out
nter with : They were in the midst of the ship, straightway they knew
of the sea, tossed with the waves, and the him, 65 And ran through that
zrinds were contrary ; and, which was whoie region round aboutj ^ began
saddest of all, Const was absent. Ine t about in beds those that
wisdom of God sometimes suffers his chil- *° carfy, aD?ut ™ **?* l°°?e mal
dm* and people not only to be distressed, wf reA 8*k- J*«w the? heard he wa»-
botpeallydsAessed with a variety of dis- M And whithersoever he entered,
tresses. Observe, 4. The seasonable succour into villages, or cities, or country,
and relief which Christ afforded bis disciples: they laid the sick in the streets, and
Jn the fourth watch he came out unto besought him that they might touch
them, walking upon the waters. It was if it were but the border of his gar-
*** *°"2 SL^^T^ "2 ment : and as many as touched him
could separate betwixt him and them ; he _ , . , J
that waded through a sea of blood, and a were made whole,
sea of wrath, to save his people, will walk Here observe, 1. The unwearied diligence
upon a sea of waters to succour and relieve and industry of our Saviour in going about
them. And the time was the fourth watch : to do good : he no sooner landeth, but be
about four in the morning, when they had eoeth to Gennesaret, and healeth their sick,
been many hours conflicting with the waves, It was the great business and constant em-
sad in great danger of their lives. To teach ployment of our Saviour's life to travel from
ss. That Christ sometimes lengthens out place to place, that he might be useful and
the trials of his children before he delivers beneficial to mankind : be went to those that
ihem ; bot when they come to an extremity, could not, and to those that would not, come
that is the season of his succour. Observe, to him. Observe, 2. The people of Gen-
£. How the disciples took their Deliverer for nesaret's charity to their sick neighbours ;
then* destroyer : When they saw Christ they sent abroad to let all the country know,
they cried out. Their fears were highest that Christ the great Physician was come
when their Deliverer and deliverance were amongst them. There is a duty of love and
;God may becoming with salvation mercy which we owe unto those that are
to his people, when they for in affliction and misery ; namely, to afford
202 ST. MARK. Chap. VII.
them the best help, relief, and succour, we 12 And ye suffer bim no more to do
are able, both in their inward and outward ought for his father or his mother ;
afflictions. Observe, 3. The suddenness 13 Making the word of God of none
and certainty of the cure ; they touched ff t ^ • h tradition, which
him, and were made whole. The healing . a v a a ~ l
virtue lay not in their fingers, but in their }? ba™ delivered : and many such
faith ; or rather in Christ, whom their faith "*« things do ye.
apprehended. The former part of this chapter acquaints
nuA'o vrt us with the ccoferencecr disputation which
chat. vu. ^ s^our j^ with fa fliaiiiefia a!^HA
TOHEN came together unto him the their superstitious observations with the
Pharisees, and certain of the Jewish traditions. These traditions were
scribes, which came from Jerusalem. ■** **» and customs as were delivered to
2 And when they saw some of his ^^ *^eto^ ^.^^?^
disciples eat bread with defiled that g^*£ ^^ded ^ Kfte
is to say, with unwashen hands, express commandments of God. Learn
they found fault. 3 For the Phari- thence, That superstitious men are always
sees, and all the Jews, except they more fond of and zealous for the traditions
wash their hands oft, eat not, hold- of men in divine worship, than for the
ing the tradition of the elders. 4 C*P» *** positive commands of God.
And when they come from the market, Secondly, That it is the maimer of such
excent thev wash thev eat not And I»som to tie othen to meir own practice and
except iney wasn iney eat not, Ana example mmattm of religious wc^ship. and
many other things there be which to u^ ^ oonoWall those who do
they have received to hold, as the not confonn to them in the wnallert mattera.
washing of cups, and pots, braseti The Pharisees here censure the disciples for
vessels, and of tables. 6 Then the eating with unwashen hands, because it was
Pharisees and scribes asked him, their custom to wash when they did eat;
Why walk not thy disciples according J* ?*«* ^"f or h» ****** !*■■ *
to the tradition of the elders, but J~\ before meat, asit was a cml and
««. uauiuuu v» w.^ ^.v,^.ot w««, fag^ CUftorot but because the Pharisees
eat bread with unwashen hands ? 6 1sade it a religious rite: teaching us. That
He answered and said unto them, what is in itself indifferent, and may with.
Well hath Csaias prophesied of you out oflencc be done as a civil custom, ought
hypocrites, as it is written, This to be discountenanced and opposed when
people honoureth me with lAetr lips, required of us as an act of religion. The
but their heart is far from me. 7 Jcw* fearing. tart ^ *houki1 ^y
Howbeit in vain do they worship tMStfrj^
me, teaching for doctrines the com- ingg> ^ ^ ^^ p^ vessels, tobies, beds*
mandments of men. 8 For laying or couches, which they lay upon when they
aside the commandment of God, eat. Thus Pharisaical hypocrisy puts God
ye hold the tradition of men, as off with outward cleansing, instead of ro-
the washing of pots and cups : and wan* purity 5 regarding more the outward
many other such like things ye do. cleanness of tk 8 hand, than the inward
0 And he said unto them, ¥Jl well ESli^^
ye reject the commandment of God, replie8 by wav ^ recrimination, that if has
that ye may keep your own tradi- disciples did not observe the tradition of the
tion. 10 For Moses said, Honour elders, they (the Pharisees) did reject an*£
thy father and thy mother; and, make void the commandment* of Qoci^
Whoso curseth father or mother, let and <&* worship him in vain, teaching Jhjr
him die the death : 11 But ye say, *?*™" the ammandmentsjf s««.
n» „ • i, „ . *. gAu J' Learn hence, That all service and worsh ip
If a man shaU say to his father or which h 0^ to ^ ^^ to ma* *
mother, It 1* Corban, that is to say, wm and ordinances, and not according to
a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest the rule of God's own word, is vam ar*d
be profited by me; he $hall be free, unprofitable: divine institution ■ the or*l^
Cbap. VII. ST. MARK. 203
pore rale of religious worship, as to the sub- the things which come out of him,
Slaa? ■£? v'S w^ftxfdotn "* ^ tho8C *re ^y *** defile the man.
maud, be forbids. Observe next. The m ir oltw «•«!.—* ~A— *~ i— i *
instance which our Saviour produces of the ?f ! V1"* ™" h*VC.C a™ to *!' ar' lct
Pharisees' violating an express command of "lm "f *r' 17 And when he was
God, and preferring their own traditions entere« into the house from the peo-
before it : be instances m the fifth com- ple» his disciples asked him concern-
inandment, which requires children to ing the parable. 18 And he saith
relieve their parents in their necessities. Now unto them, Are ye so without under-
tbougfa tbe Pharisees did not deny this in standing also ? Do ye not perceive,
& sttf^&pss l^z^yvJ* fror itbou
lender it rain, void, and useless. For the e,n*cret.n ,nto thc man' u c*«not
Phansees taught. That in case the child of pe"lehim ; 10 Because it entereth not
a poor parent, that wanted relief, would *nto his heart, but into the belly, and
give a gift to the temple, which gift they goeth out into the draught, purging
called Corttar, that is, a gift consecrated to all meats ? 20 And he said, That
God and religious uses, that then the chil- which cometh out of the man, that
£m nt*mt ^uX'^iontr^ dcfi,eth the man- 2l For fr0m
aged and hnpotent parerts; but might within, out of the heart of men pro-
reply after this manner, " That which thou ceed ev" thoughts, adulteries, forni-
M askest for thy supply is given to God, and cations, murders, 22 Thefts, covet-
M therefore I cannot relieve thee." So that ousness, wickedness, deceit, lascivi-
covetousaud graceless children looked upon ousness, an evil eye, blasphemy,
2M^^frTlwfuy'°??f0r all^° Pride' foolishness: 23 All these
tttXftgtt 5* *{*■ — *- -^ -
parents. Learn hence, that the practice d€h,e tnc man-
of moral duties is required before, and m Our blessed Saviour, leaving tbe Pharisees
more acceptable to Almighty God than with some dislike, applies himself to the
the most solemn acts and exercises of insti- multitude, and instructs them in a very
toted worship whatsoever. I will have necessary and useful doctrine, touching the
mercy, says God, rather than sacrifice ; true original cause of all spiritual pollution
and to do justice and judgment is more and imcieanness ; namely, the filthmess and
acceptable to the Lord than burnt-offer- impurity of man's heart and nature. And
ing. Secondly, That no duty, gift, or oner- that it is not the meat eaten with the mouth,
ing to God, is accepted where the duty of but the wickedness of the heart, vented by
charity is neglected : it is much more ac- the mouth, which pollutes a person in God's
ceptable to God to refresh the bowels of his account. The heart and soul of man alone
samts,whoaiethelivingtemplesof the Holy » capable of sinful defilement. Nothing
Ghost, than to adorn material temples with can defile a person in God's account,
gold and silver. (Jordan is a Syriac word, but that which defileth tbe inward man.
signifying a gift given unto God. The Learn hence, 1. That the heart of man is
Pharisees applied these gifts to the use and the sink and seed-plot of all sin, the source
serviceofthe temple; possibly to repair, beau* and fountain of all pollution. 2. That all
tify, and adorn it; which bad not been amiss, the impiety of the life proceeds from the
if they bad not taught that such gifts to the impurity and filthiness or the heart. Men's
temple did discharge children from the duty lives would not be so bad, if their hearts
of charity to their natural parents : These were not worse. The disciples desiring the
things they ought to have done* in the first interpretation of tbe foregoing parable, our
place, and not to leave the other undone. Saviour gives it them ; but withal expostu-
14 And when he had called all !■**» with them for not understanding a
the people unto him, he said unto «■»« *> <*7°» ^ P1™ ; A? ?e 9*
th*m tlA»..lr~M i.M«A «.« «.,*>•.. ~~*> without understanding? As if he bad
fiem, Hearken unto me every one ^ „ Have m ^ long under my
of jfoa, and understand. 15 There mmWtriM teiching, and enjoyed the
is nothing from without a man, that benefit of my conversation, and yet are no
entering into him, can defile him : but farther proficients in knowledge r Plainly
204 ST. MARK. Chap. VU.
intimating, that Christ expects a proficiency about from place to place doing good
in knowledge from us proportionable to the Being now come into the borders of Tyre
opportunities and means of knowledge en- and Sidon, he finds a poor woman of the
joyed by us. Having given them this race of the Canaanites, who becomes first
rebuke, he next acquaints them with the an humble supplicant, and then a bold
sense and meaning of the parable; namely, beggar, on the behalf of her possessed
that it is out of a wicked and sinful heart daughter. Where observe, 1. That though
that all sin and wickedness doth proceed, all Israel could not example the faith of
Though the occasions of sin are from with- this Canaanite, yet was her daughter tor-
out, yet the source and original of it is mented with a aevil. Learn thence, That
from within. The heart of man is as a neither truth of faith, nor strength of faith,
cage full of unclean birds ; hence proceed can secure against Satan's inward tempta-
evti thoughts, either against God or our tions, or outward vexations j and, conse-
neighbours. Adulteries, or all the sins of quently, the worst of bodily afflictions are
the flesh. Murders ; that is, all cruelty no sufficient proof of divine displeasure,
and hard dealing towards others. An Observe, 2. The daughter did not come
evil eye : that is, an envious spirit, which to Christ for herself, but the mother for
frets and grieves at the happiness of others ; her. Perhaps the child was not so sensible
called an evil eye, because envy doth much of its own misery, but the mother feels
show and manifest itself jn the outward coun- both the child's sorrow and her own.
tenance, and especially by the eyes. From True goodness teaches us to appropriate
the whole note, That the best way to bin- the afflictions of others to ourselves, caus-
der the progress of sin in the life, is to ing us to bear their griefs, and to sympa-
mprtify it in the heart, to crucify all in- thize with them in their sorrows. Observe,
ordinate motions, lusts, and corruptions, 3. The seeming severity of Christ to this
in their root j for the heart is the first seat poor woman : tie calls her not a woman*
and subject of sin, from whence it flows but a dog ; and, as it were, spurns her
forth into the life and conversation. from the table. Did ever so severe a word
24 And from thence he arose, *°P *» *"• ¥miMK ul* LJ^11!!^*11
j *•* auu-j r *n we say ? Is the Lamb of God turned a
and went into the borders of Tyre lion> J^ a woman m dirtreBf j™,^
and Sidon, and entered into an pjty, should be thus rated out of Christ's
house, and would have no man presence? But hence we learn, How
know it : but he could not be hid. Christ puts the strongest faith of bts own
25 For a certain woman, whose children upon the severest trial. This
daughter had an unclean spirit, ?iaJ Yad n*y& *■» *° ***?> tf J"* «*
heard of him, and came and fell at " D°* 1 8trODg' E*?? Wto*
his feet. 26 The woman was a ^^JZ:\^^^Tc^
Greek, a Syrophenician by nation : ^ this ho!y woman . ^ bumilhy grants
and she besought him that he would all, her patience overcomes all, she meekly
cast forth the devil out of her daugh- desires to possess the dogs* place ; not to
ter. 27 But Jesus said unto her, crowd to the table, but to creep under it,
Let the children first be filled : for and to P«tal» of the crumbs of mercy that
it is not meet to take the children's "'JS"11"?0* 1&IWng ? J0,.1-88?*
bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. t0 ^"fK "J0."8 ^ S60^1^ h,m
**« * j V ««w mii. uvga. W1th faith and importunity when beseems
28 And she answered and said unto t0 withdraw himself from them.
him, Yes, Lord : yet the dogs under
the table eat of the children's 31 And again, departing from the
crumbs. 29 And he said unto her, coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came
For this saying go thy way ; the unto the sea of Galilee, through
devil is gone out of thy daughter, the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
80 And when she was come to her 32 And they bring unto him one
house, she found the devil gone out, that was deaf, and had an imped i-
and her daughter laid upon the bed. ment in his speech ; and they be-
. All along, in the history of our Saviour's seech him to put his hand upon hinnu
life, we are to take notice how he went 33 And he took him aside from the
Chap. VII. ST. MARK. 205
multitude, and put his fingers into eat, Jesus called his disciples unto
his ears, and he spit, and touched him, and saith unto them, 2 I have
his tongue ; 34 And looking up to compassion on the multitude, be-
heaven, he sighed, and saith unto cause they have now been with me
him, Epbphatha, that is, Be opened, three days, and have nothing to eat :
36 And straightway his ears were 3 And if I send them away fasting
opened, and the string of his to their own bouses, they will faint
tongue was loosed, and he spake by the way : for divers of them came
plain. 36 And he charged them from far. 4 And his disciples an-
that they should tell no man: but swered him, From whence can a man
the more he charged them, so much satisfy these men with bread here in
the more a great deal they publish- the wilderness ? 5 And he asked
edit; 37 And were beyond measure them, How many loaves have ye ?
astonished, saying, He bath done all And they said, Seven. 6 And he
things well: he maketh both the deaf commanded the people to sit down
to hear, and the dumb to speak. on the ground : and he took the
See here, 1. The bitter fruits and sad feven loaves, and gave thanks, and
effects of an, which has brought deafness, brake, and gave to his disciples to
dumbness, and blindness, upon the human set before them ; and they did set
nature. As death, so all diseases, entered them before the people. 7 And they
into the world by sin ; sin first brought had a few small fishes : and he
infirnuties and mortality into our natures, blctged and commanded to set them
and the wages of sin are diseases and _i . r ,, « 0 .. ,._,
death. Observe, 2. That the blessing of also before '^m- 8 So they d,d
bodily health and healing is from Christ j «**i a«d w«re filled : and they took
who by his divine power, as he was God, up of the broken meat that was left
miraculously and immediately healed them seven baskets. 9 And they that
that were brought unto him. Observe, 3. had eaten were about four thousand :
The actions and gestures which our Sa- and ne sent them away.
viooT used m healing this deaf person. He Thfc cha ^ y^^ wilh tbe lM^a ^
puis hm fingers into his ears, he spit, and a famous miracle wrought by our Savi-
touched h» tongue. Not that these were ^ namely, his feeding ^ four thousand
means or natural causes effecting the cure, p^u, with ^en loaves and a few fishes. -
for there was no healing virtue in the £nd here we have observable, First, The
spittle ; but only outward signs, testimonies, tender c^ wnich Christ took of ^ ^jes
and pledges, of Christ s divine power and of raeDf to ^fa aU neCessaries for their
gracious readme* to cure the person in Mppori dnd ^^^ He ^th us richly
datress. Observe, 4. How Chrat with- Jftfag, to „,y0„ Tne great Houa£
drew the person from the mulUtude, whom keeper 0f the WOt\dopeneth his hand and
be was about to -help and heal. Teaching filUth all things living with plenteousness.
w, m all our good works, to avoid all How ^^ wis our Saviour here, that the
show and appearance of ostentation and y^^ ^ ?oot creature8 mi ht not fainr
vainglory j to set God s glory before our DOr ^ over weak and weary by the way !
eyes, and not seek our own praise. Ob- Therefore hc wou|d not dismiss them
serve, 5. The effect which this miracle without refreshment. Observe, 2. The
had upon the multitude : it occasioned ori^nal ^^ aod 8pring fr^ whence
their astonishment and applause. They ^ ^ lhat CM/L had of the multitude
vere astonished, and said, He hath done did ^^ ^d flow ; namely, from
all thmgs well. It becomes us both to that ^p^king pity and tender corn-
take nobce of the wonderful works of God, p^^ ^h t& xnerciful heart of Christ
3Tu to ™Wlfv aDd aUA, thf a.?!10r did bear towards persons in distress and
of them This is oneway of glorifying miaery> l^ y^ce, That the tender
ourUeator. pity and compassion of Christ is not the
•„ A, . CHAP. VIII. . spring and fountain of spiritual mercies
JN those days, the multitude being oniyf but of temporal blessings also ; I
very great, and having nothing to have compassion on the multitude, who
206 ST. MARK. Chap. VIII.
have nothing to tat. Observe, 3. How us stewards, but not absolute tarda of his
the disciples, not seeing any outward visible blessings. We must be aooouptaUe to
means tor the people's support, conclude him for all the instancy of his bounty
it impossible for so many to be satisfied received from him.
^Z^JT&1Zf&^& . 10 And .traigh^a y he e^red
thence, That a weak faith soon grows into a ship with his disciples, and
thoughtful, and sometimes distrustful, at came into the parts of Dalmanutha.
the sight of difficulties. Whence, say the 11 And the Pharisees came forth,
disciples, can these men he satisfied with and began to questiofh with him,
'*?£! • Eot con8kierin& ** 2* P?wer seeking of him a sign from heaven,
SL00* m^^3gT ^'J« L^ tempting him. 12 And he sighed
the means of food. It is as easy For nun . r, P .. ... , ... ?.,,
to sustain and nourish us witl/a little as **& » h» ^ *»<* with, Why
with much; Man Iheth not by bread, d<*h this generation seek after a
but by the blessing of God upon the bread sign ? Verily I say unto you, There
he eats. Observe, 4. That although Christ shall no sign be given unto this ge-
could have fed these four thousand without Deration. 13 And he left them,
the loaves, yet he takes and makes use of and, entering into the ship again,
&S SLTB t^^Z ****** «• *• otber 8ide-
own appointed ordinary means, nor do Observe here, 1. The unreasonable prac-
any thing in an extraordinary way, farther tice of the wicked Pharisees in asking a
than was absolutely necessary. Christ sign of Christ j that is, some new and extra-
was above means, and could work without ordinary miracle to be wrought by him, to
them} and when they failed, did so: but demonstrate him to be the true and promised
when the means were at hand, he made Messias. But had not our Saviour showed
use of them himself, to teach us never to them signs enow already ? What were all
expect that in a way of miracle which the miracles daily wrought before their eyes,
may be come at in a way of means, but convincing signs of his divine power ?
Observe, 6. From our Lord's example, But infidelity, mixed with obstinacy, is ne-
that religious custom of begging: a blessing ver satisfied. Observe, 2. Our Saviour's
upon our food before we sit down to it, carriage towards these obstinate Pharisees,
and of receiving the good creatures of who persisted in their unbelief: he sighed
Ood with thanksgiving. How unworthy deeply in his spirit, and mourned (or the
is he of the crumbs that fall from his own hardness of their hearts. Learn hence, That to
table, who, with the swine, looks not up grieve and mourn for the sins of others, to be
unto, and takes no thankful notice of, the affected with them, and deeply afflicted for
hand that feeds him ! Observe, 6. The them, is a gracious and Christ-like temper,
certainty and greatness of the miracle : They It is not sufficient to make an outward show
did all eat, and were filled. They did of grieving for others* sins, but we ought
all eat, not a crust of bread, or a bit of to lay them to heart, and to be inwardly af-
fish, but to satiety and fulness. All that flicted for them : Jesus sighed deeply in
were bunny did eat, and all that did eat his spirit. Observe, 3, A sharp reproof
were satisfied, and yet seven baskets re- given by our Saviour to them. At the same
main : more is left than was at first set on. time that our Saviour did inwardly grieve for
It is hard to say which was the greatest the Pharisees' wickedness, be did openly re-
miracle, the miraculous eating or mini- prove them for it. It is not sufficient that
culous leaving. If we consider what they we mourn for the sins of others, but we must
eat, we may wonder that they left any prudently reprove them, as occasion is offer-
thing j if what they left, that they ate any ed, and our duty required). Observe, 4.
thing. Observe, lastly, Our Lord's com- The sin which the Pharisees are reproved
mand to gather up toe fragments, teaches for ; namely, for seeking after a sign ;
us, That we make no waste of the good that is, for demanding new miracles, after
creatures of God. The fragments of fish- lie had wrought so many before their eyes,
bones and broken bread must be gathered to prove the divinity of his person. Learn
up : the liberal Housekeeper of the world thence, That it is a sin for any to require
will not allow the loss of his orts. Frugality new signs and miracles for the confirmation
is a commendable duty. God hath made of that doctrine which has been already
Chap. VIII. ST. MARK. 207
■aTkiautlr cooflrmad by miracles ; yea, an signification of what he spake. Carats
adnoas am, which deserveth a sharp re- much offended with hit own people, when
proof and censure. Observe lastly, Our be discerns blindness and ignorance in
Saviour's peremptory denial of the Pbari- them, after more wan ordinary means of
sees' presumptuous request : There shall be knowledge enjoyed by them : How is it
w sign given to this generation ; that is, that ye do not yet understand ? Ob-
no sach asgn or miracle as they desire, or serve, 3. The metaphor by which Christ
woald hare : do sign or miracle shall be sets forth the corrupt doctrines of the Pha~
wrought at their motion and suit. Ai- risees and Herodians. He compares it to
though after this, Christ of bis own accord* leaven. Partly for its sourness, and partly
and at bis own pleasure, wrought many for its diffusiveness. Now the leaven of
mindes before their eyes. Such as wilfully Herod, or the Herodians, is supposed to be
harden themselves against the light of their this : that because Herod was made king
own onmrspncfa, are righteously delivered of the Jews, and lived at the time whoa
sp to hardness of heart, and final impeni- the Messiah was expected, there were those
teaey. These hypocritical Pharisees shut that maintained the opinion that he was
their eyes against the moat convictive evi- the promised Messiah ; which opinion
dace; and they are given up to their own Christ compares to leaven, because as that
obstinacy : our Saviour left them, and de- diffuses itself into the whole mass or lump
parted. of bread with which it is mixed, so false
doctrine, was not only evil and corrupt in
14 Now Ike disciples had for- itself, but apt to spread its contagion farther
gotten to take bread, neither had and farther, to the infecting of others with
they in the ahip with them more & Leara thence, That error is as damnable
than one loaf. 15 And he charged M ™* 5 ** V**?* erroneous in jodg-
them, saying, Take heed, beware of meDt to be avoided, as well as those that
♦u^ iL.„- J?s*kA Pk.«;.iA. —wi ~r m w«ked in conversation: and be that
the teamen of the ^han-ees and of ^ a due „ of bk ^ 'salvation, will
the leaven of Herod. 16 And they ^ M much amiid ^ ^oneom principles
reasoned among themselves, saying, as be ■ of debauched practices. Observe,
it is because we have no bread. 4. Our Saviour does not command his
17 And when Jesus knew it, he disciples to separate from communion with
sarth onto them, Why reason ye toe Pharisees, and oblige them not to hear
e ye have no bread ? per- their d^ne;rjut only to beware c^^
™ «^* ••* ^Im, .,h5I. errors, which tbey mixed with their doc-
^ J,><Ln°t y ' u .d I trine. We may and ought to bold com.
stand ? have ye your heart yet munion with a church, though erroneous
hardened ? 18 Having eyes, see m judgment, if not fundamentally erro-
ye mot ? and having ears, hear ye neous. For separation from a church is
not ? sod do ye not remember ? 19 not justifiable upon any other grounds than
When I brake the five loaves among that whicb makes a separation between
five tkouaand, how many baskets full God and that chun^ which is either arxie-
^5*^*-^ ye tf Ji^r d^U°in^u^^iA^ &£ve?
amto hun, Twelve. 20 And when 5# Tbe hul% ^^^ Dy w ^viom m
the seven among four thousand, his disciples, hardness of heart : Have ye
how naaury baskets full of fragments your hearts yet hardened f There may
took ye ap1? And they said, Seven, be, and oft-times is, some degree of harct
tl And be said unto them, How is neas of heart in sincere Christiana-, but this
it that ye do not understand ? » wjai total hatdne,,; itj a faincnted, art
J humbled for, not indulged and delighted
Ofaaervehere,l. How dun tte disciples of hi. As Oirist is grieved for the baldness
Christ were under Christ's own teaching, aod of bis people's hearts, eo are they grieved
fcowaptfto pat a carnal sense upon his words. *1» i it » both bitter and burdenaf *ae to
They aiJpsehend#H he had spoken onto them them.
of the leaven of bread, what he intended of «. . n ,
the leaven of the Pharisees, doctrine. Ob- 22 And he cometn to Bethsaida ;
serve, 3. The rebuke our Saviour gives his and they bring a blind man unto
daeiptesfor not understanding the sense and him, and besought him to touch him.
208 ST. MARK. Chap. VIII.
23 And he took the blind man by working; but wrought hi* miractet wi-
the hand, and led him out of the ously, a* i be saw to be most fit for the
town: and when he bad spit on $?% of God. andtbe benefit of hit people,
his eyes, and put his hands'upon ^^^^^SSAZ
him, he asked him if he saw town of Bethsaida ; a place where Christ
ought? 24 And he looked up, and bad so often preached, and wrought so
said, I see men, as trees, walking, many miracles; but the inhabitants- bad
25 After that he put his hands again obstinately and contemptuously under-
upon his eyes, and made him look valued and dapped both lus doctrine and
up : and he was restored, and saw miracles: therefore we rod, Mail. xi. 21
r i , ft4, A '. . . that our Saviour denounced a woe against
every man clearly. 26 And he sent j^te^ assuring her, that it would be
him away to his house, saying, Nei- more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than
ther go into the town, nor tell it to for her. The higher a people rise under
any in the town. the means, the Tower they foil if they
Here we have recorded a special miracle mi*arry. Such a people as have been
wrought by our Saviour at Bethsaida, in nearest to conversion, being not converted,
curing a blind man brought unto him. shall have the ereatest condemnation when
Where observe, 1. What evident proof tbey are judged-
the Pharisees had of Christ's divine power 27 And Jesus went out, and hin
and Godhead : he had before caused the disciples into the towns of Ce-
deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, and the *oi_V « j l *• *
lame to •walk; now he makes the blind «*«a Pbihppi: and by the way he
to^sce: yet did the Pharisees obstinately askc« hw disciples, saying unto
resist all means of their conviction, and conti- them, Whom do men say that I am?
nued in their opposition to truth, to their 28 And they answered, John the
inevitable and unutterable condemnation. Baptist : but some say, Elias ; and
Observe, 2. The wonderful humility, the others 0ne of the prophete. 29
great condescension, of Jesus Christ towards AnA ^ -fB;#L 1M.^ *uJL n..* -«u
thisblindman; He took him by the hand ; And hc °a ^ «nto them But whom
and led him, himself. A great evidence say J* that } am* And Peter an-
of his condescending humility, and of awereth and saith unto him, Thou
his goodness and mercy : showing how art the Christ. 30 And he charged
ready and willing he was to help and them that they should tell no man
heal him. See here a singular pattern of 0f him. 31 And he began to teach
humility and condescending grace and th that the Son Qf man t
mercy in our dear Redeemer, m that he ...n- Au: « ~~a i • ~* -i
vouchsafed with his own hands to take and *ucffe* ma?J things, and be rejected
lead a poor blind man through the streets of tne <*<****> and °f tnc «mef
of Bethsaida, in the sight of all the people, priests, and scribes, and be killed ;
Let us learn of him, who was thus meek and after three days rise again. 32
and lowly in heart Observe, 3. Our And he spake that saying openly.
Lord helps the blind man out of the town And Peter took him, and began to
before he heals faun; not in the town, ^^ binK ^ But when he had
of ambition, all appearance of vain-glory, clPles» he rehuked Peter, saying,
in what we do. Even as Christ sought Get thee behind me, Satan : for
not his own glory, but the glory of him thou savourest not the things that
that sent htm. Observe, 4. The manner be of God, but the things that be
of the cure wrought upon this blind man : 0f men.
it was gradual, and by degrees ; not in-
stantaneous, and at once : he had first a These verses relate to us a conference
dark, dim, and obscure sight, afterwards a which our Saviour had with his disciples
clear and perfect sight. Christ thereby touching their own and others* opinion of
gave evidence of his absolute and omnipo- his person. Where observe, 1. The place
tent power, that he was not tied to any where Christ and his disciples did confer :
particular means, or manner, or order, of it was in the way as they walked togrfArr.
Chap. VIII. ST. MARK. 200
ladling us our duty to take all occasions a temporal prince. Observe, 6. St Rfter*s
and opportunities for holy conference, for carriage towards Christ upon this occasion :
good discourse touching spiritual things. He took him aside, ana began to blame
when in the house, when in the field, when him for affirming that he must die. O bow
travelling in the way, Mai. iii. 16. Then ready is flesh and blood to oppose all that
they thai feared the Lord spake often tends to suffering! What need have we
me to another. Observe, 2. The confer- to be fortified against the temptations of
enoe itself: Whom do men say that I our friends, as well as of our enemies! Sa-
em f That h» what do the common peo- tan sometimes makes use of good men as
pfe mink and speak of me ? Not as if his instruments to do his work by, when
Chnst were ignorant what men said of they little suspect it. Little did Peter thsnk
him, or did vain-gloriously enquire after that Satan now set him on work to hinder
the opinion- of the multitude concerning the redemption of mankind, by dissuading
aim ; but with an intention more firmly Christ from dying. Observe, 7. With what
to settle and establish his disciples in the indignation Christ rejects Peter's admoni-
behef of his being the true and promised tion ; Get thee behind me, Satan. Christ
Mfiat The disciples tell him, that some -beard Satan speaking in Peter : it was Fs-
said he was John the Baptist, others ter's tongue, but Satan tuned it 5 therefore
Rlies, others one of the prophets. It is Christ calls Peter by Satan's name. They
no new thing, it seems, to find diversity of that will do the devil's work, shall have
judgments and opinions concerning Christ, the devil's name too. He that would hinder
adtheafBursof his kingdom. When our the redemption of mankind is Satan, an
Saviour was amongst men, who daily con- adversary to mankind. From our Saviour's
vened with him, yet was there then a great smart reproof given to Peter, we learn,
diversity of opinions concerning him. Ob- That no respect to men's persons, or regard
serve, 3. How St. Peter, as the mouth of to their piety, must cause us to flatter them
aB the apostles, and in their names, makes in their sins, or move us to speak favour-
a mil aod open confession of Christ, ac- ably of their sins. As well as our Saviour
knowledging him to be the true and pro- loved Peter, be rebukes him severely. O
maed Messiah : Peter said, Thou art the Lord ! so intent was tby heart upon the
Christ. Whence note. That the vail of great work of our redemption, that thou
Chraf s human nature did not keep the couldst not bear the least word that should
eye of his disciples' faith from seeing him obstruct thee m it, or divert thee from it
to be truly and really God. 2. That Jesus, 34 And when he had c9^td the
the Son of the Virgin Mary, was the Christ, _-!«> unio him witi. u:s discinlea
the true Messiah, or the person ordained by Pf^f un*° a%m* *TIUI nI? J1,8CIP,«»
God id be the Mediator betwixt God and **?*> h* aaidunto them, Whosoever
man ; the Redeemer and Saviour of man- Wl» come after me, let him deny
kmd : Thou art the Christ. Observe, 4. himself, and take up bj^ cross, and
The charge and special injunction given follow me. 35/For whosoever will
by our Saviour to tell no man of him ; save his life shall lose it ; but who-
that is^not commonly and openly to de- Boever ghai| loge his Kfc for my sake
^aXl^^^JSi^^K6 *"* the gospel's, the same shall
fcue Pfcsassh : because he was now in his . ° r '
state of humiliation, and the glory of his save "•
dnrmily was to be concealed till his resur- Observe here, 1. How our blessed Savi-
recbon. Christ had his own fit times and our recommends his religion to every one's
proper seasons, in which he revealed the election and choice, not attempting by
great mysteries of his kingdom to the force and violence to compel any person
world. Observe, 5. The great wisdom of to the embracing of it : If any man witi
our Ssnriour in acquainting his disciples come after me ; that is, if any man chooses
wail the near approach of his death and and resolves to be a christian. Observe, 2.
pBssioQ; thereby to prevent that scandal Our Saviour's terms propounded ; namely,
aad orJence which otherwise they might self-denial, gospel-suffering, aod gospel-ser-
faavc taken at his sufferings; the better to vice. I. Self-denial : Let him deny hhn-
fit and prepare them to bear that great self. By which we are not to understand,
tral ; and to correct the error which they either the denying of our senses in matters
had entertained touching an earthly king- of faith, or the renouncing our reason in
dom of Ovist, that the Messiah was to be the matters of religion ; but a willingness
p
210 ST. MARK. Chap. IX.
lb part *ith all oar earthly comforts and - 38 Whosoever, therefore, shall
temporal enjoyments, for the sake of Christ, be ashamed of me and of my words
when «illed thereunto. 2. GospeUuffer- in thig adulter0us and sinful gene-
log: He mutt take up his cross. Anallu- ... ru. i u h *u e *
da to the Roman custom, that the male- r*tlon> of £im aiso *}*& *he Son °/
factor who was to be crucified took his man be ashamed, when he corneth
cross upon his shoulder, and carried it to in the glory of his Father with the
the place of execution. Where note, That holy angels,
not the making of the cross, but the patient «... . , „ , ,.
bearing of it, when God has made it, and That », whosoever shall deny ordisown
laid it upon our shoulders, is the duty en- me> «"£» m mv P™».»y B«P* <* «J
joined: Ijet him take up his cross. 3. -"F^R** any^.or ^vour of man, be
Gospel-service: Let him follow me, says f^" with shame be downed, and etonaU
Christ ; that is, obey my commands, and fr "?«** fy ~ •**« F"4 dav- JThere
imitate my example. He must set my life «« two r^ons that make person disown
and doctrine continually before him, and P"* a^«™ » *e day of tempta-
he daily correcting and reforming of his t,on »knan£5: to ^ sharoeL ^ S00*
life by that rule and pattern. Observe, 3. S^f^ ^ Svercome ■* *f former, as
The reasons urged by our Saviour to induce St J*» and ^ > but, we ^nd not "V
men to a wimi^ness to lay down their lives &°od «■»» ""^JF^ °f *" latter 5
for the sake of Christ and his holy religion: 5"?*1* that denied Chnst <?* °£ shame-
JEfe Atrt witf ia»c his Itfe, shall lose it ; P'i*1^8 a rotten» "J**"* ** commc
**</ Ji* Ma/ » viftji* to /aw ili« life for }***' If W "^ *hmks rt ^^ h»
the gospel's sake, thl same shall find it. *°™w ■*? ^J to own the opposed
Intimating to us, 1. That the love of this twths and despised members of Jesus Christ,
temporal life is a great temptation to men J?e wlU thlDk 1}]auch more te?atil h,m*
to deny Christ, and to renounce bis holy DB hon,our and d*11** t0 ow* <**?> * the
religion. And, That the surest way to at- &**.**?- Leam hen*» -1?* ? ,? ?ot
tain eternal life, is cheerfully to lay down ^cient that we own Christ by believing
our temporal life, when theglory of Christ, m *T* wre must ,J°??ur 1!tm hl ** «*-
and the honour of religion, requires it at J™ Professing of him also. Secondly,
bur hand. T"at sucn *• are shamed of Christ s doc-
trine or members, are ashamed of Christ
30 For what shall it profit a himself. Thirdly, That such as either for
man, if he shall gain the whole fear dare n°t> or for shame will not, own
world, and lose his own soul ? 37 *e doctrme °[ £brist, or the members of
Or what shall a man give in ex- ^ar£ow' fallJ*Dd ?£ "*"!? to
. r . . % . B own and confess them at the great, day.
Change for his soul ? Whosoever is ashamed of me, and of my
Our Saviour bad shown in the former vords* jn '*« adulterous and wicked
verses the great danger of seeking to save generation, of him also shall the Son of
our temporal life, by exposing to hazard our man oc ashamed, when he cometh in the
eternal life. This he confirms in the words glorV °f his Father, with his holy angels.
before us by a double argument : the first
drawn from the excellency of eternal life, CHAP. IX.
or the life of the soul ; the second drawn A ND he said unto them, Verily
from the irrecoverableness of this loss, or I say unto you, That there be
the impossibility of redeeming the loss of some of them that stand here which
the ^soul by any way or means whatsoever: shall not taste of death, till they
What shall a man give m exchange for have seen the kjngdom 0f God come
to soul? Learn, 1. That Almighty God ... b
has intrusted every one of us wim a soul WUQ Power-
of inestimable worth and preciousness, ca- There is a threefold sense and interpret*-
pable of being saved or lost, and that to all tion given of these words by expositors :
eternity. 2. That the gain of the whole 1. Some refer the words to the times of
world is not comparable with the loss of one the gospel after Christ's resurrection and as-
precious soul : the soul's loss is an incon- cension, when the gospel was preached and
ceivable, irrecompensablc, and irrecover- propagated far and near, and the kingdom
able loss. of God came with power. Leam hence*.
Chap. IX. ST. MARK. 211
Ttat where tbe gospel is powefully preach- talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter
ed, and cheerfully obeyed, there Christ answered and said to Jesus, Mas-
cometh most gloriously in his kingdom. ter :* :- SQQ^ for g to ^ l .
^Otfaenimdeaandtbaewoids of Christ's ~*J , 1S &ooa !°r ™ lo *• nere •
conuog, and exercising his kingly power and let «■ n»kf «"« taberna-
inATdemTiction^JenBalem; which cles 5 one for thee, and one for
some of the apostles then standing by lived Moses, and one for Elias. 6 For
to see. 3. Others (as most agreeable to he wist not what to say ; for they
tht context) understand the words as re- were sore afraid. 7 And there was
tang to our ^Saviom's transfiguration. M a cloud that overshadowed them:
if he had said. Some of you, •meaning Pe- and a voice out of thc cloud
*** *■■•» and John, shall shortly see me _ ■_ „ r^u:- • M„ i^i™^ c~~ .
«pc« Mount Tabor, in such splendour and *aJin&\ Thl8Q * "J "^ ^ J
glory, as shall be a pratludium, a shadow near nim' 8 And suddenly, when
and representation, of that glory, which I they had looked round about, they
shall appear in, when I come to judge the saw no man any more, save Jesus
world at the great day. And whereas our only with themselves.
Saviour says not, There be some standing
hern which shall not die, but, which shall Observe here, That to confirm the da-
twf taste of death, this implies two things : ^P1**' faitl« ™ the truth of Christ's divine
1. That after they bad seen his transfigure- ™*»** he was pleased to suffer the rays
tioo, they must taste of death as well as of his divinity to dart forth before their
omen. 2. That they should but taste of <*«> » fiu- as they were able to bear it
M, and no more, From whence learn, 1. His face shined with a pleasing brightness.
That the nithful servants and disciples of and his raimeot with such a glorious lustre,
Christ must at length, in God's appointed •» <*«* a* once both delight and dazzle the
tune, taste and have experience of death as eves of the disciples. Observe, 2. The
veil as f*h-^ 2. That although they choice which our Saviour makes of the
most taste, yet they shall but taste of death ; witnesses of bis glorious transfiguration ; bis
they shall not drink of the dregs of that three disciples, Peter, James, and John. But
« '-f *i i_ At r_n v.. .i i i vhv niarinUa > whv three nmrinleft > whv
of his glory in heaven : Christ vouchsafes
. therefore the earnest and first-fruits of that
2 And after six days Jesus taketh g^y oniy t0 ^^^ upon whom he in-
mitk him Peter, and James, and tended to bestow the full harvest in due
Jofen, and leadeth them up into time. 2. Why three disciples? Because
an high mountain apart by them- three were sufficient to witness the truth
•elves : and he was transfigured be- an<* «?% * *h» miracle. Judas was
fere them. unworthy of this favour j yet, lest he should
murmur or be discontented, others are
nave the history of our Savi- left out as well as he. But, 3. Why these
transfiguration, when he laid, as it three, rather than others } Probably, 1.
the garments of our frail humanity Because these three were more eminent for
for a little time, assuming to himself grace, zeal, and love, tbwajris Christ Now
obes of majesty and glory, to de- the most eminent manifestations of glory
and testify the truth of his divi- are made to those that are most excelling
aity -9 fat this divine glory was an evidence in grace. 2. These three disciples were
of his divine nature ; and also an emblem witnesses of Christ's agony and passion ;
of that gkwy which he and his disciples, to prepare them for which, they are here
all his SMthful servants and followers, shall made witnesses of his transfiguration. This
CDJoj together in heaven. glorious vision upon mount Tabor fitted
3 Andbi,rairtbe«U„e.hin- g^^^^a'Sl^
"*• e*^"* w*Jrte as snow; so QW ^^ at hia transfiguration. They
as no fuller on earth can white them. were (w0f two m<?B> ^d tn08e tWo men
3 Assd there appeared unto them Moses and Elias. This being but a
jn^mm *vith Moses ; and they were glimpse of Christ's glory, not a full mani-
P2
212 ST. MARK. Chap. IX.
Testation of, only two of the glorified taints to me, and compliance with me. Likeness
attend at it. These two attendants are not is the cause of love ; and an union and
two angels, but two men ; because men harmony of wills causes a mutual endear-
were more nearly concerned than angels ing of affections. 2. The authority of his
in what was done. But why Moses and doctrine ; Hear ye him : not Moses and
Elias rather than other men ? 1. Because Elias, who were servants ; but Christ, my
Moses was the giver of the law, and Elias Son, whom I have commissioned to be
was the chief of the prophets. Now both the great Prophet and Teacher of my church,
these attending upon Christ, did show the Therefore adore him as my Son, believe
consent of the law and the prophets with in him as your Saviour and hear him as
Christ, and their accomplishment and your Lawgiver. The obedient ear honours
fulfilling in him. 2. Because these two Christ more than either the gazing eye,
were the most laborious servants of Christ ; the adoring knee, or the applauding tongue,
both adventured their lives in God's cause, , , r
and therefore are highly honoured by him. 9 And as they came down from
For, those that honour him, he will ho- the mountain, he charged them that
nour. Observe, 4. The carriage and de- they should tell no man what things
meanor of the disciples upon this great oc- they had seen, till the Son of man
casion: 1. They supplicate Jesus, not were risen from the dead. 10 And
Moses and Elias; they make no suit to th k t that - wilh them.
them, but to Chnst only : Master, it ts . J r .• • ° lk
good being here, O what a ravishing se've8' q«e«tiooiiip one with an-
comfort and satisfaction is the communion otne* wnat tnc ri8m& from the dead
and fellowship of the saints ! But the should mean. 11 And they asked
presence of Christ amongst them renders him, saying, Why say the scribes
their joys transporting. 2. They proffer that Elias must first come ? 12 And
their ^service to farther the continuance he answered and told them, Elias
of what tbey did enjoy: Let us make veril cometh fir8t and restorcth
three tabernacles. Saints will stick at n *u' i i. •* • **. *
no pains or cost for the enjoyment of f" *in«»; and how * ls written of
Christ's presence, and his people s com- the Son of man> that he must suffer
pany." Leam hence, That a glimpse of many things, and be set at nought.
heaven's glory is sufficient to wrap a soul 13 But I say unto you, That Elias
into ecstacy, and to make it out of love is indeed come, and they have done
with worldly company. 2. That we are u,ito him whatsoever they listed, as
t0!.uaii t0 ^S* m,°reu0f he£en Up<E * is written of him.
earth than God will allow. We would
have the heavenly glory come down to Observe here, 1. The strict injunction
us, but are unwilling by death to go up to given by Christ to his disciples, not to pub-
that. Observe, 5. How a cloud was put lish or proclaim this glorious vision at his
before the disciples' eves when the divine transfiguration till after his resurrection ;
glory was manifested to them; partly to because being now ma state of humiliation,
allay the lustre and resplendency of that he would have his divine majesty and
glory which they were swallowed up with, glory vailed and concealed. Learn hence.
The glory of heaven is insupportable in That the divine glory of Christ's penon*
this sioful state ; we cannot bear it unvail- as God, was not to be manifested suadenly*
ed: and partly to hinder their farther and all at once, but gradually, and by
prying and looking into that glory. We steps. First more obscurely, by his rni~
must be content to behold God through racles, by the forced acknowledgment or
a cloud darkly here, ere long we shall see devils, by the free confession of hisdndple&»
him face to face. Observe, 6. The tes- and by the glorious vision of his transfigu—
timony given out of the cloud, by God ration ; but the more clear and full, the
the Father, concerning Jesus Christ his more public and open, manifestation of his
Son : This is my beloved Son ; hear him. divine glory, was at the time of his ro^
Where note, 1. The dignity of his person; surrection and ascension. Observe, 2. Ttsm^
he is my Son ; for nature coessential, and disciples' obedience to Christ's injunction, 9
for duration coeternal, with his Father, touching the concealing of his transfigure*^
2. The endearedness of his relation : lie is tion till after his resurrection : They A«^»£
my beloved Son : because of his conformity that saying with themselves, question h-»j—-
Chap. IX. ST. MARK. 213
they were both men
another what the rising from him ; and he fell on the ground, and
the dead should mean. Not that they wallowed foaming. 21 And he
yjiooed the resurrection in general, but asked his father# How long is it ag0
b^ Jm™^s^ since this came unto him ? And he
dssth; and they could not conceivehow ?ai<?> °f a «*"*• : ?2 A,Id oft-times
the Messiah, whom they erroneously sup- lt nath cast nim lnto the fire, and
posed most be a temporal prince, should into the waters, to destroy him :
safer death at the bauds of men. Observe, but if thou canst do any thing, have
3. The question which the disciples put compassion on us, and help us. 23
to Christ, how the observation of the Je8U8 said unto hjro> if thou c^
we see the Meaias, but no Elias. Our nim that believeth. ** An<!
Saviour answers, That Eliot was come straightway the father of the child
atreadg; not Elias in person, but one in cried out, and said with tears, Lord,
the spirit and power of Elias, to wit, John I believe ; help thou mine unbelief,
the Baptist, who was prophesied of under 26 When Jesus saw that the people
the name of Elias of the Old Testament, Came running together, he rebuked
- - - - — 7B. John the Baptist; the foul spiritf saying unto him
__ ._ iLTfXiSSi Wemdumb and deafspirit I charge
ed reprovers of the faults of princes, tnee» come out of nun» and entcr no
md they were both implacably bated and more into him. 26 And the spirit
pnsciUed for the same. Thence team, cried, and rent him sore, and came
That hatred and persecution, even unto out of him: and he was as one dead ;
death, hat often been the lot and portion insomuch that many said, He is dead,
ofsnch persons who have had the courage 37 But JesU9 took him b thc haod
iTJa^^ -* "J- «« ? - -d he arose.
smto him whatsoever they listed. *8 ^nd when he was come into
the house, his disciples asked him
14 And when he came to Aw dis- privately, Why could not we cast
ciples, he saw a great multitude him out ? 29 And he ^ unto
about them, and the scribes ques- tnem> j^ kind <*„ come forth by
tiooing with them. 15 And straight- nothing but by prayer and fasting,
way all the people, when they beheld
brm, were greatly amazed, and run- J??"*" *?+ l' ^ F""011 brouf h* J°
«:-.-. *A i^Z .j.,u k;M 10 a„a Chnst for help and healing: one bodily
2! g ?Jl?' ^ »?\ ^ I»«ssed by Satan, who had*made him deaf
he asked the scribes, What question £nd dumb f^m ni8 cj,iWhood . and 0ft-tiraes
ye with them ? 17 And one of the , cast him into the fire and water, but rather
multitude answered and said, Mas- to torment than to despatch him. O how
ter, I have brought unto thee my does Satan, that malicious tyrant, rejoice
son, which bath a dumb spirit : 18 in doiDg hurt to the bodies, as well as the
And wheresoever he taketh him, he ™hg mankind ! Lord, abate his power,
teareth him ; and he foameth, and Mno* .h» roa!** W,U not *"j£tel- F°w
l a -a v a Ai_ j • .• great is thy goodness, in preserving us from
gDaaheth with his teeth, and pineth fhe power a^d malice of evil spirits^ and how
away : and I spake to thy disciples watchful is thy. providence over us, to
that they should cast him out ; and preserve us, when Satan is seeking, by all
they could not. 19 He answereth imaginable means and methods, to destroy
him and saith, O faithless genera- «*• Observe, 2. The person that reple-
tion ! how long shall 1 be with you ? a*1* his sad condition to our Saviour : his
W long .ballW you t tU ^^^Z^^l St^Z
htm onto me. 20 And they brought ^th humble and eloquent. Every one
him unto him : and when he saw has a tongue to speak for himself; happy
him, straightway the spirit tare is he that keeps a tongue for others. Ob-
214 ST. MARK. Chap. IX.
serve, 3. The circumstance of time : Satan word speaking. How long soever Satan
had got possession of bis person very young, has kept possession of a soul, Christ can
in his youth $ nay, in his childhood : and eject and cast him out both easily and
O how hard was it to cast him out after so speedily ; one word of Christ's mouth is
long possession ! The disciples could not sufficient to help us out of all distress, both
do it with all their power and prayers : bodily and spiritual. Yet did our Lord
and when our Saviour himself, by the suffer the wicked spirit to rage, and rend
power of his Godhead, did dispossess the child before he went out of him : not
him, it was with foaming and rending from any delight in the poor child's misery,
that he left him. Thus when Satan gets but that the multitude, seeing the despe-
possession of persons' hearts in their youth, rateness of the case, might the more admire
O how hard will it be to cast him out! the power of Christ in his deliverance. Ob-
It will put the soul to great grief, great serve, 7. The sovereign power and abso-
pain, great sorrow of heart. Satan will lute authority, which Christ had even here
endeavour to hold his own, and keep the on earth, when in his state of humiliation,
sinner his slave and vassal, if all the power over the devil and his angels: he coro-
of hell can keep him. Lord, convince mands him to go out, and enter no mare
young persons, that it is easier to keep into the child, and is obeyed. This was a
Satan out, than it is to cast him out of the proof and demonstration of the Godhead of
possession of their hearts. Observe, 4. our Saviour, that he had power and autho-
The physicians which this distressed person rity over devils to command and overrule
is brought unto. First to the disciples, them, to curb and restrain them, at his
and then to Jesus. We never apply our- pleasure. And whereas Christ commands
selves importunately to the God of power, the devil not only to come out, but to enter
till we despair of the creatures' help. But no more into the person ; it implies that Sa-
why coula not the disciples cast him out ? tan being cast out of his hold, earnestly de-
Christ tells them, because of their unbe- sires to enter in again to recover his hold,
lief; that is, because of the weakness of and to regain his possession ; but if Christ
their faith, not the total want of faith, says, Enter no more, Satan shall obey his
Whence learn, That secret unbelief may voice. Observe, 8. The disciples inquire
lie Bid and undiscerned in the heart, which into the reasons why they could not cast
neither others nor ourselves may take notice this stubborn devil out, according to the
of, until some trial doth discover it Ob- power which he had given them to work
serve, 5. The poor man's humble request, miracles. Christ tells them it was, 1. Be-
and Christ's gracious reply: if thou canst do cause of their unbelief ; by which under-
any thing, help us, says the father : If thou stand the weakness of their faith, not their
canst believe, all things are possible, says total want of faith. 2. Because they did
our Saviour. Note thence, That the fault not in this extraordinary case apply thexn-
is not in Christ, but in ourselves, if we selves to the use of extraordinary means ;
receive not that mercy from him which namely, prayer and fasting. Learn hence,
we desire and need. There is no defici- First, That in extraordinary cases, where
ency in Christ's power ; the defect lies in the necessities either of soul or body do
our faith. Hereupon the man cries out require it, recourse must be had to the use
with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine of extraordinary means; one of which is
unbelief If these were tears of joy for the *n importunate application unto God by
truth of his faith, then we may gather, that solemn prayer. Secondly, That fasting
the lowest degree and least measure of faith and prayer are two special means of Christ's
is matter of joy unspeakable to the owner own appointment for the enabling of his
and possessor of it. If these were tears of people victoriously to overcome Satan, and
sorrow for the weakness of his faith, then oast him out of ourselves or others. We
we may collect, that the remains of unbe- must set an edge upon our faith by prayer,
lief in the children of God do cost them and upon our prayer by fasting,
many tears ; they ate the ^burden and sor- 30 And th departcd thence, and
Ste^^^^ P-e<l. throujh Galilee; and he
help thou mine unbelief Observe, 6. wou,d not that aD>* man should
With what facility and ease our Saviour know *'• 31 For ne taught his
cast out this stubborn devil, that had so disciples, and said uuto them, The
long possessed this poor child: even with a Son of man is delivered into the
Chap. XI. ST. MARK. 216
hands of men, and they shall kill nency, which oftheraehoaJd be the g«Mart»
him -, and after that he is killed, he the first in place, and the highest m dignity
shall rise the third day. 32 But ** Y!OOOUT' B* f5°m this inrtance we
they understood not that say ing, and "** ^ JhaU^ ^ ^ ** rf T
• r . • . ... ' ^' are subject to pride and ambition, prone to
were afraid to ask him. ^^ worWly dignit and greatness, ready
Observable it », how ^frequently our tocatch at the bait of honour, to afreet a
Savnor forewarned his disciples of his precedency before, and a superiority over
approachiog Bufferings ; and as the time of #1^ the apostles themselves were
h. sufferings drew near, he did more ro> touched, if not tainted, with the itch of
qoentty warn them of it but all was ambition. To cure which, our Saviour
little enough to arm them against the scandal preaches to them the doctrine of humility,
of the cross, and to .reconcile their thoughts fyhexe observe, 1. Our Loid doth notsay,
to a suffering condition. The daciples had He that is the first, but, he that desireth f
tie* op the common opinion, that the be first, shall he last of all, and servant
Meariah was to be a temporal pnnce, and 0f „//. Teaching us, That all persons in
» web to resgn here upon earth, and they general, and ministers in particular, ought
knew not bow to reconcile this with his not to seek out places of dignity and pre-
hemg delivered up ***<> the hands of men eminency for themselves, but be sought out
thai should ktU him; and yet they tpere for them; be that is fint in seeking them,
afraid to ask him concerning this usiially least deserves them, aoi last obtains
matter. Now from Christ s frequent fore- ibem . ,ya man ^^ to ^rf t% the same
ng lus disciples of approaching suffer- 8naU ge &5/ ^ aiit Observe, 2. Our
we may gather, That we can never Saviour teaches his disciples humility by the
other too often, or too much, of the type and example of a little child, which be
doctnnetf the cro* k* be sets before tbei as the proper emblem of
instructed in our duty to prepare for a sufler- humility ; showing them, that they ought
ing state. As Christ went by hiscross to to be as free from ambition as a young
ms crown, from a state of abasement to a cm|d, which affects nothing of precedency
^ ^_i^._f ^ murt an hB dBCipte8 Qr mpakkfym s^j, as are of the highest
and followers likewise. eminency in the church of Christ, ought to
33 And he came to Capernaum : be adorned with humility, and look upon
and being in the house, he asked themselves as lying under the greatest ooli-
thea, What was it that ye disputed *■*» to ^"^^^^^"l^^
Bat tbey held their peace : for by p^,,, are to Cmiftf who ^^ littte
the way they had disputed among children in true humility and lowliness of
themselves who should be the great- mind ; assuring the world, that whatsoever
est. 35 And he sat down, and kindness or respect they show to them, he
called the twelve, and saith unto accounts shown to himself: He that re-
them, If any roan desire to be first, "**** ?"*• "J8 <*"?» recehctA me.
ike tame shall be last of all, and *>"£? rV^ "T? " 6i^u^Sr
_^ r ii <w * j i_ . i_ betwixt Chnst and bn members, that what*
servant of all. 36 And he took a 90e¥ef good or evil is done to them, he
cMd, and set him in the midst of reckons it as done unto himself.
them : and when he had taken him 33 And John an8W€rcd hlm> sa
1. has arms, he said unto them, 37 j Mastc wc gaw one cagtm out
W hosoeyer shall receive one of such de* ilf io th nam and hc follo%eth
children in my name, receiveth me : no| u8 . aD/we forbadc hinlf hMnm
and whosoever shall receive me, re- hc followetb not U8. 39 But Jesus
cetveth not me, but him that sent said Forbid him not . for there ^
*^ . Al , lLl , no man which shall do a miracle in
It may justly seem a wonder, that when th t i;ffhtlv sneak pvi!
oar blessed Saviour discoursed so frequently mJ namc ™*1 ™n "8™^ 8Pca* ev*1
with his disciples about his sufierings, they of mc- 40 For he that ,8 not against
stsould at the same time be disputing among us is on our part. 4 1 For whosoever
themselves about precedency and pre-cmi- shall give you a cup of water to
216 ST. MARK. .Chap* XI*
drink in my name, because ye belong manner and measure redound to the glory
to Christ, verilv I say unto yon, He of his name, although he undertook .the
shall not lose his regard. 42 And ra*£ ^^JS^JZ!^^
■ , ,, ,* % c al - Christ We ought not to censure and con-
whosoever shall offend one of these demn thoae w£* do that which ^^
little ones that believe in me, it is itaeif, though they fail in the manner of it,
better for him that a millstone were and in the means they use for effecting it.
hanged about his neck, and he were Observe, 4. What encouragement oar
cast into the sea. Saviour gives the world to be kind to his
friends and followers. He assures them
The evangelist here sets down a conference that even a cup of cold water given far
betwixt our Saviour Christ and St. John his sake, to such as profess his name, shall
)iis disciple. Where observe, 1. St John's not miss of a reward. Learn thence, That
relation of a matter of feet to Christ, namely the least office of love and respect, of kind-
his forbidding one to cast out devils in ness and charity, shown to any of the
Christ's name, that did not follow Christ ministers or members of Jesus Christ, for his
as they did, being his professed disciples, sake, is represented as done unto himself.
Though only the disciples that followed and shall be rewarded by himself. Ob-
Cbrist had a commission to work miracles, serve, 5. He shall gain that which he can-
yet there were others, no enemies to Christ, not lose, by parting with that which he
who, in imitation of the disciples, did at- could not keep. Observe, 6. What a
tempt to do the like ; and God was pleased, heinous and grievous sin it is to scandalize
for the honour of his Son, in whose name or offend any of the disciples of Jesus
they cast out devils, to give them sometimes Christ ; he will most severely judge . and
success. Almighty God may, and some- punish such as give offence to them, by any
times doth, give success to such actions and wrong or injury done unto them, both in
enterprises as are good in themselves, though this life and the next: It were better a
undertaken by persons that have no lawful millstone were hanged about his neck, and
call or warrant from God to do them. How- he were cast into the sea.
ever, it was no small confirmation of the 43 And jf thy hand offend thee,
truth of Christianity, that Cbnsts name iwas cut it off. H is better for thce to
thus powerful, even among those that did A •*!•/•__: j *i u„. •_
not follow him, and tterefore could do enter into life maimed than having
nothing by compact with him. Observe, ^wo hand» to 8° tinto ncl,» into thc
2. The action of the disciples toward this fire that never shall be quenched ;
person: We forbad him. This showed, 1. 44 Where their worm dieth not,
Their ignorance, in supposing that none and the lire is not qfcfiched. - 46
could be true disciples, nor work miracles, And if thy foot offend tKbcutit off:
but such as followed them - We forbad it i8 bett^r for thee toWk halt into
Aim, because he followed not us. Their rr aL i_ : * *jEm~ u w- *
lashness, in forbidding him of their own !lfe« than having two fa»<0 be tast
heads, before they had consulted Christ mto nc,1» loto the fire thatnever sball
about it 2. Their envy and emulation, in be quenched ! 46 Where their
that they were grieved and discontented at worm dieth not, and the fire is not
this person's casting out devils, because he quenched. 47 And if thine eye
was not a follower of them. O the imper- offend tnee# pluck it out : it is better
feet composition of the best of saints ! how for thce to entcr into thc kin^om of
s? sra ta-ssgrz <« r* ~ <** «?*«*•■ **
upon this occasion! The sin of envy and eyes to be cast loto heU fire * 48
emulation against the gift of God in others, Where their worm dieth not, and the
is very natural to man, and to good men ; fire is not quenched,
yea, to the best of men. It is as difficult to In the former verse our Saviour dissuaded
look upon other men's gifts without envy, from the sin of scandal, or giving offence
as to look upon our own without pride, to serious and sincere christians, threatening
Observe, 3. Our Saviour's answer and a very grievous judgment against such as
reply: Forbid him not. Because our should any ways offend them: now in
Saviour knew that his enterprise of casting these • six verses he prescribes a remedy
out devils in bis name, would in some against that and all other sins, namely, by
Chap. IX. ST. MARK. 217
raiding all occasions that lead to sin. eye; that is, to mortify their bosom lusts,
Here observe, 1. The admonition or warn- and beloved corruptions, which are as dear
iag gi*en by Christ unto us, to remove as a right hand or a right eye; every such
far from us all occasion of sin, though wicked and unmortified person shall be
never so dear unto us. We are not salted with fire ; that is, thrown into hell-
to understand the command literally, as if fire, where the worm dieth not, and the
it woe our duty to maim our bodily mem- fire is not quenched; as our Saviour speaks,
ben; but metaphorically, to cut off all ver. 44. And the being salted with fire,
opcassnrH that may betray us into sin. imports and implies, that as to their beings
Hence note, That sin may be avoided, it is they shall be preserved, even as salt pre-
ourduty to avoid whatever leads unto it, serves things from corruption; that they
or may be the instrument and occasion of it may be the objects of the eternal wrath of
Observe, 2. A reason enforcing the admo- God. So that for sinners to be salted
ration : this is drawn from the benefit with fire, is to be given up to everlasting
and advantage that will come by cutting destruction. Learn hence, That all such
off such occasions of sin. It will further unsavoury sinners as indulge their corrupt
v in our attainment of eternal life, and lusts and affections, shall be salted with
prevent our being cast into hell-fire. Now fire ; that is, given up to everlasting de-
oar Saviour affirms that it is bettor for a struction in hell-fire. But every sacrifice
man to enter into life with the loss of shall be salted with salt ; that is, every
afl those things that are dear and precious christian who has given himself a real sa-
fe) fasm in this world, rather than go ioto orifice unto God, shall be salted, not with
hell with the fruition and enjoyment of fire, but with salt ; not with fire, to be con-
than. Learn hence, That a diligent and sumed and destroyed, but with salt, to be
daily care to avoid sin, and all occasions preserved and kept savoury. The grace of
that lead unto it, will be a special means mortification is that to the soul, which
to escape the torments of bell, and further salt is to the body ; it preserves it from pu-
ns in our attainments of heaven and eternal trefaction, and renders it savoury. Learn
lie. Observe, 3. The description which hence, 1. That every christian in this life
cur Saviour gives of toe torments of ought to be a spiritual sacrifice or obla-
hefl ; first, by its extremity ; it is like a tion unto God. 2. That there is a putrid and
gnawing worm, and a consuming fire, corrupt part in every sacrifice, in every
Secondly, and by its eternity ; a worm christian, which must be purged out, and
that never dieth, and a fire that is never the sacrifice purified and cleansed from.
fmemcked. Where note, That the remem- 3. That the grace of mortification is the
mace of things past, the experience of true salt which must clarify the soul, and
things present, ana expectation of things with which every sacrifice must be salted,
to come, are the bitings of the worm of that will be a savoury offering unto God :
conscience, at every bite whereof damned Every one shall be salted with fire, and
souls give a dreadful shriek ; such as will every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
not bear the voice of conscience, shall feel, _ _ e 1-L . , t . .r ,, ,.
and that to purpose, the sting of conscience. 50 Salt M &°°d : but l( ** ■■£
Learn hence, That there is most certainly a have lost his sal tn ess, wherewith
pace and state of punishment and torment will ye season it ? Have salt in your-
n another world for wicked men to suffer selves, and have peace one with
in, upon the score of sin committed in another.
this world. Secondly, That the punish- Qur h]s8^ Saviour here compares chris-
ment and torments of the wicked in hell tians in general, his ministers in particu-
ste intolerable and interminable, of ex- ^ unt0 ^ for a d0UDle reason. First,
<jwaate pain, and endless duration : Their Because it is the nature of salt to preserve
worm never dieth, and their fire is things from corruption and putrefaction,
not quenched. ancj to render them savoury and pleasant.
49 For every one shall be salt- Thus are the ministers of Christ to labour
ed with fire, and every sacrifice and endeavour, by the purity of their doc-
shall be salted with salt. trine, to sweeten putrefying sinners, that
Every one shall be salted with fire : they may become savoury unto God and
that u, every one of them mentioned in man, and be keot from being fly-blown
the fbmroing verses, who refuse to cut of with errors and false doctrines. Secondly,
a right hand, and pluck out a right Because salt has an acrimony, a piercing
218 ST. MARK. Chap. X;
power in it, which subdues the whole The fint verse of this chapter acquaints
lump, and turns it into its own nature. Such us with the great labour and pains our
a piercing power is there in the ministry Saviour took in the exercise of his minis*
of the word, that it subdues the whole try, travelling from place to place, in a
man to the obedience of itself. Have salt hot country, and that on foot, to preach
in yourselves, and have peace one with the gospel, when be was here upon earth :
another ; that is, let all persons, especially teaching all persons, but especially minis-
ministers, retain a seasoning virtue in them- ters, by his example, to be willing to tav»
selves, that they may sweeten and season dergo pains and labour, even unto much
others, even all they converse with ; and weariness, in the service of God, and in the
as salt has an uniting power, and knits the duties of their calling. For this is God's
parts of the body salted together, so up- ordinance, that every one should feel the
holding of union and peace one with ano- burden of his calling, and the painfullness
ther, will declare that you have salt in of it But, Lord, how nice and delicate
yourselves. Learn hence, That it is the are some labourers in the vineyard, who
duty of all christians, but especially the are walling to do nothing but what they
ministers of the gospel, to maintain brother* can do with ease : they cannot endure to
ly concord and agreement among them- think of labouring unto weariness, but
selves, both as an argument of their sin- are sparing of their pains for fear of abort*
cerity, and an ornament to their profession, ening their days, and hastening their end I
CHAP. X. Whereas the lamp of our lives can never be
AND he arose from thence, and J*1* *JeoX> or *** wt' *****}> ***-
cometh into the coasts of Judea ^g others to heaven. The following
k -u c *u • a c i a a verses acquaint us with an ensnaring que**
by the farther side of Jordan : and Uott wm?h the Phariaeei ^ to ouf Savi-
the people resort unto him again; our concerning the matter of divorce: con*
and, as he was wont, he taught them eluding that they should entrap him in
again. 2 And the Pharisees came his answer, whatever it was: if he denied
to him, and asked him, Is it lawful the lawfulness of divorce, then they would
for a man to put away his wife ? charge him with contradicting Moses, who
tempting him. 3 And he answered *llo"f !t\ If * *»■* ?, **» **?
~~j :a a *l miru * j*j ikM would condemn him for contradicting ha
and said unto them What did Mo- owa doctrmCf St ^ Wm ^ forl^
ses command you ? 4 And they jQg men's lusts, and complying with the
said, Moses suffered to write a bill wicked custom of the Jews, who upon
of divorcement, and to put her away, every slight and frivolous occasion put away
5 And Jesus answered and said un- tbeir wives from them. But such was the
to them, For the hardness of your wi8dom of our Saiioar in a11 hia www
heart he wrote vou this Dreceot • to ^ a*80*"1^ Pharisees, that neither
a R,.f f™™ +h~ tw»„;nn:«r *e Ku * *neir wit nor soaUce could lay hold upon
6 But from the beginning of the thi to ^ le him in & ^^
creation God made them, male and gerve, therefore, The piety and prudence of
female. 7 For this cause shall a our Saviour's answer to the Pharisees ; he
man leave his father and mother, refers them to the first institution of mar-
and cleave to his wife ; 8 And they rage* wnen God made husband and wife
twain shall be one flesh : so then ODe flesh» t0 the ratent tbai matrimonial
thev are no more twain but one flesh. !°*? m,«!}1 te ^ mcoinmimicabJe and
OWhatthereforeGodhathjoinedto^ £ffff^
gether, let no man put asunder. 10 by teaching us, that the best means for de-
Anil in the house his disciples asked ciding all doubts, and resolving all contro-
him again of the same matter. 11 versies about matters of religion, is to have
And he saith unto them, Whosoever recourse unto the scripture, or the written
shall put away his wife, and marry wordJof God. What did Moses com-
another, committed adultery against mand Vou * ™"«" f^f How °f &"
W 19 \nA \f « m****n IkJii «..♦ v,our» t0 confute the Pharisees, and con-
-«w I IK a Tu hQ ? ] vince them of «» unlawfulness of divorce,
away her husband, and be married used by the Jews, lays down the first in-
to another, she committeth adultery, stitution of marriage, and shows them first
Cfc«I>. X. ST. MARK. 219
the Author, nest the time, then the end, of may not marry again, «*mf very unreason*
Ae katitutoo. The author, God: What able; for why should one suffer for an-
Gorf hat A joined together, &fc. Marriage other's fault?
an ordinance of God's own appoint- „ And they brought yQmg ^
as the ground and foundation of all . " Au- iney ^ougni young cnu-
and civU society. The time of the dr?n to nim» tnat ?e snouW touch
oon was, in the beginning : mar- them : and his disciples rebuked
is almost as old as the world, as old as those that brought them. 14 But
t itself : there was no sooner one per- when Jesus saw it, he was much dis*
son, but God divided him into two ; and pleased, and said unto them, Suffer
n^TLT^A^hi^^^ ™£* the ,itt,c chi,dren *> <*>me «n*> me
tbemm one. And the end of the lnsutu- -„j iu-u:j *u * r r u •_
tioa of marriage Christ declares was this *?*$** ih™"otj for °' 8U.?h *
That there might be not only an intimacy the kingd°m of God. 15 Verily I
and nearness, but also an inseparable 8ay unto you, Whosoever shall not
union and oneness, by means of to is en- receive the kingdom of God as a
deariog relation ; the conjugal knot is little child, he shall not enter there-
tied » dose, that the bonds of matrimo- in. 16 And he took them up in his
SSin^l^^r ^ ^°f Tu?' arros> Put Aw ■»*» uP°n the*» and
Stricter si the tie betwixt husband and wife, m« ' J*l™
than that betwixt parent and child, a£ bIc88ed them-
cooling to God's own appointment : For Observe here, A solemn action performed :
tkts cause shall a man leave father and children are brought to Christ to be blessed
mother, and cleave to his wife, and they hy him. Where note, 1. The persons
twain shall be one flesh. And whereas brought *• children, young children, suck-
our Saviour adds, What God hath joined ing children, as the word imports, St. Luke
together, let no man put asunder ; two xvui* 15* They brought them in their
things are hereby intimated to us, 1. arms, not led them by the hands. 2.
That God is the author of the close and The Person they are brought unto : Jesus
intimatp union which is betwixt man and Christ. But for what end ? Not to baptize
wife in a married condition. 2. That it is them» but to bless them : the parents looking
not in the power of man to untie or dis- upon Christ as a prophet, a great prophet,
solve that union which God has made *he great Prophet, do bring their infants to
betwixt man and wife in the married state : him, that they might receive the benefit
yea, it is a great sin to advise unto, or en- of his blessing and prayers. Whence
deavoor after, the separation of them. Ob- learn, 1 . That infants are capable of benefit
serve lastly. Our Saviour's private confer- by Jesus Christ. 2. That it is the best
enee with the disciples, after his public office that parents can perform unto their
deputation with the Pharisees, about this children to brine them unto Christ, that
natter of divorce. He tells his disciples, they may be made partakers of that benefit
iad hi them he tells all christians to the 3- If infants be capable of benefit by
end of the world, that it is utterly unlawful Christ, if capable of his blessing on earth
far a man and wife to be separated by and presence in heaven, if they be subjects
divorcement one from another, for any °f his kingdom of grace, and heirs of his
cause whatsoever, except only for the sin kingdom of glory, then they may be
•f adultery committed by either of tbem baptized ; for they that are in covenant*
after the rnarriage. Learn hence, That have a right to the seal of the covenant
according to the word and will of God, H Christ denies not infants the kingdom of
naming can violate the bonds of marriage, heaven, which is the greater, what reason
and justify a divorce betwixt man and have ministers to deny them the benefit of
wife, save only the defiling of the marriage baptism, which is the less ?
had by adultery and uncleanneai. This 17 And when he was gone forth
a the only case in which man and wife joto tne way, there came one running,
ZL ^ y ££; 2S" hmgJar *? «""* kneeleS to htm, and asked him,
much donated ; but that the innocent and may inherit eternal life ?
injured person, whether man or woman, Observe here, 1. A peiaon addressing
(far there is an equal right on both sides,) himself to Christ with an important que*
220 ST. MARK. Chap. X.
tion in his mouth. This person was a cond table, which hypocrites are most failing
young man, a rich man, and a ruler; a in. But nothing is a better evidence of our
young man in the prime of his age, a rich unfeigned love to God, than the sincere per-
man in the fulness of his wealth, and a formanoe of our duty to our neighbours,
ruler in the prime of his authority and Love to roan is a fruit and testimony of our
power. From whence learn, That for young love to God ; tin he that lovcth not his 6ro-
men, rich men, especially noblemen, to thcr whom he hath seen, how can he love
enquire the way to salvation, is very com- God whom he hath not seen ? 1 John iv.
roendable, but very rare. Observe, 2. As 20. Learn hence, That such as are defective
the person addressing, so the manner of in the duties of the second table, charity and
the address : he came running, and kneel- justice, do make but a counterfeit show of
ed to Christ. Where observe, his volun- religion, though they pretend to the high-
tariness : be came of himself, not drawn est measures and degrees of love to God.
by others' importunity, but drawn by his Here note, That there are two ways of
own personal affections. And his readi- injuring our neighbour, which ought to be
new: be came running. This showed avoided, namely, 1. By theft: and this
his zeal and forwardness to meet with either privately and clandestinely, without
Christ, and be resolved by him. And, the knowledge of the owner ; or openly
lastly, his humility : he kneeled to him, and by force, against the consent of the
as an eminent prophet and teacher, not owner: both these are forbidden in the
knowing him to be the Son of God. Ob- eighth commandment. 2. By secret and
serve, 3. The address itself, What shall cunning devices, where the law and a
I do to inherit eternal life f Where picture of right it made use of to cover
note, 1. He believes the certainty of a the injury. This is forbidden in the tenth
future state. 2. He professes his desire of commandment, and here expressed by,
an eternal happiness in that state. 3. He Thou shalt not defraud. And surely all
declares his readiness to do some good such endeavours to defraud, must show a
thing:, in order to the obtaining of that very covetous mind, inclining a person,
happiness. Hence learn, That the light of against the dictates of his own conscience,
nature, or natural religion, teaches men to defraud another of his right.
that good works are necessary to salvation : 20 And he answered and said un-
or that some good thing must be done by to hi Magte M thege havc , ^
them, who at death expect eternal life. It • r . ,
is not talking well, and>ofessing well, but served from W youih'
doing well, that entitles us to heaven and This assertion of the young man might
eternal life. be very true, according to the Pharisees'
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why sense and interpretation of the law, which
callest thou me good ? there is none condemned only the gross outward act,
good but one, that is, God. J* lhe Ainwar? .]■* *«? rootj°tt <* ,the
a -e r^ • « L j • j ,m „ , neart« An outside obedience to the law
As if Christ had said, Why callest thou this young man had performed ; this made
me good, when thou dost not believe or own him think well of himself, and conclude
me to be God ? for there is none good, the goodness of his own condition. Learn
that is, essentially and originally good, ab- hence, How prone men are to think the
solutely and immutably good, but God best of themselves, and to have too high
only ; nor any derivatively good, but he an opinion of their own goodness and
that receiveth his goodness from God also : righteousness before God : All these things
there » no mere man that is absolutely and have I kept from my youth. It is a im-
perfectly good of himself, but by participa- tural corruption in men to think too well
tion and derivation from God only. Seethe of themselves, and of their own goodness
note on St. Matt. xix. 17. and righteousness before God ; but it is
19 Thou knowest the command- *"? ^"g*008 ™d '*»» *> to do.
ments. Do not commit adultery, 21 Then Jesus, beholding him,
Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not loved him, and said unto him, One
bear false witness, Defraud not, Ho- thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell
nour thy father and mother. whatsoever thou hast, and give to the
Observe here, That the duties which our poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
Saviour instances in, are the duties of the se- heaven ; aud come, take up thy cross,
Chap. X. ST. MARK. 221
and follow me. 22 And he was enter into the kingdom of God ! 21
sad at that saying, and went away And the disciples were astonished at
grieved : for he had great posses- his words. But Jesus answereth
sioos. again, and saith unto them, Chil-
Observe here, 1. Christ's compassion to- dren, how hard is it for them that
wards this young man. He loved him with trust in riches to enter into the kine-
lt^^y^^T^\^mly°Z doraofGod! 25 It is easier for a
some very ImaWe^nd lovely qualities in *"»?} *? ^ through the eye of a
naunland unregenerate men; and good- needle, than for a rich man to enter
ms, m what kind or degree soever it is, doth into the kingdom of God. 26 And
attract and draw forth Christ's love towards they were astonished out of measure,
apnsoo. If Christ did love civility, what saying among themselves, Who then
Aspect has he for sincere sanctity ! Ob- can be saved ? 27 And Jesus look-
!T* It °7 I*?* k^™*00/ °?f ing upon them saith, With men it
tktngtkou iackcst, which was, true self- •„* ' ... ... ' .. ^ . -
dead, in renouncing the sin of covetous- M/m^"lb f • £ut not Wlth 9g * for
nets, and the inordinate love of worldly Wlth God a" things are possible,
wealth. We ough^ upon God's call, to From thia discourae ^ our ^ ^^
mamtain joch a readiness | of mma\i as to be concerning the da^ of riches, and the
^ "LP* ,WIth.alLf0f G<S8 j£* difficulty that attends rich men in their
watch » dear unto us in this world. Ob- |0 £ we ^ ^ ^ thef
eve, 3. Our Loid s injunction : Sell what ^ ^ nch men d^certainly meet with
thou ha*t, and give to the poor. This m0fe difficultie8 in tbeir way to f^ thm
wasnot a common but a special precept, other men> It h difficJt to withdiaw
belonging particularly to this young man. their affectiona fo^ ricl)e8> to place tbeir
? ^ xa ~BJmandment «. ™ S1™ t0 supreme love upon God in the midst of
him, like that given to Abraham, Gen. ^ abundanceT It is difficult to depend
on. to convince him of his corrupt confi- ^^ ^ fa a rich ^^^ >Tfor
den«e m his nches: yet it * thus far of the „^ £,., WM -, hh st ^
^eralusetousall,toteachus to contemn s^^y That yet (he fault i^ot iQ
worldly poasessions, as to be willing to part richeg> ^ m ^ men . wno b lad
with them when they 'hinder our happiness their tm^ md reposillg tn€ir confidence
and salvation. It follows, And take up in riches> do ^^ themselves incapable
thy cross; an allusion to the Roman 0f the kingdom of God. Observe, 3. The
cmtom, when the malefactor was to be proverbial speech which our Saviour makes
crocked, he bore h* cross upon his shoul- ^ of t0 ^ forth the difficuUy of a rich
der, and earned it to the place of execution. ^^ salvation . Jt is easier fa a camel
h soot the taking, but the patient bearing, to g0 through a needle's eye. This was
2L*C,.CS^hJ^ " 0"wd«ty. Leam a *roverb | the Jew£ 8igntfying ft
That all Chrots foltowers should prepare thing 0f great difficulty, next to an im-
ter shou^ for Chnsts cross. To bear p^bUity ; and it implies thus much, that
^/^ ™p!»fe^fuln« !Dd mtegI?ty «■ not only a very great difficulty, but
without shifting, patience and submission „ utter impoa8ibiUty, ?or such as abound
without munnunngA joy and cheerfuln^ in worM| wealth ^ ^ their confi.
wrtW fiuntmg. Observe, 4. lhe effect dence lhe^m t0 ^ ^ without an
whsch our Saviours admonition had upon e^^to^ g^ and assistance from
*" T001? 1*"°° : W<r Zfl5 ,arf an?8™°: God. It is hanl for God to make a rich
erf at that saying. Thence note, That man happy, because he thinks himself hap-
canisU men are sad and exceeding sorrow- wWg5 q^ observe, 4. The dis-
mi, when they cannot win heaven in their ^ leg m aflfected with wonder and ^njj.
own way. 2. That such as are wedded ration ^ thb doctrme of our Saviour's, and
to the world, will renounce Christ rather outf |rAa then can fc $avcd? .team
than the world, when the world and thencCf j^ guch m the f^iJ and
Christ stand in comDetition. culiar difficulties which lie in the rich
28 And Jesus looked round about, mail's way to salvation, that their getting
and saith unto his disciples, How to heaven is matter of wonder and admira-
bardly shall they that have riches lion to the disciples of Christ. Observe,
ST. MARK. Chap, X*
5. How our Saviour resolves this doubt, tion than any thing we can part with for
by telling his disciples, that what was the sake of Christ For the sense of those
impossible with men, was possible with words, The first shall be last, &c. see the
God ; implying, that it is impossible for note on Matth, xx. 19.
any man, rich or poor, by tus own natural 32 And th wcre in the
strength to get to heaven. And, 2. That . ^ ,m^ . i^I„„.um . tt»j i ®
when we are discouraged with the sense of in* *P *° J«u*al*m 5 a°d ***«
our own impotency, we should consider wcnt before them: and they were
the power of God, and fix our faith upon amazed ; and as they followed, they
it : With Ood all things are possible, were afraid. And he took again the
28 Then Peter began to say unto twelve, and began to tell them what
him, Lo, we have left all, and have thin8P should happen unto him, 33
followed thee. 29 And Jesus an- S*y*ng> Behold, we go up to Jerusa-
swered and said, Verily I say unto *etnJ and the Son of man shall be do
you, There is no man that hath left Kvered unto the chief priests, and un-
house, or brethren, or sisters, or fa- to tne scribes; and they shall con-
ther, or mother, or wife, or chil- &*mn nin* to death, and shall deli-
dren, or lands, for my sake, and the ver him to the Gentiles: 34 And
gospels, 30 But he shall receive lhey 8Ua11 mock nio,> and shall
an hundred-fold now in this time, »courge him, and shall spit upon
houses, and brethren, and sisters, him, and shall kill him; and the
and mothers, and children, and third day he shall rise again,
lands, with persecutions ; and in This is at least the third time that Christ
the world to come eternal life. 31 had acquainted his disciples with his ap-
But many that are first shall be last ; Poaching sufferings. The first time he told
and the fast first. nB difiPlee <* h» *"* in 8****1 i *•
second time he declares the means, by trea-
The apostles having heard our Saviour's goo ; now he tells them the manner by cru-
comraand to sell all and give to the poor, cifying him : all this he did to prevent
St Peter, in the name of the rest, tells their dejection at his sufferings. Learn
Christ, that they had left all to follow him. hence, That it is highly necessary that the
Where note, How Peter magnifies that lit. doctrine of the cross be often preached to
tie which he had left for Christ, and ushers us, that so being armed with expectations
it in with a note of admiration : Lo! we of sufferings before they come, we may be
have left all. Learn hence, That though the less dismayed and disheartened when
it be very little that we suffer for Christ, they come. Our Lord's forewarning bis
and have to forsake upon his account, yet disciples so frequently of his death and suf-
are we apt to magnify and extol it, as if it ferings, was to fore-arm them with expecta-
were some great matter : Behold, we have tions of his sufferings, and with preparation
left alt andfoUowed thee. Observe next, for their own. Observe farther, Who were
Our Lord's kind and gracious answer: the persons that were the instrumental
that those that leave all to follow him shall causes of our Saviour's death : they were
be no losers by him. We may be losers both Jews and Gentiles : The Son of man
for Christ, xve shall never be losers by him ; shall be delivered to the chief priests, and
for whatever we part with in this world for they shall deliver him to the Gentiles.
the sake of Christ, houses or lands, bre* As both Jews and Gentiles had a hand in
thren or sisters, we shall receive an hun- the death and sufferings of our Lord Jesus
dredfold now in this life. But how so ? Christ, so are they by faith capable of an
Non formaliter, sed cminenter ; non in interest in the merit of his death, and in the
specie, sed in valore : " Not in xind, virtue and efficacy of his sufferings. Christ
but in equivalency :M not an hundred offered up his blood to God on behalf of
brethren, sisters, or lands, in kind, but he (hem that shed it.
shall enjoy that in God, which all creatures «* A „ j w omiM tt„ j i^u- «»,. „^^
would fie to him if the^ were multiplied an *5 uA"d James »***■» the ?>n*
hundred times; and the gifts and graces, of Zebedee, come unto him, saying,
the comforts and consolations, of the Holy Master, we would that thou should est
.Spirit shall be an hundred times better por- do for us whatsoever we shall de-
Chap. X. ST. MARK. 323
tire. 36 And he said unto them, eminence and power f But the best of men
What would ye that I should do for "* but men ; none are in a state of per-
you ? 37 They said unto him, Grant J00*} on tn» «de beaven- a Observe, 3.
unto us that we may sit, one on thy g? Savwur s answer to his disciples* am-
.*«i * u—a ««,i *<L ~*u~ *u bitjous request, and the course which he
nut hand, and the other on thy take8> ^^ their ambi(ion ^ telj8
left hand, m thy glory. 38 But Je- them, they roust expect here, not crowns
sus said unto them, Ye know not on their heads, but a cross on their backs ;
what ye ask : can ye drink of the they must first taste of his sufferings, before
cup that I drink of ? and be bap- theY partake of his glory ; and they that
tittd with the baptism that I am *®* ■** for Christ» shaI1 Partake of the
baptized with ? 39 And they said «%^ dignity and glory from him Ob-
„";A . • Wmmm *i - J .j serve, 4. The presumptuous confidence
onto him, We can. And Jesus said which the &po$aJh9d J^lr own strength
unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of and ability for sufferings: Are ye able.
the cap that 1 drink of; and with says Christ, to drink of my cup? We are
the baptism that I am baptized aole, say the disciples. Alas, poor men,
withal shall ye be baptized : 40 WDen ** csme to tDe **&• tQey all coward-
But to sit on my right hand and on !y foreook .bm\ MflLwvjta that «
my left hand is not mine to give ; £* acquainted with suffering are usually
• f. v. .„ * . 4 ,, B / the most confident undertakers. See note
bat U thaU be given to them for on Afo«. xx. 22, 23.
whom it is prepared. 41 And when ., _ x . „ , iL ^ ,.
the ten heard it, they began to be f ""* J^us called them <o Am
«ch displeased with Jatnes and f"d saith unto them, Ye know that
j^ r they which are accounted to rule
over the Gentiles exercise lordship
Observe here, 1. The ambitious suit and over them ; and their great ones
request of the two apostles, James and ^John, exercise authority upon them. 43
far djgusly and "Parity .Grant that But SQ gh n . ^ ^ amon
w* sjM* «/, *we on My right hana\ and . A , ... , * J
tf* otier an thy left Lndy in thy glory but whosoever will be great among
or n thy kingdom. Where observe, That vou. *naN be your minister: 44
by Christ's kingdom and £7*ry, they un- And whosoever of you will be the
aansood so earthly, temporal kingdom : for chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45
of tost sort the Jews did expect the kingdom For even the Son of man came not
of me Messiah should be, and the disciples to be ministered unto, but to minis-
ftemaelves were tainted with the common fe and to ^ hig Ufc ransom
eras. Learn hence, That ambition and /• °
sjordmate desire of world! v wealth and dig- Ior many ■
airy, b a sin very natural and incident to To the end that our blessed Saviour
the best of men. Who can wonder to see might effectually quench those unhappy
some sparks of ambition in the holiest of sparks of ambition which were kindled in
God's ministers, when Christ's own apostles his apostles' minds, he tells them, that
were not tree from aspiring thoughts, even supremacy and dominion belong to secu-
wheo they lay in the bosom of our Savi- lar princes, not to gospel-ministers, who
our ? Observe, 2. Both the unseasonable- ought to carry themselves with humility
aess and unreasonableness of this request and condescension one towards another.
by James and John : Christ Not that Christ directs to a parity and
_ of his sufferings to them, and they equality amongst his ministers, but only
_„ for dignity and great places from him : condemns the affectation of superiority, and
In opt'tmu non nihil est pessimi. The ho- the love of pre-eminency. Learn hence,
hot, the wisest, and the best of men, are 1. That the ministers of Christ ought to be
not wholly free from passionate infirmities, so far from affecting a domination and su-
Wbo could have thought, that when our periority over their brethren, that in imita-
Saviour had been preaching the doctrine of tion of their Lord and Master, they ought
the cross to his disciplet, that they should to account themselves fellow-servants -. The
st the same time be seeking and suing to Son of man came not to be ministered
him for secular dignity and honour, pre- unto, but to minister. Observe, 2. That
224 ST. MARK. Chap. XI.
such ministers as do love and affect pre- ger, and that b? his own power, is really
eminence and superiority are most unfit for God : his touch is an omnipotent touch,
it; and they deserve it best who seek it least Observe, 4. Although Christ well knew the
3. That the dignity and honour which the condition of this bund man, yet, before he
ministers of Christ should chiefly, yea only will restore his sight, he must sensibly com-
affect, is in another world ; and the way to plain of the want of sight, and cry unto
be greatest and highest there, is to be low him for help and healing. Christ knows
and humble, mean in our own eyes, and all bis creatures* wants, but takes no notice
little in our own esteem. See note on Matt, of them till they make them known to bim
xx. 28. by prayer. Observe, 5. The way and
46 And they came to Jericho : and course which the blind man takes to express
as he went out of Jericho with his his thankfulness to Christ for recovered
disciples and a great number of ■**= » "*• ™f. foli™* Jesus-
V i_r j d .5- *u^ ^« ~r Mercy from Christ is then well improved,
people, blind Bartimeus the son of ^ .% ^m t0 follow Christf This
riineus, sat by the highway side, should be the eflect of all salvations wrought
begging. 47 And when he heard that for us. He praiseth God best that serveth
it was Jesus of Nazareth , he began to him most : the life of thankfulness consists in
cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of the thankfulness of the life.
David, have mercy on me. 48 And CHAP. XL
many charged him that he should hold . ND when th camc ni^ to
his peace : but he cried the more a A Jeru8alefll> unto Bethphage and
great deal, Tkon son of David have Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he
mercy onme. 49 And Jesus stood still, sendeth forth two of his di9ciplcSt 2
and commanded him to be called. And ^^ unto them> Go
And they call the blind man, saying into tne vU| ovef ingt '.
untohim Be of good comfort, rise; he and ag §00|| ^ cntered into ^
calleththee. 60 And he, casting away ghall find a co|t tiedf whereon
his garment, rose, and came to Jesus never man sat loogc him> ^ bring
61 And Jesus answered and said Wjf| 3 And if man unto
unto him, What wdt thw that I wh do tWs ? that
should do unto thee? The blind man the ^ hath necd of him . ^
said unto him, Lord, that I might 8traightway be will send him hither,
receive my sight. 62 And Jesus 4 And th went their ^
said unto him. Go thy way ; thy found thcco|t tied by ^ door ^^
faith hath made thee whole. And out> in a ,acc wher^ tw0 mH
immediately he received his sight, and th f00se him 6 And ^^^
and followed Jesus in the way. of ^ that fitood thcre 8aid unt0
This chapter concludes with the recital of them, What do ye loosing the colt ?
a famous miracle wrought by our blessed 6 And th gaid unto them even M
o^^^ Jesushad commanded :and they let
Where note, 1. The blind man's faith, in them S°-
acknowledging Jesus to be the Messiah ; for The former part of this chapter acquaints
so much the title of the son of David us with our Saviour's solemn and triumphant
signified. 2. His fervency, in crying so riding into the city of Jerusalem : he who
earnestly to Christ for mercy and healing : in all his journies travelled like a poor man
Have mercy upon me, thou son of David, on foot, without noise, and without train j
A true sense of want will make the soul cry now he goes up to Jerusalem to die for sin-
unto Christ with earnestness and impor- ners, he rides, to show his great forwardness
tunity. Observe, 3. The great compassion to lay down his life for us : the beast he
and condescension of Christ towards this rides on is an ass, as the manner of kings
poor blind man: he stood still, he called and great persons anciently was, and to fulfil
him, and enlightened his eyes. A mighty that prophecy, Zech. ix. 9. Tell ye the
instance of Christ's divine power! He that daughter of Zion, Behold thy king cometh
can open blind eyes with a touch of his fin- riding upon an ass. It was aho an ass
Chap. XI. ST. MARK. 225
upoo which never man sat before ; signi- Christ commands we are not to dispute,
tying thereby, that the most unruly and but to obey. Observe, 2. The actions
untamed creatures become obsequious to of the multitude in acknowledging Christ
Christ. Grotius observes, that such animals to be their King ; tbey cast their gar-
ss had not been employed in the use of ments on the ground for him to ride upon,
man, were wont to be chosen for sacred according to the custom of princes when
uses. Even heathens adjudged those things they ride in state ; and do not only dis-
most proper for the service of the gods, which robe their backs, but expend their breath
had never been put to profane uses. Thus in joyful acclamations, and loud hosannas,
in 1 Sam. vi. 7. we read that the Philistines wishing all manner of prosperity to their
returned the ark in a new cart, drawn by meek but mighty King. In this princely,
heifers never before put into the yoke ; they yet poor and despicable pomp, doth our
thinking them polluted by being put to Saviour enter the famous city of Jerusalem,
profane work. Our Saviour here chooses O how far was our holy Lord from affecting
an ass which had never been backed before; worldly greatness and grandeur! He de-
and that the colt should so patiently suffer spised that glory which worldly hearts fond-
Christ to ride upon him, was miraculous, ly admire j yet because he was a King, he
And this was a borrowed ass, whereby our would be proclaimed such, and have his
Saviour's right to all the creatures was raani- kingdom confessed, applauded, and blessed.
Ceded -, and accordingly he bids his disciples But that it might appear that his kingdom
tell the owner that ike Lord hath need of was not of this world, he abandons all
him. Not your Lord or our Lord, but the worldly magnificence. O glorious yet
Lord : that is, he that is Lord of all, whose homely pomp! O meek, but mighty Prince !
"* l^J^r£V 'tT^A-^'n^' "• And Jesus entered into Jeru-
serve farther, That notwithstanding Christ s , , . . . . . __ , .
sopreme right to the colt, he will not have saulen\ an^ }nt» *« teroPje : and
it taken without the owner's knowledge and when he had looked round about
consent: Tell htm that the Lord hath upon all things, and now the even-
need of Aim. Observe lastly, What a clear tide was come, he went out unto
and full demonstration Christ gave of his Bethany with the twelve. 12 And
divine nature ; of his omnisciency in fore- on the morrow, when they were
seeing and foretelling the event ; of his come from Bethany he was hungrv .
Sn^be^ 13 And seeing a Vtree afar V
colt go ; and of his sovereignty, as he was having leaves, he came, if haply he
Lord of the creatures, to command and call might find any thing thereon : and
for their service when be needed them. when he came to it, he found nothing
7 And they brought the colt to but leaves ; for the time of figs was
Jesus, and cast their garments on not yet. 14 And Jesus answered
him ; and he sat upon him. 8 And and said unto it, No man eat fruit
many spread their garments in the of thee hereafter for ever. And his
way ; and others cut down branches disciples heard it.
off the trees, and strawed them in Some move the question here, how Christ
the way. 9 And they that went came to curse a tree for want of that fruit
before, and tbey that followed, cried, which the season afforded not? It is
aavinfr, Hosanna ; Blessed is he that answered, that naturalists observe, that the
comeUi in the name of the Lord: fg-tree puts forth her fruit as soon as her
ZTa »i j m. *t. i.« j _r leaf; that tree is always bearing; and
10 Blessed be the kingdom of our whiIe one % » ripef anolher £ 'g^.
*^~r David, that cometh in the And whereas it is said, that the time
of the Lord : Hosanna in the of figs was not yet ; the meaning is,
lest. " that the time of in-gathering of figs was
here, The obedience of his dts- not yet," but the tree having leaves,
First, Tbey did as Jesus had com- showing it might have fruit: accordingly
they do not dispute their Lord's Christ goes in expectation of it having fruit ;
U, nor raise objections, nor are but finding none, either ripe or green, he
sftaid of dangers : when our call is clear, curses, the tree for totally disappointing his
«pur obedience must be speedy ; what expectation. Besides, Christ was wont not
Q
%w ST. MARK. chaP- XI'
ttetction Of hi. w« typical. MemWem of """^JJJftaSr ^ Ration of his
J«u«lem's *&*»»£*& ££ FuSte r^m h«ce. That thare
every persons m particular, tnat sausra £""__.,„ due to God's house for the
ieavet only, but no ftuit .% a. tb» &r-*w JhST brt^>lin«. can become the place
^naZ£^*Z^oS2Z Jn^^bwonhipHinAebeautyof
whence note, lnat an sunn »s «"»»»; i.«is™- nw^rvp lastl v. The reason which
themselves with a fruitless l«*i~ <* SSSlwS^ Is *
religion, are in «eat danger, of having ~ «K w E 5* *•«" **tf// *
GoS's blasting adSed to their barrenness. no iwp tten.vys he, my ^^
16 And they come to Jerusalem : caUed '"^^JfrJ^* the whofe
and Jesus went into the temple, and ^ md 8ervioe of Godf of wWcb
began to cast out them that sold and _«</ ^ an eminent and principal part,
bought in the temple, and overthrew ft^ wnicn gives denomination to an house
the tables of the money-changers, is certainly the chief work tobe done mthal
andtheseatsofthemthatsolddoves; house. Now God's J^use berag c^led an
rind would not suffer that any jj , of ^Sg^X
man should carry any vessel through ^^thhhouse' YetWweheed,
the temple. 17 And he taught, Jj^ we ^ nQt the orfinances of God at
saying unto them, Is it not written, variaoce. ^ mUBt not idolise one oidi-
My house shall be called of all na- nancCf ana vilify another, but reverence
tions the house of prayer ? but ye them all.
have made it a den of thieves. 18 20 And in the morning, as they
And the scribes and chief priests passed by, they saw the fig-tree
heard if, and sought how they might dried up from the roots. 21 And
destroy him : for they feared him, Peter calling to remembrance, saith
because all the people was astonished unto him, Master, behold, the 6g-
at his doctrine. 19 And when even tree which thou cursedst is wither-
was come, he went out of the city. ed away ! 22 And Jesus answer-
No sooner had our blessed Saviour en- ing saith unto them, Have faith m
tered Jerusalem, but his first walk was to q0(j 23 For verily 1 say unto
the temple, and his first work there was to vou »ynat wn0soever shall say unto
purge and reform. All reforniationof man- ^ tain Be thou removed, and
ners must begin at the house of God. Yet th sea an(J shall
observe, Our Lord's business at the temple »« *««u £»s* "' h ...
was not to ruin, but to reform it only, not doubt m his heart, but shall
Places dedicated to public worship, if pro- believe that those things which he
ianed and polluted, ought to be purged saith shall come to pass ; he shall
from their abuses, nqt pulled down and |jave whatsoever he saith. 24
destroyed, because they have been abused. Therefore I say unto vou, What
But what was the profanation of the temple ,. d ire when >e
which so offended our Saviour ? I answer. **»*• «££ ^ ivc ^
in the outward court of the temple there P^y, De»eve xnw,jr*
was a public mart or market kept, where and ye shall have item.
were «5d oxen, sheep, and doves, for sacri- The blasting and sudden withering <A the
fice. Many of the Jews coming an hundred *^*to«fri<*<M^%+<^
miles to the temple, it was burdensome to his divine power, and by this ^ulous
brine their sacrifice so far with them; operation, oar Saviour designed to show to
wherefore the priests ordered, that sheep and disciples the mighty pc T « of fa,A 5 1 £f
oxen, meal an$ oil, and such other requisites is, a full penuasion of tte ipower of God,
for sacrifice, should be had for money close that he is able, and of ^fP™^*™
by the altar, to the great ease of the offerer : that he is willing, *JW% ?****££
nothing could be more plausible than this according to ma will, that has a *««*»*
plea. But the fairest pretences cannot bear to his glory and our good, feara hence,
out a sin with Obd. Therefore our blessed That faith is a necessary and principal ingi*
Chap. XI.
ST. MARK.
227
client in prayer. Praying without faith,
s like to a man's shooting without a bul-
let; it makes a noise, but doth no execu-
tion. Secondly, That whatsoever good
thing God has made the matter of his
promise, shall be given to good men in a
way of performance, provided they pray in
nuth : Whatsoever ye desire believe that
ye receive them, and ye shall have thtm.
23 And when ye stand praying,
forgive, if ye have ought against
any ; that your Father also which is
ia heaven may forgive you your tres-
passes. 20 But if ye do not for-
give, neither will your Father which
is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Them are two qualifications requisite in
prayer, if we expect to find acceptance
with God, namely, faith and love ; to the
iirst Christ had spoken in the former verse,
to the latter in this : When we stand pray-
^g, forgive. It was ordinary for the Jews
to pray standing, yet in their solemn days
of fasting they did kneel, and prostrate
themselves before the Lord j but the chris-
tians usually kneeled down and prayed,
Acts be. 40. Now the command here to
forgive those that offend us before we pray,
shows, 1. That no resentments of what
our brother doth, should stick long upon
our spirits, because they indispose us for
that duty we are to be continually prepar-
ed for. 2. That there is some sort and
kind of forgiveness to be exercised towards
an offending brother before he asks it, and
though he doth not show any token of
repentance and sorrow for it; because I
am to pray for him out of love unto him,
and must lift up pure hands, without
wrath. Learn hence, That they who are
suing for, and expecting forgiveness from
God, most exercise forgiveness towards
others, or else their prayers are a sort of
imprecations upon themselves. Observe,
Christ speaks indefinitely: When ye pray
forgive. He doth not say, Your brethren,
bat, Men : Matt. vi. 14. If ye forgive
men their trespasses; that is, all men,
good and bad, friends and enemies ; if we
forgive one another freely, our heavenly
Father will forgive us fully. Our forgiving
one another is the indispensable condition
of God's forgiving us, and of hearing the
proven which are put up by us.
27 And they come again to Jeru-
salem : and aa he was walking in
the temple, there come to him the
chief priests, and the scribes, and
the elders, 28 And say unto him,
By what authority doest thou these
things ? and who gave thee this au-
thority to do these things ? 29 And
Jesus answered and said unto them,
I will also ask of you one question,
and answer me, and 1 will tell you
by what authority, I do these things.
30 The baptism of John, was it
from heaven, or of men ? answer
me. 31 And they reasoned with
themselves, saying, If we shall say,
From heaven ; he will say, Why then
did ye not believe him ? 32 But if
we shall say, Of men ; they feared
the people: for all men counted
John that he was a prophet indeed.
33 And they answered and said un-
to Jesus, We cannot tell. And Je-
sus answering saith unto them, Nei-
ther do I tell you by what authority
I do these things.
The Pharisees having often questioned
our Saviour's doctrine before, they call in
question his mission and authority now, al-
though they might easily have understood
his divine mission by his daily miracles ; for
Almighty God never empowered any to
work miracles that were not sent by him.
Our blessed Saviour understanding their de-
sign, answers them one question by asking
them another: says Christ, The baptism of
John, was it from heaven, or of men ?
Was it of divine institution, or human in-
vention ? Implying very plainly, that the
calling of such as call themselves the minis-
ters of God, ought to be from God : No
man ought to take that honour upon him,
but he that is called of God, as was Aa-
ron, Heb. v. 4. The Pharisees reply, they
could not tell whence John had his mission
and authority : this was a manifest untruth.
By refusing to tell the truth, they fall into a
lie against the truth ; one sin ensnares and
draws men into the commission of many
more. Such as will not speak exact truth
according to their knowledge, fall into the
sin of lying against their knowledge and
their conscience. Our Saviour answers
\hem, Neither tell J you by what authority
I do these thing* He doth not say, I
cannot, or will not, tell you, but I do not,
I need not tell you ; because the miracles
which I work before you, are a sufficient
Q 2
226 ST. MARK. Chap. XII.
demonstration of my divine commission, their obstinate impenitency under all the
that I am sent of God amongst you ; for means of grace, their bloody cruelty to
God never set the seal of his omnipotence wards the prophets of God, their tremen-
to a lie, nor empowered an impostor to dous guilt in crucifying the Son of God :
work real miracles. for all which God would unchurch them
finally* ruin their nation, and set up a
CHAP. XII. church among the Gentiles that should
AND he began to speak unto them JS** Jg* *£ f JSJZH
by parables. A certain man i. That the church is God's vineyard. A
planted a vineyard, and set an hedge vineyard is a place inclosed, a place well
about it, and digged a place for the planted, well fruited, and exceeding dear
wine-fat, and built a tower, and let and precious to the planter and the owner
it out to husbandmen, and went into of it. 2. As dear as God's vineyard is
a far country. 2 And at the season ^to him, in case of barrenness and un-
he sent to the husbandmen a servant, $™tfu,n?8' * ■ » grf L t0^- *"?
,.. A . . . A * Ai . destroyed and laid waste by him. 3.
that he might receive from the hus- That t'he only way a|)d cou^ to ^
bandmen of the fruit of the vineyard, g^ ^^ over njs vineyard, and to pre-
3 And they caught him, and beat vent its being given to other husbandmen,
him, and sent him away empty. 4 is to give him the fruit of it : it is but
And again he sent unto them an- ? vineyard that God lets ont; it is no
other servant ; and at him they cast inheritance. No people ever had so many
stones, and wounded him in the *£"£? ^'Jf™ "an Til
head and sent him away shamefully ™nJ™ey Sued Tn hTfavou^ to£
handled. 5 And again he sent an- ^ . yet though they were the first and the
other ; and him they killed, and many natural branches, they are broken of and
others ; beating some, and killing we Gentiles stand by faith : let us not
some. 6 Having yet therefore one ^e high-minded, hut fear, Rom. xi. 20.
son, his well-beloved, he sent 9 What sball therefore the Iortt
him also last unto them, saying, of the vineyard do ? He will come
They will reverence my son. 7 But an(, de8tro the husbandmen, and
those husbandmen said among them- wi!| ive the vineyard unto others,
selves, This is the heir; come, let us l0 And have notread this scrip-
kill him, and the inheritance shall be ture . The gtone which thc builders
J*!* * And they took him, and rcjected is become the head of thc
killed Asm, and cast Aim out of the corner : n This was the Lord's
vineyard. doing, and it is marvellous in our
In this parable, the Jewish church is com- eyes ? 12 And they sought to lay
pared to a vineyard : Almighty God to an hold on him, but feared the people ;
householder: his planting, pruning, and for they knew that he had spoken
fencing his vineyard, denotes his care to the parable against them : and they
famish his church with all needful belt* and left hJ am, went ^
means to make it spiritually fruitful ; his ' J
Utting it out io husbandmen, signifies his These words of our Saviour are taken
committing the care of the church to the out of the cxviiith Psalm, which the
priests and Levites, the public pastors and Jews understood to be a prophecy of the
governors of the cliurch ; his servants are Messiah, and accordingly Christ applies
the prophets and apostles, whom he sent them to himself: the church is the build-
time after time to admonish them to bring ing intended, Christ himself the stone
forth fruit answerable to the cost which rejected. The rejecters, or the builders
God had expended on them ; his Son is rejecting, are the heads of the Jewish
Jesus Christ, whom the rulers ofthe Jewish church ; that is, the chief priests and Pha-
ohureh slew and murdered. The design risees. God, the great Master-builder of
an>d scope of the parable is to discover to his church, takes this precious foundation-
tfce Jaws* particularly to (he Pharisees* stone out of the rubbish, and sets it in the
Chap. Xlf. ST. MARK. 220
head of the corner. Nevertheless, there pay tribute to Cesar ; and such of the Jews
are many that stumble at this stone ; some as sided with htm, particularly his courtiers
through ignorance, others through malice : and favourites, were called Herodians.
some are offended at his person, others at Note, 2. The policy and wicked craft here
his doctrine : These shall be broken in used, in employing these two contrary
fiect* ; but on •whomsoever this stone parties to put this question to our Saviour
ihaUfall, it will grind them to powder ; concerning tribute, thereby laying him un-
that is, Christ himself will fall as a bur- der a necessity, as they hoped, to offend one
ffeasome stone upon all them that know- side, let him answer bow he would : if, to
ingly and maliciously oppose him; and please the Pharisees, he denied paying
particularly to the Jews, who not only tribute to Cesar, then he is accused of
rejected, but persecuted and destroyed him. sedition ; if, to gratify the Herodians, he
Thus Christ tells the chief priests and Pha- voted for paying tribute to Cesar, then he
risees their own particular doom, and also is looked upon as an enemy to the liberty
declares what will be the fatal issue of all of his country, and exposed to a popular
that opposition which is made against odium. Thus has it all along been the
himself and his church ; it will terminate practice of Satan and his instruments, to
in the inevitable destruction of all its op- draw the ministers of God into dislike,
posers: Whosoever shall fall on this either with the magistrates or with the
stone, shall be broken ; and on whom- people, that they may fall under the cen-
toexer it shall fall, it will grind them to sure of the one, or the displeasure of the
powder, other. Observe, 3. With what wisdom
__AJ., - * »• ana* caution our Lord answers them; he
13 And they send unto him cer- ^ for tbe Roman penilyf answering to
tain of the Pharisees and of the He- seven-pence half-penny of our money, two
rodians, to catch him in his words, of which they paid by way of tribute, as
14 And when thev were come, they poll-raoney for every head, to the emperor.
say unto him, Master, we know that Cnrist *&* tDem» Whose image or super*
thou art true, and carest for no man ; Option this their coin bore } They
* .■ j * i. *u e answer, Cesar s. Render then, says he,
for thou reddest not the person of fQ ^ ^ ih • Mfl/ are' <£„,,;
men, but teacbest the way or God in M if our i^ had ^ « Your admitting
truth ; Is it Jawful to give tribute to 0f the Roman coin among you is an evi.
Cesar, or not ? 15 Shall wc give, or dence that you are under subjection to the
shall we not give ? But he, knowing emperor, because the coining and imposing
their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why °f money is an act of sovereign authority j
tempt \e me? bring me a penny, therefore you have owned Cesar s authority
•u~* i «i id * j *u over you by accepting of his coin amongst
that [may see tt. 16 And they you .ygiVe unto to his just dues, and
brought it. And hesaith unto them, Jrender unto CesaF the things that are
Hbose is this image and supersenp- Cesar's." Learn hence, 1. That our Sa-
tion ? And they said unto him, Ce- viour was no enemy to the magistracy and
sar's. 17 And Jesus. answering said civil government; there was no truer.
unto them, Render toCesarthe things paymaster of the king's dues, than he that
that are Cesar's, and to God the was Kine of . *■»•* * J""?** *&,£?*
things that are God's. And they J-g£ i, l%cto"\^4S
marvelled at him. prince> whether his right be by descent,
Observe here a grand design to entangle election, or by conquest, the subjects ought
oar blessed Saviour in his discourse. Where from a principle of conscience io pay tri-
note, 1. Tbe persons employed to put the bute to him. 3. That as Christ is no
ensnaring question to Christ, namely, the enemy to the civil rights of princes, and
Pharisees and Herodians. The Pharisees his religion exempts none from paying
were against paying tribute to Cesar, their civil dues ; so princes should be as
looking upon themselves as a free people, careful not to rob him of his divine honour,
and the emperor as an usurper ; but the as he is not to wrong them of their civil
Herodians were for it. Herod being made rights : as Christ requires all his followers
by the Roman emperor king over the Jews, to render unto Cesar the things that
He was very zealous for having the Jews are Cesar's, so should princes oblige all
• 230 ST. MARK. Chap. XII.
their subjects to render unto God the here, audif so, whose wife of tte seven diaH
ttineetfaare Qods* this woman be, they all having an equal
thing* nature* claim to her ?M Now our Sanour, for re-
18 Then come unto him the baa- jiving of this question* first snows thedif-
ducees, which say there is no resur- ferent state of men in this and in the other
rection; and they asked him, say- world. The children of this world, says our
in* 19 Master, Moaes wrote unto Saviour, ™*±^™V™ LST^A*
■f If a man's brother die and leave ^^^
Ms wife ««»»•"* lea!e"° awiSeTnATs world, they die, and therefore
children, that his brother should n^^ge is necessary to mamtam a sueces-
take his wife, and raise up seed unto tion of mankind • but in the other world
his brother. 20 Now there were men shall become immortal, and Kvefar ever,
seven brethren : and the first took a and then the reason of marriage will wholly
wife, and dying left no seed. 21 cease; for when men ^^^**f
And'the seJndUk her and died ; w* hi ^J^^Jh—
neither left he any seed : and the J^^jSaTrfflaW
third likewise. 22 And the seven «»»**<*«■« . , _. ^ J
had her, and left no s<
all the woman died alsot _ w. „
resurrection therefore, when they surrection. M Those to whoni Almighty
shall rise, whose wife shall she be God pronounces himself a God, are cer-
of them ? for the seven had her to tamly alive; but <M jrammea h™**
\c ,m a „a tm11« An«wprin<r a God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, many
mt >u n n^Tprpg 1"»** y«re **« lheir bodk8 *"* ***•
said unto them, Do ve not there- tbe^ore meirtouls are yel alive; for other^
fore err, because ye know not the wiae q^ coM not ^ their God ; because
scriptures, neither the power of God ? fo j, not the God of the dead, but of the
25 For when they shall rise from thing. From the whole note, 1. That
the dead, they neither marry nor there is no opinion so irwnstrous and
. are given in marriage ; but are as absurd, that having had anw&er, jiU
• ° i i* i_ •■.-—. on die for lack of a nurse. The beastly opinion
the angels which are in heaven 26 ~ ™*5^ of ^ ^ and L W
And as touching the dead, that they hMkaa of lhJ t^y, ftnds Saddocees to
rise ; have ye not read in the book p^ess and propagate it. Note, 2. The
of Moses how in the bush God certainty of another life after this, in which
spake unto him, saying, 1 am the men shall be eternally happy, or intolerably
God of Abraham, and the God of miserable, according as they behave them-
lsaac, and the God of Jacob? 27 **y« here. Though some ™^J"~>*f
the God of the living: ye therefore 3 That glorified wmtJ! in the moroillg of
do greatly err. tne resurrection, shall be like the glorious
Our blessed Saviour having put the Phari- angels; not lite them in essence and
sees and Herodiana to silence in the former nature, but like them in their properties
verses, here he encounters the Sadducees. and qualities, in holiness and purity, in
This sect derived its name from one; Sadock, immortality and incorruptibility ; as also
who denied the immortality of the soul, the in their manner of living, they shall stand
resurrection of the body, and angels and in no more need of meat and drink than
spirits. Here they propound a case to our the angels do, but shall Mvethe same hea-
Saviour, of a woman who had seven brethren venly, immortal, and ^corruptible life
successively to her husband ; they demand that the angels live. Note, 4. That all
whose wife of the seven this woman shall be those who are in covenant with God, whose
at the resurrection ? ' As if they had said, God the Lord is, their souls do immedtarery
" If there be a resurrection of bodies, surely pass into glory, and their bodies at the
there will be of relations too : and the other resurrection shall be sharers in the same
world, if there bo such a place, will be like happiness with their souls i if God be just,
this, in which men will marry, as they do their souls must live, and their bodies must
Chip. XII. ST. MARK. 231
fist; for good men mist be rewarded, and like unto it. He doth not say, Equal with
wicked men punished somewhere, either m it : although the duties of the second table
(bis life or in another. God will most are of the same authority, and of the same
certainly, at one time or other, plentifully necessity with the first, as no man can be
reward the righteous, and punish the wick- saved without the love of God, so neither
ei doers. But, this being not always done without the love of his neighbour. Whence
n this life, the justice of God requires that note, 1. That the fervency of all our aflec-
t be done in tbetext. tions, and particularly the supremacy of
our love, is required by God as his right and
28 And one of the scribes came, due: love must pass through, and possess
and having heard them reasoning all the powers and faculties of oar souls :
tog ether, and perceiving that he the mind must meditate upon God, the will
had answered them well, asked him, mU!? ch0O8e "^ "brace Win, and the af-
Wbich is the first commandment of ^.f W* £ ■** J1* ."»!
ti -» <w* a i t j l • wre of loving God is to love him without
all? 29 And Jesus answered him, measure. G^ nAm that ^ ,ove him
The first of all the commandments not at all, if we love him not above all.
M, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our Note, 2. That thus to love God, is the first
God is one; Lord : 80 And thou and great commandment, great in regard
shait tore the Lord thy God with of its object, which is God, the first cause
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, *??. tbe cni€f «*"! b 8™"* j» *&* ?f *!*
and with all thy mind, and with all ^!on of*; £ , ]™ <$* V ***
.u * lL o*u- • iL n *. pensable a duty that God himself cannot
thy strength This w the first com- {^ m from t^ obrigaljon of it: for so
mandment, 31* And the second u long as he is God, and we his creatures,
like, namely this, Thou shalt love we shall lie under a natural and necessary
thy neighbour as thyself. There is obligation to love and serve him. Great
none other commandment greater also is this command and duty, in regard
than these. 32 And the scribe to the duration and continuance of it;
said onto him, Well, Master, thou ^^lih ^L^^T* ttj? !?u!!f l °t
v a -j *l a *i> t *u • *od hope m fruition, love will then be
hast said the truth : for there is one WecteTin a fall enjoyment. Note, 3.
God ; and there is none other but That every man may, yea ought to love
be: 33 And to love him with all himself: not his sinful self, but his natural
the heart, and with all the under- self; especially his spiritual self, the new
standing, and with all the soul, and "atu<« >" him- Th» ft ought to be his
with all the strength, and to love his particular care to strengthen and increase.
neighbour as himself, is more than lnd%* *« ,s "» ^pT^^T^l m
„„ * . . . x rr • j scripture for a man to love himself, because
all whole burnt-offerings and sacn- ^ ht of mtare directs, and the law of
feces. 34 And when Jesus saw that nature brads, every man so to do. God
he answered discreetly, he said unto has put a principle of self-love, and of
him, Thou art not far from the self-preservation, into all his creatures, but
kingdom of God. And no man especially into man. Note, 4. That as
after that durst ask him any ones- every man «*ht to love Wmself : so is it
li0 every man's duty to love his neighbour as
himself; not as he doth love himself but
Observe here, 1. A question propounded as he ought to love himself; yet not in
to oar blessed Saviour, and his answer there- the same degree that he loves himself, but
isMo. The Question propounded is this, after the same manner, aod with the same
Which is the first and great commandment? kind of love that he loves himself. As we
Our Saviour tells them, It is to love God love ourselves freely and readily, sincerely
*tih all their heart and soul, with all their and unfeignedly, tenderly and compassion*
miad and strength, that is, with all the ately, constantly and continually, so should
powers, faculties, and abilities of the soul, we love our neighbour also, though we
with the highest measures, and most intense love him not as much as we love ourselves,
degree* or love ; this is the sum of tlie du* yet must we love him as truly as we love
toes of the fiat table: This is the first and ourselves. Note, lastly, That the duties
great commandment and the second is of the first and second table are inseparable,
282 ST. MARK. Chap. XII.
parody, love to God, and love to our questions maliciously unto Christ, and
neighbour. These (wo must not be sepa* now Christ puts forth one question snno*
rated; he that loveth not bis neighbour cently unto them; namely, what they
whom he bath seen, never loved God whom thought of the Messiah whom they expect-
he hath not seen. A conscientious regard ed ? They reply, that he was to be the
to the duties of both tables will be an ar- son of David ; that is, a secular prince
gument of our sincerity, and an ornament descending from David, who should deliver
to our profession. Observe, lastly, The them from the power of the Romans, and
favourable censure which our Saviour restore them to their civil rights. This
passes upon the scribe: he tells him, he was the notion they had of the Messiah,
was not far from the kingdom of God. that he should be a mere man, the ton of
Note here, 1. Some persons may be said David according to the flesh, and nothing
to be far, and farther than others, from the more Our Saviour replies, Whence is it
kingdom of heaven ; some are farther in then that David calls thejdessiah. Lord*
regard of the means; they want the or- Psal. ex. 1. The Lord said to my Lora\
dinances, the dispensation of the word and sit thou on my right hand. How could
sacraments ; others are for from the king- he both be David's Lord and David's son >
dom of God in regard of qualifications and no son being lord to bis own father,
dispositions; of the former sort are all Therefore, if Christ were David's sovereign,
heathens without the pale of the church ; he must be more than man, more than
they are afar off, as the apostle expresses David's son : as man, so be was Darid's
it, Eph. ii. 13. of the latter sort are all son ; as God-man, so he was David's Lord,
gross and close hypocrites within the Note hence, 1. That although Christ was
church ; who whilst they continue such, truly and really man, yet he was more
shall not inherit the kingdom of God. than a bare man ; he was Lord unto, and
Note, 2. As some persons may be said to the salvation of, his own forefathers. Note,
be far from the kingdom of God, so are 2. That the only way to reconcile the
there others which may be said, not to he scriptures which speak concerning Christ,
far ; such who have escaped the pollutions is to believe and acknowledge him to be
of the world, abstained from open and God and man in one person ; his Messiah,
scandalous sins, are less wicked than mul- as man, was to come forth out of David's
titudes are, but are strangers to an inward, loins ; but as God-man, he was David's
thorough, and prevailing change in the sovereign and Saviour : as man he was his
frame of their hearts, and course of their lather's son ; as God, he was Lord to his
lives ; they had often said, 1 would he, owu father.
but tbey never said, I will be, the Lord's. ...
When the work of regeneration is brought 38 And he said unto them in his
to the birth, after all it proves an abortion, doctrine, Beware of the scribes,
Lord ! what a disappointment will this be, which love to go in long clothing,
to perish within sight of the promised land ; and lave salutations in the market*
to be near heaven in our expectation, and piaces> 39 And thc chief scats in
yet no nearer in the issue and event. Woe Jl^ Q„,t«ir,wrl™ anA *hA ..nnA*.»A<,*
unto us. if this be the condition of any of the 8>'na«0Suf8> ™dn*£. W*«°*
us who have all our days sat under the ro«mS atifeasU : 40 Which devour
dispensation of the gospel ! widows' houses, and for a pretence
-, A . ¥ , , . . make long prayers : these shall re-
35 And Jesus answered and said, ^^ g^ate? damnation,
while he taught in the temple, How ~. . „ri_ A ,A . A. A „
sav the scribes that Christ is the Observe here, What it is that our Sa-
say trie scribes tnat unnst is the vR)ur condenin8 not civH jaiutatrons in the
^."r0 £au ?L 3« f orJ?Lavid hfim" market-place, not the chief seats m the
self said by the Holy Ghost, The synagogues, not the uppermost rooms at
Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on feasts, but their fond affecting of these
my right hand, till I make thine ene- things, and their ambitious aspiring after
mies thy footstool. 37 David there- them. It was not their taking, but their
fore himself calleth him Lord ; and J27in6 *>» uppermost rooms at feasts, which
whence is he then his son? And ™ ron<temns- £*"£+. 2- ¥*.**
*iiA^nmm^MM 1 u j i_* 1 j 1 Saviour condemns the Pharisees for their
MiecommonpeopIeheardh.nl gladly. ^ hypocrjgy in co[omiDg ^ their
The Pharkees had often put forth several covetousness with a pretence of religion,
Chap. XII. ST. MARK. 239
makng long prayers in the temple and willing mind, says the apostle, 2 Cor. ritf.
synagogues for widows, and thereupon 12. it is accepted according to what a
peauading them to give bountifully to man hath, and not according to what he
Corban ; that is, the common treasury for hath not, 3. That a person ought some-
the temple, some part of which was em- times to give what he cannot very well
ployed lor their maintenance. Whence spare himself; and be ready to distribute
we learn, That it is no new thing for not only to his power, but even above and
ongoing hypocrites to cover the foulest beyond his power, 2 Cor. viii. 2, 3.
tisnsgresaiona with the cloak of religion.
The Pharisees made long prayers a cloak CHAP. XIII.
and cover for their covetousness. . .__ , . ,
A ND as he went out of the temple,
41 And Jesus sat over against ,. °?f of hi* disciples saith unto
the treasury, and beheld how the h,m- Master. ** *** mannf * of
people eastmoney into the treasury : ?°!?es1an1d what build.in&8 «« *«* '
and many that were rich cast in * Ad* J<;su! ans™»n& «d unto
much. 42 And there came a cer- I11™'8** th~ 'h€S* V*" b"M'
tain poor widow, and she threw in ln*8 ? there sh*U nout J*1** on*
two mites, which make a farthing. fton« "P^n another, that shall not
43 And he called unto him his dis- ** thrown down'
ciples, and saith unto them, Verilv Our blessed Saviour being now ready to
Isav unto you, that this poor wf- **&* from the temple j nevermore, after
dowhath cast more in than all they ** ,ente.rin5 ™*0 *K and ^J™**
_■ . t • . . . ,• . J showing him with wonder and admiration
which have cast into the treasury : the ^ifi^ structures and buildings
44 For all they did cast in of their thereof, apprehending, that in regard of its
abundance ; but she of her want invincible strength it could not be destroy-
<Hd cast in ail that she had, even all ed, or that at least in regard of its incredible
her living. magnificence it was great pity it should
be destroyed ; then say to Christ, Master,
As our blessed Saviour sat over against behold what buildings are here I not
the treasury, that is, that part of the court considering how sin will undermine and
of the temple where the Corban, or chests blow up the most famous structures. Sin
far receiving the people's offerings and brings cities and kingdoms, as well as
pfts, were set, he observed and took no- particular persons, to their end ; not one
tke of those that offered their oblations ; stone of this magnificent structure, says
and some that were rich offered very li- Christ, shall remain unpulled down : which
berally 5 but a certain poor woman came threatening was exactly fulfilled after
and ofered two miles. Our Saviour here- Christ's death, when Titus the Roman
upon takes occasion to instruct his disci- emperor destroyed the city, burnt the tem-
ples m this comfortable truth ; namely, pfe, and Turnus Rufus, the general of his
* That Almighty God accepts the will of armv, ploughed up the very foundation on
those that give cheerfully, though they wnich the temple stood. Thus was the
cannot give largely:" this poor woman threatening of God fulfilled, Jer. xxvi. 11.
cast in more in respect of the inward affec- Zion shall be ploughed as afield, and
tioo of her heart, and in proportion to her Jerusalem shall become an heap. Learn
stafe, than all those that were rich and hence, 1. That sin has laid the foundation
wealthy, that had cast in before her ; a 0f rujn m the most flourishing cities and
mite to her being more than a pound to kingdoms. 2. That the threaten ings of
them. From the whole note/ 1. That God are to be feared, and shall be fulfilled,
the poorer, yea, the poorest sort of people, whatever appearing improbabilities there
sze not exempted from good works : even mav be to the contrary. It is neither the
they must exercise charity according to temple's strength nor beauty that can oppose
ther abilities. Learn, 2. That in all works or withstand God's power.
&TS SfiTS* B-&S! 3A.d as he sat.upoo the Mount
of the giver, more than at the largeness of Olives, over ugaiost the temple
and liberality of the gift : Jf there he a Peter and James and John and
234 ST. MARK. Chap. XIII.
Andrew asked him privately, 4 the world, (for Jerusalem's destruction was
Tell us, when shall these things he ? a type and emblem of the world's destruc-
and what shall be the sign when all }»°n>) and many will be seduced and mis-
these things shall befulnlled, it^^^
A double question is here propounded to alto led away by the error of the wick-
Our Saviour by his disciples ; namely, ed, do fall from their own stedfastness.
when the destruction of Jerusalem shall be? Take need, says Christ, that no man de-
and what shall be the signs of that destruc- ceive you, for many will come in my
tion > See here what an itching curiosity name, saying, I am Christ, and will de-
there is in the best of men to know fu- ceive many. The second sign of Jerusa-
turities ; to know things that shall cone ksn*s destruction was wars ana rumours of
to pass hereafter; and when that hereaf- mars; that is, civil broils, and intestine
ter ia to come to pass. Oh! how happy commotions among themselves; as also
were we, if as forward to obey the deck- famine and earthquake. Whence note,
rations of God's revealed will, as we are That war and fire, earthquakes and fa-
to pry into the hidden counsels of his se- mines, are judgments and calamities inflict-
cret will I Tell us, say the disciples, when ed by God upon a sinful people for their
shall these things be. contempt of Christ and gospel-grace. 2.
5 And Jesus answering them, be- ^although these be very terrible judg.
~«~ ^ rr u u j i * ments, and desolating calamities, yet to an
fran to say, Take heed lest any man inco^igible and irre*iaimab|e piple are
deceive you : 6 For many shall they lhe forerunners of worse judgments.
come in my name, saying, I am These are, says Christ, the beginnings of
Christ ; and shall deceive many, sorrows. The third sign of this approach-
7 And when ye shall hear of wars ing destruction, was a general persecution
and rumours of wars, be ye not of $* nmi"ters of the gospel, for preacn-
troubled : for such things must needs in* *■ ^oct^D? ,of J" JW*]0. a ^
be ; hut the end shall not be yet. 7°r J' ?l ***"**+ **f ******
rt -A i .t • • .J before kings for my sake, for a testimony.
8 For nation shall rise against na- Ff^m wheW note? That the preaching "of
Hon, and kingdom against king- the gospel, wherever it comes, will be for
dom ; and there shall be earthquakes a testimony to them to whom it comes;
in divers places, and there shall be either a testimony for them, or against
famines and troubles : these are the lhem 5 to tbe humble it is a testimony /or,
beginnings of sorrows. 0 But take to **?"*? and scororn it is a tatimony
uJIa 4~ .~.. -~i .*- r~. *k«- -k«n against: if the dust of the ministers feet
heed to yourselves : for they shall £ ^^ ^ ^ d ^ rf fhe
deliver you up to councils ; and in gospel, their irmons much more. The
the synagogues ye shall be beaten : W0Ki of God delivered in the scriptures,
and ye shall be brought before ru- and dispensed in the ministry thereof, hath
lers and kings for tny sake, for a its diverse and contrary effects upon diflfer-
testimony against them. 10 And ent and contrary subjects; from both
the gospel must first be published which yet Almighty God knows how to
anion? all nations raiae 0WD 8'ory: l0 "* humble and
* teachable, the gospel is in adjutorium, to
Here and in the following verses our the scoroers and despisers it will be m Us-
Saviour gives his disciples the signs which timonium : to some the savour of life unto
should Jbrerun the destruction of Jerusalem. jjfCt to others the savour of death unto
The first of which was this, that there death.
should arise false Christs, false prophets,
and seducers ; such as Theudas, and others, 11 But when they shall lead you,
under the name and person of the Messias, and deliver you up, take no thought
some affirming themselves to be Christ per- beforehand what ye shall speak, nei-
sonal, or the promised Messiah ; others to ther do c premeditate ; but whatso-
be Christ doctrinal, affirming their erroneous m «u«n tL -:— . „^.. ;n *ka» k^.-
opinions to be the mind aad doctrine of e™r shall be given you in that hour,
Jesus Christ Learn hence, That as there that 8Peak ye : for lt M not >c
will be many seducers before the end of that speak, but the Holy Ghost. 12
Chip. XIII. ST. MARK. *3£
Now the brother shall betray the Roman army, which is an abomination to
brother to death, and the father the y°°> and an occasion of great desolation
son
against
?!T. tL wi7 UK n %t "IT""' /* W* teid ^ tbeo <*» to m«nd the pro-
Aad ye shall be hated of all mm for phfXy of Daniel, which primarily respected
my Name's sake : but he that shall Antiochus, but secondarily Titus the Ro-
ndure unto the end, the same shall man emperor, and snail now be fully com-
be saved. pleted : for the siege shall not be raised till
Here our Saviour acquaints bis disciples, j»lh ^ *?& ^^ to*he&™ind.''
that for preaching the gospel they should V?™ wnenc« »™f *• That God has m-
be brought before kings and rulers: but "f™** ^Y « j» <*» ^ Jay waste the
aWses them, when they should be so 8^ng^.c^ and to win the most flour-
brought, not to be anxiously thoughtful *T?J *n&°™ "J** d° «3«t his Son,
liKllolidtow what they shoufl say ^1 for it ZP^™? the ***** °S htt FX* ?
should be suggested to them by the Holy That ?"J CM» "^ wmetiines doth, make
Gbost wbattosay in that hour. Note her/, "* °f .J0". *!? 4Pen!onf whom 8rmne?
That this promise^ seems to be peculiar to most £ho[> toj*utf,e "*■"««* of their
the apostles, and that it belonged to them P^'shment, and the occasions of their de-
oolv, when they were brought before kings struct">n-. The Roman army, which was
and rulers, to plead the Suise of Christ. *n ■*»»»»«» to the ^ws, did God de-
Learn hence, That though the truth of ""J them by-
Chrut may be opposed, yet the defenders — Then let them that be in Judea
of it shall never be ashamed; for rather flee to the mountains : 15 And let
than they shall want a tongue to plead for him that is on the house-top not
a. God himself will prompt them by his g0 down into the ho j^
E. » tSrtS^^ p *™»> to take any thing out of
to gainsay. Observe farther, How our Sa- ?« house : 16 And let him that
vkwr describes the bitter enmity of the ls ,n tne "e'd not turn back again
world against the preachers of the gospel, to for to take up his garment. 17 But
be such as would overcome and extinguish woe to them that are with child, and
erea the natural affection of the dearest to them that give suck, in those
nations one towards > another. Their* davs j 18 And pray ye that your
ther shall betray the brother to death, ai^u* l. „„, • \i^ f'^^ J
Grace teaches us to lay down our lives for §V* ta not .,n„ *he winter' . „
the brethren ; but corruption in general, J"* ""J*""* *• M "°°a IF ^
and amity to the gospel in particular. "? ' *» fRonfn ™* *?*** ™ ,the
teaches brother to tale Vway the life of ?* of J*™?*"' let every one that values
brother: The brother .halt betray the *■ wn,I"%1 fl/' *£*?* "^f1*
brother to death. Observe lastly, How °^> «I^fl«dfi^ the flames of Sodom;
oar Saviour comforts his disciples, that there J™ ™ STY1? flight he can save his
would be an end of these their sharp and '*: th10"?h ta ""» &?& f""1 d?*1*8-
biter safierings ; assuring them, that if Sr.wTP .bS*JLs Whence ,?n,1!
their faith andpatience id bold out «/><« J^ when Alm^htv God a pourme forth
the end, the, shouU be saved. This is b? *3 "P00 a anful Jf P1?' rt ■ •*» Uw"
our comfort, our sufferings for Christ must J1' "^ » "5^*^ /"^» b* fll6ht tor en"
be sharp, but they sbalfbe short; if our ^»°w to shelter and secure ourselves from
sofejogs for Christ end not inoV life- ^approaching calamity and desolation:
rroe, ThrV will end with our lives. Whe? ve ** f'ru'aiem encompassed writ
J . armies, Jtce to the mountains. 2. That
14 But when ye shall see the in case of flight before an enraged enemy,
abomination of desolation, spoken and bloody army, if we lose all that we
of by Daniel the prophet, standing hw* "nd "* li'*?.be1P!lnfu,1for a ««»•
«he4 it ought not, (let him that vefT ^ «»<«t^ Lord deals very gra-
j .l j6, j V v cwusly and mercifully with us. Next, our
readeth understand,)— Saviour declares the doleful distress of those
The sense is, " When ye shell tee the that could not flee from the Roman army
23G ST. MARK. Chap. XIII.
encompassing Jerusalem, as women great 21 And then if any man shall say
with child, and others giving suck, who to you, Lo, here is Christ ; or, lo,
by that means are like to lose their lives ; £e is there ; believe him not ; 22
and adds farther, that it would increase the For fa|gc christs and false prophets
calamity, if their fight ^%iji 8hall rise and shaH show signs and
be in the winter; or, as St. Matthew adds, »■•■■» ©
on the sabbath-day, Matt. xxiv. 20. Pray wonders, to seduce, if it were possi-
ye that your fight be not in the winter, ble, even the elect. 23 But take ye
nor on the sabbath-day. Flight in the heed : behold, I have foretold you
winter is sad, because we can then fly nei- all things.
ther fast nor far ; and on the sabbath-day The Jews had all along cherished m them-
it is very sorrowful, that being the day of selves a vain expectation, that the promised
our spiritual labour, and of our bodily rest. Messias should be a temporal deliverer, and
Learn thence, That it is a great addition set them at liberty from the power and
to the trouble and disquiet of a good man's slavery of the Romans; and accordingly
spirit, when the day of his spiritual rest our Saviour declares to his disciples here,
is interrupted $ and instead of enjoying That, immediately before Jerusalem's de-
communion with God in his house, he is struction, several persons, taking the ad-
driven from house and home. vantage of this expectation, would make
in v - .\. *fwv.^ ,u... .1.-11 k* themselves heads of parties, and pretend that
19 For m those days shall be they were lhe tTO M«iah, whoiould save
affliction, such as was not frointhe and deHver them from lheir enemies, if tliey
beginning of the creation which God wou|d f0now them. Hereupon our Saviour
created, unto this time, neither shall cautions his disciples against such false
be. 20 And except that the Lord Christs, and false prophets, and bids them
had shortened those days, no flesh not believe them, though they did never so
should be saved : but for the elect's many £«■* "6™ and wonders, and pro-
sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath mued •J™ ^ver »uch glorious deliverances.
\ I a «u j From hence note, 1. That the church s
shortened the days. great dangef is from ^^00%, that come in
The dreadful calamities which were Christ's name, and pretend to work signs
coming upon the Jews in general, and Je- and wonders by his authority. Note, 2.
rusalem in particular, are here foretold by That such is the power of seduction and
our blessed Saviour, partly from the Ro- delusion, that many, in all ages of the
man army without, and partly from the church, have been carried away with
seditions and factions of the zealots within ; seducers and false teachers. 3. 1 nat the
who committed such outrages and staugh- elect themselves, if left to themselves, might
ters, that there were no less than an nun- be seduced; but being guarded by divine
dred thousand Jews slain, and ninety-seven power against seduction and delusion, they
thousand taken prisoners. They that bought shall be preserved from that fatal mischief:
our Saviour for thirty pence, were now They shall seduce, if possible,even the etect.
themselves sold thirty for a penny. Now 24 But in those days, after that
did the temple itself become a sacrifice, a tribulation, the sun shall be dark-
whole burnt^ffering, and was consumed to ened, andthe moon shall not give
ashes. Yet observe, Christ promises that fc y fc ^ A d fa ^> f
(hose days of vengeance should be short- ! * . • *,,,";
ened for the elects sake. God had a h**™n sha11 fall» an<* ihe powers
remnant which he designed should survive that are in heaven shall be shaken.
that destruction, to be a holy seed : and 26 And then they shall see the Son
accordingly the providence of God so or- of man coming in the clouds, with
dered it, that the city was taken in six great power and glory. 2? And
months, and the whole country depopu- then shal, he gend h{s an ls d
T.IV^^JZJ^^^ shall gather together his elect from
the exlreraest misery that doth befall a tne four winds, from the uttermost
jfeople for their sin on this side hell. No part of the earth to the utteraiost
sinners can say in this life, that they feel part of heaven.
the strokes of justice to the utmost, or that Our Saviour goes on in figurative expres-
thcy have judgment without mercy. sions, to set forth the calamities that should
Chap. XIII. ST. MARK. 287
befell the Jewish nation immediately after Learn hence. That all things are not revealed
feusalem*s destruction. The sun shall be to the. angels themselves, but such things
tokened: that is, all their glory and excel- only as it concerns them to know, and the
leocy shall be eclipsed, all their wealth and wisdom of God thinks fit to reveal. 2.
prosperity shall be laid waste, their whole That the precise time of the day of judg-
gorernment, civil and ecclesiastical, de- ment is kept by God as a secret to himself:
stayed} and such marks of misery found we are not to know the hour, to the intent
opOD theni, as never was seen upon a peo- we may be on our watch every hour; Christ
pk Those that apply this to the general himself did not know it as man, but as God
judgment understand the words literally, only. The knowledge and revelation of
that the sun and moon will then have their this was no part of Christ's prophetic office,
influences suspended ; that the holy angels it being one of those times and seasons
will be sent forth to gather the elect from which the Father has put in his own power,
all quarters of the world with the sound Acts i. 7. Consider Christ as God, or the
of a trumpet ', says St. Matthew. Probably, second Person in the Trinity, and to affirm
as there was an audible sound of a trumpet that there is any thing which he does not
at the giving of the law, so there shall be the know, is blasphemy ; but to consider him
like sound of a trumpet when Christ shall as the Messias, and to say that there were
summon the world to judgment for trans- some things which Christ, as such, did not
greasing of that law. A joyful sound will know, is no blasphemy. For though Christ
this be to the friends of Christ ; a doleful, as God was equal with the Father, yet as
dreadful sound, in the ears of his enemies. Messias, or God-man, he was inferior to the
38 Now learn a parable of the Father, h» secant, or monger, and could
fig-tree; When her branch is yet ^thmg of hunself, and d,d not know all
tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye 33 Takc heed> watch and
kBow that summer is near : 20 So r for J know not when the
ye in like manner, when ye shall see time is- 34 Fw ike g^ ofman u
these things come to pass, know that as a man takin? a far jour^ey, who
* is nigh, even at the doors. 30 left his hou9C> and authority to
Venly 1 say unto you, That this hig 8Crvants, and to every man his
generation shall not pass, till all work> and commanded the porter to
these things be done. 31 Heaven watch 36 Watch ye therefore ; for
and earth shall pass away : but my know not when the ma8ter of the
words shall not pass away. 32 But nouse Cometh, at even, or at mid-
of that day and that hour knoweth night, or atthe cock-crowing, or in the
bo man, no, not the angels which raornjlig . 36 Lest coming suddenly
are in heaven, neither the Son, but he nnd >ou sleeping. 37 And whit
the Father. \ say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Here our blessed Saviour declares two Our blessed Saviour takes occasion from
things with reference to his coming. J. the foregoing doctrine of the certainty and
The certainty of the thing itself. 2. The suddenness of his coming to judgment, to
uncertainty of the tune. The certainty of enforce the duty of diligent and industrious
hs coming he sets forth by the similitude of watchfulness upon all his disciples and wi-
the fig-tree, whose beginning to bud de- lowers; that is, to be upon their guard against
cUres the summer at hand. Thus our all sin, and to be in an actual readiness for his
Saviour teUs them, that when they should appearance and approach. Learn hence,
see Che Cbre-oientioned signs, they might That it is the mdispensible duty, and ought
ooncinde the destruction of their city and to be the indefatigable endeavour, of ever/
Wmpteto he nigh at hand: and accordingly christian, to stand upon his guard in a pre-:
some then living did see their predictions pared readiness for Christ's appearance, both
fafcUlel. Observe, 2. The uncertainty as for his coming to them, and for their going
to tbe precise time when this judgment to him. There is a two-fold readiness for
shook! come : no angel in heaven, nor Christ's coming, namely, habitual and
neassm upon earth, could determine the actual: an habitual readiness is a readiness
tune* only the glorious persons in the God- of the state and condition ; actual readiness
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Is tbe readiness of the person*, when we are
238 ST. MARK. Chap. XIV.
furnished with all the graces and virtues of tion was, that it might occasion a tumult
a good life, when our lamps are burning, amongst the people, there being such a
and our loins girded, our souls furnished mighty concourse at that time in Jerusalem,
with all the graces of God's Holy Spirit, our But Judas making them a proffer, they
lives fruitful in good works : Blessed is that readily comply with the motion, and resolve
servant, who, when his Lord cometh, shall to take the first opportunity to put our Sa-
be found thus watching, viour to death.
CHAP XIV 3 An(* b*in£ in Bethany, in the
AFTER two days was the feast of hoU8e of ?im0D the ,ePcr' M •« .Mt
the passover, and of unleavened at mcat; there «»c a woman having
bread: and the chief priest* and the an alabaster-box of ointment of
scribes sought how they might take spikenard, very precious ; and she
him by craft, and put him to death. b«ke the box, and poured U on his
2 But they said, Not on the feast- head. 4 And there were some that
day, lest there be an uproar of the ha* indignation within themselves
people. an<* sai<*» ™"J was * ^^ °*
Ji- \ * ~a — j ~ the ointment made ? 5 For it might
M^Z^RTl^S have been aold for more than thL
against the life of our blessed Saviour; in hundred pence, and have been given
which we have observable the persons to the poor. And they murmured
that made this conspiracy, the manner of against her. 6 And Jesus said, Let
the conspiracy, and the time when this her alone, why trouble ve her ? she
conspiracy was made 1. The persons hath wroUgbt a good work on me.
conspiring are the **!"** scribes, ? p \ the with
and elders; that is, the whole Jewish , J . , r .nJ
sanhedrim, or general council. They lay always» and whensoever ye will ye
their malicious heads together to contrive may do them good : but me ye have
the destruction of the innocent Jesus, not always. 8 She hath done what
Thenoa learn, That general councils have she could : she is come aforehand
erred, and may err fundamentally in matters to anoint my body to the burying.
of doctrine; so did this general council at 9 Vcrilv j sav unt0 y0Uf Whereso-
J^lera,cons^ng of chief priest* doc. rf j^l ^ ^ preachcd
tors, and elders, with the mgh-priest their ., , • X l i n -*•
preiident, in not believing J«us to be the throughout the whole world, tku
Messias, after all the miracles wrought before also that she hath done shall be
their eyes. Observe, 2. The manner of this spoken of for a memorial of her.
conspiracy against our Saviour's life ; it was Several particulars are observable in this
clandestine, secret, and subtle : they consult piece of history : As, first, the action which
how they might take him by craft, and this holy woman performed : she pours a
put him to death. Thence note. That box of precious ointment upon our Saviour's
Satan makes use of the subtilty of crafty head as lie sat at meat, according to the
men, and abuseth their parts as well as their custom of the eastern countries at their feasts,
power, for his own purposes and designs ; Murmuring Judas valued this ointment at
the devil sends no fools on his errands, three hundred pence, which makes of our
Observe, 3. The circumstance of time when money nine pounds, seven shillings, and
this conspiracy was managed : at the feast sixpence, reckoning the Roman penny at
of the passover ; it being a custom among sevenpence half-penny. I do not find that
the Jews to execute malefactors at their any of the apostles were at thus much cost
solemn feasts, as at the feasts of the passover, and charge to put honour upon our Saviour,
the feast of weeks, and the feast of taberna- as this poor woman was. Learn hence, that
cles ; at which times all the Jews came up "where strong love prevails in the heart
to Jerusalem to sacrifice, and then they put towards Christ, nothing is adjudged too dear
malefactors to death, that all Israel might for bhn, neither will it suffer itself to be
see and hear and not do so wickedly. Ac- outshined by any examples; the weakest
cordingly, this feast of the passover was woman that strongly loves our Saviour, will
waited for by the Jews as a fit opportunity piously strive with the greatest apostle to
to put our Saviour to death ; the only objec- express the fervour of Iter affection towards
?
Chap. XIV. ST. MARK. 23d
him. Observe, 2. How this action was Observe here, 1. The person betraying our
resented and reflected upon by Judas, and blessed Redeemer ; Judas : Judas a profes-
some other disciples whom he had in- sor, Judas a preacher, Judas an apostle,
floenoed: They had indignation within and one of the twelve, whom Christ had
themselves, and said. To what purpose it chosen out of all the world to be his dear-
tkit waste f O how doth a covetous heart est friends, his family and household. Shall
think every thing too good for Christ! we wonder to find friends unfriendly or
Happy was it for this poor woman, that she unfaithful to us, when our Saviour had a
hsd a move righteous Judge to passjsentence traitor in his own family ? Observe, 2. The
upon her action than murmuring Judas, heinous nature of Judas's sin : he betrayed
Observe, 3. How readily our holy Lord Jesus ; Jesus his Maker, Jesus his Master,
radicates this good woman: she says It is no strange or uncommon thing for
aodang for herself, nor need she, having the vilest of sins and most horrid impieties,
n good an advocate. First, He rebukes to be acted by such persons as make the
Judas ; Let her alone, why trouble ye the most eminent profession of holiness and
"soman ? Next he justifies the action ; religion. Observe, 3. What was the
She hath wrought a good work, because occasion that led Judas to the commission
A flowed from a principle of love to Christ, of this sin : it was his inordinate love of
Aod lastly, He gives the reason of her money. I do not find that Judas had
action ; She did it for my burial. As any particular malice, spite, or ill-will,
kngs aod great persons were wont in against our Saviour, but a base and un-
loose eastern countries, at their funerals, worthy spirit of covetousness possessed
to be embalmed with odours and sweet him, and this made him sell his Master,
perfumes ; so, says our Saviour, this wo- Covetousness is the root-sin. An eager and
man to declare her faith in me as her king insatiable thirst after the world, is a parent
sad lord, doth with this box of ointment, of the most monstrous and unnatural sins ;
as it were beforehand, embalm my body for which reason our Saviour doubles his
for its burial. True faith puts honour caution, Luke xii. 15. Take heed and
upon a crucified, as well as glorified, Sa- beware of covetousness. It shows us both
>»ur. This holy woman accounts Christ the danger of the sin, and the great cart
worthy of all honour in his death, believ- we ought to take to preserve ourselves from
sag it would be a sweet smelling sacrifice it.
aato God, and the savour of life unto his ^ft A , .. £ . , r ,
jaoefe Observe, 4. Our Saviour doth ™ A"d *« *"* ^ *****"*-
not only justify and defend the action of «d b*ead» when thcy k,lled thc PaM-
th» poor woman, but magnifies and extols over, his disciples said unto him,
it, declaring that she should be rewarded Where wilt thou that we go and pre-
fer it with an honourable memorial in all pare, that thou mayest eat the pass-
ago of the church: Wheresoever this over ? 13 And he sendeth forth
^peiupreaeh^thushaU be spoken rf two of his disciples, and saith unto
far a memorial of her. Note hence, The xU 0 ; / .u •* j »l
car* which Chrat takes to have thTgood *«■• Go ?e lnto thc «ty, and there
daeda of his children not buried in the ■hall meet you a man bearing a
dost with them, but had in everlasting pitcher of water : follow him. 14
remembrance. Though sin causes men to And wheresoever he shall go in,
rot above ground, and stink alive, and gay ye to the good man of the house,
when they are dead, leaves an ignominy The Master saith, Where is the
«poa their grayes, yet will the actions of guegt-cliamber, where I shall eat
the lust smell sweet, and blossom in the 7i_ •-■_ j- • i * -.-
ukjw «ioi iwwi, wu urcs the passover with my disciples? 16
And he will shew you a large upper
lO And Judas Iscariot, one of room furnished o»d prepared : there
die twelve, went unto the chief make ready for us. 16 And hi*
priests, to betray him unto them, disciples went forth, and came into
Jl And when they heard it, they the city, and found as he had said
were glad, and promised to give him «nt0 them» and they made ready the
looney. And he sought how he passover.
bis gilt conveniently betray him. The time for the celebration of the
240 ST. MARK. Chap. XIV.
passover being now at hand, Christ sends is more ordinary than for unholy persons to
two of his disciples to Jerusalem to prepare press in unto the holy ordinances of God,
things necessary in order thereunto. And which they have no right, while such, to
here we have observable, 1. An eminent partake of. 2. That the presence of such
proof of Christ's divine nature, in telling persons doth pollute the ordinance only to
them all the particulars which they should themselves : holy persons are not polluted
meet with in the city, as a man bearing a by their sins, therefore ought not to be dis-
pitcher of water, S^c. 2. How readily couraged from coming by their presence
the heart of this householder was disposed there. Observe, 2. What a surprising and
to receive our Saviour and his disciples, astonishing word it was which dropt from
and to accommodate them with all things our Saviour's mouth amongst his disciples :
needful upon this occasioo. Our blessed One shall betray tne ; yea, one of you shall
Saviour had not a lamb of his own, and betray me. Can any church upon earth ex-
peradventure no money wherewith (o buy pect purity in all its members, when Christ's
one, yet he finds as excellent accommoda- own family of twelve had a traitor and a de-
tions in this poor man's house, as if he had vil in it ? Yet though it was very sad to hear
dwelt in Ahab's ivory palace, and had the of one, it was matter of joy to understand that
provision of Solomon's table. When there was but one. One hypocrite in the
Chrbt has a passover to celebrate, he will congregation is too much, but there is cause
dispose the heart to a free reception of him- of rejoicing if there be no more. Observe,
self. The room which Christ will enter 3. Christ did not name Judas and say,
into must be a large room, an upper " Thou, O perfidious Judas, art the traitor,"
room, a room furnished and prepared : a but, One of you shall betray me- Doubt-
large room, is an enlarged heart, enlarged less it was to draw him to repentance, and
with love and thankfulness ; an upper room, to prevent the giving him any provocation,
is an heart exalted, not puffed up with Lord, how sad is it for any of thy family,
pride, but lifted up by heavenly-minded- who pretend friendship to thee, to conspire
ness ; a room furnished, is a soul adorned with thine enemies against thee ! for any
with the graces of the Holy Spirit ; into that eat of thy break to lift up their heel
such an heart, and only such, will Christ against thee! Observe, 4. The disciples'
enter. sorrow upon these words of Christ, and the
i»7 Anri ;» «k~ A^A„:M<* k- AAm^*k en^ct of that sorrow. Their sorrow was
™i tt . VJ 1 « 1* a Tk (*» ««>■ " ro«ht W exceedinggreat: well
with the twelve. 18 And as they niigbt th^ inn^t discirjes te c^NAm-
sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verity I ed with sorrow, to hear that their Master
say unto you, One of you which should die, that he should die by treason,
eateth with me shall betray me. that the traitor should be one of themselves.
19 And they began to be sorrowful, But though their sorrow was great, yet was
and to say unto him one by one, It the e?fect °f their sorrow very good, it
it I ? and another wW, If it I ? 20 wrought m them an holy smpteion of them-
Amm* * . '. ., . selves, and caused every one to search him- .
And he answered and said unto ^ and Mfl„^ ., ., /f ^
them, It it one of the twelve, that hence, That it is possible for such secret
dippeth with roe in the dish. 21 wickedness to lodge in the heart we never
The Son of man indeed goeth, as it suspected, till time and temptation draw it
is written of him : but woe to forth. None of the disciples suspected, >
that man by whom the Son of man nay Judas himself never apprehended.
is betrayed ! good were it for that that d,eP,h 1of W* .«* [******? which
m«- :r l. L.j u u was found lodging in him. Yet note*
man if he had never been bom. That ^^ theKdi£iplcs werc p^£
Observe here, 1. The unexampled bold- suspicious, yet was it of themselves, not oft
ness of this impudent traitor Judas ; he pre- one another ; nay, not of Judas himself
sumed as soon as he had sold his Master, to sit every one said. Master, is it 19 not,
down at the table with him, and did eat the Master, is it Judas .* True sincerity
passover with his disciples. Had toe pre- christian charity will make us more ..
sence of Judas polluted this ordinance to picious of ourselves than of any other ;
any but himself, doubtless our Saviour would hopes the best of others, and lean t!
never have suffered him to approach unto worst of ourselves. Observe, 5. T
it But hence we leam, 1. That nothing though Judas sees himself pointed at
Chap. XIV. ST. MARK. 24l
oar Saviour, and bean the dreadful threat* Observe, 2. The time of the institution : the
eaings denounced against him, that it had nizht before his passion ; The night in
been Setter for him that he had never which he was betrayed, Jesus took bread.
been born, yet he is no more blanked than Learn thence, That it is very necessary,
innocence itself. Resolute sinners run on when sufferings are approaching, to have
desperately in their evil courses, and with recourse to the table of the Lord, which
open eyes see and meet their own destruc- affords both an antidote against fear, and
too, without being either dismayed at it, is a restorative to our faith. Observe, 3.
or concerned about it This shameless The sacramental elements: bread and
man bad the impudence to say to our wine; bread representing the body, and
blessed Saviour, Master, is it 1 .* Our wine the blood, of our dear Redeemer.
Saviour gives him a direct answer, Thou Observe, 4. The ministerial actions : the
first it. Did not Judas (think we) blush breaking of the bread, and the blessing
extremely, cast down his guilty eyes, and of the cup. As to the bread, Jesus took
let fail his drooping head, at so galling an it ; that is, set it apart from common use,
intimation ? Nothing less ; we read of and separated it for holy ends and purposes.
nothing like it * Lord, how does obduracy He blessed it ; that is, prayed for a blessing
in sin steel the brow, and make it uncapable upon it : and brake it ; thereby shadowing
of all relenting impressions! Observe lastly, forth his body broken upon the cross:
How our Saviour prefers nonentity before and be gave it to his disciples, saving,
damnation : It had been better for that This broken bread signifies my body,
man if he had never been born. A tern- suddenly to be broken upon the cross, for
poial, miserable being, is not worse than the redemption and salvation of a lost
no being ; but eternal misery is much world ; Do this in remembrance of my
worse than nonentity : better to have no death. As to the cup, Christ having set
being than not to have a being in Christ it apart by prayer and thanksgiving, ho
It had been better for Judas that he had commands his disciples to drink all of it ;
never been born, than to lie under ever- and accordingly they all drank of it, says
hating wrath. this evangelist : and our Saviour gives his
aa a j ai_ j-j 4. t reason for it, ver. 24. For this is my
22 And as they did eat, Jesus biood of the new testamenU which Is
look bread, and blessed, and brake shed for the remission of sins: that is,
it, and gave to them, and said, Take, the wine in this cup represents the shed-
eat ; this u my body. 23 And he ding of my blood, by which this new
took the cup ; and when he had covenant between God and man is ratified
given thanks, he gave it to them : and confirmed. Whence we gather, That
Ld they all drank of it. 24 And ^^ 5°^™^* ^^LS Srtl^M^
. .j*7 A A, „,,. . ,, , nerht to the cup as to bread, m the Lord s
he said unto them, Tbis is mv blood glfpper . Drinkrye aii ofiniSf *yi Christ :
of the New Testament, which is therefore to deny the cup to the common
■bed for many. 25 Verily 1 say people is sacrilege, and directly contrary
unto yon, I will drink no more of to our Saviour's institution. And Christ
the fruit of the vine, until that day calling the cup the fruit of the vine,
tb±t I drink it new in the kingdom affords a strong argument against thedoc-
of God. 26 And when they had tone 0f tmnsubstant,at.on^ *!», " That
, ,, . J. . . which after consecration remains the fruit
•wag an hymn, they went out into of ^ vinCf h not wbgUttltiaHy changed
tfce Mount of Olives. int0 ^ blood of Christ. But Christ cal-
Ixninediately after the celebration of the led the wine in the cup the fruit of the
1 1 win m our Lord institutes his holy sup- vine after consecration: therefore that which
per ; in which institution we have observa- Christ gave the apostles to drink, was not
blew *fee Author, the time, the elements, and substantially changed into his blood. Wine
rial actions. Observe here, 1. The is metaphorically called the blood of the
of this new sacrament : Jesus took grape ; why may it not, by a like metaphor,
Note thence, That to institute a sa- be styled the blood of Christ ?" After the
it * the sole prerogative of Jesus celebration was over, our Saviour and his
The church has no power to make disciples sung an hymn, as the Jews were
ents : it is only her duty to cele- wont to do at the passover the six eucharis-
whWi our Saviour has made, tical Psalms, from the 113th to the 119th
R
£42 ST. MARK. Chap. XIV.
Psalm. From Christ's example we may lie saith to his disciples, Sit ye here,
gather, hoW suitable it is to sing a psalm while I shall pray. 33 And tit
after the celebration of the lord's Supper & taketh with him Peter and James
how fit it is that God be glorified in his and john> af|d began to fce sore a-
church by singing of P»lms; and in par- , d t be he 34
tkewwaU out into the mount of Olilc. ceeding sorrowful unto death : Urry
27 And Jews with unto Aero, All >e h*re» 8",d T^ri ' ff.n"S.t!
« ml xr j ^ u _M..M ^* mA went forward a little, and fell on the
ve shall be offended because of me "*"*•» ,;, . .- ..
"A*. B . Jv r •! • .,«;♦♦<.„ i ^;n ffround, and prayed that, if it wer*
this nisht: for it is written, 1 will s*v«"«» r j . »
Si am H*t I will £ .Sore* o« ther, all things «« possible unto
into GaTilee 29 But Peter said *« ! **f. W thw . C"P. *?.«?
unto him, Although all shall be of- « ; ■«• ^heless not what ^l w.ll
"■^ftf Wl«ir otetlS„dTtl;the^stnedpinhg
Sght, before the coi crow twice, *«• ' «"' d"4 "ot thou .watch on«
tnou shalt deny uie thrice. 31 Bui »»our J 38 Watch ye and pray, les
he spake the Jore vehemently, If I ? f ntfr ,ttto. *""%?"?• ™e "Pf
should die with thee, I will not deny ^\ " read?» b»* the ** " "**:
thee in any wise. Likewise also » A»d a«a,n * went away, aud
'A th 11 prayed, and spake the same words.
OtaStai 1. The warning that our *> And when he returned, he found
Saviour gives his disciples of their forsaking them asleep again: for their eyes
of him In the time of his sufferings; All were heavy : neither wist they what
ye shall be offended because of me this to answer him. 41 And he cometh
night, Learn, That Christ's dearest friends the third time, and saith unto them,
forsook and left him alone in the midst of gieep on now> an(| take yomr rest :
his greatest distress and danger. Observe, it is enoUgh lnc hour is come : be-
2. What was the cause of their flight , | it fc M h* g rf fa betrayed
was their fear ; the weakness of their faith, . » -b.a„ .„ nJ.
and the prevalency of their fear. O how into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise
sad and dangerous is it for the best of men up. Jet us go ; lo, he that betray eth
to be left under the power of their own me is at hand.
fears in the day of temptation ! Observe, 0ur ye^ed Saviour being now come with
3. Notwithstanding our Saviour's prediction, his disciples into the garden, he falls there
St. Peter's presumption of his own strength mt0 a bitler and WoodT ^n- m wnicn
and standing ; Though all men forsake he prayed ^^ w00derfui fervency and
thee, yet toill not /. Learn thence, That importunity to his heavenly Father j his
self-confidence, and a presumptuous opinion sufomgs were now coming on a great
of their own strength, is a sin very incident p^ ^j he ^^ them upon his knees,
to the holiest and best of men. This good 9nd wouid ^ fouDd m a praying posture,
man resolved honestly, no doubt ; but too, j^jn thence, That prayer is the best pre-
too much in his own strength. Little did paative for, as well as the most powerful
he think what a feather he should be in the ropport under, the heaviest sufferings that
wind of temptation, if once left to the power CBn befall us. As to the prayer of our
and prevalency of his own fears. None are Saviour in the garden, many things are
»«* nnAn Tallin** Ofl ffirteO wtwk OK* mnat f*f\n~ 1 LI __ ^» a. iL _ __1 L
r went
parents,
.0 — — to hijg himself there amongst the trees of
32 And they came to a place the garden, from the notice and observa*
which was named Gcthsemane ; and tion of his enemies : but as a garden was
1
tttp. XIV ST. MARK. 243
t*e place where our misery began, as the may remark, 1. It was a solitary prayer ,
fat scene of human sin and misery was he went by himself alone, out of the hear-
actod in a garden, so does our Lord choose ing of his disciples. The company of oui
i garden for the fittest place for his agony best and dearest friends is not always sea-
sod satisfactory pains to begin in. Again, sonable ; there is a time to be solitary as
this garden was a place of privacy and well as to be sociable; there are times
retirement, where our Lord might best and cases when a christian would not be
attend the offices of devcton preparatory to willing that the most intimate friend he
ins passion. St John zviii. 2. tells us, has in the world should be with him, to
Tkat Jesus oft-times resorted to this gar- bear what passes in secret between him
4e* with his disctpies, and that Judas and his God. 2. It was an humble prayer,
veU k*em the place. It is evident then that is evident by the postures into which
that Christ went not into the garden to he cast himself ; sometimes kneeling, some-
shun his sufferings, but to prepare himself times lying prostrate upon his face ; he lies
by prayer to meet his enemies. Observe, in the very oust, and lower he cannot lie j
% The time when he entered into the and his heart was as low as his body. 3.
gsudeo for prayer : it was m the evening It was a vehement, fervent, and most im-
beJdre he suffered ; here he spent some portunate prayer : such was the fervour of
boon in pouring forth his soul to God ; for our Lord's spirit, that he prayed himself
about midnight Judas, with bis black into an agony. O Jet us blush to think
guaid, came and apprehended him in a how unlike we are to Christ in prayer, as
pnviag posture. Our Lord teaching us to our praying frame of spirit Lord !
by tus example, that when imminent dan- what deadness and drowsiness, what sta-
ges are before us, especially when death pidity and formality, what dulness and
a apprehended by us, to be very much in Winess, is found in our prayers ! how
payer to God, and very fervent in our often do our lips move, when our hearts
wrestlings with him. Observe, 3. The stand still : 4. It was a reiterated and
matter of our Lord's prayer ; that if pos- repeated prayer j he prayed the first, second,
ttbU the cup might pass from him ; and and third time, ./or the passing of the cup
he might be kept from the hour of suf- from him ; he returns upon God over and
faring, that his soul might escape that over again, resolving to take no denial.
dreadful wrath at which he was so sore Let us not be discouraged, though we have
amazed. M But what! Did Christ then sought God often for a particular mercy,
begin to repent of his undertaking for sin- and yet no answer has been given in unto
nets ? Did be shrink and give back when us. Our prayers may be answered, though
it came to the pinch ?" No, nothing less $ their answer for the present is suspended,
but as be had two natures, being God A prayer put up in faith, according to the
and man, so be bad two distinct wills : as will of God, though it may be delayed, it
man, he feared and shunned death ; as shall not be lost Our Saviour prayed the
GodVcnan, he willingly submitted to it. first, second, and third time, for the pass-
Tbe divine naflne, and the human spirit of ing of the cup ; and although he was not
Christ, did now assault each other with heard as to exemption from suffering, yet he
dissgreeuig interests. Again, this prayer was heard as to support under suffering. Ob-
was not absolute, but conditional, If it be serve, 5. The posture the disciples were
ptmsMe, Father, if it may he ; if thou found in when our Lord was in this agony,
art wilting, if it please thee, let this cup praying to his Father : they were fast
H not, / will drink it. The cup of asleep. Good God ! could they possibly
gs we see is a very bitter and dis- sleep at such a time as that was ? When
cap; a cup which human nature Christ's soul was exceeding sorrowful, could
, and cannot desire, but pray their eyes be thus heavy ? Learn thence,
; yet God doth put this bitter cup That the best of Christ's disciples may be,
of affliction into the hands oft-times of and oft-times are, overtaken with inflrmi-
tboae whom he doth sincerely love ; and ties, with great infirmities, when the most
vbea ha doth so, it is their duty to drink important duties are performing ; He com-
* w/jth silence and submission, as here eth to his disciples, and jfinds them sleep-
this- hatd did before them; Father, let ing. Observe, 6. The mild and gentle re-
th+emp pass; yet not my will, hut thine proof which he gives his disciples for their
Ae nne. Observe, 4. Tne manner of our sleeping : Could ye not watch with me
Lank prayer in the garden : and here we one hour ? Could ye not watch when
R 2
244 ST. MARK. Chap. XIV.
your Master was in such danger ? Could ye 2. The treason. 3. The manner bow. 4.
not watch with roe, wben I am going to The time when this treasonable design was
deliver up my life for you? What, not executed. Observe, 1. The traitor : Judas.
one hour ; and that the parting hour too ? All the evangelists carefully describe him
After his reprehension he subjoins an ex- by bis name, Judas ; by his surname, Ju-
hortation j Watch and pray, that ye en- das Iscariot ; lest be should be mistaken
ter not into temptation ; and superadds a for Jude, the brother of James. Almighty
forcible reason, For though the spirit be God takes great care to preserve the names
willing, yet the flesh is weak. Thence of his upright-hearted servants. He is
learn. That the holiest and best resolved farther described by his office, One of the
christians, who have willing spirits for twelve. The eminency of his place and
Christ and his service, yet in regard of the station was an high aggravation of his trans-
weakness of the flesh, or frailty of human gression. Learn hence, That the greatest
nature, it is tbeir duty to watch and pray, professors bad need be very jealous of
and thereby guard themselves against temp- themselves, and suspicious of their own
tation ; Watch and pray, that ye enter hearts, and look well to the grounds and
not into temptation ; for though the principles of their profession ; for a profes-
spirit is willing, yet the flesh is weak. sion begun in hypocrisy will certainly end
43 And immediately, while he in aP0ita9y-. ^ farther> ™fl P"*"*
. 4i t j d.u are never m such imminent danger, as
yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the when ^ ^ wW| tejnptations7exactly
twelve, and with him a great multi- wited to their master-lusts. Covetousness
tude with swords and staves, from was Judas's master-sin ; the love of the
the chief priests and the scribes world made him a slave to Satan, and the
and the elders. 44 And he that devil lays a temptation before him exact-
betrayed him had given them a ,v suited t0 his temper and inclination ;
token, saying, Whomsoever I shall *** * con^tly overcomes him. O!
i • \u«i ~TL~ ;- u« . *«l- u:«. Pray w€> that we may be kept from a
kiss that same is he : take him J^g^d 8Ultab,e temptation "a teropta-
and lead Aim away safely. 45 And tion ^ted to our Nation and predo-
as soon as he was come, he goeth minant lust and corruption. Observe, 2.
straightway to him, and saith, Mas- The treason of this traitor Judas : he led
ter, master ; and kissed him. 46 on an armed multitude to the place where
And they laid their hands on him, Christ Wj»> CPye *hem a "go** todisco-
and took him. 47 And one of them ver him by, and b^ them Uy hands upon
that stood by drew a sword, and £ J* ^TJ^ZT^
• smote a servant of the high priest, Cbrist fagt> ne tbought lhey ^a not do
and cut off his ear. 48 And Je- it; but that as Christ had at other times
sus answered and said unto them, conveyed himself from the multitude, when
Are ye come out, as against a thief, they attempted to kill or stone him, so be
with swords and tctiA staves to would have done now : but his hour mas
take me ? 40 I was daily with you n(? * co1me' ™d accordingly be suffers him-
;M *k~ *Amr>iA *«»„k;«,J -..-i — self to be delivered by the txeacbery of Ju-
n the temple teaching, and ye das int0 hkl enemie5^hands. ArSthishis
took me not : but the scriptures treason is attended with thesehellish aggra-
must be fulfilled. 50 And they all rations . he had been a witness to the mi-
forsook him, and fled. racles which our Saviour had wrought by
The hour is now almost come, even his divine power, and therefore could not
the hour of sorrow which Christ had so sin out of ignorance : what he did was not
often spoken of : Yet a little while, and at the solicitation and persuasion of others,
the Son of man is betrayed into the hands but he was a volunteer in this service ;
of sinners ; for while he yet spake, com- the high priests did not send to him, but
eth Judas with a band of soldiers to ap- be went to them, offering his assistance,
prebend him. It was the lot and portion no doubt it was a matter of surprise to tte
of our dear Redeemer, to be betrayed into chief priests to find one of Christ's own tb-
ibe hands of his mortal enemies by the ciples at the head of a conspiracy aga*st
treachery of a false and dissembling friend, him. Lord! bow dangerous is it to «k>*
Here we have observable, 1. The traitor, ourselves in any one secret or open on (
Ckap. XIV. ST. MARK. *>45
Done can ay how far that one sin may in deny thee ; do all here desert, and coward-
time lead us. Should any have told Judas, jv forsake him, when it came to the trial.
that his love of money would at last make Learn hence, That the best and holiest of
him sell his Saviour, he would have said men know not their own hearts, when great
with Hazae), Is thy servant a dog, that temptations and trials are before them, until
he should do this thing f That soul can such time as they come to grapple with
uerer be safe that harbours one sin within them. No man knows his own strength
ill breast. Observe, 3. The manner how till temptation puts it to the proof,
this hellish plot was executed j partly by
force, and partly by fraud: by force, in 51 And there followed him a cer-
that Judas came with a multitude armed tain young man, having a linen
with swords and staves ; and by fraud, cloth cast about his naked body ;
thing a kiss, and saying, Hail, Master. anc| tne young men laid hold on him :
^ Vs *"%_."_ the. to1 5"1 P0?011 52 And he left the linen cloth, and
M^JS^T^J^ 1^^; M from them naked. 63 And
the place where, and the work which our .. , . T ^ .. .
Savour was about, when this treasonable they led Jf«» •*»* to *« hlSh~
design was executed : he was in the garden P"est : and with him were assem-
witb his disciples, exhorting them to pray- bled all the chief priests and the el-
er and watchfulness, dropping heavenly ders and the scribes. 54 And Pe-
adrice and comfort upon them. While ter followed him afar off, even un-
he yet spake, lo ! Judas came. Our Sa- ^ the palace of the high-priest :
viour was found m the most heavenly and , . r ' ... .. ,'nta and
excellent employment when his enemies aml neA s" Wll1" inf £ £ £
came to apprehend him. Lord, how hap- warmed himself at the fire. 55
py is it when our sufferings find us in And the chief priests and all the
God's way, engaged in bis work, and en- council sought for witness against
gaging his assistance by fervent supplica- Jesus to put him to death ; and
boo ! Thus did our Lord's sufferings meet found none. 56 For many bare
him : may ours in like manner meet us ! fa|se witne8S against him, but their
^Z^Jtee^™™™*^ lhed*l witness agreed not together. 57
aples for their Masters rescue; one of . , ,, ° . . ° • ■„
them (Saint Matthew says it was Peter) And there arose certain, and bare
draws his sword, and cuts off the ear of &*** witness against him, saving,
Malcbus, who probably was one of the 58 We heard him say, I will de-
fonrardest to lay hands on Christ. But stroy this temple that is made with
why did not Saint Peter draw upon Judas hands, and within three days I will
rather than Malcbus? Because, though Ju- build another made without hands.
o» was more faulty, yet Malchus nvas more 69 Bllt neither so did their witness
forward to arrest and carry off our Sa- . A. on A _ , 4. «. .
wiour. How doth a pious' breast swell a&ree together. 60 And the hiyh-
wUh indignation at the sight of any open Pr,est stood UP ,n the »K»tf and
afoot offered to its Saviour .» Yet though asked Jesus, saying, Answ.erest thou
St Peter's heart was sincere, bis hand was nothing ? what is it which the.se
rash; good intentions are no warrant for witness against thee ? 61 But he
irregular actions ; and accordingly Christ, neki his peace, and answered no-
^ accepted the affection, reproves the lh| Agaill the high-priest asked
irW. Christ will thank no man to fight the Christ, the Son of the Blessed ?
Ibr him without warrant and commission 62 And Jesus said, I am : and ye
Aom him. To resist a lawful magistrate shall see the Son of man sitting on
n Christ's own defence, is rash zeal, and the right hand of power, and coming
rtenanced by the gospel. Observe, \n tue clouds of heaven. 63 Then
The efiect which our Saviour's ap- the hi h iest rent hig cl0thes, and
-ion had lupon the d>cm^Mtjr w »w^ need we further
sock him, and Jlcd. J/ney that . ' , _. v , ,•* . ..
™* Christ a little before, Though toe witnesses ? 64 Ye have heurd the
*— die with thee, yet will toe not blasphemy : what think ye ? An*
246 ST. MARK. Chap. XIV.
they all condemned him to be guilty of the truth hazards our liberty, yea, out
of death. 65 And some hemw to Me. Chrat knew that his answer would
spit on him, and to cover his face, «* J»? ,h» ** ** * *?*?*£* 2*
-i * u irl* l;~ ««.j *~ — « ..«♦,! *: .4rf thou the Son of tht Blessed?
and to buffet him, and to say unto /m|f f-tf, 7 am 0hM^ 4 Thecritne
him, Prophesy : and the servants which ^ nigb-priest pronounces our Sa-
did strike him with the palms of viour to be guilty of, that of blasphemy ;
their hands. He hath spoken blasphemy. Hereupon
the high-priest rends his clothes : it being
Here we have the history of our Saviour's usual with the Jews so to do, both to
examination before the high-priest and coun- show their sorrow for it, and great deteata-
cil, who set up all night to arraign and try tkm of it, and indignation against it Ob*
the holy and innocent Jesus j for, lest his serve, 5. The vile affronts and horrid abuses
death should look like a downright murder, which the enemies of our Saviour put upon
they allow him a mock-trial, and abuse the him, they spit in his face, they blindfold
law by perverting it to injustice and blood- him, they smite him with their hands*
shed. Accordingly false witnesses are iu- and in contempt and mockery bid him
borned, who depose that they heard him prophesy who it was that smote him.
say, he would destroy the temple, and Verily there is no degree of contempt, no
build it again in three days. It is not in mark of shame, no kind of suffering, which
the power of the greatest innocence to pro- we ought to decline, or stick at for Christ's
tect the most innocent and holy person from sake, who hid not his race from shame and
slander and false accusation ; yea, no person spitting upon our account Observe, &
is so innocent and good, whom false wit- The high-priest rends his clothes at Christ's
ness may not condemn. Observe, 2. Our telling him, ver. 62. Ye shall see the Son
Lord's meekness and patience, his silence of man sitting on God's right hand, and
under all these wicked suggestions and false coming in the clouds of heaven. And
accusations : Jesus held his peace, and well might bis clothes and his heart send
answered nothing, ver. 61. Guilt is na- also. It was as if our Lord had said, M I
turally clamorous and impatient ; but in- that am now your prisoner, shall shortly be
nocency is silent, and careless of misreports. your judge. 1 now stand at your bar ; and,
Learn hence, That to bear the revilings, ere long, you must stand at my tribunals
contradictions, and false accusations, of men Those eyes of yours that now see me in the
with a silent and submissive spirit, is an excel- form of a servant, shall behold me in the
lent and Christ-like temper. Our Lord clouds, at the right hand of your God, and
stood before his unjust judge, and false ac- my Father/'
cusera even as a sheep before the shearer,
dumb, and not opening his mouth; even ee And a9 Peterwas beneath in
•then when a trial for his life was managed 4l%A .^i^^ .k^ „ -l ___ r .*
most maliciously and illegally against hinT: the palace there cometh one of the
When he was reviled, he reviled not maids of the high-pnest : 67 And
again ; when he suffered, he threatened when she saw Peter warming him-
not. May the same humble mind and for- self, she looked upon him, and said,
giving spirit be in us, which was also in And thou also wast with Jesus of
Chmt Jesus! Observe, 3. That although Nazareth. 68 But he denied, say-
our Saviourwassilent,and made no reply to imj i know not neither understand
the raise witnesses: yet now, when the question T %.. .. . ' * a-j l- <
was solemnly put by the high-prieit, Art l "h.a* *S" ***"£ A*P ^ ™£
thou the Chrut, the Son of the Blessed f out Into the porch; and the cock
He answered, I am. Thence learn. That crew. 69 And a maid saw him again,
although we are not obliged by every en- and began to say to them that stood
snaring question to make answer, yet we by, This is one of them. 70 And
are bound faithfully to own, and freely to he denied it again. And a Ihtk
confess, the truth, when solemnly called aftc ^ that gtood b a v
thereunto: when our silence will be inter- 4a »'*__ c..—i *u . ~_* nt
preted a denial of the truth, a dishonour to * Pete/» j*"*1^ tho" a? «"3
God, a reproach and scandal to our brethren, them ' «>r thou art a Galilean **
it will be a great sin to hold our peace ; and tny speech agreeth thereto. 7 FMut
we must not be silent, though our confession he began to curse and to '"€ar»
.
Chap. XiV. ST. MARK. 24*
t*p*g, I know not this man of whom upon some of the best and holiest of
ye speak. 72 And the second time *>X "**>* <* lb*K ■** and »hameful fall*
the cock crew. And Peter called ^^1 sofficienUy convince i»(rf our wirtched
to mind the word that Jesus said J™P?««icy# and how unable we areto do
" " . n * Ii. , ° u good or resist evil, by our own shattered and
unto him, Before the cock crow impaired strength." 3. An undaunted
twice thou shalt deny me thrice, courage, and heroic greatness of mind, an*
And when he thought thereon, he peared in this apostle, when he told the
wept. Jews to their faces that they were guilty of
murder, and most never expect salvation
This last paragraph of the chapter gives any other way, than by faith in that Jens
ib an account of the fall and rising of Peter j whom they had ignominiously crucified,
of his sin in denying . Christ, and of his re- and unjustly slain. Nor did St. Peter say this
awry by repentance. Both are considered in a corner, or behind the curtain, but in
dknictly in the notes of St Matt. xxvi. 69. the sanhedrim, that open court of judicature*
that which is here farther to be taken notice which had so lately sentenced and con-
of, is as followeth. Observe, 1. .That damned his Lord and Master. Observe, 3.
amongst all the apostles and disciples of St. Peter's profound humility and lowliness
Christy we meet not with any so extraordi- of mind: it was a mighty honour that Christ
nary, either for faith or obedience, as St. put upon him in making use of his ministry,
Peter. He was an early professor, St. Matt, for laying the foundation of a christian
nr. IS. and a glorious confessor, St. Matt, church, both among Jews and Gentiles.
xvl 16. Thou art the Christ f the Son of And, accordingly, Cornelius, Actt x. would
the living God. Which confession of his have entertained him with expressions of
faith, like a rock, was to be the foundation more than ordinary honour and veneration,
of the gospel church in all ages ; and Christ falling down at his feet, and ready to adore
was pleased to put that honour upon Peter, him ; but this humble apostle was so far
as lo use his ministry, in first laying the from complying with it, that he plainly told
foundation of a christian church among him that he was no other than such a man
the Jews and Gentiles, he being the first as himself. And when our Lord, by a stu-
pieacber to them of that faith which he did pendous act of condescension, stooped so
hoe confess. To the Jews, Acts ii. where low as to wash his disciple's feet, St. Peter
we read of three thousand souls converted could by no means be persuaded to admit of
and baptised ; and to the Gentiles, Acts it, neither could be induced personally to
x. m the conversion of Cornelius and his accept it, till Christ was in a sort forced to
friends, whom God directed to send, not to threaten him into obedience, and a compli*
Jerusalem for James, nor to Damascus for ance with it, St. John xhi. 8. Observe,
St Paul, but to Joppa for Peter $ whom How admirable was his love unto, and how
Christ bad appointed for that work, that he - burning his zeal for, his Lord and Master,
might tell hnn words by which he and hit insomuch that be could and did appeal to
household should be saved. Observe, 2. his omniscieocy for the truth and sincerity
The great and mighty courage which was of it ; Lord, thou knowest all things ; thou
foond in St Peter. 1. At (he command of knowest that Hove thee. It was love that
Christ he adventures to walk on the waves caused him to draw his sword in his Master's
of the sea. Matt. xiv. 28. being firmly per- defence against a band of soldiers, add an
suaded, that whatsoever Christ commanded armed multitude. It was love that caused
ha disciples to do, he would give them him to adventure on the greatest difficulties,
strength and ability to perform. And, 2. and to expose his life to the greatest hazards.
It was a noble courage which enabled him It was love that caused him to engage so
to say, Though J die with thee, yet will I deep, as to suffer and die, rather than deny
not deny thee. No doubt the good man him. These were his exemplary virtues.
really resolved to do as he said. Utile bus- His failings were these: First, too great a
pecting that he should, with horrid oaths confidence of his own strength, notwith-
and bitter imprecations, deny and abjure his standing Christ had particularly told him
dying Master. " Lord f how prone are we that Satan had desired to winnow him as
to thnk our hearts better than they are ! our wheat. None are so likely to be overcome
grace stronger than it is! Not all the in- by a temptation, as those who are least
ve have of human frailty in our- afiaid of it; none so ready to fail, as those
or all the scars, marks, and wounds, that think it impossible to fell. It is a dan-
248 ST. MARK. Chap. XV.
gerous thing to believe, thai because we have oath, from an oath to a curse. Let us resist
long kept our innocence, we can never lose sin at Urst : for then have we moat power.
It; and to conclude, because we have been and sin has least And the Lord looked oh
once or twice victorious over temptations, Peter, and Peter remembered the word of
we must be ever conquerors, 1 Cor. z. 12. the Lord 9 and went out, and wept bitterly.
Let him that thinketh he standetht take Observe, If Christ had not looked towards
heed test he fall; that is, let htm keep a Peter, Peter would nevermore have looked
jealous eve upon the weakness and incon- after Christ ; nor was it barely the turn of
atancy of his nature, and with a believing Christ's bodily eye that wrought this disciple
Se look up to the power and promise of to a sorrowful remembrance of his sin ; had
3d, that he may be preserved from falling, not this outward look been accompanied
and presented faultiest in the day of Christ with the inward and secret influences of his
Secondly, His fears overcame his faith. The Spirit, it had certainly proved ineflectoal.
insolent affronts offered to his injured Master Christ looked on Judas after bis treason ;
caused him to forget his former resolutions, aye, and reproved him too : but neither
and instead of being a valiant confessor, he that look nor that reproof did break his
turns a shameful renegado, renouncing him heart As the sun with the same beams
for whom a little before he resolved to die. softens wax and hardens clay, so a look
Learn hence, That slavish fear is a most from the same Christ leaves Judas hard and
tumultuous and ungovernable passion*, its impenitent, and melts down Peter into
powerful assaults not only vanquish the tears. Though none can say, that tears are
strongest reason, but sometimes overcome always a sign of true repentance, yet cer-
the strongest faith. It is a weapon which tainly when they flow from a heart duly
the tempter uses, to the discomfort of some, sensible of sin, and deeply affected with sor-
and destruction of others, and therefore row, it administers matter of nope tint there
ought to be guarded against by those who is sincere repentance. Peter, after he had
set any value on the peace and comfort of wept bitterly for sin, never more returned
their souls. Thirdly, One sin drew on to the after-commission of sin ; but he that
another; his sinful equivocation in saying, J was before timorous as an hare, became
know not the man, prepared him for a down- afterward bold as a lion. He that once so
right denial, and that for an abjuration of shamefully denied, nay, abjured, bis Master,
him, with an imprecation and an anathema, afterwards openly confessed him, and sealed
swearing that he knew not the man. " Ah that confession joyfully with his blood. It
Peter ! is this thy owning thy Lord ? Is this is usually observed, that a broken bone once
thy not being offended, though all should well set, never more breaks again in toe
be offended ? Is this thy dying with him, same place; a returning backslider, when
rather than deny him ? What ! hast thou once restored, contracts such an hatred of
forgot all thy promises and engagements to former sins, as never, never more to run into
him, and all the dear and sweet pledges of the commission of them. Let St. Peter's
his love, so lately shown to thee? Surely I fall then be a warning to all professors
have learnt from thy example, that it is as against presumptuous confidence, and his
dangerous to trust an heart of flesh, as to restoration be an encouragement to all back-
rely upon an arm of flesh ; for had not thy gliders to renew their faith and repentance,
denied and forsaken Master prayed for thee, Amen,
and timely succoured thee, Satan would not CHAP XV
only have winnowed thee like wheat, but .."."■
ground thee to powder." Fourthly, Ob- A ND straightway in the morning
serve how many complicated sins were the chief priests held a consulta-
included in this sin of Peter's. The highest tion with the elders and scribes and
ingratitude to his Master ; unpardonable tne whole council, and bound Jesus,
rashness, in venturing into such company, and carried him a and delivered
tarrying there so long, and without a call ; , . p;ift4-a
making bold with a temptation j and for a nim l0 r llale#
time there was impenitence and hardness The foregoing chapter gave us an account
of heart It is holy and safe to resist the of Judas's treason, in delivering our Saviour
beginnings of sin ; if we yield to Satan in into the bands of the chief priests. In this
one temptation, he will certainly assault us chapter we find our holy Lord brought by
■with more and stronger. Peter proceeded the chief priests unto Pontius Pilate the
here from a denial to a lie, from a lie to an Roman governor, in order to bis condemn**
Chap. XV. ST. MARK. 449
tan. Whence observe, That it has been the tion is concerned, yet must we never be
old policy of corrupt church-governors to silent when the honour of God and his
abase the" power of the civil magistrate, in truth may effectually be promoted by a
executing their cruel and unjust censures free and full confession : Fory says Christ,
and sentences upon holy and innocent whosoever denies me before men, him
persons. The chief priests and elders do will I deny in the presence of my Father,
not kill our Saviour themselves, for it was and before all his holy angetsi
not kwfol for them to put any man to 6 Now at thai feast he re|eaged
they deliver Christ over to the secular they desired. 7 And there was
power, and desire Pilate, the civil ma- one, named Barabbas, which lay
gistrate, to sentence and condemn him. bound with them that had made in-
. surrection with him, who had com-
2 And Pilate asked him, Art miUe(| murder in tne insurrection,
thou the king of the Jews ? And 8 And the nluititl,do, crying aloud,
be answering said unto him, Thou began to desire him to ^ M hc
sayesttf. 3 And the chief priests had ever done unto thenK 9 But
accused him of many things ; but Pilate answered them, saying, Will
he answered nothing. 4 And Pi- vc that i release unto you the King
late answered him again, saying of thc Jew9 ? 10 For he knew
Answerest thou nothing? behold that the chief priests had delivered
bow many things they witness a- him for u But the chief
gainatthee. 5 But Jesus yet an- priesU moved the fef that hc
SW ii °oth,n* * TO that Fllate shduld rather release Barabbas unto
■willed, them. 12 And Pilate answered
It is very observable how readily our and said again unto them, What
Saviour answers before Pilate : Pilate said, wi)| >e then that I shall do unto
Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus him ^hom ye call the King of the
answered, Thousayest tt; or, it is as thou . ? i«| And thev cried out
sayesL But to aU the accusations of the Jewf f ^ .,?? tn^ ™e<1 °"1
chief priests, and to all that they falsely aSain> Crucify him. 14 Then Pi-
kid to his charge before Pilate, our Saviour ,ate said unto them, Why, what
answered never a word. He answered evil hath he done ? And they cried
Pilate, but would not answer the chief ,out the more exceedingly, Crucify
priests a word before Pilate; probably him. 15 And so Pilate," willing to
for these reasons, because his innocency colltent the people, released Barab-
was such as needed noapoogy; because bag unto tf d deHvered Je_
their calumnies and accusations were so , , . , , . .
notoriously false, that they needed no con- »us> whe" he had **ro",ged him, to
fetation ; to show his contempt of death, De crucified.
and to teach us by his example, to despise Now at the feast, that is, at the feast of
the fabe accusations of malicious men, the passover, which by way of eminency is
and to learn us patience and submission, called the feast, the governor used to re-
when for his sake we are slandered and lease a prisoner ; possibly by wayofmemo-
tiadoced ; for these reasons our Saviour rial of their deliverance out of Egypt : ac-
was as a deaf man, not answering the cordingly Pilate makes a motion that Christ
calumnies of the chief priests : but when may be the prisoner set at liberty in honour
Pilate asks bim a question, which our of their feast ; for he was sensible that what
Saviour knew that a direct answer to would they did was out of envy and malice. Ob-
ex* him his life. Art thou the King of serve here, 1. What were the sins which im-
tke Jews ? he replies, I am. Hence, says mediately occasioned the death of Christ :
the apostle, 1. Tim, vi. 13. that Jesus they were covetousness and envy. Covet-
CJinti before Pontius Pilate witnessed ousness caused Judas to sell him to the chief
4* good confession. Teaching us, That priests, and envy caused the chief priests to
Although we may, and sometimes ought, deliver him up to Pilate to crucify him.
to bold our peace, when our own reputa- Envy is a killing and murdering passion ;
25fr ST. MARK. Chap. XV:
Envy slayeth the silly one, Job v. 2. the very flesh and skin from the malefcc-'
Thatis, it slayeth the silly person who bar- tor's back and aides." That our biased*
bours this pestilent lust in his breast and bo- Saviour was thus cruelly scourged by
som ; being like a fire in his bones, con- Pilate's command, seems to some not iiu-
tinually preying upon his spirits ; and it is probable, from that of the Psalmist, Psml.
also the occasion of slaying many an holy cxxix.3. Theploughcrsptaughcduponmy
and innocent person; for who can stand back, and made long furrows : which, if
before envy ? The person envying wishes spoken prophetically of Christ, was literally
the envied out of the way, yea out of the fulfilled in the day of bis scourging. But
world ; and, if need be, will not only wish why was the precious and tender body of
it, but lend a lift upon occasion towards it our holy Lord thus galled, rent, and torn'
also. Witness the chief priests here, whose with scourging ? Doubtless to fulfil that
envy was so conspicuous and barefaced, prophecy, ha. 1. 6. / rave my back to
that Pilate himself takes notice of it ; he the smiters, and my cheeks to them that
knew that the chief priests had delivered plucked off the hair: that by hit stripes
him for envy. Observe, 2. How unwil- we might be healed ; and from his exam-
ling, how very unwilling, Pilate was to pie learn, not to think it strange if we find
be the instrument of our Saviour's death, ourselves scourged with the tongue, with
One while he expostulates with the chief the hand, or with both, when we see our
priests, saying, What evil hath he done ? dear Redeemer bleeding by stripes and
Another while he bids them, Take him scourges before our eyes.
and judge him according to their law. -^aj^i i i- ■•••
Nay, St Luke says, that Pilate came forth . 1G And the soldiers led luro away
tbreeseveraltiraes, professing, that he found «Dt° tne haW called Pre tori urn ; and
no fault in him, Luke xxiii. From hence, they call together the whole band.
note, That hypocrites within the visible 17 And they clothed him with pnr-
church may be guilty of such tremendous pie> and platted a crown of thorns,
acts of wickedneo, as the consciences of and put it about ,lis ^ad 18 And
a pagan, absolves Christ, whilst the hypo- the J,ew* ! *9 And they smote lum
critical Jews, that heard his doctrine, and on. tue nead. with a reed, and did
saw his miracles, do condemn him. Ob- spit upon him, and, bowing their
serve, lastly, How Pilate surfers himself to knees, worshipped hi in. 20 And
be overcome with the Jews' importunity, when they had mocked him, they
and, contrary to the light of his own took off the pu ,c from hi and
^^^\*tzi« 2JB: r hi\ r cTern him' md M
and then crucified. It is a vain apology him out to cruclfJ him-
for sin, when persons pretend that it was The next part of our Saviour's sufferings
not committed with their own consent, but consisted of cruel mockings : he had owned
at the instigation and importunity of others; himself to be the King of the Jews; that
such is the frame and constitution of man's is, a spiritual king in and over the church :
soul, that none can make bim either wicked but the Jews expecting that the Messiah
or miserable without his own consent, should have appeared in the pomp of an
Pilate, willing to content the people when earthly prince, and finding themselves
he had scourged Jesus, delivered him up disappointed of their expectation in our
to be crucified. Here observe, That as the Saviour, they look upon him as a deceiver
death of the cross was a Roman punishment, and impostor ; and accordingly treat him
so it was the manner of the Romans first as a mock-king, with all the marks of deri-
to whip their malefactors and then crucify sion and scorn ; for, first, they put a
them. Now the manner of the Roman crown upon his head, but a very ignooii-
scourging is said to be thus: " They nious and painful one, a crown of thorns;
stripped the condemned person, and bound they place a sceptre in his hand, but that
him to a post; two strong men first scour- of a reed; a robe of scarlet or purple
ged him with rods of thorns, then two upon his body; and then bowed their
others scourged him with whips of cords knees before him, as they were wont to do
full of knots, and last of all two more before their princes, crying, Hail, ling.
wjth whips of wire, and therewith tore off Thus were all the marks of scorn imaginable
Chop. XV. ST. MARK. 261
put upon oar dear Redeemer ; yet what hour was come, there was darkness
they did in jest, God permitted to be done over the whole land until the ninth
in earnest. For all these things were signs ^^^ 34 And at the ninth hour
sod marks of soveiemty ; and Almighty jegug cr|ed wkh a ,oud voi
^mT^^r 'JSJTA b* J* »-. «■- siMjJj
natcst abasement Whence was all this which is, being interpreted, My
jeering and sport, but to flout majesty ? God, my God, why hast thou for-
And why did Christ undergo all this igno* saken me ? 35 And some of them
oniny, disgrace, and shame, but to show that stood by, when they heard it;
what was due unto us for our sins? As Baj<jf Behold, he calleth Elias. 36
slso to give us an example to bear all the And one ran and fiUed ft
Hi Sefare him, despised the shame as and ga\e h"« to drink, saying, Let
well as endured the cross, alone : let us see whether Elias will
. . » 1 o- come to take him down. 37 And
21 And they compel one Simon, a Jegus cried with a loud voice, and
Cy reman, who passed by, coming the host
out of the country, the father of °
Alexander and Rufus, to bear his The sentence of death being passed by
cross. 22 And they bring him unto &*+ who can, with dry eyes, behold the
the place Golgotha, which is, being J*1 TO "f oor Sa™°Hf8 Moody execu-
• . - 1 £u Ii.>~ ~e ~ 11 tl0n- Forth comes the blessed Jesus out of
interpreted, The place of a scull. Pi|ate^ gate, bearing that cross which soon
23 A nd they gave him to drink wine after ^ t0 haiT bira . with his CI088 ^ his
mingled with myrrh : but he re- shoulder he marches towards Golgotha*
ceived it not. 24 And when they and when they see be can go no faster, they
had crucified him, they parted his force Simon the Cyrenian, not out of com-
garments, casting lots upon them, T»*™> but indignation, to be the porter of
what every man should take. 25 h»cr08?- ^P"^ ^in?a,GeDt^
A . .. J ., ... » . , not a Jew, that bare our Saviours cross,
And it was the third hour ; and thereby might te ^^ that the ^
they crucified him. 26 And the tiles should have a part in Christ as well as
superscription of his accusation was the Jews, and be sharers with them in the
written over, THE KING OF THE benefits of the cross. At length our holy
JEWS. 27 And with him they cru- L°rd comes to Golgotha, the place of his bit-
crfy two thieves ; the one on his *» and V™*] execution ; here in a public
right hand, and the other on his left, fr* ^JI^^H^^S !"°
*J2 a j »l • * /.,/.„ ■. thieves, is he crucified : that is, fastened to a
28 And the scripture was fulfilled g^t cross ofwood, his hands stretched forth
which saitn, And he was numbered abroad, and his feet closed together, and
with the transgressors. 29 And both hands and feet fastened with nails;
they that passed by railed on him, bis naked body was lifted up in the open
wagging their heads, and saying, air, hanging betwixt heaven and earth ;
A h, thou that destroy est the temple, «gnifying thereby, that the crucified person
and buildest it in three days, 30 deserved to live in neither. This »harnefal,
c ^l lr j ac painful, and accursed death did. the holy
Save thyself, and come down from £d innooent Jegug ttlffer and undergo f<£
the cross. 31 Likewise also the shameless sinners. Some observe all the
chief priests, mocking, said among dimensions of length, breadth, depth, and
themselves with the scribes, He height, in our Saviour's sufferings; for1
saved others ; himself he cannot length, his passion was several hours long,
save. 32 Let Christ the King of ?°m tw£ve to thn* **?«** ;*" Attune
f-«— 1 A~.^nA «^« A.^« +».* ,™.« hoth to hunger and cold. 1 he thieves that
Israel descend now from the cross were ^.^ with him eDdured .
that we may see and heheve. And ^ ing> but ^ underwent thi mi-
fhey that were crucified with him re- series of all mankind. As to its breadth,
viled him. 33 And when the sixth bis passion extended over all the powers'
262 ST. MARK. Chap. XV.
fend parts of his soul and body; no part indignity as confound* our thoughts. This
free but his tongue, which was at liberty to was designed by the Jews to dishonour
pray for his enemies. His sight was tor- and disgrace our Saviour the more, and
mented with the scornful gestures of those to persuade the world that he was the
who pasted by wagging their heads ; his greatest of offenders ; but God overruled
bearing grieved with the taunts and jeers of this also for fulfilling an ancient prophecy
the priests and people ; his smelling offend- concerning the Messiah, Isa. liii. tat
ed with noisome savours in the Place of verse ; And he was numbered with the
Sculls ; his taste with the gall and vinegar transgressors, 2. Another aggravation
given him to drink ; his feeling was won- of our Lord's sufferings upon the cross,
derfully affected by the nails which pierced was the scorn and mocking derision which
liis tender nerves with a multiplicity of he met with in his dying moments, both
wounds. And for the depth of his passion, from the common people, from the chief
it was as deep as hell itself; enduring tor- priests, and from the thieves that suffered
tures in his soul, as well as torments in his with him. The common people reviled
body ; groaning under the burden of deser- him, wagging their heads: the chief
tion, and crying out, My God, my God, priests, though men of age and gravity,
why hast thou forsaken me .* Lastly, For yet barbarously mocked him in bis misery;
the height of his passion, his sufferings were and not only so, but they atheistically
as high as heaven, his Person being infinite scoff and jeer at his faith and affiance in
as well as innocent, no less than the Son of God ; saying, He trusted in God that he
God, which adds infinite worth and value to would deliver him ; let him deliver hint,
his sufferings. Lord, let us be able to corn* if he will have him. Where note, That
prehendwtth all saints what is the breadth persecutors are generally atheistical acof-
and length, depth and height, ofourSa- lers; the chief priests and elders, though
viour's love in suffering for us, and let us knowing men, yet they blaspheme God;
know that love of his which passeth they mock at his power, and deride his
knowledge. Observe, next, The inscrip- providence, which is as bad as to deny
tion wrote by Pilate over our suffering Sa- his being ; so that from hence we may
viour : This is Jesus, the King of the gather, That those who administer to God
Jews. It was the manner of the Romans, in holy things by way of office, if they be
when they crucified a malefactor, to publish not the best, they are the worst of men.
the cause of his death in capital letters No such bitter enemies to the power of
placed over the head of the person. Now it godliness as the ministers of religion, who
is observable, how wonderfully the wisdom were never acquainted with the efficacy
of God overruled the heart and pen of Pi- and power of it upon their own hearts
late to draw this title, which was truly and lives. Nothing on this side hell is
honourable, and fix it to his cross. Pilate worse than a wicked priest, a minister of
is Christ's herald, and proclaims him King God devoted to the service of the devil.
of the Jews. Learn hence, That the regal A third aggravation of our Lord's sufferings,
dignity of Christ was proclaimed by an upon the cross, was this, that the thieves
enemy, and that in a time of his greatest that suffered with him reviled him with
sufferings and reproaches : Pilate, without the rest, that is, one of them, as SL Luke
his own knowledge, did our Saviour an has it ; or perhaps both of them might do
eminent piece of service ; he did that for it at first ; which if so, increases the won-
Christ which none of his own disciples der of the penitent thief s conversion. From
durst do; not that he did it designedly, the impenitent thief s reviling Christ, we
but from the special overruling providence learn, That neither shame nor pain will
of God ; no thanks to Pilate for all this, change the mind of a resolute sinner, but
because the highest services performed to even then when he is in the suburbs of
Christ undesignedly shall neither be ac- hell will he blaspheme. They that were
cepted nor rewarded by God. Observe crucified with him reviled him ; but the
farther, The several aggravations of our most aggravating circumstance of all the
Lord's sufferings upon the cross. 1. From rest in our Lord's sufferings was this, that
the company he suffered with ; two thieves : he was forsaken of his Father ; My God*
it had been a sufficient disparagement to my God, why hast thou forsaken we ?
our blessed Saviour to have been sorted Thence learn, That the Lord Jesus Christ,
with the best of men ; but to be numbered when suffering for our sins, was really
with the scum of mankind, is such an deserted and forsaken by bis Father, and
Chap. XV. ST. MARK. 253
left destitute of all sensible consolation .' rent in twain from the top to the
Why hast thou forsaken me f Learn bottom. 39 And when the centu-
S^XJ"*. TT Jn* J6*??11 ^ "<>«> which stood over against him,
despaired not, but still retained a firm M ' . A • . , ? . •
potion of God's love unto him, and 8aw £at *»e 80 c™d out, and gave
experienced necessary supports from him : UP the ft*ott, he f»,d> Truly this
Jw> Gorf, my G<m/; these are words of man was the Son of God. 40 There
•fence and faith. Christ was thus for- were also women looking on afar
saken far us, that we might never be for- off; among whom was Mary Mag-
ssfcen by God j yet by God's forsaking of dalene, and Mary the mother of
Chr^^ are not to umi^nd any abate- Jamcg A x ^ rf j and
meat of divine love, but only a with- c . _ .- /..,. • _ . ' »
drawing from the human nature the sense Salome 5 ft (W^. a,s°» "hen h«
of fab love, and a letting out upon his was ,n Galilee, followed him and
soul a deep afflicting sense of his dhplea- ministered unto him;) and many
sore against sin. There is a twofold deser- other women which came up with
tion ; the one total, final, and eternal, by him unto Jerusalem,
which God utterly forsakes a person, both
as to grace and glory, being for sin Three circumstances are here observable ;
wholly cast out of God's presence, and 1. A stupendous prodigy happening upon
adjudged to eternal torments. This Christ the death of our Saviour, the vail of the
was not capable of, nor could the dignity temple was rent in twain from top to boU
of his person admit it The other is a torn ; the vail was a hanging which parted
partial, temporary desertion ; when God the most holy place from the holy sanctu-
for a little moment hides his face from ary. By the rending of which, God testi-
hs children. Now this was most agree- fied that he was now about to forsake hii
able to Christ's nature, and also suitable temple ; that the ceremonial law was now
to his office, who was to satisfy the justice abolished by the death of Christ, and that
of God for our forsaking of him, and to by the blood of Jesus we have access unto
bring us back again to God, that we might God, and may enter into the holy of holies.
be received for ever. Observe, lasdy, See the note on, Matt. xvii. 51. Observe,
What a miraculous evidence Christ gave 2. What influence the manner and circum-
of his Godhead : instantly before he gave stances of our Saviour's death had upon the
jp the ghost, he cried with a loud voice, centurion, and the soldiers with him : they
This shows he did not die according to cry out, Verify this was the Son of God.
the ordinary course of nature, gradually Where observe, That the heathen soldiers
drawing on, as we express it ; but his life are sooner convinced of the divinity of our
was whole in him to the last, and nature as Saviour than the unbelieving Jewish doc-
strong as it was at first. Other men die tors. Obstinacy and unbelief filled their
fay degrees, and towards their end their minds with an invincible prejudice against
sense of pain is much blunted ; but Christ Christ ; so that neither the miracles wrought
stood under the pains of death .in his full by him in his life, or at his death, could
strength, and his life was whole and en- convince them that Christ was any thing
in mm to the very last moment. This better than an impostor and deceiver. None
evident by the mighty outcry he are so blind as those who through malicious
i when he gave up the ghost, contrary obstinacy and inveterate prejudice will not
to the sense and experience of all persons, see. Observe, 3. Who of Christ's, friends
Now he that could cry with such a loud were witnesses of his death : they are the-
wosee as he did fin articuto mortis) women that followed him, and ministered
oovsU have kept himself from dying, if he unto him ; not one of his dear disciples.
would. Hence we learn, That when Christ came near him, except St. John, who stood.
died, be rather conquered death, than was by the cross with the Virgin Mary. O
conquered by it ; he must voluntarily and what a shame was this, for apostles to be
Jneesy lay down his life, before death absent from a spectacle upon which the
~~ come at him. Thus died Christ the salvation of the whole world did depend t
lin of our salvation : and, like Sam- And what an honour was this to the fe-
became more victorious by his death, male sex in general, and to these holy wo-
he was in bis life. men in particular, that they, had the cour-
And the vail of the temple was age to follow Christ to his cross, when all.
264 ST. MARK. Chap. XV.
his disciples forsook him and fled ! God selves in discourse as otben ; and yet such
can make timorous and fearful women bold weak christians, as the world counts them,
and courageous confessors of his truth, and perhaps shall stand their ground when
fortify them against tlie fears of suffering, stronger run away. We read of none of
contrary to the natural tiroorousness of the apostles at Christ's funeral Fear had
their temper j these women wait upon chased them away ; but Joseph of Arima-
Christ's cross, when his apostles fly, and tbea appears boldly.- If God strengthens
durst not come nigh it the weak, and leaves the strong to the pre-
42 And now when the even was )^y of th«r own fears, the weak shaU
. .. .• be a* Davtdp and the strong as taw, Ob-
come, because U was the prepara- ^ 3 The' mournen ^ followed ^
tion, that is, the day before the sab- Saviour's hearse^ namely, the women which
bath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, an came out of Galilee, and particularly the
honourable counsellor, which also two Maries $ a very poor train of mourners :
waited for the kingdom of God, the apostles were all scattered, and afraid
came and went in boldly unto Pilate, t0 own their Lord and Master, either dying
and craved the body of Jesus. 44 or dead' ^ " ourkLolP? aftc?d ™
And Pilate marvelfed if be were {"f H^^J^S
already dead; and calling unto to the end or manner of his death. Humi-
him the centurion, he asked him liation was designed m his death, and his
whether he had been any while burial was the lowest degree of htsmrUa-
dead. 45 And when he knew it tion, and therefore might not be pompous,
of the centurion, he gave the body Observe, 4. The grave or sepulchre in
to Joseph. 46 And he bought fine wb£D^D5fl,d "£ ^'ro^k" ■" *
linen and took him down and wrap- %g 8eJulchnTla a garden.11 1. Our Lord
ped him in the hnen, and laid him wa$ buM m a g^^ As by the sm of
in a sepulchre which was hewn out the first Adam we were driven out of the
of a rock, and rolled a stone unto garden of pleasure, the earthly paradise,
the door of the sepulchre. 47 And » by the suflerings of the second Adam,
Mary Magdalene, and Mary the *•» J*y »«"** in a garden, we may
moMer of Joses beheld where he *l» f o T""*- Wt° ^i ?Ttfy ***"
. . i dise. 2. It was in a sepulchre hewn out
was lata. of a rockf that ^ hjs eDQmia mjgbt ^^
The circumstances of our Lord's funeral, no occasion to cavil, and say that his dis~
and honourable, interment in the grave, are ciples stole him away by secret holes, or
here recorded by the evangelist ; such a unseen passages under ground. 3* It was
funeral as never was, since graves were in a new sepulchre, in which never mam
first digged. Where observe, 1. Our Lord's was laid : lest his adversaries should say it
body must be begged before it could be was some other that was risen, who wac
buried j the dead bodies of malefactors be- buried there before him ; or that be rose
ing in the power and at the disposal of the from the dead by touching some other
judge. Pilate grants it, and accordingly corpse. Observe, 5. The manner of oar
the dead body is taken down, wrap- Lord's funeral ; it was hasty, open, and de-
fied m fine linen, and prepared for the se- cent ; it was performed in haste by reason
pulchre. Observe, 2. The person that be* of the straits of time ; the sabbath was stp-
stows this honourable burial upon our Sa- preaching, and they lay all busmen aside
vkrar: Joseph of Arimathea; a disciple, to prepare for that. Learn hence, How
do doubt, though he did not make a public much it is our duty to despatch our world-
and open profession ; a worthy, though a ly business as early as we can towards the
dose disciple. Grace doth not always end of the week, that we may be the bet-
make a public and open show where it is ; ter prepared to sanctify the Lord's day, if
as there is much secret riches in the bowels we live to enjoy it Hence it is that we
of the earth, which no eye ever saw, so are called upon to remember that day be-
there is much grace in the hearts of some fore it comes, and to sanctify it when ft is
christians that the eye of the world takes come. Again, our Lord was buried open-
little notice of. Some gracious persons ly, as well as hastily; all parsons had
cannot put forward, and discover them- liberty to be spectators, lest any should
Chap. XV. ST. MARK. 266
object that there was deceit and fraud low of dust Observe lastly, Of what
«ed in or about our Saviour's burial ; yet use the doctrine of our Lord's burial may
vat be also interred decently; bis holy be unto his disciples and followers: 1
body being wrapped in fine linen, and For instruction, Here we see the amazing
perfumed with spices, according to the depth of our Lord's humiliation; from what,
Jewish custom. Observe, 6. The reasons and to what, his love brought him ; even
why our Lord was buried, seeing be was from the bosom of his Father to the bosom
to rise again in as short a time as other men of the grave. O bow doth the depth of
lie by the walls : and had hb dead body bis humiliation show us the sufficiency of
temamed a thousand years unburied, it bis satisfaction, and therewith the heinous-
would have seen no corruption, having ness of our transgression ! 2. For conso-
ncver been tainted with sin. Sin is the la'tion against the fears of death and the
cause of the body's corruption ; it is sin grave : the grave received Christ, but
that makes our bodies stink worse than could not retain him; death swallowed
carrion when they are dead. A funeral him up, as the fish did Jonas, but quick-
then was not necessary for Christ's body ly vomited him up again : and so shall it
upon the same accounts that it was ne- fare with Christ mystical, as it did with
eeaery for ours. But, 1. Our Lord was Christ personal. As it was done to the
bnrieJ, to declare the certainty of his Head, so shall it be done to the members ;
death* and the reality of his resurrection ; the grave could not long keep him, it
and for this reason did God's providence shall not always keep us ; as his body
eider it, that he should be embalmed, rested in hope, so shall ours also ; and al-
to cut of all pretensions ; for in this kind though we see corruption, yet shall we not
of embalming, his mouth, his ears, and always lie under the power of corruption,
ha nostrils, were all filled with odours and In short, Christ's lying in the grave,
spices, so that there could be no latent has changed and altered the nature of the
principle of life in him : his being thus grave ; ' it was a prison before, a bed of
baned, then, did demonstrate him to »be rest now ; a loathsome grave before, a
certainly dead. 2. Christ was buried, to perfumed bed now : he whose Head is in
fulfil the types and prophecies that went heaven, need not fear to put his feet into
before concerning * him : Jonas' s being the grave. Awake, and ting, thou that
three days and three nights in the bcl- dweliest in the dust, for the enmity of
h of the whale, was a type of Chrisfs the grave is slain by Christ. 3. For our
feme three days and three nights in imitation: let us study and endeavour to
the heart of the earth ; -J&, the prophet be buried with Christ; in respect of our
Isaiah, chap. liii. 9. declared our Lord's sins, I mean, Bern. vi. 4. buried with him
funeral, and the manner of it, long be- into death. ' Our sins should be as a dead
fere he was born : He made his grave body in several respects. Are dead bodies
with the wicked, and with the rich in removed out of the society of men ? so
his death ; pointing by that expression at should our sins be removed far from us.
this tomb of Joseph's, who was a rich Do dead bodies in the grave spend and
snaa* and laid him in a tomb designed consume by degrees ? so should our sins
far lumsctt. 3. He was buried to com- daily. Will dead bodies grow every day
plete bis humiliation : They have brought more and more loathsome to others ? so
me la the dust of death, says David, a should our sins be to ourselves. Do dead
type of Christ This was the lowest step bodies wax out of memory, and are quite
ae codd possibly descend in his abased forgotten ? so should our sins also, in re-
state; lower he could not be laid, and spectofany delight that we take in remem-
m low ma biassed bead must be laid, else bering of them : we should always remem-
ae had not been humbled to the lowest ber our sins to our humiliation, but never
aegrae of humiliation. 4. Christ went into think or speak of them with the least
the grave, that he might conquer death delight or satisfaction : for this in God's ac
ia ma owo territories an? dominions. His count is a new commission of them, and
rsetory over the grave causes his saints lays us under an aggravated guilt and
to vjunph and sing, O grave, where is condemnation.
ay destruction I Our dear Redeemer has
parfianed the bed of the grave by ha CHAP. XVI.
Own lying ia it, SO that a pillow Of down ^j, ^chapter of St. Mark's Gospel contains the
JS not SO soft to a believer's head as a pil- history of onr Saviour's reiurreclioD, and gives
256 ST. MARK* Chap. XVI.
us an account of what he did upon earth, between the watchmen. LeftlQ hence. That COUrage
the time of hia triumphant resurrection, and hia fe ^ ia| gift of God ; and if he give*
A».tw> i. .u i, ,. » U to the feebler sex, even to timorous and
ND when the sabbath was past, fearful woment it H ^ in the p^,, ^
Mary Magdalene, and Mary men to make them afraid.
the mother of Jan.es, and Salome, 8 AmJ th gaid a them,
had bought sweet spices, that they ge, who ^M ^ us ^ the
n,,ght come and anoint him. 2 And gtone from the doof of the ^pul.
very early in the morning, the first chre ? 4 An<| when ^ looke<,
dayof the week, they came unto the . Mw ^ ^ gtOM ^ ^^
sepulchre at the rising of the sun. ^ . for u wag Wfy gnAt & Am,
The Lord of life was buried on the entering into the sepulchre, they
Friday, in the evening of that day on gftw a man gitti on the ri_ht
^•^T^!^ £.£&*£ side, clothed in a long white gtr-
rested in the silent grave all the next day, » , , ' /t-uj
and some part of the day following. Thus ment ; and they were affrighted.
rose he again the third day, neither sooner 6 And he saith unto them, Be not
nor later : not sooner, lest the truth of his affrighted. 6 Ye seek Jesus of Na-
death should have been questioned, that he zareth, which was crucified ; he is
did not die at all ; and not later, lest the T'laeil . he j8 not here : behold the
faith of his disciples should have failed. ,acc where th laid him ? But
tS$S^ ** V" ** '-"* «■ '".*■ «-
together, Ihe and they set out before day £<**!*• ^at he goeth before you into
to visit the holy sepulchre ; and about Galilee: there shall ye see him, as
tun-rising they get to it, intending with he said unto you. 8 And they went
their spices and odours farther to embalm ou« quickly, and fled from the se-
their Lord's body. Here observe, 1. That pulchre ; for they trembled and
although the hearts of these holy women wcre amaEed . ncjther said they any
did bum with an ardent zeal and affection ., . 4 * .. -,^Jl
to their crucified Lord, yet the commanded th/n? * anJ man ' for *«* wcre
duties of the sabbath are not omitted by *tnua«
them ; they keep close, and silently spend Observe here 1. With what pomp and
that holy day in a mixture of grief and triumph doth our Lord arise; an angel
hope. A good pattern of sabbath sane- is sent from heaven to roll away the stone.
tifkation, and worthy of our christian But could not Christ have risen without the
imitation. Observe, 2. These holy women angel's help ? Yes, doubtless : be that
go, but not empty-handed : she that had raised himself could surely have rolled
bestowed a costly alabaster box of ointment away the stone; but God thinks fit to
upon Christ whilst alive, has prepared no send an officer from heaven to open the
less precious odours for him now dead ; prison door of the grave, and by setting our
thereby paying their last homage to our Surety at liberty, proclaims our debt to the
Saviour's corpse. But what need of divine justice fully satisfied. Besides, it was
odours to perfume a body which could fit that the angels, who had been witnesses
not see corruption ? True, this holy body of our Saviour's passion, should also be wit*
did not want them, but the love and aflec- nesses of his resurrection. Observe, 2. Our
tion of his friends could not withhold Lord's resurrection declared ; He is risen .-
them. Observe, 3. How great a tribute he is not here. Almighty God never ro-
of respect and honour is due and payable tended that the darling oi bis soul should
to the memory of thee holy women, for be left in an obscure sepulchre: He is not
their great magnanimity and courage : they here, said the angel, where they laid him,
followed Christ when his cowardly disci- where you left him. Death has tost its prey „
pies left him ; they accompanied him to and the grave has lost its prisoner. Observe^
the cross, they followed his hearse to the 3. It is not said, he is not here, for he h
grave, when his disciples durst not appear ; raised,— but, He is risen. The word inl-
and now very early in the morning they ports the active power of Christ, or the self*
Sto visit his sepulchre fearing neither the quickening principle by which Christ
rkness of the night, nor the presence of raised himself from the dead. Ads i. 3.
Chap. XVI, ST. MARK. 257
He skewed himself alive after his pas- and certainty of our Saviour's resurrection;
mm. Hence learn, That it was the divine namely, by an appeal to their senses :
nature, or Godhead of Christ, which raised Behold the place where they laid him.
the human nature from death to life; others The senses when rightly disposed, are the
were raised from the grave by Christ's power, proper judges of all sensible objects, and
but be raised himself by bis own power, accordingly Christ himself did appeal to
Observe, 4. The testimony or witness given his disciples* senses concerning the truth
of our Lord's resurrection ; that of an an- of his own resurrection : Behold my hands
gel in human shape, a young man clothed and my feet, that it is I myself And
m a long white garment. But why is an indeed if we must not believe our senses,
angel the first publisher of our Saviour's re- we shall want the best external evidence
sanection ! Surely the dignity of our Lord's for the proof of the certainty and truth of
person, and the excellency of his resurrec- the christian religion ; namely, the miracles
tion, require that it should be thus published, wrought by Christ and his apostles: for
How very serviceable and officious the holy what assurance can we have of the reality
sogeb were in attending upon our Saviour of those miracles but from our senses ?
in the days of his flesh, see in the note on Therefore, says our Saviour, if ye believe
Matt. XAviiL 6, 7. Observe, 5. The per- not me, yet believe the works that I do ;
sons to whom our Lord's resurrection was that is, the miracles which I have wrought
first declared and made known: to women, before your eyes. Now as my senses tell
to the two Maries. But why to women, me that Christ's miracles were true, so they
and why to these women ? Why to assure me that the doctrine of transubstan-
women ? Because God will make choke tiation is false. From the whole note,
of weak means for producing great effects ; That the Lord Jesus Christ, by the omni-
knowing that the weakness of the inslru- potent power of his Godhead, revived and
ant redounds to the greater honour of rose again from the dead the third day,
the agent In the whole dispensation of to the terror and consternation of his
the gospel, God intermixes divine power enemies,' and the unspeakable joy and
with human weakness. Thus the concep- consolation 6f believers. Observe lastly,
tioo of Christ was by the power of the The quick despatch made of the joyful
Holy Ghost ; but his mother a poor woman, news of our Lord's resurrection to the
a carpenter's spouse : so the crucifixion of sorrowful disciples : Qo tell the disciples,
Christ was in much meanness and outward says the angel ; Go tell my brethren, says
" ight
being crucified between two Christ, Matt, xxviii. 10. Christ mil
thieves , but the powers of heaven and have said, " Go tell those apostate apostles,
earth trembling, the rocks rending, the that cowardly left me in my danger, that
graves openings showed a mixture of divine durst not own me in the high-priest's hall,
power. Thus here, God will honour that durst not come within the shadow of
what instruments he pleases for the accora- my cross, nor within sight of my sepul-
plahment of his own purposes. But why chre ;" not a word of this by way of
to these women, the two Maries, is the "upbraiding them for their late shameful
tint discovery made of our Saviour's resur- cowardice, but all words of kindness ; Go
action? Possibly it was a reward for tell my brethren. Where note, That
their magnanimity and masculine 'courage ; Christ calls them brethren after his resur-
these women cleaved to Christ when the rection and exaltation ; thereby showing,
apostles forsook him j they assisted at his that the change of his condition had wrought
cross, they attended at his funeral, tbey no change in his affection towards his
waited at hi* sepulchre ; these women had poor disciples : but those that were his
more courage than the apostles, therefore brethren before, in the time of his abase-
God makes them apostles to the apostles, roent, are still so after his exaltation and
This warn a tacit rebuke, a secret check advancement : Go tell my brethren, says
given to the apostles, that they should be Christ; Go tell his disciples, and Peter,
thus outdone by women; these holy wo- says the angel. Where note, That St.
men went before the apostles in the last Peter is here particularly named, not be-
•crrices that were done for Christ, and cause of his primacy and superiority over
therefore the apostles here come after them the rest of the apostles, as the church of
m their rewards and comforts. Observe, Rome would have it, but because he had
6. Use evidence which the angel offers to denied Christ, and for that denial was
tlie women, to evince and prove the verity swallowed uo with sorrow and stood
268 ST. MARK. Chap. XVI.
most in need of comfort ; therefore, says meat, whom he upbraids with their unbe-
Cbrist by the angel, Speak particularly to lief; and to convince them effectually that
Peter, be sure that his sad heart be com- he was risen from the dead, he eats with them
forted with this joyful news, that he may a piece of broiled fish, and a honeycomb,
know that I am friends with him, notwith- Not that he needed it, being he was now be-
standing his late cowardice : Tell the dis~ come immortal, but to assure them that he had
ciples, and Peter, that he goeth before still the same body. From the whole note,
you into Galilee, But why into Galilee ? How industriously our Lord endeavours to
Because Jerusalem was now a forsaken confirm his disciples* faith in the doctrine
place, a people abandoned to destruction ; of his resurrection ; so slack and backward
but Galilee was a place where Christ's mi- were they to believe that the Messiah was
nistry was more acceptable. • Such places risen again from the dead, that all the pce-
shall be most honoured with Christ's dictions of scripture, all the assurances they
presence, where his gospel is most accepted, .had received from our Saviour's mouth,
_ _ . , . yea, all the appearances of our Saviour to
0 Now when Jesus was risen then)f after ne was actually risen from the
early the first day of the week, dead, were little enough to confirm and
he appeared first to Mary Magda- establish them in the certain belief that he
lene, out of whom he had cast seven was risen from the dead.
dcvilt. ■ 10 And she went and told w And he Sftid unt0 thclDf Go
them that had been with him, as they ve inlo aU thc worid, and preach
mourned and wept. 11 And I they, thc gospel to evcry creature. 16
when they had heard that he was Hc that believeth and is baptized
alive, and had been seen of her, be- shaU be saved . but he that be-
lieved not. 12 After that he ap- jieveth not gBau bc damned,
peared in another form unto two
of them, as they walked, and went IIe,re °"r Saviour gives commission to
into the country. 13 And they h'V disciples to congr^te and gather a
went and told t7„lo the residue J ff^^t^!^^
neither believed they them. 14 Af- ture, that is> t0 treasonable creatures
terward he appeared unto the eleven that are capable of it ; not to toe Jews
as they sat at meat, and upbraided only, but to the Gentiles also, without any
them with their unbelief and hard- distinction of country, age, or sex, wbat-
ness of heart, because they believed «*». Learn thence, That the apostles
not them which had seen him after and *■* P^n!f™ °Llhe S08^^*
Iia Wn* riaon commission froth Christ to go amongst the
ne was risen. p^ q^^ witnout limitation or d»-
An account is here given of a three-fold tinction, to instruct them in the saving
appearance of Christ after his resurrection, mysteries of the gospel. The second
1. To Mary Magdalene, not to the Virgin branch of their commission was to baptise.
Mary ; and it is observable, that our blessed Where observe the encouraging promise
Saviour, after his resurrection, first appear- made by Christ : he that believeth, and
ed to Mary Magdalene, a grievous sinner, is baptized, shall be saved; that is, he
for the comfort of all true penitents. Mary that receiveth and embraceth the gospel
goes immediately to his disciples, whom she preached by you, and thereupon becomes
finds weeping and mourning, and tells them, a proselyte and disciple of Christ, and
she had seen the Lord ; but they believed receives baptism, the seal of the new
her not. The second appearance was to covenant, shall for all former sins receive
the two disciples going into the country ; pardon, and upon his perseverance obtain
That is, into the village of Emmaus: as eternal life; but he that stands out obsti-
they were in the way, Jesus joined himself nately and impenitently shall certainly be
to their company, but their eyes were damned. The two damning sins tinder
hodden by the power of God, that they did the gospel are infidelity and hypocrisy $
not discern him in his own proper shape, not receiving Christ for their Lord and
but apprehended him to be another person Saviour by some, or doing thfe feignedly
whom they conversed with. His third ap- by others. Happy are they in whom the
pearance was to the eleven as they sat at preaching of thc gospel produceth such a
Chap. XVI. ST. MARK. 250
&itb as is the parent and-principle of obe- tteness, not to affright them into a com*
dieoee; He that so believeth% and is bap* pliance with astonishing judgments, which
iized, shall be saved. Accordingly some might affect their fear, but little influence
ttraphnoe the words thus ; " He that be- their faith : for the will and consent of
liefeth and is baptized, shall be saved; persons to the principles of any religion,
that is, be shall by virtue of the faith in especially the christian, is like a royal fort.
be put into a state of salvation ; which must not be stormed by violence,
10 that if he continue in that faith, and do but taken by surrender.
sot wilfully recede from his baptismal 19 So then after the j^ bad
r^TrttSthyo !!,?£. °p^rto *~:^™r^J
dale that infants are not capable of Up- JJP "J* h£*Jn' and sat on the nSht
tarn, because they cannot believe ; roust band of God.
also hence conclude that they cannot be Here we have that grand article of our
nved, because they cannot believe; for .christian faith asserted, namely, our Sa-
fiuth is mote expressly required to salvation viour's ascension into heaven, together with
than baptism. Note lastly, That though his exaltation there, expressed by his sitting
it be said. He that believeth, and is bap- at God's right hand ; he ascended now to
iiztd, the same shall be saved; it is not heaven in bis human nature, for in his di-
taid, He that is not baptized shall be dam- vine nature he was there already ; as it
sed j because it is not the want, but the was necessary that he should thus ascend,
contempt, of baptism that damns, other- in order to bis own personal exaltation and
wise infants might be damned for their glorification. When he was on earth, his
parents' neglect. humility, patience, and self-denial, were ex-
17 And these signs shall follow S^jSZ^J^^iI^
»l -u * i. i- i _ u n v«s rage, and man a cruelty j now he goes
them that believe : In my name shall to heavenf that they may ^ rewarded . ^
they cast out devils ; they shall that is a patient suflerer upon earth, shall
speak with new tongues ; 18 They be a triumphant conqueror in heaven ; also
shall take up serpents ; and if they with respect to bis church on earth, it was
drink any deadly thing, it shall not needful ^d necessary that our Lord should
hart them ; they shall lay hands on **** "P *■*> *«»• "—ft' *%*
»• . i_ * * Atf • ii r down the Holy Spirit upon his apostles,
the sick, and they shall recover. which ^ did atVfeast ftpentecosT If
Here we have a gracious promise in J go not away, says Christ, the Comforter
Chrat, that in order to the spreading and will not come ; but if I depart I vill
propagating the gospel* as far as may be, send him to you. And likewise to be a
the Spirit should be poured forth abun- powerful advocate and intercessor with the
daatly from on high upon the apostles, rather in heaven, on the behalf of his
and thereby they should be enabled to church and children here upon earth. Heb.
work miracles, to cast out devils, to speak ix. 24. Christ is entered into heaven
strange languages $ which we read they itself, there to appear in the presence of
did, Acts ii. And this power of working God for us. Finally, Christ ascended
miracles continued in the church an bun- into heaven, to give us an assurance that
died years after Christ's ascension, until in due time we should ascend after him,
Christianity had taken root in the hearts' Jo/inxiv.2. I go to prepare a place for
of men. Irenaeus, lib. II. c. 58. says, that you. Hence the apostle calls our Saviour,
many believers, besides the apostles, had our forerunner ; Heb. vi. 19. Now if Christ
this power of working miracles ; as new-set in the ascension was a forerunner, then
plants are watered at first till they have there are some to follow after. To the
taken fast rooting; so, that the christian same purpose is that expression of the
faitb might grow the faster, God watered apostle, Eph. it 6. He hath made us sit
it with miracles at its first plantation. Yet together in heavenly places in Christ ;
observe, That all the miracles which they that is, we are already sat down in him,
had power to work were healing and and ere long shall sit down by him ; we
beneficent ; not terrifying judgments, but are already sat down in him, as our
acts of kindness and mercy. It was our head, and shall hereafter sit down by him
Saviour's design to bring over persons to as his members. The only way to this,
Christianity by lenity, mildness, and gen- namely, to ascend unto, and sit down
200 ST. MARK. Chap. XVI.
with Christ in heaven, is to live like him, of education, and unassisted by the cotm-
and to live unto him here on earth : If any tenance of any authority whatsoever, yet
man love me, he will follow met and did they in a short space draw the world
where I am, there shall alio my servant after them. The powerful opposition
be, St. John xii. 26. which was raised against the gospel, namely,
20 And they went forth, and the prejudices of education, the power of
preached every where, the Lord i?dwe% J08* £? *$J? ^T** *
Y i- . -*u A ~-a _£_:«„ the world then in bang, did strongly corn-
working; with them and confirming bine jnst it ^ & christianity b^
the word with signs following. Amen. up t^ja* jl this opposition, and made
Observe here, first, The general publi- its way through all the resistance that the
cation of the gospel by the apostles : they lusts and prejudices of men, armed with the
went forth and preached every where, power and authority of the whole world,
Secondly, The reason of the efficacy and could make against it. 4. The great dis-
success of it, namely, that divine and couragements that men were then under
miraculous power which accompanied the to embrace the gospel and the christian
preaching of it ; The Lord wrought with profession ; all the evils of this world
them, and confirmed the word with signs threatened them, mockings and scourgmgs,
following. Observe, I. The general pub- banishments and imprisonments, reproach
licatton of the gospel by the apostles: and ruin; death in all its fearful shapes
They went forth, and preached every was presented to tbem, to deter them from
where. The industry of the holy apostles embracing this religion. Observe therefore,
was incredibly great, yet was their success 2. The reason of this wonderful success :
greater than their industry, even beyond all The Lord wrought with them, and con-
human expectation; which will evidently firmed the word with signs following.
appear, if we consider, 1. The vast spread- The Lord wrought with them ; this points
ing of the gospel so for in so short a space at the inward operation of the Holy Spirit
of time ; for in thirty years* time after upon the minds of men. O it is sweet and
Christ's death, it was spread through the prosperous working in fellowship with
greatest part of the Roman empire, and Christ and his Holy Spirit ; be directs bis
reached as far as Parthia and India. 2. ministers, he assists them, he guides their
The wonderful power and efficacy which lips, influences their minds, quickens their
the gospel had upon the lives and manners affections, sets home their instructions, and
of men; the generality of those that en- crowns all their endeavours with his blessing,
tertained the gospel were obedient to it, And confirmed the word with signs ; that
both in word and deed, because Christianity, is, confirmed their doctrines with miracles,
being an hated and persecuted profession, such as healing diseases, raising the dead,
no man could have any inducement to casting out devils, inflicting corporal dis-
embrace it, that did not resolve to practise eases on scandalous persons, and sometimes
it, and lived up unto it. 3. The weakness, death itself. From the whole we gather
and meanness of the instruments that were the truth and divinity of the christian re-
employed in propagating the gospel, ligion, that it was and is certainly of God,
shows the success of it to be very great and and therefore never could, never can be
strange; a company of plain and illiterate overthrown,
men, most of them destitute of the advantages
THJT
HOLY GOSPEL
«
ACCORDING TO
SAINT LUKE.
CHAP. I. Spirit of God, whose errors and
"pORASMUCH as many have were to be corrected by a true narrative.
r taken in hand to set forth in Thia St Luke declares he was able to make,
order a declaration of those things ^^^^^^^^ ■£
. . . . i u r j knowledge of the truth of those things he
which are most surely believed WMabou\toreiate: pirtly byhislamilLity
among us, 2 Even as they delivered with S(. Paul, and partly by his conversation
them unto us, which from the be- with the other apostles, who, constantly
ginning were eye-witnesses, and attending our Saviour, were eye and ear
ministers of the word ; 3 It seemed witnesses of those things that are the sub-
good to me also, having had perfect ject^rnatter of the ensuing history. Hence
understanding of all things from the )eara' L y* *?» WOT *?* aP^Ph%
«~ £ s. *-_:* «* aL • ^ j writings (or wntmgs which were not of
very fiwt, to write unto thee in order, mJ&A^) r&ting to the New tes-
aost excellent Tneopnilus, 4. That tament, as well as to the Old ; as the books
thou Brightest know the certainty of Asher, Gad, and Iddo, are recited in the
of those things wherein thou hast Old Testament, but were never received into
been instructed. the canon of the Scripture. So were there
This gospel, together with the Acts of the wme Gospels, or historical relations of our
Apostles, were written by St Luke, the Saviour's life and actions, wrote by persons
beloved physician, and companion of St. which the church, never received, as not
Paul, who wrote, as did the rest of the evan- having the impress of God's ordination,
gefats, by the special direction and inspira- Note> 2« That the Gospels which St Luke
Hon of the Holy Ghost : where we may pro- **<* the other evangelists wrote have nothing
fifebly remark the wonderful wisdom of of fallibility or uncertainty in them : they
God, who, in order to the confirming our "rote nothing but what they either beard or
siim in the truth of the gospel, raised up a saw themselves, or else received from those
sufficient number of witnesses to testify the that were eye and ear witnesses of matter of
verity and infallible certainty of all that the *»** '•> It teemed good to me to write, hav-
rid delivers unto us. Now this evangelist, *ng had Perfect knowledge of all things
Luke, dedicates this gospel, together from ihe vayfint.
with the Acb erf the Apostles, to Theophilus, rw«i-wi»w *l j e
who was, as some Sink, an honourable 6 T™* T*8'. }n th* ¥d*r*» of
senator ; or a renowned and eminent person . Herod the king of Judea, a
to the church, as others suppose. But many certain priest named Zacharias, of
take the word Tneopnilus, not for a proper the course of Abia : and his wife
name, but common name, signifying every tra$ of the daughters of Aaron, and
one that teveth God ; to whom St. Luke hcr name was Elisabeth.
addresses his discourse. The first four verses
of this chapter are a preface to the following In this and the following verses, the Holy
hsstory, and acquaint us with the reasons Ghost gives us a description of John the
which induced St Luke to write, namely, Baptist, who was the harbinger and fore-
feecaose divers persons m that age had im- runner of our Saviour Christ; he is described,
prodently and inconsiderately set upon first by his parentage, being the son of
Gospels, without direction from the Zacharias and Elisabeth. This Zacharias
262 ST. LUKE. Chap. I.
was a priest, who bad a course in the tern- gospel and their wives to be, what Zacharias
pie, or a right to officiate there when it and Elisabeth are here said to be, namely,
came to his turn ; for we read in 1 Chron. blameless ; that is, very innocent and in-
xxiv. 10. that David appointed the priests, offensive in their daily conversation.
the sons of Aaron, to minister bu turns, . , . «u u
and divided them into four and twenty " And they had no child, because
courses, every one ministering in the temple that Elisabeth was barren, and they
by their weeks. Here note, That Zacharias both were gov? well stricken in years,
a priest, and attending the service of the 0bsem, ^ L Thil M ^ Zacharias
temple, was a married person, having one ^ Elisabeth, were fruitful in holy obedi-
of the daughters of Aaron to wile, according ^^ but t^^ m cbikiren . a ^^^ ^
to the command of God, Lev. xxi. 14. where ^ a 5^^ womD ^ consistent, and do
the priest is required to many one of his own ^-tima meet together. This religious couple
people. Learn hence, That neither the made n0 leM ^^ in yirtue ^ in ^
priests under the law did, nor the ministers and . tWrrvi^ie coaXd not mke £»
of Christ under the gospel ought, to abhor 'fruitful. Observe, 2. Elisabeth was
the marriage-bed ; nor judge memselves too g^ in ^ floww ^ ^ ^ much
pure foran institution of their Maker. The ^^ ao in old age. Hen was a double
doctrine of the church of Rome, which obstacle> ftod conasquently a double instance
forbids to marry, St Paul calls a doctrine of diyine V0W9 m Ujg birth of John the
of devils. Baptist, showing him to be a prophet
6 And they were both righteous very extraordinary, and miraculously sent
before God, walking in all the com- ^l^^^^'h^^^"1
, . i i- c al God in old times did long delay to give
maudments and ordinances of the the blci8iog of children f0 hol> mf*akt
Lord blameless. he rewarded their expectation with the
r\k-™« k^ i Tk« .— * k.™™, ~r hirth of some eminent and exuaordioary
Observe here, 1. The sweet harmony of _-_„ tk... q««i, «a<~ u. i,...,..
this religious couple in the ways of God : ^enon: Th£ f^9 **? long1,hf^"
Te3 Tb^hwalk^d in the coZandments l^J^XL^^^^^
of Qod. It is an happy match when hus. £ Jac°b > *?%** JL^S^f J**£?& a
u j j y li*rw mmw" www ■■«• Samuel : and Elisabeth, St, John the Bap-
band and wife are oue, not only in them* f. t WV, y^ -^i, *u;. ^niA _•;* iJ£
selves, but in the Lord? Observe, 2. The iBt- W^?n 9°* «akes hisjwple waiUong
sdirca, u«i «u ««, **""• ™ v/;: for a particular mercy, if be sees it good for
nonrenal. y of th«r bolueouKl obedience ■ them ^ w ft ^ ^ ^ f£^
/% vailed, not m k«k. but M «tf rewa^ forBtbeir expectation.
the ordinances and commandments of the . ^
Xorrf. Such as will approve themselves to 8 And it came to pass, that while
be sincerely religious, must make conscience he executed the priest's office before
of every known duty, and endeavour to God in the order of his course, 9
obey every precept and command of God. According to the custom of the
Observe, 3. The high ^mmendaiicn which icst>8 offic hu ,ot was |o burn
the Holy Spmt of God gives of this their *Mm~ „,i— t.A «»..* ;-f^ *k- *™~Ki
religious course of holiness and obedience : ,nrcf.nsef W^B he went into the temPlc
they are pronounced blameless. He that ot tnc L/>rd-
liveth without gross sin, in a gospel sense, Here note, 1. That none but a son of
liveth blameless, and without sin. To live Aaron might offer incense to God in (be
without gross sin, is our holiness on earth $ temple ; and not every son of Aaron neither ;
to live without any sin, will be our happi- nay, not any of them at all seasons. God
ness in heaven. Many sins may be in him is a God of order, and hates confusion no
that has true grace ; but lie that has truth less than irreligion. And as under the law
of grace, cannot allow himself in any sin. of old, so under the gospel of this day, no
Such are the condescensions of the covenant man ought to take this honour upon
of grace, that sincere obedience is called him, but he that is called of God* a*
perfection. Truth of grace is our perfection was Aaron. Observe, 2. That there were
on earth, but in heaven we shall have per- courses of ministration in the legal ser*
fection as well as truth. Observe, lastly, A vices, in which the priests did relieve one
pattern for their imitation Who wait at God's another weekly. God never pursased to
altar, and are employed in and about holy burden any of bis servants with derotkra,
tilings: such ought all the ministers of the nor is be pleased when b» ssrvice is made
Chap. f. ST. LUKE. 203
burdensome, either to or by his ministers. Whilst Zachary wu praying to God, an
Many of the sons of Aaron served together angel appears to Zachary. When we are
in the temple, according to the variety of nearest God, the good angels are n jghest us :
their employments, which were assigned they are most with us, when we are most
them by tot. And accordingly it fell out at with him. The presence of angels with us
tab time, that Zachary was chosen by lot » no novelty, but their apparition to us is
to born incense. Observe, 3. That morning so. They are always with us, but rarely
lad evening, twice a day, the priests offered seen by us. Let our faith see them, whom
up their incense to God, that both parts of our senses cannot discern. Their assumed
the day might be consecrated to him, who shapes do not make them more present, but
was the maker and giver of their time. This only more visible. Observe, 2. The place,
acense offered under the law, represents our as well as the time, when the angel ap-
gayer* offered to God under the gospel, peared : in the temple, and at the altar, and
These Almighty God expects that we should, on the right side of the altar of incense.
all his church over, send up to him morn- As the holy angels are always present with
ing and evening. The ejaculatory eleva* us in our devotions, so especially in religious
boos of our hearts should be perpetual : but assemblies; as in all places, so most of all
if twice a day we do not present God with »n God's house; they rejoice to be with us
cor solemn invocation, we make the gospel whilst we are with God, but they turn their
less officious than the law; and can we laces from us when we go about our sins,
lessooably think that Almighty God will j2 And when Zacharias saw him,
accept of less now than would content him hc wa8 iToMed, and fear fe„ upon
him.
10 And the whole multitude of n was partly the suddenness, partly the
the people were praying without at unexpectedness, and partly the glory, of
the time of incense. the apparition, that affrighted this good
Observe here, 1. While the incense was In*n' G,oriou; wdsu^en apparitions, do
faming, the people were praying: while *£r*ht ^il^01^!*1 J** of meD:
the pnest sendsup his incense in the temple We CMPot J"". the 8l*ht f.nd *??<* of
within, the people send up their prayers in ** »?&} without consternation and fear, m
the court withVut The incense of the °" fml ^r^/^0 ^FJ """i
priest and the prayers of the people meet, wnen» J00**1** tf l"B *"* lft!12*2?
aal go up to heaven together/ Hend ^^^'T^^kI^^^
tao/n* it is a blessed tSng, when both &S?i£&
minister and people jointly offer up their God WIt^hfht ^l10,^^!1 * "*
payers for eacVotber at Jsame throne of °ow.8ee/hee H *** "f & .w8ht =
gmce, and mutually strive together in their Sti tn «*• 9ecu^ non tn hoc' Vxsxo tua>
s^icatioos,oiiewitb,aiidonefor, another. merce$ mea' Genon'
Observe, 2. How both priest and people keep 13 But the an ^el said unto him,
their place and station : the priest burns in- Fear not, Zachartas : for thy prayer
cense in the holy place, and the people offer js heard; and thy wife Elisabeth
nptheir prayers in the outward I court. The shall bear thee a son, aad thou shall
go into the holy of holies to burn incense. Observe here, 1. How apprehensive this
Whilst the partition-wall stood betwixt Jew good angel was of Zachary*s surprising fear,
and Gentile, there was also a partition be- and encourages him against it. The holy
twist the Jews themselves. But now, under angels, though they do not express it in
the gospel, every man is a priest to God, words, yet they pity our frailties, and sug-
aod may enter the holy of holies by the gest comfort to us. The evil angels, if they
blood of Jesus. But, Lord! what are we might, would kill us with terror ; the £ood
the better for this peat and gracious freedom angels labour together for our tranquillity
of access to thee, if we want hearts to prize and cheerfulness: The angel said unto him,
aod improve our privilege from thee ! fear not. Observe, 2. The comfortable
«t i.j<L j * i_- words spoken by the angel to Zacharias:
^hT aPPT*? UT*° him Thy prayer is lard; and thy mfe Eli-
an angel of the Lord, standing on saheth shall hear thee a son. No doubt,
the right side of the altar of incense. Zachary and Elisabeth had often prayed
264 ST. LUKE. Chap. L
for a child, and now God sends them one and bring little honour and glory to
when they least expected it. Learn hence, But the man that does all the possible ser-
That sometimes God gives in a mercy to us vice he can for God, and the utmost good
when we least expect it ; yea when we have that he is capable of doing to all man-
given over looking for it. No doubt it kind ; he is a person great in the tight
was the case here, Zachary and Elisabeth of the Lord ; and such was the holy rap-
being both well stricken in age. Ob- tist. (3.) It is foretold that be should drink
serve, 3. The name which the angel di- neither vine nor strong drink; that is,
rected Zachary to give his son : Thou shalt that he should be a very temperate and
call his name John, which signifies gra- abstemious person, living after the manner
cious ; because he was to open the king- of the Nazarites, though be was not sepa-
dom of grace, and to preach the grace of rated by any vow of his own, or his pa-
the gospel through Jesus Christ. The giv- rents, but by the special designation and
ing of significant names to children, has appointment of God only. It was forbid-
been an ancient and pious practice ; names den the priests under the law to' drink either
which either carried a remembrance of duty wine or strong drink, upon pain of death,
or of mercy in them. during the time of their ministration, Lev.
i a a i it i hi j *• 9. And the ministers of Christ under
14 And thou shalt have joy and the { m forbidden to ^ lovers of
gladness ; and many shall rejoice at wine> x Tim. iii# 3# ,4.) He shaU ^
his birth. 15 For he shall be great in filled with the Holy Ghost from his mo-
the sight of the Lord, and shall drink thcr's womb ; that is, he shall be furnished
neither wine nor strong drink ; and abundantly with the extraordinary gifts
he shall be filled with the Holy and sanctifying graces of the Holy Spirit,
Ghost, even from his mother s womb. wh*ch shal[ ^ ,"&W" l0 *?** him'
, i „T I \h 5 i a fu *' abl* office is declared : that he should go
rael shall he turn to the Lord their before the Messiah, as his harbinger and
God. 17 And he shall go before forerunner, with the same spirit and seal
him in the spirit and power of Elias, and courage against sin, which was found
to turn the hearts of the fathers in the old prophet Elias, whom be did
to the children, and the disobedi- w nearly resemble. (6.) The great success
ent to the wisdom of the iust ; to <* h» »«■■ ■* » fo"*0,d/ "™*Tt That
• ■ i a e he should turn the hearts of the fathers
make ready a people prepared for u ihe ^^ and the Jdt$0Ut€nt fo
the Lord . tne wisdom of the just ; that is, the hearts
Here the angel declares to Zachary, what of the Jews to the Gentiles, say some; that
kind of son should be born unto him, he should bring men, say others, even the
even one of eminent endowments, and de- most disobedient and rebellious Pharisees
signed for extraordinary services. The and Sadducees, publicans and sinners*
proof of children makes them either tbe unto repentance, and unto the minding of
blessings or crosses of their parents. What justice and righteousness, and all moral
greater comfort could Zachary desire in a duties ; and thus he made ready a people
child, than is here promised to him ? (1.) for the Lord, by fitting men to receive
He hears of a son that should bring joy Christ upon his own terms and conditions;
to himself, and many others ; even to namely, faith and repentance. From tbe
all that did expect the coming of the Mes- whole note, That those whom Almighty
sias, whose forerunner the Baptist was. (2.) God designs for eminent usefulness in his
That he should be great in the sight of church, be furnishes with endowments
the Lord: that is, a person of great emi- suitable to their employment; and when
nency, and great usefulness in the church, he calls to extraordinary service, conies in
A person of great riches and reputation with more than ordinary assistance. Here
is great in the sight of men; but the was the holy Baptist extraordinarily cai-
man of great ability and usefulness, the led, and as extraordinarily furnished for
man of great integrity and serviceableoess, his office and ministry,
he is truly great in the sight of the -« * j •* u • «j **l
Lord. They6 are little men in the sight 18f And Zachanas said unto the
of the Lord, that live in the world to little angel. Whereby shall I know this ?
purposes ; who do little service to God, for I am an old man, and my wife
Chap. I. ST. LUKE. 205
veil stricken in years. 10 And the was able to bless indeed, namely, the Mes-
ugel answering, said unto him, I sias. was near at hand. Observe lastly,
am Gabriel, that stand in the pre- Jha* tbouSh Zachary ceased to speak, yet
sence of God ; and am sent to 5? dkl n?1 """ to ^f} ha,*,JB.D0*
,„.l •_ .i . i . . .. his dumbness for a dismission, but stays
speak ante thee, and to shew thee out the e^h, j, of his ^^ knowi '
these glad tidings. 20 And, be- that the service of his heart and hand would
hold, thou shalt be dumb, and not be accepted of that God which had be.
able to speak; until the day that reaved him of his tongue. Those powers
these things shall be performed, which we have we must make use of in
because thou believest not my words, *** Public 5ervice of GoA> who wiU a°-
which sbalf be fulfilled in their *f Pl. m »«»fdmg to what we have ; par-
Mason. 21 And the people waited figy?" mRmAy' and reWatdmg 0ur
[or Zacharias, and marvelled that 23 And it came to pass, that, as
he tarried so long in the temple, go,,,, M thc days of his ministration
22 And when he came out, he could were accomplished, he departed to
sot speak unto them : and they his own house. 24 And after those
perceived that he had seen a vision days his wife Elisabeth conceived,
in the temple ; for lie beckoned un- and hid herseif five months, saying,
to them, and remained speechless. 26 Thus hath the Lord dealt with
Observe here, Zachary being slow to be- me in the days wherein he looked
here so strange a message, asks the an- on me to take away my reproach
£ by?11- *&** »b°uldJ. *"<><* *■* among men.
^J^' ^JSfZZZJt <^^>m0 The priests, during the time of their ad-
i^L-^SS ^"l? 5^ \\2i T n,inistratioo,had their lodgings in buildings
ft^^L^ ta T dlCTpateh?d P appertaining to the templel 'zachary ha™
%? Til ^T^ e?ra£d,nary' to de- ing ended8his administration, leaves his
■i L ■"rJf!" ill •. a lodgings, and returns to his house, where
ingbewassohaid _to believe it, and re- bi*w*£ Eljsabeth ^^^ ,he hidet
quad a ssgn.be dbould haw ,it, but such herfelf ^ ^ ^^ from c^pa™
* EL* th°'S? ta * Pun?shmen' of £" partly to prevent the discourse of people
£S?* *S»WeL"* iLTr*0 °^firm rh" «t« * w» out of all doubt that sbTbad
^' ."^Jlt !^ f?E ^f{° u conceived : and partly to give herself op-
W*fclbcb!£ ?*• ,.he,cb,ld' »«. d»mb portunity of returning hiV thankful ac-
SlZ^TL?8 J*?ml *T. 'IS? knowkdgments unto God, who had given
Bouse he had not hearkened to the an- ^ ^ roiraculoug n^y . ^ h^l S^
^' "Sf^ WM J"? £* 5 ^T by taken away her reproach of barren-
?"l i ytmZr-Jt. .u™ 2""? ness, which was so heavy and msupporta-
r^ 5?" ^^ *" W<Wd °f ble among the Jews. Note here two things,
God m the mouth of his messengers » j How pwuslv Elisabeth ascribes this mer!
%* ?wf,,y„!d'1anla,Jr:> . £fi ■"" «y •<> the power of God: Thus hath the
cernriaod bebeved. 2. That notteliev- £rrf jjf^ mf. U j, God that
■g Jbe* worf, ■ a sin which God will fc ^ . rf Jhe womb j() hi$ own
■"'^LPTS : ?." JJi0"6 .S° h»nd, and makes the fruit of it his reward,
k" ^rL^ "I* b*,ieve,.V,e ,nei?I,- and therefore children are to be owned as
gas of God speaking from hnn. Some hig y -^ No(e> 2 How t a K_
wffl havethB dumbcess of Za- ^ ^ bawnneB i, in the sight
j- ^ , -. .. ™. . . . ptoach bodily barrenness is in the sight
ehaiyto be praBgureuve. The pneit,at ^ ^^ t M iritual ^
*""* rf t5L^mpl? *" fln^!!d' £"* to once a reproach to God, a reproach to
Pnuoooce the Uessmg, recorded Numb. ,. . £ re^h |0 ^g^ ^ to
vl 34, 25. which when Zachary was f^^yg^
-wst todo, he is shuck dumb, and can- ^ And Jn the gixth month the
£ tt'A 2te£13i£i -■«» Gabriel was sent from Q0d
*as now at bond; that they must expect, unto a city of Galilee, named Na-
aoother kind of wonhip, and that he who zareth, 27 To a virgin espoused
96* ST. LUKE. Chap. I.
to a man whose name was Joseph, gin as a saint, be doth not pray to her
of the house of David ; and the ~ * goddess. The church of Rome klola-
„:-„;«»„ ..*m* .„«• Uorv on AnH trously uses these words as a prayer to
virgin s name was Mary. 28 And * ^ A£ ^^
the angel came in unto her, and said, for one ^ ft^/*^ they are only
Hail, lAoa Ma/ art highly favoured, a salutation ; declaring that she, above all
the Lord is with thee : blessed art women, bad the honour freely conferred
thou among women. 29 And when by God upon ner to be the mother of the
she saw him, she was troubled at Messiah. The original word signifies, no*
his saying, and cast in. her mind full of grace, bat freely beloved. Com-
what manner of salutation this P^ Mary ^o^er renowned women,
v i j l ort a j iu , -j and what had she, besides this favour, more
should be 30 And the angel said than the Had she the spirit of prophecy ?
unto her, Fear not, Mary ; for thou ao had they ; had she the spirit of sanctifi-
hast found favour with God. 31 cation? so had they: and she had no
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in more immunity and freedom from sin and
thy womb, and bring forth a son, death than they. Accordingly, says the
and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 jngft, Blessed art thou among women :
He shall be great, and shall be called be doth not say, Blessed art foouj *£*' ™-
., 0 C.P u. * , . !-• T _ i men. Let the church of Rome be as co-
the Son of the Highest : and the Lord iouj$ u ^ wiU in lkc comiMBdtli0ll of
God shall give unto him the throne the mother, so they do not derogate from
of his father David. 33 And he the glory of the Son. But now seoseksB
shall reign over the house ot Jacob are they, 1. In turning a salutation into a
for ever ; and of his kingdom there prayer 1 2. In making use of these words
shall be no end. uP°n evcry occasion, which were spoken by
an angel upon a special occasion ! 3, In
In this history of our Saviour's miracu- applying these words to her now in heaven,
lous and immaculate conception, we have which suited with her otflv when she was
several things observable, as, 1. The mes- here on earth, saying, full of grace to bet
senger sent from heaven to publish the news who is full of glory ; and, the Lord is vniA
of the conception of the Son of God : thee, to her that is with the Lord ! Ob-
an angel. An evil angel was the first serve, G. The effect which the sight and
author of our ruin, a good angel could not salutation of the angel had upon the Holy
be the author of our restoration, but is the Virgin : she was afraid. If Zacbary before
joyful reporter of it. Observe, 2. The her was amazed at the sight of the angel,
angel's name : Gabriel, which signifies much more the Virgin, her sex subjecting
the power of God. The same angel who her to fear. All passions, but particularly
had many hundred years before declared the passion of fear, disquiets the heart, and
to the prophet Daniel the coming of the makes it unfit to receive the messages of
Messiah. Observe, 3. The place which God. Therefore the angel instantly says
the angel is sent unto : Nazareth, an ob- unto her, Fear not ? let joy enter into thy
scure place, little taken notice of; yea, a heart, out of whose womb shall come sal*
city in Galilee, out of which arises no pro- vatioo. Thus the fears of holy persons do
phet : even there doth the God of prophets end in comfort : joy was the errand which
condescend to be conceived. No blind the angel came upon, and not terror,
comer of Nazareth can hide the Blessed Vir- What little cause she had to fear the pre-
gin from the angel. The favours of God sence of an angel, who was so highly fa-
will find out his children wherever they voured of him, at whose presence the angel*
are withdrawn. Observe, 4. The person tremble ! But we see the holiest person on
whom the angel is sent unto, to a virgin earth cannot bear the presence of an holy
espoused, whose name was Mary: for the angel, much less the presence of an holp
honour of virginity, Christ chose a virgin God ; nor stand before the manifestation of
for his mother ; for the honour of marriage, his favour: I/>rd J how unable then will
a virgin espoused to an husband. Ob- the wicked be at the great day to stand be.
serve, 5. The message itself: Hail, thou fore the manifestation of thy fury ! Tf the
that art highly favoured, the Lord is sight of an holy angel now makes the best oC
with thee; blessed art thou among women, saints to quake and tremble, what will iK«;
Where note, That the angel salutes the Vir- sight of an infinitely bofy aqd just God then.
Chap. I. ST. LUKE. 367
do, when the wicked shall be slain by the is not declared. No mother knows the
brightness of his presence? Observe lastly, manner of her natural conception; what
The character which the angel gives of the presumption bad it then been, for the
person that should be born of the blessed mother of the Messiah, to have enquired
virgin : He shall he great, and called the how the Son of God could take flesh
Son of the Highest. Great in respect of and blood of his creature ? It is for none
his person; great in respect of his offices ; but the Almighty to know those works
great in respect of bis kingdom ; for God which do immediately concern himself,
would settle upon him a spiritual kingdom, Observe, 3. The holy and immaculate
cf which David's earthly one was a type, conception of our blessed Redeemer : The
which never shall be abolished : though the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and
administration of it by the word and sacra* the power of the Most High shall over.
meats shall cease at the day of judgment, shadow thee : wherefore that hofy
when he shall deliver up his kingdom, in thing which shall he horn of thee,
that respect to his Father. All other king- shall be called the Son of God ; that
doms have had, or shall have their periods ; is, the Holy Ghost shall prepare and
but the gospel-church, which is Christ's sanctify so much of thy flesh, blood, or
kingdom, shall continue till his kingdom of seed, as shall constitute the body of Christ,
glory be revealed. For though it was a work of the whole
34 Then said Mary unto the an- 1™^** * » "*** P^^Y «p
-j u„ ~i,-ii «k:« uJ ~A~;n~ i ir«««, tne H°ly Ghost, sanctificauon being his
gel How shall this be, seeing I know Ih|r 'work And lbe ^ aj]d e*ahet
not a man ? 35 And the angel of that holy thing% 8n0weth the purity
answered and said unto her, The and immaculatepess of Christ's human
Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, nature, and that none was ever born thus
and the power of the Highest shall holy and immaculate but Christ only ;
overshadow thee ; therefore also that because none had ever such a way and
bolv thin? which shall be born of mean* of conaption, but only be: there-
to* shall be called the Son of &* tha'hoty thw8 9ha}.[ f* cafd **e
J* j mX a a Z u u Ti • Son of God; not constituted and made,.
God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin but evidenced and declared. Christ was
Elisabeth, she hath also conceived God before he assumed flesh, even from
a son in her old age : and this is eternity \ but his taking flesh in this roan-
the sixth month with her who was ner evidences him to be the Son of God.
called barren. 37 For with God Observe, 4. The argument used by the
aothing shall he impossible. 38 *°&* !? f S^P Mary m,U"J?d,ef °fT^\
4 ,\J -A n^uJjA *u~ un-j be bad told her: namely, the wonderful
And Mary said, Behold the hand- tkm of her ^^ *EUsabeth in her
maid of the Lord ; be it unto me M ™ wbo was now 5I> monihs g0ne
according to thy word. And the wuh child. Where observe, 1. What an
angel departed from her. exact knowledge God has, and what a
Observe here, 1. The Virgin's question ; particular notice he takes of all the chil-
is? shall this be ? This question doth dren of men ; he knowetb not only
not import her denial of the possibility of ourselves, but our relations also : Behold
the (hog, but her wonder at the strange* thv cousin Elisabeth. The knowledge
DC* of the thing ; it proceeded rather from which God has of every person, and
a desire of information, than from a doubt every action, is a dear and distinct know-
of infidelity. Therefore she doth not say ledge. Note, 2. How the angel strength-
tha cazmot be, nor, how can this he r but, ens her faith by a consideration drawn
Ham shall this be ? She doth not dis- from the almighty power of God : With
tnat, but demand bow her virginity should God nothing shall be impossible, be H
become fraitful, and how she, being a never so strange and difficult. There is
▼agin, could bring forth a son ? Observe, no such way to overcome difficulties, as
2. The angel's reply to the Virgin's ques- by strengthening our faith in the almighty
ton; The Holy Ghost shall come upon power of God. Faith will enable us to
thee. Where note, The angel declares assent to truth, though seemingly incre-
the author who, but not the manner bow : dible, and to believe the possibility of
the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, things, though appearing impossible. Ob-
hut in what way, and after what manner, serve lastly, How the Virgin expresses
268 ST. LUKE. Chap. I.
her faith and obedience, her submission each other. Such a soul as has Christ spi-
and entire resignation, to the divine plea- rituaily conceived in it, is restless and can-
sure, to be disposed of by God as he thought not be quiet till it has imparted its joy.
lit : Behold the handmaid of the Lord ; Observe, 3. The effect of the Virgin's salu-
be it unto me according to thy word. We tation : she had no sooner saluted Elisa-
hear of no more objections or interrogations, beth, but the babe in Elisabeth's womb
but an humble and submissive silence, leaped for Joy, doing homage, and paying
Learn hence. That a gracious heart, when adoration to his Lord, who was then in pre-
once it understands the pleasure of God, sence. If Elisabeth and ber holy babe thus
argues no farther, but quietly rests in a be- rejoiced, when Christ came under their roof,
lieving expectation of what God will do. how should our hearts leap within us, when
All disputations with God, after his will is the Son of God vouchsafes to come into the
made Known and understood, arise from secret of our souls, not to visit us for an hour,
infidelity and unbelief. The Virgin having but to dwell with us, yea, to dwell in us,
thus consented, instantly conceived by and that for ever ? Observe, 4. How Elisa-
tbe overshadowing power of the Holy beth by an extraordinary spirit of prophecy,
Ghost. confirms what the angel before had told the
Holy Virgin : Blessed, says she, art thou a-
39 And Mary arose in those days, mong women, and blessed is the fruit of thy
and went into the hill-country with tpomb; and what an honour is this, that
haste, into a citv of Juda; 40 And the mother of my Lord should come to me!
entered into the house of Zacharias, ^h?re note. How Elisabeth acknowledged
j i*~ii?r u iu ai a j I the incarnation of Chnst, and the union of
and saluted Elisabeth. 41 And it ^ divine and human ^ m ^
came to pass, that when Elisabeth 0f the Mediator. She acknowledges Christ
heard the salutation of Mary, the her Lord, and Mary to be the mother of
babe leaped in her womb : and the Son of God. Observe lastly, How the
Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Virgin is pronounced blessed ; not so much
Ghost. 42 And she spake out with for carrying Christ in her womb by sense,
a loud voice, and saicf Blessed art * for *™°* him, » *» ^ & faith :
Aa .. ■ • i i . Blessed is she that believed. Mary was
thou among women, and blessed is not w blesaed fa bri m forth ^ m
the fruit of thy womb. 43 And believing in him ; yet the believing here
whence is this to me, that the mo- mentioned I take to be her firm assent to
ther of my Lord should come to me ? the message which was brought her by the
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of a°gel > as if Elisabeth had said, " Dumb-
thy salutation sounded in mine ears, nef wa* infrcted on my husband for his
the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ?*"/* *** *? . Wj ***" but*
45 And blessed is she that believed : iWjtM? tt ^Z?* —
r xu i Hi r c &*- My husband a man, an aged man,
for there shall be a performance of J* learned and eminent man, if priest of
those things which were told her the most high God, and the message to
from the Lord. him of more appearing possibility, yet he
disbelieved ; but thou, a woman, a mean.
Observe here, 1. The visit made by the unlearned woman, of a private condition.
Virgin Mary to her cousin Elisabeth. The and the message brought most incredible
Holy Virgin had understood by the angel, both to nature and reason, and yet it is be-
that Elisabeth was no less akin to her in lieved by thee f Blessed therefore is she
condition than in relation, being both fruit- that believed : and know, that as a reward
ful in conception ; she hastens into the hill- for thy faith, all things shall certainly 6c
country to visit that holy matron. The two performed that were foretold thee from
wonders of the world were now met under the Lord" Learn hence, I. That it is the
one roof, to congratulate their mutual hap- property of God to do great and wooderiul
piness ; only the meeting of the saints in things. Our faith must be great, and our
heaven can parallel the meeting of these two expectation great ; great expectations from
saints on earth. Observe, 2. The design God honour the greatness of God. 2. That
and intention of this visit j which was if our faith be great, God's performances
partly to communicate their joys to each will be gracious and full : Blessed is she
other, and partly to strengthen the faith of that believed: for there shall be a per-
Chap. I.
ST. LUKE.
209
fimonce of those things which were told
htr from the Lord.
46 A ad Mary said, My soul doth
magnify the Lord, 47 And my
spirit hath rejoiced in God my
Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded
the low estate of his handmaiden :
for, behold, from henceforth all
generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath
done to me great things : and holy.
if his name. 50 And his mercy t*
on them that fear biro, from gene-
ration to generation. 51 He hath
shewed strength with his arm ; be
hath scattered the proud in the
imagination of their hearts. 52 He
hath put down the mighty from
their seats, and exalted them of low
degree. 53 He hath filled the hun-
gry with good things ; and the rich
he hath sent empty away. 54 He
hath holpen his servant Israel in
remembrance of Aw mercy ; 55 As
he spake to our fathers, to Abra-
ham, and to his seed for ever.
This is the first canticle, or song of
praise, recorded in the New Testament,
composed by the Blessed Virgin with un-
speakable joy, for designing her to be the
instrument of the conception and birth of
the Saviour of the world. Where observe,
1. The manner of her praise: her soul
and spirit bear their part in the work of
tinoksgivuig, My soul doth magnify, my
spirit hath rejoiced. As the sweetest
music is made in the belly of the instru-
ment, so the most delightful praise arises
from the bottom of the heart Observe, 2.
The object of her praise: she doth not
magnify herself, but the Lord j yea, she
doth not rejoice so much in her son, as in
her Saviour. Where note, 1. That she
doth implicitly own and confess herself a
unoer ; for none need a Saviour but a
smner. And, 2. By rejoicing in Christ as
her Saviour, she declares how she values
herself, rather by her spiritual relation to
Christ as his member, than by her natural
fetation to him as his mother ; according to .
that of St. Austin, Beatiorfuit Maria per-
cjptxndo Christi Jidemf quam concipiendo
emraem; she might have been miserable
not withstanding she bore him as her son,
had she not believed in him as her Saviour :
therefore she sings, My spirit hath rejoic-
ed in God my Saviour. Observe, 3.
How she admires and magnifies God's pe-
culiar favour towards herself, in casting an
eye upon her poverty and lowly condition ;
that she, a poor obscure maid, unknown
to the world, should be looked upon with
an eye of regard by him that dwells in the
highest heavens. Where note, That as
God magnified her, she magnified him, as-
cribing all honour and glory to him that
had thus dignified and exalted her: Be
that is mighty hath done for me great
things, ana glorified be his name. Ob-
serve, 4. She thankfully takes notice, that
it was not only an high honour, but a
lasting honour, which was conferred upon
her : All generations shall call me dies*
sed. She beholds an infinite, lasting hon-
our prepared for her, as being the mother
of an universal and everlasting Blessing,
which all former ages had desired, and all
succeeding ages should rejoice in, and pro-
claim her happy for being the instrument of.
Observe, 5. How the Holy Virgin passes
from the consideration of her personal pri-
vileges to the universal goodness of God :
showing us that the mercies and favours of
God were not confined and limited to
herself, but his mercy is on ail them that
fear .him throughout all generations.
She declares the general providence of God
towards all persons: his mercy to the
pious, his mercy is on all them that fear
him : his justice on the proud, he hath
put down the mighty from their seat, and
scattered the proud in the imagination
of their hearts : his bounty to the poor,
he Jilts the hungry with good things.
Learn hence, The excellency and advan-
tageous usefulness of the grace of humility ;
how good it is to be meek and lowly in
heart. This will render us lovely in God's
eye ; and though the world trample upon
us, he will exalt us to the admiration of
ourselves and the envy of our despisers.
Observe lastly, How she magnifies the
special grace of God in our redemption :
He hath holpen his servant Israel ; that
is, blessed them with a Saviour, who lived
in the faith, hope, and expectation, of the
promised Messiah : and this blessing he
declares was, 1. The result of great mercy ;
He remembering his mercy, hath holpen
his servant Israel. 2. The effect of bis
truth and faithfulness in his promises, As
he promised to our forefathers, Abraham
and his seed for ever. Learn hence, That
270 ST. LUKE. Chap. I.
the appearance of the promised Messiah in wry of the mother, be not the fin* and
the fulness of time, in order to the redemp. principal things taken notice of at such
tion and salvation of a lost world, was rejoicing meetings, they took more like
the fruit of God's tender love, and the ef- Pagan than christian rejoicings,
feet of his faithfulness in the promises made 59 ^nd it came to pass, that on
of old to his church and children : He ^ ejgjlt|l day they came to cir-
hath holpen his servant l™ ™J\\ cumcise the child ; and they called
*eed for ever, his fcther. 60 And his mother an-
swered and said, Not 10; but he
56 And Mary abode with her shall be called John. 61 And they
about three months, and returned said unto her, There is none of thy
to her own house. 57 Now Elisa- kindred that is called by this name,
beth's full time came that she should 62 And they made signs to his fa-
be delivered ; and she brought forth ther, how he would have him called.
a son. 58 And her neighbours and 64 And he asked for a writing-table,
her cousins heard how the Lord had and wrote, saying, His name is John,
shewed great mercy upon her ; and And they marvelled all. 54 And
they rejoiced with her. his mouth was opened immediately,
Two thing, are here observable, 1. The an<j hb tongue /ooserf, and he spake,
civil courtesy of the Vinr in Mary towards ™* P™ed God 65 And fear
her cousin Elisabeth. She stays with her came on all that dwelt round about
three months, probably till she was deli- them : and all these things were
vered and brought to bed, not leaving her noised abroad throughout all the
just at the time of her travail ; for the angel hill-country of Judea : 66 And all
told Mary, ver. ?6. fhat it waa then the thcy that had heard them iaid fhem
sixth month with E hsabeth, after which . ^ . hearU . What
Mary stays with her three months, which r c ,.., , ,! ... Ju »■ . .
made up the full time. To visit and ac- manner of child shall this be ? And
company our friends in the time of their the hand of the Lord was with him.
distress, is not only an act of civil courtesy, Observe here, 1. The circumcision of
but of religion and piety ; not a matter of the child at eight days old, according 1o
indifference, but of duty : James i. 27. the commandment, Gen. xvii. Where note,
Pure religion and undefiled is this, to first, The act, circumcising. Secondly,
visit in affliction ; that is, this is an emi- the time, At eight days old. God com-
nent act and exercise of religion, the manded every male child to be circumcised,
evidence and fruit of sincere religion ; and because the males by the foreskin propa-
the Virgin's doing this, was an act and gate sin, and convey original impurity,
instance of her piety, as well as of her By this ordinance God gave his people to
civil courtesy. Observe, 2. The religious understand the exceeding filthiness of sm,
joy, and spiritual rejoicing, which the and that man brings something into the
neighbours and kindred expressed at the world with him, which ought presently to
lying-in of Elisabeth. They did not meet be cut off. Note also, Ttte time of cir-
togetherupon that great occasion only to eat cumcising the child, At eight days old:
and drink and make merry; but they not before, lest the child should be too
rejoiced thai the Lord had shewed great weak to bear the pain ; and it must not be
mercy upon her. Oh, how rarely is this deferred longer, lest God interpret the
example followed in our age ! At the delay to be a contempt of the ordinance,
delivery of the mother, and at the birth of Hence by the way we may learn, That
the child, bow little is God taken notice God did not tie salvation to the outward
of! How little is his power magnified, sacrament; for if the child had perished
and his goodness celebrated, in opening that died uncircumcised, it had been an
the womb, in giving strength to bring hard thing to defer circumcision eight
forth ! And how rarely is this the subject hours. Tis not the want, but the con-
of discourse at the woman's labour! Verily* tempt and neglect, of the sacrament that
if the mercy of a child, and the safe deli- damns : It came to pass on the eighth day
Chap. I. ST. LUKE. 271
ikes came to circumcise the child. We of God, occasioned by these miraculous
find in scripture tbe ordinance appointed, operations : and they laid up these sayings
sod the time limited, but neither the person in their hearts ; that is, considered of
nor the place declared j Moses* wife cir* them, and pondered upon them. It argues
esmcised the child, and that in an inn, a very vain spirit and temper of mind, when
Exod. iv. A duty is sometimes positively we pass over the observation of God's won-
ayomed in the scripture, when tbe cir- derful acts with a slight regard. The true
asostaoces belonging to the duty are reason why we do so little admire the won-
mdetermined. Thus the sacrament of derful works of God is, because we consider
the Lord's Supper is appointed by Christ ; so little of them. Observe, 6. The special
Inst the time, tbe place, the gesture, are favour vouchsafed by God to this child
not positively commanded, but to be pru- John : The hand of the Lord was with
dentally determined. Observe, 2. The him ; that is, God was in a special manner
same is given, or at least declared, at the present with him, to direct and assist him,
rime of the child's circumcising, and that to protect and prosper him. The hand of
by Ins parents : His mother said, He shall God, in scripture, signifies the help of God,
he called John. But how did his mother the strength and assistance of God. Tbe
know that, when her husband was dumb ? hand of man is a weak and impotent hand,
Jas. lis like her husband Zachary had a short and ineffectual hand : but the hand
by a writing informed his wife concerning of God is a strong hand, an almighty hand,
the whole vision, and what name was im- able to assist and help, able to protect and
posed upon him by the angel ; therefore preserve : The hand of the Lord was with
she say?, He shall he called John, and him ; that is, the hand of God and the
Zachary ratifies it, His name is John, help of God ; the love and favour of God,
The nomination was originally from the to support him, the power and providence
angel, the imposition of the name Is now at of God to protect and preserve him. Lord,
circumcision from the parents. Observe, let our hearts be with thee, and then thy
3. How ancient a custom it has been to give heart and thy helping hand will be with
names to children according to the names of us.
their lathers or kindred : There is none of om . , ,. - ., „ .
thy kindred of this name, say they. The £1I6* A.nd hLls father Zachanas was
Jews mads it a part of religion to give hUed Wlth thc Holv Ghost, and pro-
snanbk names to their children, and sig- phesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the
nifkant names. Accordingly they either Lord God of Israel ; for he bath
gave tbesn names to put them in remera- visited and redeemed his people,
brance of God'i [mercy to them, or of their . 69 And hath raised up an horn of
^ t°JL,ni* 7^ZBclfI Bignife f*e salvation for us in the house of his
t tmimhr+nce of God ; which name points „„„.,„ ^ r* -j mn a u i u
at God's snercy in remembering him^ and **rvant &avld/ J.° £9, he 9Pak« by
hia duty in numbering God. Well tn.e. mouth of hl? holy prophets,
then, it is usual and useful for parents to wmch have been since the world be-
live significant names to their children : gan : 71 That we should be saved
let children have an holy ambition to from our enemies, and from the
good the signification of their names, hand of all that hate us ; 72 To
^ hJ?t!*&*' gr0Ce °f •GW; Perform the mercy promised to our
bot now will that gracious name rise up fa*u^B ~-a * u w u i
ment against that child that is ^^ers, and to remember his holy
! Observe, 4. How Zachary's c°venant, 73 The oath which he
is immediately restored to him »ware to our father Abraham, 74
upon the naming of his child. The angel, That he would grant unto us, that
ver. 20. loU him, he should be dumb, till we, being delivered out of the hand of
/Ac things that he had told him should our enemies, might serve him witb-
be performed <; and now that they were out fear 76 In holiness and righ-
SSSTcJ VTZJ't^l Ztie teousness before him, all the days of
press** irmt a a most thankful manner. t.r m~ A j .« i .u %_ t.
Observe, 6. The effect which all this had ?ur hff • ™ A"d ^ou' <*|M, s.ha,t
opon Hie neighbourhood : Fear came ** called The Prophet of the High-
upon mil them that dwelt round about est : for thou shalt go before the
tJtrm; that is, an awful and religious fear face of the Lord to prepare his
272 ST. LUKE. Chap. I.
ways ; 77 To give knowledge of admire to all eternity. Note, 2. The spe-
salvation unto his people, by the re- cial fruit and benefit of this gracious and
mission ofr their sins 78 Throuch- merciful ^rotation, and that was the re-
mission ouneir sins, 73 inrougn demption . of a ^ worid : He hath visited
the lender mercy of our God; ^redeer7ied hts pcop[e. This implies
whereby the day-spring from on that roi8erable thraldom and bondage
high hath visited us, 79 To give which we were under to sin and Satan,
light to them that sit in darkness and expresses the stupendous lore of Christ,
and in the shadow of death, to guide in buying our lives with his dearest blood ;
our feet into the way of peace. a™1 |?ojn *>y price and power rescuing us
out of the hands of our spiritual enemies.
-Here observe, 1. That no sooner was Note, 3. The character given of this Savi-
Zachary recovered and restored to his our and Redeemer : He is an born of sal-
speech, but he sings the praises of his vation; that is, a royal and glorious, a
Redeemer, and offers up a thanksgiving to strong and powerful, Saviour to his church
God. The best return we can make to and people. The horn in scripture signifies
God for the use of our tongue, for the glory and dignity, strength and power ; as
giving or restoring of our speech, is to pub- the beauty, so the strength of the beast
fish our Creator's praise, to plead bis cause, lies in his horn : now Christ being styled
and vindicate bis honour. Observe, 2. an horn of salvation, intimates that be hira-
What it is that Zachary makes the subject- self is a royal and princely Saviour, antl
matter of his song : what is the particular that the salvation which he brings is great
and special mercy which he praises and and plentiful, glorious and powerful : God
blesses God for. It is not for his own hath raised up an horn of solvation for
particular and private mercy, namely, the us in the house of his servant David.
recovery of his speech, though undoubtedly Note, 4. The nature and quality of that
he was very thankful to God for that salvation] and deliverance, which the Son
mercy ; but be blesses and praises 'God of God came to accomplish for us. Not a
for catholic and universal mercies bestowed temporal deliverance, as the Jews expected,
upon his church and people. He doth not from the power of the Romans ; but spiri-
say, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, tual, from the bands of sin and Satan,
that hath visited me in mercy, that hath death and bell : his design was to purchase
once more loosed my tongue, and restored a spiritual freedom and liberty for us, that
my speech ; but, Blessed be the Lord that we might be enabled to serve him without
hath visited and redeemed his people, fear ; that is, without the servile and of-
Whence learn, That it is both the duty and fending fear of a slave, but with the dutiful
disposition jof a gracious soul to abound in and ingenuous fear of a child : and this in
praise and thankfulness to God, more for holiness and righteousness ; that is, m the
catholic and universal mercies towards the duties of the first and second table, aid the
church of God, than for any particular days of our life. Learn hence, That be-
and private mercies how great soever, to- lievers, who were slaves of Satan, are by
wards himself: Blessed be God for visiting Christ made God's free-men. 2dly, That
and redeeming his people. Observe, 3. as such, tney owe God a service, a willing,
In this evangelical hymn there is a pro- cheerful, and delightful, service, without
phetical prediction, both concerning Christ fear •, and a constant, persevering service all
and concerning John. Concerning Christ the days of their life: that, we being de-
he declares, that God the Father had sent livered out of the hands, e}c. Note, 5.
him of his free mercy and rich grace, yet The source and fountain from which this
in performance of his truth and faithfulness, glorious Saviour and gracious salvation did
and according to his promise and oath arise and spring ; namely, from the mercy
which be had made to Abraham and the and faithfulness of God : To perform the
fathers of the Old Testament Where note, mercy promised to our forefathers, and U
h He blesses God for the comprehensive remember his holy covenant, the oath
blessing of the Messiah : Blessed be the which he sware to our father Abraham,
Lord God of Israel, who hath visited his Learn hence, That the Lord Jesus Christ,
people ; namely, in his Son's incarnation, the mercy of mercies, was graciously pro-
The Lord Jesus Christ, in the fulness of raised, and faithfully performed, by God
time, made such a visit to this sinful world, to his church and people. Christ was a
as men and angels admired at, and will free and full mercy : a suitable, a
Chap. II. ST. LUKE. 273
Me, and a satisfying, mercy ; an incompa- into the way that leads to everlasting
able, unsearchable, and everlasting, mercy; peace.*'
whkh God ^graciously »M a the 80 And the child grew, and wax-
hymn of Zachary respects the Messiah, deserts till the day of his shewing
Oteerve, 4. How he next turns himself to unto Israel.
thjs child, and prophesies concerning him : Here we have a short account of John's
And thou, child, shall be called the Pro- private life before he entered upon his pub-
pket of the Highest, fyc. Where note, Uc ministry, which was at thirty years of
L The nature of his office : Thou shall be age : He grew, that is, in bodily stature,
a prophet ; not a common and ordinary and waxed strong in spirit : that is, in the
one, but a prophet of the highest rank ; the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, which
messenger of the Lord of hosts. A pro- increased with his age, and showed them-
poet thou shaft be, and more than a pro- selves in him every day more and more*
pbet Note, 2. As the nature of his office. And he was in the deserts ; that is, the
so the quality of his work : Thou shall mountainous country of Judea, where he
so before the face of the Lord, to prepare was born, till the time of his preaching to
hit soy ; thou, shalt be an herald and and amongst the Jews ; not that he lived
harbinger to the most High, thou shalt go like an hermit, recluse from all society with
before the face of the Messias, and by thy men, but contented himself to continue in
Kvere reproofs, and powerful exhortations, an obscure privacy, till called forth to pro-
dak prepare bis way before him, and mulgeand preach the gospel: and when
make men fit and ready to receive this that time was come, John leaves the hill-
njghty Saviour. Thou, child, shalt be as country, and enters with resolution and
toe morning star, to foretell the glorious unwearied diligence upon his public minis-*
annng of this Sun of righteousness. Learn try $ teaching us, by his example, that when
hence, 1. That it is the highest honour and we are fit and ripe for public service, we
dignity to serve Christ in the quality and should no less willingly leave our obscurity,
idaJion of a prophet. 2. That it is the than we took the benefit of it for our pre-
office and duty of the prophets of Christ paration. John abode in the deserts, till
to prepare and make fit the hearts of men his showing unto Israel; that is, till the
to receive and embrace him. Observe, 5. time: of his setting forth to execute his office
That Zachary having spoken a few words among the Jews.
concerning his son, he returns instantly to ruAP TT
celebrate the praises of our Saviour, com- LHAr' u"
paring him to the rising sun, which shined a ^jy lt came to pa8S jn those
forth m the brightness of his gospel, to Ad • that there went ollt a de,
a^ghten the dark corners of the world: f^ c Augustus, that all
Through the tender mercies of our God, **™ ," ™° .» . & 4 i t a j
vherefy the day-spring from on high the world should be taxed. {And
hcth visited us, to give light to them that this taxing was first made when
sit in darkness. Learn hence, 1 . That Jesus Cyrenius was governor of Syria,) 3
Christ is that true Sun of righteousness, And all went to be taxed, every one
which in the fulness of time did spring jnto his own cjt„ 4 And Joseph
tram 00 high to visit a lost and undone , went from Gan|ee, out of
^^^X^&T^^ ^ city /Nazareth, into Judea,
endofbis appearing in the fleshes to «"»to the city of David, which is cal-
piv* light to them that sit in darkness, led Beth-lehem, (because hewas of
3. Th*t it was nothing less than infinite the house and lineage of David,)
mercy, and bowels of compassion, in God 5 To be taxed with Mary his es-
uad Christ, which inclined him to come poused wife, being great with child.
from 00 high to visit them that sit in dark- 3 And so it was, that, while they
Des«. "Thro^hthetenderbowelsofmer. fc the d were accom.
cL^So^pr^g sCAS Z3JE P^rf ^uUe delivered.
here below, who sat in darkness and the 7 And she brought forth her first-
of death ; and to guide our feet born son, and wrapped him in swad-
£74 ST. LUKE. Chap. II.
dling-clothes, and laid him in a woman ever undertook so hazardous a jonr-
manirer; because there was no room ™t> ^at *?* J° near her delivery ? And
for tU bthe inn. ttZEtXZSSSSSt
The conclusion of the former chapter But as the emperor's command was peretnp-
acquainted us with the birth of John the lory, so their obedience was exemplary.
Baptist *, the beginning of this chapter re- We must not plead difficulty for with-
lates the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ, drawing our obedience to supreme com-
and the remarkable circumstances which did mands. How did our Saviour, even m the
attend it And here we have observable, womb of his mother, yield homage to civil
h The place where be was born: not at rulers and governors ! The first lesson which
Nazareth, but at Bethlehem, according to Christ's example taught the world, was
the prediction of the prophet Micah, chap. loyalty and obedience to the supreme ma-
v. 2. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of gi&trate. Observe, 4. After many weary
Judah, art not the least among theprincts steps, the Holy Virgin comes to Bethlehem,
of Judah; for out of thee shall come n where every house is taken up by reason of
governor that shall rule my people Israel, the great confluence of people that came to
We may suppose, that the Blessed Virgin be taxed ; and there is no room for Christ but
little thought of changing her place, but to in a stable : the stable is our Lord* s palace, the
Have been delivered of her holy burden at manger is his cradle. Ob, how can we be
Nazareth, where it was conceived. Her abased low enough for him that thus neglect-
house at Nazareth was honoured by the ed himself for us ! What an early indication
presence of the angel ; yea, by the over- was this, that our Lord's kingdom was net
shadowing of the Holy Ghost : that house of this world f Yet some observe a mystery
there, we may suppose, was most satisfactory in all this : An inn is domus public i juris,
to the Virgin's desire. But he that made not a private house, but open and free for
choice of the womb where his Son should all passengers, and the stable b 'the com-
be conceived, it was fit he should also choose monest place in the inn; to mind us, that
the place where his Son should be born, he who was bom there would be a common
And this place, many hundred years before Saviour to high and low, noble and base,
the nativity, was foretold should be Bethle- rich and poor, Jew and Gentile : called
hem. Observe, 2. How remarkable the therefore so often, the Son of man ; the
providence of God was ra bringing the Vir- design of his birth being the benefit of man-
gin up from Nazareth to Bethlehem, that kind. *
Christ, as it was prophesied of him, might 8 And there werc in the ^
be born there. Augustus, the Roman em- . .„. ■ • i . -■• • A«
peror, to whom thefcatiou of the Jews was *°™try ^pherds abiding in the
bow become tributary, puts forth a decree that "*!<!, keeping watch over their flock
all the Roman empire should have their ty night. 9 And; !o, the angel of the
names and families enrolled, in order to their Lord came upon them, and the gfory
beine taxed. This edict required, that every of the Lord shone round about them ;
family should repair to that city to which and they were sore afraid. 10 And
jhey did belong, to he enrolled and taxed the , gaid unto th Fear not
have recourse to Bethlehem, the city of of &reat J°?> which *hM be *• *U
David, where, according to the prophecy, people. 11 For unto yon is born
the Messias was to be born. Here note, this day, in the city of David, a Sa-
How the wisdom of God overrules the viour, which is Christ the Lord. 12
actions of men, for higher or nobler ends And this shall be a sign unto you ;
than what they aimed at. The emperor's Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
aim by this edict was to fill his coffers; ijr _ i ,La , « rr
God's end was to fulfil his prophtfeies. Ob! swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.
serve, 3. How readily Joseph and Mary Here we have the promulgation and first
yielded obedience to the edict and decree of publishing of our Saviour's birth to the
this heathen emperor. It was no less than world : The angel said unto the shepherds,
four days* journey from Nazareth to Beth- 1 bring you glad tidings,* Saviour is bom.
lehem : how just an excuse might the Vir- Where observe, 1. The messengers employed
gin have pleaded for her absence ! What by God to publish the joyful news of a
Chajn II. ST. LUKE. 276
Savour's birth : the holy angels, heavenly our flesh and nature, was and is matter of
messengers employed about an heavenly exceeding joy and rejoicing unto all people,
work. It is worth our notice, how aer- 2. That the great end and design of our
yioeable the angels woe to Christ upon all Lord's incarnation and coming into the
occasions, when he was here upon earth : world, was to be the Saviour of lost sinners :
an angel declares his conception ; an host
of angels publish his birth; in his terapta- 13 And suddenly there was with
hoo an angel strengthens him 5 in his agony the angel a multitude of the heavenly
so angel comforts him; at his resurrection host, praising God, and saying, 14
a angel rolls away the stone from the door Glory to God in the highest, and
of the scpdchre; at his ascension the angels on earth peace, good Will toward
attend bna up to heaven ;and at his second r °
earning to judge the world he shall be re-
veakd from heaven with his mighty <w- Although the birth of our blessed Saviour
gets. And great reason there is, that the *as published by one angel, yet it is cele-
angeb should be thus officious in their at- brated by an host of angels ; a whole choir
tendance upon Christ, who is an bead of of angels chaunt forth the praises of Almighty
coiifinnation to them, as he was an head of God, upon this great and joyful occasion,
redemption to fallen man. Observe, 2. Here observe, 1. The singers. 2. The song
The persons to whom this joyful message itself. The singers of this heavenly anthem
of a Saviour's birth is first brought, and are the holy adgels ; called an host, partly
they are the shepherds : The angel said for their number, and partly for their order.
unto the shepherds, Fear not. 1 . Because Where learn, i . The goodness and sweet dis-
Christ the great Shepherd of his church was position of these blessed spirits, in whose
now eotne into the world. 2. Because he bosom that cankered passion of envy has no
was of old promised unto shepherds, the place 3 if it had, there was never such an oc-
oW patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, casion to stir it up as now : but heaven admits
who by their occupation were shepherds, of no such passion ; envy is a native of bell.
Observe, 3. The time when these shepherds 'tis the smoke of the bottomless pit, the
had the honour of this revelation : it was character and temper of the apostate spirits ;
not when they were asleep on their beds of these grieve at the happiness of man as
attenest and sloth, but when they were much as the angels rejoice. O ye blessed
lying abroad, and watching their flocks, angels, what did these tidings concern you.
The blessings of heaven usually meet us in that ruined mankind should be taken again
the way of an honest and industrious dili- into favour ? whereas those of your own
See; whereas the idle are fit for nothing host, which fell likewise, remained still in
temptation to work upon. If these that gulph of perdition into w,hich their sin
shepherds had been snoring in their beds, had plunged them, without either hope of
they had no more seen angels, nor yet heard mercy, or possibility of recovery ! The less
the news of a Saviour, than their neighbours, we repine at the good, and the more we
Observe, 4. The nature and quality of the rejoice at the happiness of others, the more
which the angel brought : it was a like we are to the holy angels j yea, the
of jot/, a message of great joy, a more we resemble God himself. Learn, 2.
of great joy unto all people. For Did the angels thus joy and rejoice for us ?
hem was born a son, that son a prince, that Then what joy ought we to express for our-
prince a saviour, that saviour not a particular selves? Had we the tongue of angels, we
saviour of the Jews only, but an universal could not sufficiently chaunt forth the praises
Saviour, whose salvation is to the ends of of our Redeemer. Eternity itself would be
the earth. Well might the angel call it a too snort to spend in the rapturous con-
message, or glad tidings, of great joy unto temptation of redeeming mercy. Observe,
aU people. Observe, 5. The ground and 3. The anthem or song itself, which begins
occasion of this joy, the foundation of all with a doxology, Olory be to God in the
this good news wbich was proclaimed in highest; that is, Let God in the highest
the ears of a lost world ; and that was, the heavens be glorified by the angels that dwell
birth of a Saviour : Unto you is born this on high. The angelical choir excite them-
datf9 in the city of David, a Saviour, selves, and all the host of angels, to give
whteh is Christ the Lord. Hence learn, glory to God for these wonderful tidings ;
J. That the incarnation and birth of our as if they had said, " Let the power, the
Loid Jesus Christ, and his manifestation in wisdom, the goodness, and mercy of God,
t2
276 ST. LUKE. Chap. It.
be acknowledged and revered by all the and admiration of others. Observe, 3.
host of heaven for ever and ever." Next What effect this relation bad upon the ge-
to the doxology follows a gratulation ; nerality of people that heard it ; it wrought
Glory be to God in the highest, for there in them amazement and astonishment,
is peace on earth, and good will towards but not faith ; The people wondered, but
men. The birth of Christ has brought a not believed. Tis not the hearing of Christ
peace of reconciliation betwixt Goo and with the hearing of the ear, nor the see-
roan upon earth, and also a peace of amity ing of Christ with the sight of the outward
and concord betwixt man and man, and eye: neither the hearing of his doctrine,
is therefore to be celebrated with acclama- nor the sight of his miracles will work
tions of joy. divine faith in the soul, without the coo-
, . . » .. A aL curring operation of the Holy .Spirit :
15 And it came to pass, as the we one ^ maUimmBLrr^9 but the other
-angels were gone away from them makes us believe : All that heard it won.
into heaven, the shepherds said one dcred at these things. Lastly note, The
to another, Let us now go even unto effect which these things had upon Mary,
Bethlehem, and see this thing which quite different from what they had upon
is come to pass, which the Lord the common people : they wondered, she
hath made known unto „,. 16 And Ctiu^^bT s "SXfS
they came with haste, and found thete M and -^^ them £ ber
Mary and Joseph, and the babe ly- heart.
intr in a manger. 17 And when _« . , , . , . .
they had seen it, they made known 2l A"du *hern e,£bt .da>* w?re
abroad the saying which was told accomplished for the circumcising
them concerning this child. 18 And ?' ^^"v hls l,amC wa* c*llfl
all they that heard it wondered at JESVS/ ?hlchuWM •» ™mcd. * *»
those things which were told them a.nSel ***" he was ^ceived m
by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept the womb-
all these things, and pondered them Two things are here observable, 1. Our
in her heart. 20 And the shep- Saviour's circumcision, and the name given
.herds returned, glorifving and praia- fam at his circumcision. There was no hn-
ing God for all the things that they Purity » the f?u of <** ^ yet he is cir.
had heard and seen, as it was told QaTK^^A ba^,^>. though he had
f 1 «**«» «* • wi« neither filth nor foreskin, which wanted
unto tnem. eitner tne drcnincising knife or the baptis-
Several particulars are here observable; as, mal water, yet he condescends to be both
1. That the shepherds no sooner heard the circumcised and baptized; thereby show-
news of a Saviour, but they ran to Bethlehem ing, that as he was made of a woman, so
to seek him; and though it was at midnight, he would be made under the law, which
yet they delayed not to go. Those that be punctually observed to a tittle. And
left their beds to attend their flocks, now accordingly, he was not only circumcised,
leave their flocks to inquire after their Sa- but circumcised the eighth day, as the ce~
viour. Learn thence, That a gracious remonial law required : and thus our Lord
.soul no sooner hears where Christ is, but fulfilled all righteousness, Matt. iii. 15.
instantly makes out after him, and judges Observe, 2. The name given at our Savi-
no earthly comfort too dear to be left and our's circumcision : His name was called
Jbrsaken for him. These shepherds show, Jesus ; that is, a Saviour ; he being to
That they preferred their Saviour before save his people from their sins, Matt i.
their sheep. Observe, 2. These shepherds hav- 21. The great end of Christ's coming in-
ing found Christ themselves, do make him to the world was to save persons from
known to others, ver. 17. When they the punishment and power of their sins*
had seen it, they made known abroad Had he not saved us from our sins, we
the saying which was told them concern* must have died in our sins, and died for
ing this chiUl. Learn, That such as have our sins, and that eternally. Never let us
found Christ to their comfort, and tasted then sit down desponding, either under the
that the Lord is gracious to themselves, guilt, or under the power of our sins;
cannot but recommend him to the love and conclude, that they are either so great
Chap. II. ST. LUKE. 277
that they cannot be forgiven, or so strong serve farther, As the obedience, so the hu-
that tbey can never be overcome. mility, of the Holy Virgin, in submitting
aaajlai.j ru to the law for purifying of uncleanness :
22 And when the days of her pu- for {hm ^ mig^ have pleaded, « What
nncation. according to the law of need have I of purging, who did not con-
Moses were accomplished, they ceive in sin ? Other births are from men,
brought him to Jerusalem, to pre- but mine is from the Holy Ghost, who is
sent kirn to the Lord ; 23 (As it purity itself. Other women's children are
is written in the law of the Lord ; under the law, mine is above the law."
Every male that openeth the womb *ut' >*e ^T^ t wh°"L*A*?
l ml n j i V t .i t j n hoved to fulfil all righteousness, she duti-
shall be called holy to the Lord ;) m fum|s the kw *f q^ wimout
24 And to offer a sacrifice, accord- reiiing or disputing. Observe, lastly, As
iog to that which is said in the the exemplary humility, so the great pover-
law of the Lord, A pair of turtle- ty, of the Holy Virgin: she has not a
doves, or two voung pigeons. lamb, but comes with her two doves to
God. Her offering declares her penury.
A twofold act of obedience doth the The best are sometimes the poorest, seldom
Holy Virgin here perform to two ceremo- the wealthiest : Yet none are so poor, but
xual laws, the one concerning the purifi- God expects an offering from them : he
cation of women, after child-birth, the looks for somewhat from every one, not
other concerning the presenting the male- from every one alike. The providence of
child before the Lord. The law concern- God it is that makes diffidence in person's
iog the purification of women we have re- abilities, but his pleasure will make no
corded, Lev. xn. Where the time men- difference in the acceptation ; Where there
booed for the woman's purification is set {, a willing mind, it shall be accepted
down } namely, after a male-child forty according to what a person hath, 2 Cor.
days ; after a female, fourscore days ; af- viii. 12.
ter which time she was to bring a lamb A. tA , - - ,, _.
of a pear old for a burnt-offering, in case » And, behold, there was a
she was a person of ability ; or a pair of m.an m Jerusalem, whose name was
turtle doves, or two young pigeons, in Simeon ; and the same man was
case of extreme poverty. Now as to the just and devout, waiting for the
Virgin's purification, observe, 1. That no consolation of Israel : and the
she able and allowed to walk, Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And
**? ^Jfl*18 PJfe JfT1* ^There it was revealed unto him by the
note. That she visited God s house at Jeru- ™ • r>i™* <u.» u- -i.«..w -i* -««
«fan, before her own house at Nazareth. J01? p*ost' ** ^ sho"[d nfot »e.e
Learn thence, That such women whom dcath beforc he «ad seen thc m™ s
God has blessed with safety of deliver- Christ. 27 And he came by the
ance, if they make not their first visit to Spirit into the temple : and when
the temple of God to offer up their praises the parents brought in the child
and thanksgivings there, they are strangers Jesus, to do for him after the cu*
to the Virgin'* piety and devotion. Ob- tom of the , m Then took he
serve, 2. Another act of Mary s obedience k. „„ • u;. '_« owj ku««-*i
tolhe ceremonial law: she presented her J?" UP ,in .h.w ann9' and b,essed
child at Jerusalem to the Lord. But how Ood> and 8aid>
durst the blessed Virgin carry her holy babe No sooner was our Saviour brought into
to Jerusalem, into Herod's mouth ? It was the temple and presented to the Lord by
but a little before that Herod sought the his holy parents, but in springs old Sime-
young child's life to destroy it; yet the on, a pious and devout man, who bad
Virgin sticks not, in obedience to the com- a revelation from God, that he should not
mands of God, to carry him to Jerusalem, die until he had with his bodily eyes seen
Learn hence, That no apprehension of dan- the promised Messiah. Accordingly, he
either imminent or approaching, takes up the child Jesus in his arms,
_.__ at band or afar off, ought to hinder but hugs him faster by his faith, than by
from performing our duty to Almighty his feeble arms, and with ravishment of
God. We ought not to neglect a certain heart praises God for the sight of his Sa-
doty, to escape an uncertain danger. Ob- viour, whom he calls thc Consolation of
278 ST. LUKE. Chap. If.
Israel ; that is, the Messiah, whom the his generation, and God in his genet*! km,
Israel of God had long looked and waited faithfully, is weary of the world, and wilU
for, and now took comfort and consola- ing to be dismissed from it. 2. That the
lion in. Note here, 1. How God always death of a good man is nothing else but
performs his promises to his children with a quiet and peaceable departure j it is a
wonderful advantages. Simeon had a re- departure in peace to the God of peace,
▼elation that he should not die until he 3. That it is only a spiritual sight of Christ
had seen Christ ; now he not only sees by faith that can welcome the approach of
him, but feels him too •, he not only has death, and render it an object desirable
him in his eye, but holds him in his hands, to the christian's choice \ he only that can
Though God stays long before he fulfils his say, My eyes have seen thy salvation,
promises, he certainly comes at last with a will be able to say, Lord, let thy servant
double reward for our expectation. Note, depart. Observe, farther, Holy Simeon
2. That the coming of the Messiah in the having declared the faithfulness of God to
fiilness of time, and his appearing in our himself in the gift of Christ, next ha cele*
flesh and nature, was and is matter of un- brates the mercy of God in bestowing
speakable consolation to the Israel of God. this invaluable gift of a Saviour upon the
And now that he is come, let us live by whole world. The world consists of Jews
faith in him, as the foundation of all com- and Gentiles ; Christ is a light to the one,
fort and consolation both in life and death, and the glory of the other. A light to
Alas ! what are all other consolations be- the blind and dark Gentiles, and the glory
tides this, and without this ? They are ira- of the renowned church of the Jews \
potent and insufficient consolations, they the Messias being promised to them, bom
are dying and perishing consolations ; nay, and bred up with them, living amongst
they are sometimes afflictive and distress- them, preaching his doctrine to them, and
ing consolations. The bitterness accom- working his miracles before them : and
panying them, is sometimes more than the thus was Christ the glory of his people
sweetness that is tasted in them; but in Israel.
Christ, who is the consolation of Israel, 34 Allc| Simeon blessed theina
there is light without darkness, joy with- and gaid unto M hig moth*
out sorrow, all consolation without any „ • , » .,. ..., .J . r At*
mixture of discomfort ' Behold, this cAi« is set for the
^ , , , ., ., «m* and rising again of many in
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy ser- Igrae, . and for a Mi which ^
▼ant depart in peace, according to be oken in8t M (Yea, a
thy word : 30 For mine eyes have gword shaU picrce thr0l|gh thinc
seen thy salvation 31 Which thou own soul ai90t)rthat the thoughts of
hast prepared before the face of all hearts ^ reVealed.
people ; 32 A light to lighten the ' '
Gentiles, and the glory of thy peo- kl Tw0 tnin*J ™? ^ <
1 i 1 00 a j t u j •• blessing, and Simeons
pie Israel. 33 And Joseph and his fasseithem : that is, the parents and tht
mother marvelled at those things child Jesus : not authoritatively, hot pro-
Which were spoken of him. pheticallv, declaring how God would bless
These words are a sweet canticle, or swan- them. His prediction is twofold, 1. Coo*
like song, of old Simeon, a little before his cerning Christ. 2. Concerning his mo*
dissolution. He had seen the Messias be- ther. Concerning Christ, Simeon declares,
fore by faith, now by sight, and wishes (o that he should bejbr the rise of many its
have his eyes closed, that he mjght see Israel ; namely, all such as should embrac*
nothing after this desirable sight. It is said and obey his doctrine, and imitate and sol*
of some Turks, that after they hare seen low his example : and for the fall of
Mahomet's tomb, they put out their eyes, ethers ; that is, shall bring punishment
that they may never defile them after tiiey and ruin upon all obdurate and impenitent
have seen so glorious an object : Thus sinners : and a sign to he spoken againsi ;
did old Simeon desire to see no more of that is, he shall be as a mark for obstinate
this world, after he had seen Christ the Sa- sinners to set themselves against Christ
vjour of the world, but sues for his dismis- himself, when here in the work}, was a
sion ; Lord, let thy servant depart. Note stone of stumbling and a rock of offence^
^re, 1. That a good man having served to the men of the world, endxrtag Ate
Two things are here observed, Simeon's
m; He
Chap. IL ST. LUKE. ?W
contradiction of tinners against himself, steady. The devotions of a pious soul,
both the virulence of their tongues, and like Anna's, are as constant, but more fre-
tbe violence of their hands. Doubtless quent, than the returns of day and night.
God's fort design in seeding bis Son into 39 AwJ wbe„ y,^ had p„form«l
toe world was. that througn him the ■■ ,« • ■• \ .. \ riL
^rtf mighibe saved, Johu*iii. 16. But jUthiop according to the law of the
to such persons, whose minds had no relish Lord' thcy warned into Galilee, to
for spiritual things, he became accidentally their own city Nazareth. 40 And
a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; the child grew, and waxed strong in
Secondly, Concerning the mother of Christ, spirit, filled with wisdom: and the
Simeon declares that the sight of her son's grace of God was upon him.
bitter sufferings would, like a sword, pierce __ , ..
ktrkemrt; for though he might he bom, *?ere we see the truth and reality of
]* shook* be not die, without the pains £"*■ human ■*■»•• *££***? ^
of his mother ; as if the throes sunered by from """"T t0 ^"l?00^ *?* ^T^0*1
other women at the birth were reserved for «° youth and manhood. To h» dmne na-
ber to endure at the death of her son. The }ure *° 'ac^BJ°? °! »4drtio« could be made,
suferings of the holy Jesus on the cross, St^r1 ?fT*1!*JESP **"**:
wema?a sword or bagger at the heart of The Deity was infinite in Christ, "was**
tee Holy Virgin, and she suffered with him «» humanity, but capable of additions:
both a* a tender mother, and as a sympa, J* ac3?!°fe "J?? S^Jl " *]?
Misnog member of luj body; yea, suffered fatureof h«body, ^(acuTtiesrfh»mind
martyrdom after him, sattb Epiphanius. J^!a*^hro^h1?e giace "" P0** "
* r r God a Spirit upon him.
36 ! And tbere was one Anna, a 41 Now hia parenU weBt ^ jc.
prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, r08a,em at thc fcast of
of the tnbe of Aser ; she was of a the passover. 43 And when he was
pat age, and had lived with an hus- ||W,¥e fl old> they went up to
band aeven years from her virginity; Jeril9aletn after the custom of the
97 And she teas a widow of about fea8(a
fourscore and four years, which de- ^ . „« - . ...
. m . * A *' i u * Observe here, The persons makmg this
parted not from the teiI1ple, but y^iy journey to Jen^Jem ; our Savknir-s
served God with fastings and prav- ?aieais j^ himself. 1. Joseph, who is
ers night and day. 38 And she called Christ'* father, not that he was his
coming in that instant, gave thanks natural father, for Christ had no fether upon
likewise unto the Lord, and spake of earth : but Joseph was his reputed and sun-
tan to all them that looked for re- P05*1 fathe* his nursing father, who by the
deo.pdon i„ Jerusalem ffiTSttEife SfiSi
Simeon is seconded by Anna, a prophet- to Mary. 2. Mary, the mother of Christ,
ess ; she also deplores that the child Jesus went up to Jerusalem, with her husband and
was the promised and expected Mesias : and her son : God commanded only the males
tfaos Christ was proclaimed in the temple by to go up to Jerusalem, the weaker sex were
two heralds of different sexes. Concerning excused ; but the Holy Virgin, well know-
thss aged woman, Anna, it is said, that she ing the spiritual profit of that long journey,
departed not from the temple night nor would not stay at home. Such as will go
dmy : not that she lived and lodged there, no farther than they are dragged in religious
but by her never departing from, understand exercises, are strangers to the Virgin's piety
her daily repairing to, the temple. Thai and devotion. But, 3. The child Jesus In
which is often done, is said in scripture to bis minority goes up with bis parents to this
be always done. We are said to do a holy solemnity, thereby no doubt intending
thing continually when we do it seasonably : our instruction, when we are young to give
thus we pray continually, when we pray as God an early possession of our souls, to con-
often as duty Kquires us to pray. Learn secrate the virgin operations of our minds to
hence. That such duties as a christian per- him, and in our youth to keep close to the
Jornss out of conscience, he will perform worship and service of God, wben we are
with constancy and perseverance', nature so importunately courted by the world.
will have her good moods, but grace is Observe farther, This holy family came
280 ST. LUKE. Chap. If.
Hot to look at the feast and be gone, bat him to be wandering in the fields or de-
they duly staid out all the appointed time, serts, but when they missed him, sought
Joseph's calling, and the Virgin's household him among their kinsfolk : had he not
business, could neither keep them at home, wanted to converse formerly with them,
nor hasten them home before the public he had not now been sought amongst them,
duties in the temple were despatched and Our blessed Saviour, when on earth, did
ended. All worldly business must give not take pleasure in a wild retiredness, in a
place to divine offices, and we must attend froward austerity, but in a mild affability,
God's services to the end, except we will and amiable conversation ; and herein also
depart unblest. Observe, lastly. The con- his example is very instructive to us.
stant t returns of 'their devotion ' They went ^ And u came to ^
up to Jerusalem every year, Wo dim- A .1 • .• r \ • ■ . .
culties, no discoiiragenWts, could hinder fLfter thrf dV» theJ found .hJlm »
their attendance. Though it is no certain the *«nU»le> «Uing in the midst of
evidence of the truth of grace to freauent the dot-tore, both hearing them, and
the public assemblies, yet it is an infallible asking them questions. 47 And all
sign of the want of grace customarily to that heard htm were astonished at
neglect them. his understanding and answers.
43 And when they had fulfilled Observe here,!. The place where the
the days, as they returned, the child «hild Jesus is found, In the ttmvle: where
Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem ; «°u1^ ther? ^ a Tre ,ike!y ?,ace ^^
and Joseph and his mother knew the Son of ^, than in the house of h»
«r-Ajjii**i. Father ? No wonder that hs parents
not of it. 44 But they, supposing f0UDd him there , but that they we^t not
him to have been in the company, first t0 j^k him there. Observe, 2. At
went a day's journey ; and thev twelve years old our Saviour disputes in the
sought him among their kinsfolk temple with the doctors of the law : never
and acquaintance. 45 And when bad those great rabbies heard the voice of
they found him not, they turned web » tutor. Thus, in our Saviour^ non-
back again to Jerusalem, seeking age, he gives us a proof of his proficiency ;
, . a '9 even as the spring shows us what we may
ln1, hope for of the tree in summer. Our Savi*
The service of the temple being ended, our discovered his accomplishmento by de-
they return home to Nazareth. Religious &"** : had his perfections appeared all at
duties are not to be attended to the pre- once» they had rather dazzled, than delight,
judice and neglect of our particular callings. «t the eyes of the beholders ; even as the
God calls us, as well from his house as to 8un would confound all eyes, should it ap-
his house. They are much mistaken, who P*"" at ita firet risinf m its ful1 ^ength.
think God is pleased with nothing but devo- Christ c0^ now ,have tought a" *****
tion : he that says, Be fervent in spirit scrv- &<**> rabbies the deep mysteries of God *
ins the Lord, says also, Be not slothful in but h*"? not J* <*** DY his Father to
business. Piety and industry must keep he a public teacher, he contents himself to
pace with one another ; God is as well hear with diligence, and to ask with modes-
pleased with our return to Nazareth, as ^ ***** hence, That parts and abilities
with our going up to Jerusalem. Observe for *hc ministerial function arc s not sufficient
farther, Though Joseph and Mary returned t0 warrant our undertaking of it without a
home, the child Jesus, unknown to them, regular call. Christ himself would not run,
stays behind. Their back was no sooner no D0* ™ his heavenly Father's errand, be-
turned upon the temple, but his face was fore he was sent, much less should we.
towards it ; Christ had business in that 48 And when they saw him, they
place which his parents knew not of. They were amazed : and his mother said
marine him. set* him in the company, unto h{ g why hast thou thus
concluding him with their kinsfolk and d , |ft ? hh{d h f h
acquaintance. From whence we may T t 7 ," li! J *»««*
gather, That the parents of Christ knew and * have Bought thee sorrowing,
him to be of a sweet and sociable, of a free Without doubt it was impossible to ex-
and conversative, not of a sullen and press the sorrow of the Holy Virgin's soul.
morose, disposition. They did not suspect when all the search of three days could
Chap. II. ST. LUKE. 281
bring them no tidings of their holy child, subject to, his parents, obeying their com-
How did she blame her eyes for once look- mands, and, as it is believed, following
iog off this object of her love, and spend their employment, working upon the
both days and nights in a passionate be- trade of a carpenter, as was observed,
moaning of her loss ! O blessed Saviour, Mark vi. 3. Doubtless he did not live
who can miss thee, and not mourn for thee! an idle life; and why should he that
Never any soul conceived thee by faith, but did not abhor the Virgin's womb, a sta-
vss apprehensive of thy worth, and sensi- ble, and a manger, be supposed to abhor
We of thy want : what comforts are we ca- the works of an honest vocation ? Observe
pabie of, while we want thee ? and what farther, What a singular pattern is here for
relish can we taste in an earthly delight children to imitate and follow, in their
without thee ? subjection to their parents. If the greatest
and highest of mortals think themselves
49 And he said unto them, How above their parents* commands, our Saviour
is it that ye sought me ? wist ye did not so ; he paid homage to the womb
not that I must be about my Father's that bare him» a°d t0 his supposed lather
business > that Provid€£ fo* hhn- Letka ***?» £
never so high above others, he is still be-
Observe here, That Christ blames not his |pw and inferior to his parents. Jesus
parents for their solicitous care of him, but dwelt ^lth h» rarents, and xras subject
ihows them how able he was to live with- un}9 them: °™erve', *!?** 4 f™?>
out any dependency upon them and their evidence of our Saviours humanity, with
care: and aho to let them understand, that ^P*?1 *> 1hl9J hum5n **w* which con-
higher respects had called him away ; that M8tfd. of body «** *>ul • . te d,d &<>"
as he taJroeat to eat, so he had work to and, pP"?ve, his body in stature, his
do, which they knew not of. For, says ?>ul ln WBdom i «"* he became every
be, Wist *c not that I must be about my ?ay a more T10?0? and \l^?OU8 ?ere°11
Father's business * As if he had saia, m the eyes of all, being highly in favour
« Although 1 owe respect to you as my na- ™ih w,tth y0* ?n* man\ Vam theiJ ,s
toral parents, yet my duty to my heavenly the conclusion of the Socman* from this
Fath**niust be preferred. I am about his text' that Christ could not be God ; bc-
work, promotinghis glorv, and propagating ?«» God ^^ wax ■*"»* !n Tnt' °j
ha troth." We have also a Father in urease m wisdom, as Christ is here said
heaven. O how good it is to steal away to do; for Gods perfections are mfinite,
from our earthly distractions that we may and *"? ■*"*{* ™ mcreftJe' YSfSS
employ ourselves immediately in his service ! u BPlwn' .that th» n?™* *** debuted
that When the world makes enquiry after us, |° Chn* m *& and stature, respects his
we may sav, as our Saviour did before us, ^nity : the wisdom and endowments
Wist we not that I must be about my JRj- of n» humai! romd .were «P»«« of m*
thrti business 9 <*?*** ***& his divine nerfections were
absolutely perfect. So glad are these men
60 And they understood not the °f *• >* ^owe £ aelext',£a* ***
saying which he spake unto them, cJoud the divinity of the Son of God.
M And he went down with them, niAP m
and came to Nazareth, and was sub- CHAP. III.
jeet unto them : but his mother kept ._ „ w . „. r .
all these sayings in her heart. 52 N°^ in *h* fif*en'h ****<£* ♦•
And Jesus increased in wisdom and „., reign of Tiberius Cesar Pontius
stature, and in favour with God and ^% b*in* f °;ern?r °/ '**f*9 ™a
man Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and
his brother Philip tetrarch of It urea
The most material passage of our Savi- a0(j 0f the region of Trachonitis,
oar's life for the first twelve years is here and Ly8anja8 tne tetrarch of Abilene,
sffLTW::Wff^ss ^ra-9^Caiapia8^T **
nest eighteen year* namely, till Tie was h>Rh priests.the word of God came
thkty. the Kripture doth not mention. It unto John the son of Zachanas in
aid, that be lived witb, and was the wilderness.
382 ST. LUKE. Chap. III.-
The two foregoing chapters give us an his paths straight 5 Every valley
account of the birth of our Saviour Christ, shall be filled, and every mountain
and of John the Baptist. The evangelist and nfl| s\xtLi\ be brought low ; and
now leaving the history of our blessed Sa- ^ crooks 8hall be made straight,
viour for eighteen W™*** " d h h gkM be mad
was thirty years old, (the Holy Ghost having A. *. , Ju A , • t1 *
thought fit to conceal that part of our Sa- smooth : 6 And all flesh shall see
viour's private life from our knowledge,) the salvation of God.
he begins this chapter with a relation of
the Baptist's ministry, acquainting us with Observe here, 1. The place where the
the time when, and the place where, and Baptist exercised his ministry ; in the wri-
the doctrine which, the Baptist taught. Ob- derness of Judea, where were some cities,
serve, 1. The time described when St John and villages, though thinly inhabited,
began his public ministry, namely, when Note here. The great humility of the Bap-
Tiberius was emperor, and Annas and tist in preaching in an obscure place, and
Caiaphas high priests. Observe, 2. In the to a small handful of people. Jerusalem,
fifteenth year of Tiberius, when the Jews some might think, was a fitter place for
were entirely under the power of the Ro- bo celebrated a preacher ; but God had
mans, who set four governors over them, called him {p preach in the wilderness,
called Tetrarchs, so named from their nil- and there he opens his commission. Learn,
ing over a fourth part of the kingdom. That the most eminent of God's ministers
From hence the Jews might have observed, must be content to execute their office, and
had not prejudice blinded their eyes, that exercise their ministry, where God calls
the sceptre being thus departed from Judah, them, be the place never so mean and ob-
accordmg to Jacobs prophecy, Gen. xlix. acure, and the people never so rude and
Sbiloh, or the Messias, was now come, barbarous. In the place where God by
Again, the time when St. John began his his providence fixes us, we must abide, till
ministry was when Annas and Caiaphas he that called us thither, removes us thence,
were high priests. Under the law there were And this was the Baptist's case here. He
three sorts of ministers that attended the leaves the wilderness at Gods command,
service of the temple, namely, priests, Le- and comes to more inhabited places : He
vites, and Nethinims ; over these the high came into the country about Jordan*
priest was chief, who by God's command, preaching. It is not only lawful, but a
was to be the first-born of Aaron's family, necessary duty, for the ministers of God to
But how came two high priests here, see- remove from one place and people to
ing God never appointed but one at a another, provided their call be clear, their
time ? In answer to this, say some, The way plain, the good of souls their motive,
power and covetousness of the Romans put and the glory of God their end. Ob-
rn high priests at pleasure to officiate for serve, 2. The doctrine which the Baptist
gain. Say others, the high priest was preached : namely, the baptism of repen-
allowed his assistant or deputy, who in tancefor the remission of sins ; that is,
case of his pollution and sickness, did of- the doctrine of baptism, which aeateta
ficiate in his place. But that which we remission of sins to the party baptized,
may profitably observe from hence, is this, Learn hence, That the preaching of the doc-
The exactness and faithfulness of this his- trine of repentance is the indispensable duty
torian, St. Luke, in relating the circum- of every gospel minister. John the Baptist
stances of our Saviour's nativity, and the preached it, our Saviour preached it, hiaapoa*
Baptists ministry. That the truth might evi- ties preached it : They went out every were
dently appear, he is exact in recording preaching that men should repent. Till
the lime. we are in a state of sinless perfection, the
3 And he came into all the coun- doctrine of repentance most be preached
try about Jordan, preaching the unto us, and practised by us. Observe, 3.
baptism of repentance for there- The motive and inducement which prompt.
mission of sins ; 4 As it is written f ** ^ ^mffi*J?!±r%
• *l l i * «l j fr •« to fulfil the prophecies that went before of
in the book of the words of Esaias him . As /^ £r/,fc» in the book oftke
the prophet, saying, The voice of propntcieSf The voice of one crying in
one crying in the wilderness, Pre- the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the
pare ye the way of the Lord, make Lord, make his paths straight : every
Chap. III. ST. LUKE. 28a
tally shall be fitted* ice Where note, gospel tender to them. The great end of.
l.Tbe title given to John the Baptist: a Christ's comipg into the world, was to
Vmeet a crying voice. This implies both purchase salvation for all flesh willing to
bis ashemency and earnestness, and also pe saved by him.
ha freedom wriboldoes*, in delivering his 7 Then ^ he to the muUi-
^an^wintrheT-Sh: "-• that came forth to be baptized
nay hope to affect the hearts of others. of hlm* ° generation of vipers !
Note, 2. The sum and substance of what who hath warned you to flee from
he cried: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, the wrath to come ? 8 Bring forth,
to. that is, make yourselves ready to re- therefore, fruits worthy of repent*
«we the Messiah, to embrace and entertain ance; and begin not to say within
badodrme. At loyal subjects, when their yourselves, We have Abraham to
£«? Ate^S? 0^^^^^ our father : for ! *** unto J™' Tl,at
aXhiT^ogiess; all annoyances and ah ^ is •"* °f t]Je8eA Lst?ne8 *°
impediments j in like manner the prepare- raise up children unto Abraham.
tory work of the gospel upon the hearts of St. Matthew, chap, iii, 7, S. says, that
ssiaenv lies in pulling down mountains, the Baptist spake these words to the Pha-
sed tilling up vaiiies ; that is, in humbling risees and Sadducees, whom he gives, first, *
the proud hearts of sinners, puffed up, as a quick and cutting compeuation, O ge~
the Pharaees were, with a conceit of their neration of vipers ; then a sharp and se-
em righteousness, who would be their own vere reprehension, Who hath warned you
ssriouts, and not beholden to Christ, and to fee from the wrath to come f and,
to his free grace, for salvation. Learn last of all, a seasonable exhortation, Bring
hence, 1. That man's heart is naturally very forth therefore fruits meet for repent-'
unfit So receive and entertain the Lord Je- ance. As if be had said, " O ye rbari-
sus Christ, and his holy doctrine? we have sees, and worst of men, I perceive by
naturally no fitness, no inclination, nor your coming hither, somebody has alarmed
daposiuun, to believe in him, or submit you with the notice of that dreadful ven*
usta bun. 2. That if ever we design to geance that is coming upon this generation ; •
entertain Christ in our hearts, we must first to prevent which, you pretend repentance
pstpaie and make ready our hearts for the of your sins : but let me see by your ac-
lecehring and embracing of him. For tions that you are not only demure, but
though the preparation of the heart be sincere penitents ; let me see the fruits of
from the Lord, yet he requires the exer- your repentance in the daily course of
rise of out faculties, and the use of our en- your conversation ." Learn here, 1. That
deavours ; he prepares our hearts, by en- the condition of proud Pharisees, pretend-
abbag us U> prepare our owe hearts, by ing and false-hearted hypocrites, though
getting a sight of the evil of sin, and a very dangerous, yet is not hopeless and •
sense of our misery without Christ ; an desperate ; and their salvation, though the
ixsagenog desjre after him, and a lively worst of men, must not be despaired of.
futb m biro. God does not work upon St. John reproves them for their sins, but :
man, as masons work upon a stone j what yet encourages their repentance. 2. That
be doth in us and for us, he doth it by sincere repentance is not a barren thing,
us ; be works by setting us to work ; there- V>ut does constantly bring forth fruits an-
fore says the holy Baptist, prepare ye the swerable to its nature : as faith without
m? of the Lord, make, &c. The act works, so repentance without fruits, is dead
uf endeavour is ours, the aid and assistance also. The genuine fruits of repentance, are
is God*s. Observe lastly, The encourage- humility of heart, and holiness of life. Ob-
meot which the Baptist gives to persons serve, lastly. The cautionary direction
to prepare the way of the Lord : For, says which be gives to these hypocrites not
be, auJUsh shall see the salvation of God; to rest in their external privileges: Think.
fiat* is, now is the time that all persons, not to say within yourselves* We have
Jews and Gentiles, may see the Author Abraham to our father ; glory not m
of aaJvation, whom God has promised to this, that you are the only visible church
the world ; and may by faith be made that God has upon earth, for God can,
pvjtakers of that salvation which the Mes- out of the obdurate Gentile world, raise
scab sjball purchase for them, and in his up a people to himself, take them into
284 ST. LUKE. Chap. Mf.
covenant with himself, and cast you out and he that hath meat, let him do
Learn hence, 1. That men are exceeding likewise.
apt to boast of, and glory in, their external ' ^^
privaegea, and to place religion most in . The Bapt^ tavmg pressed h» bearers to
those things wherein God places it least **** forti? *«*» ™* ufor "V?*^***
How did the Jews glory in their fleshly de- ^ ™<V™* °uf *,m "^ fa»^thSr ^
scent from Abraham, a£ if God was tied to b"n£ *■* ? J* te,l» ^ ** ?*, Au,t*
Abraham's line, and could have no people of chanty and mercy He that hath two
if he had not them for his people ? 2. That £??"? *< Aim «wr *» Auji M«U<iM m^
it is a vain thing to expect^xemption from This is not to be understood stnctly, as if
the judgments of God, because of outward *J "TT?? "^^ mJ?F™ ?%%!**"*
wivileges enjoyed by us. If we be not ^.T^V^^u? ?at W^-themJ.
oomlgain of the Spirit, it will avail us *ut * *"*» 5?" th*1 ^^? ilu^ <*
notbingTto be born of Abraham's flesh : if this life in ^fLn^di^i\mte^coa^
Abiaham's faith be not found in our hearts, J"*"** thoae ** ." "J*"* ^
U wiU be of no advantage to us that Abra- J™* Th* an ^P*1™ ^^ "* *
ham's blood is running in our veins : Think ^^ chan v m **nb*iog ~ch thmgs
not to toy, We hale Abraham to our as we can well spare towards the relief of
father others necessities, is an excellent fruit of
J * repentance, and a good proof and evidence
9 And now also the axe is laid unto of the truth and sincerity of it : Let him
the root of the trees : every tree, **«' ^atn tvo coat* *mpart io h*m *&**
therefore, which bringeth not forth ^ none' t Note, That the Baptist here
irood fruit is hewn down and cast <*°th not inake it unlawful for a man to have
gooa iruu, is newn aown, ana cast twQ CQA% but mcftM Qn|y> ^ ^ that }m
into tne tire. one coatf which hi, Drotner y^ts, and be
St John having preached the doctrine at P1**51* doth not, should rather give it him,
of repentance in the foregoing verses, he than su(^ hini to ** in want of it Teach-
backs it with a powerful argument in this ioB "» To* * ■ not ^wful to abound in
verse, drawn from the certainty and severity tn08e things which our brother wants, when
of that judgment which should come upon we have efficient both to relieve lus and our
them, if they continued their sins: Nov is necessities.
the axe laid to the root of the tree. 12 Then came also publicans to
Learn, 1. .That it is not unsuitable for gos, ^ baptized, and said unto him,
pel-preacbers to press repentance and noli- Master, what shall we do? 13 And
ness of life upon their hearers, from argu- i . ; . 4. r . _
ments of terroY: John does it here, and *e **1* ""totbeni, Exact no more
Christ elsewhere. 2. That those whose thftn that whlch ls appointed >ou.
hearts are not pierced with the sword of The publicans were persons employed
God's word, shall certainly be cut down and by the Romans to gather the tax of tribute
destroyed by the axe of his judgments, among the Jews, who were now tributaries
Observe farther, That forasmuch as the to the Romans, and paid them a public
sin here specified is a sin of omission, every revenue. These publicans were great op-
iree which bringeth not forth good fruit* pressors, exacting more than was theem~
as well as that which bringeth forth evil peror's due ; therefore we find the publicans
fruit, is hewn downf and cast into the fire, and sinners so often joined together in the
We learn that sins of omission are certainly gospel. These men enquiring what fruits
damning, as well as sins of commission, of repentance they should bring forth, St
The neglects of duty are as dangerous and John directs them to acts of justice : Exact
damnable as the acts of sin. Such trees as not. Where note, I. That acts of justice
stand in God's orchard, the church, and and righteousness, as well as of charity and
bring forth no good fruit, are marked out as mercy, are real fruits of sincere repentance,
fuel for the devil's fire. Observe, 2. John doth not condemn the
10 And the people asked him, ofRce> but <?utions ** o*0*- ff ?*&*-
saying, What shall we do then? {^tes may im^ taxes, tJj^ may doubt-
^ / «? x. , .lL A less appoint officers to collect those taxes :
11 He answereth and saith unto christian charity then must always teach us
them, He that hath two coats, let to distinguish betwixt the calling and the
him impart to him that hath none ; crime. We must not censure any office,
Chap. HI. ST. LUKEr. v 285
other in church or state, for the sake of Observe here, I. How the extraordinary
their mal-administraijon who are employed ness of John the Baptist's person, the ear*
in that office. nestness of his preaching, the acceptable*
. . . . ., ,j. ... , ness of his doctrine, and the exemplarineas
J4 And the soldiers likewise de- of his conversation, drew all persons to an
raanded of him, saying, And what admiration of him j insomuch that they be-
shall we do ? And he said unto them, gan to think within themselves, whether he
Do violence to no man, neither accuse were DOt the Messias himself. He plainly
csy falsely ; and be content with ,ells themhe was not, but only his servant,
\our wages. "is harbinger and forerunner. Observe, 2.
™ * The high opinion which John had of Christ,
Observe here. What a general resort He is mightier than I ; that is, a person of
there was of all sorts of persons to John's greater authority, dignity, and excellency,
ministry ; Pharisees, Sadducees, publicans, than myself. From whence may be ga-
soldiers ; these last here enquire of him, thered, That though Christ was man, he
What they should do to gain acceptance was more than man, even very God, equal
with God t He answers, Do no violence, with the Father : for John himself was the
defraud no man of his own by false ac- greatest of them that were born of women,
oeatioo, but be content with the allow. Matt. xi. 11. yet, says John, Christ is
ance assigned you for your maintenance, mightier than I. How so ? In regard of
Where it is, 1. Strongly supposed that the dignity of his person, being both God
soldiers are insolent oppressors, making no and man ? He that cotneth after me is
conscience or injustice, false accusation, mightier than I. Observe, 3. The hum-
and violent oppression. Tet, 2. The ble and low estimation that the holy Bap-
office and employment of a soldier is not tist had of himself.: His shoe-latchet I am
condemned, but regulated j he does not n°t worthy to unloose : a proverbial speech*
bid them cast away their arms, abandon implying that he was unworthy to' do the
war, appear no more as military men in lowest offices, and meanest services for
the field ; but manage their employment Christ. Lord, how welf does humility of
inoffensively. Whence we learn, That in mind, an humble apprehension, and a low
some cases, and under some circumstances, opinion of themselves, become the raessen-
for christians to make war is both lawful gers and ministers of Christ ! John was a
and necessary. To make a war lawful, man of eminent abilities, yet of exemplary
there is required a lawful authority, a righ, humility ; he thought himself unworthy to
teous cause, an honourable aim and inten- unloose Christ's shoe. Observe, 4. John
tion, and a just and righteous manner of does not only declare the dignity of Christ's
prosecution, without vanity and ostentation, person, but the excellency of his office ; He
without cruelty and oppression. Courage shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost
and compassion on the one hand, and and with fire. As if he had said, M I only
cowardice and cruelty on the other hand, w&sh the body with water, but Christ
do frequently accompany one another. cleanses the soul by the operation of his
Holy Spirit, which is as fire in the effects
16 And as the people were in of it, purifying the hearts of his people
expectation, and all men mused in from sin, and consuming their lusts and
their hearts of John, whether he corruptions; yet at the same time having
were the Christ or not ; 16 John fie7 indignation, and naming judgments,
answered, saying unto them all, I ft™* ""J ^e^^^^S^
• ■ • . 2.. J B ... . {_ A like dry stubble. Observable it is in sen p-
wdeed bftptue you with water ; but turCf thyat Chriat h ^^^^ by one and
one mightier than I cometh, the the same metaphor of fire, in a way of
late he t of whose shoes I am not comfort to his children, and in a way of
worthy to unloose : he shall baptize terror to his enemies ; he is fire unto both,
vou with the Holy Ghost and with He sits in the hearts of his people as a
nre : 17 Whose fan if in his hand, refiner'8 fire 5 J* » a™onft h* en?ni" f8
and be will throughly purge his f fonsummg fire : a fire for his church o
* . ... *v® 1 i,m«bc *"a take comfort m, a fire for his enemies to
floor, and will gather the wheat in- ^^ by. observe, lastly, How the holy
fo h'%* garner ; but the chaflf he will Baptist compares our Saviour to an bus-
burn with fire unquenchable. bandman, and the Jewish church to a barn*
$80 St. LUKE. Chap. HI.
floor ; the office of an husbandman is to that their authority gives them a license to
thresh, fan, and winnow, his corn, separat- transgress. Observe, 3. The heinous ag-
ing it from the chaff, preserving the one, gravations of this sin in Herod : He added
find consuming the other. Observe, 1. this to all his other sins, that Ac shut up
That the church is Christ's floor. 2. That John in prison. This evidenced him incorri-
this floor Christ will purge, and that gible and irreclaimable. John bad preached
thoroughly. 3. That. the word of Christ is before Herod, and Herod had beard John
the fan in his hand, by and with which he with some delight ; but he had a darling
will thoroughly purge his floor. The church lust, which occasioned his destruction,
is compared to a floor, upon the account Learn hence, That hypocrites may hear the
of that mixture which is in the church. In word with some pleasure, and do many
a floor there is straw as well as grain, chaff things with some delight, but they hare
es well as corn, tares as well as wheat, cockle always some beloved lust that most be
and darnel as well as good seed. Thus in spared ; they will neither part with it, nor
the church there has been, there is, and bear reproof for it. Herod sticks not to
ever will be, a mixture of good and bad, cut off that head, whose tongue was so
saints and sinners, hypocrites and sincere bold as to reprove him for his lusts,
christians : but this floor Christ will puree ; * __ VT , „ A, -
purge it, but not break it up ; purge out . 2l. ^oW .*hen a11 the P^P1* wc*<*
its corruptions, but not destroy its essence baptized, it came to pass, thai
and existence: and the fan in Christ's hand, Jesus also being baptised, and
with which he will purge his floor, is his praying, the heaven was opened.
holy word, accompanied with tte wing Q^ , ^ t ^^^^ of
of discipline. The fan detects and disco- ^l vT "*\V »6 T r?" , ^!rvl
vers theFchaff, and the wing dissipates and Christ in seeking and submrtung to thebap-
ecattera it • and bv the he In of both the floor tl8m of John- Chnsf» thou8h *ohn 8 Lofd
•cauersit , ana oy tne nap or ootn the Moor ^ Master, yet yields to be baptized of his
is purged: His fan ts tn hts hand, and he Vj * 7 ^uT1^^* ^
Ji r oug»/y Purg„ *c. =<s - S^^^S^- *
18 And many other things, in his That by this rite he might enter himself
exhortation, preached he unto the into the society of christians, as he had be-
people. 19 But Herod the tctrarch, fore by circumcision entered into the society
being reproved by him for Herodias of {hf Jew9- 2- ™at he might by his
his brother Philip's wife, and for all °.wn ^^ •**&*• S^S™1? rf *£
4. ., . . , r«, j t j j tism unto us. 3. That thereby he might
£? /X1** whlC£ • tr0d h»d J™? ««M« the righteousness of the * ceremonial
20 Added yet this above all, that he jaw, wnich required the washing of the
shut up John in prison. priests in water, before they entered upon
Observe here, 1. In John the Baptist their office, as appears, Exod. Mix. 4.
the character of a zealous and faithful mi- Observe, 3. How the duty of prayer ac-
nister of the gospel : he is one that deals companielh the ordinance of baptism :
plainly, and durst tell the greatest persons Jesus being baptized, and praying. Teach-
of their faults. Herod, though a king, is iDS us by bis example to sanctify every
reproved by him for his adultery and incest, ordinance and every action, with prayer.
The crown and sceptre of Herod could not Christ, when he was baptized, he prayed j
daunt the faithful messenger of God. There wnen he was tempted, he prayed ; when he
ought to meet in the ministers of Christ brake bread, he prayed 5 when be wrought
both courage and impartiality ; courage in miracles, he prayed ; m his agoa^ m the
fearing no faces, and impartiality in sparing garden, he prayed : when he suffered on
no sins. Observe, 2. Who it was that im- **» cro»> be prayed. What was the sot>-
prisoned and beheaded the holy Baptist : ject-matter of our Lord's prayer at this
Herod a king. How sad is it when kings, time is not expressed ; but by what fol-
who should be nursing-fathers to the church, lowed, namely, the heavens opening and
do prove the bloody butchers of the pro- the H°ly Gnost descending, it is probably
phets of God. Many of the severest per- conjectured, that he prayed for some te»-
6ecutions which the ministers of God have timony to be given from heaven concerarog
fallen under, have been occasioned by their himself, for it immediately follows 5
telling great men of their crimes. Men in 22 And the Holy Ghost descend-
power are impatient of reproof, and imagine ed in a bodily shape like a dove
a,aP- '"' ST. LUKE* 20t
•ipoo him ; and a vwce came from row* for it, Matt. Hi. 15. That he might
heaven which said, Thou art my fulfil all righteousneu , that jT fhe
beloved Son ; in thee I am well ngh'eousness of the ceremonial law, which
pleased. required persons to be of that age, before
Observe here, The solemn investing of • yJDJfed T? ** offioe5 **d also en-
Christ into his office, asMediator. is attend. i ? ^m to, ^ '"M?1'**1 or ""bed in
ed with a threefold nurncle; SmelJX £* w^n «"* undertook their office.
opening of the heavens, the descendxDg of ~L£? lJ"l *' ■LeJm hencc« That
the Holy Ghost, and God the fK 7^?^* '8W nT,red » order to per.
roice concerning the Son. The AeaZ,, fect tn^te9tBa^> /*«' Christ fulfilled^
«rr ^W, to show, tbatheavenfS ^t^T l****0?' ^ to nfa °"°
was closed and shut against us for opsins" P"00" "£t aUo,m *he *«"» of all be-
is now opened to usf by Ch^'.^nde^ if "t u 0bsT,e .fartb,f • iTbe ,ille **«> *>
taking for us. Next, The Holt, GAott ,1 f^nJV. he," "J11"1 «*«PPO*dfe-
dttcnd* like a dote toon our Saviour r 7k 2 ■ L 3otepi> WM DOt hi» na,ural
Here we have a proof and evidence of the' I *!f' thou|h f ""PP0**1 hS the Jews 5
We-ed Trinity; trie Fattens Urn S^ST •h">ri Wher, being marriea
heaven, the Soil comes out of te wato i u Vu6,n ,.when «>» S^'ow was born ;
and the Holy Ghost descends after the man' !r r T** hB, ,,,OT",? Jfa,her' that **
oer of a dove, hovering and TersteXw. %* * bttn'. aod P™"*"1 for him' tho««h
ioghim. But wh, d3 the HoW GbS ^^T^JT^^^^^
now descend upon Christ' First For th* ' „ he, Pfe**"1. he could live without
dangnatk» of his person; to show that ?"? ^P^*"* «!»"» their care. Seei««Ae
he was the person set apart for the work
S [^.vssJEyft j! ji?'d;r tke Trof J"*"*
»n for the performance of that office. Now wlllch *■» <Ae **» of Levi, which
was lie anointed to be the king, priest, and ^as the son of Melchi, which was
prophet of his church. Lastly, We have ™e son °f Janna. which was fA* son
here the w«y Gfcrf the Father, pro- of Joseph, 25 Which was the son
SS?30^ ' ?* n^meB of Cbri8t'8 "- of Mat^thias, which was the son of
•S^JiZZS ^T ?- The endear- Amos, which was the son of Nauro,
epneai of bis person : This is my beloved whirh vaa /^.A«rtfr r u- iT '
&«. 3. Ttie frat and benefit of thfe near ^ rJ A€*o»ofEsli, which was
**««£ Learn hence, 1. That there is ™ Maath, which was the son of
J* VPOMibility for any person to please Mattathias, which was the son of
God ootof Christ; neither our persons nor Semei, which was the son of Joseph,
2L Si01??106? *?* fi?d ^eptanoe which was the son of Juda. 27
SAV\miff£tt?* Wh'^^thesonof Joanna, which
^eajd good will which Qodthe Father !J *£, ,k. ? abei rhich Was Mc *^
*ww«h to o>e sons of men. In Christ xt ^alathiel* wh»ch was the son of
God. well pleased with os as a reconciled Jie"» 28 w,»ch was the son of
father; oat of him, a consuming fire: Melchi, which was the son of Addi,
•STJT* !? /dr<r</ *"• ** thee * am which was ike *°* of Cosam, which
ww ***««* wag Mtf tfcM| of Ejmodftmf whJch wM
23 Aod Jesus himself began to '*«*<wofEr, 29 Which was the son
be about thirty years of age, being of Jose> which was the son of Eli-
(as be was supposed) the son of Jo- ezer> which was the son of Jorim,
•epb, which was the son of Heli, which was the son of Matthat,
At thirty years of age, the priests under "SSfl Was ,the son of **"> 30
the law entered upon their public office- Wnlcn was the son of Simeon, which
arcordmgry Christ stavs tlie full time pre- w*s /A« *°» of Juda, which was the
if" j!iry tbe. ,aw' fcefore he undertakes «wi of Joseph, which was the son ot
Da P™10 ""nafrjTt and he gives the Jonan, which was the *on of Elia-
288 ST. LUKE. Chap. IV.
kim, 31 Which was fAe son of Me- accurate in enumerating every individual
lea, which was the son of Menan, penon ; which should teach us not to be
which was the son of Mattatha, over-curious in scanning the parte of thjs
which was the son of Nathan, which SS^'lSL rf 22^L^
. /. n. «j AA \i7i_- i_ against it, because of some seeming con-
was the son of David, 32 Which (radictions to rt# For if tne evangelists
was the son of Jesse, which was the were not nice and critical in composing
son of Obed, which was the son of this genealogy, why should we be so in
Booz, which was the son of Salmon, examining of it ? Let us rather attend
which was the son of Naasson, 33 lo th« deaga of the Holy Ghost in writing
Which was the son of Aininadab, °f * whjch was }wo(o]d- 1- For the
which was the son of Aram, which tE^^S^
. - _, , . . who were his noble ana royal progenitors
was the son of Esrom, which was acc0lding to the flesh. 2. For the con-
the son of Pharez, which was the firmation of our faith, touching the reality
son of Juda, 34 Which was the of our Saviour's incarnation. The scrip-
son of Jacob, which was the son of tore making mention of all his progenitors
Isaac, which was the son of Abra- from the first man Adam, to bis reputed
ham, which was the son of Thara, *?|» J««ph, we cannot reasonably doubt
which was the son of Nachor 35 elther <* the tn,th of bls human natU1^
wnicti was tne son oi wacnor, •jo Qr of fhe cat&ini of hig ^ lhe
Which was the son of Saruch, which mM Me8gia& fj^ we ^ ^
was Me *o» of Ragau, which was Xhat the wisdom of God has taken all
the son of Phalec, which was the son necessary care, and used all needful means,
of Heber, which was the son of Sa- for satisfying the minds of all unpfeju-
la, 30 Which was the son of Cai- diced persons, touching the reality of
nan, which was the son of Arphax- Christ's human nature, and the certainty
ad, which was the son of Sem, £L.h?l>,ng/1tl? Prorot9ed ^^!J **
i . • ,, r XT , . u both these ends is our Saviour s genealogy,
which was the son of Noe, which deacentt ^ ^ ^^^ m £f
was the son of Lamech, 37 Which scripture,
was the son of Mathusala, which
was the son of Enoch, which was CHAP IV
<^«"5>7«e^ which was ^«m AND Jesus being" full of the
of Maleleel .which wa. the «m of A Ho, Gho9t £.turned . ft**
Cainan, 38 Which was the : .on of Jofd ^ wafl M fc ^ g^
Enos, which was the »o» of Seth . ^ wiWernes8.
which was Me «m of Adam, which
was the son of God. At the twenty-second verse of the fore-
going chapter, we find the Holy Ghost de-
We find the genealogy of our blessed scending in a bodily shape like a dove
Saviour recorded by two evangelists, St. upon our Saviour », in this verse we find
Matthew and St. Luke. His pedigree is the extraordinary effects and fruits of the
set forth by St Matthew from his father Holy Ghost's descent upon our Saviour : he
Joseph, by St. Luke from his mother Ma- was filled with all the 'gifts and graces of
ry ; the design of both is to prove him the blessed Spirit, to fit and furnish him
lineally descended from Abraham and Da- for that ministerial service which be was now
vid, and consequently the true and pro- entering upon. But observable it is, that
mised Messias. St. Matthew, intending before our Saviour undertook the minis-
his history primarily for the Jews, proves terial office, he is led by the Spirit otto
him to be the son of Abraham and David, the wilderness, and there furiously assault-
for their comfort. St. Luke, designing ed with Satan's temptations. Temptation*
the information and comfort of the Gen- meditation, and prayer, says Luther, make
tiles, derives our Lord's pedigree from Adam, a minister: great temptations from Satan
the common parent of mankind ; to as- do fit us for greater services for God. And.
sure the Gentiles of their possibility of an whereas it is said, that Christ was led oy
interest in Christ, tbey being sons of Adam, the Spirit into the wilderness to he tempt ~
Neither of these evangelists are strict and ed oj the devil: by the Spirit, we must
Chap. IV. ST. LUKE. 289
goderstand the Holy Spirit of God ; for and then to distrust God's providence and
the devil, I think, is never called the spirit, care ; Command that these stones be made
but has always a brand of reproach annex- bread. It is the grand policy of Satan,
ed, as the evil spirit, the unclean spirit, and first to tempt the children of God to doubt
the like. By his being led by the Spirit, of their adoption ; next to distrust God's
(St Mark says, be was drove by the Spirit,) fatherly care and provision, and last of all
«e may either understand a potent and to use unwarrantable means to help them-
efficacious persuasion, without any violent selves. Thus Satan dealt with Christ, and
motion : or else, as the learned Dr. Light- thus he deals wit)} christians ; for to work
foot thinks, Christ was bodily caught up a miracle at Satan's direction, was not a
by the Holy Spirit into the air, and carried lawful mean of providing food for himself,
from Jordan, where be was baptized, into ■ . A j » ...
the wilderness, where he was tempted. 4 And Jesus answered him, say-
God had put great honour upon Christ at 1DS» lt ,s written, That man shall
bis baptism, declaring him to be his well- not live by bread alone, but by
beloved Son, in whom he was well pleased ; every word of God.
and the next news we hear, is the devil Note fif8t ^ tho h the deyil abuaed
acting him iwith his temptations. I^rn ^ t Christ J* it Good ^
fence, Thai I the more anv are beloved of ^^^^ worae for ^ abused X
God, and dignified wan more eminent g^ and his in8truraeilt8. *Note> M/
t*!™*?. rf ^ &vour, «>mucb the more The which our Saviour made ^
» the devil enraged, and maliciously bent of to va£. h Satan ft WM tbe word of
a«WMt ibeaL God : It ts written, says Christ. Learn
2 Being forty days tempted of the the™*' ™!L/h' l^"? or the written
A-~a k-A :- *k™ ,1™ k- aia word of God* » the only sure weapon
I0" jP* ID lJ0-£ dayu hC dl wherewith to vanquish Satan, and oeat
eat nothing : and when they were back an his fiery temptations. The scrip-
ended, he afterward hungered. ture is God's armoury, out of which all our
Observe here, How the divine power weapons of war must be taken, for ma-
npbeld Christ's human nature without naging our conflict with sin and Satan.
feed. What Moses did at the giving of 5 And the devil, taking him up
the Law, Christ doth at the beginning of into an high mountain, shewed unto
to*^M*m^'f£&9*£**d him all the kingdoms of the world
frtymghts (^nst r^by intended our . *f { A d fc
admiration rather than our imitation : or if " 7. ."*,./„ ^,.
our imitation, of the action only, not of devl1 sa,d unto h,m> All this power
me time. From this example of Christ we will I give thee, and the glory of
learn. That it is our duty, by fasting and them : for that is delivered unto
prayer, to prepare ourselves for a conflict me ; and to whomsoever I will I
with our spiritual enemies. As Christ pre- givc ft. 7 if tnou, therefore, wilt
pared himself, by feting, to grapple with wor8nip mCj au 8naU be tbine. 8
me tempter, so should we. And j£ U9 angwered and 8aid unto
3 And the devil said unto him, him, Get thee behind me, Satan :
If thou be the Son of God, command for it is written, Thou shalt worship
this stone that it be made bread. ' the Lord thy God, and him only
Observe here, 1. The occasion of the shalt thou Mrve«
temptation. And, 2. Tbe temptation Observe, 1. Tbe next sin which Satan
ksdt The occasion of tbe temptation tempts our Saviour to, is the sin of idolatry,
our Saviour's hunger and want of even to worship the devil himself. Oh
bead. Learn thence, That when God thou impudent and foul spirit, to desire
any of his children to fall into want, thy Creator to worship thee, an apostate
and to be straitened for outward things, creature ! Doubtless there is no sin so black
Satin takes a mighty advantage thereupon and foul, so horrid and monstrous, but the
to tempt and assault them. Observe, 3. christian may be tempted to it, when Christ
What it is he tempts our Saviour to ; it is himself was tempted to worship tbe tempter,
the ska of distrust, to call in question his even the devil himself. St. Matthew reads
sonabip ; If thou be the Son of God • it, If thou wilt worship me, ; St. Luk*, If
290 " ST. LUKE. Chap. IV.
thou will worship before tut. From dash thy foot agaiust a stone. 12
whence we may gather, That if to worship And Jesus answering, said unto him,
before the devil, be to worship the devil, jt ig said Tnou snait not tcmpt tne
then to ►worship beforejm image, is ^to wor- j^ thy God. 13 And when the
ft£ TnXt SUJS^ - j*} " «** ■» *• *»P«»".
of to allure our Saviour to the sin of idola- he departed from him for a season.
trv, representing to his eye and view all the Observe here, 1. The power which
glories of the world in a most inviting man- Satan, by God's permission, bad over the
ner, and that in a moment of time, that so body of our blessed Saviour : he took him
he might affect him the more, and prevail Up, and carried his body through the air,
the sooner. Learn thence, That the pomp from the wilderness to Jerusalem, and there
and grandeur of the world is made use of set him upon one of the pinnacles of the
by Satan as a dangerous snare to draw temple. Learn hence, 1. That Satan, by
men into a compliance with him, in his God's permission, may nave power over
temptations unto sin : He shewed him ail the bodies of men, yea, over the bodies of
the kingdoms of the world, and the glory the best of men. 2. That this exercise
of them. Observe, 3. What an impudent of Satan's power over the bodies of men, ia
liar and proud boaster the devil is ; he was no argument that such persons do not
a liar from the beginning : All this will belong to God. Our Saviour himself, who
I give thee, for it is delivered unto me. ma dear to God, is yet left for a time in
An impudent untruth, for the dominion Satan's hands. But though Satan had a
over the things of the world was never power to set him upon the pinnacle of the
given to the angels, neither has the devil temple, yet he had no power to cast him
any power over the creatures, but by per- down . though Satan's malice be infinite,
mission from God. The devil is a most his power is limited and bounded ; he
impudent liar * he told the first lie, and cannot do ail the mischief be would, and
by long practice has become a perfect he shall not do all he can. Observe, 2.
master in the art of lying. Observe also, The sin which Satan tempts Christ to : the
The devil's boasting as well as lying : All sm Gf self-murder : Cast thyself denon.
this will I give thee ; when he had not Learn, That self-murder is a sin which
one foot of ground to dispose of. Great Christ himself was, and the best of his chil-
boasters are for the most part great liars, dren may be, solicited and tempted to ;
and such boasters and liars are like thede- yet though Satan solicited Christ to the sin,
vil. Observe, 4. IIow our Saviour de- ue coU|a not compel him to comply with
dares the true and only object of reli- the temptation. Thence note, That how
§ious worship j namely, God himself: rauch earnestness and importunity soever
Mow shall worship the Lord thy God, Satan uses in pressing his temptation, be
and him only shalt thou serve. ReU- ^q oniy persuade, he cannot compel ; he
gious worship is to be given to none of may entjce, but cannot enforce. Observe,
the creatures, neither to angels nor men, 3, foe argument which Satan uses to per-
how excellent soever, but to God alone. sua(fe Christ to the sin of self-murder : it is
We read but of two creatures that ever de- a scripture argument, he quotes a promise -.
sired in scripture to be worshipped with di- jjt sna(i gtvc his angels charge over
vine worship; namely, the devil and Auti- /^e. what a wonder is here, to see the
Christ : but the command is peremptory, ^evi] with a Bible under his arm, and with
Thou shalt worship the Lord, and htm a text of scripture in his mouth ? Christ
only. had alleged scripture before to Satan ; here
A , , , ... _ Satan retorts scripture back again to Christ.
9 And he brought him to Jenisa- // ;, written, says Christ; It is written,
lem, and set him on a pinnacle of says Satan. Learn, That Satan knows
the temple, and said unto him, If how to abuse the most excellent and com-
thou be the Son of God, cast thy- fbrtable scriptures to the most horrid and
self down from hence: 10 For it pernicious ends and [purposes ; he that had
is written, He shall give his angels ****! {«" !"* ^J^ *2£
* ' aV ? , Al* with his hand, sticks not presumptuously
charge oyer thee, to keep thee ; t0 hand,e ^ hol ^^ £th W7S
11 And in their hands they shall (ongue. Observe, 4. The text of scriptare
bear thee up, lest at any time thou which Satan makes use of: Psal. xci. 11,
Chap. IV. ST. LUKE. 291
12. He shall give his angels charge over in the synagogue were fastened on
thee, to keep thee: where the doctrine is him. 21 And be began to say un-
good, but the ^application bad. The doc- to them, This day is this scripture
thne is true, that God b pleased to employ fu]fined jn vour '
his angels for the good of his servants, and J
particularly for their preservation in tiroes Our blessed Saviour being thus fitted and
of danger: but see how falsely the devil prepared by his baptism and temptation
perverts, misapplies, and wrests, that sacred for the execution of his ministerial office,
scripture. When God promises that his he now enters upon the great work of
angels shall keep us, it is in all his ways ; preaching the gospel, and St. Luke here
not in our own crooked paths. Learn, declares the first place he preached at,
That although the children of God have namely, Nasareth & and the first text he
the promise of the guardianship of his holy preached upon, Isa. Ixi. 1. Observe, 1.
angefa, yet then only may they expect their The place where our Saviour preached at :
protection, when walking in the way of their he bestowed his first sermon upon Nsiar-
duty : He shall give his angels charge eth, the place of his conception and edo-
aver thee, to keep thee in alt thy ways* cation ; .for though Christ was born at
Observe lastly. The issue of his combat : Bethlehem, yet he was bred and brought
Satan is vanquished, and departs from up at Nazareth; there he had his poor,
our Saviour. St. Matthew says, The devil hut painful education, working on his
left him, and angels came and ministered fathers trade, that of a carpenter. This
unto htm. Satan is conquered, and quits prejudiced the Jews against him, who
the field. Teaching us, That nothing looked for a sceptre, not an axe, in the
like a vigorous resistance of temptation, hand of him that was bom King of the
causa the tempter to flee from us. Satan Jews. Our Saviours short and secret
is both a cowardly enemy, and a con- abode at Bethlehem, and his long and
qoered enemy 5 resist him, and he will run. public living at Nazareth, occasioned him
to be called Jesus of Nazareth ; yet soma
14 And Jeans returned in the conceive it was a nick-name, fastened by
power of the Spirit into Galilee : *• d?vil [W* ™ !*£*?! ^L"^
ZIa #w™ —«• *»* „ A.™-, ** k;m dngune the place of Christ's nativity, and
aad there went out a fame of him £>e {he Jc£ at a ^^ ^ co^^
through all the region round about. their Messiah. Sure it is, that this name,
16 And he taught in their syna- jesu4 of Nasareth, stuck upon our Saviour
gogues, being glorified of all. 10 all his life ; and at his death was fixed by
Aod he came to Nazareth, where he Pilate on his cross. Yea, after his aacen-
had been brought up : and, as his «°n> «* » Sieved on him were called,
custom was, he went into the syna^ Jh* *«*of the **™^ « *j*M
7u aul 4L j. a l~ a lowers of Jesus of Nazareth. Observe,
gogue on the sabbath-day, and stood 2 ^^ whk£ om ^^ ^^
«p for to- read. 17 And there was up0D at Nazareth : he takes it out of the
delivered unto him the book of the prophet Essies, chap. Ixi 1. The Spirit of'
prophet Eeaias. And when he had the Lord is upon me, and he hath anoint*
opened the book, he found the place «* me to preach the gospel to the poors
where it was written, 18 The that is, God the Father hath poured forth
Spirit of the Lord is upon me, be- h» "°,l7 ^ J00"* "y™^ ?£
r ii.i ♦ . j A • m all the aires and graces of it, to fit and
cause be hath anointed me to preach fumish me^0r the work of a mediator; and
Use gospel to the poor ; he hath particularly, to preach the gospel to the
•eat roe to heal the broken- hearted, poor in spirit, and to such as are poor in
to preach deliverance to the captives, outward condition also, if meekened and
and recovering of sight to the blind, humbled with the sight and tense of their
to set at liberty them that are **•• Jo hind ^'^^*£W<*J
U-i -m m^ 'L^.-.u ♦!,* ow*™* that is, to comfort them with the glad
Eu i J tP!f on 1 X tidmgTof the gospel. To preach deliver-
able year of the Lord. 20 Aad he Me*io the c^e9: to let such sinners
closed the book, and he gave %t know> wno were slaves to sin and Satan,
again to the minister, and sat down, that a Deliverer is come, if they be willing
And the eyes of all them that were to be delivered by him. To preach the
u 2
292 ST. LUKE. Chap. IV.
acceptable year of the Lord; or to pro- the city, led him to the brew of the kill,
claim a spiritual jubilee, in which God and would have cast him down headlong,
proffers pardon of sin and reconciliation O blessed Saviour, what wonder is it that
with himself upon the terms of the gospel, the persons of thy ministers are despised,
Learn hence, 1. That God stirreth up none and their doctrine neglected, when thou
to take upon them the office of the minis- thyself, the first preacher of the gospel, and
try, whom he hath not fitted and furnished for thy first sermon at Nazareth, wert thus
with gifts for the regular discharge of it. ignominiously treated ! Observe, lastly,
2. That Christ himself did not undertake How Christ conforms to the ceremonies of
the office of a mediator, but by the ordina- the Jewish doctrine, who, in honour of the
tion of God the Holy Spirit : The spirit of law and the prophets, stood up when they
the Lord is upon me, and he hath sent read them, and, according to custom, sot
me , to preach the gospel, 3. That no down when they explained them. And al-
creature, angel or roan, could perform the though the synagogual worship was then
office of a mediator, but only Christ, who loaden with rules and ceremonies of human
was consecrated to that office by an anoint- invention, and also the lives and mannas
ing from the Holy Spirit without measure : both of priests and people were much cor-
The Spirit, of the Lord hath anointed rupted, yet both our Saviour and his do-
me. 4. That the preaching of the gospel ciples went to the synagogue, as members
is the great ordinance which Christ himself of the church of Nazareth, every sabbath-
made use of, and recommended to his day, joining with them in the public wor-
apostles and ministers, for enlightening ship. From whence we may reasonably
blind sinners, for comforting broken hearts, infer, that such christians as do quietly and
and for delivering captive souls from the peaceably comply with the practice of the
slavery and dominion of sin and Satan : church in whose communion they live, in
He hath sent me to preach the gospel to the observation of such indifferent rites as
the poor, to heat the broken-hearted, to are used by her, act most agreeable to oar
publish deliverance, to the captives, and Saviour's practice and example.
recovering of sight to the blind. What ,—»-.„. ... ■
enemies then are they to the souls of men 22 And a» bar« n»m witness, and
who have low and mean thoughts of this wondered at the gracious words
high and honourable ordinance of God, the which proceeded out of his mouth,
preaching of the everlasting gospel, which And they said, Is not this Josephs
is the power of 'God unto salvation ? Ob- son? 23 And he said unto them,
serve, 3. The behaviour of our Saviours ye will surely say unto me this pro-
auditors, the men of Nazareth, under his u t»u • • £: i *.i_ n- i -*
preaching: their eyes were fixed, and their verb, Physician, heal thyself :^iat-
minds intent, upon him, and upon what soever we have heard done in La-
was spoken by him : The eyes of all that pernaum, do also here in thy coun-
were in the synagogue were fastened try. 24 And he said, Verily I say
upon him ; not closed with sleep, nor unto you, No prophet is accepted in
gazing about upon others; but fixed upon his own country.
Christ the preacher. Fixing of the eye is
a great help to the attention of the ear, Observe here, 1. The effect of our 5a-
andtne intention of the mind ; a fastened viour's ministry at Nazareth: it created
eye is a mean to help us to a fixed heart j wonder, but did not produce faith ; tbey
as a wandering eye is both a sign and a marvelled, but not believed ; they admired
cause of a wandering heart. O that our the wisdom of his discourses, but will not
hearers would imitate our Saviour's hearers own him to be the promised Messiah, because
under the word ! They fastened their eyes of the poverty ana meanness of Christ's con-
upon him, as if they meant to hear with dition : Is not this Joseph's son? Tbey
their eyes as well as with their ears : and expect the son of a prince, not the son of
yet we have cause to suspect that curiosi- a carpenter, to be their Messiah. Thence
ty ; rather than piety caused this their at- note, That the poverty and meanness of
tention ; seeing, as you will find, ver. Christ's condition was that which multitudes
29. that these very persons, who out of stumbled at, and which kept many, yea,
novelty were ready to eat his words, soon most, from' believing on him. None but a
after out of cruelty were ready to devour spiritual eye can discern beauty in an hum-
the speaker: for they thrust him out of bled and abased Saviour. Observe, 2. Our
Chap. IV. ST. LUKE. 293
wooden not that so few of his coun- oft-times have more advantage by a pro-
fry men, among whom he had been bred and phet than his own people. The first in-
brought up, and with whom he bad lived stance of this which our Saviour gives them,
most part of his time, did despise his person, is in the days of Elias, though there were
sod reject his doctrine; he telb them, No pro- many widows then in his own nation, yet
phet has honour in his own country ; that none of them were qualified to receive his
b, very seldom has. Teaching us, That usu- miracles, but a strauger, a widow of Sa*
ally the ministers of God are most despised repta. t The second instance was in the
where they are most familiarly known ; days of Elisha j when though there were
sometimes the remembrance of their mean many lepers in and about the neighbour*
original and extraction, sometimes the hood,, yet they being his countrymen,
poverty of their parents, sometimes the despised him, and none were qualified for
indecencies of their childhood, sometimes a cure but Naaman the Syrian, a man of
the follies of their youth, sometimes the another country. Thus the prophets of
faults of their families and relations, are God, like some fishermen, catch least in
ript up, and made occasion of contempt ; their own pond, and do more good by
and therefore that prophet that comes from their ministry among strangers, than among
afar, and has not been much known, gains their own countrymen, kinsfolk, and near
the greatest reputation amongst a people, relations : No prophet is accepted in hit
who, being ignorant of bis extraction, own country.
look upon his breeding, as well as his 28 And all they in the synagogue,
calhng, to be divine. This good use ought h t- « d \h thfrnra were
to be made of our Saviour's observation, ™e? ll?f 2 dear1? tn*!f """S8' wcre
mat hk ministers be very wise and dis- fil,ed Wlth wrath» w And ro9e UP»
onset to conversation with their people, not and thrust him out. of the city, and
making themselves cheap and common in led him unto the brow of the hill
every company, nor light and vain in any whereon their city was built, that
company ; for such familiarity will breed they might cast him down headlong,
oontenpt, rxrth of their persons and their 30 But h passing through the
doctrine. But our duty is by strictness mjdat of them went liis wav
and gravity of deportment to keep up: an m,(l8t °f them' went IHS way"
awe and esteem in the consciences of our Observe here, 1. The horrid impiety of
people; always tempering our gravity the people of Nazareth, in thrusting their
with courtesy and a condescending ana- Saviour out of their city, and their barba-
bilrty. That minister which prostitutes rous and bloody cruelty in bringing him to
his authority, frustrates the end of his min- the brow of the hill, with full intent to cast
istry, and is the occasion of his own con- him down headlong. . But Christ was to
tempt. die a clean contrary way, not by throwing
down, but by lifting up. ■ O ungrateful
25 But I tell you of a truth, Ma- and unhappy Nazareth ! is this the return
*y widows were in Israel in the you make that divine Guest, which for
davs of Elias, when the heaven was thirty years had sojourned in your coasts ?
shit up three years and six months, No wonder that the ablest preaching, and
when great famine was throughout m(f l°?mPl"7 . !,ivin*.' °f th* ^liest
•ii -u I j cm* n 4. 4 r and best of Cbnsts ministers obtain no
aUthe land ; 26 But unto none of ^ 8UCcess at this daV amongst a peo-
them was Elias sent, save unto Sa- p|e> when the presence of Christ at Nazar-
repta, a city of Sid on, unto a wo- eth, for thirty years togetbet, had no better
ttan that was a widow. 27 And influence upon the minds and. manners of
many lepers were in Israel in the that people; but instead of receiving his
time of Eliseus the prophet; and message, they rage at the messenger: nei-
none of them were cleansed, saving !,h« ,et ***** T?J?ZZL?^ J **
^ *u o • it strange, that they are ignominious! y des-
>aaman the bynan. piged> when our Master ^fore us was. in
Here our Saviour by a double instance danger of being barbarously murdered,
confirms what be had last told his coun- and that for his plain preaching to his own
trymen at Nazareth, namely, that prophets people, the men of Nazareth. But observe,
are most despised by their own country- 2. The miraculous escape . of our blessed
men and acquaintance, and that strangers Lord from the murdering hands of the
«94
ST. LUKE. Chap. IV.
wicked Nassrites: He, passing through the everlasting gospel to lost smoeai
the midst of them, went his way. How But obeerve the stnallness of bis success ;
and after what manner he escaped it not the people were aatonsroedY but notbebev-
declared, and therefore cannot without pre- ed ; his doctrine produced admiration, out
sumption be determined. Although the not fiuth ; his auditors were admirers*
Romanists, to make way for their doctrine but not believers. They were astonished
of transubstantiation, positively affirm, that, at his doctrine : the reason of which as-
contrary to the nature of a body, he pe- tonishment is added. For his word was
netrated though the breasts of the people, with power; that is, there was majesty in
But whether be struck them with blindness his person, spirituality in his preaching,
that they did not see, or smote them with and powerful miracles accompanying both,
fear diat they durst not hold him, or whe- and confirming both, of which the evan-
therbyagreaterstrength than theirs, (which geJist here gives us an account, namely,
his Godhead could easily supply his human the casting out of a devd in one posses-
nature with,) he escaped from them, h U sed, ver. 33. There was a man which
neither prudent to enquire nor possible to had a spirit of an unclean demand ho.
determine : we know it was an easy thing cried out ; that is, the devil, that up-
for him, who was God as well as man, to dean spirit, did enter into him, and bodi-
quit himself of any mortal enemies ; and at ly possess him. Amount other many ca-
the same time, when he rescued himself, lamities, which sin has brought upon out
could have ruined them, by frowning tbem bodies, this » one, to be bodily possessed
into bell, or kx>king*tbem into nothing. by Satan. The devil has inveterate malice
against mankind, seeking to ruin our souls
31 And came down to Caperna- by bis suggestions and temptations, and
iim, a city of Galilee, and taught to destroy our bodies by some means or
them on the sabbath-days. 32 other. 6 how much is it our interest, as
And they were astonished at his well as our duty, by prayer to put ourselves,
doctrine: for his word was with morning and evening under.tbe divine cats
oo a -a ;~ *k- „„„««.^.w> and protection, that we may be preserved
power. 33 And in the synagogue ^ ^ ^ ^ of ^ ^
there was a man which had a spi- ri|8 1 observe, 2. The title here given to
rit of an unclean devil, and cried lne devil : he is called the unclean spi-
out with a loud voice, 34 Saying, rit. The devils, these wicked spirits of
Let us alone ; what have we to do bell, are most impure and filthy creatures ;
with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth ? impure by reason of their original apostasy,
art thou come to destroy us? I Jj". h ™^m £*£%& 'tSfL'u
know thee who thou art ; the Holy in^ya^the ,£ b which they ^
One of God. 35 And Jesus rebuk- n£Hy p^,^ themselves ; and impure, by
ed him, saying, Hold thy peace, and means of their continual desire and endea-
come out of him. And when the voursto pollute mankind with the coots-
devil had thrown him in the midst, gion of their own sins. Lord ! how soul
he came out of him, and hurt him » *be nature of sin, which makes the devil
not. 36 And they were all amaz- **<*> ft |°ul and filmy, wch an impure
—i ««^ «^«l^ -jL*.**, *k~moAi„Ao and unclean creature! Observe, 3. The
ed, and spake among themselves, mA^m of the dwir8 . ^ „,
saying, What a word u this ! for alonCf vhai have ve to & ^k the€%
with authority and power he com- Art thou come to destroy us .» that is, to
mandeth the unclean spirits, and restrain us from the exercise of our power,
they come out. 37 And the fame The devil thinks himself destroyed, whea
of him went out into every place of be» **£*** /«>mA)ing>nischief. Ob-
the country round about. S^T^K V£PoZ}>
Our blessed Saviour being driven out of God. How comes this acknowledgment
Nazareth by the fury of his countrymen, out of the devil's mouth > Could an apes-
departs to Capernaum, where he entered tie make a profession beyond this? But
their synagogues, and taught. Who can how comes Satan to make it } For no good
declare the pains that our Saviour took, end, and with no good intention, we may
and the hazards which he ran, in 'preaching be sure ; for the devil never speaks trull*
Chap. If. ST. LUKE.
far math1! sake, but far advantage sake, uagogiie, and entered into Simon's
ftobabiy, 1. He might make tins profes- nolwc# And Simon's wife's mother
am. tint *oteimgfat bnng the troth pro. ms ^^ with a grcat fcvcr and
ttSBTJjEfZiS 2£ ft b-** h£ for her 39
of lies, would be suspected. Or, 2. It And nc sto°d over her, and re-
might perhaps be done to make the people buked the fever ; and it left her :
believe that our Saviour had some tamili- and immediately she arose and nii-
arity with Satan, and did work miracles by nistered unto them,
his heir*, because be did confess him. and
seem to put honour upon him. Hence we , Herc observe, 1. That St Peter, a disci-
may learn, That it is possible for a person V* y«»M apostle, w» a married person.
to own and acknowledge Christ to be Neither the prophets of the Old Testament,
the true and only Saviour, and yet to miss nor the apostles of the New, did abhor the
of salvation by him. IT a speculative marriage-bed, nor judge themselves too
knowledge, and a verbal profession, of Pure for an institution of their Maker.
Christ were sufficient for salvation, the de- /J* chur5h °/ Home, by denying the law-
vd JiHt^f would not miss of happiness, mlness of priests marriage, makes herself
Observe, 5. How our Saviour rebukes the wiser lhan G^ who "y* He*- xiii- *•
devil for his confession, and commands Marriage is honourable amongst all men.
him silence. Jesus rebuked him, saying, Observe, 2. Peter, though a good man,
Hold thv peace ; but why was this re- and h» *&'» mother probably a gracious
bur* given the devil, and his mouth woman, yet is his family visited [with rick-
stopt when he spake the truth? Answer, ness : strength of grace, and dearness of
1. Because Christ knew that the devil con- respect even from Christ himself, cannot
fat this oo purpose to disgrace the truth, prevail against diseases. God's own chil-
2. Because the devil was no fit person to dfen are vi»ted with bodily sickness as
make (his profession : a testimony of truth weil as others. Observe, 3. The divine
feat the father of lies, is enough to render power of Christ manifested in this miracu-
trath itself sutpwifd. Yet the devil's cvi- *ous cure : He stood over hert says St.
deuce, that Christ was the Holy One of Luke i He took ner h the ***** and
God, wiH rise up in judgment against the lifted her up, says St Mark. Here was an
wicked Pharisees, who shut their eyes ordinary distemper cured after an extraor-
tgxmst the miracles, and stopt their ears ****? manner, by a touch of Christ's
aarinst the doctrine, of the Holy One of hand in an instant : Immediately the fe-
God. Observe, lastly, How the unclean **? kfl heT> andJtte arose an& mi1\uUr'
spirit obeys the voice of Christ, but with «* **** **""- .That she «»» «■* «:
great Teliictancy and regret : when the un- gued her cure miraculous ; tliat she could
dean spirit bad thrown hhn in the midst, and did anse, and administer to Christ and
he came out Where observe, The de- his disciples, argued her thankfulness. After
viTs spite at patting : be tears the man, Christ bath healed any of us, it ought to
throws him violently from place to place, be our first care to administer unto him :
showing how loth be was to be disposses- that is, to employ our recovered strength
sad. Where Satan has once gotten an bold, « the service of Christ, and to improve
and settled himself for a time, how unwffl- our restored health to the honour and glo-
ingsihetobecastoutof possession! Yea, ry of Christ
it a a torment and vexation to him to be ^ Now when the gun was wU
oat. h is much easier to keep out Sa- . „ , . . . A • t
tan, than to cast him out; Satan may pos- ting, all they that had ^ any sick
seas the body by God's permission, but he with divers diseases brought them
cannot possess our hearts without our own unto him ; and be laid bis hands on
it and approbation. It will be our every one of them, and healed
wisdom to deny him entrance into our them. 41 And devils also came
tools at first, by rejecting his wicked mo- out 0r manyf crying out, and say-
tkms and suggestions; for when once . Thou art Christ the Son of God.
I ateretllLwil,,.^e fZZ?°*i!? n^°^: And be, rebuking them, suffered
%g£ Ullartronger than he cast ^ nV to speak : for they knew
38 And he arose oat of the sy* that he was Christ.
gg* ST. LUKE. Chap. V,
The evangelist here declares sundry other lages; leaving his ministers herein so in-
clines wrought by our Saviour ; he healed structive example, to be as willing to preach
the sick, and dispossessed the devils. In our the gospel in the smallest villages, aa in the
Saviour's time we read of many possessed largest and most populous cities, if God calls
with devils, and but few of either before or us thereunto. Let the place be never so
afterwards. Probably, 1. Because Satan, obscure and mean, and the congregation
perceiving the Messiah to be come in the never so small and little, if God sends us
rlesh to destroy his kingdom, did rage the thither, the greatest of us must not think
more, and discover greater malice and it beneath us to go and instruct an handful
enmity against mankind. 2. Perhaps Al- of people. •
mighty God suffered Satan at that time to CHAP. V.
possess so many, that Christ might have A .Trh .A / ...
occasion to manifest his divine power by A ND lt camc to P*59' that» •»
casting Satan out. And accordingly we the people pressed upon bim to
find our Saviour dispossessing all that were hear the. word of God, he stood by
possessed by Satan. It is added. That he the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw
suffered not the devils to speak, because two ships standing by the lake : but
they knew him; that is, Christ would not thefishermen were gone out of them,
be made known to be the Son of God by „ . WMA _fit- „ ,a • „^a X
the preaching of the devil, lest the world *nc* ^ere wash!n? Atheir nets/ 4U3
should from thence take occasion to think And he entered into one of the
that our Saviour held a correspondence *hips, which was Simons, and pray-
with those wicked spirits, and that the ed him that he would thrust out a
miracles which he wrought were performed little from the land. And be sat
by the devils assistance, as being one in down, and taught the people out of
combination with him. Possibly from tj,e 8yD
the devils owning Christ to be the Holy F'
One of God, the Pharisees concluded that Here observe 1. That our Saviour used
there was a compact and agreement be- the sea as well as the land in his passage
twixtthem; and thereupon their affirma- from place to place to preach the gospel;
tion was grounded, He casteth out devils and the reasons why he did so might pro-
by Beelzebub the prince of devils. bably be these: 1. To show Nature's in-
tent in making of the sea : namely, to be
« 42 And when it was day, he de- sailed upon, as the land to be walked upon.
parted, and went into a desert 2. That Christ might take occasion to ma-
place : and the people sought him, aifest h» ****> «* working miracles upon
and came unto hiin, and stayed him, *■*"»■. n*1*1^ by calming of the waves
that he should .not depart from ™* *"*"* of the winds. 3. It mightbe
4k™ a*> a»*ii1a ~m *~ *u to comfort sea-faring men in their distrcss-a,
them. 43 And he said unto them, ^ to encourage them to pray to such a
I must preach the kingdom of God Saviour as bad an experimental knowledge
to other cities also ; for therefore of the dangers of the sea: it were well if sai-
am I sent. 44 And he preached in lore would consider this, and instead of in-
the synagogues of Galilee. uring themselves to the language of hell
when they go down into the deep, would
Observe here, 1. The great work and direct their prayer unto Christ, and look
business of our Saviour's life : to preach up to him ; who now in heaven has the re-
the gospel. I must preach the kingdom membrance of what he himself endured and
of God, for therefore came I forth, underwent here on earth, and on the sea.
Preaching was Christ's great work, it is Observe, 2. The circumstance of time, when
undoubtedly his ministers.' Christ omitted Christ used to put forth to sea : it was
some opportunities of working miracles, usually after he had wrought some extraor-
that he might preach to other cities: this dinary miracle, which set them on admiring
was his great work. Observe, 2. It being and commending of him ; as after he had
Christ's great design to plant and propagate fed so many thousands, with a few barley
the gospel, he would not confine his mi- loaves and fishes, presently he put forth
nistry to one particular place, not to the to sea, shunning thereby all popularity and
great city of Capernaum, but resolves to vain-glorious applause from the multitude
preach the word in .smaller towns and vil- which he was never ambitious of, but in-
Cksp. V. ST. LUKE. 207
fatriously avoided. Observe, 3. That delivered his doctrine to the people, cou-
rier our Saviour's resurrection, we never firms his doctrine with a miracle, and with
find him sailing any more upon the seas, such a miracle as did at once instruct and
For such a fluctuating and turbulent condi- encourage his apostles ; the miraculous
boo, which necessarily attends sea voyages, number of fish which tl>ey caught did
vss utterly inconsistent with the constancy, presage and prefigure their miraculous
stability, and perpetuity, of Christ's estate success in preaching, planting, and propa-
wtaen nsen from the grave. The firm land gating, the gospel. Observe, 2. Our Sa-
better agreeing with his fixed state, he keeps viour's command to Peter, and his ready
upon it, till his ascension into heaven, compliance with Christ's command : Let
Obssrve, 4. That Christ scruples not to down your nets for a draught, says Christ:
preach to the people in, and out of the We have toiled all night , says St. Peter,
ship: He tat dawn, and taught the peo- and caught nothing; nevertheless, at
fie out of the ship". Sometimes we find thy word I will let down the net This
our holy Lord preaching upon a mountain, mystically represents to us, 1. That the
sometimes in a ship, sometimes in a house, fishers of men may labour all night, and
as often as may be in a synagogue. He all day too, and catch nothing. This is
that laid hold of all seasons for preaching sometimes the fisherman's fault, but oftener
the gospel, never scrupled any place which the fishes'. It is the fisher's fault that
cooreniency offered to preach in; well nothing is taken, if be doth .only play
knowing that it is the ordinance that upon the sands, and not launch out into
coctines the place, and not the place the the deep ; deliver some superficial and
ordnance, less necessary truths, without opening to
4 Now when he had left speaking, &JF&£*&£ ?ysUT ^.rt?6*
L .... Ao- r it * • If they fish with broken nets, either deliver
he said unto Simon, Launch out in- uns0Und doctrine, or leadunexemplary lives.
to the deep, and let down your nets if they do not cast the net on the right
for a draught. 5 And Simon an- side of the ship ; that is, rightly divide the
swering said unto him, Master, we word, as workmen that need not to be
have toiled all the night, and have ashamed. And if they do not fish at
taken nothing ; nevertheless at thy Christ's rommand, but run a fishing unsent.
And when they had this done, they often it k thefighev fault, rathe* than the
inclosed a great multitude of fishes : fisherman's : worldly men are crafty and
and their net brake. 7 And they cunning, they will not come near the net;
beckoned onto their partners, which hypocrites are slippery, hike eels, the fish*
were in the other ship, that they enaen cannot long hold them, but they
should come and help them. And *rt »» their holes; priding themselves
mev came, and filled both the ships, 1fDthe,frll^t^ H?™^ ^A,8?""
. - - . A . % . . , r ' fying themselves with a round of duties.
jo that they began to sink. 8 f ^^ men of the world break through
>> ben Simon Peter saw it, he fell tne net, the divine commands cannot bind
down at Jesus* knees, saying, Depart them, Jer. v. 5. I will go to the great
from me ; for I am a sinful man, O men, and speak to them : hut they have
Lord. 0 For he was astonished, broken the yoke, and hurst the bonds.
and all that were with him, at the £*«"*»?• ?*« miraculous success which
ir^^fi;he8WhiCVh7had nele^
taken : 10 And so tea* also James a muliitude 0f fishes that their net brake.
and John, the sons of Zebedee, Two things our Saviour aimed at in this
which were partners with Simon, miracle, 1. To manifest to his disciples the
And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear power of his Godhead, that they might
•ot ; from henceforth thon shalt not be offended at the poverty and mean-
<atcb men. 11 And when they had nfV' h» manhood. 2. To assure them
Wit their ships to land, thej for- l?te * ^^
., - lf , - flr j • • J . their successors might expect in planting
sook all, and followed him. and propagating 0f the gospel. If the mi-
Observe here, 1. Our Saviour having nisters of Christ, whom he calls fishers of
208 ST. LUKE. Chap. V.
men, be faithful in the cut, his power him to tell no man: but go and
shall be magnified in the draught Some show thyself to the priest, and offer
of our foh will cleave el ternally to the for thy cleansing, according as Mosea
rocks, others play upon the sands, more ^-JL^j^j rzL ^ 4 „A: * . „ ^^
willwallow in Ate nmd, and continue all commanded for a testimony unto
tlicir days in the filth of sin, if our Master, tnem- 15 Bu} 8° much »« more
at whose command we let down the net, went there a fame abroad of him ;
doth not inclose them in it, as well as as- and great multitudes cane to*
sist us in the casting of it Observe, 4, gether to hear, and to be heakd
What influence the sight of this miracle by him of their infirmities,
had upon St. Peter: it occasioned fear
and amazement, and caused him to adore Observe here* 1. The petitioner* that m
Christ, and declare himself unworthy of ha * very humble and submissive manner
presence; Depart from me, for I am a «ues unto Christ for cure and healing: A
sinful man, 6 Lord. Not that the good kpcr f*U on hit face, and besought hsmt
man was weary of Christ's presence, but taying9 Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst
acknowledged himself unworthy of it It make me dean. He doth not question
h a great discovery of our holiness, to Christ's power, but distrusts bis wiUmgaess
revere God, and fear before him, when he to help and heal him. Christ's divine
doth wonderful things before us, though power must be fully assented to, and finn~
they be wonders of love and mercy : here y believed* by all those that expect bene-
was a wonderful appearance of Christ's pow- "\by him, and healing from him. Observe,
er and mercy to St. Peter, but it affects 2- The great readiness of Christ to help sad
him with a reverential fear and awful as- »»1 this distressed person : Jesus touched
tonishment Observe, 5. How St. Peter him, saying, I will: he thou dean. By
and the rest of the apostles, at Christ's call, the ceremonial law, the leper was forbid-
forsook all and followed him : they left den to be touched j therefore Christ touch-
lather and friends, ship and nets, and in£ this leper, shows himself to be above
followed Jesus. Whom Christ calls, he «* ,aw ; that he was the Lord of it, and
calls effectually ; he draws whom he calls, might dispense with it And hh heating
and works their heart to a ready com pi i- this leper, by the word of his mouth and
ance to their duty. And although when the touch of his hand, showed him to be
(bey were first called to be disciples, they truly and really sent of God ; for leprosy
followed their trades of fishing for a time, among the Jews was accounted an incura-
yet upon their second call to the apostle- ble distemper, called the finger of God ;
ship, they left off their trade, and for- a disease of his sending, and of his re-
sook all to follow the ministry ; teaching moving. Our Saviour therefore, as a proof
the ministers of the gospel, that it is their °* h* B^ng the Messias, tells John's disci-
duty to give themselves wholly up to their Ples» Matt. xi. 5. That the lepers were
great work, and not to encumber them- cleansed, and the dead raised by him ;
selves with secular affairs and worldly busi- which two being joined together, do imply,
ness. Nothing but an indispensable ne- that the cleansing of the lepers is as much
eessity in providing for a family can ex- an act of divine power, as the raising of
cuse a minister's incumbering himself with the dead ; and accordingly, 2 Kings v. 7.
worldly concerns and business : They for* rt * aaid» Am I God, that this man wends
sook all, and fallowed Jesus. unio me to cure a person of his leprosy ?
Observe, 3. The certainty and the sudden-
12 And it came to pass, when he El? S6. ""■ "** arferth* ?«*«
«,«»« ;« « ^^*i« •* i u \V c Christ s divine power: Immediately the
was in a certain city, behold, a man iepross, departed Christ not only cured
lull ot leprosy ; who seeing Jesus, him immediately, but mstantaneousfy ; not
fell on his face, and besought him, only without means, but without the ordi-
saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou nary time required for such a cure. Thus,
canst make me clean. 13 And he Christ ahowed both power and will to
put forth his hand, and touched cflre b*n miraculoi*ly> who believed hia
him, saying, I will ; be thou clean. £wf \ buAl T^S^^ wiUingness. Ob-
And Um^j. /u i™ a ""^ 4- A twofold charge and command
parted from him. 14 And he charged to no man. Where the great modesty.
Chap. V. ST. LUKE. 209
piety, sod humility of oar Saviour are dis- part himself bo freely to his spouse before
covered, together with the prudent care be company. St Mark u 36. adds, That our
took of his own safety : his modesty, in Saviour rose up a great while before
concealing his own praises ; his humility, day, and went into this desert place ta
io shunning all vain-glorious applause and pray. Teaching us, That the morning it
commendation ; his piety, in referring all the fit season, yea, the best of seasons,
the honour and glory to God his Father ; for private duties ; now are our spirits
sod Use care of his own safety appeared, freshest, and our spirits freest, before the
kst the publishing of his miracles should distractions of the day break in upon us*
create untimely danger from the Pharisees. It is certainly much better to go from
2. The next part of the charge given to the prayer to business, than from business to
recovered leper is, to go and show himself prayer. Note lastly, That our blessed Sa-
to the priest, and to offer the gift which viour bad no idle hours here in the world ;
Moses commanded for a testimony unto his time did not he upon his hands as
them j that is, to testify to the Jews, that ours do; he was always either preaching
be did not oppose the ceremonial law, which or praying, or working miracles; either
required a thank-offering at his hand ; and paying homage to God, or doing good to
also that the rniracle nugbt testify that be was man. Lord, help us to imitate this thy
the true and pfoaused Messiah. Learn instructive example, by embracing all opt
hence, That oar blessed Saviour would portunities of glorifying God, and doing
have the trrrrnonial law punctually ob- good to one another.
k? i!3* • !!!! Ume»5 * "SfT W And it came to pass on a ccr-
awe did endure; though became to de- . . , u / • . .• ,
stioy that law, yet whilst it stood, be would ^in day, as he was teaching, that
have it exactly observed. See note on there were Pharisees and doctors
St. Mali. vni. 2. of the law sitting by, which were
n* a_j u «.•*». j -I.-— if * come out of every town of Galilee,
the wi£eie£ and tZyT Md Judea- -1 J're"kni ; "d *«
toe wilderness, and prayed. ef rf the Lmd wag ( to
Tteditfrof prifateaod Kriiiary prayer hea, them 18 And be£oW men
ttZZSXXEiUtt brought |n a bed a man which wa*
» by bs example. Ofawrve, 1. The duty laken w,th, a. Pa,8.y. : and ""I ,ou?ht
whuch oar holy Loid performed : prayer. *eeuu to bring him in, and to lay
We have moch more buuoes with God Am before him. 19 And when
in payer than Chrat had ; he bad no aim they could not find by what wag
to be humbled for, not beg pardon of; no they might bring him in because of
awd to jwy for any taw^yii* habto of the multitude, they went upon the
gnee, the Holy Sfant bang [gjven to him houge.top aDd let fo„ down through
wihout measure ; yet did our holy Lord x, A... r> . . ~e>
spend ranch of hi [time in prayer; betook thc tlllnfr wlth hts couch> into the
ikJsgbi m paying this homage to his hea- midst before Jesus. 20 And when
venJy Father' Observe, 2. What kind of he saw their faith, he said unto him,
prayer oar Lord did eminently delight in : it Man, thy sins are forgiven thee*
was. sobiarv and private prayer. He of. 21 And the scribes and the Phari-
trn went alone, .even out of the bearing of 8CCg began t0 ^o,, iayjng> Wfc0
^c^n^iples. The company of our . thu w8hi h aketh bia'8prr€mies ?
best friends » not always seasonable nor w, c . * . . ^ r, , a
acceptable. There are times and seasons Who can forg!ve 8lna but G«I *lone ?
wtxnachraman would not be waling that 22 But when Jesus perceived their
hm dkearest relations upon earth should bear thoughts, he answering said unto
that jptnuiuise which passes between him them, What reason ye in your
and bis God. Observe, 3. The place our hearts ? 23 Whether is easier, to
Lord withdraws to for private prayer : it saVf Tny sins be forgiven thee ; or
^J^^:^^^m^J^t to say, Rise up and walk? 24
dense— and prayed, both to avoid ostenta- ~ _ ./ V K ^ .. . .t c
t«o, and afc toenjoy commuoion with But that ye may know that the Son
hm Farther. Trie modest Bridegroom of of man hath power upon earth to
na church, says St Bernard, will not in* forgive sins, (he said onto the sick
800 ST. LUKE. Chap. V.
of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, in believing, but Christ exerts his divine
and take up the couch, and go unto power in healing : yet the object of their
thine house. 25 And immediately faith pi^bly was not Christ s divine pow.
u u r *u «, a * .£ *r as God, but they looked upon him as
he rose up before them, and took aQ extraordinary pJopbet, to whom God
up that whereon he lay, and de- had communicated such a divine power as
parted to his own house, glorifying Elijah and Elisha had before him. Yet,
God. 20 And they were all amazed, see the marvellous efficacy even of this faith,
and they glorified God, and were which obtained not only what was desired,
filled with fear, saying, We have but more than was expected. They desired
seen strange things to-day. ?»lV g» heAH ?'u,e *** ** c***
0(9 J heals body and soul too, saying, Son, be of
, As the great end of our Saviour's mira- good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee.
cles was to confirm his" doctrine, so com- Thereby our Saviour signifies to them, that
monly after his preaching he wrought his sin is the meritorious cause of sickness, and
miracles. The scribes and Pharisees, consequently, that in sickness the best way
though they had no love for our Saviour's to find ease and deliverance from pain, is
person, nor value for his ministry, yet they first to seek for pardon ; for the sense of
frequently accompanied him wherever he pardon will in some degree take away the
went, partly to cavil at his doctrine, and sense of pain. - Observe, 4. The exception
partly out of curiosity to see his miracles : which the Pharisees take against our Sa-
but observe the gracious condescension viour for pronouncing that this man's sins
of our Saviour ; although he well knew were forgiven him : they charge him with
that the Pharisees at this time attended blasphemy, urging, that it is God's peculiar
upon him with no good intention, yet prerogative to pardon sin. Indeed their
he puts forth his divine power in work- proposition was true, but their application
ing miracles before them : The power of was false. Nothing more true, than that
the Lord was present to heal. Not that it is the highest blasphemy for any mere
Christ's power was at any time absent, but man to arrogate and assume to himself the
it is said now to be present, because it was incommunicable property of God, ahso-
now exerted and put forth at his will and lutely and authoritatively to forgive sin.
pleasure. And accordingly at this time, But then their denying this power to Christ
before the Pharisees* eyes, he miraculously of forgiving sins, which he had as God
cures a person sick of the palsy, as the from all eternity, and as mediator, God
paragraph before us does inform us. Where- and man in one person, when here on
in observe, 1. The diseased and distressed earth; this was blasphemy in them; but
person, one sick of the palsy, which being the assuming and challenging in it, none
a resolution and weakness of the nerves, in him. - Observe, 5. To cure, if possible,
enfeebles the joints, and confines a person the obstinacy and blindness of the Pharisees*
to his bed or couch. As a demonstration our Saviour gives them a twofold de-
of Christ's divine power, he was pleas- monstration of his Godhead ; 1. By letting
ed to single out the palsy and leprosy, them understand that he knew their thoughts,
incurable diseases, to work a cure upon. Jesus perceived their thoughts, ver. 22.
Now this person was so great a cripple. To know the thoughts, to search the hearts,
by reason of the palsy, that he could not and understand the reasonings, of men,
go, nor be led, but was carried in his bed is not in the power of angels or men, but
or couch. Observe, 2. As the grievous- the prerogative of God .only. 2. By as-
ness of the disease, so the greatness of the Burning to himself a power to forgive sins :
people's faith. The man and his friends for our Saviour here, by taking upon him
had a firm and full persuasion, that Christ to forgive sins in bis own name and by bn
was clothed with a divine power, and able own authority, doth give the world an un-
to help him ; and they hope in his good- deniable proof, and a convincing evidence,
ness, that he was willing as well as able, of his Godhead : for who can forgive sins
And accordingly, the roof of the Jewish but God only ? Observe, 6. The effect
houses being flat, they uncover some part which this miracle had upon the minds of
of it, and let the bed down with the sick * the people : they marvelled and were
man in it, and lay him at the foot of Christ, amazed, were filled with fear, but not
in hopes of help and healing. Observe, 3. with faith ; astonished, but did not believe.
That no sooner did they exercise their faith Learn hence, That the sight of Christ**
Chap. V. ST. LUKE. 301
wra miracles is not sufficient to work but we shall with Levi instantly arise and
frith in the soul, without the efficacious follow our Saviour. Observe, 3. Levi,
grace of God ; the one may make us marvel, to show his thankfulness 1") Christ, makes
tbe other must make us believe. him a great feast., Christ invited Levi to a
27 And after these things he went d»scipleship, Levi invites Ch-ist to a dinner j
forth and saw a nublican named the 8ervant ,DVItes ho Ma8t<r' a s,nner ,n"
lonn, ana saw a puwican, named yites his s^ a ^^ t ne could
Leu, sitting at tfie receipt of cus- not mvite> Christ dwi^ £mes with his
torn : and he said unto him, Follow cost with him. We do not find that when
Be. 28 And he left all, rose up, Christ was invited to any table, he ever
and followed him. 29 And Levi refused to go ; if a publican, if a Pharisee,
made him a great feast in his own invited him, he constantly went ; not so
house : and there was a great com- T6*1 for th? plcasure of eating'J ^ for
panv of publicans and of others that ^°9^liL°l TTT& ^i,^*
r % r .4, 4, h^ m . lL . good ; Christ feasts us when we feed bun.
sat down with them. 30 But their J^ to #ve Chrisl a p^ and specimen
scribes and Pharisees murmured of his love, makes him a feast. Learn
against his disciples, saying, Why thence, That new converts are full of arTec-
do ye eat and drink with publicans tk>n towards Christ, and very expressive of
and" sinners? 31 And Jesus an- their love unto him. Levi's heart being
swcring, said unto them, They that «*»hed with a sense of Christ's rich love,
are whole need not a nhvsician • makes mm a roval feast- 0bserve» 4- Tbe
£! 1 tu f • t pnysician . ^y ^ ^p^ which thc 8cribes and
but they that are sick. 32 I came p^^ madeat our Uld>s freeconver-
not to call the righteous, but sinners gation. They censure him for conversing
to repentance. - with sinners. Malice will never want mat-
The number of our Lord's apostles not ter of accusation. Our Saviour justifies
being filled up, observe, 1. What a free himself, telling them he conversed with
and gracious, what an unexpected and sinners as their physician, not as their
aadesenred choice Christ makes. Levi, companion: They that are whole need
that is Matthew, (for he had both names,) not a physician ; but they that are
a grinding publican, who gathered the tax sick. As if our Lord had said, " With
for the Roman emperor, and was probably whom should a physician converse but with
guilty, as others were, of the sins of covet- sick patients ! And is he to be accused
aosueas and extortion, yet he is called to for that ? Now this is my case. I am
fotiow Christ, as a special disciple. Learn come into the world to do the office of a
9 hence, That such is the freeness of divine kind physician unto men : surely then I
grace, that it sometimes calls and converts am to take all opportunities of conversing
soroers unto Christ, when they think not with them, that I may help and heal them,
of him, nor seek unto him. Little did for they that are sick need the physician ;
Levi now think of a Saviour, much less but as for you scribes and Pharisees, who
seek after him, yet is he here called by him, are well and whole in your own opinion
and that with an efficacious call : Matthew, and conceit, I have no hopes of doing
a publican ; Zaccheus, an extortioner ; good upon you ; for such as think them-
Saul, a persecutor ; all these are effectually selves whole desire not the physician's help.**
catted by Christ, as instances and evidences ' Now from this assertion of our Saviour,
of the mighty power of converting grace. The whole need not the physician. But
Observe, §. Levi's or Matthew's ready com- the sick, these truths are suggested to us,
pliance with Christ's call : He presently 1. That sin is the soul's malady, its spiri-
amse mnd followed him. Where the tual disease and sickness. 2. That Christ
rawmrd call of the Holy Spirit accompanieth is the physician appointed by God for the
the outward call of the word, tbe soul rea- cure and healing of this disease. 3. That
<hly complies and yields obedience to the there are multitudes of sinners spiritually
vosee of Christ. Our Saviour, says the sick, who yet think themselves sound and
frtous Malmp Hall, speaks by his word to whole. 4. That such, and only such as
our ears, and we hear not, we stir not ; find themselves sin-sick, and spiritually
but when he speaks by his Spirit efficacious- diseased, are subjects capable of Christ's
ly to our hearts, Satan cannot hold us healing : They that are whole need not
^wn, the world shall not keep us back j the physician, but they that are sick. I
802 ST. LUKE. • Chap. VT.
come not, says Christ, to call the (opinion- days toill come when the bridegroom
atively) righteous, but the (sensible) sin- shall be taken away, and then shau they
tier, to repentance. fast* Again onr Saviour declares, that
33 And they said unto him, Why th» ^P1™ : <* **** w?» not at P**01
do the disciples of John fast often, tolaa%*c b» 6ms^J^Sf W"\?f
, . * •. ... * present but raw, preen, and tender, unable
and make prayers, and likewise Me f0 ^ the severities and rigounofieligion,
disciples of the Pharisees ; but thine any more than an old garment can bear
eat and drink ? 34 And he said a piece of new cloth to be set into it, or
unto them, Can ye make the children any more than old bottles can bar new
of the bridechamber fast, while the wine to be put into them. The sense of
bridegroom is with them ? 35 But °ur Saviour's words seems to be this, « My
the days will come when the bride- -J*?*1 $JT? ™ !%£"*£* "T£
J , ,, , . , - newly called and converted, they cannot
groom shall be taken away from ^^ ^ ^^ undeiK0 the auaterifa
them, and then shall they fast in 0f tension, fastings, weepings, and watcb-
those days. 36 And he spake also mga ; but ere long I shall leave them, and
a parable unto them : No man put- go to heaven, from whence I will send
teth a piece of a new garment upon down my Holy Spirit upon them, which
an old ; if otherwise, then both the wiU «■* .theni *? •? »• d«ties tliat "*
newmaketh a rent, and the piece 8£Pd enjoins, to* ^ *jm**jkm
4U . . . ' * 4, r which we may probably gather from
that was taken out of the new ^^ fc thfa> flj it „ Jhn^ul ^ ^
agreeth not with the old. 37 And gerous for young converts, for we
no man putteth new wine into old tians, to be put upon the severe
bottles ; else the new wine will burst of religion, or to be urged to the
the bottles and be spilled, and the uce of all such duties as are above their
bottles shall perish. 38 But new «**»#«. jbut they ought to be treated with
wine must be put into new bottles ; *J ^"J6* "h*h XfT^J^ ^
and both are'preserved. 39 No t^^T^^^^^
man also having drunk old wxne prudence to his ministers, in treating their
straightway desireth new: for he people according to their strength* and
saith, The old is better. putting them upon duties according to
An objection is here made against the their time and standing. We must cos-
disciples of our Saviour, that they did not suit what progress our people have made
fast so much and so often as John Baptist** in Christianity, and manage accordingly,
disciplesdid. John's disciples imitated their
master, who was a manor an austere life; » CHAP. VI.
Christ's disciples imitated him, who was of * XTrfc .... . . »
a more free conversation. Observe there- A came to pass on the
fore our Saviour's defence, which he makes second sabbath after the first,
for the not fasting of his disciples ; he de- that he went through the corn-fields ;
clares, that at present it was neither suitable and his disciples plucked the ears
nor tolerable; not suitable, in regard of of corn, and did eat, rubbing them
prist's bodily presence with them, who in iMr handg- 2 And certain of
a day of joy and rejoicing to them, and do ye that which is not lawful to do
mourning and fasting would be very im- on the sabbath-days ? 3 And Je-
proper for them. Bui when the bridegroom sua answering them said, Have ye
shall betaken away, that is, Christ's bodily not read so much as this, What Da-
presence removed, then there will be cause vid did, when himself was an hun-
enough for the disciples tc > fast and mourn. ^ and th which wer€ with him
™W™^ * How hc went into *" *«>"** of
groom of nis spouse the cnurcn. 2. lnat ~ , « j«ja i j * *l «
this bridegroom was to be taken away. 3. God » and dld take and cat ^e sn«^-
That because of the bridegroom's removal, bread, and gave also to them that
the church did, shall, and must fast : The were with him ; which it is not law-
Cfcap. VI. ST. LUKE. 303
fid to eat, but for the priests alone ? occasion ; and consequently, acta of mercy,
6 And he said unto them, That the which tend to fit us for works of piety,
Son of man is Lord also of the sab- DOt OQ,y IMy» but ought, to be done on
bath. the sabbath-day. This action of the dis-
ciples being of that nature, is without just
In the former part of this chapter we find cause censured and condemned by the
oar blessed Saviour defending his disciples Pharisees ; a sort of men who were resolved
fan the clamorous accusations of the Pha- to cavil at, and quarrel with, whatever
mees for tweaking the sabbath-day, be- our Saviour or his disciples either did or
casse they plucked the ears of corn, and said,
tabbed them in their hands, in order to
tfesrisfyng of their hunger. Where note, 6 And it came to pass also on
I. The great poverty, the low estate and another sabbath, that he entered
Sc^l^^ lhe°^
forced to pluck the ears of corn to satisfy therC ™? a Tn whosf ri&ht band
Ian- hunger. God may, and sometimes wa? Wlthered- ? And the Scribes
does, safe bis dearest children to fall into and Pharisees watched him, whe-
tfnm, sad to taste of want, for the trial *her be would heal on the sabbath*
of their nuth and dependence upon his pow- day, that they might find an accu-
a* and goodness. Note, 2. How the hypo- sation against him. 8 But he knew
enfcal Pharisees blame this action of the their thoughts, and said to the man
- ^r^9^^^^ which h/d *c rthr d T* Rise
theft for so doing; because tc Ttake in ^ and stand forth in the midst,
.peat necessity so much of our neigh- And he arose and stood forth. 0
hour's goods as we may reasonably sup- Then said Jesus unto them, I will
pose, thai; if he were present and knew ask you one thing ; Is it lawful on
our drcuznstances, be would not deny us, the sabbath -days to do good, or to
■ Bl?^^ut !t wasutl? "^ hbouS do evil ? to save life, or to destroy
Z£*Z£m^^ u ? 10 And lookin& round abou*
3ffi^^ rri?T^hi8aLdTotAhcmaKn-
pead shear zeal in and upon the lesser things Stretch forth thy hand. And be
of (he lav, whilst they neglect the greater j dld so?: and nis nand was restored
placing aO holiness in the observation of whole as the other. 11 And they
outward ceremonies, whilst they neglect mo- were filled with madness ; and com-
ral dories. Note, 3. The argument with mUned one with another what they
which our Savtoiu defends tnis action, of mi ht do to Jesus#
ha daapfes ; its taken from the example °
of David : necessity freed him from fault Observe here, U The miraculous cure
and blame in eating the consecrated bread, which our Saviour wrought upon the man
which none but the priests might lawfully which had the withered hand ; and, 2.
eat; for in case of necessity, a ceremonial The effect which this miracle had upon
precept must give place to a moral duty, the wicked Pharisees. In the former note,
Works of mercy for the preserving our lives, The place where our Saviour wrought this
and the better fitting us for sabbath services, miracle, in the synagogue ; the time when,
are certainly lawful on the sabbath-day. on the sabbath-day ; the manner how, by
Note, lastly, The argument which our Sa- speaking of a word; the persons before
viour uses to prove the sabbath's observa- whom, namely, the envious and malicious
boo may be dispensed with in a case of Pharisees. These men were always slan-
absolute necessity, and that is, drawn from dering Christ's doctrine, and cavilling at
(hat authority which Christ, the institutes his miracles, yet does our holy Lord go on
and lord of the sabbath, had over it: The with his work before their faces without
Son if man is lord also of the sabbath; discouragement. Learn thence, That the
that is, he has authority and power as God unjust censures and malicious cavils of
and as Mediator, to institute and appoint a wicked men against us, for well-doing,
ttbbath* to alter and change it, to dispense must not discourage us from doing our
with a breach of it upon a just and great duty, either towards God or towards our
304 ST. LUKE. Chap. VI.
neighbour. Although the Pharisees watch- we look back to the former part of the
.ed our Saviour wherever be went, and chapter, we shall find that it was at a time
when they could find no occasion of quar- when the Pharisees were filled with rage
rel, would invent and make one, yet such and madness against him, and conspired
was our Lord's courage and resolution, to take away his life. Thence learn,
that he bids the man that had the with- That it is our duty at such times, especially
ered hand stand forth ; to show that he when enemies he in wait to do us hurt, to
was resolved to heal him, notwithstanding give ourselves much unto prayer. Again,
their malicious purpose to accuse him for it if we look forward, the next verse tells us,
as a breaker of the sabbath. Opposition that oar Saviour was now about to send
met with in doing our duty, must not dis- forth his twelve apostles to preach and pro-
courage us from doing good, if we follow pagate the gospel. Christ thought so great
the example of our blessed Redeemer. Ob- a work was not to be done without solemn
serve, 2. The influence and effect which and extraordinary prayer. Accordingly
this miracle bad upon the wicked Pharisees ; he spends a whole night in prayer to God
they were filled with madness, and took upon that occasion, leaving herein a most
counsel to kill him. Instead of being con- instructive example to his church, to conti-
vinced by this miracle, they conspire nue in prayer at all times ; but then espe-
against him for it. The enemies of Christ daily to abound in it, when persons are
and his holy religion, when arguments to be set apart for the momentous work of
tail, foil to. violence. It is a certain sign the ministry, that they enterprise it with
of a weak cause, that must be supported extraordinary dread and caution, not with
by passion : which is all tongue, and no aspiring but tremendous thoughts ; for who
ear. is sufficient for these things .*
12 And it came to pass, in those ' « A , , .. , . ..
. ,. . , . ^ : r. ' 13 And when it was day, he call-
days, that he went out into a moun- * . ,. ,. •. - , J » * Y" *
A .' ! i *• i H . i , ed unto htm his disciples : and of
tain to pray, and continued all night #. ...i . , • K. • l
in Draver to God them he chose twelve, whom also he
F J * named apostles ; 14 Simon (whom
Observe here, 1. The duty which our he also named Peter) and Andrew
holy Lord performed : the duty of prayer, his brother, James and John, Phi-
We have much more business with God lip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew
in prayer than Christ had; he had no and Thomas, James the son of A I-
^^£S£^,£ flTdTi^SS St-
even a whole night, in thsTdufy. Lord, 16JA¥n^ Ju**s '¥ ^°'*T °* Jarocs'
what delight didst thou take in paying this and Ju«as I sea not, which also was
homage to thy heavenly Father ! O bow the traitor,
does tby zeal and forwardness condemn
our remissness and lukewarmness j Ob- As the Jewish church arose from twelve
serve, 2. It was solitary prayer that our patriarchs, so the christian church became
Lord did so exceedingly delight in : He planted by twelve apostles. The person
went into the mountain alone to pray, not sending them forth was Christ ; none may
suffering his very disciples to be with undertake the work and calling of toe mi-
him. There are times and seasons when a nistry, but those whom Christ appoints and
christian would not be willing that his dear- calls, not immediately by himself, but
est relations upon earth should hear that in- mediately by the governors of his church,
tercourse which passes betwixt him and his The persons commissioned were disciples
God. Observe, 3. The place which our Lord before they were apostles ; to teach us, that
withdraws to for privacy in prayer : He Christ will have such as preach the gospel,
went into a mountain, as a place of re- to be disciples before they are ministers ;
tiredness : God delights to meet his chiU trained up in the faith and doctrine of the
dren alone. The modest Bridegroom of gospel, before they undertake a public
the church, says St. Bernard, will not im- charge. Observe next, How carefully the
part himself to his spouse before company, names of the twelve apostles, those htbo-
Observe, 4. The time when Christ retired rious persons in the service of souls, arc
into this mountain to pray, and to spend recorded and transmitted with honour to
a whole night in prayer, to God. If posterity. God will signally honour those
VL ST. LUKE. 305
.who angularly honour him, and are the da. When our Saviour first began to
special instruments of his glory. Of the preach, the people came unto him from
twelve apostles, Peter is named first, and every quarter. His ministers find it thus ;
Judas last: Peter is first named, because at our first coming among a people, our
probably elder than the rest, or because tor labours are most acceptable, and they do
order's sake be might speak before the rest *r most good. Our people's affections are then
from whence may be inferred a primacy, warm, and perhaps our own too. 2. What
but no supremacy ; a priority of order, sort of people they were who attended
but no superiority of degree ; as a foreman thus zealously on our Saviour's ministry :
of a grand jury has a precedency, but no they were the common and ordinary peo-
pre-eminency ; he is first in order before pie ; the poor received the gospel ; the
the rest, but has no authority over the rest ; learned scribes, the knowing Pharisees,
neither did St Peter ever assume to him- those wise men after the flesh, the mighty,
self a power of deciding controversies. But the noble, the great and honourable, these
we find St James, in that first general despised our Saviour's person, slighted his
council mentioned Acts xv. 13. speaking ministry, yea, sought to take away his life.
somewhat definitely, Thus I judge, or de- Thus from the first plantation of the gospel to
tennine the matter, and yet St Peter was this day, the poorer and meaner sort of peo-
then and there present Had the chain- pie have entertained the glad tidings of sal-
pkms of the church of Rome such a vation : it is a sad but a certain truth, that
passage in all the scripture for St Peter's heaven is a place where few, comparative-
authority, it would make a louder noise ly but very few, of the great men of the
than pasce oves, feed my sheep, John world, are like to come ; their tempta-
xxi.16. Again, as St. Peter is named first, tions are many, their corruptions strong,
so Judas is mentioned last, with a brand and their great estates, through their own
of infamy upon him, the traitor ; the per- abuse, become fuel to their lusts. Lord,
son that betrayed his Lord and Master, how rare is it to find those that are emi-
From whence we may gather, That though nently great, exemplarily good ! Observe,
the truth of grace be absolutely necessary 3. The nature of our Saviour's miracles,
to a minister's salvation, yet the want of Moses's miracles were as great judgments as
it doth not disannul his office, nor hinder wonders, but Christ's miracles were as great
the lawfulness of his ministry. Judas, mercies as wonders j they were salubri-
thougb a traitor, was yet a lawful minister ; ous and healing : There went virtue out
and a heart-hypocrite is no hypocrite in of him, and healed them all, Christ's
for* eccUsim, before the church, though miracles were like the author of them, full
be should be damned for his hypocrisy be- of goodness ; yet would not the obstinate
fore God. Pharisees be convinced, either by the good-
17 And he came down with them, ne» that was in them, or by that omnipo-
aod stood in the plain, and the com- J* P°wer whl<;h wrousht tb"Lf ^l H
^Vt 7 . . f •■"»" * Saviour's miracles were wonderful, but
pany of his disciples, and a great mul- wondeiB of ,0?e and nae^m
titode of people out of all Judea and _^ . , , ,.A , ,.
i i ^ a r-~.« *k- Ma «««-* 20 And he lifted up his eyes on
Jerusalem, and from the sea coast ..,.., . -5j n.fl(,; . .
of Tyre and Sidon, which came to h* disciples, and said Blessed be
hear him, and to be healed of their *V™ • for yours » the kin&doni
d«e«es ; 18 And they that were «*££■ ^^ ^.^ fa ^ world
vexed with unclean spirits . and wag n was hig d)acip\e*: con-
Ihey weic healed. 19 And the jition also ; therefore to relieve them against
whole multitude sought to touch tDejr poverty and low estate in the world,
him : for there went virtue out of be thus bespeaks them, Blessed be ye poor;
him. and healed them all. you that believe in me, and follow me, are
Observe here, 1. The great zeal and for- in a happier condition than those that are
watdness of the people in attending upon rich, and have received their consolation ;
our Saviour's ministry ; be had newly be- for yours is the kingdom of heaven.
run to preach in this place, and the people Christ was the poor man s preacher, and
Sock after him from all parts, from Ju- the poor man's comforter ; yet a bare out-
dea. from Jerusalem, from Tyre and Si- ward poverty, or an avowed voluntary
doo, to hear bsj doctrine, and see his raira- poverty, will entitle none to the blessing.
ST. LUKE. Chap, VI.
It is not a poverty of possession, but a po- Jewish church ; so now such disciples aft
verty of spirit, that makes us members of will cordially embrace, and stedrastly hold
the kingdom of grace, and hein of the king- ftst, the fiuth delivered by our Saviour,
dom of glory* must expect and prepare for hatred and
21 Blessed are ye i that hunger ^^l^^J^tX ^hkt
now : for ye shall be filled. Bless- lowanipf ^a all this by them who shall
ed are ye that weep now: for ye call themselves the guides and governors of
shall laugh. an infallible church.
Hunger and thirst are not blessings in 24 But woe unto you that are
themselves, nor yet are they curses in ricn j for ye have received yoar con-
themselves. Sanctified hunger is a ftr 80iation# 25 Woe unto you that
tsszs^^ ««' •- r i8hal! hun4,Woe
ed are they that hunger and thirst after «nto you that laugh now ! for ye
righteousness. Learn thence, 1. That »hall mourn and weep.
such as spiritually hunger and thirst after Observe here, 1. That though St. Luke
Christ and his righteousness, are certainly omits divers of the beatitudes mentioned by
in a happy and blessed condition. 1. That St. Matthew, chap. v. yet he lectteth the
the happiness of those who do hunger and woes which St. Matthew omitteth. If we
thirst after righteousness, consists in being will understand our Saviour's doctrine fully,
filled, Blessed are ye that weep now, for we must consult all the evangelists thorough-
ye shall laugh'. As if Christ had said, |y. Observe, 2. These woes are not to be
* You, my disciples, that are now in a sad, understood absolutely, but restrainedly ;
mournful, and afflicted state, are blessed ; the woes do not belong to men because
for there will come a time when ye shall they are rich, because they are full, be-
be comforted, a time when God shall wipe cause they do laugh ; but because they
away all tears from your eyes :" yet we place their happiness in these things- take
must not think that we have nothing to do Up with them for their portions, and re-
but to mourn ; there is a time to rejoice, joice in them as their chief good, valuing
as well as to mourn ; not that bare mourn- themselves by what they have in hand,
ingand weeping in itself, and for its own not by what they have in hope. He that
sake, is acceptoble unto God : but when js rich and righteous, he that is great and
we mourn rationally for our sins, and the gracious, be that has his bands full of this
sins of others, God will comfort us in this world, and his heart empty of pride and
world by his word and Spirit, and in the vain confidence ; be that laughs when God
world to come with the sight of himself. smiles, he that expresses himself joyfully
when God expresses himself graciously* such
22 Blessed are ye when men shall a man is rich in grace, who is thus gracious
hate 'you, and when they shall sepa- in the midst of riches. For to be rich and
rate you from their company, and holy, argues much riches of holiness*
shall reproach you, and cast out 26 Woe unto you when all men
your name as evil', for the Son of shall speak well of you ! for so did
man's stake. 23 Rejoice ye in that their fathers to the false prophets,
day, and leap for joy : for, behold, Our Saviour's design m these words, is
your reward is great in heaven : for not to condemn any of his disciples or
in the like manner did their fathers ministers, who have, by doing their duty,
unto the prophets. gained a fair reputation amongst the men
of the world, but to let us understand now
Observe here, The sufferers described, rarely and seldom it is attained ; for usually
the disciples ; and their sufferings foretold ; the best of men are the worst spoken of.
ye shall be hated, separated, and reproached. Neither the prophets of the Old Testament,
Hatred of Christ's disciples is the bitter nor John the Baptist, the prophet of the
root from which persecution grows. Where New Testament, nor Christ himself, nor
(here Is hatred in the heart, no wonder that his apostles, did ever gain either the good
reviling is in the lips. And as the dis- will, or the good word, of the men of that
ciples of Christ then were for his sake generation in which they lived. The ap-
hated, reproached, and cast out of the plause of the multitude, that contingent
Chap* VL ST- LUKE: 80V
judge of good and evtlt rather attends the Not to revenge injuries: where private
vain than the virtuous. None have ever revenge is the thing forbidden, and we are
been so much reproached by man as the directed, rather to suffer a double wrong
faithful ministers of God, who have learned than to seek a private revenge. * Chris-
to take pleasure in reproaches 5 for though tianity obliges us to bear many injuries
grace does not bid as invite reproaches, patiently, rather than to revenge one pri-
vet it teaches us to bid them welcome, vately ; we most leave the matter to <5od
The world has all along taken effectual and the magistrate. The truth is, revenge
care by their cruel mockings, bitter re- b a very troublesome and vexations passion,
preaches, sharp invectives, to free the the man's soul swells and boils, and is m.
ministers of God in all ages from the danger pain and anguish, and has no ease. Be-
ef ow Saviour's woe here denounced : Woe sides, by our avenging of one injury, we
unto you when all men shall speak well necessarily draw on another, and so bring
°fy°*~ on a perpetual circulation of injuries and'
27 But 1 aav unto vou which hear rcTcn?es 5 whereas forgiveness prevents
a nui 1 say unio vou wnicn near, vexatwn to otliew,disquietixient to ourselves.
Love your enemies, do good to them ao olve to ^ mM that ^
which hate you; 29 Bless them cth of thee ; and of him that taketh
that curee you, and pray for them aw th odd|J ask ihem no% Jn
which despitefully use you. 26 And t^ £f ^ like precept8 of „+%**
unto him that smiteth thee on the our are not to be. taken strictly, but res
one cheek offer also the other ; and siraipedly : we are thereby obliged to cha-
him that taketh away thy cloak, for- rity according to others' necessities, and our.
bid not to take iky coat also. own abilities, bat not bound to give to
ra . 1 m. ui • u * every on€ that . has* the confidence to ask
kSS^ ^.li" 1 BC?te. VI °f ** w*at we have. Indeed every man that
ch«tomtj,andthe Lirge extent of chns- wM ^^ ± ^ objict of our.
F^J*!*?'9 ?li^h *7fi£ WM ctastian charity: ind we must with a
hotted and ^confined to those of their own compassionate heart and open hand, relieve
Zt^^"^ a?d ^natl°D' u\m C^ Kim According to his iiecessity, but answer-
begaa and ended at home: but our Savi* able to our ability. Nor must the second
our obliges h» followers to the exercise of a part 0f the verse be understood as forbidding
more extensive charity, even to all mankind, christians to seek the recovery of their just
even the worst of men, our enemies that ^^ by purging thieves, and following
seek our detraction. Christianity is so far lhe lftW * opSressors ; but requiring ul
from anowujg us tonersecute them that to forbear all act* of private revenge, as
teteus, that rtcomniandsTOtolovethem that direct|y contrary to the spirit and temper of
persecute us. Observe, 2. The nature and Christianity. As jealousy is the rage of *
quality of the duty enjoined: Love your JXUm$ w ^^ is the rage of the devil.
enemas; there the inward affection is re- u „ the very ^ ^ 8pirit 0f the apostate
quaed. Bless them that curse you; nature.
there outward civility and affability is re- „ " * , » 1 .1 ,
quired. Do good to tfum that hate you ; L 3\ * a* yoo would that men
here real acts of kjndness and beneficence should do to you, dp ye also to them
are required to be done to the worst of ene- likewise.
mies, though they be guilty of the worst of Here our Saviour lays down a most
crimes, calumny and cruelty ; striking excellent rule of life, for all his disciples
both at our reputation and our life. Learn, and followers to walk by, namely, always
That Christianity obliges us to bear a sin- to do as we would be done by. The
cere love to our most malicious enemies, golden rule of justice and equity in all our
to be ready at all times to pray for them, dealings with men is this, To do as we
and upon all occasions to do good unto would he done unto. It is a full rule,
them. Thus to do, is an imitation of God a clear rule, a most just and equitable rule,
oar maker, of Christ our master : it is for which the light of nature, and the law of
me good of this lower world, and the way Christ, binds upon us. St. Matthew, chap,
to a better ; it is the ornament ' of our re* vii. 14» adds, that this is the law and the
ligioo, and the perfection of our nature, prophets ; that is, the sum of the Old Tea?
and an high degree and pitch of virtue, tament, and the substance of the second
To which may be added the next duty, table. The whole of the law is this; to
908 ST. LUKE. Chap. VI;
love God above ourselves, and to love our This prohibition, Judge not, is not to be
neighbours as ourselves. understood of ourselves, but our neighbours.
32 For if ye love them which »-WnB»»^«n*i»^«yAiiy&
love you, whit thank have ye? ™>i*g"& l^Z^t^" ^
- • i t xi_ iL j. i grievous sin, which exposes to the ngbt-
for sinners also love those that love e^ jllrjgment of GodT It is private
them. 33 And if ye do good to judging and private condemning of persons
them which do good to you, what which God forbids; it follows, forgnr%
thank have ye ? for sinners also do <**"* ye *hali be forgiven. Not that a
even the same. 34 And if ye lend }am forgiving of others is all that God
to them of whom ye hope to receive, fwluire8 m ™? *° J0" ?IKivenc»» ** ft
what thank have ye ? for sinners al- " « g* * ^^"K J** we
. . . J owe to Uod, without which it is in vain
so lend to sinners, to receive as to expect forgiveness from God: Forgive
much again. 35 But love ye your and ye shall be forgiven. See the note
enemies, and do good, and lend, on Matt. vii. 1.
hoping for nothing again ; and your 33 Give> and ft shaI| ^ ^vcn
reward shall be great, and ye shall mto ou . good mcasure, pressed
be the children of 'the Highest .: for down> and shaken togcther, and
he is kind unto the unthankful and running ovcr shHll nien ive into
to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore bosomt For with fhe
mercifu , as your Father also is measurc Uiat yc metc witha|f it shall
merciful. bc mea8ured to you again.
The design of our blessed Saviour in all I think there is not any one text of scrip-
and every of these precepts is to recommend ture that declares the bounty of God more
unto us all sorts and kinds of mercy and fully in rewarding acts of charity and mercy
charity ; namely, charity in giving, charity than this before us. O how liberal a pay-
in forgiving, charity in lending ; it is some- master is God ! how sure and bountiful are
times our duty (if we have ability) to lend the returns Christ makes to us for the relief
to such poor persons as we cannot expect given to him in his members ? He promises
will ever be in a capacity, either to repay us here, 1. Not bare measure but good
or to requite us. This is to imitate the measure. 2. Pressed down, shaken toge-
Divine bounty, which does good to all, thcr, and running over ; nothing adds
even to the unthankful and to the unholy, more to the measure than the shaking of the
Love for love is justice ; love for no love, bushel, the crowding and pressing of the
is favour and kindness ; but love and cha- corn, and heaping till the measure runneth
rity, mercy and compassion, to all persons, over : now a measure will run over as long
even the undeserving and the ill-deserving, as you will pour. Learn hence, That cha-
this is a divine goodness, a Christ-like tern- rities done in faith, in obedience to God; and
per, which will render us illustrious on with an eye to the glory of God, will pro-
earth, and glorious in heaven. St. Luke duce a certain and plentiful increase. Ltbes
says here, Be ye merciful, as your Father rality is the way to riches ; giving is the
is merciful. St. Matthew says, chap. v. best and surest way of thriving. A little
verse last, Be ye perfect as your Father charity from us, if we have but a little, is
in heaven is perfect ; implying, that love looked upon by God as a great deal. But
and mercy, charity and compassion, is the it is the greatest imprudence as wdl as
perfection of a christian's graces $ he that impiety, to do but a little when we have
is made perfect in love, is perfect in all divine the ability to do much ; for he that soweth
graces, in the account of God. Perfection bountifully shall reap bountifully : good
in graces, but especially in love and cha- measure, pressed down, and running over.
Ii!ft °^h' to .^- 0Ur ?™ a *t?* *** 88 And he spake a parable unto
.hall be our attainment m the next. them . ^ ^ ^ J^ ^ ?
37 Judge not, and ye shall not shall they not both fall into the
be judged : condemn not, and ye ditch ?
shall not be condemned: forgive, Our Saviour doubtless applied these words
and ye shall be forgiven : to the scribes and Pharisees, the Jewish
Chap. VI. ST. LUKE. 300
leaders, dodoes, and teachers, who being By the mole in our brother's eye, Is
ignorant of the spiritual sense of the law, meant some small and little sins discerned,
(interpreting it only to the restraining of or some sin suspected. By the beam in
the outward man,) were very unfit to in- our own eye, some greater sin undiscerned.
struct and lead others ; for where one blind Now, says our Saviour, there is no greater
man leads another, both are in danger of sin of hypocrisy than to be curious in spy-
the ditcb ; that is, to run into ruin and ing out -the smaller faults of others, and at
destruction. I^aro, 1. That ignorant, the same time indulge greater m ourselves,
erroneous, or unfaithful ministers, are the Learn hence, That there is no such way to
greatest plague, and sorest punishment, teach us charity in judging of others, as to
that can befall a people. 1. That Christ exercise severity in judging of ourselves,
having forewarned us of such guides, to 2. That those who desire others should look
follow them will be an inexcusable sin and upon their failings with a compassionate
folly, and never free us from the danger eye, must not look upon the failings of
of destruction, but rather be an aggravation others with a censorious eye ; for with
of our condemnation : If the blind follow what measure we mete, it shaft be mea-
the blind, both will9 inevitably yet inex- sured to us again,
\!7'£! j« ° • \ ' " . u u- 43 For a good tree bringeth not
40 nie disciple is not above bis forth co t fn|it ; neither doth a
waster : but everj one that is per- corrupt tree bring forth good fruit,
feet shall be as his master. 44 For everv tree is known by hia
The application of these words, no doubt, own fruit : for of thorns men do
our Saviour intended to his own disciples, not ther fi nor of a Dramble-
P?,ll^^^^ bush%atherVy grapes 45 A
Ed they suffer bard things from an unkind S°°d man ottt of the %<"** treasure
world ? The remembrance of what their of his heart bringeth forth that which
Master suffered before them may support is good ; and an evil man out of the
them. Did they meet with hard and diffi- evil treasure of his heart bringeth
cub duties, such as loving enemies, doing forth that which is evil ; for of the
good to tbeni that hate and persecute them? abundance of the heart his mouth
Their Lord's example may encourage and mnMi.-tL
instruct them, who loved them when they »PeaKein-
were enemies, who prayed for his murder- Our Saviour here and elsewhere fre-
er*, and offered up his blood to God on quently compares persons to trees ; the
behalf of them that shed it. Learn hence, heart of man is as the root, the actions
That the perfection of a christian in this as the fruit ; as the root is the principle
world, coosisteth in the imitation of Christ from which the fruit springs, so the heart
Jesus, in being as our Master ; in coming of man is the principle from which all bu-
ss oear to his example as it is possible for man actions flow : an holy heart will be
persons dotbed with flesh and blood to accompanied with an holy life, where there
arrive at Every one that is perfect must is a vital principle of grace within, there
be as his Master. will be the actings of grace without ; a
41 And why beholdest thou the good conscience will be accompanied with
Bote that is in thy brother's eye, * &»* ^^^J^fTfy^^Z £
. A . . X 1 _ *u~*:I double treasure discovered in the heart of
bat perceives! not the beam that is man , ^ M txeasm of9inBnd «„.
ra thine own eye ? 42 Either how njption, from whence flow evil things : but
caast thou say to thy brother, Bro- wny should sin be called a treasure? Not
ther, let me pull out the mote that is for the preciousness of it, but for the abun-
m thine eye, when thou thyself be- dance of it j a little doth not make a trea-
holdest not the beam that is in thine »»* ] «* also for the continuance of it;
__ s rpi^ k„*ww...w« I *.o«+ for though sin be perpetually overflowing
^"^fTi u hypocnte! cast tott^^6M^^oMim^
owt first the beam out of thine own The tresuute of originai corruption in man's
eye, and then shalt thon see clearly j,^ an(j nature, though by sanctifying
to poll out the mote that is in thy grace it be drawn low, yet it is never in
brothers eye. this life drawn dry. 1. Here is a good
HO ST. EUJKE. Cnap. VIII
, treasure of grace discovered in a sanctified build upon. 2. That such professors as
.and renewed man; which is the source rest in the bare performance of oot ward du-
\ and spring from whence all gracious actions ties, are foolish builders ; their foundation
.do proceed and flow $ namely, a sanctified is weak and sandy, and all their hopes of
• and renewed heart and nature. When salvation vain and deceitful. Lord ! how
.once the will of man is made conformable does the carnal world build all their hopes
.to the will of God, it doth will and desire, upon the sand, on the wisdom of the
choose and embrace, take pleasure and flesh, on their policies, councils, friends,
. delight in, what God approves, commands, and riches ! They bottom their very soul
• and loves; and it will lay an injunction upon fancies, presumptions, delusions, and
upon all the members of the body to act vain hopes. They expect to be happy
.conformably thereunto. without being holy, which is to expect to
46 And why call ye me, Lord, l*«»y ****** km* **»foy- J™e to
Lord, and do not the things which ^T^^^^Jill. ^^f^
¥ * a* wu ~ ?u *~ -«A tare» hands, who builds all ha hopes upon
I say ? 47 Whosoever cometh to me, ^ e^T9f(X whcn the ^ £%Jmt
and lieareth my sayings, and doeth te hope9 are ghaken, nk heart is shaken,
them, I will show you to whom he is and he is even at his wit's end : whereas
like': 48 He is like a man which the christian that builds upon the rock,
built an house, and digged deep, stands firm and sure ; for if ever the chris-
and laid the foundation on a rock ; *ian falls, Christ must fall with "him : be
and when the flood arose, the stream *}»}1 n£* ** disappointed of his ; hopes.
beatvehemenUy upon that house, ££ StSKT-£?B! ! £££
and could not shake it: for tt was decern If it be impossible for God to lie,
founded upon a rock. 49 But he then it is impossible for the obedient, holy,
that heareth, and doeth not, is like and circumspect christian finally to mis-
a man that without a foundation carry,
built an house upon the earth: against
which the stream did beat vehement- CHAP. VII.
ly, and immediately it fell ; and ™ZXZ&Z£5LZ,\
the FtllD Of that llOUse was great. the one in raising the centurion's servant (torn
~ „ . , tii- his bed, the oilier in raising the widow's son frosa
OUT Saviour here concludes his sermon hit bier: both of tbem eminent sets and instances
with an elegant similitude: he compares ofh to dwine s^ abni^y power. Thekistory
the faithml doer of the word to a wise oftbefowuodstho.:
builder, which founded his house upon a .IfcTOW when he had ended all his
rock. Others he resembles to a foolish .1* sayings in the audience of the
builder, that built his houseupon the sand. 0 , he te d - io Capernaum.
The house is the hope of heaven and eter- £ Ar.' 4 . . . f^
nal life f the rock ^Christ; the building 2lAnd a <***»* centurion s servant,
upon the sand, is resting upon the bare who was «car unt° ™m> w«* sick,
performance of outward duties, the rain, ado! ready to die. 3 And when he
the winds, and the jtoods, are all kinds of heard of Jesus, he sent unto him
afflicting evils, sufferings, and persecutions, the elders of the Jews, beseeching
that may befall us. The sum is; men's him that he would come and heal
hopei >of salvation built upon any other be- Wg t 4 A^ h tb
sides Christ, or built upon Christ without a « * ¥ *. u l*l- • -
sincere and uniform Obedience to him, came to Jesus, they besought htm in-
are vain hopes, deceitful hopes ; for when stantly, saving, That be was worthy
the storm arises, when affliction or perse- for whom he should do this : 5 For
cution comes, their confidence will fail he loveth our nation, and he bath
them, their foundation will be shaken, built us a synagogue. 6 Then Je-
Learn 1. That the orjedient believer is the gU8 went with them# Md when he
only wise man, that builds his hopes of „,_„ _rtm _* * „ *► _ ,u~ k— ~ «*^
heaven upona sure and abiding fouiXioo ; ^ not ^jromihe house, tfa*
Christ is the rock that he builds upon, and centurion sent friends to him, say-
one Christ is before a thousand creatures, lng uPt<> him. Lord, trouble not thy-
one rock better than millions of sands to, self ; for I am not worthy that thou
Chap. VH. ST. LUKE. *ll
sbouldest enter under my roof: 7 and tender sympathy, with hit afflicted
Wherefore neither thought I myself servant, is both matter of commendation
worthy to come unto thee : but say tnd imitation. Observe, 4. The happy
in a word, and my servant shall be ™illtuie. of humility and faith which was
l^i i 0 r 7^1 . found in this centurion. Sea his wonder-
healed. 8 For I also am a man set M humilit m not thinki ^^ WOf-
under .authority, having under me thy to come into Christ's presence, or that
soldiers : and I say unto one, Go, Christ should come under his roof. The
and he goeth ; and to another, Come, best men have always the lowest thoughts
and he eometh ; and to my servant, of themselves ; when we esteem ourselves
Bo this, and he doeth it. 9 When unworthy of any favours, Christ accounts
Jesus heard these things, he mar- ™ w°rthJ. <?f afK See'^° J» *** ilL4
v*u~a «# ui~* ««j ♦ J?u- u * Christ's divine power: be believed that
veiled at him, and turned him about, ^^ ^ able ft. distance, and by a sin-
and said unto the people that fol- gie word, to command off the distemper
lowed him, I say unto you, I have of his servant: he tells him, that diseases
not found so great faith, no, not in were as much at Christ's command, as his
Israel. 10 And they that were sent, servants, were at his command. Humility,
returning to the house, found the we see, is both the fruit of faith, and the
servant whole that had been sick. .«*¥■»*» «£«"■■ # An h,™£le soul has
evermore an high esteem of Christ s pow-
la our Saviour's miraculous cure of the er, and a low esteem of itself. Observe, 5.
centurion's servant, we have several particu- How our pleased Saviour exceeds not only
Jan very observable ; as, 1. The person the centurion's desires, but his expectations
applying himself tp our blessed Saviour for also, St Matt. viii. 7. Jesus saith unto
help and healing: he was a Gentile, an him, I will come and heal him. Owon-
■Hfsthfn, a Roman soldier, an officer and derful condescension. In St John iv. 47*
oonunander ; yet he believes in, and re* we read of a certain nobleman and ruler
Jies upon the power of Christ Note, That that twice entreated our Saviour to come
is the freeness of divine grace, that it to his house and heal his son, but our
Is itself to all sorts and ranks, to all Lord refused. Here the centurion doth but
and degrees of men, without excep- barely tell Christ of his poor servant's sick>
lion; even the bloody trade of war yields nesa, and Christ, both unasked and uodesired,
worthy clients to Christ :< be doth not so says, I will come and heal him. O how
much regard what we are, and whence we far is Christ from seeming in the least to
are, as with what dispositions and desires, honour riches and despise poverty ! He that
with what purposes and inclinations, we came in the form of a servant goes down
come unto turn. Observe, 2. The person to visit a sick servant upon his poor paU
whom the centurion came to Christ for : let-bed, who did not come near the rich
not for himself, nor for his son, but for his couch of the ruler's son. Observe, 6. .The
servant. His servant was sick ; he doth notice and observation which our Saviour
not drive him out of doors, nor stand takes of the centurion's faith : he wonder*
gating by bis bed-side, but looks out for ed at it from him. ' Admiration agreed not
help and relief for him * a worthy exam- to Christ as God, but as man it did. Christ
pie of humanity ! Some masters have not wrought iajth as God, and wondered at
so much regard to their sick servants as it as man. What can be. more wonderful
they have to their oxen and their swine, than to see Christ wonder } We find not
But be is not worthy of a good servant our Saviour wondering at worldly pomp
that in a time of sickness is not willing to and greatness : when the disciples wonder-
serve his servant. Observe, 3. Unto whom ed at the magnificence and stately build-
the centurion seeks, and with what seal ings of the temple, Christ rather rebuked
aad application \ he seeks not to wizards them than wondered with them ; but when
and conjurers, but to the physician, for his he sees the gracious act and exercise of
sick servant^ yea, to Christ, the chief Phy- faith, he is ravished with wonder. M it
ctcian ; and this not with a formal relation teach us to place our admiration where
in his mouth, but with a vehement aggra- Christ fixes his ; let us be more affected
ration of his disease, My servant lies sick with the least measure of grace in a good
of the palsy* grievously tormented, St. man, than with all tbegaitjes end glories
Matt. viii. 0. where the master's condolency, of a great man; let us not envy the one.
3]g ST. LUKE. Chap. VIU
but admire and imitate the other. Observe, -widow: there woe many heart-piercing
lastly, Christ doth not only admire the circumstances in her affliction. 1. It was
centurion's faith, but publishes it : Verify the death of a son. To bury a child
I have not found so great faith, no, not rends the heart of a parent ; for what are
in Israel ; that is, amongst the generality children but the parent multiplied ? But
of the Jewish nation. For, as to parti- to lay a son in the grave, which cooti-
cular persons, several had showed a great- nues the name, and supports the family, Js
er faith than this, as Joseph and Mary, a sore affliction. 2. This son was a young
This expression lets us know, that where man in the strength and flower of bis age,
the means of faith are but small, the noble not carried from the cradle to the coffin,
acts and exercise of faith are wonderful Had he died an infant, he bad not been
and soul amazing. so much lamented ; but then when the mo-
-, A » .A - . Ai . ther's expectations were highest, and the
11 And it came to pass the day endearments greatest, even in the flower of
after, that he went into a city his age, he is cut off. 3. He was not only
called Nain ; and many of his dis- a son, but an only son ; one in whom
ciples went with him, and much all his mother's hopes and comforts were
people. 12 Now when he came bound up. * The death of one out of many,
nigh to the gate of the city, behold, «"»«■ more tolerable than of all in one,
♦k™ *„„«. « a~~a «*«.- ~~L:~a ,*..♦ The loss of that one admits of no consc*
there was a dead man carried out, ,afK)n 4 sm ^ hteQ lbeaffliction
the only son of his mother, and she it b addedf that zhe ^ a wid4rm . ^
was a widow : and much people of wanted the counsel and support of a Ion
the city was with her. 13 And ing yokefellow. Had the root been left
when the Lord saw her, he had com- entire, she might better have spared the
passion on her, and said unto her, branch ; now both are cut down, and she
Weep not. 14 And he came and J"001* left to c?mftJrt her in her corn-
touched the bier; and they that £*? *»*« w* ?"*<**• ** *» **
i «-~ i • ± a *'ii i a j u 'a tressed condition, Christ, the God of com-
bare Attn stood still. And he said, fortf med8 to ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^
Young man, I say unto thee, Arise, serve, 2. The compassion of Christ 4*
15 And he that was dead sat up, wards this distressed widow : He mv her,
and began to speak. And he deli- and had compassion on her. Christ saw
vered him to his mother. 10 And her, she did not speak to him : no tears;
there came a fear on all : and they no FH°* <*n move Chrirt *> mn6h. **
fr\nr-\GoA n^A <,«,,;„ ~ tIia* o ~~*«» °ur afflictions and his own compassion,
glorified God, saying, That a great ChM% ^ ^ hh *^Ho
* aP£ "V/liT "P. ?m?DJ? U8; her, Weep not ; his feet went to the bier,
and, That God hath visited his peo- his hand touched the coffin, and the pow-
ple. 17 And this rumour of him er of his Godhead raised the dead. Bat
went forth throughout all Judea, how strange doth Christ's counsel seem !
and throughout all the region round To bid a woman not to weep for such a
about. I088* was t0 persuade her to be miserable,
and not feel it ; to feel it, and not regard
There were three persons raised from it; to regard it, and yet conceal and
death to life by the powerful word of Christ's hide it it is not the decent expression of
mouth ; namely, Jairus's daughter, men- our sorrow then which Christ condemns,
tioned by St. Matthew ; Lazarus, recorded but the undue excess and extravagances of
by St/ John; and here the widow's son, it, which our Saviour blames. And the
only taken notice of by St. Luke. The lesson of instruction which we learn from
place where the miracle was wrought was hence is this, that christians ought to no-
the city of Nain ; out of their cities, and derate their sorrow for their dead relations,
not within them, the Jews were wont to how many afflicting circumstances and *g-
bury their dead. Our Saviour at the gate gravations soever do meet together in their
of the city meets with the sad pomp of a death : here was a child, that child a son»
funeral, a sorrowful widow attended with that son an only son, that only son car-
her mournful neighbours, following her ried to the grave in the flower of his age ;
only son to the grave. Where note, 1. yet Christ says to the pensive mother, a
The doleful and distressed condition of the sorrowful widow, Weep not. Observe, 3.
Chap. VIL ST- LUKE: *13
The power of Christ in raising the widow's selves in shape, but above themselves in pow-
ttu to life. The I*rd of life arrests the er : A great prophet is risen up amongst
fcrjeant Death, and rescues the prisoner us, and Qod hath visited his people.
T*JFr!^~C**~^'lVH 18 And ^e disciples of John
name of God, young man, arise: but, I auAMMi *.• r n *u r .l« •*>
m, unto thee, lirisJ. Christ had a pow- *hewe? £im °1{.a11 thc9c ^In&9- **
«r m» bimsdf, and of himself, to command And John calllllg «n/o Atm two of
lite dead to arise ; and the same power- his disciples, sent them to Jesus,
ful voice whkh raised this young man, saying, Art thou he that should come,
sbatt in the last day raise up our dead bo- or look we for another ? 20 When
din ; for it is as easy for Omnipotency to the men were come unto him, they
ST VL^SL^L *£T*<rJ!! £j?* at 8aid> Joh« Baptist hath sent usun-
nisi, Let them be made. The Socimans #rt A,^ M%li* A_* 4Ka„ k. *kA#
fere own, that Christ raised this young *? *J«' "•»»«' ^rt thou he that
mm by a divine power, which God had should come * or. look wc for an°-
oooimunicated to him; yet deny him at *ner ? 21 And* in the same hour
the same time to be essentially God. But let he cured many of their infirmities
them prove if they can, that a divine pow- and plagues, and of evil spirits ;
er, which is proper to God alone, ever and unto many that were blind he
^Jl^u^^coammk^ t0 r &ave «&ht- 22 Then Jesus an-
creature, without the communication of ««,«•:««. —ia ..-*,* *k^« r»~ «~ .
tlTdSine nature. True, we find St. spring sad unto them Go your
Petes, Jets it 40. commanding Tabitha way' and tel ,John, **** th,ln&S 7*
to arise ; but we find all he did was by nave 8een anC« heard ; how that the
kith in Christ, and by prayer unto Christ, blind see, the lame walk, the lepers
Acts ix. 34. Jesus Christ healeth thee, are cleansed, the deaf hear, the
arise: but Christ here raised the widow's dead are raised, to the poor the
son wife* jprayer, purely by ha own g08pei is preached. 23 And bless-
KSl'StSra ed is Ae,Fwhosoever shall not be
*, he begins to speak, offended in »«•
i he sits up,
and is delivered to his mother. Death About the time of our Saviour's appear-
ma no power to bold that man down, ing in the world there was a general ex-
vhom the Son of God bids rise up : Jim- pectation of a great prince that should come
medtetefy he that was dead sat up ; and out of Judea, and govern all nations :
me same power which raised one man, this prince the Jews called the Messias, or
can isuse a thousand, a million, a world ; the Anointed, and waited for his appear*
no power can raise one man but an al- ance. Accordingly, when John the Bap.
latency power, and that which is almighty list appeared in the quality of an extra-
<an ssrise all men. It was not so much ordinary prophet, the Jews sent to know
far the child's sake as the mother's sake, of him, whether be was the Messias or not,
that the son was raised: it was an injury John i. 19. he answered that he was
to the son, though a kindness to the mo* not, but only the harbinger and forerunner
ther, tor he must twice pass through the of the Messias ; so that it was very evident
gates of death, to others* once ; it returned that it was not for John's own information
him from rest to labour, from the peaceful that be sent two of his disciples to Christ,
harbour, back again to the tempestuous to know whether he was the Messias or
oceasv. Observe, lastly, What effects this not ; for John was assured of it himself by
miracle had upon the multitude : seeing a voice from heaven at our Saviour's bap-
the divine power thus manifestly exerted, tism, Matt. iii. ult. but it was for his dis-
they are filled with astonishment and cipleV satisfaction that be sent them to Je-
ni^f— w*t . they look upon our Saviour sus ; because John's disciples were unwilk
with awful and admiring looks ; They glo- ing to acknowledge Christ to be the Mes-
rify amd praise Qod fir sending a great sias, out of a great zeal for the honour of
prophet amongst them, accounting it a him their master j they were not willing to
gnat act of favour that God had in this own any person greater than John their
wonderful manner visited his people ; yet a master, lest such an acknowledgment should
prophet was the highest name they could eclipse and cloud him. From whence we
£nd for him, whom they saw like thenv. may note, How the judgments. of the beef
*T4 ST, LUKE, Chap. VII.
■of men are very apt to be biased and per- The poor hear and receive the gospel,
verted by faction or interest No doubt See Matt, xi. 5. Note, That all along, io
John's disciples were good men, and no our Saviour's time and since, the poor of
doubt their master had often told them, as the world have been more disposed to
he did others, that he was not the Messias j hear and embrace the gospel than other
yet they will not believe their own master, men ; and the reasons of it are these : 1.
when they apprehend him to speak against Because the poor have no worldly interest
their own interest; for they knew that to engage them to reject Christ and his
they must rise and fall in their reputation gospel. The nigh-priest, the scribes and
and esteem, as their master did : therefore Pharisees, bad a plain worldly interest to
that John's disciples might receive full sa- engage them to oppose Christ and his
tisfaction from Christ* be sends two of bis doctrine ; bat the poor were free from these
disciples to him to hear his doctrine, and incumbrances and temptations. They had
see his miracles ; for John perceiving his nothing to lose ; therefore our Saviour's
disciples to be ill-affected towards our Sa- doctrine went down more easily with them,
viour, and hearing them speak with some because it did not contradict their interest,
envy of * his miracles, he sent them to as it did the interest of those who had
him, that being eye-witnesses of what he great possessions. Those that are poor,
did, they might be convinced who he was. and enjoy little of the good things of this
Observe next, The way and means which life, are willing to entertain the glad tidings
our Saviour takes to convince and satisfy of happiness in another life. Such as are
John's disciples that he was the true Mes- in a state of misery here, are glad to under-
Bias : he appeals to the miracles wrought stand that it shall be well with them here-
by himself, and submits those miracles to after, and are willing to listen to the good
the judgment- and examination of their news of a future happiness ; whereas the
senses : Qo and show John the miracles rich, who have had their consolation here,
which you hear and tee ; the blind re- are not much concerned what will become
ceive their .sight, the lame walk, the deaf of them afterwards. '
fe JO* T *H ** * a IitoH ^ 23 And blessed is he, whosoever
spiritual sense also: he was an eye of un- • « . t ir i _i • -«■»•*»«
Standing to the ignorant, a foot of power shall not be offended in me.
to the weak, he opened an ear in deaf hearts No doubt our Saviour uttered these wonfa
to receive the word of life, and the poor re* with particular respect and reference to
ceive and embrace the gospel. Miracles are John's disciples, who, out of an extraordina*
the highest attestation, and the greatest ex- ry zeal for the honour of their master, were
temal confirmation and evidence, that can prejudiced against our Saviour; but the ge-
be given to the truth and divinity of any neral import of the words doth show that
doctrine. Now our Saviour's miracles, for there are many to whom Christ is a Rock of
their nature, were divine and Godlike ; offence ; the Jews were offended at the
they were healing and beneficial to man- meanness of his extraction, at the poverty
kind, freeing men from the greater calami- of his parents, at the lowness of his breed-
ties of human life ; for their number, they ing, at his suffering condition ; from their
were many ; for the manner of their ope- traditions they expected the Messias should
ration, they were publicly wrought in the be a temporal prince, whereas the prophets
sight and view of multitudes of people. To declared he should be a man of sorrows,
free them from all suspicion of fraud and and acquainted with grief; be despised,
imposture, he wrought them before his ene- and put to death. Thus at mis day many
mies, as well as in the presence of his friends are offended at Christ; some are offended
and followers. And this was not done at the asserted divinity of his person, and
once or twice, or in one place, but at seve- the meritoriousness of his sattdactioo*
ral times, and in several places, wherever he Some are offended at the sublimity of his
came, and this for a long time, even for doctrine, others at the sanctity and strictness
three years and a half; so that our blessed of his laws ; some are offended at the free
Saviour had all the attestation that miracles dispensations of his grace *r others that the
can give, to evidence himself the true and teims of Christianity are very hard* and \mj
promised Messias. too great a restraint upon human nature ?
t, ' At , . . but. Blessed is he, says Christ* that shitli
— To tlie poor the gospel is „ „t he offended at me ; intimating that*
preached. Mich as, instead of bang ofien<kd atCiirist^
Chap. VU. ST. LUKE. felt
do believe in him, and ground their expec- the people : nothing is so mutable as the
taboos of heaven and salvation wholly upon mind of man; nothing so variable as the
him, are in a happy and blessed condition : opinion of the multitude; Observe, 2. The
Blessed is he that shall not be offended in time when our Saviour thus commended
me. John : when he was cast into prison bif
_ . . , , ., c Herod, Not when he was in prosperity,
24 And when the messengers of when ^ ^^ flocked ^^ hinif when
John were departed he began to he preached at court, and was reverenced
•peak onto the people concerning by Herod ; but when the giddy multitude
John, What went ye out into the had forsaken him; when he was disgraced
wilderness for to see ? A reed •* court, and had preached himself into a
shaken with the wind? 25 But F*2° 5 n?w * * .™ '**"* ^.TS?8
whatw^onouttotosee? A ^^^
man clothed in soft raiment * Be- ^ a preacher. Learn hence, That Christ
bold, they which are gorgeously ap- will evermore stand by, and stick fast unto,
pareiled, and live delicately, are in his faithful ministers, when all the world
king's courts. 26 But what went forsakes them. Let the world slight and
Te out for to see? A prophet ? despise them at their pleasure; yet Christ
Vea, I say unto you, and much ™ maintain J* *™our; «* •"PI**
«u -u * 0»Tk:fl :« their cause; as they bear a faithful witness
more than a prophet. 27 This is |Q Chrfct> ^ Chr£t ^ ^ wiinm {o
he of whom it is written, Behold, I their faithfulness for him. Observe, 3. The
send my messenger before thy face, commendation itself. Our Saviour com-
which shall prepare thy way before mends John for four things I for his con-
thee. stancy, for his sobriety, for his humility,
_ ' . . for his gospel-ministry. 1. For his coo-
Onr Saviour having given, as we may 8tancy : he was not a reed shaken with
suppose, mil satisfaction to John's disciples tne ^ind; that is, a man of an unstable
and sent them away, he enters upon a and unsetded judgment, but fixed and
brgecommeDdatioQ of John himself. Where steady. 2. For his sobriety, austerity, and
w« have observable, 1 . The persons whom high degree of mortification and self-denial :
he commended John before : not his own he was no delicate, voluptuous person, but
dacipfes, but before the multitude; for John's grave, sober, and severe. He was mortifi-
dsraple* bad too mgh an opinion of their ed to the glory and honour, to the ease
masssr already, insomuch, that they envied and pleasure, of the world: John wrought
our Saviour for overshadowing their mas* ^ miracles, but his conversation was al-
ter : John vil 26. Behold Christ baptixeth, most miraculous, and as effectual as miracles
and all men come unto him. It was a to prevail upon the people. 3. For his
ami eye-sore to John's disciples, that humUity: John might once have been
Christ had more hearers and followers than what he would, the people were ready to
•" te ; therefore not before John's cry him up for the Messias, the Christ of
bat before the multitude, is John God : but John's humble and lowly spirit
ted : for as John's disciples had refuses all : He confessed and denied not,
too high, so the multitude had too low, an saying, I am not the Christ, but a poor
opinion of John ; possibly because of ms minister of his, willing, but not worthy, to
ifaprnooment and sufferings. There was a do him the meanest serviee. This will
time when the people had high thoughts commend our ministry to the consciences
of John's person and ministry ; but being of our people ;- when we seek not our own
now clouded with sunerings, they disss, glory, but the glory of Christ 4. Our
teem and endervalue him. Learn hence. Saviour commends John for his clear
How vain it is for any men, but especially preaching the gospel, and for his making
for the rainistecs of the gospel, to value known the coming of the Messias to the
themselves by popular applause. The pec people: He was more than a prophet,
pie contemn to-day whom they admired because he pointed out Christ more dearly
— — *~y ; be who to-day is cried up, to- and folly than any of the prophets before
is trodden down ; the word and him. The ancient prophets beheld Christ
i are the same, but this proceeds afar off, but John saw him face to face.
from the fickleness and inconsistency of They prophesied of him, he pointed at
$1? ST. LUKE. Chap. VIH
iiim9 saying. This is he. The clearer any were baptized of John t and justified Qod :
ministry is in discovering of Christ, the more that is, they looked upon John as a pro*
excellent and useful it is. phet sent of God ; they owned bis ministry,
28 For I say unto you, Among received his message, and submitted to his
those that are born of women there baptism. Those who believe the message
is not a greater prophet than John ^ <*<* wndetn, and obey it, justify God*
4k« nAn*;** . k..+ ho +i««* ;. i«o*f ;« they that do not believe and obey, accuse
the Baptist: but he that is least in J^^^ But of tkTothe* it
the kingdom of God is greater than fc ^ name|yf of ^ p^^ ^ hWm
»e« yers, That they rejected the counsel of
Our Saviour having highly commended God against themselves; that is, the re-
John in the former verses, here he sets vealed will of God : refusing to be bap-
bounds to the honour of his ministry ; add- tjzed of him. This rejecting the counsel of
ing, that though John was greater than all God we are guilty of, when we have low
the prophets that went before him, seeing m& undervaluing thoughts of Christ and bis
more of Christ than all of them, yet he saw gospel, when we are ashamed, in times of
less than those that came after him. The persecution, to own and profess him, when
meanest gospel minister that preaches Christ we gfcp our ears to the voice of his ministers
as come, is to be preferred before all the old god messengers, when we submit not our-
prophets who prophesied of Christ to come. m\vei t0 the reasonable laws and commands
That minister who sets forth the life and 0f Christ ; and this rejection of Christ at the
death, resurrection and ascension, of Christ, g^t day, will render our condition wane
is greater in the kingdom of heaven, that is, than the condition of Heathens, that never
has an higher office in the church, and a heard of a Saviour; than the condition of
more excellent ministry, than all the pro* jeW8t wnich crucified their Saviour; yea,
phets, yea, than John himself. The excel- than the condition of devils, for whom a Sa-
lency of a ministry consists in the light and vjour never was intended. Lord f when
clearness of it : now though John's light did ghall we appear, if we either reject or neg-
exceed all that went before him, yet it fell fe^ thy great salvation ! The chief thing
short of them that came after him ; and thus then observable here, is this, That in reject-
he that was least in the kingdom of grace on jDg John's baptism and ministry, they are
earth, much more he that was least in the ^^ to reject the counsel of God towards
kingdom of glory in heaven, was greater themselves, that is, the gracious design of
than John, See note on Matt. x. 11. ctad in calling them to repentance, by
29 And all the people that heard John's ministry ; by which refusal they de-
Atm, and the publicans, justified God, clared, that ttey approved not of God's
being baptiz^.ith the baptism of J—-^-^
John. 30 But the Pharisees and the j^ and w unDiamable m their
lawyers rejected the counsel of God conversation, that it became a proverb
against themselves, being not bap. amongst them, That if but two persons
tized of him. went to heaven, one of them must be a
These words are our Saviour's farther com- Pharisee. They therefore judged it an in-
meddation of John the Baptist ; he tells us, congruous thing to call such righteous per-
That John had two sorts of hearers. 1. sons to repentance, as they took themselves
The common people and publicans. 2. to be, and to threaten them with ruin who
The Pharisees and lawyers : and declares were so dear to God : but the publicans
the different effect which John's ministry and common people, being conscious to
had upon these two different sorts of persons, themselves of their sin and guilt, did ap-
As to the former, the common people and prove of this counsel which God sent them
•the publicans : the common people were ac- by his messenger, and submitted to this
counted by the Jewish doctors as the dregs baptism of repentance, for the remission of
of mankind, an ignorant and rude mob ; sins, to which God by the Baptist now
the publicans were esteemed notoriously called them.
ZSZ^f<tjZSlZ t « And the I.H said Whereun-
converted sooner than the knowing men of to. then sha.11 * ,lken tnc men of
the time, the self-justifying Pharisees and this generation ? and to what are
it is said, The publicans they like ? 32 They are like unto
lawyers j for
£hap. VIL ST. LUKE. 31 1
children sitting in the market-place, bation of their sins ; and his sociable dis*
and calling one to another, and say- position, looseness and luxury, learn
ing, We have piped unto you, and *"** J**} th* h^ and zea,ous min»-
vp have not danced • we have mourn- tera rf Cnnst' ** their temPer and m™***
ye nave notaancea , we nave mourn- ^ what u wil, ^^ ^ tfte enemieg
ed to you. and ye have not wept. of re,igioDf ^ tbe hatej; of the of
33 For John the Baptist came nei- godliness ; neither John's austerity, nor
tber eating bread nor drinking Christ's familiarity, could gain upon tbe
wise ; and ye say, He hath a devil. Pharisees. It is the duty of the ministers
34 The Son of man is come eating of God, in the course of their ministry, to
and drinking ; and ye say, Behold ^» please all men for their good: but
a gluttonous man, and a wine-bib- **" *" Tr «*™» t0 P»««fll, if we
, ° *> • . r 1 1- j • strenuously oppose the errors and vices of
ber, a fnend of publicans and sin- the toes, we^hall please but very few.
nets ! 36 But Wisdom is justified But if God and conscience be of the oura-
of all her children. ber of those few, we are safe and happy.
Oar blessed Saviour m these words de- Observe, 2. That it has been the old policy
scribes tbe perverse humour of the Phari- of lhe devi,» tnat ** mi&ht hinder the success
sees, whom nothing could allure to the em- <* *** EW^ t0 fiu "* min<k of I*"00*
bracmg of the gospel, neither John's minis- with ■» invincible prejudice against the
try nor Chrkt's. This our Saviour sets nrnmters and dispensers of the gospel.
faith two ways, allegorically and properly : Here the Pharisees are prejudiced unreason-
by way of allegory be compares them ab,y ^th against John and against Christ,
to swtten children, whom nothing would that tbe success of both their ministries
please, neither mirth nor mourning; if their must ** frustrated and disappointed. Ob-
fellows piped before them, they would not serve» 3- ^^ after a,! lhe scandalous re*
dance ; if they sang mournful songs to proaches cast upon the christian religion,
them, they would not lament : that is, the "^ the mm«ters and professors of it, such
Phamsca were of such a censorious and ca- M ■« Wisdom's children, wise and good
prkioas bomour, that God himself could men» will justify relfeion, that is, approve it
not please them, although he used variety '* lheir judgments, honour it in their dis-
of means and methods in order to that end. courses, and adorn it in their lives : Wisdom
Next our Lord plainly interprets this alle- ^justified of all her children.
gory, by telling them that John came to 36 And one of the Pharisees de-
them neither eating nor drinking, that is, sired him that he would eat with
Dot so freely and plentifully as otto men, hi And he wcot into tbe phari.
being a very austere and mortified man, , « j * a *
both in his diet and habit ; all which was ?? * ho^ •"? ■* down to. meat-
"by God to bring the Pharisees to 37 And; behold, a woman in the
ce and amendment of life. But, city, which was a sinner, when she
of this, they censure him for having knew that Jesus sat at meat in the
a devil, because he delighted in solitude, Pharisee's house, brought an alabas-
' ^MPOt,° te ? c0^***00 M n™ ter-box of ointment, 38 And stood
^SrSf^A^^SS!^ 0bafr/a,tl0l?» at his feet behind him weeping, and
4 he that delighteth in solitude is . . . .. f t £. *'
an angel or a devil," either a wild ^ui to wasft his feet witn tears,
or a god. John being thus rejected, and did wipe them with the hairs of
I himself comes to them, who being her head, and kissed his feet, and
of a free and familiar conversation, not anointed them with the ointment.
vJwsnnirtg tbe society of the worst of men, Observe here, 1. The Pharisee's civility,
no not of the Pharisees themselves, but and our Saviour's courtesy, the Pharisee
complying with their customs, and accom- invites Christ to eat with him j Christ rea-
panying them innocently at their feasts ; dily accepts the invitation, never refusing
jet tbe freedom of our Saviour's conversa- any opportunity for doing good. There is
♦ion displeased them as much as John's a duty of civil courtesy which we owe to
reservedness of temper ; for they cry, Be- the worst of men : none are so bad but we
hold a man gluttonous, a friend of pub- may soberly eat and drink with tbem ; only
ticans and sinners ; Christ's affability let us take care, that if our converse do
sinners, they account an appro- not make them better, their example may
pl$ ST. LUKE. Chip. VIE,
not make us worse. Observe 2. What alluring beams forth into the eyes of her
an opportunity our Saviour lays hold upon wanton lovers, now casts her dejected eyes
in the Pharisees house of doing good to a down upon the earth ; and behold the
sinful woman ; who coming to Christ plenty of her tears, they flow in such abun-
bowed down in a sorrowful sight and sense dance that she washes Christ's feet with
of her sins, finds an hearty welcome to him, them. She began to wash his feet, says
and is dismissed with comfort from htm* the text, but we read not when she ended j
The history runs thus : Behold, a woman never were our Saviour's feet bedewed
in the city which was a tinner, that ia> a with more precious liquor than this> of re*
Gentile, say some ; a remarkable, notorious* morseful tears. Thus doth a holy penitent
and infamous sinner, say others ; probably, a account no office too mean that is done to
lewd, unclean woman : she is led in with the honour of its Saviour:
a note of admiration, Behold a woman that 39 Now when the Pharisee which
was a tinner! Learn, That to see a sen- had bidden him saw it, he spake
sual and notorious sinner, out of true »> within nimself, saying, This man, if
rnorse of conscience to seek unto a Saviour, i^ mM^ 0 ™AA? rortnu t* A
is a rare and wonderful sight. Observe J* wef\ a Pfop^et, would have
farther, It is not said. Behold a woman ktfown wbo and wl|at manner of wo-
that sinned, but, Behold, a woman that mmt ' *b f* that touch eth him ; for
was a sinner. One action does not deno* she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus an-
minate a person a sinner, but a habit and swering said unto him, Simon, I
trade of sin. Again, it is said, Behold, a have somewhat to say unto thee.
woman in the aty ; the place where she And he gaith Master, say on. 41
acted her lewdness added to the heinousne* Th ^ '^f which
of her sin, it was in the city; the more £ 7 hwbwiwih *,«««■■»*» wmui
tublic the offence, the greater the scandal J 1two "e^ors : the one owed
in is sin, though in the desert, where no "*« hundred pence, and the other
eye sees it ; but the offence is aggravated fifty : 42 And when they had no-
by the number and multitude of beholders, thing to pay, he frankly forgave
Yet observable it is, that there is no menr them both. Tell me, therefore, which
tipnroac^. either of the woman's name, or of ^m wij| lovc him roost? 43
ft^nH ^ Sim*n answered and said, I suppose
tion ana lmuriousness tor any to name ner, , , ,, , . c rr
whose name God has been pleased to con- that he to whom tie forgave mosL
ceal ; for this is not the same woman that Al,d he said unto him, Thou hast
anointed Christ's feet. Matt. xxvi. Mark rightly judged.
xiv. and John xii.— that was in Bethany, Observe here, 1. How unreasonably
this in Galilee ; that in the house of Simon the Pharisee was offended with Christ, for
the leper, this of Simon the Pharisee. Ob* permitting this poor woman to come near
serve, 3. The behaviour and demeanour of him, and touch him. Admit she had
this poor woman ; she appears in the pos- been the greatest of sinners, might not such
ture of a penitent : She stood at Christ's come to Christ, when he was come from
feet Behind him, weeping. Where note, heaven to them } Oh blessed Saviour?
1. The great change wrought in this sinful there is merit enough in thy blood, and
woman, and the evident effects4 of it : her mercy enough in thy bowels, to justify and
eyes, which had been formerly lamps of save the vilest sinners, which by repentance
fire by lust, are now a holy fountain of pe- and faith do make a timely application to
nitentia) tears $ her hair, which she had thee.' Observe, 2. The parable which
used as a net to catch her fond and foolish Christ makes use of, for the Pharisee's con-
lovers, doth now become a towel for her viction, and the woman's comfort : namely,
Saviour's feet. Verily, such a heart, as has the parable of two debtors, one of whom
once felt the sting and smart of sin, will owed a greater sum, and the other a less,
make plentiful expressions of the greatness who both having nothing to pay, were
of its sorrow. Again, 2. She stands be- both freely forgiven ; and both upon their
hind Christ and weeps : this proceeded, no forgiveness loved their creditor much* but
doubt, from a holy bashfulness ; she that he most to whom most was forgiven. Now
was wont to look boldly in the face of her from this parable we gather these les-
lovers, dares not now behold the face of her sons of instruction ; 1. That great is the
Saviour j she that was wont to send her debt which all mankind have contracted,
Chop. VIII. ST. LUKE* SO*
ad lie under to the jifttioe of God: 'tis persons we sincerely love. Observe, 2*
here expccsncd by five hundred pence* The words of comfort given by our Saviour
Oor debt is io6oite ; end* bad cot mira- to this poor woman : Thy sins> vhich are
cukxa mercy mterposed, divine justice could many, are forgiven thee. Thence learn*
oefer have been satisfied, but by under- That the pardoning mercy of God is bound-
going an infinite punishment 2. That less and unlimited ; it fa not limited to any
yet all sinners stand not alike indebted to sort of sins or sinners j it is not limited to
the justice of God; some owe more, and any degree of sins or sinners; Thy sins,
others last ; all are guilty, but not all alike j that are many, are forgiven thee ; and
seme owe five hundred talents, others fifty thy sins, which are heinous, are. forgiven
pence. 3. That be men's debt greater or also. Observe, 3. What is the effect and
kss, their sins more or fewer, 'tis utterly fruit, of great pardoning mercy \ it is great
impossible for any person of himself to love ; her sins, which are many, are for*
clear his debt, and make satisfaction, but given, for she loved much. Her love to
they that owe least stand in need of mercy Christ was the effect of bis pardoning love
and forgiveness : Me forgave them both* to her, and not the cause of it \ she did not
4. That the forgiveness that is in God is a first love much, and then Christ forgave
free, gratuitous, and gracious forgiveness. ; her ; but Christ first forgave her, and
he frankly forgave them both i Gracious then she loved much. Her love was a
art thou, O Lord, in thy doings towards love of gratitude, because she was pardon*
Uy children, and thy tender mercy is ed, and not a love of merit to purchase
ater ail thy works. and procure her pardon. The Papists in*
44 And he turned to the woman, *£* ** wow* <f?r> M. if * *» <*"
and said unto Simon, Seest thou Jf*" i!™5 SX^jfiS
... % « * j • * al* as it is a consequential sign and evidence,
this woman ? I entered into thine that lhe free g^ ^^ mercy of q^ ^
bouse, thou gavest me no water for forgiven her ; her many and great sins
my ieet : but she hath washed my were forgiven her, and therefore she loved
feet with tears, and wiped them with much. The debt is not forgiven, because
the hairs of her head. 45 Thou the debtor loves his creditor ; but the debt*
gavest me no kiss : but this woman, °F therefo« *"+ b?*u>et*e ***,".**•
?;^»^ »w~ *:m- t MMA j„ k„*u „„l given. Forgiveness goes before, and love
since the tune I came in, hath not g,^ ^ Henc| leftr|lf ^ mucb
ceased to kiss my feet. 46 Mine jovewill follow great forgiveness. Love
head with oil thou didst not anoint ; will work in the heart towards God, in
but this woman hath anointed my some proportion to that love which we
feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore, have experienced from God. Observe
1 say onto thee, Her sins, which are *■■»>• Tbe verv gracious dismission which
many, are forgiven; for she loved this woman meets with from our blessed
-.. k . u-4 *~ ..,k«-* iu»i« ;- fu. Saviour: what could she desire that n not
much : bnt to whom itt e is for- ^ ^ tQ te? Um k ^^
given, ike same loveth little. 48 ^^ faithf ^ ?eA(Xi au these ^
And he said unto her, Thy sins are meet to make a contrite soul happy : re-
forgiven. 49 And they that sat at mission is the ground of her safety, faith
saeai with him began to say within the ground of her peace, peace the fruit
themselves, Who is this thatforgiveth of her faith, and salvation the issue of her
sins also? 50 And he said to the ™Woo- O woman ! great was thy
woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; T^^^F^^g
go us peace. are j^y^ inrf$ (ny faun aain saved
Observe here, 1. How our Saviour re* thee, go in peace.
counts and sums up the several particular miAi> vm
tnwances of this woman's love and respect CHAP. VIII.
towards himself: she washed, wiped, kiss- a nd u canie to pass afterward,
en\and anointed his feet, according to the A ih% he wcnt tftroughout every
custom of those eastern countries. Love .. j -h r • & % i J
will creep where it cannot go, it wiU stoop ? ,tv *nd J1"*** Poaching and shew-
to the meanest offices, and is ambitious of ,n& *e glad tidings of the kingdom of
the highest services, for and towards the God : and the twelve were with hiou
ST. LUKE. Chap. VI II.
Obienre here, The great work and busi- administering to him, several circumstances
Bess, which rot only the apostles, but Christ are observable; as, 1. That women did
himself was engaged in, and employed make up a considerable number of Christ's
about, namely, preaching the gospel, those followers, aye, and of his apostles* follow-
glad tidings of salvation to a lost world, ers too : The devout women not a few.
Where note, That Christ himself laboured Acts xvii. 4. And verily it is no disgrace
in this work, of public preaching ; he did or shame, but matter of glory, and cause
not send forth his apostles as his curates of thankfulness, if our ministry be attended
to work and sweat in the vineyard, whilst by, and blest unto, the weaker sex. I
he himself took his ease at home ; but he believe in many of our congregations, and
accompanieth them himself, yea, he goes at most of our communions, are found
before them himself in this great and two women for one man; God grant
excellent work : Jesui went preaching the them knowledge answerable to their zeal,
glad tidings of the gospel, and the twelve and obedience proportionable to their devo*
were with him. Learn thence, That tion. Observe, 2. One of these women
preaching of the gospel is a great and ne- that followed Christ was Joanna, the vifs
cessary work, incumbent upon all the mi- of Herod's steward. What ! one of
nistera of Christ, let their dignity and pre- Herod's family transplanted into Christ's
eminence in the church be what it will, household ! O the freeoess of the grace of
Surely none of the servants are above their God ! Even in the worst societies and
Lord and Master ! Did be labour in the places God has a number to stand up for
word and doctrine ? well may they. Ob- his name, and bear witness to his truth : wo
serve, 2. The places where Christ and his xead of a Joseph in Pharaoh's court ; of an
apostles preached, not only in the populous Obadiah in Ahab's court ; of a Daniel in
cities, but in the poor country villages : Nebuchadnezzar's court ; of a church in
They went through every city and vil- Nero's house ; and of a Joanna here in
lage preaching the gospel. Some will bloody Herod's family, who had put John
preach the gospel, provided they may the Baptist to death. Observe, 3. The holy
preach at court, or in the capital cities of courage and resolution of our Saviour's fe-
the nation ; but the poor country villages male followers. No doubt they met with
are overlooked by them. Our Saviour and taunts and jeers, with scofls and acorns
his apostles were not of this mind : 'tis true, enough, and perhaps from their husbands
they were itinerary preachers, we are set- too, tor following the carpenter's son, and
tied ; but be the place never so mean and a few fishermen ; but this does not damp,
obscure, and the people never so rude and but inflame, their zeal. The Holy Ghost
barbarous, we must not think it beneath acquaints us with several instances of ntas-
the greatest of us to exercise our ministry culine courage and manly resolution in the
there, if God calls us thither : Christ went women that followed Christ as his female
through the villages, as well as cities, disciples. At our Saviour's trial, the wo-
preaching. men clave to him, when his disciples fled
2 And certain women which had from him ; they accompanied him to his
been healed of evil spirits and in- cross, they assisted at his funeral, they at-
firmities, Mary called Magdalene, ««** his hearse to the g^ve, thev watch-
out of whom went seven devils, 3. *J» «*■*** *■«£ Df£™ J"£l
A « . A. •* r nu tt ness of the night nor the rudeness of the
And Joanna the wife of Chuza, He- ^^ ^ feeWe women haA ^^
rods steward, and Susanna, and courage than all the apostks. Learn, That
many others, which ministered unto courage is the special and peculiar gift of
him of their substance. God ; and where he gives courage, it is not
Amongst the number of those that did in man to make afraid. Observe, 4. The
accompany our Saviour and his apostles, pious and charitable care of these holy
mention is here made of a certain woman, women, to supply the wants and outward
who had been healed by Christ of evil necessities of our Saviour: They ministered
spirits and infirmities; that is, of spiritual unto him of their substance. Where
and corporeal diseases, for the Jews were note, 1. The great poverty of Christ : he
wont to call vices and evil habits by the lived upon the basket, be would not hoo-
name of devils, as the devil of pride, the our the world so far as to have any part of
devil of malice, &c. Now as concerning it in his own hand, bat was beholden to
these women's following of Christ, and others for what he ate and drank ; yet must
Aap. VIII. ST. LUKE. 3*1
we not suppose that either Christ or his like jtoty ground, where the seed takes do
apostles wen eonnnoa beggars, but it is root, the word makes no impression. Those
probable there wasa bag or common puree whose heads and hearts are stuffed with the
amongst them, which upon occasion sup- cares of the world, are like the thorny
plied their necessities ; and there were cer- ground, in which the seed is choaked,
tern adtXfai, sisters, or christian women, as which would fructify to an holy immor-
the learned Dr. Hammond observes, who tality : this is the scope of the parable.
accompanied Christ and his apostles in Now from the subject matter of it, learn,
nwr travels, and provided necessaries for 1. That by the sower you are to under-
them, when they went up and down, stand Christ and his apostles, and their sue.
preaching the gospel Note also, 2. The cessors, the ministers of the gospel. Christ
condescending grace and humility of Christ; the principal Sower, they the subordinate
ke was not ashamed either of these wo- seedsmen. Christ sows his own field, they
nen's following of him, or administering sow his field ; he sows his own seed, they
to him, because of their former vicious his seed. Woe unto us if we sow our own
course of life ; it is not what we formerly seed, and not Christ's. Learn, 2. The seed
woe, but what we now are, that Christ con- sown is the word of God ; fabulous le-
aden; it is a glory to him, to have great gends and unwritten traditions, which the
and notorious sinners brought to a closure seedsmen of the church of Rome sow, are
and compliance with him. The reproach not seed, but chaff; or if seed, (for they
b not that they have been sinners, for fructify too fast in the minds of their peo-
Obnst did not give himself for a people pte,) their own, not Christ's. Our Lord's
that were pure and holy, without spot or fields must be all sown with bis own seed,
wrukte, but to make them so by his with no mixt grain. Learn thence, That
void and Spirit, Eph. v. 26. Christ is the word preached is like the seed sown in
only ashamed of those that eat of his bread, the furrows of the fields. Seed is of a
and lift up the heel against him. fructifying, growing, and increasing na-
M A , , , . , ture, has in it an active principle, and
4 And when much people gather- will spring up, if not killed by accidental
ed together, and were come to him injuries ; such a quickening power has the
o«t of every city, he spake by a pa- word of God to regenerate and make alive
raUe : 5 A sower went out to sow dead 8°u,s» tf we suffer il to take rooting
his seed : and as he sowed, some fell j.n 5" I?eart9: ** » D0* th» «* alike
bv the wav-side • and it was trod- f™tful m cverv ml : *" &round is not
«y ue way-siae ana it was trod- ^ neither doth the word fnJCtif alikft
qcji down, and the fowls of the air ia tne ^u of men . there is a Afterence
devoured it. 6 And some fell upon both from the nature of the soil, and the
a rock ; and as soon as it was influence of the Spirit ; for though no
sprung op, it withered away, be- ground is naturally good, yet some is worse
came it lacked moisture. 7 And than otner : nav» even ,he best ground doth
some fell among thorns; and the not brjn& .forth [***"* •a,*e5 , »°rae &**
thorns sprang up with it, and choked ^ond I™*8 ^ an huoi^-fofcU oihw
,♦ o a J: a ~*u~. f~u ^ ' a a but "^y* and 80me Dut tn,rty- Ia like
it. 8 And other fell on good ground, manner a christian may be a profitable hear-
tad sprang up, and bare fruit an er of the word, although he doth not bring
bsod red -fold. And when he had forth so great a proportion of fruit as others,
laid these things, he cried, He that provided he bring forth as much as he can.
bath ears to hear, let him hear, 9 And his disoiv\^ asked him.
The design and scope of this parable is raying, What might this parable
b show, what are the causes of men's im- be ? 10 And he said, Unto you it
jsonog or w*improving under the hear- is given to know the mysteries of
S£^J^I^ the kingdom of God: but to others
tr;-^^ in P"ab1*8? >natseeingthey might
ine careiess ana incon- ■ • . .,/» r . . °
««*„««„ - likethe highway ground, no\ sec» a°d heann& they mlSht not
whew the seed is trodden down and tramp, understand .
W) upon. Hard-hearted sinners, whom the Here we have the disciples' question, and
OwiWyiog word doth not soften j these are our Saviour's reply : their inquiry js con-
m ST. LUKE. Chap. VIII
eerning the KMe and signification of the the word hat no root 5 no root in their un-
parable they own their ignorance, and de- derstanding, no root in their memories in?
sire better information. It ia no shame for their wills, or in their affections* but they
the best of ministers,, yea, for the best of are instantly offended, either at the depth
men, to acknowledge their own ignorance and profoundness of the word, or at the
of the mysteries of religion *, and to at- sanctity and strictness of the word, or eke
tend upon the means of instruction, in or- at the plainness and simplicity of it Again,
dcr to their farther information. In our some hearers our Lord compares to thorny
Saviour's answer, To you it is given to ground. Worldly desires and inordinate
know the mysteries of the kingdom of cares for the things of this life choak the
Qod, &c observe, 1. That the doctrines of word, as thorns overshadow the corn, draw
the gospel are great mysteries. 2. That it away the heart of the earth from it, hin-
ts an invaluable privilege rightly to under- der the influence of the sun from cberish-
staiidandknowgospel-mysteries.3.Tbatthis mg it ; the like ill effects have worldly a£-
privilege all are not sharers in, and partakers lections and desires in the soul of man.
of, but only those to whom it is given. 4. That rendering the seed of the word unfruitful,
it is a righteous thing with God to give But the good christian hears the word aft-
such persons over to farther blindness and tentively, keeps it reteotively, believes it
ignorance in spiritual things, who wilfully stedfiistiy, applies it particularly, practises it
reject the truth, and shut their eyes against universally, and brings forth fruit perse-
the evidence of it. The Pharisees had all veringly. Learn hence, 1. That no bearers
along shut their eyes, and said, they would are in Christ's account good bearers of the
not see; and now Christ closes their eyes word, but such as bring forth fruit answer-
judicially, and says they shall not see. able to their bearing. 2. That a person
may be a good hearer of the word n
11 Now the parable is this : The Christ's account, if he bring forth the best
seed is the word of God. 12 Those fruit he can, though not in so great a pro-
by the way-side are they that hear ; portion as others do; as some ground
then cometh the devi, and taketh J3«l ffitt&ttZ
away the word out of their hearts, .j^ hearen ^ ^ w0ld ^ M ^
lest they should believe and be forth fruit, though not aU alike ; all in sia.
saved. 13 They on the rock are cerity, though not all equally, and none
they, which, when they hear, receive tojperfection. Learn, 3. That it ia not
the won! with joy ; and these have sufficient that we do at present believe,
no root, which for a while believe, approve, and practise the truth delivered
and in time of temntation fall awav *> us, or that we are affected with the
?5 a ^M? * t7?? n i y" *** and ***"* * with »me kind oC
14 And that which fell among thorns ^ ^^ ^ ^^ . ^j^ ^ ^
are they, which when they have Bjsi and persevere in obedience to all its
heard, go forth, and are choked precepts, and continue to bring forth fruit
with cares and riches and plea- with patience,
sures of this life, and bring no
fruit to perfection. 16 But that ™ No m™> when he hath light-
on the good ground are they, which, ec* a candle, covereth it with a vessel,
in an honest and good heart, hav- or putteth it under a bed ; but set-
ing heard the word, keep it, and tcth ltona candlestick, that they
bring forth fruit with patience. which *nter in roa? ** th* light-
17 For nothing is secret that shall
Here our Saviour applies himself to in- not be made manifest ; neither ermip
terpret and explain the foregoing parable thing hid that shall not be known
to his disciples ; he tells them, The seed it and come abroad. 18 Take heed
the word; the sower k the preacher ; the therefore how ye hear: for whoso-
soil, or ground, is the heart and soul of • ^ . .■ - r • .l^m » - **^
™*ri . J?™ u™~™, u« „««««,«, #^ #k« ev^r hath, to turn snail be given -
man: some hearers he compares to the , « ' , ., . r »"^*s »
highway ground, in which the seed lies and whosoever hath not, from him
uncovered for want of the harrow of medi- snaH D€ taken even that which l*e
tation ; others to stony ground* in which seemeth to have.
Chap. VIII. ST. LUKE.
In these words Ovist declares his end troth and verity of Christ's human nature:
and design in revealing unto his disciples he had affinity and consanguinity with
the foregoing parable, and why he com- men, persons near in blood to him, by the
municated to them the light of scripture mother's side, called here his kinsmen,
knowledge and gospel mysteries, namely, Observe, 2. That Christ's spiritual kindred
that they may communicate it to others, were much dearer to him than his natural
and not keep it close unto themselves; even Alliance by faith is more valued by
as the candle in an house diffuses and Christ, than alliance by blood : to bear
disperses its light to all that come within Christ in the heart is greater honour than
the reach of it Such as are enlightened to carry him in the womb. Blessed be
by God in any measure, with the know- God, this great and gracious privilege is not
ledge and understanding of his word, ought denied us even now. Although we cannot
not to conceal and hide this knowledge see Christ, yet love him we may, his bodily
within themselves, but communicate it to presence cannot be enjoyed by us, but his
ethers, and improve it for the good and spiritual presence is not denied to us.
benefit of others. Observe also, The ar- Though Christ be not ours in house, m
gument which our Saviour makes use of arms, in affinity and consanguinity, yet in
to quicken his disciples to communicate heart, in faith, in love, and service, be is or
their knowledge, and improve the grace may be ours. Verily spiritual regeneration
they had received for the good and advan- bringeth men into a more honourable re*
tage of others. To him that hath shall lation to Christ, than natural generation
be given, that is, such as improve their ever dkL O how dear are obedient chris-
sptntmi gifts, shall have them increased ; tians to Christ ! he prefers them in esteem
such as improve them not shall have them before those of his own flesh and blood :
blasted. Learn hence, That there is no My brethren are these which hear the
such way to thrive in grace, and increase word ofQod, and do it.
to gifts, as to exercise and improve them ; *>« xr~.„ u MmA ♦,* .*«-« ~-, « ««-
he that hideth his talent, forfeits ir, is in , ^J*™? *T t0 V**?>on a c*f"
danger of losing it, and also of being pun- toin day» that he went into a 8hlP
ished for not improving it. Observe lastly, with hia disciples : and he said un-
How our Lord shuts up this parable of the to them, Let us go over unto the
sower and the seed, with a cautionary di- other side of the lake. And they
rection toall UiaauditocB,totaker»eedhow launched forth. 23 But aa they
they hear the word : Take heed therefore 8ai!cc| ne feu a9ieep . and tnere
}*"£?"*£ ^f,W^^fitM£ came down a storm of wind on the
ing the wotd must diligently attend to the , , « .. m ^i, A ... _
milter of the doctrinTwhk^h they hear, lake' and *V werc fi"ed «J* f a7
and also to the manner how they hear. '«V and wcre ,n J«°pa«ly. 24 And
Such is the majesty and authority of the they came to him, and awoke him,
person who speaks to us in the word, such saying, Master, master, we perish !
is the sublimity and spirituality of the mat- Then he arose, and rebuked the
- r, and so great is our danger if we mis- w jn(| ami tne raging of the water :
^^Jt^vSk \T*V £?' a^ they ceased, and there was a
b to take need both what we hear. , a*. « j / »j . .i
we hear a^bow we hear. calm' ** Aud hc said unto them'
' " Where is your faith > And they,
XO Then came to him his mother being afraid, wondered, saying one
and hia brethren, and could not to another, What manner of man ia
cosne at htm for the press. 20 And this ! for he commandeth even the
it was told him by certain, which winds and water, and they obey
smid. Thy mother and thy brethren him.
•Land without, desiring to see thee. Here ob8erve> i. Our Saviour and his
2 1 And he answered and said unto disciples no sooner put forth to sea, but
tbem. My mother and my brethren difficulties attend them, and danger over-
are these which hear the word of takes them ; a tempest arose, and that ship
OckJ and do it. wa8 covered with waves that Christ himself
was in with his disciples. Learn hence.
Two things are here observable, 1. The That the presence of Christ itself doth not
v 2
324 ST. LUKE. Chap. VIUV
exempt his disciples and followers from take their tarns, and act their several parts
trouble and danger. Here was a great tern- whilst we are here ; ere long our fears will
pest about the disciples* ears, though Christ be vanquished, and our faith swallowed up
himself was in their company. Observe, in vision, our hopes in fruition. Then shall
2. The posture our Saviour was in when we obey with vigour, praise with cheerful-
this tempest arose : being wearied with the ness, love without measure, fear without tor-
labours of the day, he was laid down to ment, trust without despondency. Lord,
sleep ; thereby showing himself to be truly strengthen our faith in the belief of this de~
and really man ; and that he not only took sirable happiness, and set our souls a loog-
upon him the human nature, but the infir- ing for the full fruition and final enjoy,
mities of that nature also ; be was subject ment of it
to pain and weariness, to hunger and thirst. 26 A nd they arrived at the coun-
Observe, 3. The disciples application made t r th Gadarenes which ia over
to Christ : they awake him with a sad "? . .* Y, „t8' A T u u
outcry, Master, master, we perish ; here a*aiM) Galilee. 27 And when he
was faith mixed with human frailty. They wcnt forth to land» lhcre roe* hl»
believed that he could save them, but being out of the city a certain man which
asleep, they concluded he must be awaked had devils long time, and ware no
before he could save them ; whereas, though clothes, neither abode in aits; house,
his human nature was asleep, yet his divine Dut in the tombs. 28 When he
E^T?£?tK 8a* Jcsu8> hc cried out> «* **
nence, lnat the prevalency of fear m a j • r •_• j -Ii • *
time of great and imminent danger, though dewn before him, and with a loud
it may evidence weakness of faith, yet it is vo,cc ■*-«*, Wbat nav« * to do *****
no evidence of a total want of faith ; in the thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most
midst of the disciples1 fears, they believed high ? I beseech thee torment me
Christ's power and ability to save them : not. 29 (For he had commanded
Matter, save us, we perish. Observe, 4. the unclean spirit to come out of the
t. »°h .^ ogiT .£ f°Ur SafTV* man- F<* oftentimes it had caught
To the winds. 2. To the fears of bis da- ■ • ■ u i * u j -.l
ciples. Christ rebuked the winds, and ««"/. ^d he was kept bound with
instantly they were calm: when the sea chains «""* » fetters: and he
was as furious as a mad-man, Christ with brake the bands, and was driven
a single word calms it. Learn thence, of the devil into the wilderness.)
That the most raging winds, and outrage- 30 And Jesus asked him, saying,
ous seas, cannot stand before the rebukes What is thy name ? And he said,
of Christ; Christ as God lays a law upon j^^ . because many devils v. ere
the most lawless creatures, even when thev ^„*" „a ;«*^ k;™ it a~a *u
seem to act most lawlessly. Obwrve far- f ntere<L "t? u \ ?l An<* the?
ther, Christ rebukes his disciples' fears, and besought him that he would not
their want of faith : Why are you fearful .« command them to go out into the
Where is your faith ? No sooner was the deep. 32 And there was there aa
storm up, but their fears were up, and herd of many swine feeding on the
their faith was down. They forgot that mountain ; and they besought him
the lord-h,gh-admiral of the ocean was that hc would guffer them to cnter
now on board their ship, and were as much . . . . aill. . ..
overset with their bofcterous passions, as JiVi. : *"<* h* 8"ffere? *'?•
the ship was with tempestuous winds ; and 33 Tnen ' went the C?CVI,S out of th*
accordingly, Christ rebukes the tempest man» anc* entered into the swine i
within, before he calms the storm without ; and the herd ran violently down a
first he quickens their faith, then he quiets steep place into the lake, and were
the seas. Note from hence, That great choked. 34 When they that fed
faith in the habit may appear but little in ihem saw what wa8 done thev fled
act and exercise. The disciples faith, in otwi ^^ anj tJj ., . AA :; J
forsaking all and following^ Christ, was an^went and ****** the city and
great faith ; but in this present act their ln tne coun*ry. 35 Then they went
faith was weak, through the prevalency of out to 8ec w"at wa* done I ai|d came
their fears. Oh the imperfect composition to Jesus, and found the man, out of
of the best of saints! Faith and tear will whom the devils were departed, ait-
Cbap. VIU. ST. LUKE. 32*
ting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, quent desolate places, and to affect being
and in his right mind : and they much alone > for it gives advantage to
were afraid. 36 They also which S*1™ to •* "P°n lhem with powerful
saw it told them by what means he J™P»*™- Xt ■ ™™f »**ter to trequent
that waa oosaessed of the devils was human "P0** fP*01*^ J° de!,Sht ln th«
tnat was {wssessea or Uie devils was coramunion of the saints, by means where-
beaJed. 37 Then the whole raulti- 0f we mav be more and more strengthened
tudeof the country of the Gadarenes against Satan's temptations. Observe, 4.
round about besought him to de- How the devils own Christ to be the Son
part from them ; for they were taken of God, and pay unwilling worship and
with great fear : and he went up in- tomage to him, yielding subjection to him
to the ship, and returned back again. »«■ *«■»* vassals, not a free and
«o xr /iL a r u *i voluntary service : They cried out, and
38 Now the man out of whom the fiU dJn heforehin% £yi what have
devils were departed besought him w to do wita thee, Jesus, thou Son of
that he might be with him : but Je- God? Where, by calling him Jesus, they
sus sent him away, saying, 39 Re- owned him to be a Saviour, but none of
torn to thine own house, and shew their Saviour : What have we to do with
bow great things God hath done un- ihee* Jesut * 0h ! wnal an uncomfortable
to thee. And he went his wav, and fP***™ » ^ °*» Christ to be a
_ Li- u j *u u m. *u u i •* Saviour, and at the same time to know and
published throughout the whole city ^Xm (nat ^ k nooeof M Saviourl
how great things Jesus had done un- Quid est Deus, si non sit meus ? " What
to him. 40 And it came to pass, is God, if he be not my God r What
that, when Jesus was returned, the comfort in a Saviour, if he be not my Sa-
people gladly received him : for they *i°ur ? Observe, 5. What a multitude of
were all waiting for him. evil gPirit8 do «"* into one man- Oh the
extreme malice and enmity of the devil
This piece of history gives us a very sad against mankind, in that so many evil
relation of a person that was possessed of a spirits should at once afflict and torment a
legtoo of devils ; we read of few, if any, single person, even a legion, many mou-
rn the Old Testament, that were thus pos- sands of them ! Note likewise, The unity
sect, but of many m the New. Our Savi- and agreement which is amongst these evil
our came into the world to destroy the spirits in doing mischief; though there
works of the devil ; therefore he suffered was a multitude of them in this one person,
Satan to enter some human bodies, to show yet they have all but one name. We see
bis divine power in casting him out. Ob- the very devils have a sort of unity amongst
serve here, 1. That the evil angels by their themselves, and in their malicious and mis-
Jall lost their purity, but not their power ; chievous designs against mankind they are
for with God's permission they have power as one. Oh how happy were it, if good
not only to enter men's bodies, and to pos- men were as united in their designs and
seas them, but also to distemper their minds, endeavours for the glory of God, and the
and to drive them to frenzy and madness ; good of one another, as devils conspire
such was the deplorable case here. Note, and contrive against them ! Observe, 6.
2. That the reason why the evil angels do The request which the devils make to Christ:
not oftener exert their power in doing mis- We beseech thee, torment us not. From
chief to the bodies and lives of men, is from whence we may gather, 1. That there are
the restraining power of God : the devil torments appointed to the spiritual nature
cannot do all the mischief he would, and of evil angels. 2. That the evil angels,
he shall not do all he can. Observe, 3. or devils, are not so full of torment as
The place where these evil spirits delighted they shall be, although tbey are as full
so make their abode : amongst the tombs of sin and discontent as they can be;
or graves, places desolate, forlorn, and there will be a time when their torments
solitary, which are apt to breed horror of shall be increased ; therefore they pray,
mind, and to give advantage to temptation. Torment us not before the time ; that is,
From whence I gather, That it is very do not increase our torments before theap-
dangerous and unsafe for persons, especially pointed time of their increase. Observe, 7.
m whom melancholy prevails, to give The devil's request for permission and leave
* as too much to solitariness, to fie- to go into the herd of swine. Where note,
ST. LUKE. Chap. VUI.
I. The devil's malice: he will hurt the wrought for us, that we should be the
e»r beasts, rather than not hurt at all. 2. publishers of his praises, and declare to all,
is powerful restraint : he cannot hart a far and near, the great and wonderful things
poor pig without a permission : Suffer us which he has done for us. Observe lastly,
to enter. Satan's malice indeed is infinite, How Christ ascribes that power to God, by
but his power is bounded : it hpotestas which be had wrought this miracle of heal-
sub potentate, a power under a power ; if iog : Shew hem great things God has
he could not hurt the swine, much less can done for thee. From whence the Socmi-
he afflict the children of men without leave, ant infer, that had he been God most high,
Observe, 8. How Satan's request is yielded and the author of that power by which he
to by our Saviour : he suffered them to go wrought this miracle, he would have as-
into the swine, not to gratify their desire in cribed it to himself. Answer* Christ doth
doing mischief; but, first, hereby Christ this, as not seeking his own glory, but the
showed his power over the devils, that they glory of him that sent him j that is, as exe-
could not act without his permission and curing his prophetic office in his Father's
leave; next, to show how great the malice name, and casting out devils by that Spirit
and power of the devil is, if not restrained ; which he had received from his Father.
so^ma^^e^ ^ t\*t* * The* the 41 And' behoW' there came *
ScS£!y Uam^cef^t sometime! m*n n™cd Jainw> and *": *» JJ
Almighty God, for wise ends and just ™*T of thc synagogue : and he fell
causes, doth suffer the devil to enjoy his down at Jesus* feet, and besought
desire, m doing mischief unto the crea- him that he would come into his
tures : Jesus said unto them, Go. Ob- house : 42 For he had one only
serve, 9. What a bad effect this miracle daughter, about twelve years of age,
£lT?f 1^ ™ind8 °I the •***%!%* «»<* »be *aJ * <¥»*• (»«* ***«
instead of believing and owning Christ s 4 .. J , Atf a .v. Y
divine power, the lots of their swine en- went> the P«Pte thronged bim.)
rages them, and makes them desire Christ's Observe here, 1. The person described
departure from them. Learn, That carnal who came to Christ on behalf of his sick
hearts prefer their swine before their Saviour, daughter: by his name Jairus; by his
and would rather lose Christ's presence office, a ruler of the synagogue ; by his
than their worldly profit : They besought gesture, he fell down at Jesus*s feet : this
him to depart from them. Sad is the gesture of his was not only a sign of tender
condition of those from whom Christ de- affection in him towards his daughter, but
parts ; more sad the condition of such who also an evidence of his faith in our blessed
say unto Christ, Depart ; but most sad the Saviour ; he believed him either to be God,
condition of them who beseech and entreat or an extraordinary man, who had a mine-
Christ to depart from them : thus did the ulous power of healing. Observe, 2. How
Gadarenes here, and we do not read that readily Christ complies with JairuVs le-
ever Christ returned more to them. Ob- quest : Jesus went with him. Although
serve, 10. How desirous the possessed man his faith was but weak, yet our Saviour doth
was to continue with Christ after be was not reject him, or deny his suit. O how
come to himself: He prayed that he • ready should we be to go to Christ in all
might be with him. This he might our distresses, who' is so ready to hear, and
desire, partly to testify his thankfulness to so forward to help us, if we seek him in
Christ, partly out of fear of being re-pos- sincerity, though our faith be weak and
sessed again by Satan, or perhaps to have feeble ! Observe, 3. The great humility of
the opportunity of hearing Christ's doctrine, our blessed Saviour in suffering himself to
and seeing his miracles : for such as have be thronged with poor people : much
once tasted that the Lord is gracious, and people followed him and thronged him.
experienced the pleasure and profit of O humble and lowly Saviour! bow free
Christ's company, are very desirous of the was thy conversation from pride and
continuance of it, and exceeding loth to haughtiness f how willing to convene
part with it However, our Saviour at this with the meanest of the people for their ad-
time did not think fit to surfer him, know, vantage ! Christ did not only suffer them
ing that more glory would redound to God to come near him, but even to throng binu
by publishing this miracle to his friends. Let not then the greatest persons upon
Christ expects, after eminent deliverances earth despise or disdain the poorest of the
Chap. VIH. ST. LUKE. 327
people; but look upon tome with an eye of sickness, especially in dangerous di
favour, upon others with an eye of pity, of the body i to trust to means is to neglect
upon none with an eye of contempt God; and to neglect the means is to conr
._ . , , . temn God. The health of our body ought
43 And a woman having an issue to ^ dear unto us, and all lawful means
•f blood twelve years, which had used both to preserve it, to recover it, and
spent all her living upon physicians, to confirm it Observe, 4. The actings of
neither could be healed of any, 44 this poor woman's faith : her disease was
Came behind Aim, and touched the unclean by the ceremonial law, and she is
border of his garment: and imme- *!» *V™«* *°" «"**Z: ^^mfr
diately her issSe of ^ b^ stanched. *£*-* tt&ZSR
45 And Jesus said, Who touched being firmly persuaded that Chrnt had a
me ? When all denied, Peter, and power communicated to him miraculously
they that were with him, said, Mas- to cure incurable diseases; and how our
ter, the multitude throng thee and Saviour encouraged her faith, he saith, Thy
press fikee, and sayest thou. Who /"M hat$ made thee whole- I*arn hence,
touched me? 46 And Jesus said, ™at ^of%a" S^^JS a ■*£
c u a u-*u *~..~u a — * I welcome from Christ, than it did or could
Somebody ^hatti touched me: fori ^ po^oman came to Chr*
perceive that virtue is gone out of trembling, but went away triumphing.
me. -47 And when the woman saw Observe, 5. Christ would have this mir-
that she was not hid, she came trem- acle discovered; he therefore says. Who
bling, and, falling down before him, touched me ? For I perceive that virtue
she declared unto him before all the » g°nc out of™*- Christ »J« this» *«*» »
people for what cause she had touch- Terence to himself, to manifest his divine
cd him, and how she was healed im- P0*?' ^ \ the *"** °* h». dothe8 *"
".."■', " a ik .\ could cure such an incurable disease. Se-
mediately. 48 And he said unto condly, in relation to the woman, that she
her, Daughter, be of good comfort : might have opportunity to give God the
thy faith hath made thee whole : go praise and glory for the cure. And, thirdly,
in peace. with respect to Jairus, that his faith might
be strengthened in belief of Christ's power
As our Saviour was on his way to Jairus a to raise his daughter.
house, a diseased woman coroeth behind
him, toucheth his clothes, and is presently 49 While he yet spake, there
healed. The virtue lay not in her finger, Cometh one from the ruler of the
^?^J^5°^^iinC^i!!:WnCKh synagogue's house, saying to him,
her faith ssstiumentally drew forth. Ob- r*. °i ° . A -1 j * ui I
«r^ 1. The diseased woman, one with Th> d™ghter » dead ; trouble not
a bloody flux ; let women here take notice the Master. 50 But when Jesus
of the miseries which the sin of the first heard it, he answered him, saying,
woman brought upon all women ; amongst Fear not : believe only, and she
which this is one, that it has made their shall be made whole. 51 And
!?*"■ S^J* g*grn_atuiai IS!*3 lMld when he came into the house, he
Ames of Wood. Cfeerve, 2. The long suffered no man to go in save Peter
con*iS)^anrf> 01 this encase, twelve years 2 ■ « ■ « » ■ ■ * ^
it please* God to lay long and tedious af- and James' and J°hn> and *c fathcr
fiicuont upon some of his children in this and tne mother of the maiden. 52
life, and particularly to keep sqme of them And all wept, and bewailed her:
a very long time under bodily weakness, to but he said, Weep not : she is not
his power in supporting them, and dead, but sleepeth. 58 And they
to magnify his mercy in delivering them, laughed him to scorn, knowing that
Ohstrve, a This poor woman was found she was dead# 64 And he t
doing, although she spent all she had upon ha.nd> and cM«*> saying, Maid,
them. The use and help of physic is by arise. 55 And her spirit came
aso means to be neglected by us in times of again, and *he arose straightway :
B28 ST. LUKE. €hap. IX.
and he commanded to give her meat, ing shaU ctttoialy awake. O how wseb
56 And her parents were astonish. » * <** w»dom to prepare for the bed of
j T/t u ~a «k«m *ha« th«v the grave ; and so to live, that when we
ed ; but he charged them that they ^ Jg^ m there ^ ^ to d^
should tell no man what was done. turb ouf nal , observe farther, With what
Observe here, 1 . The doleful news brought facility and ease our Saviour raises the dead
to Jairus's ear: Thy daughter is dead, damsel with a word speaking, and SL
The Lord doth sometimes suffer the faith Mark tells us what the words were ; Tali-
and patience of his children to be greatly tha cumi, Syriac words, to show the truth
exercised and tried. The loss of dear rela- of the miracle ; not like a conjuror rnutter-
tions, particularly of children, especially of ing a charm in an unknown tongue. The
an only child, is one of the greatest sorrows miracles which Christ wrought were real
of human life ; a trial which has often shock- miracles, and carried their own evidence
ed an ordinary patience and constancy along with them. Observe lastly, The
of mind. Observe, 2. Our Saviours sea- charge given by our Saviour not to publish
sonable word of advice and comfort : Fear this miracle ; he charged them to tell no
not, only believe. Christ stands ready to man what was done, that is, divulge Jt not
comfort believers in the hour of their great- imprudently to such of the scribes and
est trials and temptations. Observe, 3. Pharisees as would not be convinced by it,
Christ's application ot himself in order to but only cavil at H, and be the more en-
the raising to lite Jairus's dead daughter, raged against him for it, and seek his death
And here, 1. He goes into the bouse only before his appointed time was come. Again,
with three of his disciples, and the father Tell it no man unseasonably, and all at
and the mother of the maid, which was suf- once, but gradually and by degrees: tor it
ficient to bear witness of the truth of the was the will of God, that the divine
miracle. Our Saviour to avoid all show of glory of Christ should not be manifested
vain-glory, would not work this miracle to the world all at once, and on the sod-
publicly before all the people. 2. Our Sa- den, but by little and little, during his
viour rebukes them tor the show they state of humiliation ; for his resurrection
made of immoderate grief and sorrow for was the time appointed by God for the full
the dead damsel : they wept and wailed manifestation of Christ's Godhead, Rom. i
greatly, with minstrels making a noise, say 4. Declared to be the Son of God with
the other evangelists, according to the cus- power, by the resurrection from the dead,
torn of the Heathens, who, by a mournful
sort of music, did seek to stir up the passion CHAP. IX.
of grief at their tunerals. To mourn im- ,. , ,. *«. .
moderately for the dead is an heathenish rFHEN he called his twelve disci-
custom and practice; 'tis hurtful to the pies together, and gave them
living, 'tis dishonourable to the dead ; nor power and authority over all devils,
is it an argument of more love, but an evi- and to curc leases. 2 And he
dence of less grace. aCruistadd^aieason g^t them to preach the kingdom of
for this rebuke given by him: For the ^ , , r . , . , D0 - ,
damsel is not dead, but sleepeth ; Vobis God, and to heal the sick. 3 And
mortua, mihi dormit ; ' She is dead to «e said unto them, Take nothing for
you, but asleep to me ;f not so dead as to your journey, neither staves, nor
be beyond my power to raise her to life, scrip, neither bread, neither money ;
Souls departed are under the conduct of neither have two coats apiece. 4
angels to their several regions of bliss or ^nd whatsoever house ye enter into,
"JS7',! Il ki very |w5bi^ltbalife/0? there abidc» and thence dePart' 5
of this damsel was under the guard of an- A . . ' .., # -.-jL- v„„
gels, near her dead body, waiting the plea- A°d whosoever will not receive you,
Lie of God, in order to its disposal, either when ye go out of that city, shake
to restore it again to its body or to trans- off the very dust from your feet, for
late it to its eternal mansion. Observe far- a testimony against them. 6 And
ther. The nature of death in general, and they departed, and went through
of the saints* death in particular; 'tis a the towns, preaching the gospel,
sleep. Sleepis a state of rest; sleep is a and fc ,. wherc
sudden surprisal ; in sleep there is an msen- D . J
sible passage of our time; the person sleep- We heard before, chap. vL 13. of our
Chap. IX. ST. LUKE. 329
Straw's choosing his twelve apostles, and place, that so they might avoid all show of
their several names j they were first chosen lightness and inconstancy, and testify all
disciples to be with Christ, to learn of him, gravity and stayed ness in their behaviour ;
sad be instructed by hiin, and to be wit- this being a special mean to gain reverence
oeaes of what he said and did. Now alter to their persons, and authority to their
tome time thus spent in preparing and fit- doctrine. Thirdly, Christ gives a special
ting them for public service, our Saviour charge to his apostles concerning their car-
seods them forth to preach the gospel, and riage toward such as should refuse to give
gives them a power to confirm their doc- entertainment to them and their doctrine :
tnne by miracles. Observe here, 1. The they were to denounce the judgments of
poson that sends the apostles forth to preach God against such contemners, by shaking
the gospel: it is Christ himself. Learn off the dust of their feet for a testimony
thence, That none ought to take upon them against them. This action was emblema-
tic office of preaching, or any other minis- tical, signifying that Almighty God would
tenal function of the church, till thereunto in like manner shake them oti, as the vilest
called by Christ himself. The apostles dust ; for wnerever the word is preached, it
were called by Christ, and immediately sent is for a testimony, either a testimony for,
forth by himself. The ministers of the gos- or against, a people j for if the dust of a
pel are now called mediately, and receive minister's feet whilst alive, and the ashes of
authority from Christ by the hand of the his grave when dead, do bear witness against
governors of the church. Observe, 2. The the despisers of his gospel, their sermons
power given to the apostles by our Saviour much more.
to work miracles, for confirming that doc- ? Now Hcrod thc tetrarch neard
tnne which they preached : He gave them f u h d . h- d
power over unclean spirits, &c. Now , " , «v«^ VJ »..«* . «■■«•
this miraculous power given to the apostles he was. perplexed, because that it
was necessary, partly to procure reverence was said of some that John was
to their persons, being poor and unlearned risen from the dead ; 8 And of
men ; but principally to gain credit and an- some, That Elias had appeared ; and
thonty to their doctrine ; for the doctrine 0f others, That one of the old pro-
of faith Jn the Messiah as now come, and pheU was riscn agajn- 9 A(ld He.
exhibited m the flesh, being a strange and JV, -H . . P j |ieill!alie<| .
new doctrine to the Jews, the truth and "~ ",d» ^.hn *aV* i {*neaded •
certainty of it was to be extraordinarily h»} who is this, of whom I hear such
ratified by miracles, which are the broad things? And he desired to see nun.
seal ot heaven, to testify that such doctrine The history of the holy Baptist's behead-
cornea from God. Observe, 3. The charge ing by Herod, is briefly here hinted at, by
here given by Christ to bis apostles at the St. Luke, but not so largely set forth by
lone of their sending forth; and this is three- him as we find it by St. Matthew, chap.
fold, First, Touching their preparation for xiv. and St. Mark chap. vi. see the notes
the joorney : he forbids them to take much there. That which St. Luke takes particu-
or to spend much time, in furnishing lar notice of is, that great perplexity of
res with victuals, money, or clothes ; mind which Herod's guilty conscience did
they were to finish their journey occasion ; he had murdered John, and now
speedily, and to return again to Christ their is afraid his ghost haunted him ; Herod
Master. This command of our Saviour to his was perplexed. Learn hence, That guilt
apostles not to encumber themselves, when is naturally troublesome and uneasy : it
gomg forth to preach the gospel, teaches disturbs the peace and serenity of the mind,
his ministers their duty, to free themselves and fills the soul with storms and thunder,
as orach as possibly they can from worldly Guilt is always full of fear ; every thing
mcumbrances, which may hinder them in affrights the guilty. A bad man is a ter-
tiseir ministerial services, 2 Tim. ii. 4. No ror to himself, and needs no farther dis-
ntmn that varreth, entangleth himself quietment than what bis own guilty con-
xeUk the affairs of this life. Secondly, science doth occasion him.
Toochio* then "lodging in their journey: 10 And the apostlc8> wnen they
house they entered, they should there had done. And he took them, and
till they departed out of the went aside privately into a desert
330 ST. LUKE. Chip. IX;
gace belonging to the city called the multitude. 17 And they did
sthsaida. 11 And the people, eat, and were all filled : and there
when they knew it, followed him : was taken up of fragments that re-
and he received them, and spake mained to them twelve baskets,
unto them of the kingdom of God, This miracle of our Saviour*! feeding five
and healed them that had need of thousand with five loaves and two fishes,
healing. is recorded by all the evangelists, and in
St Luke here gives a short account of *ne Jiistory of it we have these observable
several material passages, as, 1. Concern- JK^.lA. lte >"**%?£. ^^SH
ing the apostle/r^to Srist after their ^A^J^^
mission and sending forth : tbey acquaint **? " U^^^J^^tedJ^l ^
their Master how tney had exeSutedT their ^H^J? "^ SE^r «i£; Z
office, and discharged the trust he had re- ?? b^m? ™ S?ftal °£ ^S, to
posed in them. 2? He withdraws privately ^S^M^^T^^^
into a desert place from the multitude, that rMJlL!P?^^
MSfa!* "Tr*. W* dWa S^toaSiT^K^iS:
but there the people find him oak «nd !"?^^T,i a?.i """"••
flock after himVaod Christ, who* meat ****£ *»•" «■* *** ***
counsel : upon their bodies, health and .- f. ,. u nrt .. ^w ,
healing: teaching us by the example to EE^Ei*^?^ °? .2J?** ™*J?
mix spiritual alms with bodily relief. We 5!^,^?^^ *T
must be in fee with the bocfy sometimes, Bft^W W*^I£^E±
that we may come at the soul. Happy is that "f** 1m3cllto,!^ca^ ™?J**? them.
christian wnom God hath made £th able "J?*^* ****** * •*■"? » ^
and willing to intermix spiritual alms with *■*■ *9**!*I 5* £ M ■■"J***
corporeairand knows how to feed two at JJ* Sfel^^^A^S
once, soul and body both! This is the "ift* »««P» "F*; r*V »<"?
duty of all, but especially of spiritual per- no\ fP*** «*» # /Acm £ «■* ™~
« The Lord give* wkdom and grace Z^Tt^.S^jA^^
to manage it to advantage! ~ " fiun]*j ^"^J?** must have,
^ ^ and a dry desert will aaord none ; vet says
12 And when the day began to Christ to his disciples, Qiuc ye Meat t*
wear away, then came the twelve, frf. Alas poor disciples! they bad nothing
and said unto him, Send the multi- ** tlTl^u^^£B££^^
tude away, that they may go into P^e tlie mumtofe to eat? When Chnst
* . »^»j, »■««» wej «*»j Kv «uuv aeqUUBi3 of m WDat we of ourselves are
the towns and country round about, ^^ to ftedoimf it h t0 diacover to ^
and lodge, and get victuals ; for our own impotency and weakness, to pro-
we are here in a desert place. 13 voke us to look up to him, and to depend
But he said unto them, Give ye by faith on bis almighty power. Observe,
them to eat. And they said, We 4- What a poor and slender provision the
have no more but five loaves and J^ L* ,*• ^^toforhinnetf and
two fishes ; except we should go ^fem?y:/Pe ^r&!°£2 £$• ^
j i I r v iV ^i_- i jukei: teaching: us, that these bodies of
and buy meat for all this people. ^^ must ^ ^ hlA not pampered. Our
14 (For they were about five thou- belly must not be our master, much less
sand men.) And he said to his our god. The end of food is to sustain na-
disciples, Make them sit down by ture; we must not stifle her with a glutton-
fifties in a company. 15 And they did <*» variety. And as the quality of the
so, and made them all sit down. 16 ****** was P>in' "> the quantity of it was
Then he took the five loaves and the -J» £VtopS m Wht't™ Zl
two fishes, and looking up to heaven, n *£ „ ma *J TbV eye of sen* and
lie blessed them, and brake, and reason sees an utter impossibility of those
gave to the disciples to set before effects which (kith can easily apprehend*
Chap. DC. ST* LUKEJ 831
and a drvine power more eatfly produce, will not allow the loss of his oris. Lord!
Observe, 5. How Christ, the great master how tremeDdous will their accounts be,
of the feast, doth marshal his guests: He who having large and plentiful estates, do
command* them all to sit down by fifties consume them upon their lusts I How will
in a company. None of them reply, " Sit they wish they had been born to poverty
down ! but to what ? Here are the and want, when they appear to make up
mouths, but where*s the meat ? We may their account before God ;
^^^^^^f^\^J^^ 18 And it came to pass, as he was
Not a word like this, but they obey and «i^_ ^ . .. v • ■
expect. Lord ! how easy it is to trit thy alone praying, hts disciples were
providence, and rely upon thy power, Wlth hlm : and he *s*ed them, say-
when there b com in the barn, bread in "*g> Whom say the people that 1
the cupboard, money in the purse; but am? 10 They answering said, John
when our stores are empty, when we have the Baptist ; but some say, Elias ;
nomine in hand, then to depend upon an and others say, That one of the old
^ ft^«%^ prophets is risen again. 20 He said
tt£^*2tttt -to them, But whom say ye that I
and brake, and gave the loaves to his «"?* Peter answering said. The Chnst
disciples, and they to the multitude. 1. of God. 21 And he straitly charged
He Messed them, teaching us by his ex* them, and commanded them to tell
ample never to use or receive the good no man that thing ; 22 Saying, The
creatures of God, without prayer and praise ; Son of man must suffer many things,
n^ejtositdowntow!^»ab€astto Mdhe rejected of the elders and
£ cSTbav; m%S^£n wffi f* P"J* ^jg^jf *
Why then would he rather do it in the filam' and ** ™iaed the th,rd day-
breaking? Perhaps to teach us that we These verses relate to us a private confer-
may rather expect his blessing in the dis- ence which our Saviour had with his dis-
tribution of his bounty, than in the reserva- ciples, touching their own and others' opin<-
tion of it Scattering is the way to in- ion concerning himself. Where observe,
creasing, liberality is the way to riches. 3. 1. Our Saviour's enquiry, what the gene-
Christ gave the loaves thus broken to the rality of the people thought and said of
disciples, that they might distribute to the him : Whom do men say that I am f
multitude. But why did Christ distribute Not as if Christ were ignorant, or did vain-
by the disciples* hands ? Doubtless to gloriously enquire alter the opinion of the
gain respect to his disciples from the peo- multitude ; but his intention and design
pie : ana the same course doth our Lord was to settle and more firmly establish his
take in a spiritual distribution. He that disciples in the belief of his being the true
could feed the world by his own immediate and promised Messias. The disciples tell
hand, chooses rather by the hand of his him, some took hhn to be John the Bap-
minsters to divide the bread of life amongst tist; some, Elias; some, one of the
his people. Observe, 7. The certainty prophets. Tis no new thing, it seems, to
and greatness of this miracle: They dul find diversity of judgments and opinions
all eat, and were filled ; they did all eat, concerning Christ and the affairs of his
not a crumb or a bit, but a satiety and kingdom. Observe, 2. Peter, as the mouth
fulness ; all that were hungry did eat, and of all the apostles, and in their names,
all that did eat were satisfied ; and vet makes a full and open profession of Christ,
twelve baskets of fragments remain: acknowledging him to be the true and
more b left than was at first set on. Tis promised Messias: Thou art the Christ of
hard to say which was the greatest miracle ; God. Learn thence, that the veil of Christ's
the miraculous eating or the miraculous human nature did not keep the eye of his
leaving. If we consider what they left, we disciples* faith from discerning him to be
may wonder that they eat any thing ; if truly and really God : Thou art the Christ
what they ate, that they left any thing, of God. Observe, 3. The charge and
Observe lastly, These fragments, though of special injunction given by Christ to tell
barley -loaves and fish-bones, must not be no man of him: that is, not commonly to
lost, but at our Saviour's command gathered publish, and openly to declare him to be
up : the great Housekeeper of the world the Son of God, because being in his state
332 ST. LUKE. Chap. IX*
of humiliation, the glory of his divinity all our temporal good things, even life
was to be concealed till his resurrection ; itself, when the interest of Christ and reli-
be was then declared to be the Son o/Ood gion calls for it ; otherwise we cannot be
with power, Rom. i. 4. Observe, 'lastly > his disciples. 2. Gospel suffiarings: he
The great wisdom of our Saviour in ac- must take up his cross daily ; an allusion
quainting his disciples with the near ap- to a Roman custom ; when a malefactor
proach of his death and sufferings : The was to be crucified, he took his cross upon
Son of man must suffer many things, his shoulder, and carried it to the place of
Src. This our Saviour did, 1. To prevent execution. Here note, That not the taking
that scandal and offence which otherwise of the cross, but patient bearing of it, when
they might have taken at his sufferings. 2. God has made it, and laid it upon our
The better to fit and prepare them to bear shoulder, is the duty enjoined : let him
that great trial when it did come. 3. To take up his cross. 3. Gospel-service:
correct the error which they had entertained Let him follow me, says Christ ; that is,
concerning the temporal kingdom of the obey my commands, and imitate my ex-
Mcssias, and that he was to be a great and ample. He must set my life and doctrine
mighty prince here upon earth ; for these continually before him, and be daily cor
reasons did Christ frequently acquaint his rectingand reforming of his life by that rule
disciples with his sufferings. and pattern. Observe, 3. The arguments
urged by our Saviour to induce men to a wfl-
23 And he said to them all, If Unless to lay down their lives for the
any man will come after me, let him sake of Christ and his holy religion : He
deny himself, and take up his cross that will save his life shall lose it, and
daily, and follow me. 24 For who- ** that is willing to lose his lifejbr the
soever will save his life shall lose it : Make °f'he *2f£f/» shall find it: intimat-
but whosoever will lose his life for m* Xom>h ™*X *?f >ov? of th* ^^
i a i_ it -A hfe is a great temptation to men to deny
my sake, the same shall save it. Christf and to renoance his holy ^^n.
. Observe here, 1. How our Saviour re- 2. That the surest way to attain eternal
commends his religion to every person's life, is cheerfully to lay down our temporal
election and choice, not compelling any one life, when the glory of Christ, and the
by force and violence to embrace or enter- honour of religion, require it at our hands,
tain it s If any man v,M ie my discipk : 35 For whftt jg man ad vantaged
that is, if any man chooses and resolves to •/. . • .. . , . . .3
be a christian. Observe, 2. Our Saviour's £ he *a,n *e wholc worlf • *** lose
terms propounded : namely, self-denial, himself, or be cast away ?
gospel-suffering, and gospel-service. 1 . Here our Saviour goes on to show the
Self-denial : Let him deny himself; by folly of those that for saving their tempo-
which we are not to understand either the ral lives will expose their eternal life, or the
denying of our senses in matters of faith, or life of their souls, to hazard and danger,
in the renouncing of our reasons in matters yea, sometimes by refusing to lay down
of religion, but a willingness to part with all our temporal Hfe for Christ, we lose that
our earthly comforts and temporal enjoy- also ; which renders it the greatest folly in
raents for the sake of Christ, when called the world to refuse to part with any enjoy-
thereunto. They to whom we bear the ment, even life itself, at the call and corn-
greatest natural affection, even the wife of our mand of Christ,
bosom, and Ik 5 offspring of our bowels. 2e For wnosoever shall be
and those to whom we yield the highest „„u~_~j c a r -~ j
reverence, and to whose commands we owe a»hamed °f ™« *g of my wwdt.
most entire obedience, as our fathers and of hlm ,snal[ thc Son of mai1 «*
mothers ; if the authority of natural, civil, ashamed, when he shall come in
or ecclesiastical superiors should combine his own glory, and fit his Father's,
to tempt us to do what Christ forbids, yet and of the holy angels.
Christ must be loved more than these, and That is, whosoever shall deny and dis-
obeyed before all these ; yea all these must own me, either in my person, in my doc-
be comparatively hated in respect of him. trine, or my members, for any fear or fe-
Farther, this precept requires us to deny vour of man, he shall with shame be dis-
our honour and reputation, our wealth and owned by me, and rejected of me, at the
outward estate, our whole subsistence, and great day. There are two passions which
Cbap. IX. ST. LUKE. SS3
men to disown Christ in the day of servants of Christ, for faith, holiness, and
temptation ; namely, fear and shame, service, must at length, in God's appointed
Many good men have been overcome by time, taste and have experience of death, as
the former, at St. Peter and others 5 but we well as others. 3. That although they
find not any good man in scripture guilty must taste, yet they shall but taste of death ;
of the latter, namely, that denied Christ out they shall not drink of the dregs of that bit-
of shame : this argues a rotten, unsound, ter cup ; though they fall by the band of
sad corrupt heart. If any man think it be- death, yet shall they not be hurt by it, but
neath his honour and quality to own the in the very foil be victorious over it.
opposed truths, and despised members of rtrt . . . . , .
Const, Christ will think it beneath him to **. *** lt came to, Pass a.bout
own such persons at the great day. Learn •* eight days after these sayings,
hence, 1. That such as are »«hpny»i of be took Peter and John and James,
Christ's doctrine, or members, are in God's and went up into a mountain to
account ashamed of Christ himself. 2. pray. 29 And as he prayed, the
That such as either for fear dare not, or fashion of his countenance was
** 1^75^ ^ilMST £5 ^tered, and his raiment was white
members of Const now. shall certain lv find . i • . • ««. * j i i i j
Christ ashamed to own and cuuWthem ?»d glistering. 30 And behold,
at the great day. there talked with him two men,
which were Moses and Elias : 31
27 But I tell you of a truth, Who appcared in glory, and spake
There be some standing here which of his decease, which he should ac-
shall not taste of death till they see complish at Jerusalem. 32 But Pe-
tite kingdom of God. ter and they that were with him were
There is a threefold sense and interpreta- heavy with sleep ; and when they
tion ot these words given by expositors, were awake, tbey saw his glory
I. Some refer the words to the times of the and the two men that stood with
gospel after Christ's resurrection and ascen- him. 33 And it came to pass, as
sion, when the gospel was propaoued far th departed from him, Peter said
and near, and the kingdom of God came ., ' jJLmmm *>■.»♦«.. u ;„ ^^^a #^-
with power. Uam thence, That where the ««to Jesus, Master it is good for
gospel* powerfully preached, and cheer- us t0 be here : and let us make three
fully obeyed, there Christ cometh most glo- tabernacles ; one for thee, and one
rioasly in his kingdom. 2. Others under- for Moses, and one for Elias : not
stand these words of Christ's coming and knowing what he said. 34 While he
exercising his kingly power in the destruc- thus spake, there came a cloud, and
tjoa of Jerusalem, which some of the apos- overshadowed them : and they fear-
^£^&£&.± - - ft -md into the cloud
detsiand the words with reference to our 36 A nd tnere came a VOIce out of
Saviour** transfiguration ; as if he had said, the cloud, saving, This is my be-
«• Some of you, (meaning Peter, James, and loved Son: hear him. 36 And
John,) shall shortly see me upon mount Ta- when the voice was past, Jesus was
bor. and that in such splendour and glory, found alone. And they kept it
as shall be a preludium, ;a shadow ; and re- dogc and toW no man in those
P,,!*nl*l0,1• Ji^fr* ?h J days any of those things which they
appear m, when I shall come with power , < J * J
lo judge the world at the great day." And nad secn-
whereas our Saviour saith not, there are Here we have recorded the history of our
some standing here which shall not die, holy Saviour's transfiguration ; when he
but which shall not taste of death, till laid, as it were, the garments of our frail
they have seen this glorious sight ; this humanity aside for a little season ; and put
implies two things, 1. That after they had on the robes of his divine glory to demon-
seen this transfiguration, they must taste of strate and testify the truth of his divinity ;
death as well as others. 2. That they for his divine glory was an evidence of his
should but taste of it, and no more. From divine nature, and also an emblem of that
whence learn, 1. That the most renowned glory which be and his disciples, and all
834 ST. LUKE. Cbap. IX.
his faithful servants and followers* shall honour him .he will honour. Observe* 4.
enjoy together in heaven. Observe, 1. The The carriage and behaviour of the discipfes
design of our Saviour in this bis transfigu- upon this great occasion : 1. They suppli-
ration, namely, to confirm his disciples* cate Jesus : they do not pray to Motes or
faith in the truth of his divine nature : he Elias, but to Christ : Master, it is good
was therefore pleased to suffer the rays of being here. O what a ravishing comfort
his divinity to dart forth before their eyes, and satisfaction is the communion and fel-
so far as they were able to bear it j his face lowship of the saints ! but the presence of
shined with a pleasing brightness, and his Christ amongst them, » renders their joys
raiment with such a glorious lustre, as did transporting. 2. They proffer their service
at once both delight and dazzle the eyes of to further the continuance of what they did
his disciples. Observe, 2. The choice enjoy : Let us make three tabernacles ;
which our Saviour makes of the witnesses saints will stick at no cost or pains for the
of his transfiguration : his three disciples, enjoyment of Christ's presence and hit peo-
Peter, James, and John. But why disci- pie's company. Learn hence, That a
pies ? why three disciples, and why these glimpse of heaven's glory is sufficient to
three? 1. Why disciples? Because his raise a soul into ecstacy and to make it out
transfiguration was a typQ of heaven: Christ of love with worldly company. 2. That
vouchsafes therefore the earnest and first we are apt to desire more of heaven smest
fruits of that glory only to saints upon earth than God will allow .us -, we would
earth, on whom he intended to bestow the have the heavenly glory come down to us,
full crop in due time. 2. Why three dis- but are not willing by death to go up to
ciples? Because these were sufficient to that Observe, 5. How a cloud was put
Witness the truth of this miracle. Judas before the disciples' eyes, when the divine
was unworthy of this favour, yet, lest he glory was manifested to them, partly to
should murmur or be discontented, others allay the lustre and resplendency of that
are left out as well as he. 3. But why glory which they were swallowed up with :
these three rather than others ? Probably, the glory of heaven is insupportable m this
1. Because these three were more eminent imperfect state, we cannot bear it unveiled ;
for great zeal and love towards Christ: and partly did this cloud come to hinder
now the most eminent manifestations their looking and prying father into this
of glory are made to those that are moat glory. We must be content to behold God
excelling in grace. 2. Because these through a cloud darkly here ; ere long we
three disciples were to be witnesses of shall see htm face to face. Observe, 6.
Christ's agony and passion, to prepare them The testimony given out of the dood by
for which, they are here made witnesses of God the Father, concerning Jesus Christ
his transfiguration. This glorious vision his Son : This is my beloved Son, hear
upon mount Tabor fitted them to abide the him. Where note, f . The dignity of his
terror of mount Calvary. Observe, 3. The person ; be is my Son, for nature co-easen-
glorious attendants upon our Saviour at his tial, and for duration co-eternal with his
transfiguration : they were two ; those two, Father. 2. The endearedness of Ins rekv-
men; those two men, Moses and Elias. tion; He is my beloved Son, because of bis
This being but a glimpse of heaven's glory, conformity to me, and compliance with
and not a full manifestation of it, only two me : likeness is the cause of love, and an
of the glorified saints attended it, and these union or harmony of wills causes a mutual
two attendants are not two angels, but two endearing of affection. 3. The authority
men ; because men were more nearly con- of his doctrine ; Hear ye him ; M not Ho-
ceraed than angels in what was done. *es and Elias, who were servants, but Christ
But why Moses and Elias, rather than my Son, whom I have authorised and sp-
an y other men ? 1. Because Moses was pointed to be the great prophet and teacher
the giver of the law, and Elias the chief of my church ; therefore adore ban as my
of the prophets ; now both these attending Son, and believe in him as your Saviour*
upon Christ, did show the consent of the and hear him as your lawgiver." Tbeobe-
law and the prophets with Christ, and their dient ear honours Christ more than either
accomplishment and fulfilling in him. 2. the gazing eye, the adoring knee, or theap~
Because these two men were the most la- plauding tongue,
borious servants of Christ: both adventured
their lives in God's cause, and therefore were 37 And it came to pass, thai on
highly honoured by him ; for those that the next day, when they were comer
Chap. IX. ST. LUKE. *»
don from tfafebili, much people met 43 And they were all amazed at
him. 38 And, behold, a man of the the mighty power of God. But
company cried out, saying, Master, I while they wondered every one at
beseech thee, look upon my son ; for all things which Jesus did, he said
he is mine only child : 39 And, lo, unto his disciples, 44 Let these
a spirit taketh him, and he sudden- sayings sink down into your ears :
ly crieth out ; and it teareth him for the Son of man shall be deliver-
that he foaraeth again ; and bruising ed into the hands of men. 45 But
him hardly departeth from him. they understood not this saying, and
40 And I besought thy disciples to it was hid from them, that they per-
cast him out ; and they could not. ceived it not : and they feared to
41 And Jesus answering said, O ask him of that saying.
faithless and perverse generation ! ^ . . ^ . . - ,, „ .
. . „ 0Lftit i 1w».„uk ..«., ~~A Observable it is how frequently our Savi-
how long shall I be with you, and w forewaroed his d^la & hig
Butter yon ? Bring thy son hither, preaching sufferings, and as the time of his
43 And as he was yet a coming, suffering drew nearer, he did more frequent*
the devil threw htm down, and tare ty warn them of his death. But all this was
Aim .* and Jesus rebuked the unclean Htue enough to arm them against the scan-
spirit, and healed the child, and dal of the cross ; and to reconcile them to
delivered him again to his father. totlionghiioriihsnfltown^ t how
^ an ordinary wophet should be delivered
Observe here, 1. The person brought to in<° the J™1** **" Of* *»** «■?*
Christ for help and healing ; one bodily "^^ZSfr?* ^^ Messias should be
possestby Satin, who rentand tore him, ^^l?^01 apprehend ; for
Ertrather to torment than to despatch him. ***. dBCIfl« " "« UP *" «>mmon
O bow does Satan delight to do hurt to the €PBIJ"» that th* Messias waa t0 te a tem-
bodies, as jrell as tbetouls, of mankind ! J™ P™<*» «£ shouU conquer andreign
Lord, abaft his power, since his malice ■" "E^J^trf J10" ^ reconc,le
wUl not be abateT Observe, 2. The per- tn» "lth ***** " **• lhev «»** *°™P
son who represented bis sad cooditionto ff^i ** **7 were. afnudJ°4 ■»
our SaviourThis compassionate father, who *?° particdar in their enquiry about it.
kneeled down and cried out Need will *ow> from Chnsts so frequently warning
make a person both humble and eloquent ; h* dBCIPles4 <* h» approaching sufferings,
every onV has a tongue to speak for him' we^y gate, That we can neva he^,
self/happy he that kelps a ton^uTfor others. f?» ^, °ftea or to° »**• ofr *» do?-
ObserveTa The physicians which this dis- *»?*?* "^ ™* * *° ******!
uessed iKrson is brought unto -.first to the insfructfd m "* *$r to P«pare for a sufc
discipleTand then to Jesus. We never {"1?* 8tate * « <*"* ,wenl = *» h» ""
appirourselves importunately to the God to #hf Cf?wn»1^m a 8,ate °f a£a*men.t {?
of>wer, till we despair of the creature's a8tate °f ******* *> m«J aH *>* disci,
he£ But what hindered the disciples that Ples and followels «P«* ukewMe-
ibeycouWiM^^outthaeva spirit? Why, 43 Then there arose a reasoning
rt was their unbehef ,Of*'M» g™ra- among them, which of them should
/***. Learn thence, That the great obsta- Ua °«# „* >•* a-j r^..„
cle and d*nidio7of all blelmgs, both be. Fe*{*si\u 47 *ndr /*S.UBY Pe'"
spiritual and temporal, coming to us, is our ceivmg the thought of their heart,
wretched infidelity and unbelief. Observe, took & child, and set him by him,
4. The sovereign power and absolute au- 48 And said unto them, Whosoever
tbotity which Christ had when on earth shall receive this child in my name
overthe devil and his angels: Jesus re- receiveth me ; and whosoever shall
huked htm. cast htm out, and charged receive me receiveth him that sent
Asm to return no more into htm. This _„,^ . «__ u« *!«»«-:» i^A_* A««AM<.'..^..
waa a proof and demonstration of the God- "f :*OT he thakl " *€ast ^ you
head of our Saviour, that, in his own name, alI> tne same snal1 ** &reat-
that, by his own power and authority, he It may justly seem a wonder, that when
could and did cast the devils out our blessed Saviour discoursed so frequent-
336 ST. LUKE. Chap. IX.
Iv with his disciples about his sufferings, undertook the matter without dssscaon
that they should at the same time be dis- from Christ. We ought not to censure and
puting among themselves about precedency condemn those, who do that which is good
and pre-eminency, which of them should in itself, though they fail in the manner of
be the greatest, the first in place, and the their doing it.
highest in dignity and honour; but from fil A d it t h th
this instance we may learn, That the holkst ,. dl Ana lt cam* .t0 P*98' ^ . j u
and best of men are too prone to ambition, tlme. *?» COD?c ** *« *hoM be
ready to catch at the bait of honour, to af- received up, he stedfastly set his
feet a precedency before, and superiority face to go to Jerusalem.
over others. Here the apostles themselves The time now drew on, wherein our Sa-
were touched with the itch of ambition ; yiour was to be received up into heaven,
to cure this, our Saviour sets before them a g^ accordingly he sets his face to go to
little child, as the proper emblem of humi- Jerusalem, that he might there suffer, and
lity j showing that they ought to be as fom thence ascend. Now here we have
free from pride and ambition as a young observable, 1. That although Jerusalem
child, which affects nothing of preceden- was the nest of his enemies, the stage upon
cy. Such as are of the highest eminency which his bloody sufferings were to be
in the church, ought to be singularly adorn- acted, the fetal place of ho death, yet ne-
ed with the grace of humility, looking upon thing terrified with danger, he sets bis fece
themselves as lying under the greatest obli- for Jerusalem, that is, come what will, be
gation to be most eminently useful and wfl| go with an invincible courage and re-
serviceable to the church's good. solution. Learn thence, That although Christ
40 And John answered and said, had a perfect and exact know^ of aU the
**«««A. ™ .«— ~„« ~.««;M~ ^.,* a~ bitter sufferings he was to undergo, for and
Master we saw one casting out de- QD thc ^Jfr hig ^^^ ttnot
vils in thy name ; and we forbade m the Jeast dahearten him in, or discourage
hira, because he followeth not with him from, that great and glorious under*
us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, taking. Observe, 2. That though Christ
Forbid him not : for he that is not was first to suffer before he M ascend,
against us is for us. and to be lifted up upon the cross, before
™_ . , Pi . . , , A. - received up into heaven, yet is there no
Observe here, 1. St. John s relation of a mention Jf hig dealn heii but of his as-
matter of feet to our Saviour ; namely, his <XQsiQQ ^ tf ^ thou^htl of ^
forbidding one to cast out devils in Chmt s wmwmM^ Up m his victory overdeaih;
name, that did not follow Christ as thev ^j b h£ ^ j to overlook our^
did; for though only thedisciples which fof- ^ffc^ an/ deathf ^^ worthy to be
lowed Chnst had a commission to work mi. namedlr mentioned with that glor/ which
racles, yet were there others, no enemies to we m ^^ int0 ^ £^ j^
Christ who, in imitation of tus disciples, evangelist does not say the time was come
djd attempt to do the like i ; and God was whe* he |hou|d ^ but wben ^ ^^
pleased, for the honour of his Son, in whose u^ reepjvpri UD
name they cast out devils, to jive them j * ,
sometimes success. Observe, 2. The action °2 And 8ent messengers before
of the disciples towards this person : We his face ; and they went, and enter-
forbade him, because he followed not ed into a village of the Samaritans,
with us. Where is observable, their rash- to make ready for him. 63 And
ness in forbidding him of 'their own i heads, tncy did not receive him, because
before they had consulted Chnst about it ; hig fftcc WM thou . hc wou|d
and their envy and emulation, in that they . . ■ °
were grieved and discontented that good &° to Jerusalem,
was done, because they did not do it. It Our Saviour was now going from Gali-
is as hard a matter to look upon the gifts lee to Jerusalem, and being to pass through
of others without envy, as it is to look upon a village of Samaria, be sent messengers
our own without pride. Observe, 3. Our before him to prepare entertainment for
Saviour's reply : Forbid him not. Because him. The Son of God, who was heir of
our Saviour knew, that this action of cast- all things, sends to, and sues for a lodging
hig out devils in his name would some in, a Samaritan cottage, O blessed Savi-
ways redound to his glory, although he our, how can we be abased enough for thee,
Chap. IX. ST. LUKE. 33?
who Una neglected thyself for us ! It wai thy pleasure command us to call down fire;
thy pleasure to appear, not in the figure of but, Witt thou that we command fire .*
a prince, but in the form of a servant, yet This savours too much of pride, cruelty,
the people in the Samaritan village would and revenge ; so dangerous is a misguided
not receive him ! Strange t to hear the Son zeal.
^J^^lJ™ a ****& ?£ ***: 55 But he turned and rebuked
Samaritans : the Jews worshipped at the manner of spirit ye are of. 60 For
temple in Jerusalem, the Samaritans at a the Son of man is not conic to de-
temple of their own, built upon mount stroy men's lives, but to save them.
Gemini. Upon the building of this new And they went to another village,
teple there arose so great a feud between Here we j^ our Saviour's censure of
the Jews and Samaritans, and in process of ^ nA and hot rootion of his t^mla,
fane such an implacable hatred, that they which proceeded first from ignorance of
wodd not snow a common civility to one themselves, Ye know not of what spirit ye
another. A Samaritans bread to a Jew, are 0j . ye m not now Ullder the rough
was no better than swme s flesh ; they dod ^ dispensation of the law, but un-
would rather thirst than drink a draught of der the ca]m ^a gctle institution of the
Samaritan water. Hence we learn, That ^^ which degigns univereai iovef pe^
no enmity » so desperate as that which aW good-will, to all mankind. Hence
araes from matters of religion. ]eam> Firet> That a ^1 and reVengeful spi-
64 And when his disciples, James rit ■ directly contrary to the design and
and John, saw lAii, they said, Lord, **?** of Christianity. Secondly, That no
wilt thou that we command fire to £5*™* m ^igion, no pretence of zeal to
come down from heaven, and con- j^ ^^ Agaillf fhis ra8nDeas in ^
sume them, even as Elias did ? disciples proceeded from their ignorance of
„ i , «« ^ , . , ,, Christ their Lord and Master, as well as of
Here observe, 1. The crime which these them9elves The Son ofman didnot e9mm
"** WS fSS? rf = P ^TJ"S •* '* destroy men's lives but to save them ;
!^^.^D° fl^'v&A " ^t is, tie proper intent and design of my
offered to the Son of God But these Sa- ^ wj£ g* and wf6Bi'9
mantaas did not revile Christ, nor any of tho £ the ^^tBl event of it may be
h» retinue, that we read of, they did otbe^ise, through the malice and perverea-
not viofently awault him, they did not ne>8 of waL "^ That it waHhe d&m
"mLJEL— V ^"J^ sign of Christ and his holy religion to dis-
or blasphemies m their mouths, but the ^teDanoe ^ fierceness, rage, and cruel-
wrong and injury was only Mgfve: t in meQf one lowaid8 £oXher, ^ to
T * "ZSf \Ji™ a It7*** Jwpirc them universally with a spirit of
^^ .?«^s Jodgmg, and this not out of ,QV^ ^ ^ (MJ[k w far f^m aU
any dishke of his person, but from an ant i. ,owi ,Q ^^ them lhat hate
1**7 ^^h» MV°n' °^?enre»2-.The that be forbidlTus to hate them that pews
carriage of the disciples upon this occasion : cute ^ ^
it was thus far commendable, that from the
endeared love which they bore to their Mas- 57 And it came to pass, that as
ter, they did highly resent the churlish do- they went in the way, a certain man
nal of an act of kindness towards him. said unto him, Lord, I will follow
A gracious heart is nobly impatient at the thee whithersoever thou goest. 68
5Lhlu!f fV^**^0^ to 9"*^' And Jesus said unto him, Foxes
^^^n^^^r^Jf0^ ha™ holes, and birds of the air
tnnsportoa won passion ana revenge, even . * • ^ *■_ a _r
kTaSie the aWh and destruction of *a™ nests5 but *« fon °fman
the uncivil Samaritans : Witt thou that "«*** not where to lay Aw head.
v€ command fire to come down from hea- Observe here, 1. A person resolving to
r«w, and consume them ? They do not follow Christ, a good resolution, if made
say. Master, will it please thee, who art deliberately and wisely, not for sinister
I Lord of the creature, to command fire to ends, or secular advantages, which it is to
come down ? Nor did they say, If it be be feared was the case here, by our Saviour's
938 ST, LUKE. Chap. X^
answer-, for, aa^s he, Foxes have holes, their own parents, unto which our Saviour
and the birds of the air have nests, but here probably alludes.
the Son of M™**lh™* "h™ *J {Z 61 And another also said, Lord,
hts head. As if Christ had said, M My
£S "i'Srrj I will follow thee: but let u* fim
have no house of residence that I call my go bid them farewell which are at
own j the birds of the air have their fixed home at my house. 62 And Jesus
nests, and the beasts of the earth have their said unto him, No man having put
dens and holes, but I have no fixed habi- njg hand to the plough, and looking
tation ; therefore if you think to follow me j^ is fit for ^e kingdom of God,
for the sake of worldly advantage, you will °
find yourself greatly disappointed." Learn Here we have another person that pro*
hence, That such men will find themselves mw*h to Jollow Christ, bui ; dewreth leave
miserably mistaken, and greatly disappoint- &* to settle the i aflairs of his fcnuly. and
ed, who expect to gain any thing by fol- take leave of his friends. Our Saviour
lowing of Christ, but their souls1 salvation, tells him, If he wouUl be one of his minis.
It was a common opinion among the Jews, ters, he must be like a pbughman, who
(hat the disciples of the Messiah should get l°ola forward, and not backward, or he
wealth and honour by following him. Tis ™ never make his furrows right, they
likely what this person said proceeded wiU either J* too deep .or too *£**£
from this opinion 5 accordingly Christ dia- must mind his plough and nothing efae,
courages him from such expectation, by Thus must they that are called to *ew«k
laying before him his mean, poor, and of the ministry, mind it wholly, attend to
low condition, in which he was to be fol- that alone ; their whole time, then* whole
lowed by his disciples; as if Christ had strength. ■«* he devoted I to i\ t: the things
said, " If you expect temporal advantages ^ the work! are things behind them, they
by following of me, you will be much mis- must not look back upon them Nothing
taken, for 1 have nothing I can call my can justify a minister concerning hanaetf
0WD <» with the incumbrances of worldly business,
but only perfect necessity for the support of
59 And he said unto another, ^f££25$*\ ^^^
Follow me, But he said Lord, suf- £* ■ J-J* tfKfpfiS
for me first to go and bury my ta- must keep on, and make no balks of the
then 60 Jcsub said unto him, Let hardest ground be meets with : verily no
the dead bury their dead ; but go difficulties must discourage either minis-
thou and preach the kingdom of ten or people in the way of their doty.
God- CHAP. X.
We are not to suppose by this prohibi- A FTER these things the Lord ap-
tion, that Christ disallows or disapproves *r*m pointed other seventy also, and
of any civil office from one person to ano- gent them two and two" before his
ther, much less of a child to a jparent, fece into every city anci pi^^ wni_
either living or dying; but he lets us h fa himscff wouW ^iae.
know, 1. That no office of love and service
to man must be preferred before our duty The Captain general of our salvation,
to God, to whom we owe our first and Christ Jesus, having called, coumussfoned,
chief obedience, 2. That lawful and and sent forth his twelve apostles, as great
decent offices become sinful, when they commanders to subdue his native kingdom
hinder greater duties. 3. That such as of Israel to himself, at the sixth chapter of
are called by Christ to preach the gospel, this Gospel 5 in this chapter he sendeth
must mind that alone, and leave inferior after them a band of seventy auxiliary
duties to inferior persons ; as if Christ bad forces, to aid and assist them : After these
said, " Others will serve well enough to things the Lord appointed other seventy
bury the dead, but thou that art called to disapies, and sent them to* and two
minister unto God, must do that unto before his face. Where note, 1. The
which thou art called." Under the law person commissioning and sending them
the priests might not come near a dead forth : Christ himself. Thence learn. That
corpse \ nor meddkt with the interment of none ought to take upon them the office of
Chap. X. ST. LUKE.
preaching, or other ministerial functions in and that earnestly and incessantly, to God
tbe church, till thereunto called by Christ the Lord of the harvest, to increase the
himself. The twelve apostles, and seventy number of faithful labourers $ and to send
disciples, bad an immediate mission from forth more labourers into his harvest
Christ himself: all his ministers are now ^ , , . , _ ,
called mediately, and receive their authority 3 Go your ways : behold, I send
from Christ by the hands of the governors you forth as lambs among wolves,
of bit church. Note, 2. The manner of 4 Carry neither purse nor scrip, nor
their sending : two and two in a company, shoes : and salute no man by the
partly to make their message of more au- way.
mority, partly to testify their mutual consent
m the doctrine' they taught, and partly Our Saviour, 1. Arms his jdisciples
to comfort and encourage, to help and against the difficulties, dangers, and dis-
streogtbeo, to assist and support, each other, couragements which they might meet with
in mutation of this example, the Jesuits in the course of their ministry, by telling
sent forth their emissaries by pairs: Jesuitm them, that be sent them forth as lambs
semper sunt bini9 Spc. Learn hence, That among wolves; thereby mtimating, that
the ministers of the gospel do stand in the enemies of the gospel have as great an
gnat need of the mutual help and comfort, inclination, from their malicious nature, to
of the united assistance and encouragement, devour and destroy the ministers of Christ,
of each other, in the weighty duties of their as wolves have from their natural temper to
calling and function. Our Saviour in the devour lambs : Behold, I send you forth
next vene compares his ministers to harvest as lambs among wolves. 2. Our, Saviour
bboureiB, who are to help' and assist one directs them in this their fjrst expedition
another,tbe strong endeavouring to strength- to preach the gospel, to commit themselves
en the hands of the weak. But, Lord ! to the gracious care and good providence
whet tears are sufficient to bewail the want of God, both for provision and protection :
of love and unity, yea, the prevalency of Carry neither purse,, nor scrip, nor staff*
that envy and malignity, which is found says St Matthew ; as if he had said. Trust
too often among the ministers of the got- God with the care of your lives, rely upon
pel.; so that instead of going forth two by his providence both for protection and
two, faa))py is he that is alone in a place, provision : vet must we take notice, tiiat
Wefl might Mekncthon bless God, when this was only a temporary command, given
he fay a dying, that he was going to a to the disciples for this particular journey,
place where be should be freed from the which they were aukkly to despatch ; for
implacable hatred of divines; this is, and in the general, Christ allows his ministers
ought to be, for a lamentation. as well as others, to exercise a prudent and
provident care for themselves and their
2 Therefore said he unto them, families. And as it n the ministers* duty
The harvest truly is great, but the to trust God in the use of prudential means
labourers are lew : pray ye there- for their maintenance, so it is the people's
fore the Lord of the harvest, that My to take care for their minister's com-
he would send forth labourers into forta*[,e yt^ce. The workman is
ks. kaPM.1 worthy of his meat, says our Saviour; that
nis nanresi. ^ of ftU Deoasary supplies: he is worthy
Mote here, 1. That God's church is an of a comfortable subsistence, and, where
harvenVfield. 2. That the ministers of God it may be had, of an honourable mainte*
are Uboweni in his harvest, under God the nance,
Losd of the harvest. 3. That to God . , . . .
atone it doth belong to send forth labour- 5 A»d ,nto whatsoever house ye
en into his harvest, and none must thrust «»***» »"* say> Peace *• to tnls
themselves in, till God sends them forth : house. 6 And if the Son of peace
Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that he be there, your peace shall rest upon
tsmdd send forth labourers. 4. That the it : if not, it shall turn to you
number of faithful labourers is compare- .train
b^dy small a«i few: the »cnbes and Pha- &galIla
in the Jewish harvest-held are many ; Here our blessed Saviour directs his dis*
yet, says Christ, The labourers are few, ciples how to manage themselves in the ex*
5. That it is the church's <}uty to pray, ecuting of their office: Into whatsoever
z2
840 ST. LUKE. Chap, X.
house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this that are therein, and say unto them,
house ; they must wish peace to the sons The kingdom of God is come nigh
ef»ce^ea,totheenemwofpeMealao; unto you. 10 But into whatsoever
and as their peace shall rest upon the one, •. „r ... . ■ 4k-h„ M .
soshallitretWfromtheotherV Peace he city ye enter, and they receive you
to this house, is a fit salutation for them not> 8° 7°"* way* ouJ inio the
to use, who were the disciples and ambas- streets of the same, and say, 11
adore of the Prince of peace ; and very Even the very dust of your city,
agreeable to the gospel they were to preach, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe
which was a eospel of peace : and it was a 0ff against you : notwithstanding,
prayer as weir as a salutation ; the disciples be 8Ure 0/ thi that the kingclom
both men and angels are delighted with, But l 8ay u"^° you, That it shall be
and the christian religion is the greatest pro- wore tolerable m that day for So-
moter and preserver of it, that commands us dom than for that city.
to pray for peace, to folkno after peace, to
part with our coat and cloak, that is, with Here our Saviour gives his disciples sun*
our civil rights, for peace; and, if it he dry directions, bow to manage themselves
possible, to live peaceably with alt men. in this expedition for preaching the gospel.
Observe, 2. M the injunction given by He enjoins them, 1. To observe the rules
our Saviour to his disciples to deliver a mes- of decency in going from place to place $
sage of peace, first say, Peace be to this having entered an house to continue there,
house ; so the prediction of what should be- not changing their lodging, and going
(all them in the delivery of this their mes- from house to house, thereby avoiding all
sage. Their salutation, though it be peace, show of lightness and inconstancy, and
yet will not find a welcome and entertain- testifying all gravity and stayedness in their
roent with all persons, but only with the behaviour ; this being a special mean to
sons of peace : If the sons of peace be win authority to their persons and ministry.
there, your peace shall rest upon it Ob- 2. He gives them a power to work miracles
serve, 3. An encouragement not to be for the confirming of the doctrine which
afraid of delivering their message though they preached : Heal the sick that are
it wanted success : If your peace rest not, therein. This was necessary, partly to
it shall return to you again. Learn, 1. procure reverence to their persons, being
That as there was at the first preaching of poor and unlearned men ; and partly to
the gospel, so there is, and always will be, gain credit and authority to their doctrine :
some that are sons of peace, and others that for the doctrine of faith in the Messias, as
are enemies unto peace. 2. That this peace now come and exhibited m the flesh,
will rest on none but those that are fit being a strange and new doctrine to the
to receive it 3. That though it doth not Jews, the truth and certainty of it was to
rest, yet it shall not be lost, but return be extraordinarily ratified and confirmed
again to those that publish it Ministers by working miracles; one sort of which
can but say, Peace be. to this house, they was healing of diseases in an extraordinary
cannot make it rest there $ we can offer manner. Observe, 3. How Christ encoo-
terms of peace to a lost world, but cannot rages his disciples against the' want of sue-
compel men to accept them ; and if they cess: he bids them denounce the judgments
finally refuse them, we shall be a sweet of God against such contemners of their
savour unto God, as well in them that doctrine, by shaking off' the dust of their
perish, as in them that are saved. feet ; which action was emblematical, and
signified that God in like manner would
7 And in the same house remain, shake off them, and esteem them no better
eating and drinking such things as than the vilest dust Learn hence, That
they give • for the labourer is thoae whicn despise the message that the
worthy of his hire. Go not from K^ilttef ^JS^J*!? **?!?*%
LA11Mv, u^..^ o a „ a :«*^ ,.,k„* hnd the dust of their feet, and the ashes of
house to house. 8 And >nto what- tWrgnilili to give a judicia, t^^y
soever city ye enter, and they re- against them in the day of Christ. Wher-
ceive you, eat such things as are set ever the word is preached, it is for a tes-
before you : 9 And heal the sick limony, either a testimony for, or against a
Chap. X; ST. LUKE. 341
people. For, if the dust of a minister's feet and church-privileges, but not improved
bear witness against a people, their sermons them. Learn hence, 1. That gospel-ordi-
moch more. Observe, lastly, The dread- nances enjoyed, are a mighty honour and
ful judgment denounced by our Saviour advancement to the poorest persons and
against the contemners of his disciples* obscurest places : Thou, Capernaum, art
doctrine: Verily it shall be more tolerable exalted to heaven. 2. That gospel-ordi-
for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of nances and church-privileges enjoyed, but
judgment than for that city. Where not improved, provoke Almighty God to
note, 1. That there shall be a day of judg- inflict the sorest judgments upon a people :
ment 2. That in the day of judgment Thou that art exalted to heaven, shah be
some sinners shall fare worse than others, thrust down to hell.
3. That of all sinners, the condition of
such shall be saddest at the day of judg- 16 He that heareth you heareth
ment, who, living under the gospel, die me ; and he that despiseth you de-
after ail in their impenitency and infidelity : spiseth me ; and he that despiseth
It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and me despiseth him that sent me.
Gomorrah than for that city.
-m w~> ««♦*» *!,*» r*u^«-:« f Here our Saviour encourages his minis-
13 Woe unto thee, Chorazm! ^ t0 faithfuIne8S in ^ ?ffice> b „„.
woe unto thee, Bethsaida ! for if jngthera that he should reckon and es-
the mighty works had been done in teem all the kindness shown to them, as
Tyre and Sidon which have been done unto himself: He that receiveth
done in you, they had a great while y°u* receiveth me ; he that despiseth you,
ago repented, sitting in sackcloth despiseth me. Where note, That all the
and ashes. 14 But it shall be offices of love and resr^t, of kindness and
mote tolerable for Tyre and Sidon ^lty' w£,ch JV^ V^,™?^
...... . A, J r "" and members of Christ for his sake, Ohnst
at the judgment than for you. 15 reckons it done unt0 himself: Nole far.
And thou, Capernaum, which art ex- ther, That the contempt of the message and
alted to heaven, shalt be thrust down messengers of the gospel runs much higher
to hell. than men are aware of. They think
*k» in Galilee, Chonuin, Beth- rt n° W« "*"? .«? *$* " "^ ,he
saida, and Cpemaum, having been the "MMengers of Christ : but verily that con-
pbee where Christ preached ana wrought ^P1, J" !? "?? face "SjjfSH^
rTmiracks, tbey have a woe denounced <*"?* bmad(> :wh£ **w **** t(PhSJ°^'
here against theni for their contempt of J?'*1011' Y^ m the very Bkjb of God the
OwtTand the often of his grace: Voe Fa'her' *■•}.**!• Chnst his commisaon:
unto the,, Choraxin, Ire. Toe higher a Md . ■""•"rtr **y are called God s
people rise under the means, the lower T" '■ *"' w* ltjf "^P™*
Sybil if thev miscarry. They that have the!r mi«.on being both from h.m. Nav.
been neatest to conversion, being not con- **""' th» .an «tak" •» "■ own "J*
verted, shall have the greatest condemna- Md *• ■» TT*, *! '^x8* We,L M
Urn when tbey are judged. Capernaum's «?«° Christ; he that desptseth you, do.
sentence will exceed Sodom's fo/severity, P.utth ™et ^^mlv .no *&?. was «ver
because she excelled Sodom in the enjoy! *ep«r drenched in the guilt of this sin than
meat of. means and mercy. Observe here, «he present age is.
1. Capernaum's privilege enjoyed; She 17 And the seventy returned
vat lifted up to heaven; that is, enjoyed again with joy, saying, "Lord, even
privileges above all other places, namely, ti,e devils arc subject unto us
U* |«eno^pi»chmg,and mirac esof our th h th name# ,J8 And he said
Saviour. Observe, 2. Capernaum s doom . f. ••>. .. , . ««♦— .. l.vkt
denounced: Thou shall jT thru,! down unto *«■». l ^hM Satan n h«ht-
to hell; that is, thy condition shall be n,nK fal1 from heaven,
sadder than those that never heard of a Sa- - Observe here, 1. The seventy disciples
rwur ; even Tyre and Sidon, Sodom and return to give Christ an account of the
Gomorrah, those rude and barbarous na- success of their expedition. They return as
tioos, oat of (he pale of the church, shall victors with joy and triumph, showing
be in an easier state and condition, than Christ the trophies of their conquest: Lord,
those, that have enjoyed gospel-ordinances even the dexus are. subject unto us through
34* ST. LUKE. Chap. X.
thy name ; the ' weapons of their war&re 19 Behold; I giVe onto you power
were not carnal but spiritual, and mighty to tread on serpents and scorpions,
through Christ; the powers of darkness and over all the power of the enemy :
"TJjSl* ^ mm\ W°re Ztj°7' and nothing shall by any means hurt
er of Christ ; the devils are no matoh for ° J ^ J
Christ, no, not for the meanest of the min- yOU-
isters of Christ, who go forth in Iris name, Our Lord finding that his seventy am*
armed with his authority and power. Ob- bassadors had managed their former com*
serve, 2. Our Saviour's reply to the seventy mission so well, he here enlarged it, adding
disciples upon this occasion : I beheld Sa~ thereunto a promise of divine protection :
tan as lightning fait from heaven; a two- Behold, I give you power to tread on scr-
fold interpretation is given of these words; pents9 and nothing shall hurt you ; as if
1. Some look upon them as a secret rebuke Christ had said, Go forth again in this ar-
given by our Saviour to the seventy for mour of power, with which I have girt you,
mat excess of joy, and mixture of vain- and 1 warrant you sword-free and shot-free;
glory, which was found with them, upon nothing shall by any means hart you, nei>
the account of those extraordinary gjfls tber strength nor stratagem shall overcome
and abilities of casting out devils, ana heal- you. Neither the power, the presence, nor
ing diseases, which were conferred upon protection, of God, shall be wanting to any.
them. / beheld Satan f says Christ,^//- of Christ's ministers or members, who go
ing like lightning from heaven; as if forth in his strength against the spiritual ehe-'
Christ had said, "Take heed of being puft mies of their salvation. As we have a pro-
up with pride, upon the account of those raise of power in this tectto enable us to re-
endowments which I have bestowed upon ant the devil, so we have a promise of suc~
you : remember Lucifer the prince of pride, cess elsewhere upon our resisting him : Re-
hoy* he fell from heaven by his arrogancy, sist the devil and he vill Jfy from you9
and labour you to ascend thither by hu- St. James iv. 7.
mllity." The words in this sense afford . ' .
this instruction ; That those whom Christ *0 Notwithstanding, in this re-
has bestowed the greatest measure of spirit- joice not, that the spirits are subject
ual graces, ministerial gifts, and temporal unto you ; but rather rejoice, be*
blessings upon, ought to be very watchful cause your names are written in
against that hateful sin of pride, which heaven,
has ruined and destroyed so many thou-
sands of angels and men. 2. Some under- In these words of our Saviour there is
stand this mil of Satan not literally, but something corrective, and something direc-
figuratively and mystically, of his ruin. by tive? the corrective part lies in the first
the power and preaching of the gospel ; as words, wherein Christ checks the suspected
if Christ had said, I know that this is no excesses of their joy for victories gained
vain boast of yours, no vaunt nor brag of over evil spirits : In this rejoice not : that
your value, that devils are conquered by is, let not your hearts too much overflow
your courage ; for when I first sent you with joy upon this occasion. The negative
forth to preach the gospel, and armed you is not absolute, but comparative only,
with divine power, I easily foresaw that Christ doth not forbid, but only . qualify
the devil's kingdom would shake about and moderate their joy : That tie' spirits
his ears, and that his power would be ruin- are subject to you, that is, the devus.
ed by the power of the gospel, and that Where note, 1. T*hat though the evO angels
wherever you preached, Satan's strength by their fall have lost their happy condition*
and power would vanish like a flash of yet not their original constitution j their bo-
lightning, suddenly and irrecoverably, nour, but not their nature : they are spirits
Learn hence, That the powerful and effica- still. 2. The subjection of those evil spirits
cious preaching of toe gospel is the special to the power of Christ, is not a free and
means ordained and appointed by Christ professed, but an involuntary and imposed
for the ruin and subversion of Satan's king- subjection, like that of a slave to his lord,
dora in the world : as the gospel is the pow- whether he will or no. Learn hence, 1.
er of God unto salvation to them that be- That evil spirits are subject to the power of
lieve and obey it ; so it is the power of Christ ! not only to his personal, but to his
God unto destruction to Satan, and all that ministerial power. 2. That it is matter of
fight under his banner against it. great joy to see evil spirits brought into sub*
J
Chap. X* ST. LUKE. 343
jaction by the power of Christ To seethe eth who the Son is, bat the Father ;
evil spirit of pride and contention, of envy ^d wno the Father is, but the Son,
andmalic^of error and falsehood, of jea- fknd ^ |o whom the Son wH1 ,
lousy and self-love, of animosity and dm- » .
skm, not only chained but changed ; to see
not only an unwilling subjection, but a Here we find our Saviour glorifying bis
subjection of the will given to Christ; is Father, and magnifying himself. 1. He
matter of great joy and unspeakable rejoic- glorifies his Father for the wise and free dis*
mg. The directive part of our Saviour's pensation of his gospel-grace to the meanest
words lies in the latter part of the verse : and most ignorant persons, whilst the great
but rather rejoice that your names are and learned men of the world underva*
written in heaven. There are no literal re- 'ued and despised it : J thank thee, Father,
cosds m the court of heaven, no pen or "**' t*°* hast revealed these things to
ink, paper or parchment ; but to be written ***"• Lea™ hence* 1- That till God re-
ts heaven, is to have a title to eternal life, veals himself, his nature and will, no man
and to be made meet for the inheritance can know either what he is, or what he re-
of the saints in light Learn, 1. That God quires : Thou hast revealed. 2. That the
has in heaven a bodk of life ; a book wise and knowing men in the world have
written with the golden rays and beams of in all ages despised the mysteries of the goa-
ls own eternal love. Observe, 2. That I*l> and having therefore been judicially
there are names written in this book. 3. blinded by God : Thou hast hid these
Thai persons may know that their names things from the wise and prudent When
are written in that book, otherwise they men shut their eyes against the clearest light,
could not rejoice, for no man can rejoice and say, they will not see, God closes their
in an unknown good, 4. That it is great- eyes, and says, they shall not see. 3.
er matter of joy and rejoicing to know That the most ignorant, if humble, and de-
that our names are written in heaven, than sirousof spiritual illumination, are in the
to have a power to cast out devils here on readiest disposition to receive and embrace
earth. A roan may have power to cast *ne gospel revelation : Thou hast revealed
forth devils out of others, and yet at the Mem unto babes. 4. That this is not more
same time the devil may have power in pleasing to Christ than it is (he pleasure of
and over himself: Therefore in this re- bis Father: Even so, Father, for so it
Jatce not, that the devils are subject unto seemed good in thy sight. Observe, 2.
you* but rather rejoice that your names Our Saviour magnifies himself, 1. His
are written in heaven; If you say, With authority and commission : All things
what spectacles shall we read that at such are delivered unto me ; that is, all power
a distance? Who will ascend up into » committed to me as mediator from God
heaven to see whether his name be written tne Father. 2. His office to reveal his Fa-
there ? or who can send a messenger thither ther's will to a lost world : No man knoweth
to search the records? I answer, Turn '** Father, but the Son, or the Son but
thine eyes inward : if the name of God be the Father ; that is, no man knoweth
written m thy heart, thy name is certainly their essence and nature, their will and plea-
wriftea in heaven ; if you in your daily sure, their counsel and consent, their mu-
actions write out a copy of God's book (the tual compact and agreement betwixt them-
blessed Bible) here below, assure yourselves *lves, for ***& a lost world, but only
the hand of God has written your names in themselves, and those to -whom they have
ha book above; that is, you shall certain- revealed it. Learn thence, That all saving
ly be saved. knowledge of God is in, by, and through
Christ ; he, as the great prophet of his
21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in church, reveals unto us the mind and will
spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Fa- of God for our salvation : None Icnoweth
ther, Lord of heaven and earth, that but he to whom the Son reveateth.
thou hast hid these things from the 23 And he turned him unto his
wise and prudent, and hast revealed disciples, and said privately, Bless-
them nnto babes : even so, Father ; ed are the eyes which see the things
lor so it seemed good in thy sight, that ye see : 24 For I tell you, that
22 All things are delivered to me many prophets and kings have de-
of my Father : and no man know- sired to see those things which ye
344 ST. LUKE. Chap. X4
see, and have not seen them ; and must be done by them who desire to eater
to hear those things which ye hear, "*o Jjfe i™** **f tf f{* to *»*****-
nnH have not heard them nal Ufc * U ■ not Udkm? wel1' "** P10"
and nave not neara taem. ^.^ ^ ^ doing w^ ^ ^^ ^
From the very first giving out of the pro- to heaven and eternal salvation; and this
raise of Christ to Adam after the fall, Gen. the very light of nature teaches. Ob-
iii. 15. there was in all good men a long- serve, 2. Our Saviour's answer : What is
ing desire and expectation to see that per- written in the law .* how reddest thou .*
son who should be so great a blessing to Intimating to us, that the word and law of
mankind. Prophets and kings desired to God is the rule and measure of our duty j
see the promised Messiah. Now, says our our guide to direct us in the way to eternal
Saviour to his disciples, Blessed are you, life. The man replies, That the law of
for you have seen with the eyes of your God requires that we love God with all
body what others only saw with the eyes our heart, soul, and strength, and our
of their mind ; with your bodily eyes you neighbour as ourselves. Where note, 1.
have seen the promised Messias coming in That the fervour of all our affections, and
the flesh, and also the miracles to confirm particularly the supremacy of our love, is
you that I am be, have been wrought be- required by God as his right and due. Love
fore your eyes ; therefore blessed are the must pass through and possess all the pow-
eyes of your body, which have beheld me era and (acuities of our souls. The mind
corporally ; and blessed also are the eyes of must meditate upon God, the will must
your mind, which have beheld me spiritu- choose and embrace him, the affections must
ally. A sight of Christ by a believing eye, take complacency and delight m him, the
much more by a glorified eye, is a blessed measure of loving God is to love him witb-
sight. Blessed are those eyes which see out measure. Note, 2. That the best evi-
Cbrist in his dispensations of glory here- dence of our sincere love to God is, the ua-
after. feigned love of our neighbour : love to man
or a «,i u«k«u - «A.*a:~ i«.,.,A. i* both a fruit and testimony of our love to
25 And, behold, a certain lawyer Qod For fc^ loVe* £* his biotlw
stood up, and tempted him, saying, whom ^ hath ieen# how ^ ^ lovc q^
Master, what shall I do to inherit WDOm he hath not seen > Note, 3. That as
eternal life ? 26 He said unto him, it is every man's duty to love himself, so
What is written in the law ? how is he to love his neighbour as himself; not
readest thou ? 27 And he answer- M I* doe* ,ove himself, but as be ought to
ing said, Thou shalt love the Lord love himself : not with the same measure
th? God with all thy heart and ^^oflo^
with all thy soul, and with all thy jjq we iove ourBeJves freely and readily,
strength, and with all thy mind ; sincerely and unfeignedly, tenderly and
and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 compassionately, constantly and penever-
And he said unto him, Thou hast iogly ? so should we love our neighbour
answered right : this do, and thou a*80* Though we are not required to love
shalt live. our neighbour as much as we love ourselves,
yet are we commanded to love him like as
Here we have a lawyer, that is, an in- we love ourselves. Observe lastly, Our
terpreter and expounder of the law of Mo- Lord's reply : Thou hast answered right.
ses, tempting our Saviour ; that is, making This do, and thou shalt live. Where
atrial of him, whether he would deliver any note, That Christ intimates to him, that
doctrine contrary to the law of Moses ; be the law considered in itself could give life,
propounds therefore a question. What he but then a person must keep it perfectly
should do to inherit eternal life f Where and exactly, without the least deficiency ;
note, he believed the certainty of a future which is impossible to man m his (alien
state. 2. He professes his desire of an eter- state ; for the law is not weak to us, but
nal happiness in that state. 3. He declares we are weak to that, Rom. vin. 3. the law
his readiness to do something in order to becomes weak through the weakness of our
the obtaining of that happiness. Hence flesh. Such as seek salvation by the works
learn, That all religion, both natural and of the law, must keep the law perfectly
revealed, teaches men that good works are and exactly; which being impossible in
necessary to salvation, or that something our fallen estate, Christ has obtained of his
Chap. X. ST. LUKE. 34*
r, that for his sake our sincere, though hereof, Christ propounds this parable of a
imperfect obedience, shall find acceptance Jew that fell among thieves, who was neg-
with God and be available to our salva- lected by his own countrymen, but relieved
tion. by a Samaritan, who, though a professed
-w. « * i_ •«• * • j.t f enemy upon the score of religion, yet was
29 But he, willing to justify him- » exceeding kind and charitable, that he
self, said unto Jesus, And who is my became physician, surgeon, and host, and a
neighbour ? 30 And Jesus answer- real neighbour to the unknown traveller
ing said, A certain man went down wounded by thieves in his journey to Je-
from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell licho- From. tbe. whoJe J«»? L P*
among thieves, which stripped him «"* P"*011 m ■""* »** oh^ °/our
Tr.® «■«▼«»» "M *■ »" vy* /"* mercy, our neighbour, and capable of our
of hw raiment, and wounded Aim, cnari{y# 2. Ttot no dinoencTin religion,
and departed, leaving Asm half dead. much leas in some doubtful opinion, will
31 And by chance there came down excuse us from exercising acts of charity
a certain priest that way : and when and compassion towards such as are really
he saw him, he passed by on the in want» and need our assistance. Our
other side. 32 And likewise a Le- holv ™* «* "&S™ make8 *" Pf"
T^rhtifeTat^placc'rr ™™^™^?zzr^
and looked am km, and passed by ^^^^ foreigners, heatheSsor here-
on the other side. 33 But a certain tics, friends or enemies ; yea, be they good
Samaritan, as he journeyed, came orbed, holy or wicked, as we have oppor-
where he was : and when he saw tunity we must do good unto all ; and
him, he had compassion on himr imitate the example of our merciful God,
34 And went to him, and bound up wk* " *«£ to ih* ^thankful and to the
his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, ZL £ *^ C^ty ? ^^VJSX.
. 4 . . K i_. e . * J rative thing; it consists not in good words
and set him on his own beast, and given to the distressed, nor in compassionate
brought him to an inn, and took beholding of them, nor in a pitiful mourn-
care of him. 36 And on the mor- ing over them, but in positive acts of kind-
row when be departed, he took out ness towards them. The Samaritan here
two pence, and gave f hem to the ■ ™ example of a real and thorough cha-
host, and said unto him, Take care ritv 5 * luPf h» 4face l0^8 *£ foJ",or2
of him: and whatsoever thou spend- man' .h» .feet *** I J"*' a ^
v. uiui . ouunuowwrci *«v« »y*»y noun in wine and oil into his wounds, after
est more, when I come again i I will which ^ Kt him um hit own ^^
repay thee. 36 Which now of these brings him to the inn, stays with him all
three, thinkest thou, was neighbour night; and the next day, because bis recovery
onto him that fell among the thieves ? would be a work of time and expence, be
37 And he said, He that shewed kaves him, but first leaves money with the
mercy on him. Then said Jesus {"*» ™* ■» special charge to take care of
unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. hlm * w,,h a W"** ProKmi u £ W^"
««w uiui, wv, »um «V «-uv« *■«•»* ^ eVer wag expended more should be repaid.
The design of our Saviour in this para- Behold here an instance and pattern of a
ble is to convince the lawyer, who put complete charity, managed with as much
that question to him, Who is my neigh- discretion as compassion : well might our
lour f v. 29. that every one is, and ought Lord say to this person, and in him to
to be, accounted our neighbour, to whom every one of us, Go, and do thou like-
God affords us an opportunity of doing wise.
good : contrary to the strait notion of the
Pharisees, that by the word neighbour, un- 38 Now it came to pass, as they
derstood friends and kinsfolk, brethren by went, that he entered into a certain
blood, neighbours by habitation, and per- village : and a certain woman
son of the same religion. Our Saviour named Martha received him into
by this parable taught him, that even ner house.
strangers and professed enemies, every one
that needed our help and relief, is to be ac- Observe here, 1. The great work and
. counted our neighbour. To convince him business of our Saviour's life : it was to go
346 ST. LUKE: Coarj. X.
about preaching the gospel. 2. The nature 40 But Martha Was cambered
of the place which Christ at this time preach- about much serving, and came to
ed in : it was a poor village; Bethany, as him ancj gaW> j^, dost thou not
some think. Christ did not only take care care that my gister |ljUh ,eft ^ to
tfv^aS SLS&^ Tlt^ m ^ *«*™*«
also the blessing of his ministry. Our Sa- ««* b<«P ««-
viour's example herein is instructive to his Observe here, 1. Martha's behaviour:
ministers, not to affect great auditories and She was cumbered about much serving;
to preach only in populous cities, but to that is, much taken up with providing for
scatter the seed of the word in country vil- the entertainment of Christ and his friends;
•lages, where are like precious souls to be all which considered in itself was no mis-
taken care oU end provided for ; as Christ carriage, but a token of Martha's endeared
was sent himself, so he sends his ministers respect to her best Friend. A person that
to preach the gospel to the poor. Observe, 3b sincerely loves Christ, as Martha did, thinks
The party that entertained him in the village: he can never show enough of respect
Martha received him into her house, unto him. Martha having such a guest
jMartha is named, because she was proba- to honour her bouse, puts forth herself all
,bly the owner of the house. Though she can, yea, more than she was able, to
Christ had no house of his own, yet he give him entertainment : She was cumber-
.had as many as he pleased at his com- td about much serving. Observe, 2.
mand ; for wherever he had an heart, he Martha's complaint to Christ concerning
was sure to have an house : Martha re- her sister's not joining with her in the won
ceivcd him into her house. thai lay so hard upon her : Lord, dost
30 And she bad a sister called ^ou not care thai my sister hath ty
Mary, which also 8at at Jesus' feet, ZtVeTiptT: as AiLSS&
and heard his word. Is it a fit lhing that ^th thyself, and
Observe, 1. Both these sisters were holy all this company, should be unprovided for?
.and devout women, both had an honour or is it reasonable that the whole burden
.and reverence for Christ, and both are for- should lie upon me, whilst Mary sits stilt,
.ward to entertain him j these were sisters and does not touch the least household ba-
by grace as well as by nature ; yea they siness with one of her fingers ? Lord, what
both for a time attended upon Christ's infirmity and weakness intermixes and
preaching. Mary (also) sat at Jesus' feet, mingles with the virtues and graces of the
implying, that Martha sat there too, till best of thy servants, especially when they
household occasions called her away. O give way to their distempered passions !
how happy is that family, where all parties This good woman at this time did not at*
are agreed to receive and entertain the Lord tend upon Christ's preaching herself, but
Jesus Christ ! Observe, 2. No sooner is interrupts him with a frivolous complaint
Christ entered into Martha's house, but he about her sister : Bid her that she hetp
falls a preaching ; whilst they provide me. But why did not Martha speak to
bodily food for him, he prepares spiritual her sister herself, and whisper in her ear,
bread for them. O that in our place and and acquaint her how she wanted her help,
measure we might all imitate Christ in this : but makes her moan to Christ ? Ans. Tis
can we come into any house or company, like she thought her sister was so tied by
and find nothing to say or do for God ? the ear with those adamantine chains of
Observe, 3. The holy and humble deport- Christ's heavenly doctrine, that until Christ
.ment of Mary upon this occasion : She sat was silent she had no power to stir ; doubt-
at Jesus' feet, and heard his words, less she believed that Mary would not
When Christ was speaking, Mary was hear- move unless Christ spake to her so to do.
ing, and little things could not take her Observe, 3. That all this while Mary speaks
off. Lord I how carefully should we take not one word for herself: no doubt it trou-
the present opportunity for our souls, to bled her, good woman, to bear her sister
hear and learn of thee, as Mary did. She complain of her to Christ, and find herself
was not sure of another opportunity, there- blamed for her piety, and implicitly coo-
fore hears humbly, attentively, and af- demned for laying hold upon such a sweet
fectionalcly, as if it were her last hearing opportunity of hearing the beloved of her
season. soul, whose lips dropt as the honey-comb 5
Chap. X. ST. LUKE. *47
however, she speaks not a word io her own in them : when we are satisfied iir the mat-
vindication, but leaves her answer to her ter, we are prone to exceed in the measure.
Saviour. Learn thence, That when we are Martha's entertainment of Christ was a
complained offer well-doing, it is our duty, noble service, but she was too anxious and
and may it be our prudence, to seal up our solicitous about it ; she was cumbered,
lips in silence, and to expect our vindica* she was careful, she was troubled. Note,
boo from above. Mary says nothing, but 3. Our Saviour's admonition : But one
Christ speaks for her in the next verses. thing is needful: that is, there is one
„AJ» .... thing which ought first and principally to
41 And Jesus answered and said be regarded by us, and is of the greatest
•sjii to ber, Martha, Martha, thou art concernment to us ; namely, the business
careful and troubled about many of religion, and the care of our souls* salva-
tbings : 42 But one thing is need- *ion. Learn hence, That the care of mit-
ral : and Mary hath chosen that &>?' *** <** k^8' ^vation, is the one
*ood part, which shall not be taken *ft ^^ -^Mm-jj
away from her. above ^ other things, to regard and mind.
Am if Christ had said, Martha, Martha, I Note, 4. Our Saviour's justification of Ma-
.wetl know that thou doest all this in love to ry's choice : Mary bat A chosen that good
me, and it is no more than what is tffy duty part ; " Non tu malam, ted ilia melt-
in its proper season ; but thou hadst now orem" Christ did not tell Martha 'she
an opportunity to hear my word, which had chosen a bad part, but her sister had
thou canst not nave every day, and it would chosen the better. Martha's entertainment
have pleased me better, to whom it is meat of Christ was good, but Mary's attendance
and drink to feed souls, if I had seen thee upon Christ's ministry was better, and
sitting with thy dear sister at my feet, and more pleasing unto Christ.' Christ was
yietdmg an attentive regard to my holy dod- better pleased to see Mary in the chapel,
trine, than to find thee performing a neces- than Martha in the kitchen ; though Be
sary civility to my person. Thou hast not doth not condemn the one, yet he extols
made a bad choice, but Mary has made a the other; Mary had chosen the good part,
better ; she has laid all aside to attend upon Leam hence, That religion and the service
my ministry, and the fruit of it will con- of God must be the matter of our election
throe with her to all eternity : It is that and choice ; we must choose thesgood part,
good part which shall never be taken and it being once chosen by us, it shall
away from her. Note here, 1. The un- never be taken away from us: One thing
«xpectedness of our Saviour's answer tb » needfuh and Mary hath chosen that
Martha, how contrary it was to her expec- good part, which shall never be taken
tatkm : she thought that her sister should away from her.
have been sent away with a check, and
with thanks, but she is quite mis- CHAP. XI.
taken : for all her good cheer that she had . .... . . ,
provided for Christ, he spares not to tell A !t camc to P**8' tbat as he
her of her fault: Martha, Martha, thou was praying in a certain place,
art troubled about many things. Learn when he ceased, one of his disciples
hence. That no obligations to any parti- said unto him, Lord, teach us to
<cdar persons should I so enthral us, but that pray ^ John a]go teught hia disci.
our tongues should be at liberty to reprove p]eg
the faults of our best friends, wherever we ^ '
find them. Martha, though a pious and The learned Mr. Mead upon this place
good woman, though a friendly and kind apprehends, that it was the custom of the
woman, though a woman greatly beloved Jewish doctors to deliver some certain form
bv Christ, jret is she reproved by Christ, of prayer to their disciples to use, at least
Note, 2. Tne reproof given to Martha : that John Baptist had done so to his dis-
Thou art troubled about many things ; ciples ; thereupon our Saviour's disciples
where Christ condemns not her hospitality, besought him, that be also would give
hot her solicitude and superfluity, her them in like manner some form of his own
distraction and perplexity. 6 how prone composing, that they might pray with their
are we to exceed in throes lawful and Master's spirit, as John's disciples did with
, and to go beyond our bounds his. Accordingly our Saviour gives them
048
ST. LUKE:
Chap. XA
here a form of his own, and commands
them when they pray to use it Indeed
he had given them this prayer about a year
and a half before, in his sermon upon the
mount, Matt vi. 9. After this manner
pray ye : where it is probable that the dis-
ciples looked upon it only as a pattern of
prayer, and not as a form ; for had they
thought that Christ had given them a form
of prayer before, they had not asked him
for one now : therefore, says Christ, When
ye pray, gay. Certainly this gives us to
understand that our Saviour intended and
commanded it for a set form of prayer unto
his church. Learn hence, That the Lord's
prayer is both a pattern and platform ac-
cording to which all our prayers ought to
be framed ; and also an exact form of pray-
er, which ought to be used by us in our
addresses to the throne of grace : After this
manner pray ye, says St Matthew ; When
ye pray, say, says St. Luke.
2 And he said unto them, When
ye pray, say,
Observe here, the favour which Christ
does us in prescribing a form of prayer to
us ; a great favour no doubt, though the
world grows weary of it: we know not,
alas ! what to ask, but he himself teaches
us, and frames our supplication for us, that
it may bmccepted. Should a kings son
draw a petition for a poor subject, to be
put up to his father, what a ground of hope
would there be, that whatever is desired
would be obtained ! if any of us then think
meanly of our Lord's prayer, O how meanly
may he think of us, and of our prayers 1
— Our Father which art in hea-
ven : Hallowed be thy name : Thy
kingdom come : Thy will be done,
as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give
us day by day our daily bread : 4
And forgive us our sins; for we
also forgive every one that is indebt-
ed to us : And lead us not into
temptation ; but deliver us from evil.
The sense and signi6cation of this best of
prayers is this : ' O thou our Father in Je-
4 sua Christ ! who remainest in thy throne
* in heaven, and art there perpetually
4 praised and perfectly obeyed by glorious
* angels and glorified saints ; grant that thy
* name may be glorified, thy throne ac-
4 knowledged, and thy holy will obeyed
* here on earth below by us thy sons and
servants, as readily, as cheerfully, and .sin-
cerely, and in some degree of proportion to
what is done in heaven above. And be-
cause, by reason of the frailty of our na-
tures, we cannot subsist without the com-
forts and supports of life, we crave our
daily bread at thy bountiful hand ; even
such a proportion of the good things of
this life as thy wisdom shall be conveni-
ent for us. And knowing that thy holi-
ness and justice doth oblige thee to pu-
nish sin and sinners, we plead with thee,
for the sake of thy Son's satisfaction, to for-
give us our daily trespasses; for it is our
desire and endeavour, heartily to forgive
those that have offended us. And seeing
this wicked world wherein we live is so
full of snares and temptations of all sorts,
we pray that by the power of thy grace,
and the concurrence or our own careful en-
deavours, we may be kept from Satan's
temptations, from the world's allurements,
and from our own evil inclinations 5 and
be preserved unblamable to thine ever-
lasting kingdom : and in testimony of our
desires and assurance to be heard, we say.
Amen, so be it, so let it be ; even so,
O Lord, let it be for ever.' Learn, 1. That
God is the Father of all his people: as
a Father he knows all his ciuldreo, be
loves them and takes care of them : as
his children, it is our duty to honour him,
to obey him, to imitate biro, to cast our
care upon him, and to long for the enjoy-
ment .of him. 2. From the word omr9
learn, That it is our duty to pray for others,
as well as for ourselves ; we cannot pray
acceptably for ourselves, if we pray only
for ourselves. 3. That the hallowing, ho-
nouring, and sanctifying of God's noma, at
it is the first thing we are to pray for, so it
ought to be preferred before all other things
whatsoever : we pray for it before we pray
for our own salvation ; we say, Hallowed
be thy name, before we say. Forgive us
our debts. 4 Learn, That sins are debts,
and sinners are indebted to divine justice.
Sin is an infinite debt, a multiplied debt, an
inexcusable debt, and if not discharged by
our surety, we must lie in prison to all eter-
nity, for non-payment of this debt 5.
That God has made our forgiveness of
others the condition of his forgiving us :
the word as, is not a note of equality, but
of similitude; we cannot equal God in
forgiving, but we must imitate him. 6.
No sooner is sin pardoned, but Satan will
be busy with his temptation : Forgive us
our sins, and lead us not into temptation*
Chap. XT. ST. LUKE. 348
7. That it is a greater mercy to be delivered not let him go till he hath blessed them,)
from the evil of temptation, than from temp- 4. That such holy and humble importunity
taboos to eviL The evil of temptations is shall not only obtain what we desired, but
the evil of sin, but temptation to evil is at more than we expected : only three loaves.
most but the evil of punishment. Lead us were desired here, but because of importu-
net into temptation, but deliver us from nity he had as many as he needed j more
nil; suffer us not to be led into tempta- is given in the concession, than was desired
boo, or, if so, leave us not when we are in the supplication. The original word
templed. here rendered importunity, signifies i«t-
5 And he said unto them, Which ^""'^^^ to. ** *yiag T£
e , i, , r • j j l ii the Jews, The impudent man overcomes the
of you shall have a friend, and shall roodejt ^ ^ £2^ how much mom
go onto him at midnight, and say God, who is goodness itself?
onto him, Friend, lend me three , 9 And , unto vou Aak and
loaves ; 6 For a friend of mine in .. \V?J *V unto *ou' ^sk, and
.. . _ . . t it shall be given you ; seek, and ye
bu journey .s come to me, and I ^ fi rf \ J «d . ^ *
have nothing to ^et before h.m ? 7 rf • For every
And he from wrth.n shall answer £ tfa fe ^ { ^ M<, £
and .ay, Trouble me not ; the door hat k ft find h and to him,
"£"" ' £J i my . *" ' h ** kBOckct,> * "hall be opened,
with me in bed ; I cannot rise and r
me thee. 8 1 say unto you, Though . 0ur Swriam here goes on to urge us to
he will not rise and give him be- jmj»rtimity and coiistoncy in prayer; he
v - i.- £■ • -i -* l>~ .. -> bids us atk, seek, and knock, and assures
cause he is his friend, yet because m we ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ an_
of his importunity he will rise and 8Wered. Here note> £ That man * a p^r
give him as many as he needeth. indigent creature, full of wants, but unable
The design of our blessed Saviour in to supply them. 2. A* man is an indigent
, and the following verses, is to excite aD^ insufficient creature, so God is an all-
stir up his disciples to fervency, im- sufficient good, able to supply the wants,
portanity, and constancy, in the duty of and to relieve the necessities, of his crea-
proyer, and to this purpose he makes use tures. 3. Tbat Almighty God stands rea-
of a doable argument, the one of a friend, dy to supply all our wants, not temporal
and the other of a father. 1. He lays be- only, but spiritual also, affording his grace,
tore 1Kt" the parable of a friend, coming and the assistance of his Holy Spirit, to
to ms friend at midnight, and by his impor- tbem that ask it 4. If therefore we want
unity obtaining that of him which other- the grace of God, and the assistance of his
whe he must have gone without. From Holy Spirit, it is our own fault, and not
rhriMT our Lord leaves us to infer, that if <*» ■ 5 it is cither for want of seeking, or
an impudent and bold beggar can obtain for want of earnestness in asking; for our
so much from a man, what cannot an bum- Saviour expressly assures us, that God de-
bts, earnest, and daily petitioner obtain nies it to none ; hut every one that asketk
from God ? What friend so faithful and receiveth.
helpful to Kb dearest friend, as God is to n If a son shall ask bread of
ushis children ? Fronr the iwhote note, . Qc 0Q that ig fath win he
That a man must be brought mto a state . •* . V ^ at^mA 5 A. ;* i' „mL _
of friendship and leconcilttion with God, g'Yf hl.m. * *one ? " lf.Ac «* a
if he hopes his prayers shall be accepted. fish» will he for a fish give him a
2. That when any of the friends of God serpent ? 12 Or if he shall ask an
are in necessities and straits, he allows them egg, will he offer him a* scorpion ?
the liberty at all hours to call upon htm, 13 If ye then, being evil, know how
and pray unto him : at midnight as well to give good gifts unto your children,
as at mid-day, God's near is open to his how much more 8hall voter heaveni/
r^ym^friends. 3. ThatAlmighty God F lh iyc & Holy Spirit to them
takes pleasure in being urged in prayer by . , iru*m > J
the holy importunity of his friends : never tnal asK nim •
is he better pleased, than when his people, The second parable which our Saviour
wjih holy Jacob, wrestle with him* and will makes use of, is that of a lather to bis chil-
35a ST. LUKE. Chap. XT,
dien; Christ represents the care and kind- a devil ctit of a postman, .It is catted
nessof God towards us by the aflfectiont a dumb devil, because of the efect upon toe
which earthly parents bear to their natural poor possessed person in nstraimng the use
children, who though they be many times of his tongue. Learn here, 1. That among
evil themselves, yet are not wont to deny the many calamities which sin has rendered
their children necessary good things, when human nature liable and obnoxious to, this
they dutifully and decently beg them at is one, to be bodily possessedby Sato. 2.
their hands : If ye being evil— h aw much That one demonstrauon of Chnsfs divine
more shaU your heavenly Father give hit power, and a convictive evidence i of hkbfr.
Holy Spirit; that is, the continual pre- ing truly and really God, was lm casting
sence and influence of his Holy Spirit to out devils by the word of his power. Do-
all the purposes of guidance and direction, serve, 3. What a sad and contrary effect
of grace and assistance, of comfort and sup- this miracle had upon the wicked Phan-
port, in our christian course. Learn hence, sees, through their own blindness, obstinacy,
That the presence and assistance of God'a and malice : instead of magnifying his di-
Holy Spirit, to enable us to do what God vine power, they maliciously accuaebim
requires, shall never be wanting to those for holding a correspondence with the devil,
that desire it, and endeavour after it. But we and actiog by a do wer derived from him |
must always remember that the assistance as if Satan should lend our Saviour a power
of God's Holy Spirit, though it be offered against himself, and that for the destrucUoa
and tendered to us, yet it js not forced, upon of his own kingdom. Lord ! how dan-
us ; for if we beg the Holy Spirit and his gerous is a wilful opposition against the
assistance, but refuse to make use of it j or truth ! It provokes the Almighty to deliver
if we cry to him for his help to mortify our persons up to the moat unreasonable infr
lusts, but do not put forth our own endea- delity, and obstinate obduracy. Observe,
vours ; we forfeit the divine assistance, and 4. Our Saviour knowing their thoughts,
God will certainly withdraw his Holy Spirit makes a just apology for himself, by show.
^om mu ing how improbable and unlikely, how un-
• '. , , ^„*:«« ^..* « a* reasonable and absurd, it is once to ma*
14 And be was casting out a de- of ^ g^ ^oM ^ ^
yil, and it was dumb. And it came g^^ ^ tt0y ways ^^ to. oppose or
to pass, when the devil was gone destroy his own kingdom : Now, if I have
out, trie dumb spake ; and the peo- received (says Christ) my power from Sa-
ple wondered. 15 But some of tan, for casting out of Satan, then is the
them said, He casteth out devils devil like a ftmily divided within itself,
through Beelzebub the chief of the ^ divide f! ^^0fc|XtL^
j -i -•/» a a „iL *A«^wvi:««i which can never stand, but must be broagot
devils. 16 And others, tempting todeslniction. 0b8e^f ^ Om^Sa-
kim, sought of him a sign from viour te||8 the Pharisees, that they might
heaven. 17 But he, knowing, their wjth as much reason attribute all other mini-
thoughts, said unto them, Every cles to the power of the devil, as those
kingdom divided against itself is wrought by himself; for there were cer-
brought to desolation : and a house tain Jews among them that cast out devils
dtuirfed against a house, fallcth. 18 » ** iname of the God I of Abranam,Issac,
ir c««AM ~i-~ u*» AiviiAoA o^oUof and Jacob; now our Saviour asks them by
If Satan also be divided against wlttt ^ these their chfldreo cast tbei
himself, bow shall his kingdom ^ ? rThey acknowledged that what they
stand ? because ye say that I cast did was by the power of God, and there
out devils through Beelzebub. 19 was no cause but their malice, why they
And if I by Beelzebub cast out de- should not acknowledge that what be did
vils, by whom da your sons cast was by the same power; If I by Beetle-
them out > therefore shall they be M cast out deviU, by whom d*yo*r
- a - aa «..* \e i „,;*k *kA 9ons cast them out .* But tf I vim tmc
your judges. 20 But if I with the fi o/ q^ cast t&em outJ9 ^ doubtthe
finger of God cast out devils, no Jki*dom of God is come upon you ; that
doubt the kingdom of God is come ^ the long expected kingdom of the Messtas
upon you. is certainly come, and I having wrought ftiese
A relation, is here given of a famous miracles by my own power, is a demoostra-
miracle wrought by our Saviour in casting tive proof that I am the promised Bff castas.
Chap. XL ST. LUKE. 3ft
21 When a strong man aimed mg of ha filthy and impure nature ; yea,
keepeth his palace, his goods are in ** * a perfect enemy to purity and bo-
peace : 22 But when a stronger iioes8 » "^^^g all that love it, and
than he shall come upon him, and w"*1 V™0* *' 2; That Satan is a
• • i tiiir ■• restless and unquiet spirit: being cast out
overcome him, he taketh from him of heaven> ^^ £ no whe* . whea
all bis armour wherein he trusted, he is either gone out of a man by policy,
aad divide th his spoils. 23 He or cast out by power, he has no content or
that is not with me is against me : satisfaction, till he returns into a filthy
and he that gathereth not with me, heart, where be delights to be, as the swine
scattereth. 24 When the unclean in mirv P1*08*- 3- That wicked and pro.
spirit is gone out of a man, he ^«ddot have the undean spirit dwell-
_Lil.il A_f u j i ___!_•„ mg in them : their hearts are Satan s house
hypocrisy, these are the garnishing*
1 came out. ,25 And when he furniture of Satan's house.. Man's heart
cometh, he findeth it swept and **» God'8 DOUse by creation, 'tis now Sa-
gaxnished. 26 Then goeth he, and tan'8 bY usurpation **>& judiciary tradition*
take thro him seven other spirits more 4-Th*Satan, by tlie pmdte oT tie go*
in, anddwell there : and the last state ' ^ ^vm 9^n to hi8 oW ^4^
of that man is worse than the first, and the latter end of that man be worse than
Oar Saviour having sufficiently shown the beginning.
that he did not work bis miracles by the 0» a a •* * v
power of the devil, be next informs the 2,7 And li 5?mc to P*88*.** he
Pharisees from whence he bad that power, 8Pake tnesc thmgs, a certain wo-
even from God himself ; accordingly he man of the company lifted up her
compares Satan to a strong man armed voice, and said Unto htm, Blessed
with weapons to defend his house; and is the womb that bare thee, and the
himself clothed with divine power, he com- paps wnich thou hast sucked. 28
9tm *£*£? £?""*" th?n tbe ?J°ng But he said, Yea, rather blessed are
Z?^J^ t^*T*iUTi "1 ,thu8 J they that hear the word of God, and
the denl n very strong and powerful, and J* J .' w«, «««
is no power but only God's that is k€cP "•
er than his: if, then, says Christ, I Observe here, 1. How ready we are to
not assisted with a divine power, I admire persons for their external privileges,
could never cast out this strong man, who and the favours of divine Providence, and
reigns In the bodies and souls of men, as to pronounce such blessed : Blessed is the
m his bouse; for it must be a stronger womb that bare thee. 2. That Christ
than the strongman that shall bind Satan ; makes another judgment of persons, and
and who is he but the God of strength ? pronounces them more blessed, that bear
Leans thence* That only Christ's divine niro in their hearts by faith, than his own
power is superior to Satan's strength : he mother, who bare him in her womb by
only can vanquish and overrule him at sense. The blessedness of being an obedi-
htf pleasure, and drive him out of that pos- ent believer, is far greater than that of be-
sessiOQ, which he holds either in the bodies ing the mother of our blessed Saviour.
or tools of men : The strong man armed Blessed be God, this great and gracious
keeps the house, till a stronger than he privilege is not denied unto us now. Al-
oomes moon him, and overcomes him. though we cannot see Christ, yet love
When the unclean spirit goeth out of a him we may ; his bodily presence can-
m*n9hewalketh through dry places, seek- not be enjoyed by us, but his spinni-
ng rest9 end findeth none. Note here, 1. al gracious presence is not denied us.
That Satan is an unclean spirit, he hath Though Christ ' be not ours in house, in
lost bis original purity, bis holy nature in arms, by affinity, by consanguinity ; yet
which he was created, and is by sin be- in heart, in faith, in love, in service, he is
universally sinful and impure ; no or may be ours : verily spiritual regenera-
being allowed by God, for tbe purg- tion, and an obediential doing of Gods
05ft ST. LUKE. Chap. Xfc
will, briogeth men into ft more honourable fore when thine eye is single,' thy
relation to Christ, than natural generation whole body also is full of light ;
ever did : Yea, ratter blessed arc they but whcn i^ne ^ is evU tb ^
that hear, the word of God, and keep it. alg0 fe fcl| rf darknefl8# ^ Takc
29 And when the people were ga- heed therefore that the light which
thered thick together, he began to i8 in thee be not darkness. 36 If
say, This is an evil generation : they thy whole body therefore be full of
seek a sign ; and there shall no sign light, having no part dark, the
be given it but the sign of Jonas whole shall be full of light, as when
the prophet. 30 For as Jonas was the bright shining of a candle doth
a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall give thee light,
also the Son of man be to this ge- Our Saviour in the* words does these
neration. 31 The queen of the two things : .1. He declares, that although
south shall rise up in the judgment bis ministry had no effect upon the proud
with the men of this generation, and ■"* o^hnate Pharisees, yet he would not
the utmost parts of the earth to hear doctrine whi<& hia Father ^ „„#£
the wisdom of Solomon ; and, be- to him to communicate to the children of
hold, a greater than Solomon is men ; teaching us, That such as are co-
here. 32 The men of Nineveh shall lightened by God with the knowledgeof bis
rise up in the judgment with this word and will, ought not to conceal and
generation, and shall condemn it : hide »■ knowledge within themselves, but
for they repented at the preaching ?om,TD**5 !t * ***** "J* JS"** *
e i j u u i j * for the good and benefit of others : ao
pf Jonas; and, behold, a greater man thatUghtcth a candle pututh it -.
than Jonas ts here. der a bugheL 2. Our Saviour here
The sign which the Pharisees here de- vers the reason why the Pharisees cooti-
sired of our Saviour, was a miracle wrought nued blind under so clear a light as that of
by him. Now our Saviour, though he bis ministry ; namely, because the eye of
was very ready to work miracles to en- their understanding was darkened, not so
courage and confirm his bearers' faith, yet much with ignorance as with prejudice,
not to satisfy the unbelieving Pharisees' cu- whereby they opposed Christ and fats holy
riosity: and accordingly he tells them, they doctrine: for if the mind be clearly eo«
should have no other sign than that of his lightened by the word and Spirit of God,
resurrection, which Jonas was a type of. that light will diffuse and spread itself in
Next he threatens them for their obsti- the soul, as the bright shining of a candle
nacy and infidelity, which he aggravates doth in the house, enlightening all the in*
from the example of the queen of the south, ward faculties, and directing all the out-
and the men of Nineveh. From thence ward actions, and communicating its light
learn, That the sins of infidelity and ira- also to the enlightening of others,
pmitency .are exceedingly ^heightened, and 37 And a8 he spake a ccrta5n
l&A EtiStfZ ASZ ^arisee ^sought iL to dine with
obedience. Tbe sin of the Pharisees was h,m : and he went; m, and sat down
infinitely greater in rejecting tbe evidence to meat- 38 And when the Phari-
of Christ's miracles, than tbe sin of the see saw it, he marvelled that he had
Ninevites would have been in refusing to not first washed before dinner. 39
hearken to Jonas's ministry ; therefore the And the Lord said unto him, Now
Ninevites shall condemn the Pharisees. do ye Pharisees make clean the oat-
33 No man when he hath light- side of the cup and the platter :
ed a candle, putteth it in a secret but your inward part is full of re-
place, neither under a bushel, but vening and wickedness. 40 Ye
on a candlestick, that they which fools I did not he that made that
come in may see the light. 34 The which is without make that which
light of the body is the eye : there- is within also ?
Cfrap. XI. ST/ LUKE. tfftl
Observe here, 1.' The free conversation that is, unlawful to be used by you, till
of oor bleated Saviour, how readily he you have sanctified them by some act of
complies with the Pharisees* invitation to charity, which will procure a blessing upon
dine with him. 1 do not find that, when your substance.
Oiratwas invited to any table, that ever 42 Bllt woe unto y0(| Pharisees !
^^«^ *** *■?■»' ■*;■■* ■* M
not so much for the pleasure of eating, as ™nner of herbs, and pass over
for the opportunity of conversing and doing judgment and the love of God:
good. Christ feasts us when we feed him : these ought ye to have done, and
he says of himself, that he came eating not to leave the other undone*
2? fe^- that ^ all0WiDg 4him9elf4a OurSaviour here denounces a woe against
free, though innocent, conversation with the Pharisees for their strict and scrupulous
r£LF**?\l m,g * P1? observing the lesser things of the law, as
s^ Observe, 2. The exception which titni mint and m whil8t lh were re_
the Pharisee takes at our Saviours not g^,^ of the prmcipal and substantial du-
wasfaing Ins hands before dinner. This ties which lhey owerf both to God and man.
they »ude (but without any warrant for j^^ hence, That although some duties
it)a religious act ; abounding m external are ofgr&LteT m0ment and importance than
vasbmgs, but oegfecting the inward pur- others, yet a good man will omit none, but
pnon of their hearts and consciences ifrom make conscience of all, both great and
sm and uncleanness. Thus Pharisaical 8mal|> in obedience to the command of
hypc«rayputs God off with outward clean- q^ There a no duty so little as to be
sag instead of inward punty ; regarding neglected, no command so small as to be
IS?1 J? 00t?ld j**™*? °f lhe ha™' disobeyed ; but yet there is a difference in
than the inward punty of the heart. Ob- dutie8> and our first ^^^ ou^nt t0 ^ to the
3. Our blessed Saviour does not greater, then to the less. Christ doth not
coodemn any external decency and clean- condeum lhem for tithing mint and rue,
fmess m conversation, but his design is butyj,r paising over judgment and the.
to show the vanity of outward punty with- iox>l 0f §<w/.
out inward sanctity, and to convince them
of the necessity of cleansing the heart, in 43 Woe unto you, Pharisees ! for
order to the purifying and reforming the ye love the uppermost seats in the
life. The Pharisee washed his hands clean, synagogues, and greetings in the
but left his soul full of uncleanness ; not markets.
considering that he that made the soul _,. , , . A Al_
as well as the body, requires that both The next woe denounced against the
should be kept pure, all the impiety of Pharisees is for their ambition, pride, and
sneo'sKves proceeding from the imminty of popularity, affecting the uppermost seats
their hearts and natures. m the synagogues, and salutations in the
At » * .• . i c l markets; where their fault was, not in
41 But rather give alms of such taking, but in affecting these uppermost
things as ye have ; and, behold, all places. God is the God of order j there
tilings are clean unto you. may and ought to be a precedency amongst
Am H Christ had said, The way to purify persons. Honour is to be given to whom
your meats, and drinks, and estates, from honour is due,. and tha* by God's command.
all pollution cleaving to them, and to have But pride and ambition are detestable
them sanctified blessings to you, is (in vices» especially in such as are preachers,.
x*km with other graces) by doing <"** ought to *» P*U»ns of humility.
of mercy, and by liberal alms-giving 44 Woe unto you, scribes and
ling to your ability. Learn, That Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye are as
charity and alms-giving according to our Kraves which appear not, and the
****** opportunity, is a special mean ^ ft t walk%ver them are not
to saoebfy our estates to us, and to cause ,.. ^
v» hohly and comfortably to enjoy whatever aware °f ihem'
vpe do possess: Qvoe aims of such things Another woe is here denounced against
ms ye tone: and behold, all things are the Pharisees, for cheating and deceiving
cic*n tutfe jvsj. As if Christ had said, the people with an outward show and ap-
Tow temporal enjoyments are unclean, pearance of piety and religion. They
2 a
354 ST. LUKE. Chap. XI.
were like graves and sepulchres grown over wherein they were faulty as well as tbe
with grass, which though they held dead Pharisees, aod accordingly pronounces a
men's bona, yet the putrefaction not out- woe unto (hem also, for a threefold crime ;
waidly appearing, men walked unawares I. For their laying heavy burdens upon
over them, and so were polluted by them, others* shoulders, which they would not
intimating, that the inward rottenness and touch with one of their fingers. These
filthy corruptions of the Pharisees not ap- burdens in general were a rigid exaction
pearing unto men, the people were easily of obedience in the whole ceremonial law,
deceived by outward shows of Pharisaical and in particular the burden of traditions,
sanctity, and so fell into a dangerous imi- certain austerities and severities, which
ration of them. Learn thence, That the they imposed upon the people, but would
great design of hypocrites is to cheat the not undergo any part of them themselves,
world with an empty show of piety : the In vain do we hope to oblige our hearers
hypocrite's ambition is to be thought good, to follow those rules of life, which we
not to be so. Learn, 2. That nothing is refuse or neglect to put in practice ourselves,
more fatally dangerous to the souls of men, 47 Woe unto you ! Ibr ye build
and draws persons to an admiration and im- tne sepulchres of the prophets, and
itation of hypocritical professors, like their our father8 killed them. 48 Truly
outward ^™0{»™W^^™to<X' > ^ ^ t|j t aHow th£
a veneration and esteem among the people, deed killed them, and ye build their
that it became a proverb among them, sepulchres. 40 Therefore also said
" If but two men went to heaven, the one the wisdom of God, I will send
must be a Pharisee :w but their counterfeit them prophets and apostles, and
pisty being double iniquity, they did receive some 0f them they shall slay and
for it double damnation. persecute ; 50 That the Wood of
45 Then answered one of the law- all the prophets, which was shed
yers, and said unto him, Master, from the foundation of tbe world,
thus saying, thou reproaehest us may be required of this generation ;
also. 40 And he said, Woe unto 51 From the blood of Abel, unto
you also ye lawyers ! for ye lade the blood of Zach arias, which pe-
men with burdens grievous to be rished between the altar and the
borne, and ye yourselves touch not temple : verily I say unto you, It
the burdens with one of your fingers, shall be required of this generation.
The former woes were denounced by our The second crime which Christ reproves
Saviour against the Pharisees, who had their in these men, is their grand hypocrsy, in
names from an Hebrew word, which signi- pretending great honour to tbe saints de-
fies to separate, because they were persons parted, building their tombs, and garnish-
separated and set apart for studying the law ing their sepulchres, declaiming against
of God, and teaching it to others. The next their fathers* impiety, that had they lived
woe is here denounced against the lawyers, in their days, they would not have been
that is, the scribes of the law, of which there partakers with them in their sins. Now
were two sorts, tbe civil scribe and the their hypocrisy appeared in three pnrticu-
ecclesiastical scribe. The civil scribe was lare. 1. Id that they continued in their own
a public notary, or a register of the syna- wickedness, and yet commended tbe saints
gogue, employed in writing bills of divorce, departed; they magnify the saints, but
and sentences in tbe phylacteries. The multiply their sins, and instead of imitat-
ecclesiastical scribe was an expounder of tbe ing their virtues, they content themselves
scripture, an interpreter of the law j men of with garnishing their sepulchres. 2. In
great learning and knowledge, whose de- professing great respect to the dead saints,
crees and interpretations the Pharisees and at the same time persecuting the living,
strictly observed. This lawyer here inso- Palpable hypocrisy ! and yet, as gross as
lently calls our Saviour's reproof a reproach : it is, prevails to this day. The church of
however, our Saviour, who never feared the Rome, which magnifies martyrs, canonizes
face or regarded the person of any man, gives saints departed, have added to their num-
them their jwrtioo, and lets them know ber, by shedding of tbek blood. 3. lo
Oiap. .XI. ST. LUKE.
366
IS2F aZLZS^ *1J*t ST *<?? **"* "* them ** we~ entering
saints departed, from tbeur building their ;n ve hind*r»H 6
tombs, and garnishing tbeir^epSchres. £ ™M«Wi.
Whereas the bat evidence of our love to lne ,ast woe Pronounced by our Savi-
them, is the imitating their virtue* aad our a&amst *** scribes and Pharisees, is for
cherishing their followers. Tie gran by- Pf***"** the holy scriptures, and keeping
pocrisy to pay respect to the relics of ?? *"* aenae and knowledge of them
saints, and veneration to their images, and T** "f. P^P"5 : thi* St- Luke here calls,
at the same time to persecute and hate their *?c taktnS avfay ^e ty of knowledge
followers. From the whole, note, 1. That ^<W,T "**' al,ud»ng to a custom among
hie world has all along loved dead saints ^ ** in adm,ssion of their doctors \
better than living ones, Mortui nott mor- *ho9e that had authority given them to
dnU : The dead saint's example, how mJerPret the law and the prophets, were
bright soever, is not scorching and trou- yj6™/ admitted into that office, by
Ussonse at a distance, and he himself dehtvering to them a key and a table-book :
no longer in other men's light; "P t^ by the key of knowledge is meant
mple is a cut' . lnterPretation and understanding of the
the living saint's example «»»«*- . A - . , , . ---«,
ting reproof to sin and vice. Note,2. »PP^ ; "^ by taking away that key is
That there is a certain civility in human 8iPfied» 1- T^at they arrogated to thenv
which leads men to a just com- r £*^f ^ P°wer of understanding and
-_.MW, witw W*m*m UIGU HJ O. JUKI VUIU- . ,. , r ; •-© - — >•
mentation of the dead, and to a duees- JJ^P^ting the holy scriptures. 2. That
timatioQ of their worth. The Pharisees **** ke** tbe tKm knowledge of the acrip-
here, though they persecuted the prophets t^.^oni the people, especially the pro-
wfaflst alive, yet did they pretend to a P1**3** wh,ch concern the kingdom and
mighty veneration for their piety and virtue oommg of the Messias; and so they bin-
after they were dead, and thought no hon- J**1. met& from embracing our Saviour's
our too great to be done unto them. Note, doctrme wfto were otherwise well enough
3. That it is the greatest hypocrisy ima- dlSD0Sed for k k»ni, 1. That the written
ginable to pretend to love goodness, and at F™ B tbe key wh«eby an entrance into
ie time to hate and persecute good hea*e? * OP*"* unto men. 2; That the
These Pharisees and lawyers pre- "* ''J**?**?* ?r Jbe knowledge of tbe
high to piety and religion, and at Wi <* Qod' » absolutely and indispensa-
the same time to hate and perseci
smb. These Pharisees and law)
taded high to piety and religion, »..« «* . . . « * . •
the same time killed the prophets. Note, ™? 4neoB8aary «? order to salvation. 3
4> That the highest honour we can pay to P8* P1** » ^ &?]t> ** inexcusable
the saints departed, is not by raising monu- ™ feult» £ *<** "5° deny *** P^P1*
meats, and building tombs to their me- the use of mis key, and deprive them of the
mory, but by a careful imitation of their know,edg« °J the holy scriptures, which
piety end virtue, following the holiness of 7°2E ^ *** tbem WBeu un|° «|vation.
their bees, end their patience aad constancy 4: J™ 8uch.a8 do ■* ^ the kingdom
at their death. Lastly learn, That it is a ?f *f*ven. ***** P1**' endeavouring what
ffehfteons thing with God to punish chil- m them.lies to binder their salvation. Men
dRB for the impiety of their parents, when *£** nnscarry with their knowledge, but
they walk m their ungodly parents' foot- **? are wre t0 V**h for ,ack of Ttnow.
steps: Upon you shall come the Wood of *°&'
aQ the prophets, from the blood of Abel 53 And as he said these things un-
to the blood of Zacharias: yet must this to them, the scribes and the Pharisees
tenndentooo^ tempwal evib, not of began to urge him vehemently, and
eternal punishments: no man for his fa- «^° A. i l* i /
tlsys «nTrfiaH lie 'down m everlasting £pr0V°kcR,|hir *° ^ f V"y
benmgs: as our fathers' faith will not thln*8 \% M W^g wait for him,
let as into heaven, so neither will their and seeking to catch something out
iawjiety shot us into hell. At the day of of his month, that they might accuse
judgment every man shall be separately htm.
considered1 according to hi* own deeds. Observe here, 1. How our blessed Savi-
our's plain and faithful dealing with these
ye have taken .way the key of dtgnatioo. 2. Their wmth *U their win
Mowledge : ye entered not in your- en work to emiMre him. Lord! when
2*2
Met ST. LUKE. Chap. XIV
any of .thy faithful ministers and ambassa- as well as of a spreading, nature ; it puftV
don meet with the like usage and treatment up the dough, and so doth hypocrisy the
from a wicked world; when any lie in heart The Pharisees were a sour and
wait to catch something out of our mouth, proud sort of people $ they were all for
that therewith they may ensnare us, give pre-eminence, chief places, chief seats,
us thy prudence and thy patience, that we chief titles, to be called Rabbi, Rabbi; in
may cut off occasion, from those that seek a word, as leaven is hardly discerned from
occasion against us, and disappoint them good dough at first sight, so is hypocrisy
of their purpose; or else furnish us with hardly discerned and distinguished from
such measures of meekness and patience, as sincerity. The Pharisees outwardly ap-
becomes persons of our holy character and peared righteous unto men, but within were
profession, that we may glory in reproaches, full of hypocrisy and iniquity . Observe
in persecutions and distresses, for Christ's next, The argument which Christ uses to
sake, and that the spirit of glory and of dissuade men from hyjpocrisy : There is
God may rest upon us. nothing covered that shall not be reveal-
ph ap Yif **• As if he bad said, The dav is coining,
en at ah. when a rotten ^ corrupt heiri g^ ^
¥N the mean time, when there longer pass under the vizor and disguise of
were gathered together an innu- a demure look. In the dav of judgment
merable multitude of people, inso- hypocaitical sinners shall walk naked; God,
much that they trode one upon jngels, and men, shall see their shame,
»ni*iw». u iww»lM ** »«~ ««*~ u:« Learn hence, That God will certainly, ere
another, he began to say unto his , wai^off al, the ^^ ^ ^
disciples first of all, Beware ye of wnSrn tbe hypocrite has put upon the (ace
the leaven of the Pharisees, which is 0f his profession, and lay him open to the
hypocrisy. ' 2 For there is nothing terror of himself, and. the astonishment d
covered that shall not be revealed ; the world.
neither hid, that shall not be known. 4 And , unt0 frfe|ld
3 Therefore, whatsoever ye have Be not afraid Jof th/m thaJ kiU the
spoken in ^arkness shall be heard body, and after that have bo more
in the light; and that which ye have thatJ th M do: 6 But , wB
spoken m the ear in closets shall be forcwanlJyOU whom yc shall fear:
proclaimed upon the house-tops. Fear him, which, after he hath
In this chapter our blessed Saviour fur- imij . '. m%^mm'^ M~* ;*4^k-n .
nisbes his disciples with many intra- k,Ucd» hath P°wer % cwt into hell ;
tions for the worthy discharge of their yeo» l 8ay unto you» Fear hm-
function in preaching the gospel ; par- The second duty which our Saviour
ticularly be recommends unto them two presses upon his disciples, is that of holy
gracious qualifications, namely, upright- courage and resolution : as if Christ bad
ness and sincerity, ver. 1, 2, 3. Se- said, The preaching of the gospel will stir
condly, courage and magnanimity, ver. 4, up many. enemies against you, which will
5. 1. He recommends unto them the grace malign and oppose you, vex and persecute
and virtue of sincerity : Beware of the you ; but I say unto you, fear them not
leaven of the Pharisees, which is nypoc- who can only kill the body ; but tear him
roy. Learn hence, that hypocrisy is a who, if you fail in your duty, can cast
dangerous leaven, which ministers and both body and soul into hell. Here note,
people are chiefly to beware of, and to 1. An unwarrantable fear condemned, and
preserve themselves from. Hypocrisy is a that is, the sinful, servile, slavish fear of
vice in vizor ; the face is vice, the vizor is man : Fear not them that kill the fanfy.
virtue; God is pretended, self intended: 2. An holy, awful, and prudential fear of
hypocrisy is resembled to leaven ; partly the omnipotent God commended : Fear
for its sourness, partly for its diffusiveness, him that is able to kill both body and
Leaven is a. piece of sour dough, that soul. 3. The persons whom this duty of
diffuses itself into the whole mass or lump fear is recommended to, and bound upon ;
of bread with which it is mixed. Thus disciples, ministers, and ambassadors, all
hypocrisy spreads over all the man ; all his the friends of Christ They not only may,
duties, parts and performances, are leavened but ought to fear him ; not onty tor hw
with it. Again, Leaven is of a swelling, greatness and goodness, but upon the ac-
Chap, XIL ST. LUKE. 367
count of his punitive justice, as being able ■ by him at the dreadful judgment of the
to cast both soul and body into hell. Such great day. Christ may be denied three
a fear b not only lawful, but laudable; ways: doctrinally, by an erroneous and
not only commendable, but commanded, heretical judgment ; verbally, by oral ex-
and not misbecoming the friends of Christ pressions ; vitally, by a wicked and unholy
The ministers of God may use arguments life: but woe to that soul that denies Christ
from fear of judgments, both to dissuade any of these ways J
'T ,ta\"i£ ? .E^ 1° ^y; ■!' " 10 And whosoever shall speak a
not unsuitable to the best of saints to keep . . .. 0 « J~ • .
in heaven's way for fear of hell ; 'tis gooS "™? *&ln** the Son of man it
to bid a friend fear, when that fear tendeth 8na» he forgiven him : but unto him
to his good. that blaspherneth against the Holy
^ . * . , ~ Ghost, it shall not be forgiven.
6 Are not five sparrows sold for A. . . ,°, .. .
two farthings ? and not one of them *1*ho,ufh "fj "^ pr*£bed 2 llved?
muiuiuji^s . wu uw ««c w *•£"* Christ did, yet there were those that spake
is forgotten before God. 7 But agaiDst him'. ^ p^ of Je8US ^
even the very hairs of your head contemned and reproached, for the mean-
are all numbered. Fear not, there- ness of his birth, for the poverty of his con-
fore : ye are of more value than dition* for the freedom of his conversation $
many sparrows. but this sin did not exclude the hope of
* . /•>-,,. ... pardon : 'Whosoever shall speak a word
Observe here, 1. The doctrine which our ,„,, the Son of ma„t it $haU ^j^
Saviour w«ches to his disciples : and that ghen him . ^ the reproaches cast upon
a, the doctrine of the divine providence, Qhr^tp as man, were pardonable : But
which concerns itself for the meanest of wnoioever speaketh a word against the
creatures. Even the buds of the air, and Hot QhotU it shaU mi U forgiven him,
the hairs of our heads, do fall within the tnat ^ whoever affinns that diviDe power
compass of God s protecting care. Ob- by which ldo my minc\af to be the power
2. The me which our Saviour makes of the defflt ^ blasphemy will be unpar-
mens
_ _ j more
the coOMderation of thedivine care, and gra- ^convince* men that Christ was the true
cious providence of God over us and ours, ^ promised Messias, than to work so
ought to antidote our spirits against all dis- many miracles before their eyes to that
trustful fears mbatsoever. If an hair from purpoae. Now these miracles, though
the bead fells not to the ground without a evidently wrought by the power of God,
providence, much less shall the head itself. ^ Pharisees ascribed to the power of the
If the very excrements of the body (such devijf which our Saviour calls Blasphemy
are the hairs) be taken care of by God, sure- ^nut the Holy Ghost, and a sin unpar*
ly the more noble parts of the body, but donable.
especially the noblest part of ourselves, our ...
soul, shall fall under his peculiar regard. 11 And when they bring you unto
^ .. - . .... the synagogues, and unto magis-
8 Also I say unto you Whoso- tntaf „££,„,, toke ye no thought
erer .ha 1 confess me before men, how of wfc£ thm ',,,,, a&^
htm shall the Son of man also con- Qf wfcat ^Vy : 12 For the
£** !*f?J\ *he.a"8cU ?f -God ; 9 Holy Ghost shall teach you in the
But he that denjeth me before men, gan£ hour wJ)ot ou ht to ^
shaU be denied befote the angels of ^ ^ ^^ ^.^ ^ aposto>
Uod# that for preaching hb doctrine, and profess-
Note here, 1 . That not to confess Christ, in* his religion, they should be brought before
k in hb account to deny him, and to be all sorts of magbtrates, and into all kinds of
ashamed of him. 2. That whosoever shall courts * but advises them, when they should
deoy or be ashamed of Christ, either in hb be so brought, not to be anxiously thought-
person, in hb gospel, or in hb members, fu), or solicitously careful what they should
far any fear or favour of man, shall with say, for it should be suggested to them by
be disowned, and eternally rejected the Holy Ghost, what they should speak
MB ST. LUKE. Chap-Xto
m that hour. Thence note, That though continuance of imn's life doto w* ia
^uuWChrist may be oppceed, yet an abtmdjace: for though n^frf
£ defender, of it tbalfoevcr bVaAamed , tbie workTa good, ■ oe^-r, Jottecan.
for rather than they shall want a tongue fort and happine* of bMet <%***•
to plead for it. God himself will prompt notnece«ry. ^ota[^.1-]™*7™*
S«m br hi. Holy Spirit, and fumiah tbem of our Lord', caution: be doubles it; not
win? 2* wgunLnU to deftod the truth, f yiog, take heed ^oov « iewm oaWj
a. aU their adversaries thaU not be able to but talc* heed, and *f»««'J^; J ™
gtiany: In that hour the Holy Ghost argue, that the* **+W*T22
ZUlachr„hatS< ought to,aS. ZtX3&F&E<&
13 And one of the company said fc)al OTMequence u is to them io whom
unto him, Master, .peak to my bro- thk ^ t£gak Observe. 2. The natter of
ther, that he divide the inheritance ^ caution, of the sin which out Saviour
with me. 14 And he said onto him, warm hi. hearew against, and ltat»o>
Man, who made me a judge or a di- vetousnea* : T«Ae heed, «* *•"*«[
vidcr over you r covetoumeis. Whew, under fte nam «d
WhuToXviou^^ "*>« c^vetoumets, o« tadjh
hj. diacipie. and the reat of hi. auditorTiS «* condemn ■ l"**"*" «*
Mag. appertamiog to the kingdom of hea, things * lh» life, nor • *&^°*J
veof onTofthe company being me* in. ^j^J^tlSUJXi^i
tent, a. it teems, upon hi* temporal than every degree of tow^"f™rr"r'
hi. eternal e«n^ idmirei him to speak but by covetoume., ijj to be «***£»
to hi. brewer to divide the mberuanoa eager and imatiable dene »««*««■*
with him. Chrkt tells him. ha would nei. f ^^Z^£1'^£Z%
ther be judge nor arbtoator in any civU £ got ««■■■ SH^kiSlZ
•fn^secuW concerns. TW.work.as hmg, of *■!* wuh «">£*£ *$
if Cbri* had .aid, belong, to the civil ma. ^n^Y *-X5llh»
girtrate, to divide mberitsnoes, and decide h"rr™- ■■"*"■ ,2™ .222
SLTaJ TJlT-sT St^oriHS' to <*'»** vhich he posteueih. Hwnl*
heaven, not to divide inheritance, here on » n* "ST^t^itS*
earth. Teaching m, Ttat matter, of civil ~»**1*V *» ^ ."mmtaSS
justice do not belong to those whom Chriat T?* P0^6*0"* ** * ^'J^^SL.
lendVforth to preach the gospel , that $■ won* but a ,ud ««»*> « «*
work alone » wfficiont for them: the pro- drtK»» whatever it be.
per work of a minister k work enough ; l6 ^nd he spake a parable into
«» bm»eh ofwluch k ^Jr*! * T them, saving, The ground of acet-
suadioK task betwixt neighbour and neigh. . . '. . - ">' ,V A„rt, nJrtU.
bour. to prevent difierences, and to ooV * ? nch,ma? ^^ 2* SL
pose them : but as Christ's commissioner* *«% : W And lie thought witM
and ministers of the gospel, they have no himself, saying. What snail i w.
authority to intermedcTle in eivil judgments: because I nave no room where w
Who made me a judge over won 9 said bestow my fruits ? 18 And he audi
our great Matter j that m, a judge in chril <i<nis will I do : I will pull dw»« "J
**!£ » JL j t 4u t i. barns, and build greater; and th««
15 And he said unto them. Take wiU ! begtow ^ » fruito ^ mj
heed, and beware of coyetousness : dg 19 And , wi„ fay «0 my
for a man a life consisteUi not m ^ Soui thou hast roUch good'
the abundance of the things which ,aid B for m a„ . t^e thine
be possesseth. ease, eat, drink, aurf be merry. »
him^£^m?ve^a=£ne;VS V^^^ittlSiS
hi. discmle. id followers to take bead this night thy soul shall be reqsuw
and beware of the tin of covetoumesa, as- of thee : then whose shall »»*
wiring them, that neither the comfort nor things be, which thou bestprovwefl .
Chap. XII. ST. LURE. *5»
21 So is he that layeth up treasure yean, says he. God win not have us
for himself, and is not rich towards thrak of rest in a place of disquiet, nor of
God. certainty in a condition of inconstancy j
we are dependent creatures, and our time
The design and scope of our Saviour in is in God's hand : This night shall thy
this parable, is to show men the vileness soul be taken away from thee. Learn, 3.
and vanity of the sin of eovetousness, or an That the souls of ungodly men are taken
eager and insatiable desire after the things from them by force and compulsion : Thy
of this world. When men neap up riches, soul shall be required of thee. Good
and lay up treasures in this life, taking no men have the same reluctances of nature
care to be rich towards God in faith and which others have, yet they sweetly re*
good works, our Saviour illustrates this by sign their souls into the hands of God in
the parable of a rich man, whom God had a dying hour ; whereas a wicked man,
blessed with great plenty, yet his desire of though he sometimes dies by his own hand,
more wealth was never satisfied, but he is yet he never dies with the consent of his
projecting bow be may lay up goods in store own will ; he chooses rather to eat dust
lor many years. Where note, 1. That the (with the serpent) than to return to dust.
parable doth not intimate any indirect and Observe, 6. The expostulatory question :
unjust ways of gain which this man used to Whose then shall those things te9 which
increase his estate, but condemns his in- thou hast provided? Intimating, 1. That
satiable desire and thirst after more. So they should not be his : a man's wealth
that hence we may learn, That an eager lasts no longer than his life, neither has he
and inordinate desire after the things of any longer the comfort of it : lay up gold,
this world, though H be free from injustice, and it perishes with thee ; but treasure up
and doing wrong to others, is one ape- grace, and it shall accompany thee : Whose
cies, or kind, of the sin of eovetousness. shall those things be t Not thine, undoubt*
Observe, 2. How this rich man looked no edly. 2. As these things shall not be thine,
further than himself, not looking upon him- when thou art gone, so thou knowest not
self as God's steward, but his own car- whose they shall be after thou art gone; wbe-
ver ; he cries out, What shall J do, be- ther they shall fall into the hand of a child
cause J have no room where to lay my or a stranger \ of a wise man or a fool :
fruits f Not considering that the bouses of the wealthiest man cannot be certain who
the poor should have been his granaries shall be his heir, and whose goods his
for the abundance of his increase. Chart- shall be. Observe lastly, The application
ty to the necessitous is the best way of which our Saviour makes of this parable to
bestowing our abundance. God's extra- his disciples : So is every one that lay-
ordinary bounty is to be laid out for the eth up treasure for himself* and is not
relief of others' necessities, not for the grati- rich towards Qod. Learn hence. That
fynsgofonr own luxurious desires. Observe, such as are not rich in grace, rich in good
3. The brand of infamy which the wise works, shall find no benefit by, and take
God fixes upon this covetous rich man : no comfort in, all their worldly riches in
Thou fool, says God. Learn thence, That the time of their greatest need, at the hour
it is ao act and instance of the most egre- of death, and in the day of judgment.
gious folly imaginable, for persons to spend Learn farther. How brutish and unworthy
their time and strength in getting and of a man it was, for this person to clieer
hying; op treasure upon earth ; in the up his soul with the hopes of worldly pro-
mean time neglecting to be rich towards visions, to bid his soul eat, drink, and
God ifihiith and good works : Thou fool, be merry. Alas! the soul can no more
Observe, 4. The doleful tidings and threat- eat, drink, and be merry with carnal things,
ening news brought unto him: This night than the body can with spiritual and im-
thy soul shall be required of thee. Learn material things : it cannot feed upon bread
hence, 1. That a man's wealth is not that perbbeth ; but bring it to a reconciled
able to preserve his life, much less to save God in Christ, to the covenant of grace,
his soot : and if wealth cannot save a man's and sweet promises of the gospel ; set be-
life, why should men endanger their lives, fore it the joys and comforts of the Spirit :
nay, hazard their soots, to get or increase and if it be a sanctified and renewed
wealth? Learn, 2. That God takes away soul, it can make a rich feast upon these.
men's lives many times when they least Spiritual things are proper food for spiri-
suspeet it : This night, says God ; many tual souls •, deservedly then 2s this person
4Mft> ' ST. LUKE. Chap. XIL
branded with the nam of fool, for laying, fore I say unto you, take no thought fir
♦Sou/, thou hast goods laid up for many your life, what ye shall eat or drink,
years ; eat9 drink, and be merry. But if we understand the words in this sense,
we must look upon it only as a temporary
22 And he said unto his disciples, command, given to the apostles for that
Therefore I say unto you, Take no time only ; like that in St MrntL x. 9.
thought for your life, what ye shall Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor
eat ; neither for the body, what ye *** in your purses .- *<«»""£»"
.koii «..♦ ^« oq 'n.- i;#L ;« mAi.» 9criP » which no man ever understood
shall put on. 23 rhe life is more m ^ ^ bw |Q aU chri|liaili> ^ „ a
than meat, and the body u more particular precept to the apostles at that
than raiment. 24 Consider the ra- time. 2. Others understand these injunc-
vens : for they neither sow nor reap ; tions of our Saviour to be consistent with a
which neither have storehouse nor prudent and provident care for the things
barn ; and God feedeth them. How <* this life, not forbidding a regular in-
much much more are ye better than d^f *** diligence for the obtaining of
the fowls? 25 And which of you ^J^^^^J^^^^
..•.!• .• i_A i i A *Y« vexatious, tormenting care, and an over-
with taking thought can add to his ^^u, diligence for the things of this
stature one cubit ? 26 If ye then Hfe . and taking our Saviour's words for
be not able to do that thing which a general and standing rule to all christians,
is least, why take ye thought for the they only forbid distrustful tboughtfulness,
rest? 27 Consider the lilies how distracting cares, which drive a man's mind
thev grow ; they toil not, they spin *■ «7 and *h* *** (like meteors or
not: and yet I say unto you. That £ouds m. *» *,.r'M *? WOfd "S*^
0 . . J .. , . J , J ' . Now against this vexatious care, and so-
Solomon in all his glory was iiotar- HcitouTthoughtfulness, our Saviour pro-
rayed like one ot these. 28 If then pounds many weighty arguments or con-
God so clothe the grass, which is to- siderations; four especially. He tells us,
day in the field, and to-morrow is such cares are needless, fruitless, hflhcnnh,
cast into the oven, how much more a&d brutish. I. Tis needless : Your
will he clothe you, O ye of little ******% Father knoweth that ye hone
faith? 20 And seek not ve what ^^ of these ***»», aiid w* <***fj
, ,i . i . ,',,,. I provide for you: and what need you take
ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, ^re. and &d too? cast your care upon
neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 him. 2. Tis fruitless : Which of you by
For all these things do the nations taking thought can add one cubit to hu
of the world seek after: and your stature* We may sooner by our carping
Father knoweth that ye have need care add a furlong to our grief, than a
of these things. CUDi* ,0 our comfort. All our own care,
without God's help, will neither feed us
. There is a twofold sense and interpretation when we are hungry, nor nourish us when
given of these verses. 1. Some take them we are fed. 3. Tis heathenish : After all
as spoken only to the apostles, directing these things do the Gentiles seek, Matt
them absolutely to cast off all care for the vi. 32. The ends and objects of a chris-
things of this life, that so they might attend tian's thoughts ought to be higher and
upon Christ's person, and wholly give up more sublime than that of heathens. Lastly,
themselves to that work to which he had Tis brutish, nay, worse than brutish. The
called them : and therefore St. Luke here birds of the air, the beasts of the field,
takes notice, that after he had cautioned the ravens of the valley, all are fed and
his hearers in general against covetousness, sustained by God, without any care of
he applies himself particularly to h is disciples, their own; much more shall his children,
and tells them, that he would have them Has God a breakfast ready for every little
so far from this sin of covetousness, that bird that comes chirping out of its nest,
they should not use that ordinary care, and for every beast of the field that comes
and common industry about the things of leaping out of its den j and will he not much
this life, which is not only lawful but ne- more provide for you ? Surely, that God
cessary for men in all ordinary cases, verse that feeds the ravens when they cry, will
22. And he said unto his disciples, There- not starve his children when they pray.
Cbap. XII. ST. LtJKE. 361
31 Bat rather seek ye the king- flock, in opposition to the huge herds and
dom of God ; and alt these things droves of the men of the world. 4. That
shall be added unto you. G°d the Father has a kingdom in store for
his little flock, his church and children.
to i£ Christ had said, Let your first and 5. That the good will and gracious plea-
chief care be to promote the kingdom of sure of God is the original spring, and
grace in tins world, and to secure the king, fontal cause, from whence all divine favours
dom of glory in the next, and then fear do proceed and flow : It is your Father:*
not the want of these outward comforts; good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
they shall be added in measure, though not
in excess; to satisfy, though not to satiate; 33 Sell that ye have, and give
for health, though not for surfeit. Learn, alms ; provide yourselves bags
1. That christians ought not to be so soli, which wax not old, a treasure in the
a** *h°* ** necessaries and conveni- heavens that faiieth not, where no
exes of this We, as about the happiness of thicf approacheth, neither moth cor-
the next: Rather seek ye the kingdom of _4 4tT «- v u ~. «
God. 3. That beavenw the kingdom of ™P**h. ** ?™ wn*rc ^"r *****
Gcd, most be sought in the first place ; surc ls» therc Wl" your heart be ftlfl0-
that*, with our principal care and chief The next duty wnich ^ g^^ ^0^
colours. 3. That heaven being once his disciples to, is the duty of alms-giving ;
"^^I? ?* €?ry thlDgs i^11 ^ that they should be so far from distrusting
superadded to us as God sees needful and q^s provision for themselves, that they
ewveoseol :for ; us. But few men like our should ^ ^ way8 forward t0 a ready di8tribJ-
ST^ilP^L^v1^ ."* th? tiontowardsothe«;yea,mcasesofnecessity,
dungs of thn world in the first place, and to ^ willing to ^f their ^ to rel^
PfJZSV? ^L ^ W°uld *? C°n" °lhe» • y^ this precept is not to be taken as
lent to seek the world, and to have heaven if it ^^^ afl persons, at all times, and
T* .^W,tho*Uii thSr 8eek,lLg : b,"1 th,S » *» P^ces ; but respects only cases of ex.
wtf not be granted ; if we make religion, treme tneces8,ity . or JTit concerns all, it i,
and the salvation of our souls, our first and only M t0 the readiness and preparation of
cntsf care, all other things shall he added the mind that when necessity calls for it,
unto us. so tar as the wisdom of God sees wehe found wiliing to part with any thing
them fit and convenient for us. we haTe for the K\tf of o^ in his
32 Fear not, little flock ; for it members. Observe also, The argument
is your Father's good pleasure to used to excite to this duty of alms-giving :
give you the kingdom. J**J we >* °P « t""™ in a "*
■ J ° hand, even in God s, who will reward us
That is, fear not the want of any of these 0penly. The bellies of the poor are bags
comforts, and be not over solicitous for that wax not old ; what 4s lodged there is
them ; far your Father, which has provided |aid up securely out of the reach of danger,
a kingdom for you hereafter, will not suffer We imitate the wise merchant in transmit-
you towant such things as are needful for ting our estates into another world, by bills
yon here. Learn, 1. That the disciples of cf exchange, where we are sure to receive
Chnst are very subject to disquieting and our own w jtn wnyt
perplexing fears, but must by no means
cherish, but oppose them : a fear of present 35 Let your loins be girded about,
wants, a fear of future sufferings, a fear of and your lights burning ; 36 And
death approaching, a fear that they shall ye yourselves like unto men that
1°* *?* ^ff^" with/3^' ? f€a5, k* wait for their lord, when he will re-
l^s^°1^ 27 £f y "-ufl*? ?* * tu™ from the redding ; that when
the fear of all these evus doth oftentimes , iU „ . ir„/>0ir®/u ^u^ „„
disturb Ihem and d«comp«eth«n. Learn, he cometh and knocketh they may
2. That Jesus Christ is the great Shepherd open unto him immediately,
of his church: the love and care, the com- The next duty Christ exhorts his disci*
passion and tenderness, the prudence and pies to, is that of watchfulness with refer-
providence, the guidance and vigilance, of ence to his second coming : Let your loins
a good shepherd, are found with him. 3. he girded \ and your lights burning. The
As Christ is the church's Shepherd, so the words may be understood two ways, spoken
cfcuvcb fc Christ's flock, though a little ' either in a martial phrase, as to soldiers;
002 ST. LUKE. Chap. XII.
or in a domestic, as to tenants ; if is to serve them. The second argument toex-
soldiers, then let your loins be gilded* and cite to watchfulness is drawn from the
your lights burning, in as much as that we benefit which we have received by watching
should be always ready for a march, having in this life ; that let toe Lord come when
our armour on, and our match lighted, rea- he will, whether in the second or third
dy to give lire at the alarm of temptation, watch, they shall be found ready, and in a
if the words are spoken as to servants, then blessed condition, who are found diligent
our Master bids us carefully expect his se- in his service, and waiting for bis appear-
cond coming, like a lord's returning from a anoe. Note here, 1. The Son of man will
wedding-supper, (which used to be cele- certainly come at one hour or other. 2.
brated in the night,) that they should not At what hour the Son of man will come,
put off their clothes, nor put out tlieir lights, cannot certainly be known, & That then
but stand ready to open, though be comes is no hour wherein we can promise our-
at midnight. When Christ comes, that selves that the Son of man will not come,
soul only shall have hk blessing whom he 4. Very joyful will the coming of the Son
finds watching. of man be, if we be found upon our watch,
and ready for his coming : Be ye therefore
37 Blessed ara those servants ready also ; for the Son of mam cometh
whom the lord, when he cometh, at an hour when ye think mot.
shall find watching : verily I say 4l Then Peter said untohim, Lord,
unto you, That he shall gird him- >peakest thou this parable unto us,
self, and make them to sit down to or even to aH ? 42 And the Lord
meat, and will come forth and serve said> Who then is that faithful and
them. 38 And if he shall come in wise steward, whom hi* lord shall
the second watch, or come in the make ^ler over his household, to
third watch, and find them so, bless. give ihem their portion of meat in
ed are those servants. 39 And this due Besaon ? 43 Reused is that
know, that if the good man of the ^^^ whom his Lord, when he
house had known what hour the cometh, shall find so doing, 44 Of
thief would come, he would have a truth I say unto yon, That he will
watched, and not have suffered his make him rujcr OVer all that he
house to be broken through. 40 hath.
Be ye therefore ready also : for the
Son of man cometh at an hour when These words may be applied these two
ye think not wa?s : rat' to faithful servants of
^ God in general ; and then the note is this,
Here our Saviour makes use of several That for a christian to spend and end ha
areuments to enforce the duty of watch- days in the service of Christ, and doing his
fulness upon his disciples ; the first is will, gives good assurance of a happy and
drawn from the transcendent reward which blessed condition : Blessed is that servant
Christ will bestow upon his watchful ser- Secondly, These words may be applied to
vants : He will gird himself, make them the ministers of the gospel in special 5 and
sit Sown to meat9 and will come forth and then observe, 1. The character and duty of
serve them; a very high metaphorical a gospel minister; he is the steward of
expression ; as if a master should be so Christ's household, to give them their meat
.transported with the diligence and faithful- in due season. 2. A double qualification
ness of his servant, as to vouchsafe not requisite in such stewards: namely, pro-
only to let him sit down to meat in his dene* and faithfulness. Who then is mat
presence, but to take the napkin upon his faithful and wise steward ? Observe, 3.
arm, and wait upon him himself at his ta- The reward insured to such stewards, with
ble. Lord, how poor and how inconsi- whom are found these qualifications: Bless-
derable is that service, which the best of us edis that servant. Learn hence, 1. That
do for thee 1 and yet thou speakest of it as the ministers of the gospel are in a spiritual
if thou wert beholden to us for it Tbou sense stewards of Christ's household. 2.
dost not only administer to us a supper, That faithfulness and prudence ave the in-
but thou ministerest and waitest upon us dispensable qualifications of Christ's stew-
at supper : He v>iU gird himself ; and aids, a That where these quahficatswa
Chap, XII. ST. LUKE.
lit found, Christ will graciously and abun- fence of his band. 3. Heis farther describ-
daally reward them. Our faithfulness ed by bis associating with the wicked, and
nuit respect God, ourselves, and our flock ; strengthening their hands by hig til exam*
and includes integrity of heart, purity ot' pie : He eateth and drinketh with the
intention, industry of endeavour, and im- drunken ; that it, as their associate and
partiality in all our administrations. Our fellow-companion. Thus the negligent
prudence must appear in the choice of steward ana unfaithful minister is described.
salable subjects, in the choice of fit Ian* Next hk sentence is declared. 1, Christ
guage, in exciting our own affections in will surprise him in has sin and security, by
order to the moving of our people's. Mi- coming at an hour when he looketa not
njsterial prudence also must teach us, by the for him. 2. He will execute temporal
strictness and gravity of our deportment, to ' vengeance upon him ; he will cut him in
maintain our authority, and keep up our pieces, as the Jews did their sacrifices, di-
esfteem in the consciences of our people : vidlng them into two parts. Hence some
it wilt also assist us to bear reproach, and observe, That God seldom suffers slothful,
direct us to ^ive reproof: he that is silent sensual ministers to live out naif their days.
cannot be innocent : reprove we must, or 3. Christ will punish them with eternal
we cannot be faithful ; but prudently, or destruction also : Appoint them their por-
we cannot be successful. tion with unbelievers. Teaching us, That
ah n..* „„j ;r *u«a .A— «*-* -•« :» such ministers as neglect the service of God,
u^t ^ 2 ?di ill ft ^u- y ° and the souls of their people, as tteylire
his heart, My lord dclayeth his com. ranked amoDg8t the <££„& # ^nen
ing; and shall begin to beat the in this life, so shall they be punished with
men-servants and maidens, and to them in the severest manner in the next
eat and drink, and to be drunken ; When Satan destroys the souls of men, he
46 The Lord of that servant will sha11 answer for it as a murderer only, not
come in a day when he looketh not M an °fficfr *■* wa» intrusted with the
for Am, and* at an hour when be is ™* j'™1* *** ^JS^^a t
9 , .„ . ,. provide, if the shepherd doth not feed, if
not aware, and will cut him in sun- f^ watchmBll dotb not warn, they shaM
der, and will appoint him his por- answer, not only for the souls that have
tion with the unbelievers. 47 And miscarried, but for an office neglected, for
that servant, which knew his Lord's a talent hidden, and for a stewardship un-
will, and prepared not him$elf9 nei- faithfully managed. Woe unto us, if at
ther did according to his will, shall I1* &"»* *J we hear dttresed souls roar.
be beaten with manv shines 48 m* oat thelr ooroP,a,,lti> "^ homing out
oe Deaten witn many wtpes. 4« |hat ^^ ^^j^ against us, saying,
Bat he that knew not, and did com- „ Loidf ^ rtewards have defrauded us,
mrt things worthy of stripes, shall Gur watchmen have betrayed us, our guides
be beaten with few stripes. For have misled us," ver. 48.— For unto wham-
unto whomsoever much is given, of soever much is given, of him shall be much
him shall be much required : and to reouired; and to whom men have com-
whoro men have committed much, of ""**«* "l"*** <tf hxim **?"& Jf* #'
i.:_ 4k... ...ill a^u *kA mAM more. Hence we learn, 1. That whatever
him they will ask the more. we ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ , ^ ^ t
Our Lord in these verses describes a neg- talent. 2. That every one has some gift
ligent and unfaithful steward of his house- or talent from God to be improved for God.
hold, and then declares that dreadful sen- & That God's gifts or talents are not given
fence of wrath which hangs over htm. The to all in the same measure. 4. That whe-
unfajthful steward, or negligent minister of ther we receive little or much, all is in order
the gospel, is described ; f. By his infidelity : to an account 5. That answerable to our
he bdieveth not Christ's coming to jndg- present talents will be our future accounts.
meat, though he preaches it to others ; He The greater opportunities a man has of
saitk in his heart, My Lord delayeth his knowing his duty, and the greater abilities
coming. 2. He is described by his hatred, he has for doing good, if be do it not, the
envy, and malignity, against his fellow ser- greater will be his condemnation, because
vasts, that were more faithful than himself *. the neglect of his duty in this case cannot
Tie begins to smite them, at least with the be without a great deal of wilfulness and
^virulence of his tongue, if not with the vio- contempt, which is an heinous aggravation.
364 ST. LUKE. Chap- XttV
If thy gifts be mean, (be lest thou hast to tags; he styles them a baptisms I hone
account for ; if greater than others, God a baptism to be baptized with. There is
expects thou shouldest do more good than a threefold baptism spoken of: a baptism
others, for where much is given, much will with water, a baptism of toe Spirit ; both
be required. these Christ had been baptized with : but
the third was the baptism of blood ; he was
49 I am to send fire on the earth ; soon to be drenched and washed in hit own
and what will I if it be already kin- blood, in the garden, and on the cross;
died ? 50 But I have a baptism and he was straitened or pained with desire,
to be baptized with ; and how am I ,Ae a woman in travail, till his sufferings
straitened till it be accomplished ! were •ccomplished.
51 Suppose ye that I am come to 54 And he said also to the peo-
give peace on earth ? I tell you, pie, When ye see a cloud rise out of
Nay ; but rather division : 52 For the west, straightway ye say, There
from henceforth there shall be five cometh a shower : and so it is. 55
in one house divided, three against And when ye $ee the south wind
two, and two against three. 53 blow, ye say, There will be heat :
The father shall be divided against and it cometh to pass. 54 Ye hy-
the son, and the son against the pocrites ! ye can discern the face of
father ; the mother against the the sky and of the earth ; but how
daughter, and the daughter against is it that ye do not discern this
the mother : the mother-in-law time ? 57 Yea, and why even of
against her daughter-in-law, and yourselves judge ye not what is
the daughter-in-law against her mo- right I
ther-in-law. Our Saviour in these words doth at one*
Our Saviour in these verses declares upbraid the stupid ignorance of the Jews in
what will be the accidental event and effect, general, and the obstinate infidelity of the
but not the natural tendency, of his reli- Pharisees in particular, in that they could
gion ; so that we must distinguish between make » judgment of the weather by the
the intentional aim of Christ's coming, and «ght of the sky, by the appearance of the
the accidental event of it Christ's inten- heavens, and the motion of the winds, but
tional aim, was to plant, propagate, and cou^d not discern this time of the Messiaa,
promote, peace in the world ; but through though they had so many miraculous signs
the lusts and corruptions of men's natures, and evidences of it ; and for this he up-
the issue and event of his coming is war braid8 to*** witD hypocrisy : Ye hvpo-
and division; not that these are the genuine writes! ye can discern the face of the
and natural fruits of the gospel, but occa- *h* ou* y°u d° no* discern this time.
sional and accidental only. Hence learn, ^eun thence, That to pretend either more
That the preaching of the gospel, and set- ignorance, or greater uncertainty, in die-
ting up the kingdom of Christ, though it cerning the signs of gospel-times (the tune
be not the genuine and natural cause, yet of our gracious visitation) than the swot
it is the accidental occasion of all that war of tDe weather, is great hypocrisy : Ye
and tumult, of all that dissension and divi- hypocrites ! can ye not discern this time f
sion, of all that distraction and confusion Observe farther, That Christ does not here
which the world abounds with : I am condemn the study of nature, or making
cotae to send fire an the earth. He is said observations of the state of the weather by
tosend the fire of dissension, because he fore- tbe face of the *▼ i for Almighty God, by
saw this would be the certain consequence, natural signs, gives us warning of a change
though not the proper and natural effect, ra natural things; and in like manner, by
of the preaching of the gospel. There was "" providential dispensations, he gives u&
another fire of Christ's sending, the Holy warning of a change in civil things : He
Spirit ; this was a fire to warm, not to burn, tnat " wise Wl" observe both, and by
or if so, not men's persons, but corruptions ; loe'r observation will come to understand
but that seems not to be intended in this the pleasure of the Lord.
place. Observe farther, The metaphor 68 When thou goest with thine
^ which Christ sets forth his own sufier- adversary to the magistrate, as them
Chap. XUL ST. LUKE. *ft
art in the way give diligence that raised rebellion against tbe Roman power,
thoo mayest be delivered from him ; HJate takes the opportunity when these Ga-
lest he hale thee to the judge, and hU*?* w« come UP at *he passover, and
the iudee deliver thee to the officer ■»cntontl » the temple, to fall upon them
. V*k g « ♦ fk • ♦ • ' with h» "Mien, and barbarously mingled
and the officer awt thee into prison. their own bJood with tbe blood of the sa-
W 1 tell thee, Thou shalt not depart crifioes which they offered ; neither the
thence, till thou hast paid the very holiness of the place (the temple) nor the
last mite. sacredness of tbe action (sacrificing) could
In these words our Saviour advises per- £"* **"* *"» ^J?"*"*? ^V**
sons to use the same prudence in divine ^^oiir, imderstanding thai t some joC
matters, which they use in worldly anairs, *» hea"OT '** !««£ concluo^dthese
and the same endeavours to seek reconci- f™°°* to * the g/^^nne?' becaiy
fcation with God, which they put forth in **7 ™* *!* greatest sufTerers, be corrects
order to their being reconcile/ unto men ; |£ ^" * ** TV* TJ? ^
for in such a case, when they see an action ** <* "™ ^Ji'l^^l?18 *± han|
bringing againTthem, wherein they are S^ft,^ M Z*X M ,hea*jf
sureto EeSat, their be* way is pJently ^^Ll^1T^.•^^
to seek to reconcile their iversarTami ~L&h^.L^a TSS? %*
make their peace with him, that so they J?*1" *?* " n0 ****** of God's d*
amy escape thetSrektening danger : in like fc w* * That ■**"**■»*"¥ P**»»
-~- should thev do hL layhold upon » «"»** prone to pass rash censures
they do here, lay hold upon "rc, ««"*"»* JH™"« » P— "»» «™w«
the present opportunity of mercy now ^?.2f bfllab,e J?1*^ "P?1 "^
offered to tbei; because it is a fearful f8 j}* ^denly, especially if they die vio-
thing to die without reconciliation with *!*$-* ^^J^il^ T??*
God? Note here, 1. That God and man "J* If1™ totave been the greatest sin-
woe once friends. 2. That God and man ■*• fholave heen ra this world the most
are now adversaries. 3. That man, and ^t^T? AT hatthebf U9e we
not God, is averse to reconciliation and TrSS^ °5 !? f06" "?* eXamp,CS
aoeement 4. That it is the wisdom, the ?f God!l f^^liL10 examme 0Ur 0Wa
a^and I interest, of falter* man, speed? lm* "* b* L^ TTE"* ^T*
to icept of terii of peace and isco^ia- J? « own P"*1"1 : * ** *•* *«*
fkra with God. 5. That an eternal prison * '
will be their portion, who die in their 4 Or those eighteen upon whom
enmity against God. the tower in Siloam fcB> and slew
CHAP XHI them, think ye that they were sin*
ners above all men that dwelt in Je-
rpiIERE were present at that sea- rusalera ? 6 I tell you, Nay : but
son some that told him of the except ye repent, ye shall all like-
Galileans, whose blood Pilate had wise perish.
ttingled with their sacrifices. 2 Another instance ^ Saviour jve9 of
And Jesus answering said unto persons that fell by a sudden death, even
them, Suppose ye that these Gali- eighteen that were slain by the fall of a tow*
leans were sinners above all the er in Jerusalem. He takes occasion from
Galileans, because they suffered thence to caution the Jews, that they did
such things > SI tell you, Nay : not rigidly censure the sufferers, or conclude
but except ye repent, ye shall all ^^!r?m^J*1,m^'i!"
i-L • * u ate brought to most shame. Oh! bow
likewise pensn. ^^^ m ^ j0 j^ge 0f men's eternal con-
There were two eminent sects among the dition, by their present visitation ; and to
Jews in our Saviour's time, namely, the conclude them the greatest offenders, upon
Herodians and Galileans ; the former stood whom God inflicts the most visible punish-
stiffly for baviog tribute paid to the Roman ments ! Our Saviour forbids this, and ad-
emperor, whose subjects the Jews now vises every one to look at home, telliog the
were ; but tbe Galileans (so called pro- whole body of the Jews, that if they did
bably from Judas of Galilee, mentioned not repent, they should all likewise perish,
dci* v. 37.) opposed this tribute, and often and that two ways : 1. Certitudinc poena, ,
SO* ST. LUKE. Chip. XUf.
by as certain a punishment as these did 5 all are upoa the file* and must be ao»
2. Ye shall likewise perish, timUitndinc counted for. Learn, 3. That God expects
pmnm, by the same kind of punishment ; suitable and proportionable fruit from a
yoa shall perish by the rum of your people, according to the time of their rtand-
whole city, as they did by the downfall of ing in his vineyard, and answering to the
that tower, if a timely and sincere repent- cost and culture which his ministers have
ance doth not intervene. Learn hence, expended upon them, and the pains they
That we must judge of persons by their have taken with them. Note farther, 4.
conversation towards God, and not by That although God doth and justly may
God^s dispensation towards them ; all things expect fruit from such as are planted, in his
here fait alike to all. A sudden death, vineyard, to wit, the christian church, yet
yea, a violent death, as it comes upon many he expects it with much patience and for-
men, so it may come upon the best of men, bearance, waiting from year to year, to tee
as well as others : think not, says Christ, if time will work amendment These
that those eighteen were sinners above all three years I hate come seeking fruit,
that dwelt in Jerusalem, because they suf- and found none. Lastly, If after all the
fered such things, I tell you, Nay ; Sat cost that God has bestowed upon a people
except ye repent, ye siaii ail likewise by his ministers and ordinances, they coo-
perish. Teaching us, That repentance is tinue unfruitful, there is nothing to be ex-
the only way and means to prevent punish- pected but excision and final aestractK>a,.
meat here, and perishing hereafter : Except Cut it down, why cumbereth it the
ye repent, ye snail perish* ground .*
' u ii^- Li 8 And he answering said unto
6 He spake also On* parable : hJ ^ ,a . ^ ftb
A certain man had a fig-tree plant- al tj|l f ghaU ^ ^^ ^ ^
ed in hu 'vineyard ; and he came d * , 9 And if it bear fruit,
and sought fruit thereon, and found WJ. and if ^ ^ aftcf th,t
none. 7 Then .aid he unto the thou gha|t CQt ft down
dresser of his vineyard, Behold, 0bflerve here> lThe vine^IreMCr'l p*
tjiese three years I come seeking tition and request, Lord,, let it alone this
fruit on this fig-tree, and find none : year also. This points out unto us the
cat it down ; why cumbereth it the office and duty of the ministers of God,
ground ? w°o are labourers in his vineyard, to be
intercessors with God, for sparing a barren
Our blessed Saviour, that he might ex- and unfruitful people. Lord! spare them
cite the Jews to the practice of the last men- a little longer, Let alone this year alto*
tioned duty of repentance, sets forth his If they cannot absolutely prevent judgment
k>ng-suflfering with them, and forbearance coming upon an unfruitful people, yet they
towards them, by the parable of the fig- endeavour to respite it, and delay its coming
tree, which the Master of the vineyard had all they can. Observe* 2. The condition
long expected fruit therefrom, but found upon which the vine-dresser's petition b
none. Where note, 1. The great care that grounded, Till I shall dig about it, and
God takes to make poor sinners happy ; he dung it ; phrases which intimate unto us
plants them in his church, as in a vineyard, the nature and quality of the ministerial
that by the cultivating care of his minis- work and service, signifying it to be a
ten, and the fructifying influences of his very difficult and laborious service. Dig-
Spirit, they may be fruitful ra good works, ging is a. painful work, and a spending
Note, 2. That God keeps an exact account work : and such is our ministerial work, u
or reckoning, what means and advantages followed as it ought to be. We deal ia
every place and people have enjoyed ; mysteries, in the deep things of God, which
These three years have I come seeking are not received without much digging,
fruit, alluding to the three years of his own Observe, 3. A double supposition here made
ministry among them. God keeps a me- by the vine-dresser : First, Of future fruit-
morial how many years the gospel has fulness ; If it hear fruit* velL Second-
been amongst a people, how many minis- ly, Of future inooTrigibleness ; If not, of
ten they have bad, and how long with ter that thou shall cut it down. 1. Here
them, what pathetical exhortations, what is a supposition of future fraitfokftess : If it
*wiiigadirKmitions,whatcuttmgieproofsj bear fruit, well ; that is, it will be well
Chap. XIII. ST. LUKE. 367
for the Matter of the vineyard ; berei* whom Satan hath bound, lo, these
a he glorified, when bis fig-trees bear much eighteen years, be loosed from this
fruit : well for the dresser ofthe vineyard ; ^nd on |he 8abbath.day ? 17 And
it rejoices the ministers of God to see their .. . . , . . A. JiL. „
people bring forth fruit unto God : well for "hen . hc ha.d sa,d thef thln&s> a,J
the vioeyaid, and the rest of the trees that h» adversaries were ashamed : and
are mil: but more especially well for the all the people rejoiced for all the
tree itself, thereby avoiding the punishment glorious things that were done by
of barrenness, and procuring the reward of him.
fhntfoJness; thus, If it bear fruit* veil. Here
is a supposition of future incomgibleness, Observe here, 1. The afflicted person, a
Jfter that tkou shaft cut it down : that woman which had a sore disease inflicted
», After thou hast spared it, and I have upon her by tbe devil for eighteen years,
pruned it ; after thy patience and my pains; which almost bowed her together. There
after thou hast forborne it, and I have ma- is nothing that tbe devil delights more in*
nored it, digged, and dunged it ; if after than the miseries and calamities of man*
att this* it bear no fruit, then I nave not kind. Satan is not satisfied barely to in-
a wont more to say, Thou shaft cut it feet the mind, and poison the souls of
down. Thou mayest cut it down, nobody men ; but he delights to afflict and hurt
will go about to hinder thee. Prom hence the body, where and when he can obtain
learn, That a people's continued unfruit- leave. Observe, 2. Christ's compassion
fulness under the means of grace, doth in towards her, and his miraculous healing of
time take off the prayers and intercessions ber ■> Jesus called her to him, and with
of the ministers of God for them, and a word speaking healed ber. Where note,
provokes God to bring his judgments un- That tbe inveterateness of the disease* and
avoidably and irrevocably upon them : the instaotaneousness of the cure, made the
After that thou shaft cut it down. miracle evident She that had been bow-,
ed down eighteen years, in an instant is
10 And he was teaching in one macle straight, and only by a word of
of the synagogues on the sabbath ; Cnrirt's mouth. Such a miraculous ope.
II And, behold, there was a woman *??* ™ .*» "*!* ^™ony of 4m
_i- u L„j . ' : -4 * . £ . * divine muston, that he was tbe Son of
which had a spirit of infirmity q^ observe^ 3. How the heart of the
eighteen years, and was bowed to- poor woman is affected with Christ's hand t
gether, and could in no wise lift up she glorified God ; that is, she gave thanks
herself. 12 And when Jesus saw to God, and attributed the miracle to him.
her, be called her to him, and said A* tDe chief end of all God's extraordinary
unto her, Woman, thou art loosed work* either of V°™ or raercy> » th« «*>
from thine infirmity. 13 And he f*,a*ioa of hJL TL ftry ; i80 th® °uy Wfy
i-:j m.2- k..j. ^ C ta . j • that we can set forth his glory, is by cele-
laid ku bands on her : and imme- Kro#j««. u± nr.^ *n«j J™-;™ ^.,- ~-«
,. . t • i . • i . orating na praises, and expressing our own
i ^1*.. £ "?* m 8t[alfht» Mtl thankfulness: He that offercth me praises
glorified God. 14 And the ruler and thanks, glorifies we, Psa. 1. ult Ob-
of the synagogue answered with in- serve, 4. The unreasonable anger and un-
dignation because that Jesus had J08* indignation, which was found with the
healed on the sabbath-day, and said niler of the synagogue against our holy Lord
unto the people, There are six days f°LwurkJng th*krairaculous cure onk *»
;« «k;-k .«L ^-.u* • i sabbath-day. There is no person so holy,
E It 2 °°ght Xo™r\: \n no action io innocent, but \nay fall under
them therefore come and be heal- „„;„* censure, especially where malice and
ed, and not on the sabbath-day. ignorance are combined. What a severe
15 The Lord then answered him, reflection doth this man make upon our
mad said, Thou hypocrite ! doth not blessed Lord for performing a work of mer-
each one of you on the sabbath W™ the «abbath-day ! Observe, 5. Our
kMsae his ox or hi* ass from the I^Y^ication of hiinwlf^m calumny
•••it — *-• i^^ !• a * and falsa accusation: I. He charges his ac
stall and lead Aim away to water- ^ wilh hypocrisy. Thou hypocrite,
ing l 10 A nd ought not this wo- doth not each one of you loose his os or his
man, being a daughter of Abraham, ass from the station the sabbath-doy, and
OB* ST. LUKE. Chap. XUL
water him ? It is one note of an hypocrite, is tike leaven, which a woman took
to condemn that in anotjier which he doth and hid in three measures of meal,
himself : the Jews held it lawful to loose UH ihe who|e was ieavened.
and lead a beast to watering on the sab-
bath-day, which was a work of servile la* Our Saviour's design in both these para-
bour ; and yet would condemn Christ for hies, is to keep hit disciples and followers
healing a poor woman only with a word fr°m heing offended at the small beginnings
speaking. 2. Christ vindicates his own of his kiogdom, and to foretel the future
action, by comparing it with theirs, which P**1 success of the gospel, notwithstanding
they judged lawful on the sabbath-day : the present small appearance of the efficacy
Was their loosing and watering the beast a of * T<> th» purpose he compares the
work of necessity } much more was his. kingdom of God, that k the gospel-church,
Was theirs a work of mercy? his much *• a gram of mustard seed9 which being
more. Their compassion was to a brute °ne of the least seeds, yet in that country
beast, his to a rational creature, to a wo- Srew int0 *> huge * tree, that the birds did
man, and that not a stranger, an heathen roost and lodge in the boughsof it Be
woman ; but one of their own, a Jewish also likens it to leaven, which quickly d&
woman, a daughter of Abraham. Nay, fuses itself through the whole mass and lump,
farther, Christ's act was an act of fer grea- instantly turning a jreat heap of meal into
tar necessity, and more special mercy, than its own nature. Christ shows hereby of
theirs. The beast might live a day without *hat a spreading nature the doctrine of the
water j the beast might not be sick : but gwpd w«ild be, notwithstanding all the
this woman was in sore distress, and had malice and opposition of wicked men.
been so for eighteen years ; nay, she was ^fiarn hence. That how small beginnings
in the hands of the enemy of mankind, soever the gospel had in its first plantation,
bound by Satan. Was it not then a grea- y* by the fructifying blessing of God, and
ter act of mercy and compassion to loose the influence of the Holy Spirit, it has had*
her, than to lead a beast } Observe, 6. -and shall have, a wonderful increase.
What effect our Lord's vindication of him- 22 And hc went through lhc ci-
self had upon the hearers of it : Hts adver- 4. ^ . ...i.^ 4iM.^i.:« J *„a :~ .-
saries v>£ ashamed, and the people re- t,e8.an<l *llh§»' teaching, •"* jour-
nal***, ver. 17. His accusers were ashamed, keying toward Jerusalem. 23 Then
and probably convinced, perhaps silenced ; «ai« om unto him, Lord, are there
but we read not that they confessed their few that be saved ? And he said
error, or acknowledged their unjust censure, unto them, ?4 Strive to enter in
or craved Christ's pardon. When persons* at the strait gate ; for many, I say
judgments are under conviction of an error unto wia ^ek t0 entcr j waA
or mistake, it » very hard to bring them- .u.n ' *. la ^li^
selves to confess and own their mistake, shal1 not be able*
because all men stand very much upon the Observe here, 1. The unwearied pains
credit and reputation of their understand- and diligence of our holy Lord in preaching
rags, and look upon it as a reproach to own and publishing the glad tidings of the
themselves mistaken; though it is really gospel to lost sinners: He vent through
otherwise. But though our Saviour's ad- the cities and villages teaching ; not in
versaries were only ashamed, others rejoic- great and populous cities only, but in poor
ed for all the glorious things that were done and obscure villages also ; not preaching
by him. by his exemplary life only, but by his
„ n- ., , 1T . . . . holy doctrine likewise, Let such preachers,
18 Then said he, Unto what is wnolook upon the work of preaching ss
the kingdom of God like? and the least part of their business, consider the
whereunto shall I resemble it ? 10 indefatigable pains which our Lord took
It is like a grain of mustard-seed, in that work; and how will bis diligence
which a man took, and cast into. abame ou* negligence ! Observe, 2. A
his garden ; and it grew, and waxed cari?us ^ion P* to « ^S?*^
wr lodged in the branches of it. 20 ^ . Wf m thc\efew tkat ^ Mr_
Ana again he said, Whereunto shall «/ t Where note, How curiously inquisi-
4 liken the kingdom of God ? 21 It live we naturally arc after the knowledge
G^P' X1H- ST. LUKE. 306
rf«a«fltal do not concern us, how have eaten and drunk in thy pre-
conceras us rather to understand what sort f lff ete" T*7 But he «>all say, I
of persons shall be saved, than bow many lcl1 J0"' l know y°tt not whence ye
thai] be saved, and to make sure that we be arc ; depart from me, all ye workers
of that sort. Observe, a Our Saviour of iniquity. 28 There shall be
gnres no direct answer to the curiosity of weeping and gnashing of teeth, when
^^tor^^^from™m ye 8ha11 "e Abraham, and Isaac,
the clear understanding of wWeipression f kln*dom of God, and you your-
we most know, that Christ alludes to the ^ ** thrust out# 29 And tneJ
feasts and marriage suppers among the 8na^ come ^rom tne eas*» and from
Jews : they that were invited did enter tnc west, »"<* from the north, and
by a gate which was very strait and nar- from the south, and shall sit down
rowjand as soon as the invited were once in the kingdom of God. 30 And
nl^^n^^^V!^0^™ behold, there are last which shall
note. Here Christ bids them strive to k« £_* _• j 4l * . . .
enter into the kingdom of tovert before £.?,"?■ ."J there aW first which
the gate is shut against them, and their shaU be last-
entnnoe, by means of their coming too Our Saviour having exhorted all his fol-
iate, be made impossible to them : Strive lowers, in the foregoing verses, to make
jj^ **• fir many will seek, fa. ««« of heaven and salvation to themselves,
Where note, 1. The metaphor which Christ whilst the door of hope and salvation is
isjpieased to set forth heaven, and the hap- Ppen to them, by this parable of a master
pnw» of a future state, by; be compares iU of a family inviting guests to his table,
to a strait gate : to a gate, to denote the waiting for their coming, and at last shut-
possibility of entering ; to a strait gate, «ng the door against them, because they
to oenote the ditBculty of entrance: agate either denied or delayed coming, Christ
supposes the entrance possible, but a strait hereby represented to the Jews the great
gate bespeaks the entrance difficult 2. danger they were in, if they neglected the
Here is a duty urged and enforced upon all present season of grace and salvation, which
toe that expect the happiness of another now tney did enjoy ; telling them farther
m9 and desire to enter in at this strait how little it would profit them at the day
gs^aad that is, a diligent and industrious of judgment, to allege that they had eaten
striving : Strive to enter in at the strait ^ drank in his presence, and that they
**?■ ?" ^e nave a forcible argument had heard him preach in their streets, if they
and motive to excite and quicken us to did not forsake their sins, and obey his gos-
QK practice of this duty, drawn from the P^ Adding farther, that it would be an
fjincily, or small number, of those that heart-piercing sorrow, a soul-rending grief
shall obtain salvation in a dying hour: to them at the great day, to see not only the
Mamy wilt seek to enter in but shall not patriarchs and prophets, and other Jews,
V? T^L . I*aro thence» 2- That heaven or « even the despised Gentiles from all quar-
« -SPP*16* °* * future ****• * attainable. *?» and nations, whom they thought ac-
2. Ttiat it is not attainable without labour cursed, admitted into the kingdom of bea-
and difficulty. 3. That all those difficul- ven, and themselves eternally shut out:
ties mar be happily overcome by a diligent For Ihe last shall be first, and the first
and industrious striving. last : that is, the Gentiles who were afar off
** \juu~~ * .. m* A . , 8naW receive the gospel, when you for re-
26 When once the Master of the jecting it shall he cast off. From the
•on** ts risen up, and hath shut to whole note, 1. That there is a determined
the door, and ye begin to stand* time when souls must (if ever) accept of
without, and to knock at the door *** offere of fc™06 and salvation, which are
faying, Lord, Lord, open unto us • ma?e unt0 them * now * the door °Pen»
and he shall answer and say unto fi^! inVted in' . 2JThat ere fone
vou I k„nu, ««.. «^4 •„! * j€8US C*1"8*' who now stands at every one
M Thl ^Jl n?lW.hei!<?e yc a£ : of our doors waiting for our compliance
*> rhen shall ye. begin to say, We with his gospel-terms, will wait no longer'
9H9 ST. LUKE. . Chap. Xllfc
upon us, nor strive! any further by the be perfected* 93 Nevertheless ' I
motions of his Spirit with us: When once mU9t walk to-day, and to-morrow,
the matter of the house is risen up, and and thc ^ foUowin*; : for it can-
ithe^Hofo?^ "* * *7. prophet perish ou<
against whom the door is shut; the door ot Jerusalem,
of repentance, the door of hope, the door
of salvation ; all shut, eternally shot; and li °*y 8eem strange that the Pharisees,
that by him who shutteth, and none can wbo had no kindness for our Saviour,
open. 4. That all would be saved at last -f should come here and acquaint him with a
all will cry for mercy when it is too late, danger that he was in from Herod : Get
even such as now sinfully undervalue, and tne€ hence, for Herod will kill thee*
scornfully despise it ; Ye shall stand with- li » probable they had a design to drive
cut and knock at the door, saying, Lord, bim out of the country, because his repu-
Lord, open to us. Note. 5. That it is no tation was so great amongst the people,
good plea for admittance into heaven, be. **> w« admirers of his person, beared
cause we have been chweh-members here °f h» doctrine, and witnesses of his roira.
in earth : no outward privileges, though &** B«* what intention soever they had
Christ has taught in our streets : no exter- » acquainting Christ with his danger, it m
iialactsof communion, though we have very evident that our Saviour slighted it, by
eaten and drank in bis presence, and at his *** message which he sent to Herod ; Go
holy table ; will justify our hopes of enter- and teU Mot fox ; Where we must not tun-
ing into heaven when we die, if we be P«e.that our Lord did fix this name of
workers of iniquity while we live : Lord, f°* uP°n Herod M an opprobrious title,
we have eaten and drunk in thy pre- therel>y reflecting the least dishonour upon
sence; but he shall say, I know ye not, him M a k»B» but it was as a prophet,
ye workers of iniquity. Note, 6. That t0 ,et bim know» that being about hk Fa-
as hell will be a second heaven to the glo- the|,» work» he feared neither bis power nor
rifled, so heaven will be a second hell to h» V°^7 i either hiscruelty nor his craft ;
the damned. Hell will be a second heaven "^ lhat nothing should take him off from
to the glorified, that is, it will add exceed, fnnhing the work of roan's redemption,
ingly to the happiness of the saints in hea- I^arn hence, That when God calls forth
ven, to see and be sensible of that misery ** of h» aervants to any special service
which they escaped, and the damned en- foJ J™* a11 »• combined power and policy
dure ; and on the other band, heaven will * the P™"* of dffknf?» *** b? **"*•
be a second hell to the damned, that is, it ™*** sha[l «w»y b?*** to b"* ******
will encrease their torments, and add to the ™ thf^ have ^^^ £* ?>ur9e» ■■*
vexation of their spirits, to see some in hea- done ^ *»*» 3 which &* designed : J
ven whom they little expected to see there 5 ****, *"* to^°^ *** J*-"*"99* *■*
some that never saw nor beard, nor enjoy- ihew day following ; as if Christ had said,
ed what they have done; strangers, yea, * ** Hfrod know that my time is not id
. heathens taken in, when the children of the bis band, and» ** to tmt n»ilter» I am not
kingdom, that is, the members of the visi- under b» c??ma?d <* ,P°wf 5 *» ,O0S
ble church, are shut out : They shall come mv w°rk w,iU be finished, and then I abaU
from the east, from the west, from the be perfected." Observe here, That to im-
north, and from the south, and sit down pose this ignominions but agreeable name
in the kingdom of God, hut the children on Herod, is not contrary to the coaunand.
of the kingdom shall he cast into outer ?°* *? iP«k evil of the ruler of the people *
darkness* rt being the offiee of a prophet, not to spare
_„ _,, , . kings when they reprove their offences.
31 The same day there came cer- Accordingly Christ here uses his prophetic
tain of the Pharisees, saying; unto call and power, m giving this tyrant a name
him, Get thee out, and depart hence: so suitable to his actions: Go and UU
for Herod will kill thee, 32 And Mat fox, from me, a prophet sent of God*
Chap. XIV, ST. LUKE. tm
.where the Sanhedrim it, who are to pa* would h*ve gathered yout says Christ, but
judgment upon me. Dr. Whitby. ye would not Learn, 2. How deplorably
killest the prophets, and sternest racy under the gospel. 3. That there is no
them that are sent unto thee ; how desire like unto God's desire of a people's
often would I have gathered thy repentance, no longing like unto Gooslong*
children together, as a hen doth ga- JD8 for a people' * salvation : 0 Jerusalem
tker her brood under her wings, and ™!f °A *f*U l *«*' gathered thee I
ve would not! 35 Behold, your w^n shall tt once be y Jev. xviiu 27,
house is left unto you desoUte : CHAP. XIV.
and verily I say unto you, Ye shall A ND it came to pass, as he went
not see me, until the time come when xx into the house of one of the chief
ye shall say, Blessed if he that Pharisees to eat bread on the sab*
cotneth in the name of the Lord. bath-day, that they watched him.
Our Lord concludes this chapter with a 2 And, behold, there was a certain
compassionate lamentation over Jerusalem, man before him which had the drop-
the place where he was to suffer. His Sy. 3 And Jesus answering, spake
ingeminatioo, or doubling of the word, O unto tne lawver* and Pharisees, say-
Jerusalem* Jerwudem, shows the veh* - , Jt |awf||, ^ h { fa ^
meocy of his affection towards them, and lJvl, j^„ a A A A .7 V , V T .
the sincerity of his desires for their salvation. *»th*lay J * And they held their
Observe, 1. The kindness and compassion P«*ce. And he took asm, and heal-
of Christ to the Jews in general, and Jeru- «d him, and let him go ; 6* And an-
salem in particular, set forth by a lively swered them, saying, Which of you
metaphor and similitude, namely, that of a shall have an ass' or an ox fallen into '
hen gathering her chickens under her wings. a pitf and will not 8traightway pull
^, K^5th^y^rBf^M^" W« ™* ™ the. sabbath-day? 0
rally hide and cover her young from the eye A „ , ., • , 4 u- •
of the destroyer: so woull Christ have And they could not answer him again
shrouded and sheltered this people from all to tnese things.
those birds of prey, and particularly from Several particulars are here worthy of
the Roman eagle, by whose talons they were our observation and imitation. Note, 1.
at last destroyed. Again, as the hen con- The freedom of our Lord's conversation
tiuueth her call to ber young ones from with men : he delighted in human society,
morning to night, and holds out her wings and was of a sociable temper ; we do not
for shelter to tbem all the day long, so find, that whenever he was invited to a
did Christ wait for this people's repentance dinner, he disdained to go, not so
and conversion j for it was more than forty much for the pleasure of eating, as for the
years after they had killed his prophets, and opportunity of conversing and doing good,
murdered himself, before they met with a Note, 2. The house he goes into, and is*
final overthrow. Observe, 2. The amazing entertained in, one of the chief Pharisees',
obstinacy and wilfulness of this people in who were some of hischiefest enemies : a
rejecting the erace and favour, the kind- great instance of our Lord's humanity, mi-
nes* and condescension, of the Lord Jesus mility, and self-denial, in that be refused
Christ : J would have gathered you, but not the conversation of those whom be
ye would not. Observe, o. The fatal issue of knew did not afreet him; teaching us to
this obstinacy : Behold your house is left love our enemies, and not to shun con-
uatoyou desolate; is left, that is, certain- versing with them, that thereby we may
ly and suddenly will be left desolate (the gain an opportunity of being reconciled to
present tense being put for the paulo post tbem. Note, 3. The day when our Savi-
fauna?)) which denotes the certainty and our dined publicly at the Pharisee's house;
proximity of this people's ruin. Learn, L among the lawyers and Pharisees; it was
That the ruin and destruction of sinners is on the sabbath-day. Learn hence, That
whoDy chargeable upon themselves, that is, it is not simply unlawful for us to enter-
on their own wilfulness and impentteocy, tain our friends and neighbours with a
on their own obstinacy and obduracy. I plentiful meal on the Lord's day j it must
2 B2
*M ST, LUKE* Chap. XIV.
be acknowledged, that feasting upon any to .a wedding, sit not down in the
day is one of those lawful things which is highest room ; lest a more honours
difficultly managed without sin, hut more b|c man ^^ thou ^ bidden, of
*T^J7FJ^P*l^t^ him> 9 And hc that bade thee
unfit us for the duties of the sabbath. j . • j A *•
However, our Lord's example in going to a *n.d h*m c«n* «"1 »ay to thee,
public dinner amongst lawyeis and Phari- Give this man place ; and thou ber
sees evidently shows the lawfulness of feast- gin with shame to take the lowest
ing on that day, provided we use the same room. 10 But when thou art bid-
moderation in eating and drinking that he den, go and sit down in the lowest
did, and improve the opportunity as a sea- room . tnat when he that bade thee
son for doing good, a* ine ihas taught us by cometh he unto th
his example. Note, 4. How, contrary to r . » ' r . , J .. . .'
all the laws of behaviour, the decency of f"cnd» «° UP higher : then shalt
conversation, and the rules of hospitality, t"0" hav* worship » the presence
the Pharisees watched him, making their °* them that sit at meat with thee,
table a snare to catch him, hoping they 11 For whosoever exalteth himself
might hear something from him, or see shall be abased ; aud he that hum-
something in him: for which tbey might bleth himself shall be exalted,
accuse him : He entered into the house
of the Pharisee to eat bread* and they It was observed before, That our blessed
watched him. Note, 5. Our Saviour chose Saviour dined publicly on the sabbath-day
the sabbath-day as the fittest season to work with several Pharisees and lawyers: that
his miraculous cures in j in the Pharisee's which is here worthy of our notice is this*;
house he heals a man who had the dropsy, How holy and suitable our Lord's discourse
on the sabbath-day. Christ would not was to the solemnity of that day ; may it
forbear doing good, nor omit any oppor- be the matter of our imitation ! It is not
tunity of helping and healing the distressed unlawful for friends to dine together on the
though he knew his enemies the Pharisees lord's day, provided their discourse be
would carp and cavil at it, calumniate and suitable to the day, such as our Lord's
reproach him for it ; it being the constant here ; for observing how the company
guise of hypocrites, to . prefer ceremonial then at the table did affect precedency,
and ritual observations, before necessary and taking place one of another j he that
and moral duties. Note, 6. How our Sa- before their eyes had cured a man of a
viour .defends the lawfulness of his act in bodily dropsy, attempts to cure the person
healing the diseased man, from their own that dined with him of the tympany of
act in helping a beast out of the pit on the P^e- Where note, That it is not the
sabbath-day : as if Christ had said, " Is it taking, but the affecting of the highest
lawful for you on the sabbath-day to help places and uppermost rooms, that our Sa-
a beast ? and is it sinful for me to heal viour condemns. There may and ought
a man ?" Note, lastly. How the reason to be a precedency amongst persons ; it is
and force of our Saviour's argument si- according to the will of God, that honour
fenced the Pharisees ; convincing them, no &e give* to whom honour is due ; and
doubt, but we read nothing of their con- that the most honourable persons should
version : the obstinate and malicious are »*t m the most honourable places : for grace
much harder to be wrought upon than the Sivcs a man no exterior preference : it
ignorant and scandalous ; it is easier to makes a man glorious indeed, but it is glo-
sOence such men than to satisfy them ; to no*18 within. Note farther, The way and
stop their mouths than to remove their pre- course, the method and means, which our
judices j for obstinacy will hold the con- Saviour directs persons to, in order to their
elusion, though reason cannot maintain the attaining real honour, both from God and
premises : They could not answer him meD* namely, by being little in our own
again to those things. eyes, and in lowliness of mind, esteeming
7 And he put forth a parable to ^he rs better than ourselves ; as God wffl
those which were bidden, when he ■ba*».and "^ wiU de8P«e» the protsd and
marked how they chose out the ^«&»ity. so God will exalt, andmm will
chief room* • *ft^;««. .,«#!! #w^ ■! « honour, the humble person : Whosoever
When tfZ 'J*T8 untor them' . tt exalteth himself shall be abased, and he
When thou art bidden of any man that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Chap. XIV. ST. LUKE. 37*
12 Then said he also to him that certain man made a great supper,
bade him, When thou makest a din- and bade many : 17 And sent his.
ner or a supper, call not thy friends servant at supper time to say to
nor thy brethren, neither thy kins- them that were bidden, Come ; for
men, nor thy rich neighbours; lest all things are now ready. 18 And
they also bid thee again, and a re- they all with one consent began to
compence be made thee. ,13 But make excuse. The first said unto
when thou makest a feast, call the him, I have bought a piece of ground,
poor, the maimed, the lame, the and I must needs go and see it : I
blind: 14 And thou shalt be bless- pray thee have me excused. 19
ed ; for they cannot recompense And another said, I have bought five
thee ; for thou shalt be recompensed yoke of oxen, and 1 go to prove them :
at the resurrection of the just. I pray thee have me excused. 20
Observe here, that this is not an absolute And *«<*«<* sa«*. l have married a
denial of calling brethren and kinsfolk, and *"*! and therefore I cannot come,
rich neighbours : but Christ forbids the 21 So that servant came, and shew*
bidding of them alone, and requires that ed his lord these things. Then the
the poor be refreshed at or from our table : master of the house, being angry,
for when the : rich Jeast one another, and gaid t0 hig servant, Go out quickly
a^s^rafc «■* *• *?■«■«» •«■ °< * **
how the Pharisee that bade him to dinner and bnnS ln hlther the P°°r» and
invited only the rich, overlooking and neg- tne maimed, and the halt, and the
letting the poor, he exhorts him and the blind. 22 And the servant said,
company, that whenever they make enter- Lord, it is done as thou hast com-
tamments for the time to come, they should manded, and yet there is room. 23
ootoaly invite their rich newborn* and And the lord said unto the servant,
friends, who can and will invite them r-~ ~..* :„*~ «uA i«:»i>.».... «„J
sgxmT but remember the poor. Here note, °° out "^ the highways and
1. That civil courtesiesTand hospitable j^ges, and compel them to come
entertainments of kindred and friends, for ,n> that my house may be filled. 24
maintaining and preserving love and con- For I say unto you, That none of
cord, is not only lawful, but an expedient those men which were bidden shall
and necessary duty j Use hospitality one taste of my supper.
to another (says St Peter) -without grudg- One of them that sat at meat with our
tng. 2. That though it be not unlawful Saviour in the Pharisee's house, hearing
to invite and feast the rich, yet it is most Christ speak of being recompensed at the
acceptable to God when we feed and re- resurrection of the just, repeated that known
fresh the poor : When thou makest a feast saying among the Rabbins, Blessed is he
emit rather the poor, and thou shalt he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of
blessed. We roust prefer the duties of God : that is, who shall be partaker of the
christian charity before the ads of com- joys of heaven. Hereupon Christ utters the
moo civility: blessed are those t feast-makers, parable of the marriage-supper, recorded
who make the bowels of the hungry to here by St. Luke, with small variation
bless them. 3. That God oft-times re- from wnat was delivered by St. Matthew,
wards our liberality to the poor very sig- chap. xxii. The first intention of our Sa-
oall v m this life ; but rf it be deferred, we viour in that parable seems lo be this, to set
shall not &il to receive it at the resurrection forth that gracious offer of mercy and sal-
of the just : The poor cannot recompense yation which was made by the preaching of
thee, but thou shalt be recompensed at the the gospel unto the Jews, and to declare
resurrection of the just God's purpose of receiving the Gentiles
16 And when one of them that sat int0 thc f°ld .of JF1***. "V°" the Jews des-
at meat with him heard these things, ^^l^^r^tl^n^
. . . . , . W1 , . - Jr : -But besides tnis, it has an aspect upon us
he said onto him. Blessed w he that christians, who have embraced the doctrine
shall eat bread in the kingdom of of the gospel. Here note, 1. That the
God. 16 Then said he unto him, A gospel, lor its freeness and fulness, for its
*?i ST, LUKE; , Chap. XIV,
varieties and delicacies, is like. a marriage by persuasion only. 2. From the scope
supper : for, 1. It does create the same re- of the parable, which respects the calling
ligion between Christ and believers, that of the Gentiles, who believed by the great
marriage doth between husband and wife, power of God.
H. It entitles to the same privileges that a 25 And there went great multi-
conjugal relation doth ; to the same en- t||dc, with him . and nc turnw| *&&
deaflDgJ^! Bnd*1C,l5!rae^ toJ e ""Z said unto them, 26 If any man
care, protection, to the same honour, to ■aiw "uw *" it* * £:- a.
the same happiness. 3. It obliges to the come to me, and hate not his fa-
like duties, namely, unspotted love and ther, and mother, and wile, and
fidelity, cheerful obedience to his commands, children, and brethren, and sisters,
reverence to his person, submission to his yea, and his own life also, he cannot
authority. 4. It produceth the same |>e mv disciple. $7 And whoso*-
e^i^ibtef^oftnt^^^mcreBse ever doth not bear his crosSf tfl0<
of children, so the fruit of the gospel is „^„A oftA.. _. „«„„,*# K» mv A\*-
bringing many sons to God. fro* 2. comc after mc' cannot "* m* d*"
That gospel invitations are mightily dises* c,Ple'
teemed; they made light of the invitation, Our Saviour by these expressions doth
and offered frivolous excuses for their re- not condemn natural love and affection,
fusal of it Note, 3. That the preference either to our relations, or our own lives,
which the world has in men's esteem, is a but only regulates and directs it ; showing,
great cause of the gospel contempt ; one That our first and chief love ought to be
bad purchased a piece of ground, another bestowed upon himself; we may have, and
had bought five yoke of oxen. Note, 4. ought to cherish, tender and relenting afiec-
The deplorable sadness of their condition tions towards our near and dear relations,
who refuse, upon any pretence whatever, but then the consideration of Christ's truth
to comply with the gospel-tender of recon- and religion roust take place of these ; yea,
ciliation and mercy : The king was wroth, of life itself; and when they stand in com*
pronounced them unworthy of his favour, petition with these, we are to regard them
and resolved they should not taste of his no more than if they were objects of our
supper ; but sends forth his servants to invite hatred. Learn hence, 1 . That no man can
Others to his supper. Note, 5. The notion be a sincere disciple of Christ, who gives
under which the Gentiles are set forth unto any relation, or outward enjoyment, a pre.
us, such as were in lanes, streets, and ference to Christ in his heart and affections.
highways ; that is, a rude, rustic, and bar- Christ must be loved above all, or we love
parous people, whom the Jews despised, him not at all ; less love he accounts and
yea, whom they held accursed ; yet even calls hatred. That which we can leave
these are called and accepted, whilst the for Christ, we hate in comparison of that
Jews, the first-intended guests, are excluded love which we bear to Christ. It is both
by means of their own contempt Note, impious and impossible to hate cither and
lastly, The means used to bring in the Gen- mother, and, ourselves, absolutely : it must
tiles to the gospel-supper : Qo and compel then be understood comparatively only ;
them to come in ; not by violence, but what we love leas, we are comparatively said
persuasion ; by argumentation, not com- to hate. Learn, 2. That all the disciples of
pulsion: the plain and persuasive, the Christ roust be ready and willing, whenever
powerful and efficacious preaching of the called to it, to quit all their temporal rate-
word, with the motions and influences of rests and enjoyments, even life itself, and
the Holy Spirit, are the compulsions here submit to any temporal inconveniences,
intended ; not external force, not temporal even death itself, all this willingly and
punishment, nor outward violence. Non cheerfully, rather than disown their relation
religionis est cogcre religionem, says Ter- to Christ, and quit the profession of his holy
tullian ; ' No man ought by force and vio- religion ; upon easier terms than these can
' lence to be compelled to the profession none of us be the disciples of Jesus.
llilJVi!? J^' .i>^erV\!T' H°W 28 For which of you intending to
vainly these words are brought to prove, . •« . A •** *£ *j 2 *
that men may be compelled by the secular build a tower» sIltcth not dowJ ""*
arm to embrace the christian faith. This and counteth the cost, whether he
appears, 1. From the nature of a banquet, have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest
to which none are compelled by force, but haply, after he hath laid the founda-
Chap. XIT. . ST, LUK& 374
(ion, and 19 not able to finish it, all for the land, nor yet for the dung-
that behold U begin to mock him, hill ; but men cast it out. He that
30 Saying, This man began to build, hath ears to hear, let him hear.
and was not able to finish. 31 Or Our Saviour here compare* his disciples
what king, going to make war against to salt, thereby denoting their usefulness*
another king, sitteth not down first, salt being one of the most useful things in
and consnlteth whether he be able nature; sad pointing out also their duty*
with ten thousand to meet him that wbich » t0 sea80n themselves and others
cometh against him with twenty f«h sound doctrine. But hypocritical pro-
tho^d.* 32 O, ebe, Whije <& ^Z% ZZ3L?tfZZ
other is yet a great way off, he able to others. Our Saviour compares such
seadeth an ambassage, and desireth christian's who have no savour of piety
conditions of peace. 33 So like- and goodness upon their spirits, to salt, that,
wise, whosoever he be of you that having lost its goodness, is neither fit for the
forsaketh not all that he hath, he ,and» nor yet for the dunghill : that is, being
cannot be my disciple of a Drackish nature, it is wholly unfit to ma-
Our blessed SaviourV by these two para- ?ure the *r°und' and ™» rath« occasion
bles. advises all his followers to sit down **™*" than any fruitfulness or increase.
and consider, to weigh well, and cast up Learn ***<* T^t siijcere and serious chrnv
keforanaod. what it k like to cost them to {f™ m f^/1" ** M the "U of Kthe "* '>
go through with their profession of religion : ** * i00* and savoury in themselves,
mis. betells us, common prudence will di- and ^eavounng by exhoitetion and good
lect men to do in other cases ; particularly ^"P1* t0 a^son 0t4ben.i but hypocritical
when they either go to build oPfight; as P0^™ and apo^tizing chnstians will
a man that intenls to build, will consult * «"* ?ut> "* UamPled uP°n M «■*■
whether he is able to defray the charges ; voury salL
and a king that goeth forth to war, will r„Ap YV
consider what strength he has to make op- _ OHAr\ AV.
noujirtn . ;n KLe manner should nprsnna This chapter constat* of three parable* ; the design
position, in use manner snouia persons »Dd scope of them all » this; to represent the great
engage m religion : not rashly, but advised- tcoderness and companion of God Almighty to.
ly, with consideration and judgment. It Tards lhe ?l|«* »nd J0"1 of •innere upon their
X» ~ . u *i • r »• snicere repenunce, and how highly pleasing it ia
s good to remember the issues of action, to God when they do ao. This i« expressed by
before we act; before we engage in the three parables. 1. Of a man aeeking diligently a
.«.«i,„l «««k« #rt ~iM»to* ihoAiffimUiT sheepthathehadlost, and having found it rejoic*
Spiritual Combat, to consider the difficulty ^ greatly, and invited his neighbours to partake
Of the battle; what proud leviathans WO of hit joy. a. Of a woman having lost a piece of
havp to conflict with what miohtv p-ianU silver, and seeking carefully till the had found it,
nave 10 conmcx wnn, wnai migniy giants a|ld t^en |o ||kt nanner ^ j^. w|th |(er frjeodj
to contend and strive against, even the for her good success. 1 Of a prodigal ton, who,
world, the flesh, and the devil. But then having spent bis time and consumed his estate in
.. ,~ ___* «.u *««» *«« *kn» «... j„i:l„^ riot and excess, at length returns to his father's
we must take great care that our delioera- hoagtf llld M jo^fuUy ^ted.
tioa and consideration of difficulties and mnuwr j * l- u *■
dangers may not deter us from, but work THE*J.drew near .unto hLm a,1t the
in us, a steady resolution for the combat, . publicans and sinners, for to hear
looking up to Christ for his auxiliary aid him, 2 And the Pharisees and
and strength to render us victorious, who scribes murmured, saying, This man
though of ourselves we can do nothing, vet received) sinners, and eateth with
may do all things through Christ that them
strengthens us. Learn from hence, That _,. * ... , . *.■.«._■
such as take up a profession of Christianity, - The puMictns and sinners, as they had
without corisic£ring the dangers and diffi- *one several t,mes before, came to bear our
culties, the trials and troubles, the afflictions pavlour 8 instructions ; he treated them very
and temptations, which may accompany it, *f*y» ■ ?d Snvewed *™*™l7 with them=
w/Ul neverhold out in the spiritual Warfare, at th» *• ™arw"* were d«spleased and
but either fell m it, or run from it muiroured, censured our Saviour for too
«* e k . » 1 A .* Ar lA much familiarity with those men, whom
34 Salt u good : hut if the salt they looked upon as scandalous to converse
tiaTe lost his savour, wherewith shall with; not considering that he conversed
it be seasoned ? 35 It is neither fit with them as their physician, not as their
376 ST. LUKE: Chap. XV.-
companion j and therefore hfe proper work joy in heaven over one sinner that repent*
and employment lay among his patients : eth9 orchangeth the whole course of his life,
and that be might give all possible encour- more than over ninety and nine just per-
agement to the repentance of the greatest sons that need no such repentance. The
sinners, he sets forth at once the tender care opening of a sinner's heart to Christ, makes
of God in recovering such lost sinners, and joy in heaven, and occasions triumph in the
the inexpressible joy that is found in hea- city of our God above ; as when a young
veo at the welcome news of their recovery j prince is born* all the kingdom rejoieeth,
for thus it follows in the parables. and the conduits run wine; so when a soul
3 And he spake this parable unto k ho™Jl> Ch^ "p* *»&**£ £*
4i _ . r A WU * r a mighty satisfaction » it to the heart
them, saying, 4 What man of you, of c^ ^ to ^ ^ ls ^ ^
having an hundred sheep, if be lose that another soul is espoused to him. "O
one of them, doth not leave the nine- sinner, Christ never rejoiced over thee be-
ty and nine in the wilderness, and go fore j thou hast grieved him, and wounded
after that which is lost, until he- find Km a thousand times, but. he never re-
it ? 5 And when he hath found it, i0"** in thee til* n°w" And tf **"J*
he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoic- "P0*1 Jov » ■"»» * ?» oonfW!f ,!
:- a k a u u _ *i! u sinner, Lord, what rejoicing must there be
yig. 6 And when he coroeth home „ m^kA*** of niaisT
he calleth together his friends and
neighbours, saying unto them, Re- B Either what woman, having
joice with me ; for I have found *«n pieces of silver, if she lose one
nay sheep which was lost. 7 I say piece, doth not light a candle, and
unto you, that likewise joy shall sweep the house, and seek diligent-
be in heaven over one sinner that ty till she find it ? 9 And when
repenteth, more than over ninety su.e hath found it, she calleth her
and nine just persons which need friends and her neighbours together,
no repentance. aaying, Rejoice with me ; fori bate
In this parable Christ compares sinners to found the piece which I bad lost
sheep going astray, and God the Father to 10 Likewise, I say unto you, There
a tender and careful shepherd seeking his is joy in the presence of the angels
stray sheep; wherein he secretly taxes the of God over one si|1I|cr ^^ ^
Pharisees for their uncharitableness in cen- j^ntptk
suring him for conversing with publicans ™ *
and sinners, and for their envy at the reco- The scope of this parable is the same
very of such sinners by repentance j assur- with the former. I. To express the joy that
ing them, that they are far from the temper is found with God and bis holy angels, at
of the holy angels, who rejoice more at the the recovery and conversion of a notori-
news of one notorious sinner's conversion, ous sinner. 2. To justify Christ in con-
than for many righteous persons who went versing with such sinners in order to their
not astray ; like as a father is touched with repentance and conversion, from the ma-
a more sensible joy for the recovery of one licious reflections of the Pharisees made
son who was dangerously sick, than for the upon our Saviour for so doing : the sense
health of all the rest who were in no of the words seems to be this, M If you do
such danger. From the whole note, 1. That all justify the diligence and care of a wo»
the creature's aberration may serve for our man, using all possible means to recover
instruction ; the sheep's straying away the loss of a piece of silver that has Cesar's
from us, should put us in mind of our wan- image upon it, why (might our Saviour
dering away from God. 2. That Christ say) will you Pharisees censure and condemn
the great Shepherd of his church, with vigi- me for seeking to recover and save lost sin-
lance and care, seeketh up and findeth out ners, that have the image of an holy God
his lost sheep, and will never give over instamped upon them ?** Learn hence, 1.
his search till he hath found them. 3. That That the conversion of a sinner from a
the recovery of one lost sinner by repent- course and state of sin and wickedness, is
ance, is matter of exceeding joy and rejoic- highly acceptable and pleasing unto God.
iD8 j° Christ the great Shepherd, and to all 2. That it is reasonable to suppose, that the
the blessed' company of heaven : There is holy angels in heaven do conceive a new
Chap. XV. ST. LUKE. 377
joy at the 'notice and' news' of a sinner's against heaven, and before thee,
repentance and convention unto God: how 19 And am no more worthy to be
the angebcome by this knowledge, whe- called thy 80I1 . makc me as one o(
ther by virtue of their ministry here below, .. .. •} servant4, n0 Anci up
or whether God is pleased to reveal it to "^ nire(l, servant4\. f Ana he
them above, as a thing extremely welcome arlose' and came to hls father' Bu>
and delightful to good spirits, His neither *hen n« ™» y<* a great way off,,
material to enquire, nor possible to deter- his rather saw him, and had corn-
mine. But their happiness not being in- passion, and ran, and fell on his
tensivdy infinite, it iscertain that they may neck, and kissed him. 21 And the
be happier than they we. Note, 3. That son said unto hinif Father, I have
God is not only wUhng to receive and ginned ■ t hc ftnd . tf)
embrace repenting and returning sinners, • » 4 3 _^i. * 1
but the newW their repentance is enter- ■"«£*• n* am no more worthy to be
taioed with so much joy in heaven, that if called thy «on- 22 Bu* the father
it be possible for the blessed inhabitants of said to his servants, Bring forth the
that place to have any thing added to their best robe, and put it on him, and
happiness, this will be a new accession to put a ring on his hand, and shoes on
it: for though the happiness of God him- ku feet : 23 And bring hither the
■?■.!" ™5!5fy-. ^hu^u **? havr frtted calf, and kill it; and let us
a^an^gto^ eat and be merry : 24 For this my
is capable of addition; and as their know- fon was dead, and is alive again;
ledge and love do increase, so their felicity be was lost, and is found. And they
may be growing and improving to all eter- began to be merry,
nity ; so that it is reasonable enough to In the two former parables of the lost
suppose that there is really joy among the sheep and lost groat, was represented to us
angels and spirits of just men made perfect, the great pains and care which Christ takes
over every sinner that repenteth. for the recovery of lost sinners. In this
11 And be said, A certain man "l^e of the prodigal »n, is sha-
u*a ♦«ink —*..» . to a -a *k~ VA..n~ dowed forth unto us, with what great rea-
had two sons : 12 And the young- dine^ . ftnd gladnefflf our ^^ Fa_
ex of them said to At* father, *a- ther receives repenting and returning sin-
ther, give me the portion of goods ners# in the face of this prodigal, as in a
that falleth to me. And he divided glass, we may behold, first, A riotous sin-
tinto them his living. 13 And not ner'» aversion from God. Secondly, A
many days after the younger son ga- penitent sinner's conversion toGod. Third.
thered all together, and took his *• * J"1*0?**??*?* acceptance and
- .. er ' . A 1.1 ,. entertainment with God. From the whole
journey into a far country and there learn> L What fc ^ Mture of ^ and
wasted his substance with notous the practice of sinners. Sin is a departing
living. 14 And when he had spent from God, and every sinner doth volun-
all, there arose a mighty famine in tardy and of his own accord depart from
that land ; and he began to be in him: He took his journey into ajar court*
want. 16 And he went and joined *ry- Learn. 2. The great extravagancy
himself to a citizen of that country ; JJ»*» sinners run into when they forsake
— uj w- — >«* i*:~» :«*^ u;. «^m- \* God, and give up themselves to the conduct
ud he sent him into his fields to of ^ lu£ an/vilc affection8. ^ wasted
feed swine. 16 And he would tain aU j^ substance with riotous living ; that
have filled his belly with the busks ^ 8pent bis time, and consumed his trea-
tbat the swine did eat : and no man sure, in riot and excess. Observe, 3. That
gave unto him. 17 And when he sin will certainly bring men into streights,
came to himself, he said. How many but streights do not always bring men off
servants of my father's have £» 8in ; ^J6^ * £ tvl^ 2?
«._ ^ «- mA a .WttM otwl 1 thinks not of returning to his fathers house.
bread enough and to spare, and I 4 x^ «,„,„, will try all ways, and go
pertsh with hunger I 18 1 will arise, t^ugh the greatest hardships and diffi-
and go to my father, and will say culties, before they will leave their sins, and
unto him, Father, I have sinned return home to their heavenly Father:
JTO ST. LUKE. Chap. %V2
ff? joined himself to a citizen of that of our heavenly Father and ba holy angels
country ; and went into the fields to feed to all eternity : because we were de*a\but
swine. He chooses rather to feed at the are now alive again ; we were lost9 hut
hog's trough, than to feast in his father's are found.
house. Oteerve, 5. Atlastthehappy fruits ^ Nw hU eWer fi(m w„ w the
of a sanctified affliction; they put the pro- fi , . . , . .
digal upon serious consideration : He came *?™ • a"a ** nc «m« am? arew
to AtmW; upon wise consultation ; I n>gh to the house, he heard music
perish with hunger : and upon a fixed and dancing : 26 And he called
resolution-, J will arise and go to my one of the servants, and asked what
father. Serious consideration, and solid these things meant. 27 And be
resolutions, are great steps to a sound con- gajd „ntohim, Thy brother is come ;
version, and thorough reformation. Ob- ftn(1 |h father hath kmed the fatted
serve, 6. The affectionate tenderness and ,- , J , » 4k ^^i.,^ §.:«.
f.u. f,u , i.,uQ„»nri, calf, because he hath received mm
compassion of the father towards the return- , • «ft >* j v
ing prodigal: though he had deserved to safe and sound. 28 And he was
be sharply reproved, severely corrected, angry, and would not go in : there-
and finally rejected and shut out of doors; fore came bis father out, and en-
yet the father's compassion is above his treated him. 20 And he answering
anger : not a word of his miscarriages 9aid to flu father, Lo, these many
drops from his father's mouth, but as soon do i gerve thce ne;thCr trans-
as ever the son looks back, mercy looks f^ , i .* OBt-. ♦;,«« *u„ -.«««»« nA
out, and the father expresses, 1. His speedy &rcssed l at *"? *"** "V «*»»»«<I-
readiness to receive his son, He ran unto went : and yet thou never gavest
him : the sop did only arise and go, but me a kid, that I might make merry
the father made haste and ran ; mercy has with my friends : 30 But as soon as
not only a quick eye to spy out a penitent, this thy son was come, which hath de-
but a swift foot, it runs to embrace a peni- VOured thv living with harlots, thou
tent. 2. Wonderful tenderness, ^ir>// hast km^ for him the fetted cal£
ZSLa" k- !t ^II1^ m T 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou
looked upon him with the eye, more to v\ **"" .A,™ . U\C\ i t
have taken him by the hand, but most of art ever with me, and all that I have
all to fall upon his neck. Divine mercy is thine. 32 It was meet that we
will not only meet a penitent, but embrace should make merry and be gfad :
him also. 3. Strong affectionateness : He for this thy brother was dead, and
hissed him ; giving him thereby a pledge j8 aijvli again . an<i was fog^ and is
and assurance of perfect friendship and re- found#
conciliation with him. Learn hence, That
God is not only ready to give demonstrations By the murmuring of the elder son at
of his mercy to penitent sinners, but also to the prodigal's returning to, and reception
give the seals and tokens of his special recon- with, his father, some think the Jews in ge-
cilcd favour to them ; they shall now have neral are to be understood, whose peevish-
the kisses of his lips, who formerly deserved ness to the Gentiles, and the repining at the
the blows of his hand : The father ran oner of salvation made unto them by the
unto him9 fell on his neck, and hissed gospel, is very evident from many places of
him, Observe lastly, The great joy that scripture; others understand H of the scribes
appeared in the whole house, as well as in and Pharisees in particular, who presuming
the father's heart, upon this great occasion, on their own righteousness, as if they baa
the prodigal son's returning : They all he- never transgressed God's commandments at
gan to be merry t there was music and any time, murmured at our Saviour for con-
dancing. Learn hence, That sincere con- versing with sinners, though it were in order
version brings the soul into a joyful, into to the bringing of them to repentance ;
a very joyful state and condition. The which instead of being frowardly discon-
joy that conversion brings is an holy and ' tented at, they ought to have rejoiced at.
spiritual joy, a solid and substantial joy, a Learn hence, There is such an envious
wonderful and transcendent joy, an in- spirit in men, yea, even in the best of men,
creasing and never-fading joy. Our joy as inclineth them to repine at such diapen-
°\ eartn ** an earneat °f ™ j°y* of heaven, sations of divine grace and favour, as others
where there will be rejoicing in the presence receive, and they want. 2. -That to m-
Chap. XVL ST. LUKE.: 873
dusgesoeh « spirit tod temper in ourselves, and laid unto the first, How much
fpcsgieat tin, and great folly : rat sin owest thou unto my lord ? 6 And
m bemg d^ttfied with Gods dispensa, he gaid An hundred measures of oil.
our grief., at if we had lest because another an£ 8lt dow.n1 <*»"*%> and wnte fifty,
hat more: The eldest son was angry, and ? Then said he to another, And
vou/d not go in : it follows, therefore came how much owest thou ? And he
his father out and in treated Aim. This said, A n hundred measures of wheat*
shows the meekness of God in dealing with And he said unto him, Take thy bill,
asunder our frowardoe* ; and the high;sa- and wrfte fOUP9Cor6.
tatetioo betakes in a sinners converswn q^ j^ ^^ tnig ^^ ^ t|^
and ^wtoroing to his duty. Ustly. This We of a ^ man.8 rtewa^ who M
poostaou untous our duty to imitate God, ^llcd upon by his master to give up hb
and be follower, of bim as dear children. a^utTm oroer to his being dischaigod
Iteth be rejo^ at a sinners return i to his from his officef c^ about £ith hin&f
cbslyi so should we. T» the devil s tern- what coune he had best take to provide
per to regretaiid aavy the good and bappi. for hi8 aniJBii|€BOew when he should be turn-
ness of others; .be gnashes his teeth, when ed^tf his employment : at last he re-
^Vf^ *T ?^ hITi^,l?L«0f, 5 *>*« "P™ thiswise; That he will gd
snatched out of his jaws. But to God, and to his |oft8 ^ .^'^ a favourab5te
all to holy angels, nothing is so agreeable accoant ^ u writi down m fof ^
at the repentance and conversion of a sui. hundred that b xh£ means ^ m^ht
ner from the error of h.s ways, and the obH thcm t0 b/fcrad t0 nim jn hk| ^
saving of a soul from death ; this ■ looked ceS8it this ^ the ^ of the -^^
5^f V^^^J^ ^# ■ * Now the scope and design of it is this : To
around of the greatest joy and rejoicing : ^^ a|J men~ tbat areeinlru8ted by God
YJH Ti i ^ -k°!f ft! mtrry *™ *"b estates, honours, and authority,
andjc glad, for this % brother teas ^ ^ ^ of ^ ^^ unt0 8pirituai ^
<fr«4 */,</ « alive again ; 4e «** /<»/, the j of q^, and the ^^ ^ othen|
2? * Ak"^ rh€DCe ^^ ^T^ ^ we are not proprietors and owners, but
ration » the term from which all true plea- 8teward8 onl & & mantfold gfa of God,
sure commences. We never live a merry and mugt ^ acc0Untable unto him for all
day M we begio i to live unto God , when at ^ but io tbe .^ ^ t0 ^ ^
tte nrodsml son relumed to ha father, then, , and improve our Lord's goods to the
and not till then, they began to be merry, ^f advantage for ourselves, whilst we are
rH.p YVT entrusted with them ; this is the scope of
tttAr* AVI* the parable. Now the observations from it
AND he said also unto his disci- are these: 1. That all persons, even the
A pies, There was a certain rich hiSh«t and greatest of persons, are but
man which had a steward ; and the ^T* V^JFwt "SP °f ?n\ t
i A l> *l a t That our stewardship must and shall have
aasne was accused unto him that he an ^ we shaU BJt te al we
had wasted his goods. 2 And he call- ghan not ^ longf stewards. 3. That when
ed him, and he said unto him, How is we are put out of our stewardship, we must
it that I hear this of thee ? give an give an account of our carriage therein ;
account of thy stewardship ; for thou and the greater our trust was, the heavier
mayest be no longer steward. 3 7111 ?"r Zoning be. 4. That therefore
The. the steward said within him- rt will^Tbifc
*-ir wk~* -k-n i a~ *u. —„ i™i are entrusted with our masters goods, so to
self, Yf hat shall I do, for my lord ^ and improVe them, as may make most
taJceth away from me the steward* for our comfort and advantage, when we
ship ? I cannot dig ; to beg I am give up our account
ashamed. 4 I am resolved what to 8 And the lord commended the
do, that when I am put out of the unjust steward, because he had done
stewardship, they may receive me into wisely : for the children of this world
their houses. 5 So he called every are in their generation wiser than the
one of his lord s debtors tmio him, children of light.
Sftf ST. LUKE/ Chap. XVI/
Wisely, that is, dwsieeUy, according to may receive you ; Wh&tthcy* Someun-
the wisdom of the men of this world, whose derstand it of the Holy Trinity, others of
concern is only for the good things of thjs the blessed angels, whose office it b to con-
life. Christ commends him not absolutely, vey the charitable and good man's soul to
as a fit example to be followed in wasting heaven, its eternal habitation. Seme un-
his master's goods, but comparatively, as derstand it of riches themselves. They
being worthy to be so far imitated by the may receive you ; that is, your estates,
children of light, as to take the same care laid out for God in works of piety and
to secure heaven as others do to get the charity, may enter before you into heaven,
world. Christ commends him no farther and open the gates of eternal life for you,
than we do a person, when we say, such not in a way of merit, but in a way of
a one is a shrewd roan for the world : In means. Lastly, They may receive you .-
a word, the steward is here commended, Some understand it of the poor thenvetves,
not for his dishonesty, but for his policy, whose bowels our charity hath refreshed,
shrewdness, and sagacity, having done that they will welcome us to heaven, and
cunningly for himself, though knavishly receive us with joyful acclamations mto
for his master; from whence our Saviour the eternal mansions, which are prepared
draws this conclusion, That the children for the merciful. Others say, the words,
of this world are in their generation They may receive you, are impersonally
wiser than the children of light. Hence put for, that you may be received into hea*
note, That the generality of men are not so ven when you die. This is to imitate the
wise and provident for the soul, and the wise merchant, in sending over our money
concernments of another world, as worldly into another country by bills of exchange.
men are ^ ^ ^eT^Qfh^^l^ 10 He that is faithful in that
(his life. It is seldom seen, that good men . . *, . , - . . .
are so wise for the concerns of their souls, which is least, is faithful also »
as worldly men are for their worldly in- much ; and he that is unjust in the
ferests. least, is unjust also in much. 11
A.J¥ A ** i ~ *~ If therefore ye have not been faith-
• 9 And I say unto you, Make to /.. '. J. . , .
l *■ a Ar*kJmAmmMn ful in the unrighteous mammon, who
yourselves friends of the .nammon £ ^
of unrighteousness; ^ ; whe« ye £ f haye ^
faiK thev may receive you into ever- becn ^y fa that ^ is ^
lasting habitations. thcf man% who ghaU gWc yo|| ^
Here our Saviour makes application of which is your own ?
the foregoing parable to his disciples.
Where note, 1. The title given by our Sa- Our blessed Saviour having declared to
viour to wealth and riches, he calls it Mam- his followers, in the foregoing verses, the
mon, and Mammon of unrighteousness ; great advantage they shall reap by a cha-
Mammon was the name given by the hea- ritable distribution of temporal good things,
thens to the god of riches ; the mammon he acquaints them in these verses with the
of unrighteousness, is riches unrighteously great detriment and disadvantage that will
gotten. 2. The advice given by our Savi- redound to them if they do otherwise. 1.
our to the men of wealth : Make to your- If they be not faithful in rightly emptoy-
selves friends of the mammon ofunrightc- ing temporal riches, they must not expect
ousness ; that is, make God your Friend by that God will entrust them with spiritual
a charitable distribution, that he may bless and heavenly, which are the true riches :
you j make the poor your friends, that they God will deal with his servants, as we deal
may unitedly engage their prayers for you ; with ours, never trust them with much,
make your own consciences your friends, that whom we find unfaithful in a little. 2. If
they may not reproach and shame you, they be not faithful in the improvement of
sting and torment you. Observe, 3. The these outward things, which God entrusts
argument used to excite the rich to this them with but for a time, and must short-
improvement of their wealth : That when ly leave them to others ; how can they
ye fail, they may receive you into ever- expect, that God should give them those
lasting habitations : When ye fail, that spiritual good things, which shall never be
is, when ye die, and your riches fail you, taken away from them to whom they are
and can stand you in no farther stead, They given. Where note, 1. That the riches we
Chap. XVI. ST. LUKE. 981?
hare are called not pur own, but another can divide his bent betwixt God and the
man's : If we have not been faithful in world. Learn hence, That to love the world
that vhich is another man's ; Because as our chief good, to seek it as our highest
God bath not made us proprietors, but dis- interest, and to serve it as our chief com-
peosers; not owners, but stewards of these mander, cannot stand with the love and
things ; we have them for others, and service which we bear and owe to God
must leave them to others; we are only our Maker. The world's slaves, while such,
trustees for the poor ; if much be put into, can be none of God's freemen.
our Jiands, it is to dispense to others accord* .
jug to our Master's orders ; let us be faith- 14 And the Pharisees also, who
fat then in that which is another man's; were covetous, beard all these things :
that is, with what God puts into our hand and they derided him.
for the benefit of others. Note, 2. That _.
though our gifts are not our own ; yet grace Tne Pharisees were notoriously addicted
cTsmritual goods are our own : others w the u8in of coyetousness, accounting no
may have all the benefit of our gifts, but ?»n happy but them (hat were rich ; and
we shall have the benefit and comfort of becau8f1 "* P">*»es made to the Jews were
our own graces this treasure we cannot generally (thoueh not only) of temporal
leave to omen, and it shall never be taken losings, they looked upon poverty as a
«way from ourselves. Note, 3. That God ^J *ndfe^ee?fd ?* P°°r wwed, John
is just, and will be eternally justified in de- v"; 49' Tbe Pharisees hearing their co-
nymg his special grace to those, who do vetousness reproved, and the doctrine of
not make use of his common gifts : Would **"* «» ■to" Poached and enforced
men be faithful in improving a little. God ty 0UJ .?•«"• "^ *«" him in the
woald entrust them with more; did they ■hamefuUest manner, with the highest de-
not abase tbe trust of his common gifts, be S1*8 of contempt and scorn, wringing the
would not deny them tbe treasure of his n08e; and making mouths at him, as the on-
saving grace, called here, The true riches, fnal word seems to import. Leam hence,
^ • 1. That sinners grow very angry and ira-
13 No servant can serve two mas- patient under the ministry of the word,
ten : for either he will hate the one, when they bear their darling sin, their be-
and love tbe other ; or else he will J*** lo* at™ck at' Md »harply reproved.
w^lj *-. *k- ^«« an<i jflon;Ba #u« 2. That covetous men who make wealth
bold to the one, and despise the |heir ^ wheQ the ^ ^ doctrine of
other. Ye cannot serve God and ^ holy contempt of the world preached,
mammon. . and the great duty of alms-giving urged
Observe here, A two-fold master spoken and enforced, they make it the matter of
ot God and tbe world. God is our Mas- their contempt and derision : The Phari*
ter by creation, preservation, and redemp- *e€S heard and derided him.
boo ; he has appointed us our work, and , c A j u • j * *u v
secured us our wages : tbe world is become ^ 16 "d I be said unto them, Ye are
our master by intrusion, usurpation, amkfct they which justify yourselves before
general estimation ; too many estGeming^Jpnen ; but God knoweth your hearts :
as their chief good, and delighting in it as for that which is highly esteemed
their chief joy. Observe, 2. That no man among men is abomination in the
can serve these two masters, who are of con- sight of God.
trary interest^ and issue out contrary com- 6
mands : When two masters are subordi- Here our Saviour sharply reproves the
nate, and in their commands subservient to Pharisees for their horrible pride, their self-
each other, tbe difficulty of serving both is justification, and vain affectation of the
not great ; but where commands interfere, opinion and esteem of others ; as if Christ
and interests clash, it is impossible : no had said. " You bear up yourselves, and
man can serve God and the world, but he take a pride in this, that men know no ill
may serve God with the world ; we may by you, that no man can say, Black is
be served of riches, and yet serve God ; but your eye; but God can see that black is
we cannot serve riches,' but we. must dis- your heart. You think that because you
serve God ; we cannot serve God and the glory in your own excellences, God glo-
world botb, and seek them as our chief ries in you too; but whoever is highly
good and ultimate end, because no man esteemed by you, is abominated by God."
g&$ ST* LUKE. Ck*p. JtV).
Learn, Tint no man ought to think himself enrobe wnich fell from the rich man's
approved of God barely because he it ap- table : moreover, the dogs came and
proved by himself; for all who justify ]|cke<l his sores,
themselves upon the goodness of their works
are not good* Our Saviour in his parabolical history of
^ -, . , .« , . Divesand Lazarus, instructs us concerning
% 16 The law and the prophet* tbc n-bt use of riches, which is to eapa-
toere untilJohn : since that ttme the cjtate us to do good to others ; declaring
kingdom of God is preached, and that in (be life to come, the pious poor
every man presseth into it. 17 man shall be eternally happy, whilst the un»
And it is easier for heaven and earth merciful rich man shall be intolerably mi*
to pass, than one tittle of the law «*■*• H«* ob-ttT\J; T** *?reni
in fail 18 Whosoever nutteth awav ttate "** «ondluon of B00* and bad men
to tail, lb" vvnpsoever puttetn away fa the ^^ worH> ffora what tbey m in
his wife, and marneth another, com- fnfa ^ the wicked perf ^oW fkh
rnitteth adultery : and whosoever and great, and the good and virtuous are
marrieth her that is put away from in calamity, suffer poverty and distress,
her husband, committcth adultery. which has staggered many men, yea, the
_ - . . 4. . .. best of men, in the belief of a divine pn>
Our Saviour mth« word, gives the vidence. Qhtaw^ 2> j^ ^ ^r^
Pharisees to understand _ that their contempt did not censure the rkA men for hemg rich,
ofhisoeiso^ddoctnnewaathemorein. but for ^ ^^^ ^ for ^
excusable, because .they lived in and under C0Bt! f ^ ^ a vientm ^
the clearest light of he gospel: the preach- (whichflt^naged acting to men*, q^
K ^J^n ^P*^*8 «*»** lities and estates? is a commendable virtue,)
but till John the Baptist came among you 5 ^ hh ^^y and fo^ a«id forgetting
since v^ich time the gospel has been clearly to fecd the hun^ with t& auperfluS^af
pieacned both by himj rod 1 myself unto his tob|e . thesi are the thingsfoTwhich hft
you; and it tathjrfessed God to give rny is ^^ Froro whence we may learn,
doctrine great acceptation in the world. tbat ^ ^ , intemperance and
Though you Phanaees reject it ; yet every *nsu£,itVf m 8Uch abuses of worldly riches,
one, that m, very many, press into it ; so M worldf ^ are very prone and imadeot
that the doctrine which you mock, the holy to RichJ mcn too of^^ake u^ back
doctrine of the gospel, others will embrace. tnd their Ml ^^ ^ . aacrifiekst; and
Yet lest, while Christ spake thus highly of devoting aU they have to the service of tbost
the gospel, the Pharisees should reproach m*.. Observe, a That a poor and mean
i"? !? \ , . "I03^ /t the , ? ** 8bow? condllon is the lot of many good men, nay,
that the obligation of the moral law was of h of the mo8t in this * orItL Thal a
eternal force, and that heaven and earth ^ ^ ^r ^d miserable in this
should sooner pass, than the obligation of world and -f^ very deartoGod: the
the law cease ; which yet the Pharisees „« of ^notification is sometimes bestow,
most shamefully violated, particularly the^f m08t ^emiy, where the gift, of pro-
seventh commandmen , which they brake*^^ ^ ^ di8pen8ed ,£* .paring,
by perm.tt.ngand practising divorces, upon , consequently fronTthe present iteleof
unjustifiable grounds. Learn hence, Ifaat ^en in Jj worfdf we ^ ^ke no jude-
the moral law, in all the branches of iff raent of their future cond^on jn the ^d
which is summarily comprehended in the j0 come
ten commandments, is an eternal rule of
hfe and manners, which is to stand in force 22 And it came to pass that the
as long as the world stands, and the frame beggar died, and was carried bv the
of heaven and earth endures. angels into Abraham's bosom : the
19 There was a certain rich man, rich man also died, and was buried ;
which was clothed in purple and fine 23 And in hell he lifted up his eyes,
linen, and fared sumptuously every being in torments, and seeth Abra-
day -. 20 And there was a certain ham afar off, and Lazarus in his
beggar named Lazarus, which was bosom :
!£i ^ hiS- gatC' ^ °1 .80rC8» 2l Observe here, 1. That our Saviour n>
And desiring to be fed with the presents all men, both good and bad, past-
i
Chap. XTL ST. LUKE. 383
iog immediately oat of this life into a atone* and without any other guilt, b su£>
stale of happiness or misery; LazaruB ficient to ruiaa man for ever; there is
died, and. was carried by angels into found in this sip great impiety to wards God,
■Abraham's bosom. Thence note, 1. That and great inhumanity towards our own
the soak of men survive in jsensibiiity and nature. Observe, 3. The nature and qua-
acbviiy, after the dissolution of their bodies, lity of his sufferings : they are exquisitely
and do not sleep with the body till the painful, and void of the least degree of
day of the resurrection. 2. That all holy comfort \ not a drop of water is granted to
soak, and amongst the rest the godly poor, cool an inflamed tongue. Learn thence,
are instantly, after death, conveyed by That the least refreshments are impatiently
tagek to their place of rest and blessedness, desired bv the damned souls in hell, but
The rich man also died : this is added to righteously denied and withheld from
Jet us know that riches, for all men's con- them: a drop of water was desired, but
fidence in them, will not deliver from death ; not granted. No cup of water, no bowls
the rich man might be surfeited by faring of wine, in hell : there is but one full cup
debcimssly every day, while Lazarus was in hell, and that is the cup of God's wrath,
tarnished. Ana was buried: here is no without any mixture of mercy or pity. That
mention of Lazarus's burial, probably he throat will be for ever parched with thirst
had none, but was flung out of the way then, which is drenched and drowned with
into some hole or pit ; or if be had a bu- excess now : the songs of the drunkard
rai, a very mean one, which is past over here, will be turned into bowlings and
is silence : all the advantage which a rich lamentations there,
mas has by a great estate after he is dead, _ . , , . , 0
•only to havea pompous funeral, which yet 25 But Abraham said, Son, re-
signifies nothing to him, because he is not member that thou in thy life-time re-
sensible of it. And in hell he lift up his ceivedst thy good things, and likc-
eyes9 ifc\ He feels at once both his own wise Lazarus evil things : but now
misery, and sensibly perceives Lazarus's he is comforted, and thou art tor-
happmeas. Thence note, That the souls mented.
at wicked men, whilst their bodies lie in
tht grave, are io the state of the greatest Observe, 1. The title given to the rich
misery, which is aggravated by the sense maa Djf father Abraham, Son. He doth
they have at the same time of the saints* not revile him, though a very bad man':
aappiiws For probably toe blessed shall if we rey,,e the g°°d, we are unjust, they
seethe torments of the damned, and the deserve it not ; if we revile the bad, we are
probably shall see the glory of the wwtef we shall get nothing by it : a wise
roan knows not what it is to give bad lan-
guage. Observe, 2. The admonition giv-
24 And he cried and said, Fa- en, Remember that thou in thy life-time
tber Abraham, have mercy on me, receivedst thy good things: thy aood
and seed Laxarua, that he" may dip things in which thou placedst all thy hap-
the tip of his finger in water, ante*"*8*; thy good things which thou loot
cool my tongue ; for I am tormented ^*uP°n **■* J ■• the W****** ™*
- *. • v» J* as the dispenser of; now remember what
m ttiia name. wou hadst, and what thou abusest. Learn
Observe here, 1. The place where the hence, That the outward blessings which
rich man suffers, it is in bell : the souls of are afforded to wicked men on earth, will
wicked men, when they leave their bodies, be sadly remembered in hell : Son, remenu
do certainly go into a place of torment, ber that thou in thy life-time receivedst
which is not only beyond expression, but thy good things. 2. That no man ought
onr apprehension also ; Eye hath not to measure his happiness hereafter by his
teen, nor ear heard, nor hath it entered temporal felicity here : we may receive our
into the heart of man to conceive, those good things here, and yet be tormented
dreadml things which God hath prepared hereafter. 3. That no man ought to be
for them that hate him. Observe, 2. The excessively troubled if be meets with hard.
sin for which be suffers : it is the sin of ship here, because those for whom God
uunerafulness. Thence learn, That un- designs good thiogs hereafter, may have
charitableness and unmercifulness to the their evil things here : Son, thou hadst thy
poor* is a very great sin, and such a sin as good things, and also Lazarus evil things.
2M ST. LUKE. Chap. XVI.
4. The woid ( remember) implies that hu- are shut in there ; buti t u Jjnjjder to this,
LX their state of .Juration, do that bo* soul and body togdhern^
exercise memory, thought, and reflection ceive an eternal sentence for an *****»&
on^pestoccuVrenc^^^ ^^^^,^^1^^^
lives; and, consequently, that they do not gels, and there will be no more opening,
sleep or fall into a state of insensibility and for ever.
inactivity at death till the resurrection. 29 Abraham saitb unto him,
* 26 And besides all this, between They have Moses and the prophets ;
us and you there is a great gulf let them hear them,
fixed : so that they which would pass . xhat is, they have the inspired writings
from hence to you cannot ; neither of Moses and the prophets, which sufficient-
can they pass to us that would came ly declare the mind and wfll of God to
from thence mankind, and therefore it is unreasonable to
imminence. ^ My fwther ^^^^ Learn
The meaning is, That there neither is, t^oe, That a standing revelation of God
nor can be, any commerce or intercourse ^ evidence sufficient for divine things j it is
betwixt glorified saints and damned sinners; ft more certain, way of conveyance, and
but the state of souls at death is unalterably more gecured from imposture. Secondly,
fixed and stated. Learn, That the misera- That there ^ a sufficient evidence that Mo-
ble condition of damned souls in the next g^ gnd the prophets, or the writings of
world, and the bleated condition of glo- ^ hojy acriptures, are of divine authority,
rifled souls, is unchangeably and unalter- and tDemfore to be read and heard, to be
ably such : the power of God is irresistible, Sieved and assented to : They have Mo-
and the will of God is invariable, the oath seg Lc
of God is immutable ; I have sworn that » ' . , . .. N ^^
tiey .HaU n^r rntcr^ r,, »£* *^J!»*£Z
27 Then he said, I pray thee ^ dead ^ wiU t
therefore father that thou wouldest >
send hint to my father', house ; 28 M£ffJ*(he ^ & tneir h££ but
.Fori have five brethren ; that he y^tter heartsren^impenitent; but ifa
may testify unto them, lest tney al- jpe^ me«eager be sent to them from the
so come into this place of torment, dead, this will not fail to awaken them, and
Here the rich man is represented a. re- bring than to "P"™*!?". ***;
taming even in hell some tenderae* for his How prone we are to dadike Godai d*-
Xion, on earth ; vet other, think, that thod and mean, winch he ha. *&>***&
the kindness intendeJ, wa. rather to him- reclaiming uj from our .inland jmagtie
self than to hi. relatton. , fearing that their *™^bof our own would be >».
raining by hi. example .hould be an aggra- *cce«ful. The smptuw read, ftewori
vation of hi. own totmema. Note thence, preached, the , sacraments M™»*f«.
Tliattbepraenceof*nfulrelation.andcoii>. J#hese are Jthe (ordinary means which tbewa-
panions in hell, may be supposed to make dom of God I to. «PP?™^ J^"8 «;
•Tconsiderable addition to the miseries of viction: and if we think *!™*^J™
■the danmed : the «ght of those whom they the dead would be a ^e^*^*^*^
have sinned with, »a fresh revival of their the next verse wil Iconfutdw, and thorough^
ow guilt; all the circumstance. of their -^ ^ *** wh™^P^:H
put and profligate lives are upon this oc- no}, probably nothing wilf; for thus it
canon continually in their remembrance, follow. :
Note farther, This miserable wretch is con- 31 And he said onto him, If tliey
vinced that he could not get out of hell, j,ear not Moses and the prophets,
therefore desires that no friend of his ^might „ ith r wiU tney be persuaded
come in. He knew weU enough, ttatif f' fa &,ad.
tbey were once there, they would come *"vu5" v
x>ut no more. Indeed, God will at the great A very awakening text this b, wnicb
day send forth his writ to the graves to speaks dreadfully to persons sittmgall thai
bring out the bodies of the wicked that days under the ministry of the gospeUaiid
are shut up there ; and will send out his yet find not their understandings enhghl-
-writ to hell, to bring forth the spirits that ened, their judgments convinced, their wills
Chap. XV1L ST. LUKE. 385
subdued, and their lives reformed by it. the sea, than that he should offend
Were it possible for such persons to see one one 0f these little ones,
comefrom the dead, yea, from the damn- Tw0 tnings are here observable, K The
ed, with the flames of hell about his ears, necessity of scandalous offences : It must
wnngmg h» hands, and gnashing Ins tueds be that offences come, if we consider
le^be^mg his m«ryf and beseeching men-s corruptions, Satan's malice, God's
then to take warning by his example, and permission and just judgment. Observe,
id tone to acquaint themselves with God, 2. The misery and misdiiif which come by
f^1* alpface; ^ P* w?uld ***• no these scandals: Woe unto the world be-
farther effect upon them, than to move cause 0f offences ; woe to such as give the
^P3^?11 E httJe for.tbePre8ent' whjt scandal : this is v<* indignantis, the woe
the dreadful sound is in their ears: the 0f one denouncing: and woe to such as
ordinances of God and not his providences, stumbleat oflencesgiven : this izvwdoleniis,
are the instituted and appointed means for lhe woe of one lamenting. From lhe
mens conversion and salvation. Note whole, note, 1. That scandals or offensive
then, 1. That no visions or apparitions, actions in the church of Christ will cer-
nonew revelations concerning eternal re- tainly happen, and frequently fall out
wards and punishments, are to be expected among those that profess religion and the
from the other world, in order to men's name of Christ : It is impossible but that
conversion and salvation. _Note, 2. That offences wilt come. Secondly, That scan-
the word of God dispensed to us, and the ialous and offensive actions from such as
ordinary means of grace enjoyed by us, are profess religion and the name of Christ, are
more conducible and effectual means to per- baneful and fatal stumbling-blocks to wick-
suademen to repentance, than ^if one should ed and worldly men. Thirdly, That the
anse from the dead, and 1 preach unto us. A offences which wicked men take at lhe
messenger from the dead cannot bring with h\h of the professors of religion, for the
him ertherj a more necessary doctrine, or a hardening of themselves in their wicked and
more certain and infallible doctrine, nor sinful practices, is matter of just and great
bring with him better arguments for our con- lamentation : Woe unto the world because
victioo, than what the scriptures do pro- of offences, Mult, xviii. 7.
pound for our consideration ; nor can we n r« » . . A • , .„
expect a greater co-operation of the Holy . 3 tr*kc heed t0 yourselves : If
Spirit, or a greater concurrence of divine tny brother trespass against thee,
power, to render a message from the dead rebuke him; and if he repent, for-
raore effectual, than doth ordinarily attend give him. 4 And if he trespass
the ministry of the word. Henceforward against thee seven times in a day,
then, let us not wonder, if when a drunkard and seven times in a day turn acain
crops down dead upon Jhe sDOt.thecom- t0 th ; x ' f,
paoioos say one to another, Drink on ; if u u * • i? *
smners daily tumble one another into the 8halt forSl?c blIU-
grave, witliout considering the operation of The doctrine of forgiving an offending
God's hand; this, to those that consider brother, is pressed upon us with many
this text, will not seem strange; For if forcible arguments in the New Testament,
they hear not Moses and the prophets, which speaks it to be a duty of indis-
nttlher will they be converted, though pensable necessity. This place is to be
hundreds of sinners before their eyes drop understood of private offences, and personal
down dead : nay, If they hear not Moses wrongs and injuries done by one man to
and the prophets, neither will they be another ; which we must first reprove, and
persuaded though one rose from the dead, then remit ; and although it be said, If he
repent, forgive him ; that is not to be un-
CHAP. XVII. derstood, as if we needed not to pardon our
brother, if he neglects to repent and ask for-
rPHEN said he unto the disciples, giveness; but whether he acknowledges his
* It is impossible but that offences off€nce °l no? to J* our he?rtI mU8t *tan<|
will come : but woe unto him through ^ to/orgive the wrong done to us, and
-,k~^*L i a i* l^ to pray for forgiveness on his behalf at the
whom they come ! 2 It were better hands of God; laying aside all thoughts
tor him that a millstone were hang- and desires of revenge in our own cause,
«l about his neck, and he cast into and standing ready to any office of love and
•j c
386
ST. LUKE. Chap. XVII.
service to our offending brother. Learn will say unto him by and by, when
hence, 1. That to faU often into tbc same of- he is come from the field, Go and
fence against our brother is a great aggrava- sjt down to meat t 8 And will not
lion of our offences ; If thy brother trts- ratner say unt0 him, Make ready
pan against thee seven i times ^ « «? •" wherewith I may sup, and gird thv-
that is. verv often* 2* That astnemuUi- lc , J *.,, . , ° -
SicaKf offence, is a>* aggmvation self, and serve me till I have eaten
of offences, so the multiplying of forgive- and drunken ; and afterward thou
ness is a great demonstration of a God-like sbalt eat and drink > 9 Doth he
temper in us: he that mujtipueth sin, doth, thank that servant because he did
like Satan, sin abundantly ; and he that the things that were commanded
raultip tieth paidon, doth, like God, pardon n;m ? j trow not 10 ^ likewise
abundantly. ve> when ye shall have done all
6 And the apostles said unto the those things which are commanded
Lord, Increase our faith; votlf 8av> We are unprofitable ser-
Observe here, 1. The supplicants, the vants ; we have done that which
apostles. 2. The person supplicated, the was our duty to do.
Urd; • ?' Th^PP^**?11 ^Uncrease The desi and scope of this parable is
our faith. 4. Tbeoocasiop of this suppli- ^ th* ^^l^Qod neithcr is nor
cation, our Saviour urging the duty of lor- can ^ a Debto^o any of his creatures for
giving injuries. Learn* 1. That w all |||e ^ mfk/$ whk^ th were aUe iQ
graces in general, so the grace pf Mh» —^ unt0 hin) . and that they are so
particular, » weak and imperfe* in the best £r from meriti rewaRj ^ juslice (hat
of saints, 2. That ^ most eminent saints th do QOt J*^ a returaJof ^^
(ar^tlesnot excepted) are very sensible of ^ „„«„,, our g,^ roakes ^ of
tteimr^ect^ to evidence and prove this: 1. In respect
portunate with God daily for the increase of tQ Qod who k ^ absolute ^ and tf^
? lu ^\£CT!S* "K ^ ?* . TS! ter j and the argument lies thus, " If earth-
faith »«^hened etf*?*f* "* *? **" ly master, do not owe so much as thanks
most difficult duties of obedience, and par- tQ their ^^ for doi ^ which ^
ticularly helps to the practice of that hard comroanded them> how m*ch less can God
dutyo forgiving injuries. When our Sa- owe the roward of ^^ m {Q his ^
viour had preached the doctrine and duty when th are never aWe to do aI,
of forgiveness, the apostles instantly pray, that h comraancf€d then)f in a ^^ and
Lorrf.il/crfiweoiir/aiW. ^^ ^^^ 2. In respect to our-
G And the Lord said, If ye had ***<*> "**> ™> h» bond -servants, his
faith as a grain of mustard-seed, ye ran80roed daves» and fonsequently we are
_• u* ~*~ *u: ...,»__:. ~ jL\» not our own men, but his who hath re-
might say unto this sycamiiie-lree deenied us. ^ accotdiogly do owe him
Be thou plucked up by the root, and ^ that wayke§ yeo> more than al, that we
be thou planted in the sea ; and it are able to perform unto him : and there-
should obey you. fore whatever reward is either promised or
Here our Saviour tells his disciples, that %""*> * » whol,Y }° he ascribed to the
if they have the smallest degreeof true faith, Ma&*er 8 J**0** and notJ° *** ■enrants
lively, operative faith, it will enable them to mer;f- . *• * ° ro«nt any tmDe b/ «» &*»*
perform this difficult duty of forgiving in- ™*8 J8 "^possible, in regard of the works
juries, and all other duties, with as much fa- themselves, because all that we can do, al-
cility and ease as a miraculous faith would fh(>uSn we dld do ^ that » coro«»nded us,
enable them to remove mountains and trans- ,8 J** °ur **y • ^ foment runs thus :
plant trees. Learn, That there is nothing " T° bounden duty belongs no reward of
which may tend to theglory of God, or to Just,ce 5 butua11 the »«vi«_wq do PJ^0™*
our own good and comfort, but may be ob- vea' "»ore than we can perform to God, is
tained of God by a firm exercise of faith in hounden duty ; therefore there is due unto
him : Alt things are possible to him that J? no rewapd of j^ice bul <* fJKe ***<??"
belirveth. Prom the whole note, 1. That wfc are
•«» n..* ...i • l r . • wholly the Lord's, both by a right of croa-
7 But which of you having a ser- tionj and redemption also. 2. That as his
vant ploughing, or feeding cattle, we are, so hira we ought to serve, by doing
Chap. XVn. ST. LUKE. 887
f "T^l8* tS* ,»tathJ«>""nw>d«l «in we want blessings, when so many cords
are to look for our reward, oot of debt, but ,, . , . H""0"**"-
of grace. 4. That were our service and ., And when he ww them, lie
obedience absolutely perfect, yet it could SAld unto *•>«">. Go shew yourselves
not merit any thing at (be hand of justice: «">to the priests. And it came to
When ye have done all, tay, *c. pass, that, as they went, they were
11 And it came to pass, as he c,eansed-
went to Jerusalem, that he passed Observe here, 1. The preventing grace
through the midst of Samaria and andmercy of Christ ; their disease is cured
Galilee. 12 And as he entered into ere,t <?n te comPlai'»ed of: Go, show
a certain village, there met him ten KZZ IT- ""•'" 't Prie>l\*1* Chrirt.
afcr off: 13 And they lifted up priests, that a," the powerthal heated "hen!
«ew voices, and said, Jesus, Master, "a* wholly Christ's, so might the praise be
nave mercy on us. also. Observe, 2. A two-fold reason whv
Observe
were bitter
been guilty
Saviour, yet our Saviour in hi jouroWto TfT' £ £%* "***«*>?** ™ "><* ; and
JemsaWbalk. them not, but btstow the ££L 5 E*E i*8 ^"I pr?°ribed in
bvour of a miracle upon themVCvH fc^"™??;,. 2' *Vhe tM of
coortoy and rernect may and ought to be Jtt K^ ^Y. "T"1 T!n ,erms
paid to tbose that are the professed enemies ?Z -T^ u 8*,d, A,M ! to what P"r-
ofm. and our holy religion! oRi ££. M * to ■ho" .«««« to the pri&s ;
Though the leper by the law of God was !^at,,g£d .T. *"' 0"». do « ? We
to b^epanued^m all other sorie^God 5^,5" ,0 ~ T*" cured i «*
uwebViSniifyinjt to his oeoole. tfakt th« ,1 »J>ould we go to them to see ourselves
nous ouebt to be avoided > vet the k. «f ,hey had not been healed : what command
£. ~ rfc: arnli,,g,y ,bae r -Ser«lv^weS"L,^^
Uoally affect, though even in leprosy • ^ u !? . • ^pte 5 hW for these
pen will flock tolethVr-here^haH £ tSto^n" P1?*™* t0 Christ, they
6nd one spiritual tejer alo^ , iCnfau* ^ LfaT^ " % ™* '%
and profane persons will be sure to con-
sort with one another. Why should not 15 And one of them, when he
God's children delight :in an holy comrau- saw that he was healed, turned
oE£^ tIIS i j0in a** haHd ? back' and with a lo»<* ^ice glorified
Unserve, a Though Jew* and Samaritans fjnrl • Mini) fc*n a~ l • r
oonHiwtabkteoleanotlier.yetr^remle. Z°?.' /? A.nd fell down on Aw face
prosy they accord ; hetewasone Samaritan ? hls ,eet' ^lv,n» hm thanks ; and
leper with the Jewish : common sufferings he was a Samaritan,
^J^^ll?^friend.8'wlloinre,igioD had °bsenre here, 1. All were healed, but
disjoined. O what virtue is there in afflic- only one was thankful ; the cure is wrought
,KHX_^ a01"*6 tbe m08t a,fenated and «- upon the bodies of all, thankfulness is (bund
tranged hearts ! Observe, 4. These lepers but in the heart of one : the will makes the
apply themselves to Christ the great Phy- difference in men, but he makes the differ-
waan ; they cry unto him for mercy, with ence in wills, who at first made the will,
nspect to their afflictions ; they jointly cry, All these lepers were cured, all saw them-
they all lifted up their voice with fervent im- selves cured ; their sense was alike, their
portunity. Teaching us our duty, to join hearts were not alike. Observe, 2. The
<wr spiritual forces together, and set upon person that made this return of thankfulness
wd by troops. O holy and happy vio- to Christ, He was a Samaritan ; that is,
■nee that is thus offered to heaven! How none of the Jewish nation, but one that
2c2
068 ST. LUKE. Chap. XVII.
was a stranger to the commonwealth of Is- 20 And when he was demanded
rael : neither place nor parentage can block 0f the Pharisees when the kingdom
up the way, or stop the current, of God's o(r Go^ should come, he answered
freS T%\ 7hiC* teachniibe T^* them and said, The kingdom of Goci
and the ill-deserving. Observe, 3. How . \ . . ° _*• .. . %>i
singly he returns his *hanks; he gets away <*mcth not with observation : 21
from his fellows to make his acknowledg- Neither shall they say, Lo here ! or,
ment: there are cases wherein singularity is lo there ! for, behold, the kingdom
not only lawful, but laudable j instead of of God is within you.
subjecting ourselves to others' examples, it Tne generality of the Jews, and parlicu-
h sometimes our duty to resolve to set an My the Pharisees, expected that the pro-
example to others ; tor it is much better to mised Messia8 gbou|d ^ a temporal prince,
go the right way alone, than to err with md deliver them from the Roman yoke,
company. Observe, 4. How speedily he under which they groaned. Accordingly
returns his thanks : no sooner doth he see ^ Pharisees heredemanded of our Saviour,
his cure, but lie hastes to acknowledge it ; When lhe kingdom of God, of which he
a noble pattern of thankfu ness. What ^ w often spokeD> sfl0Uid come • Christ
speed of retribution is here ! late payments aoawerg them, That his kingdom comtth
of our thankfulness savour of ingratitude: mt with ooservation . that is, with pomp
it were happy for us christians, did we and splendour, which men may observe
learn our duty of this Samaritan. and e upon. but he teiU {hmt the
17 And Jesus answering said; kingdom of God was now among them, by
Were there not ten cleansed ? but the ministry of John Baptist and himself;
where are the nine ? 18 There are and was already set up in the hearts of his
not found that returned to give glory people, by the secret operations of his
to God, save this stranger. 19 And Holy Spirit. I^rn hence, That the false
he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: n°iio» which the Jews had of the M«siali,
*u r :*u u *i a *u u~i and his kingdom, (that he himself was to
th v faith hath made thee whole. ta % ^^ ^ ^ his kingdom 4
la the face of tbe* ten leper, we njay, teaAu klVgdoi£, to be set up with a great
m in a glass, behold the faceand complex- j^, of no^ aod s^ndoorf) did
ion of all mankind. How few are there, Wnder ,ta ^^ of them from belief-
O Lord ! scarce more than one in ten, who m jn hinlf Seemly, That the kingdom
after signal mercies return suitablertnwks. wgich q^,, de$i^ t0 ^ £ |he
Men howl to God upon their tods, but worW altogether spiritual, not ob-
run away from God as soon as they are vjom ,0 human .^ ^ ^^ ^ (be
raised up by h,m. Observe farther. What ^^ ^ hig ^ b the ^^ of hij
an exact account Christ keeps of his own s^rit M Yingdon\ cometk : not ntk
dispensed favours: Were there not ten Xeroation, but i, vithin you.
eleamedr He forgets our sins, but re- ' ., ....■'
cords his own mercies. It is one of his ** And he said Tinto the disciples,
glorious titles, A God forgiving and for- The days will come when ye shall
getting iniquity ; but bis mercies are over desire to see one of the days of the
all his works, and deserve everlasting re- Son of man, and ye shall not see it.
raembrance. God keeps a register of ha 23 And they sha-ji ,ay t0 you, See
raeraes toward, u* O shall we not record h of ^ th ' nJot after
the favours received from him, at once de- ., -„ ., ■* « .■
olare his bounty towards us, and our thank- ft*"* nor Mlovr them. 24 For as the
fulness towards him ! Observe lastly, The lightning that hghteneth out of the
thankful leper was a Samaritan, but the one part under heaven, shineth unto
nine that were unthankful were Israelites, the other part under heaven ; soshall
Learn thence; That the more we are bound also the Son of man be in his day*
to God, the more shameful is our ingrati- 25 But first must he suffer many
!^!t0^8 hin? \ Whfre G0df ™y jU8t,X <hi"&s. ™«d be rejected of this gene-
oxpect the greatest returns of praise and *•
service, he sometimes receiveth least. God ranon«
has more rent, and better paid him, from a In the remaining part of this chapter, our
*moky cottage, than lie has from some Saviour acquaints his disciples with what
'atdy Palaces. days of tribulation and distress were com-
Chap. XVII. ST. LUKE. 380
iog on the Jewish nation in general, and so will the same sins be prevailing before
on Jerusalem in particular. " Days of suf- the destruction of this present world. As
ferings (as if our Saviour had said) are not it was in the days of Noah % so shall it be
far off, when you will wish for my bodily in the days of the Son of man.
presence again among you, to support and f , , ,. , , fl
TOmfort Jou ; and when many Reducers 3l ,n *•* day> he **«* shall be
will rise up, pretending to be deliverers, hut upon the house-top, and his stuff in
go not you after them ; for after this gene- the house, let him not come down to
ration have rejected and crucified me, my take it away : and he that is in the
coming (says Christ) to execute vengeance fie|d, let him likewise not return
upon my enemies and imiiderers at Jeru- back# 32 Remember Lot's wife.
salem by the Roman soldiers, will be sud-
den, and like the lightning that shines in Here our Saviour advises them, that
an instant from one part of the heavens to wben they shall see the judgments of God
the other." From this coming of Christ breaking out upon Jerusalem, that they
to judge Jerusalem, which was an emblem make all possible speed to get out of it, as
of the final judgment, we may gather this ^°l and his family did out of Sodom : and
instruction, That the coming and appear* t0 take heed of imitating Lot's wife, who
ance of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the judg- looking back became a pillar of salt, Gen.
ing of wicked and impenitent sinners, will xir. Where observe, 1. Her offence, She
be a very certain, sudden, and unexpected iooked b<lck- 2- Tne punishment of lier
appearance. offence, She became a pillar of salt. Her
«„ A * .. . A, , - offence in looking behind her was manifest
26 And as it was in the days of disobedience to the divine command, which
Woe, so shall it be also m the days ^id, Look not behind the e ; and proceeded
of the Son of man. 27 They did either from carelessness or from covetous-
eat, they drank, they married wives, new, or from curiosity, or from compassion
they were given in marriage, until ro m098 that she left behind her, and was
the day that Noe entered into the undoubtedly the effect of great infidelity,
ark, and the flood came and destroy- sh* noJ «*™« the, ««* of !£**•*?-
, ' . n AO t *i i gel had declared, as touching: the certainty
cd them all. 28 Likewise also as Jnd 8uddenness of Sodom's destruction.
it was in the days of Lot ; they did The punishment of her offence was exem-
eat, they drank, they bought, they plary, She became a pillar of salt ; that
sold, they planted, they builded ; is, a perpetual monument of divine severity
29 But the same day that Lot went for her infidelity and disobedience. Where
out of Sodom it rained fire and brim- *«*> 1. The suddenness of her punishment :
stone from heaven, and destroyed th?Jf ^°^^^"seS ' m o" tK
,» n «,k i? lL . ,. .;, act of sin, with a present revenge. 2. The
them all. 30 Even thus shall it be ^^ disproportion betwixt the punish-
in the day when the Son of man is meai and the offence: her offence was a
revealed. forbidden look. From whence carnal rea-
In these verses our Saviour declares That son may pleadf " Was it not sufficient for
Jerusalem's destruction, and the world's final her to lose her eyes, but must she lose her
desolation at the great day, would be like the hfe?" but the easiness and reasonableness
destruction of the old world in the days of of the command aggravated her disobedi-
Noah, and like the destruction of Sodom in encej and though her punishment may
the days of Lot, and that both in regard of «em severe, it was not unjust Now, says
unexpectedness, and in regard of sensuality our Saviour, Remember Lot's -wife ; that
and security, as tbev before the flood were »> let her example caution all of you
eating and drinking*, marrying and giving against unbelief, disobedience, worldly-
in marriage; that is, wholly given up to mindedness, contempt of God's threatenings,
sensuality and debauchery ; and did not and lingerings after the forbidden society of
know, that », did not consider, the floods lewd and wicked persons.
THr* 5? *£?*?** ??J ; !h"S WaJ 33 Whosoever shall seek to save
it before the destruction of Jerusalem, and ,.,•<. in i •* j u
wiU be before the end of the world. *VS Jff shl"! !°v5 * L ^ whos0€ver
Hence we learn, That as the old world pe- Rnall lose his life shall preserve it.
cished by infidelity, security, and sensuality, 34 I tell you, In that night there
396 ST. LUKE. Chap. XVIII.
shall be two men in one bed ; the thert will the eagles, that is, the Roman
one shall be taken, and the other wHiers, be gathered together.
shall be left. 35 Two women shall CHAP. XVIII.
be grinding together ; . the one shall
be taken, and the other left. 3« A ND he spake a parable unto
Two men shall be in the field ; the them to this end, that men ought
one shall be taken, and the other always to pray, and not to faint : 2
left. Saving, There was in a city a judge,
In this hour, when judgment is come whwh feared not God neither re-
upon Jerusalem, Christ declares, that who. garded man : 3 And there was a
soever shall take any unchristian course to widow in that city ; and she came
preserve his life, by denying him and his unto him, saying, Avenge me of
holy religion, he shall lose eternal life ; but mine adversary, 4 And he would
he that for Christ's sake shall lose his na- not for a while . but afterward he
tural life, instead of a mortal, shall emoy ^ ^y himse,f Tnoogh i fe4lr
an immortal life in bliss and glory. Here n , «^««-i «•„ . * v-#
we learn, 1. That the love of temporal life «ot God> "or ?P , " / ,i i
is a great temptation to men, to deny Christ because this widow troubleth me, I
and his holy religion, in a day of trial. 2. will avenge her, lest by her con-
That the surest way to attain eternal life, tinual coming she weary me. 6
is cheerfully to lay down our temporal life, And the Lord said, Hear what the
when the glory of Christ, and the honour unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not
0Lreli?r • TT* !Li n^M Su* i * ««* avenge his own elect, which cry
adds, that in this terrible night of Jerusalem s . , B. . . A u. \. * .J
calamity, when destruction comes upon **7 and night unto him, though he
her, the providence of God will remarkably bear long with them ? 8 I tell you
distinguish between one person and ano- that be will avenge them speedily,
thcr: true believers, and constant profes- Nevertheless, when the Son of man
sors, shall be delivered, and none else ; cometh, shall he find faith on the
such shall escape the danger, others shall earth ?
y ' There is no duty m Christianity, the
37 And they answered and said practice bf which our Saviour presseth upon
unto him, Where, Lord? And he us more frequently than this duty of prayer,
said unto them, Wheresoever the Toencwinigeh»diseJpK(andasmthem,)
bodv is thither will the eatrles be t0 f€r?ency» naportonity, and perseverance
ooay m, inuner win we eagles oe m ^ ^uty, he propiiuiids here tlie pwahle
gathered together. of an m^ }^ wbo ^ overcome by
The disciples hearing our Saviour speak an importunate widow, to do her justice
of such tremendous calamities, enquire, contrary to his own inclination j from
Where these judgments should fall? He whence our Saviour argues, That if impor-
answera them figuratively, and by a pro- tunity will prevail with a sinful man, to
verbial speech, That tthere the carcass is, grant petitions offered to him ; how much
there will the eagles be gathered toge- more prevalent will such importunity be
ther : signifying, that Jerusalem, and the with the infinitely good God, to relieve the
obdurate nation of the Jews, was the car- necessities of such as devoutly implore his
cass which the Roman armies, whose en- help ? And the force of the argument
sign was the eagle, would quickly find out lies thus : " The judge in the parable was
and feed upon ; and that Judea in general, an inferior and subordinate judge, was an
and Jerusalem in particular, would be the unrighteous and unjust judge, was a mer-
theatre and stage of those tragical cala- ciless and hard-hearted judge; and yet,
mities. Learn thence, That the appointed upon her importunity, he avenged her:
messengers of God's wrath, and the instru- how much more will the sovereign and
ments of his vengeance, will suddenly ga- supreme Judge, the holy and righteous, the
ther together, certainly find out, and se- merciful and compassionate Judge of alt the
verely punish, an impenitent people devoted earth, bear and help his praying people,
to destruction. Where the carcass is, and be the just Avenger of those that fear
(that is, the body of the Jewish nation,) him ?M From the whole note, 1. That
Chap. XVIH. ST. LUKE. 301
prayer, or a liberty of making our requests and to destroy their city, he will rind but
known to God, is an inestimable favour little faith, and patient waiting for help
and privilege. He that considers the na- from God, in the land of Judea, and con-
lure of God, and the nature of man, cannot sequently little importuning him with in-
qoestion it : God b a being of infinite ml- cessant cries and supplications, as this poor
ness and perfection j a self-sufficient, and woman did the unjust judge." 2. If by
an all-sufficient good ; and man an in- the Son of man's coming, we understand
digeot, helpless, dependent creature, full of Christ's coming to judge the world at the
wants* and obnoxious to dangers. - 2. last day, then the sense is, " When he
That prayer is not only an inestimable comem, he will find but few faithful ones,
privilege, but an indispensable duty. So comparatively speaking ; he will find but
solicitous is God for our welfare and hap- few sincere and serious christians, in whom
pines*, that he makes our privilege our the genuine effects and fruits are found."
duty, by the authority of Ins command ; Learn, That when Christ shall come to
so that wc are at once ungrateful to Gori^ judgment, he will find comparatively very
and unjust to ourselves, in the most exalted few whose hearts have not fainted, and
degree, if we do not pray unto him, and very many, who through the power that
spread our wants before him. 3. That temptation has upon the frailty of human na-
tnssduty of prayer is not an occasional, tare are fallen away : When the Son of mail
but a constant duty : Men ought always cometh, shall he find faith on the earth ?
to pray; that is, 1. At all seasonable times Verily, but little faith, and few faithful ones*
and fit opportunities. We are said to do ~ K . , ' . ,.. _ . , .
atbmgconS]y,whenwedoitseason- 9 And be spake this parable unto
ably -, now the seasons for prayer are morn- certain which trusted in themselves
sag end evening. As the morning and that they were righteous, and de-
evening sacrifice was constant among the spised others : 10 Two men went
Jews, and the fire was always upon the up into the temple to pray ; the one
attar, and never went out; so he that a Pharisee, and the other a publican,
prays morning and evenjng, may be said n The Pharisee stood and prayed
Lta^rr^5Bri *- ** f«— ;« «-. iV„k
endeavour always to keep the heart in a thcc that ! aro not M ot»*r mcn arc>
praying frame, and to be very frequent in extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or
offering up pious ejaculations, and short even as this publican : 12 1 fast
mental prayers to God, as occasion shall twice in the week, I give tithes of all
ofo; when in the field, in the shop, in that I possess. 13 And the pub-
tne bed, when i sleep departs, in the journey lican gtallding afar off, would not
when alone, this may be done advantage* Hft _ *\ . t heaven
ously without loss of time, and acceptably ™\*° m"cn M *".&? > neaven'
without danger of hypocrisy, which too but smote upon his breast, saying,
often mingles itself with our more set pray- God be merciful to mc a sinner. 14
en. Observe, 4. We must not only pray I tell you, This man went down to
constantly, but pray fervently, yea, im- his house justified rather than the
portunaiely ; if we would pray successfully, 0ther : for every one that exalteth
we must crv to God as the widow to the nimseif shall be abased ; and he
judge: venemency nd mi portunity are A humbleth himself shall be ex-
both helps and ornaments to prayer; they . ,
both fortify and beautify our prayers ; they a,lca-
pierce the heavens, and offer an holy vio- The design and scope of our Saviour in
lence to God : Oratio vincit invincihilcm, this parable is, to reprove and condemn th.t
et Ugat omnipotcntem ; hose vis Deo Pharisees, and in them all other self-justici-
grata est, says Tertullian, " God delights aries, who having an high opinion of, and
m such importunity."— < Nevertheless* when trusting in, their own righteousness, despised
the Son of man cometh, shall he find others as vile persons, whose religion is not,
faith on the earth 9 If by the Son of accomnanied with ostentation, and who
man's coming we understand Christ's com- pretena not to such extraordinary degrees
iog in judgment against Jerusalem, then of sanctity as themselves. And the parable
the sense is this; " That when becomes further shows, That an humble, self-con*
to take vengeance on the obstinate Jews, demned sinner, who though he has been
302 ST. LUKE. Chap. XVIII.
wicked, is now sensible of it, and with Heart ; which was a kind of triumph, and
shame and sorrow confesses it before God, proud insultation over the poor publican ;
is more acceptable than he that vaunts of he would seem to thank God that he was
his virtue, and rests in the outward duties not so bad as toe publican, when indeed
of religion : his pride and exaltation of him- he was glad that the publican was not so
self shall abase him, while the other's humi- good as himself. Observe, 3. The pub-
Jit y shall exalt him. This is the general Lean's behaviour, in an humble sight and
scope of the parable ; the particular ob- sense of his own sinfulness and unworthi-
servations from it are these : J . The Phari- ness, he stood afar off, probably in thecourt
see and the publican both pray, they both of the Gentiles, where all sorts of sinners
pray together in the place of prayer, the might come j acknowledging thereby that
holy temple, and they both pray, apud sef he was unworthy to come near the holy
with and within themselves. Where the majesty of God ; not presuming to lift up
duty and action is the same, there may his eyes to heaven, that place of perfect
be a vast difference in the purpose and holiness and purity ; but, like a true self,
intention : Doth an humble saint pray ? so condemned penitent, smote upon bis breast,
may a haughty hypocrite : Two men went and in bitter remorse of soul said, God be
up into the temple to pray, the one a P ha- merciful to* me a sinner. Hence learn,
risee, the other a publican. Observe, 2. That a truly humble temper of mind well
The Pharisee's prayer, He stood and pray- becomes us in all our approaches and ad-
ed with himself God, I thank thee, Sf-c. dresses to God, and is more acceptable to
Where note, His gesture, He stood and him than all pompous performances what-
prayed; Standing and kneeling are pray- soever. For observe lastly, The publican
ing gestures, but sitting is a rude indecency, being thus condemned of himself, departs
except in cases of necessity. " In prayer justified by God : He went dawn to his
(says pious bishop Hall) 1 will either stand house justified rather than the Pharisee:
as a servant to my Master, or kneel as a the Pharisee justified himself, but the pub-
subject to my Prince." Note farther, It lican was justified by God. Thence learn,
is said, He prayed : but here is not one That a penitent sinner, who is indeed poor
petition, but thanksgiving ! God, J thank in spirit, is far refl^esteemed of God, than
thee, Src Whence learn, That thanks- he that makes long prayers, fasts often,
giving is a part of ptayer; Hannah's pray- tithes all his substance, and prides himself
er, as it is called, 1 Sam. ii. is a canticle, in all this. Without humility all is vain-
or song of praise ; we then pray best when glory and hypocrisy j and the seeming
we praise God most. Again, see the Pha- most sanctified person that has it not, is
rtsee's pride in this his prayer : this proud like a painted sepulchre, beautiful without,
beggar shows not his wounds, but his worth, but full of rottenness within,
not his rags, but his robes, not his misery, but 15 And they brought unto him
• ^wy^r vring8-G0d t^Wy.*11 also infants, that he would touch
a reckoning of his services: I fast twice A. . u * u *• j« • 1 .
a week, 1 give alms of all that I possess, ^em : ^twjien A„ disciples saw U,
and thanks God more that others were bad, lney rebuked them. 16 But Jesus
than that himself was good. Had the called them unto him, and said,
Pharisee with an humble mind thanked Suffer little children to come uoto
God for his restraining grace, that though me, and forbid them not : for of
he was not so good as he should be, that such is the kingdom of God. 17
y£ T? ^ »!!Vi,e ^i!*!*3 *F" v*"ly I say ™to you, Whosoever
others, this had been no fault; but when fti10i| „„♦ «£.„:. ^ #iL V j f
he comes before God with a proud and **,a" ^receive the kingdom of
scornful mind, inwardly pleased that others Ood as a hfUc chlld» sha« "a no wise
.were so bad, and so much won* than enter therein.
himself; giving thanks rather for others1 Observe here, 1. A solemn action per-
badness, than his own goodness : this is a formed; children, infants, sucking children,
wickedness incident to none but devilish as the word signifies, are brought to Christ,
dispositions. Learn hence, That whatso- that he might bless them ; the parents look-
ever shows of goodness an hypocrile may ing upon Christ as a prophet, as a great and
- l7!l ^el* inward,y 8lad of> and *<*« extraordinary prophet, persuade themselves,
r^L^gh\?9 °ihm' badness- God> lbat °y n» Pray<»» ■»« laying his hands
j tnank thee that I am not as this pub- on the children, they should be preserved
Chap. XVI!!. ST. LUKE. 303
from bodily diseases, and from Satan's pow- aolutely and immutably good, but God only ;
er, and that he would confer upon them all nor any derivatively good, but he that re-
needful blessings. Learn, 1. That infants ceives his goodness from God also.
are capable of benefit by Jesus Christ. 2. 20 Thou knowest the command-
* !!?*!? - ^Scelh?t Paren,?lfaa P8* ments. Do not commit adultery, Do
iSSSZf^^^ tf kiH; Do »« ^eal, D no/bear
that benefit 3. That if infants are capable *?ls€ witness, Honour thy father and
of benefit by Christ, if capable of his bless- thy mother.
iog on earth, and presence in heaven, if they Note here, That the duties directed to by
be subjects of his kingdom of grace, and our Saviour, are the duties of the second ta-
heiis of his kingdom of glory, then may ble, nothing being a better evidence of our
they be baptized ; for they that are within unfeigned love to God than a sincere per-
tbe covenant, Acts ii. 39. have a right to formance of our duty to our neighbour ;
the privileges of the covenant, and to bap- love to man is a fruit and testimony of our
torn, the seal of the covenant And if love to God. Learn thence, That such as
Christ denies not infants the kingdom of are defective in the duties of the second
heaven, which is the greater ; what reason table, charity and justice towards man, do
have his ministers to deny them the benefit make but a counterfeit show of religion,
of baptism, which is the less ? Learn, 4. though they pretend to the highest degree
That Christ will have all his disciples and of holiness and love towards God.
foremen to resemble little children in such 21 And he said, All these have I
properties wherein they may be patterns to kept from m outh up
^t^Jl hTl,ltyJmd Inn0^c5v m this assertion inight be very true, ac-
^m^mahceand revenge, dac.b,l)ty CQnii to ^nJ^. ^and mter-
andteaidiableness,in cleaving to, and de- |ation of the ^ which ^^^^
EST* UP°?1^!L P^J* a ™ con- only the gross outward act, not the inward
leolednM with tlieir condition : WW lustLnd motioiis of the teart. An exter-
^^!?/^T/M^0/^ nal obedience to the letter of the law this
« a bitlc ehtld9 shaUm* no vtse enter man mi?ht haye ^^ ^onned . &&
?f?*\ j a • 1 1 j l • made him think well of himself, and con-
18 And a certain ruler asked him, clude tne goodness of his own condition.
saying, Good Master, what shall I Leani hence, How prone men are to think
do to inherit eternal life ? the best of themselves, and to have too
We have here a considerable person, a high an opinion of their own goodness
ruler, coming to Christ, with an important and righteousness before God ; this is very
Question in his mouth, What must I do to natural, but dangerous and fatal.
tnkeril eternal life ? Where note,!. He 22 Now when Jesus heard these
He piciesse* a desire of an eternal happi- *"$»» he fla£ unto h™> \et lack-
nest in that state. 3. He declares his rea- cst thou one thinS = fle11 a11 tn** thou
the certainty of a future state. 2.
jsses a desire of an eternal happi- -. , . „ M ,
m that state. 3. He declares his rea- cst thou one thing : sell all that thou
dines and willingness to do some good nast> an« distribute unto the poor,
thing in order to the obtaining of that hap- and thou shalt have treasure in
pines*. Hence learn, That the light of na- heaven : and come, follow me.
tare, or natural religion, teaches men, that H ^ Q^ ^ rf .^
good works are necessary to salvation : or #. -v-Jstl* A -. Yk • Ju ' u
that some good thing must be done by them tl0I\YW £**"? '*** me '*»**■«*
-^TjlSrinJ Yk2™\ \\tL h s- ZJi was true self-denial, in renouncing the sin
Z%£ tZ^ZF^ f ™ n 5i ♦ ? * <>f covetousness, and the inordinate love of
!Si^?fciripWtTV^,,^mn^ worldly wealih; We ought, in the midst
well, that entitles us to heaven and eternal of our *buDdaDCe> t0 mamtain a readiness
C'*« * j ¥ «j ai_» wi_ of disposition to part with all for God's
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why ^ |£t ^ dear unto us in this world.
caJlest thou me good ? none is good, Observe, 2. Our Lords injunction, Sell all
save one, that is, God. that thou hast, and give to the poor.
Our Saviour here reproves this person for This was not a common, but a special
calling him good, when be did not own him precept, given particularly to this rich man
to be God ; saying, There is none good, for trial ; like that given to Abraham, Gen.
that is, essentially and originally good, ab- xxii. and to convince him of his corrupt
394 ST. LUKE. Chap. XV 11 1.
confidence in riches ; yet is the precept ordinary grace and assistance fcom God.
thus far of genera! use to ail, to (each us so Tis hard for God to make a rich man happy,
to contemn worldly possessions, as to be because he thinks himself happy without
willing to part with them all at God's God. 4. That as difficult and impossible
pleasure and when they prejudice our sal- as this may seem to men, yet nothing is
vafion. impossible with God ; he can change the
23 And when he heard this, he J^to^^^ -J^jJJ
was very sorrowful : for he was very ,, impouibU witA *,£ u poui6te wM
rich. God.
Here note, The effect which our Saviour's 28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have
admonition had upon thispemm, Jfc m« ,eft M an(, foUowed fl,^
very sorrowful. Learn thence, That car- *
nal men are exceeding sorrowful when It was well done and wisely done of Pe-
they cannot win heaven in their own way. ter, to leave all and follow Christ ; it was
2. That such as are wedded to the world, 'be best bargain he ever made in all his life.
will renounce Christ rather than the world, But observe, How be magnifies thai little he
when the world and Christ stand in com- hadleft for Christ, and ushers it in with a note
petition. He went away sorrowful, (St. of admiration : Lo! we have left all and
Mark x. 22.) for he was very rich. followed thee. Learn hence, That though
it be very little that we suffer for Christ, and
24 And when Jesus saw that he have forsaken upon his account, yet we an
was very sorrowful, he said, How prone to magnify and admire it, as if it
hardly shall they that have riches were some great matter. Lord, says Peter,
enter into the kingdom of God ! 26 «* h* ve ufi alL \ '' Wnat «f » man» *■**
For it is easier for a camel to go £» J J*1** • A fewraF* ^£2*1*
*u-~ u ji, *• r tered fisher-boat : a great alt indeed, next
through a needle's eye, than for a «> nothing at all : scaiUwc** meting,
rich man to enter into the kingdom and yet bow it j. magnifed !" Behold.
of God. 26 And they that heard ve have left allfvnd followed thet.
it said, Who then can be saved ? 27 29 Ami he said unto them, Verilv
And he said, The things which are j gay untoyou, There is no man that
impossible with men are possible hath left hou8e# or parents, or bre-
with God. thren, or wife, or children, for the
Our holy Lord takes occasion from the kingdom of God's sake, 30 Who
rich man's departure from him, to discourse ghall not receive manifold more in
concerning the danger of riches, and the thi, t ti and in the world
difficulties that attend rich men m their A r it i *•
way to heaven. From whence we may to come llfc «*«»*««•
collect and gather, 1 . That rich men do Observe here, The lenity and kindness of
certainly meet with more difficulties in their our Lord's gracious answer: he tells Krisds-
way to heaven than other men ; it is dif- ciples, that tbey who had left all and follow-
ficuit to withdraw their affections from ed him, should be no losers by him ; that
riches, to place their supreme love upon is, in this world they shall receive manifold ;
God in the midst of their riches, and to St. Mark, chap. x. 30. says, an hundred-
depend entirely upon God in a rich con- fold; But how so? Non fbrmaliter, sed
dition ; for the rich man's wealth is his eminenter : non in specie, sed in valore ;
strong tower. 2. That yet the fault lies " not in kind, but in equivalency :" not an
not in riches, but in rich men, who by hundred brethren, and sisters, and posses-
placing their trust and reposing their con- sions, in kind ; but he shall enjoy all that
fidence in riches, do render their salvation in God, which all creatures would be to
difficult, if not impossible. 3. Our Saviour's him, if they were multiplied an hundred
proverbial speech of a camel's going times. O the sanctifying gifts and saving
through the eye of a needle implies thus graces, the supporting commits and ravish*
much, that it is not only a great difficulty, ing consolations, of the Holy Spirit, are &
but an utter impossibility, forsuch as abound sufficient compensation for any thing, for
us worldly wealth, and place their confi- all, yea, for more than all, that we can part
dence therein, to be saved, without an extra- with for the sake of Christ.
Chap. XVIII. ST. LUKE. 906
31 Then be took unto him the brought unto turn : and when he was
twelve, and said unto them, Behold, come near, he asked him, 41 Say-
we go up to Jerusalem, and all ing, W hat wilt thou that I shall do
things that are written by the pro- unto thee? And he said. Lord,
phets concerning the Son of man that I may receive my sight. 42
shall be accomplished. 32 For he And Jesus said unto him, Receive
shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, thy sight: thy faith hath saved
and shall be mocked, and spitefully thee. 43 And immediately he re-
entreated, and spitted on : 33 And ceived his sight, and followed him,
they shall scourge him, and put him glorifying God : and all the people,
to death : and the third day he shall when they saw it, gave praise unto
roe again. 34 And they under- God.
stood none of these things : and this This chapter concludes with the recital
saying was hid from them, neither of a famous miracle, wrought by our Savi-
knew they the things which were our upon a blind man, whom St. Mark
spoken. calls Bartimeus. Where we have obscrv-
or - , ,, , c . r able, 1. The blind man's faith in acknow.
We find 1 our blessed Saviour very fre- ^ q^ ^ the Meariah for w
quenUy acquauj^g his d»c.ples with hi, J^ ^ ^ rf &/| ofD id M'imp0lt.
ap^oacb^wnwDgs. to prevent the of- % Q^ hfa ^ „ •"£
%?*J?i»?% Tf&ftl*toT^ faiU» : be cried to Christ for the mercy of
r^* f tCrdow„q ' ye., a " ^C^T^n^J "^ ? V
*ood ? Yea, but tLy could not reconcile S&fELJ1 to '""' *'f£±l 7 "£
them to (be notion of the Messiah which f,lt«hJf*t? h,\?et't "STS J'
■ucui iv luc mv»wu v. »■«= ""•«"■ "V""* fore Christ would restore the blind man
fceyl ted drank m : they concluded he rf h, ^ ^ ^, ^ f th
should be a temporal pnnotand subdue f f' ^ ^ >UDt0 ^"^ ft
^* ^T^TTlJu ^ °° °°nr Christ knoVaJl his creatures' wants, but
cenre bow be, that should redeem Israel, 4 . M M#v „^- «r #k«^ «;n «h*„ m<si,A
w— u ju Jj v_ .u i_ u- i ~i takes no notice ot tnem, till tney make
would die, and be thus barbarously used. .. known to him bv oraver Observe.
Wetave great need to consider weft what $ H ^ CMgt ^^ftkitb wbS
%TtF ha?Bi^nm,Lthe fhinf .°f he attributes to it. and hlw he rewards the
God^before we entertain then, ; for Wse , ^ {\ j y A fiA
no^oira taken op, are not wilhoatgreat hath ,avtd th„. Christ himsdf was the
aimontty MM oown. efficient Cause of the blind man's healing,
36 And it came to pass, that as but he exerted his divine power upon the
be was come nigh unto Jericho, a exercise of the blind man's faith; and
certain blind man sat by the way- accordingly says, Thyjauh hath saved
aide, begging ; 36 And hearing the '*«'• Note, 6. In what way and manner
multitude 'pass by, he asked what it *■ '^ fma»do,h «r*» h,.8*ankJS',?7
£■-• * j 4l * u u- to Christ for his recovered sight: Hefoi-
Bk*eW,.t# Sl J^™ *Ty to,dLhlim lowed him, glorifying Qod. Mercy re-
that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. ^y^ from X&mi is then well improved
38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, when it engages us to follow Christ; this
tkou Son of David, have mercy on should be the effect of all salvations wrought
me. 39 And they which , went be- for us. He praiseth God best, that serveth
fore rebuked him, that he should him mort. TTie life of thankfulness consists
hold his peace; but he cried so m the thankfulness of the life.
much the more, Thou Son of David, CHAP. XIX.
have mercy on me. 40 And Jesus AND Jesus entered and passed
stood, and commanded him to be through Jericho. 2 And, be-
396 ST. LUKE. Chap. XIX.
bold, there was a man named Zac- 'Tis good to be near tbe place where Christ
cbeus, which was the chief among »» whatever principles bring in thither,
the publicans, and he was rich. 6 And when Jesus came to thai
The history which relates the calling and place, he looked up, and saw him,
conversion of Zaccheus the publican, is and said unto him, Zaccheus, make
ushered in with a note of wonder : Be- haste, and come down ; for to-day
hold, there was a man named Zaccheus. \ must abide at thy house. 6 And
It » both great and good news to hear of a he made haste and carae down, and
soul converted unto God ; especially such a . . .. :ovful|v
remarkable sinner as Zaccheus was : for, 1. rece,ve(l nim J°yfully-
He was by profession a publican ; a calling What an instance is here of Christ's pre-
that carried extortion in its face, and bade venting grace and mercy ! Zaccheus climbs
defiance to his conversion ; yet, behold, up into the sycamore to see Jesus. Je-
from the toll-booth is Zaccheus called to be sus first sees him ; little did Zaccheus think,
a disciple, and Matthew an apostle : such that Jesus should cast up his eyes to him:
is the freeness of divine grace, that it often Christ's looks are converting looks ; there
calls the greatest sinners, and triumphs in went a divine power along with them, to
their powerful conversion. 2. He was a change the heart of him whom he looked
chief publican, and probably one of the upon ; he that could heal a disease by the
chief of sinners, yet behold him among the hem of his garment, could change an heart
chief of saints. Lord ! what penitent need with the glance of his eye. Observe far-
despair of thy mercy, when he sees a pub- ther, Christ doth not only note, but name
lican, nay, the chief of publicans, gone to Zaccheus ; He bids him come down % for he
heaven ! 3. It is added, as a farther cir- mutt abide at hit house ; what a sweet fa-
cumstance, that he was rich : his trade was miliarity was here ! Though the distance
not a greater obstacle to his conversion than be infinitely great betwixt our Saviour and
his wealth : not that there is any malignity ourselves, yet he treats us not with a majes-
in riches, considered in themselves, but they tic state) iness, but with a gracious aflfabilitr.
become a snare through the corruption of Some note, That Zaccheus was tbe first man
our natures. Zaccheus had not been so fa- we read of, to whose house Christ invited
mous a convert, if he had not been rich j if himself. Observe lastly, With what speed
more difficulty, yet was there more glory in Zaccheus hastens down, and with what
tbe conversion of rich Zaccheus. To all alacrity he entertains our Saviour ; curiosity
these might be added a fourth circumstance, carried him up, but love brings him down,
namely, that Zaccheus was converted in his and he entertains Christ joyfully : but alas !
old age, after a long habit of sin contracted, it was but for a few hours. Lord! how
Such instances, though few, has God left great is the happiness of that man that re-
upon record in scripture ; Abraham and ceives and entertains thee, not for a day or a
Manasses in the Old Testament, Zaccheus year, or for millions of years, but for ever-
and Paul in the New. lasting ages ! O let us welcome thee into
3 And he sought to see Jesus ourubeart5 by faith, whilst we are here on
who he was; and could not for the A?t£Z ^°? W,t ^V^S"*
, ' . i-^i * w,*n thyself everlastingly in thy kingdom.
press, because he was little of sta- "
ture. 4 And he ran before, and ? And when they saw it, they all
climbed up into a sycamore-tree to murmured, saying, That he was
see him ; for he was to pass that Sone t0 l>e f?uest with * man that is
way. a sinner.
Zaccheus desired to see Jesus, this was a That is, the Pharisees ^wbo were Iiere,
sight that few rich men desired to see j the were highly discontented that Christ went
sight of Cesar's face upon their coin is more to a publican's house, whom they looked
pleasing to them, than to see the face of upon as the worst of men ; their eye was
Christ in his ordinances : yet it was not evil, because Christ's was good. Whither
faith, but fancy and curiosity, that made should the physician go, but to the sick >
Zaccheus climb the sycamore to see Jesus ; the whole need him not. However, Use
but the curiosity of the eye gave occasion envious Pharisees censure and condemn bam
tor the belief of the heart : he that desires for it. Lord, who can hope to escape the
to see Jesus is m the way to enjoy him. aspersions of censorious tongues, whilst
Chap. XIX. ST. LUKE. 397
spotless innocence, and perfect holiness, 10 For the Son of man is come
falls under the lash of them ? It is sufficient to seek and to save that which was
for the servant to be as the master. \os^
8 And Zaccheus stood, and said Observe, 1. A description of man's de-
unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the plorable state, and undone condition : he is
half of my goods I give to the poor ; losL 2- The care °f <*"* to *** JKd
and if I have taken anV thing from ~°~ "" ?ui of ** l<f +*> The
. r , " *• i Son °f man ** c°me 1° ^cek and to save
any man by false accusation, I re- that wA,cA islosL haini% lm That man<g
store him four-fold. condition is a lost condition, and every un-
Two thing, are here obeervable, The l^f^JT; I'i T T" 5 *" ^
grealDos of his charity, and the iostne* of ,ort ,?" <** ,h£J°u,£.h,sk &»"!!+£•
SntMtai. Aatohischarity.otaerve, ^^dh^ tt ~2" il £
1. The fteene» of it, not J lend, but I «""* '"*°d -^1?^ J^T-™
o Tk. ,~.j~' ^r u ; t .v/ world upon, it was to seek ana to save
ITrv • ^ T'ET-?.*5 J ? ' I«t »on^ : «•* he does by bis blood, by
but/rfo^ire. 3 Thejurtness and hon- his worf%y hi, Spirit, ani by his rod ■
esty of it, my goods, not my spoils ; what J v J
u my own, and not rent from others by 11 And as they heard these things,
rapine or extortion. 4. The largeness and he added and spake a parable, be-
enensiveiiess of his charity : Half of my cause he was nigh to Jerusalem, and
goods, not an i inconsiderable [pittance. 4. because thev thought that the king-
2r Sri ftR?s Si 2lcs d- °f ^^f trfiat^ **-
to his poor neighbours. Again, as his I*."- }* Hc said therefore, A cer^
charity was large, so his restitution was tam nobleman went into a far coun-
just; as he gave half to the poor, so he try to receive for himself a kingdom,
restored four-fold to the wronged. What and to return. 13 And he called his
an evidence was here of a true penitent ! ten servants, and delivered them ten
confession and satisfaction are both found poUnds, and said unto them, Occu-
aod^vT ^n^TT\^eTf{ W tUl l COme- 14 But his Cilizcn8
hrnZT^ but,anvigro«aexercise of hated him, and sent a message after
graces contrary to those sins. *"m> 8aJ,nS> We will not have this
man to reign over us. 15 And it
0 And Jesus said unto him, This came to pas8) that when he was re-
day is salvation come to this house, turned, having received the kingdom,
forasmuch as hc also is a son of then he commanded these servants
Abraham. to be called unto him, to whom he
That which Zaccheus gave to the poor, n»<* given the money, that he might
was nothing to what Christ gave to him ; know how much every man had gain-
.t was but dross he gave to them, it was ed by trading. 16 Then came the
«alvation Christ gave to him. Where is first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath
the man ttot can say, Gcxl is in bis debl gained ten ^^^ 17 And he
*£ KS ffine Eft* »aid unto him, Well thou good ser-
quickest Paymaster } This day is salva- vant : because thou hast been faith-
twn come to this house : 'tis thine in title, to* >n a very little, have thou atitho-
and ere long it shall be thine in possession : rity over ten cities. 18 And the se-
Forasmueh as he also is a son of Abra- cond came, saying, Lord, thy pound
ham ; that is, either a natural son of Abra- hath gained five pounds. 10 And he
aara, a Jew ; or a spiritual son, a believer ; said likewise to him, Be thou. also
the heir of Abrahara is faith, which was oyer fiyc dties# 20 And anolher
also imputed to him for righteousness. O ? ^ j u u i j r
happy Saccheus! thou hist climbed up came> saying, Lord, behold Aere it
tromthy sycamore to heaven, and by thy l"y pound, which I have kept laid
charily and justice hast purchased to thy- "P in a napkin : 21 For I feared
*)f a kingdom that fadeth not away. thee, because thou art an austere
308 ST. LUKE. Chap. XIX.
man: thou takest up that thou ployed in his service, and improved to his
layest not down, and reapest that S^h- ** catting hi* urvant* to an
thou didst not sow. 22 And he **??'• P1™1? »teoifie* ***** ***■
„ -ii, „„^ k- ri..* *c *u:nA «.•„« Christ coraeB to judgment; be will have an
saith unto him, Out of thine own account of ^ fndividual person, how
mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked the ^ the ^ and iropi£ed the ta-
servant. Ihou knewest that I was tents, intrusted with them; and that they
an austere man, taking up that I may expect to be impartially rewarded
laid not down, and reaping that I according to their works, for God will ap-
did not sow : 23 Wherefore then pear* righteous God, and will condemn
gavest not thou mv money into the rillliei» out of lMT ?wn. moH|l,s» *** *
Laili. xr.i „♦ «..,"-.^ «.;««, l mi„u* most certain and final ruin will be their
bank, that at my coming I might ^ „hM thoae ^ wm h^M m
have required mine own with usury r £ ^ice ftball ^ crowned with hig re_
24 And he said unto them that waro>, now froin lne whole we may
stood by, Take from him the pound, learn these lessons of instruction: 1. That
and give it to him that hath ten our Lord's state of humiliation and great
pounds. 25 (And they said unto abasement on earth being passed and over,
him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 a. &!?riou» *»to of exaltation he » nowar-
For I say unto you, That unto every riv** at l?#l?eave?\ ^J^JT^lT
. . v i aL J i ii i ■ j with great triumph to hn kingdom in hea-
one which hath shall be given : and ven< \ ^ ^othed with8infiDite „.
from him that hath not, even that he j^y „£ pOWCrf „£ attended with an in-
hath shall be taken away from him. numerable host of glorious angels and
27 But those mine enemies, which saints* this exalted Saviour will come to
would not that I should reign over judge angels and men. 3. That m-.tfae
them, bring hither, and slay them niean time Christ variously disjjenaea to hw
before me servants particular talents* to be employed
and improved for his own glory and his
For tbe better understanding of this church's good. 4. That there will roost
parable, we must, 1. Consider the occasion certainty be a reckoning-day, or a time
of it; 2. Tbe design and scope of it; 3. wnen oor Lord will take an account of
The lessons of instruction which our Sa- roen's improving those gifts and gsace*
viour intended us by it. As to the former ; wh'ch were given them as so many talents
the occasion of our Saviour's uttering this to be improved by them. 5. That there
parable seems to be this, He was now going *'» «* degrees of happiness and misery m
up to Jerusalem to die ; some of the com- the other worW, according to men's de-
pany were of opinion, that he would im- S1** of faithfulness or negligence in this,
mediately enter upon his kingdom, and 6- That * » abominably false and impious
act as a temporal prince, delivering them t0 charge God, as being rigid and severe
from the Romans, and destroying his and with men» and requiring impossibilities at
their enemies: he lets them understand their hands: For out of the* own months
the quite contrary, that he must die and ™M God condemn them.- Lastly, That
rise again, and ascend into heaven, and the condition of God's fatthful servants will
then return again and receive the kingdom ; ** unspeakably happy, and that of the
and that he was now taking his last jour- unprofitable servant intolerably miserable,
ney to Jerusalem, in order to that end. 2. ^th m this world and in the next : the
The design and scope of the parable, toge- righteous shall enter into the joy of their
ther with the interpretation of it. is this, ***&» a°d be confirmed thereto, with *n
The nobleman here mentioned is our Savi- "tier im possibility of losing that happr
our himself, who in his state of great hu- The wicked, who would not submit to
miliation was but like a nobleman: his 9h"*t8 authority, shall not be able to resist
going into afar country, signifies his re- nis power. They that would not suflfer
turn from earth to heaven : hi* coming Christ to reign over them, shall at the last
back again, signifies his coming to judg- da7 ** brought forth and slam before htro.
ment : his calling hi* servants, and de- Those mine enemies that would not tJsaf
livering (Item their talents, intimates to ■*• &c-
us the various gifts which he bestows upon 28 And when he had thus spoken,
the sons of men, all which are to be em- he went before, ascending up to Je-
Chap. XIX. ST. LUKE. 990
rusalem. 28 And it came to pass, didst thou manage the great work of man's
when he was come nigh to Beth- redemption ! None ever went so willingly
phage and Bethany, at the mount to a crown as thou to thy cross. 2. Our
ealkd the mount of Olives, he sent SftVI0ur» who ?U,his ,lfeu trave,led *?**
*_ * u* j- ■ i «wt o • P°or maa oa toot, now he goes up to Je-
*ro of his disciples. 30 Saying, J^ t0 die for'us> he wi,frjde> £ ^
Go ye into the village over against his great forwardness to lay down his life
you ; in the which at your entering, for us, But what was the beast he rode
ye shall find a colt tied, whereon upon! An ass's colt; to fulfil that pro-
vet never man sat : loose him, and Pnecyt Zech. ix. 9. Tell ye the daughter
brine Aim hither. 31 And if any •!%*** Behold, thy King cometh, riding
man ask you, Why do ye loose him ? TV* "" : y^i 17" a*C<£ Up0tl
4i t 1 1 * u- » which never man rode before ; to let us see
thus shall ye say unto him, Because how the m08t mn[y ^ untamed creft-
the Lord hath need of him. 32 And tures become obedient and obsequious to
they that were sent went their way, Christ, and render themselves serviceable to
and foand even as he had said unto him at his pleasure. It was also a don
them. 33 And as they were loosing *>*«* *&t whereby our Saviour's right
the colt, the owners thereof said unto to all the creatures was manifested; and
them, Why loose ye the colt ? 34 according^ he bids his disciples to tell the
* «', J ., «,. J v i u aL . owner, That the Lord had need of htm:
And they said 1 , The Lord hath need not your Lord> or our j^, but & j^
of him. 35 And they brought him that is, he that is Lord of the whole earth,
to Jesus : and they cast their gar- whose are the cattle upon a thousand
meats upon the colt, and they set hills. Here note, What a clear and full
Jesus thereon. 36 And, as he went, demonstration Christ gave of his divine
thev spread their clothes in the way. *»*««: offlni* oranisciency in foreseeing
37 And when he was come nigh, fnd foreteUing the event ; of his omnipo-
_ ^. ,. i . * ?• tency in inclining the heart, and over-
even now at the descent of the ^ the wiU of *he owner to let the ^
mount of Olives, the whole multi- g0 . and 0f his sovereignty, that as he was
tude of the disciples began to re- Lord of the creatures, he could command
joice and praise God with a loud and call for their services whenever he
voice, for all the mightv works that needed them. The colt being brought,
they had seen ; 38 Saving, Blessed «jd our Saviour set thereon ; observe, next,
be the King that cometh in the name ™c. act'°™ °f foth* *"e IT^S
- Al_ - ^ . , , ledgmg Christ to be our King : thev spread
of the Lord ; peace m heaven, and the* $0{hes in lhe wayt ^ j^ fa*^
glory in the highest. 39 And some menta on tDe ground, for him to ride upon,
of the Pharisees from among the according to the custom of princes when
multitude said unto him, Master, they ride in state; yea, the multitude do
rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he not only disrobe their backs, but expend
answered and said onto them, I tell J^eir breath in joyful acclamations and
*on, that if these should hold their loud hosannas, w.shmgall manner of pros-
- ' A. . i • . .. 4 i penty to their meek but mighty Prince.
peace, the stones would immediately £ ,£ ^^ yet ^ £ ^^^
cry on t. pomp, doth our Saviour enter the famous
Our Lord (as is noted before) was now city of Jerusalem. O how far was our holy
upon his last journey to Jerusalem, where Lord from affecting worldly greatness and
he was to shed his blood, and lay down grandeur ! he despised that glory which
his life for the redemption and salvation of worldly hearts fondly admire ; yet because
a lost world ; and it is observable, what a he was a King, he would be proclaimed
double demonstratioD he gives of his great such, and have his kingdom confessed, ap-
wiiliognesft and forwardness to go up to plauded, -and blessed : but that it might ap-
Jerusalem, there to die. 1. Both St. Luke pear, that hiskingdom was not of this world,
Here, and St. Mark, chap, x. 32. tell us, he abandons all worldly magnificence. O
that Ac vent before the company leading glorious, yet homely pomp! Omeek, yet
the way, when he went to suffer. Lord! mighty Prince ! Observe lastly, The peevish
With what alacrity and holy cheerfulness envy of the wicked Pharisees who were then
400 ST. LUKE. Chap. XIX.
in company ; they grudge our Saviour this prove, her privileges as she ought ; but
poor honour, they envy him this small stopped her ears against the words of Christ,
triumph of coming into the city upon an and closed her eyes against the miraculous
ass's colt, attended by a company of poor works of Christ, till at last they were hidden
people, strewing the way with boughs of from her eyes. Learn hence, 1. That the
trees, with hosannas and joyful acclamations time of a people's enjoying the Ight and
in their mouths : these poor people's mouths liberty of the gospel, is a limited day, it is
they would have stopped ; Master, rebuke a short day : If thou hadst known in this
thy disciples ; they did not like the music, thy day. 2. That it is the sad and usual lot
Christ tells them, that they labour in vain of the gospel not to be embraced and enter-
to suppress the testimony given him by his tained by a people to whom it is in mercy
disciples, for if they should be silent , the sent, till it be too late, and the time of their
stones would cry out ; yea, cry out shame visitation be past and over : O that thou
of them for neglecting their duty : as if hadst known ; but now thou shalt never
Christ had said. The speechless stones will know, now they are hid from thine ryes,
speak, and give witness to me, if men will But how hid ? Was there no more
not. Learn hence, They that' are owned preaching in Jerusalem; no public nunis-
ofGod, shall not want owning* and wit- try after that dav ? Yes, behold the patience
nessings from man, at one time or other, and mercy of Christ in waiting upon this
in one way or other ; though the envy and people. After this, Christ sent the whole
malice of men do never so much gainsay college of apostles, and they preached there
and oppose it. the things belonging to their temporal and
.- a . . . eternal peace; but they wanted hearts to
41 And when he was come near, consider, and their ruin was unavoidable,
he beheld the citv, and wept over JA r . , ...
\l$ 43 For the days shall come upon
M ,. , c . • . . thee, that thine enemies shall cast a
No sooner did our Saviour come within irt>nou «kmif *h^« ™A „~
the sight and view of the city of Jerusalem, J,1*111* a7Ut *?• a"d «>iwpass
but he burst out into tears, at the consider- thee ro"l,d' and ke*P thee ln °»
ation of their obstinacy, and wilful reject- every slde> *4 And shall lay t bee
ing of the offers of grace and salvation even with the ground, and thy chil-
made unto them ; and also he wept to con- <1ren within thee ; and they shall
sider of the dreadful judgments that hung not leave in thee one stone upon
over their heads for those sins, even the another; because thou kne west not
utter min and destruction of their citv and fa time of th visjtation.
temple. Learn hence, 1. That good men „ J
ever have been, and are, men of tender and Here we have a prophetical prediction of
compassionate dispositions, sorrowing not tne to,a^ an<* ""** obstruction of the city of
only for their own sufferings, but for others' ^erU8a,em hy the Roman armies, who be-
calamities. 2. That Christ sheds tears as S'rt ,hecity round, burnt the temple, starved
well as blood for the lost world ; Christ wept loe P60^ ""d brought such ruin and de-
over Jerusalem, as well as bled for her. 3. structioQ upon the place, as no history could
That Christ was infinitely more concerned ^^ panwel : the reason is assigned, #V-
for the salvation of poor sinners, than for cau?e **& knew not the time of their vis t-
his own death and sufferings: not the tatl0n:t that is, the time when God visited
sight of bis own cross, but Jerusalem's cala- tnem wiln his S08!*!* nnt by the ministry
mities, made him weep. of Jonn* ,nen hy the preaching of Christ
a* o • wr *i_ i_ _,., himself, and afterwards by his disciples and
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, apostles. Hence learn, 1. That what God
even thou, at least in this thy day, gives his gospel to a people, be givesthttpeo-
the things which belong unto thy Ple a merciful and a gracious visitation. 2.
peace ! but now they are hid from J** for a P60^6 not to know, but neglect
thine eyes. tne time of lDeir gracious visitation, is a God-
«,/,.. . . . , . provoking, and a wrath-procuring sin: Br-
By the things belonging to their peace, cause thou knowest not the time of thw visi-
rmo^lff^i^u nd ** ?"*** of Chri8t tction> tkerefin the time shall <W, Hat
to ?hS! c?f -fe P™??111- °f.lhe ^P61 thint CTfm*" 9hali ty theecvenwit* the
Ln?i^L i, n°J i ***** that *■ She ?r0Und* and noi /eave "* st™ *" "Ho-
rn not consider, she did not prize and im- ther ; which, history tells us, waThtendly
Chap. XIX. ST. LUKE. 401
fulfilled, when Tumus Rufus, with his divine institutions. Our blessed Saviour
plough, ploughed up the very foundation- here in his house of prayer preached daily
stones upon which the temple stood. Lord, to the people, as well as prayed with them ;
how has sin laid the foundation of ruin in and all the people were as attentive to hear
the most flourishing cities and kingdoms ! his sermons, as he was constant at their
--.,. A-**i_* i prayers. Prayer sanctifies the word, and
45 And he went into the temple, th< W0ld fits „, for If we wqM
aad began to cast out them that sold glorify God, and edify ourselves, we roust
therein, and them that bought. 46 put honour upon all the ordinances of God,
Saying unto them, It is written, My and diligently attend them upon all occa-
house is the house of prayer : but ye 9ions-
have made it a den of thieves. 47 CHAP. XX.
And he taught daily in the temple.
Bat the chief priests, and the scribes, J^*® lt caine to pass' thai on onc
and the chief of the people, sought to of those days, as he taught the
destroy him ; 48 And could not people in the temple, and preached
find what they might do: for all the gospel, the chief priests and the
the people were verv attentive to tribes came upon him with the el-
hear him. * ders, 2 And spake unto htm, say-
, ' ,_ . A ing, Tell us, By what authority
J^KuS *-*•« ■»« S*F ' --ho i
temple, and his fin* work was to purge and he Athat, &ave thee t ln» authority ?
reform it from abuses, not to ruin and de- 3 An« "* answered and said unto
stray it because it bad been abused. But them, I will also ask you one thing ;
what was the profanation of the temple, and answer me : 4 The baptism
that so offended our Saviour? Answer. # of John, was it from heaven, or of
In the court* the Gentiles, the outward men ? 5 And thev reasoncd with
;stt^^ i"es' sayT ,f ie 8haH w?'
and do^fo/sacrifice* which otherwise the from heaven ; he will say, Why
people must have brought up along with th*n believed ye him not ? 6 But
them from their houses : as a pretended and if we say, Of men ; all the people
ease therefore to the people, the priests or- will stone us : for they be persuaded
derad these things to be sold hand by the that John was a prophet. 7 And
altar ; bat our blessed Saviour being justly tney answered, That they could not
?**^£iF*^^v5£ teM "hence it was. 8 And Jesus
boose, cast the buyers and sellers out of the -■ * ,■ VT .1 . „ •
temple: teachingus, that there is a special »aid 1unto lI*enV Neither tell I you
sevennce due to God% house, both for the ty what authority I do these things.
Owner** sake, and for the service sake : The Pharisees having often quarrelled at
nothing but holiness can become the place our Saviour's doctrine before, they call in
where God is worshipped in the beauty of question his mission and authority now :
holiness. The reason is added, My house although tbey might easily have understood
is the house of prayer ; whereby prayer is his divine mission by his divine miracles ;
to be understood, the whole worship and for Almighty God never impowered any
service of God, of which prayer is an emi- to work miracles that were not sent by
neat aad principal part. That which gives him. Our blessed Saviour, understanding
denontaatkra to an house, is most certainly their design, gives them no direct answer,
the elsief work to be done in that house j but replies to their question by asking them
bow God's house being called an house of another : The baptism of John, was it
pntyer, implies that prayer is a chief and from heaven, or of men ? that is, was it of
principal work to be performed in this divine institution, or of human invention r
bouse ; yet take we heed, that we set not plainly implying, that the calling of them
the ordinances of God at variance one who call themselves the ministers of God,
another ; we must not idolize one or- ought to be from God : No man ought to
tea, and vilify another, but reverence take that honour upon him, but he that
aH, and pay an awful respect to all is called of God, as was Aaron, Heb. v. 8.
2 D
4Q2 ST. LUKE. Chap. XIX.
•The Pharisees reply* that they could not tell that is written, The Stone which the
whence John had his mission and au- builders rejected, the same is be-
tter it y j which was a manifest untruth : co|ne the hcad of the corncT ? 18
they knew it, but durst not own it. By re. Whosoevcr shaI1 fali upon that stone
fusing to tell the truth, they fall into a lie , ., , , „ , ^ , ,r ,
against the truth; thus oL sin ensnares sha,l.b* ubf°k2V .but.l?n ?hom*>-
and draws men on to the commission of e™r it shall fall, it will grind him
more: such as will not speak exact truth to powder. 19 And the chief priests
according to their knowledge, they fall into and the scribes the same hour sought
the sin o! lying against their knowledge and to lay hands on him ; and they fear-
their conscience. Our Saviour answers e<j the pe0plc : far they perceived
thcm^Mtv-^I^.^ whatautho- that fae bfcd g^eB thb rMe
rUy I do these things ; he did not say, I . 4 . r r
cannot, or I will not tell you, but I do not, aga1™* ™*m*
I need not tetl you ; because the miracles In the parable before us, the Jewish
which I work before you are a sufficient church is compared to a vineyard, God the
demonstration of my divine commission* Father to an hcust/to/der, his planting,
that I am sent of God among you ; be* pruning, and fencing bis vineyard, de-
cause God never set the seal of bis omnipo- notes his care to furnish his church with
tency to a lie, nor impowered any impostor all needful helps* and means to make it
to work real miracles. fruitful \ his letting it out to husbandmen,
0 Then began he to speak to the *&&!* lbe eommitting the care of bis
people this pirable ; A certain man *f«h to *• ^^I5?5 lh? P^
rx \ , .' t ' j i * •* r al pastors and governors of the church : bis
planted a vineyard, and let it forth J^,, arefheprophetsaod apostleswhom
to husbandmen, and went into a far he sent from time to time, to admonish them
country for a long time. 10 And to bring forth answerable fruits to the cost
at the season he sent a servant to which God had expended on thorn ; kis
the husbandmen, that they should ' is Jesus Christ, whom the rulers of the Jew-
give him of the fruit of the vineyard : *h *hurctt *** •»* murdered. So that
but the husbandmen beat him, and *e design and scope of the parabte is, to
. . t . A •■ i a j discover to the Jews, particularly to the
sent htm away empty. 11 And Pharisees, their obstinate^ropeniteocy un-
again he sent another servant : and der all the means of grace, their bloody
they beat him also, and entreated cruelty towards the prophets of God, their
liim shamefully, and sent him away tremendous guilt in crucifying the Son of
empty. 12 And again he sent a God 5 for all which God would unchurch
third : and they wounded him also, thera fi?aUv» ruia «■** n*1** «** ** «P
and cast Aim out. 13 Then said L- ^^^k l^^^i^i8^
ak.i~ j r*u -a wtu *- u II bring forth much better fruit than the Jew-
the lord of the vineyard, What shall ish J^ ^ dkL From tbe whoWf ^
I do ? I will send my beloved son : lt Tbat the church is God's vineyard 5 »
it may be they Will reverence kirn, vineyard is a place inclosed, a place well
when they sec him. 14 But when planted, well fruited, and exceeding dear
the husbandmen saw him, they rea- »nd precious to tlie planter, and the owner
soned among themselves, saying, <* iu f ?*»*> ■» *» M G«d'» vineyard
this is the heir; come, let us kill ""J1*?*1" c^ of ^rreiwejB and ua-
him, that, the ittheritatice may be £^^
ours. 15 So (hey cast him out of tne only way and course to engage God's
the vineyard, and killed Aim. What care over h» vineyard, and to prevent its be-
therefore shall the lord of the vine- ing given to other husbandmen, is to give
yard do unto them? 16 He shall him the fruits of it j 'tis but a vineyaid tha*
come and destroy these husbandmen, God lets out» il » no inheritance : no peo-
and shall give the vineyard to others. PIe ever ^ *> """V Promises of GoaV* ta-
And wh«n they heard it, they said, vour ** ?h? Jew» j ™'ew *¥*** ">
H<m\ tnmUiA it a j J \li manv privileges whilst they continued in.
thefn nmt • I ^ h« behte,d hb JavoW, asthey did j but for rejecting
them, and said, What is this then Ghrist and his holy doctrine they are a d£
tfiap. XX. ST. LUKE. 403
spised, scattered people throughout the amongst you, give unto him his just dues,
world. See the note on Matt, xxu 39, 40* and render to Cesar the things that are
, , , , . , Cesar's." Learn hence, 1. That our Sa-
20 And they watched him, and viour was no enemy l0 magistracy and
sent forth spies, which should feign civil government; there was no truer pay-
themselves just men, that they might master of the king's dues, than he that
take hold of his words, that so they was King of kings ; he preached it, and he
might deliver him unto the power practised it. Matt. xvii. 27. 2. Where a
and authority of the governor, 21 k™&om LiL^bjeCJi0n 1° *i T^
»ial tit- • %m a prince, whether by descent, election, or
And they asked htm, Paying Master, ^nquesl he ^.^ the ^ lhe 8ubjccta
wc know that thou sayest and teach- ^^ from a principle 0f conscience to pay
est rightly, neither acccptest thou tribute to him. 3. That as Christ is no
the person of any* but teachest the enemy to the civil rights of princes, and
way of God truly : 22 Is it lawful his religion exempts none from paying
for us to give tribute unto Cesar, or tbeir, civil du€8» * Princes ,shouldL *» **
no? 23 But he perceived their ^ful not to rob h,m of his divine honour,
A. . .i * 4. w. as he is not to wrong them of their civil
craftiness, and said unto them, Why ri hfck M Christ ^m al| hl8 fo||owcn|
tempt ye me ? 24 Shew roe a penny. to w^fr (o Cesar the things that are
Whose image and superscription Cesar's, so princes should oblige all their
hath it ? They answered and said, subjects to render unto Qod the things
Cesar's. 25 And he said unto Mat are God's.
them, Render therefore unto Cesar 27 Then came to him ccrtain of
the thmffs which be Cesar s, and the Sadducees, which deny that
unto God the things which be God's. thcre is any resurrection ; and they
26 And tbev could not take hold of afike<, hin)> M g j Mfisier,
Ins words before the people : and Moses wrote unto U8> !f any man,g
they marvelled at bis answer, and brother die, having a wife, and he
held their peace, die without children, that his brother
Both St. Matthew and St. Mark tell us, ■h°»W tak« hw wife, and raise up
that these spies, sent forth to ensnare our seed unto his brother. 29 There
Saviour about paying tribute to Cesar, were were therefore seven brethren : and
the Pharisees and Herod ians : the former the first took a wife, and died with-
were against paying tribute, looking upon out children. 80 And the second
the Roman emperor as an usurper ; the took her to wif and he died cnUc|.
^ttJF-Xtt ^. 31 And the third took her ;
swer bow hewould, they should entraphiro; and in like manner the seven also.
if, to please the Pharisees, he denied paying And they left no children, and died,
tribute, then be it accused of sedition ; if, to 32 Last of all the woman died also,
gratify the Herodians, he voted for paying 83 Therefore in the resurrection
tribute, then lie is pronounced an enemy to whose wife of them is she? for
thelt]^yrfrmcountry,andexrx)sedtoa ^ ha(| her to wife# 34 An(|
popular odhim But observe with what j answeru1g said unto them,
vcsdooi and caution our Lord answers them: ^. .... ** J» ., ,, „n*
be calb for lhe Roman penny, and asks Thf children of this world marry,
theoi. Whose superscription it bare ? they a«« are given in marriage : 35 But
answer, Cesar's. Then says he, Render to they which shall be accounted wor-
Cesar the things thai are Cesar's, As if. thy to obtain that world, and the
be bed said, " Your admitting the Roman resurrection from the dead, neither
amongst yoo, is an evidence that you roarry> nor are given in marriage :
imder^ subjection to the Roman em- ^ rf [iheT can th die more .
olnsc^^ for they are equal uU thesis;
therefore you having owned Cesar's autho- »■>« »r« «*<* children of God, being
city over you, by accepting of his coin the children of the resurrection. 3?
404 ST. LUKE. Chap. XX.
%i 4k-* tlw. A»»i\ nrp raised even Sadducees to profess and propagate ft-
Now that the dead are raised, even ^^ r mt ^ ^^^ hfe
Moses shewed at the bush, when he ^h£Vwhich ima/shall be eternally
calleth the Lord the God ot Aura- . or intoierably miserable, according
ham, and the Godot* Isaac, and the ^hey behave themselves here: though
God of Jacob. 38 For he is not g^e men live like beasts, they shall not
a God of the dead, but of the living : die like them, neither sliall their last end
for all live unto him. be like theirs. Note, 3. The glorified
for all me unto mm ^.^ ^ ^ ^^ rf ^ r£SUrrecUon,
Our blessed Saviour having put the shall be like unto the glorious angels ; not
Pharisees and Herodians to silence in the like them in essence and nature, but like
foregoing verses, here the Sadducees en- ihera in their properties and qualities,
counter him. This sect denied the iro- namely, in holiness and purity, in iromor-
mortality of the soul, and the resurrection tality and incorruptibility ; and also like
of the bodv, and as an objection against them in their way and mannerof hving.
both, they "propound a case to our Saviour, They shall no more stand in need of meat
of a woman that had seven husbands ; they 0r drink than the angels do ; but shall live
demanded whose wife of the seven this wo- the same heavenly aud immortal lives that
man should be at the resurrection ? As if the angels live. Note, 4. That all those
they bad said, " If there be a resurrection of that are in covenant with God, whose God
bodies at the great day, surely there will be the Lord is, their souls do immediately pass
a resurrection of relations too, and the other j„t0 glory, and their bodies at the resurrec-
world will be like this, in which men will tion shall be sharers in the same happiness
marry as they do here j and if so, whose with their souls. If God be just, the soul
wife of the seven shall this woman be ? must live, and the body must rise ; for
they all having an equal claim to her/* good men must be rewarded, and wicked
Now our Saviour, for resolving of this raen punished. God will most certainly,
question, first shows the different state of 0ne time or other, plentifully reward the
men in this and in the other world : The righteous, and punish the evil doers ; but
children of this world, my* Christ, marry this being not always done in this life,
and are given in marriage ; but in the the justice of God requires it to be done in
resurrection they do neither. As if our the next.
Lord had said, «« After men have lived a c . • .w
wSb in this world, they die, and therefore 39 Then certain of the ^ scnte
marriage is necessary to maintain a sueces- answering, said, Master, thou nasi
won of mankind; but in the other world, well said. 40 And after that they
men shall become immortal, and live for durst not ask him any question at
ever; and then the reason of marriage will ay 4l ^nd he said unto them, How
wholly cease; for when men can die no ' u that q^^ \s Davids son ?
^^^^^^j^9^^^ 42 And David himself saitb in the
plies of mankind." Secondly, Our Saviour f* , r D A*a ti,* I rtpn «iW i«tn
having got clear of the Sadducees' objee- book of Psalms, The LORD «**«•»
tion, by taking away the ground and foun- my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
dation of it, he produces an argument for 43 Till I make thine enemies thy
the proof of the soul's immortality, and the footstool. 44 David therefore cat-
body's resurrection, thus : •' Those to je^ nim Lord ; how is he then his
whom Almighty God pronounces himself ?
a God, are alive: but God pronounces u ;
himself a Ood to Abraham, Isaac, and The design of out blessed Srarm
Jacob, many hundred years after their propounding <1» V£»n *° tbe "a**?*
bodies were dead ; therefore their souls are [how Christ could be Dajnds son, when
yet alive, otherwise God could not be their David by inspiration called him IfrtJJ**5
God." For he is not the God of the two-fold: 1. To confute the pe°r** «*?-
dead, but of the thine. From the whole neous opinion touching the P^"^ "*
note, 1. That there is no opinion so absurd, Messias, who they thought should be a
no error so monstrous, that having had a mere man, of the stock and lineage <*
mother will die for lack of a nurse : the David only, and not the Son of Ood. £
oeastly opinion of the mortality of the soul, To strengthen the faith of his disciples
asd of the annihilation of tba body, finds touching his Godhead, against the time
Chap. XX. ST. LUKE. 40*
•that tbey should see him suffer and rise 2. How our Saviour condemns the Phari-
agata : the place Christ alludes to is, PsaL sees for their gross hypocrisy, in colouring
ex. 1. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit over their abominable covetousness with a
thou on my right hand. The Lord, that specious pretence of religion, making long
is, God the Father, said to my Lord, that prayers in the temple and synagogues for wi*
is, to God the Son ; who was to be incar- dows, and thereupon persuading them to give
rate, whom David calleth his Lord, both bountifully to Corban, that is, the common
as God, and- as Mediator, his Lord by a treasury for the temple 5 some part of which
right of creation and redemption also:- now was employed for their maintenance.
the question our Saviour puts to the Pha- Whence we learn, That it is no new thing
risees is this, How Christ could be both for designing hypocrites to cover the foul-
David's Lord, and David's Son ? no son est transgressions with the cloak of religion :
being lord of his own father $ therefore if thus the Pharisees made their prayers a
Christ were David's Sovereign, he must be cloak and cover for their covetousness.
more than man, more than David's son.
As man, he was David's son *, as God-man, CHAP. XXL
was David's Lord. Note hence, 1. That
W^lln'f^fft A ND he looked up, and .aw the
yet be was more man a mere man : ne was J\^ . , . •', . ,f .
Lord unto, and the salvation of, his own l rich men casting their gifts into
forefathers. Note, 2. That the only way the treasury. 2 And he saw also
to reconcile the scriptures which speak a certain poor widow, casting in
concerning Christ, is to believe and ac- thither two mites. 3 And he said,
knowledge him to be both God and Man Of a truth 1 say unto you, That this
in one person. The Messiah, as man was poor widow ha|h CR8t in more than
to come forth out of David's loins ; but as f . ,, . . F ,, ,. . f
God-man, was David's Lord, his Sovereign JW"1/ 4 for all these nave of
and Saviour : as man, he was David's lh™ abundance cast in unto the
Son ; as God-man, he was Lord of his own offerings of God : but she of her
father. penury hath cast in all the living
45 Then, in the audience of all that shc had*
the people, he said unto his disci- At the door of the temple, through which
pies, 46 Beware of the scribes, all the people passed in and out, who came
which desire to walk in long robes, UP three hmes a year at the solemn feasts,
and love greetings in the markets, to worship Almighty God in his oxvn house,
and the hLhest teats in the syna- ^re wa3 a chest set (like the poor man*.
"? Al_ ,. - A/. * A box in some of our churches,) into which
W'anLdr chief rooms at feasts ; a|J ^ ^ thcir free.wi|1 ofkr}ngi and
47 Which devour widows houses, oblations, which were employed either for
and for a shew make long prayers : the use of the poor, or for the service of the
the same shall receive greater dam* temple ; and what was thus given, our Sa-
nation, viour calls an offering to God, ver. 4.
These of their abundance have cast in
Observe here, What it is that our Savi- unto the offerings of God. Thence learn,
our condemns ; not civil salutations in the That what we rightly give to the relief of the
market-place, not the chief seats in the sy- poor, or for the service and towards the sup-
nagogoe, not the uppermost rooms at. feasts, port of God's public worship, is consecrated
but their fond affecting of these things, and to God, and as such is accepted of him, and
their ambitious aspiring after them ; it was ought to be esteemed by us. Observe, 2,
not their taking, but their loving, the up- With what pleasure and satisfaction our Sa-
pennost rooms at feasts, which our Saviour viour sets himself to view those offerings,
condemns. God is the God of order, there He beheld the rich men casting their gifts
may and ought to be a precedency among into the treasury. Thence note, That our
persons ; God commands us to give honour Saviour sees with pleasure, and beholds with'
to whom honour is due, but pride and delight, whatever we have hearts to give
ambition are detestable and hateful vices, unto him ; whether for the relief of his
especially in such as are preachers, and members, or for the support of his service,
ought to be patterns of humility. Observe, O blessed Saviour, while now thou sittcst at
40* ST. LUKE. Chap. XX?.
thy Father's right hand in glory, thou eeest 5 And as some spake of the tern-
every hand that is stretched forth to the pie, how it was adorned with goodly
relief of thy poor members here on earth. 8t0ne» and gifts, he said, 8 As for
Ver. 2. But a certain poor widow cast tfc A{ which bchoW |he
in two mttes. Several circumstances re- , ... *„,„ • »E A «„i« l .i»«m
lating both to the person and the action <\»ya will come, n the which there
are here observabfe: as, 1. The person »hall not be left one stone upon
that offered was a widow: the married another that shall not be thrown
woman is under the careful provision of her down.
husband ; if she spends, he earns ; hut the ^ . , , c . . . . .
widow has no hanTbut her own to work . Our blessed Savwur being now«dy to
for her. 2. She was a poor widows po- £P"t <™> *f S"*^^? ?"?" ^
verty added to the sorfo* of her widow. *hM S?f^.f^ *^Jf .IfS*"*'^
hood;
upon
£££3tttt£JF& viabUj^h-U^dnotbede^ro^;
gives; some in tier circumstances would c . ,r - . 7~_£ ... , •
have ooked upon themselves a. having a ^t **tw»l for an brmgs cita and
right to receive what was given by others, k'n«do"?' " Jf " P*?1Cular **&£
rather than give any thing theWlves. *?"„?*}„*'* me A"""' ?*£ 2"^
Observe, 3. tfer bounty and munificence '¥' be & ">»" mfSmJ W« A&2r
m giving ; h*r two mitt* are proclaimed ?xv* was exactly fulfilled after Chret a
by Christ to be more than ail (he rich ^V*" **" *e ^"P'^Pfw^
«£»'« talents: more in respect to the mind "I0** ^e ««?. burnt the temple, and
aod affect™ of the giver fmore with re- TurDU» Rufus, the general of his army,
spectto the proportion of the gift; a mite f}^ J**",""*,, foundabon on .fax*
toher being more than pounds to others. tb/ ^^.^ : ,,bus *"■ ft" ft"*?*
Pounds were little to them" two mites were °f ^ ^^/Z' "J-,18- */on «f"«
all to her, she leaves herself nothing ; so ** *,/<"wrf " aficld\ and ■£"*■*?" °£?"
that the poor woman gave not only more *TV3 !tt !f!£ ^^ " ^
than any of them all, T>ut more than they 8m ^ ,aKl *• fc?d-,3 ? 3T " £
all. Christ's eye looked at once into the mo» flo*Jtaf ah" "^ kw^on?Si^
bottom of her purse, and into the bottom P""1?"'. ,h° «£* l,the,,w0™|* «?*■»
Of her heart, and judged of the offering, Jjr » ^*ate/,ed4to.be mfedeS°,f,(?:
rather by the mind of the giver than by f ™*1 the. Ql&FS? r°ifl^? "VL1*
the valui of the gift. From this instance feared'. Md "*"" * f"'fi"ed' wha*f,f
we learn. 1. That the poorer, yea the poor- f1g)earlD? m^^U™J?eI?rt *" J?
est sort of people, are ^ot exempted1?™, t^2?lrar5r- 1 ™ T^ ** ******
good works; but even they must and *WV£j*aut5' ltat <am Opp0M ^
ought to exercise charity according to their wlUMta,Kl <*»• P0"""
ability. This poor widow, that bad not 7 And they asked him, saying,
a pound, nay, not a penny, presents God Master, but when shall these things
with a farthing. 2. That in all works of i^ ? M& wnat uiga win tken ^
ttl&^JS^SZS wh- th~ <«■■• " — to
the giver, more than at the largeness and PaM *
liberality of the gift. It is not said. The A double question is here propounded to
Lord loveth a liberal giver, but a cheerful our Saviour : namely, when the destruction
giver; He accepteth the gift according to of Jerusalem should be? and what would
what a man hath, and not according to be the signs of it ? From whence learn*
what he hath nolo 0 our God ! the poor- What an itching curiosity there is in the
est of us thy servants have our two mites best of men, to know futurities, and to in-
also, a soul and a body \ persuade and derstand things that shall come to doss here^
enable us to offer them both unto thee : after j and when that hereafter wijl come to
though they are thine already, yet thou wilt pass. O how happy were it if we were as
graciously accept them; and O how happy forward to obey the declaration of God*s
Ml we be in thy acceptation ! revealed will, as we are to pry into the hid-
Cfcap. XXI. ST. LUKE. 497
den counsels of bis secret will: Tell us, ay not to meditate before what ye
Uie disciples, when shall these things he .* shall answer r 15 For I will give
« Add he said, Take heed that J0" * mouth *** wisdom, which all
ye be not deceived : for many shall your adversaries shall not be able to
come in my name, saying, 1 am g«nsay nor resist. 16 And ye
Christ ; and the timedraweth near: ■l»M tbc betrayed both by parents,
go ye not therefore after them. 0 ™d brethren, and kinsfolks and
But when ye shall hear of wars and. wwk i »*<* »°»« °/ *«■ a*1*11 iheV
commotions, be not terrified : for caws* * •* P«* * *«*• " And
these things must first come to pass ; Je *«*" ** ^^ <* *", "—**
but the end u not by and by. 10 niy name's sake. 18 But there shall
Then said he unto them, Nation not an hair of your head perish, 10
shall rise against nation, and king- In vour patience possess ye your
dorn against kingdom : 11 And souk-
treat earthquakes shall be in divers ^ ^^ te fa ^vi &N
places, and famines, and pestilences ; ther |igTO ^ Jefy8aloin'8 destroaion? He
and fearful sights and great signs declares, 1. The sharp persecution that
shall there be from heaven. should fall upon the apostles themselves,
^^SS^S^ ^ , .^JE1 y!£ persecute m Loam thence, That the
IE?* ca*FlI\ ^"^J0*1*"11 w'* keenest anaiharpest edge of persecution
the* present duty; namely, to watch h ^^ lurned the arabassadora ^
^*«*t decervers and £«ei^irho *ould ^nst, ^ fft|fa g^ the minigtef8
^T^,mp«den^to^rm heiBaelv«tobo ofGod He acquaints them, «. That for
^'ffi^^Z^ P1**3*11* "I holy doctrine, they should
per.ooal, or the Mesas; othenChrishidoc. ^ b u ^^ ki and ^ ^
^affirmi^tbetremneo«^omto advisesXm not to belnxiously thought-
be OhnstTs mud and doctrine: Take heed fuI> w exceedingly solicitous what they
**«<»* fc »rf deceived, fir many shall ghould fof it*8^ould ^ suggested to
c*me m my name, saying, I am Christ. tnem b tbe Hol Ghogtf WQat lb gbou]d
Observe farther, The signs which our Sa- inJthat h^ Laim thence> That
vioor gives of Jerusalem s approaching de- ^ugh thc tru(h of q^^ ^ ^ opposed,
•fraction, namely, the many broils and com- yet tbe defenders of it shall never be asbam-
motious, the civil dnorders and dissensions, ^ for ^^ tban tney ^j want a
that should he found among the Jews im- ton to lfiad for it q^ llia)le|f wiJl
mediately before: Ye shall hear of wars • t them b his Ho, s irit> and
Womwotoir*, and see fearfu [sights, and t guch arguments to them, as all their
preaf signs from heaven. Josephus declares, enemies shall not be able to gainsay: I
that there appeared m the air chariots and vnig;veyou a mouth and ^om. Ob-
hortemen skirmishing, and that a blaiin- mw^ 3 ftow he describes the bitter en-
star io fashion of a_ sword hung over the mi|y ^ ^ worfd ^^ ^ yuB^m of
city for a year together. Hence learn, That the ]p to ^ ggch ^ wouW 0V€Icoroe
war, pmtilence, and famine, are judgments ^j ^jngu^ ^ lhe natljrai aflfection of
a^calamrt»n^K:tedbyC^u^nasin. ncarest relations: Ye shall be betrayed
ful people for their contempt of Christ and hoih b nts and brcihren% Grace
gospel grace. Ye shall hear of war, fa- fc^j^ m to lay down our lives for the
mine, and pestilence. brethren; but corruption m general, and
12 But before all these, they shall enmity to the gospel Hi particular, wHl put
lay their hands on vou, and perse- brother upon taking away the life of bro-
ceU you, delivering you up to the sv- ther.and'cauae parents to >ate and persecute
y 7 • t • i • " their own bowels. Observe lastly* Our
Mgopies and into prisons being ^[ouVadmonition : /„ your patience
brought before kings and rulers for w yc pomr s(miSm f^ are ^^
my name's sake. 13 And it shall degrees of Chratian patience: the first con-
turn to you for a testimony. 14 sists in a silent submission to God's will ;
Settle U therefore iff your hearts, tlie eecond in a thankful acceptation of
408 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXI.
God's fatherly rod ; the third in serious that is, the army which is such an abomi*
cheerfulness under sorrowful dispensations, nation to you, and the occasion of tocti
rejoicing in tribulation, and counting it all desolation -wherever it goes,) then let every
joy when we tall into divers. temptations: one that values his own safety fly a* far
by this patience we possess our souls ; as and as fast as he can, as Lot fled from the
faith gives us the possession of Christ, so flames of Sodom : and be glad, if bv flight
patience gives us the possession of ourselves: he can save his life, though he lose all
an impatient man is not in his own hand ; besides." Learn thence. That when A2-
for what, title soever we have to our own mighty God is pouring forth his fury upon
souls, we have no possession of them with- a sinful people, it is both a lawful and ne»
out patience : In your patience possess ye cessary duty, by flight lo endeavour to
your souls, shelter ourselves from the approaching
calamity and desolation: When ye see
20 And when ye shall see Jerusa- Jerusalem compassed with armies, Aec
lem compassed with armies, then to the mountains. Observe farther. The
know that the desolation thereof is dreadful relation that our Saviour here
nigh. 21 Then let them which are &ive8 of *°" desolating calamities which
«* «- to the mountains ; and J~ — I SJ 'Sfe Sft5l
let them which are in the midst of it frQm the additions and factions of the Zeal-
depart out ; and let not them that are 0ts within, who committed such outrages
in the countries enter thereinto. 22 and slaughters, that there were no less than
For these be the days of vengeance, eleven hundred thousand Jews slam, and
that all things which are written ninety-seven thousand taken prisoner
mav be fulfilled. 23 But woe unto Tney that bo**1* our Saviour for thirty
them that are with child, and to I*** wcrc°ow SSTlfi? "S ^7 £
A. .. . , . A. j • a penny. Now did the temple itself be-
them that give suck in those days ! ^ ^g^ a wbofe bumt^flecmg, and
for there shall be great distress in WM consumed to ashes. Observe lastly,
the land, and wrath upon this peo- What encouragement Christ gives to all his
pie. 24 And they shall fall by the faithful disciples and followers : be bids
edge of the sword, and shall be led them look up, and lift up their heads, when
away captive into all nations : and these calamities came upon others-, look
Jerusalem shall be trodden down of V "l* cw**?» "^Wl** yQuriZ
A. ^ A., A.. ., A. - 4, demption, salvation, and deliverance, then
the Gentiles, until I the times of 'the app^^n. God had a remnant, which
Gentiles be fulfilled. 25 And there he designed should survive that destruction,
shall be signs in the sun, and in the to be an holy seed ; these are called upon
moon, and in the stars ; and upon to look up with cheerfulness and joy, when
the earth distress of nations, with the hearts of others were failing them for
perplexity : the sea, and the wave* fear- *?<* thus shall it be at the general
roaring ; 26 Men's hearts failing ** ,?f J"*™*, (of which Jerus^s
A4m j? #■ „M • - i__l' a visitation was a type.) Lord! how will
them for fear, and for looking after lhe , and ^^^ day daixlc the
those things which are coming on eyes, and terrify the hearts, of all the enemies
the earth : for the powers of heaven of Christ ; but delight the eyes and rejoice
shall be shaken. 27 And then shall the hearts of all that love and fear him,
they see the Son of man coming in that serve" and obey him : then may the
a cloud with power and great glory. 'rien?8 °/ C"™1. '"*«/>. *** &ft «P *****
28 And when these things begin to J™* •>* Iheir full redemption draveth
come to pass, then look up, and lift "'^
up your heads ; for your redemption 20 And he spake to them a para-
draweth nigh . ble : Behold , the fig-tree, and all the
The sense is this : « As soon as ye shall *ree? ' 30 Whe" thcy "ow ,hoot
see the Roman army appear before the city forth, ye see and know of your own-
of Jerusalem, (called by St. Matthew and selves that summer is now nigh at
St Mark, The abomination of desolation, hand. 31 So likewise ve, when
Chap. XXI. ST. LUKE. 400
\e see these things come to pass, they are peccata accekrantia, ihey do not
know ye that the kingdom of God °nly **** but hasten the coming of
is sigh at hand. 32 Verily I say f h^ To •* *e "**} dn?w!^ in *°-
A ^ • to- *: - u-.ii ~ * luptuousness .and earthly-mindedness, in
«to you. This generation shall not ^ and ^ j* not ^lyT'sign
pass away till all be fulfilled. 33 to foretell, birt a sn that hastens judgment,
Heaven and earth shall pass away ; and pulls down vengeance upon a wicked
but my words shall not pass away. world. 3. Christ bids us beware of these
In these words our Saviour declares "the *in» with reference to# the day of judgment,
eertasaty of bis coming to visit Jerusalem hecause these sins are densoria judicia,
Jar ail her barbarous and bloody cruelty they be?et in men a profane spirit of scof-
lowaids himself, his prophets, and apostles; fin& ** deriding at the notices of Christ's
he is pleased to set forth this by the simili- W*?""* t0, J«tansntf 2 Pet m. 3, 4.
tude of the fig-tree, whose beginning to bud In iff totdqi there shall come scoffers,
declares the summer at hand ; thus our Sa- ™{kin8 ?ft% their ™n *****, *** **y**g.
viour tells them, that when they should see Jf*«* » thf P™™" °f h" f"Mg '
the tretnentioned signs, they might con- 0ur S*™™ having thus warned them of
dude the destruction of their city aad tern- $** »"», he next exhorts them to watch-
pic to be near at band ; and accordingly fuloc* ;. Watch ye, therefore, for as a
some of that generation, then living, did snare tkm**Pt ™tlc°m' «P<>n you ; that
see these predictions fulfilled. Learn, That * verv suddenly, and very unexpectedly :
God is no less punctual in the execution of a »nare has • threefold property, to catch
bss threatening! upon incorrigible sinners, ^e¥nlvJ. t0 hold "»[* to destroy certainly.
than he is fetthfuTin the performance of °ur ^J ™*W to Jerusalem was very
his promises towards his own people: the unexpected, and his coming to us by death
tnsth sad veracity of God is as much con- *£ J w*gment will steal upon us if we are
earned to execute his threatening*, as it is jot watchful. Watch ye then, for our
to fulfil bis promises. Ixm* W1" come ' at wnat noar ^ m^ come
^ cannot certainly be known; there is no
34 And take heed to yourselves, time in which we can promise or assure
lest at any time your hearts be ourselves, that our Lord will not come;
overcharged with surfeiting, and the time of our whole life b little enough to
dmoketuiess, and cares of this life, P"*™ ** hB com^' Our preparation
. .. . \ tor, will be no acceleration or hastening of,
a»d so that day come upon you on- ou; ^^ comi And oh| how drcad!
aware*. 86 For as a snare shall it u wjh his coming be, if we be found off
come on all them that dwell on the our watch, and altogether unready for his
face of the whole earth. 36 Watch appearance: Appear we must in judgment,
ye therefore, and pray always, that but shall not be able to stand in the judg-
>c may be accounted worthy to ""M"?; tChrist we ■JmU M a ^^ hut
escape ail these things that shall not hAM hlm M a redeemer'
come to pass, and to stand before 37 And in the day-time he was
the Son of man. teaching in the temple, and at night
Here our Lord cautions his disciples ne went oat» *nd abode in the mount
against such a distemper and indisposition that is called the mount of Olives,
of mind, at may render them unfit and 38 And all the people came early in
unready for his coming and appearance ; the morning to him in the temple,
■°li? tok*LllSi °f ttf° Jian§e/?us ** for to hear him.
nameJy, voluptuousness and earthly-mind-
edness, which above any other sins will Our Lord had exhorted his disciples in
indispose as for the duty of watchfulness, the foregoing verses to diligence and pray-
There is a three-fold reason why our Saviour er ; here he sets an example of both be-
forewarns us of these sins, with reference to fore them. Busying himself in God's ser-
ine day of judgment; 1. Because they are vice all the day, and at night spending
peccata prascurrentia, certain prognostics much time in prayer ; in the day-time he
of the day of judgment approaching : As was in the temple preaching, in the evening
it was in the days of Noah, so shall the he was on the mount of Olives praying.
coming of the Son of man 6c. 2. Because Lord? what an example of indefatigable
:N
410 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXII.
zeal and diligence hart thou set before thy a proffer, they readily comply wfcb <be
ministers and members! 0 that when our motion, and resolve to take the first op-
Master comes, we may be found working, portunity to put our Saviour to death,
our people watching, and both they and 3 Then ^^^ satan mio J*.
we waiting for the joyful coming of our ,, saroamed Iscariot. being of the
Urd and Saviour ! Amen. number of the twelve. 4 And lie
CHAP. XXII. vren% n'8 way» aiK* communed with
#%«? Ai_ r .. c i ^ the chief priests and captains, bow
OWthe feast of unleavened he mi fat £ him unto them, t
- bread drew nigh which is called A||<J ^ wcre £lad# ^ ^^^^
the passover. 2 And the chief to ^ him mo5ev. 6 Andbepw-
priests and scribep sought />owthey J^ and fct ^0*.^ to
might kill him ; for they feared the b him unt08them ff the ab^nce
Pc°Ple- of the multitude.
This chapter gives a sad and sorrowful Observe here, I. The person betayiog
relation of the chief priests* conspiracy ^ blessed Saviour, Judas ; Judas a pro-
against the life of our blessed Saviour, in fessor, Judas a preacher, Judas an apostle,
which we have three particulars observable. aod one of the twelve, whom Christ had
1. The persons making this conspiracy, Mr chosen out of the world to be his densest
chief priests, scribes, and eiders, that is, friend, one of bis family and household:
the whole Jewish Sanhedrim, or general shall we wonder to find friends nafrvndlj
council j they all lay their malicious heads or unfaithful to us, when our Saviour had a
together to contrive the destruction of the traitor iu his own family ? Observe, 2* The
holy and innocent Jesus, Thence learn, heinous nature of Judas* sin : he betrayed
That general councils have erred, and may je$us ; Jesus has Maker, Jews hi* Master, it
err fundamentally, both in matters of doc- ^ no strange or uncommon thing for the
trine and practice ; so did this genera] coun- v jjest 0f 8jns> and the most horrid impieties, to
cil at Jerusalem, consisting of chief priests, be acted by such persons as make the most
doctors, and elders, with the high priest their eminent profession of holiness and religion.
president. They did not believe Jesus to Observe, 3. What was tlie occasion that
be the Mcssias, after all the miracles wrought \^ j^as to the commission of ibis em ; k
before their eyes, but ignominioualy put was his inordinate love of money. I do
him to death. Observe, 2, The manner not find that Judas bad any particular ma-
of this conspiracy against the life of our ijce, spite, or ill-will against our Saviour;
blessed Saviour, it was clandestine, secret, but a base and unworthy spirit of covot-
and subtle : They consulted how they ousness possessed him, and this made him
might take him by craft, and put htm to K]i hfc master. Covetousness is the, root of
death. Learn thence, That Satan makes fin ; an eager and insatiable thirst after the
use of the subtilty of crafty men, and wor]d * the parent of the most monstsons
abuseth their parts as well as their power and unnatural sins, for which reason our
for his own purposes and designs : the devil Saviour doubles his caution, Luke 12. 16.
never sends a fool on his errand. Observe, 'fake heed and beware of covetousness ;
3. The circumstance of time, when this it shows us both the great danger of the sin,
conspiracy was managed, At the feast of and the great care that we ought to take to
the passover. It was a custom among preserve ourselves from it.
the Jews to execute malefactors at their «_ -- ., , -
solemn feasts, at which time all the Jews . ? Then came the day of *n-
came up to Jerusalem to sacrifice, and then leavened bread, when the passover
put the malefactors to death, that all Israel must be killed. 8 And he scut Pc-
raight see and fear, and not do so wickedly, ter and John, saying, Go and pre-
Accordingly the feast of the passover was pare us the passover, that we may
waitedforbytheJewsasafitooportunity eat, 9 Am\ tncy sajd unto WlB>
tl^U,l0Ur Sa t^, ^ *?t ^ • °° y Where wilt thou that we prepare >
objection was, That it might occasion a. ,rt » ■ ■ .1 A .1 r DV 11
tumult and uproar amongst the people, there 1(? And he said unto them, Behold,
being such a mighty concourse at that when >e are entered into the city,
lime in Jerusalem ; but Judas making them there shall, a man meet you, bearing
Chap. XXH. ST. LUKE. 411
a pitcher of water : follow him into will not any more eat thereof, until
the boose where he entereth in. 11 it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And ye shall say unto the good man 17 And he took the cup, and gave
of the bouse. The Master saith unto thanks, and said, Take this, and di-
thee, Where is the guest-chamber, vide ti* among yourselves. 18 For
where I shall eat the passover with I say unto you, I will not drink of
my disciples ? 12 And he shall the fruit of the vine, until the king*
shew you a large upper room fur- dom of God shall come. 19 And
nished : there make ready. 13 he took bread, and gave thanks',
And they went, and found as he had and brake it, and gave unto them,
said onto them : and they made saying, This is my body which is
ready the passover. given for you : this do in remem-
« .. ...,., # .. brance of me. 20 Likewise also the
JSf£?Sta^^ cupafUrsupper,saying,Thiscupu
of WsdWpks.RKerand John, to Jerusa- lnue. "*" ***T*nt ln "* b,°?d'
tern, to prepare what was needful in order whlch w «ned for you. 21 But, be-
thereunto; and here we have observable: hold, the hand of him that betray-
1. An eminent proof and evidence of eth me is with me on the table. 22
CferaTs divinity, in foretelling hfe disciples And truly the Son of man goeth as
all the particular occurrences and circum- jt was determined : but woe unto
stances which they should meet with in the that maa b whom he is betrayed ,
city ; as, a man bearing a pttcher of wa- 00 . . ./ ■ A J .
tJ.g. Observe, 2? How read.ly the M Andu they, beS«" uto .«¥»*•
heart of the householder wat disposed lo re- among themselves, which of them it
ceivc our Saviour and his disciples, and to was that should do this thing,
accommodate them with all things need- _, . -_. . . . .
fid upon this occasion. Our blessed Saviour . oble7e "** *• What ardency of de-
had not a hmb of his own, and peradven- VKL.mA Tehe,nel,cy of "ffecuoa our holy
Me no money wherewith to purchase one ; "?* <*&"?* to oetebrato the passover
yet be finds a more agreeable accommodai w,,h h» *"*?*»• ■*» to administer the sa-
tioo m this poor man's house, than if he c"ma,5L?9*? * r j orC J? .
bad dwelt in JVbab's ivory palace, and had th^» : m*J*w* AT * dgred *T rat
the provisions of Solomon's table. When "•'* P? *&" ' "&*• T*"*!***
Christ has a passover lo celebrate, be will J0*1 rt ■ ¥erv ■^Sl"^ j^T"8*
dapose the hearbof his children and ser- do appear, especially when death doth at*
vaotsto a free reception of himself. The Y&Pl"? JSF&P ^"L 2 th°
loom that Christ win enter into must be a to% °f *• J*"* "hich affords both an
brgeroom, an upper room, a room furnish- fnt,dote «K"",t *■«: ™? *. » ""J*-""
od^pteparedV«^er0m.,istheem- «oour«aith. Chrat, the n^ht before he
blem c/an%»larged heart, enlarged with ?J*red» <^««">'<*ted wtt ha disciples,
love, with joy and thankfulness , m upper Observe, 2. The unexampled boMoess of
fMi, is ah heart exalted, not puffed up ^«WJ"f ^or Judas; though he had
with pride, but lifted up by heavenly roe- "?. ^""St1" ?"**** to sit *>"■■*
dilations ; and a room furnished, is a soul the table with him, and wift the other dis-
adorned with all the graces of the Holy f 'P1* = .^ ,he pweoce of ,0j? .P0"?,**1
Spirit : into such an heart doth Christ enter, ib* ordinance to any but himself^Mcss
ind there delights to dwell: Here is mo our Savt0" *o«W.»ot have suffered him
rest for ever*, says Christ; here will 'i te"r*?eh J?* 'L K tm*%- ** V*
te<f,for I have a Might therein. »Uhou?h, »<*"'*« * «» «*»«7 «>an
J * for unlioly persons to press into the holy
14 And when the hourwns come, ordinances of God which they have no
he Mt down, and the twelve apos- n>h« (whi,rt *«*) to "pproach unto, yet
- - - ■ - ■ thew presence pollutes the ordinances only to
suffer : 10 For I say unto you, 1 Observe, 3. Christ did not name Judas,'
412 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXII.
and say, O thou perfidious traitor •, but, apart from common use, for holy pur-
Behold, the hand of him that betray eth poses : He biased it, that is, lie prayed for
me is with me on the table. Doubtless a blessing upon it, and brake k, thereby
Christ did not name him, because he would shadowing forth his body broken upon the
not drive him to despair, but draw him to cross : ana he gave it to bis disciples, saying,
repentance. But, Lord, thou knowest us This broken bread signifies my body, which
when thou namest us not. O how sad is it is suddenly to be broken upon the cross, for
•for any of thy family, who pretend friend- the redemption and salvation of a lost world,
ship with thee, to conspire against thee ; Do you likewise this in remembrance
and after they have eat of thy bread, to lift of my death. As to the cup, Christ hav-
up the heel against thee ! Observe, 4. That ing set it apart by prayer and thanksgiving,
though Judas was not named, yet he saw he commands his disciples to drink all of it;
himself pointed at by our Saviour: Behold For, says he, this cup is the new tetU-
the hand that betrayeth me is on the ment in my blood '; that is, the wine in
table ; and Judas* heart told him whose this cup doth represent the shedding of my
hand that was; yea, though Judas heard blood, by which the new covenant be-
that dreadful sentence denounced against tween God and man is ratified and ooofinn-
him, Woe to the man by whom the Son ed. Drink ye all of this, says oar Sa-
of man is betrayed ; yet he is no more viour : whence we gather, That every com*
blanked than innocency itself: this shame- municant has as undoubted a right to the
less man had the impudence to say to our cup, as he has to the bread in the Lord's
blessed Saviour, Master, is it If though supper; therefore for the church of Rome
St. Luke says it not, the other Evangelists to deny the cup to the common people is
tell us, that Christ answered him, Thou sacrilege, and directly contrary to Christ's
sayest it. Did not Judas (think we) institution,
blush extremely, and hang down his guilty nA h . ., t
head, at so galling an intimation ? Nothing 24 A™ there was also a strife
less ; we read not of any thing like it. aniong them, which of them should
Lord! how does obstinacy in sinning steel be accounted the greatest. 25 And
the brow, and render it incapable of all he said unto theni, The kitigs of the
relenting; impressions! Immediately after Gentiles exercise lordship over them;
the celebration of the passover, followed the and thev that exercise authority
east Sfan.it s "n ?em ?s ca,"ei ,JcBefr?r
elements, and the ministerial actions. Ob- 2* B.ut ye ihal1 not " *° :tb«* hc
serve, 1. The author of this new sacrament, that is greatest among you, let him
Jesus took bread. Learn thence, That be as the younger ; and he that is
to institute a sacrament is the sole prero- chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For
galive of Jesus Christ ; the church has no whether is greater, he that sitteth
power to make new sacraments; it is only at meat^ or he that serveth I is not
her duty to celebrate those which our Savi- . .. . e;#»«#k «* «,««♦? u..* i «.
our has made. 2. The time of the instU he that «"eth *t meat? but I am
tution, the night before the passion : The amonS vou as he that «rfetb.
night in which he was betrayed, he took If these words be not placed out of order
bread. 3. The sacramental elements, by St. Luke here, it may seem very strange,
bread and wine ; bread representing the that the apostles, immediately after the re-
body, and wine the blood of our Redeem- ceiving the sacrament, should entertain
er: bread being an absolutely necessary their minds with thoughts of precedency and
food, a common and obvious food, a superiority; and much stranger yeU that
strengthening and refreshing food ; and they should discourse openly of such a sub-
wine being the most excellent drink ; tho jeet as this, especially considering what our
most pleasant and delightful, the most cor- Saviour had- just before told than, that he
dial and restorative; for these reasons was betrayed into the hands of sinmm.
amongst others, did Christ consecrate and But whether at this time or not, it m most
set these creatures apart for those holy certain, at some time or other a strife was
purposes for which he designed them. 4. found amongst them, which should be the
The ministerial actions, breaking of the greatest. Now that our Saviour might ef-
bread and blessing of the cup : Jesus took factually quench those unhappy sparks of
bread; that is, separated it,, and set it ambition which were kindled in bkapos-
Chap. XXH. ST. LUKE* 413
ties' minds, he tells them that supremacy thrones with him judging the twelve
and dominion belong to secular princes, not tribes of Israel; we may gather, That
to evangelical pastors, who ought to carry such ministers as do most service for
themselves with humility and condescension Christ, and forsake most to follow him,
one towards another. Not that Christ di- and continue in temptation and tribula*
recta to a parity and equality amongst his tion with him, shall in his kingdom par-
ministers, or forbids the pre-eminency of lake of most honour and dignity with him
some over others ; but the affecting of su- and from him : You shall eat and drink
periority, and the love of pre-eminency, is in my kingdom, and sit on thrones, judg-
that which our Saviour disallowcth. Learn, ing the twelve tribes of Israel : possibly
1. That so far ought the ministers of Christ the apostles, and all the zealous, faithful and
to be from affecting a domination and su- laborious ministers of Jesus Christ, shall be
periority of power over their fellow-brc- neater his throne in heaven, than either
three, that, in imitation of Christ their saints or angels ; nearer than the angels, be-
Lord and Master, they ought to account cause by Christ's assuming the human na«
themselves fellow-servants: I am among ture, they are more nearly allied to him ;
y* ms one that serveth, 2. That such he is their friend, but our brother ; and
minsters as do love and affect pre-emi- nearer than other saints, as having done
nency and superiority, are most unfit for it, more eminent service for Christ, and brought
and they deserve it best that seek it least, more honour and glory to him by a labori-
3. That the dignity and honour which the ous diligence in their place and station, Dan.
minster* of Christ should chiefly and only xii. 3. They that turn many to righte-
affect, ta in another world ; and the way to ousness shall shine, Sf-c.
be the greatest and highest there, is to be __ A , ' T , ., _.
low and humble here; mean in ourown eyes, 0.31 And the Lord said, Simon,
and little in our own esteem: Whosoever kimon, behold, Satan hath desired
it chief, says Christ, let him be your to have you, that he may sift you as
servant. wheat : 32 But I have prayed for
28 Ye are they which have con- tnee» that lDV ^aith toil n°t : and
tinued with me in my temptations : when thou art converted, strengthen
29 And I appoint unto you a king- th3' brethren.
doin, as. my Father hath appointed Here I shall give, 1. The general sense
unto me ; 30 That ye may eat and of the words. 2. The particular matters
drink at my table in my kingdom, contained in them. 3. The special ob-
aod sit on thrones, judging the "■J1?1 'rom th*m' *The ■"« °f the
twelve tribe* of larael words is this; as for you my disciples in
twelve triDes ot Israel. general, and for thee Peter in particular, I
Observe here, What an honourable ac- must tell thee, that Satan hath accused
kaowfedgmept Christ makes of the con- you all before God, and desires that he may
•fancy of his disciples* love and affection have the sifting of you all by his winnow-
towards him: Ye arc they that have ing winds of temptation and persecution,
rontinued with me in my temptations : that he may shake your faith, and weaken
that is, m my afflictions, trials, and suffer- your confidence; but I have prayed for
rags. It is an easy matter to abide with you all, and particularly for thyself who
Christ in days of peace, in times of conso- art in greatest danger of falling, because so
Jatioo ; but when we are under afflictions, confident of thine own strength and stand-
teroptatioas, and troubles, then to abide and ing, that thy faith, though severely shaken,
Vera close to Christ, this is the proof of love may not utterly fail ; and when by repent-
and friendship : and as Christ makes an ance thou art recovered from thy fall, be
honourable mention of their constancy to- careful to confirm and strengthen others,
wards him, so he presently assures them of that they fall not in like manner. The
an honourable reward : I appoint unto particular matters contained in these words,
wv a kingdom. Learn thence, That such are these; a christian's danger, a christian's
as are sharers with Christ in his sufferings, safety, and a christian's duty. 1. A chris-
sball certainly communicate with him in rian's danger, Satan hath desired to sift you.
his glory : If we suffer with him, we shall Where observe, 1. The person particularly
*Uo reign with him. And whereas our Sa- warned of the danger, Simon, Simon : the
viour promises his apostles to sit upon doubling of the word, doubtless, carries a
4L4 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXI L
special intimation with it : H denotes the tian's duty : When thou art convertea
greatness and nearness of Peter's danger, his strengthen thy brethren* When contort*
Own security and insensiblenes* of that danger, ed ; that is, when recovered from thy fall,
and the great affection of Christ his moni- when restored upon thy repentance to the
tor, to give him warning of his danger, divine favour. This conversion is not from
Observe, 2. The warning itself, and that a state of sin ; Peter was so converted be*
is, of a devilish conspiracy against himself fore ; but it was from an act of sin, into
and all the apostles, Satan hath desired to which he should lapse and relapse 5
have you ; to have yon for his own, if it Strengthen thy brethren ; that is* establish
might be •, to have you as believers, rather others in the faith, from which thou art
than other men ; to have you as eminent shamefully fallen thyself. Now the lessons
believers, rather than other christians; and of instruction from the whole are these:
to have you as apostles and ministers, ra- 1. That temptations are like sittings: God
(her than other eminent believers. And as sifts to purge away our dust and dross;
Satan has desired to have you, so to sift Satan sifts, not to get out the chaff; but to
you too, to winnow you as wheat ; not bolt out the flour $ bis temptations are le-
to fetch out the chaff, but to make the veiled against our faith. 2. That Satan
chaff. Here note, That Satan has his has a continual desire lobe sifting and win-
winnowing winds of temptation, and his nowing God's flour ; Satan's own children
tempestuous winds of persecution, for the are all bran, all chaff, these he sifts not :
sifting of God's children. Note farther, God's children have flour mixed with bran.
That it is the wheat, the good corn, that good wheat mixed with chaff; these lie de-
Satan winnows ; not chaff, nor dross ; sires to sift, winnow, and fan ; not to sepa-
sinners, that are all chaff, and nothing but rate the bran and dross, but to destroy the
dross, Satan will not be at the pains to sift flour* Learn, 3. That the intercession of
and winnow them. But what is this sift- Christ gives security, satisfaction, and en-
ing? Answer, In sifting, two things are couragement to all believers, that though
performed; 1. The agitation, shaking and their faith may, by temptations, be shaken
tossing of the corn from side to side. The and assaulted, yet, that it shall never be
separation of the corn from the chaff and finally vanquished and overcome : I haze
dust ; Satan intends the former, God effects prayed that thy faith fail not, 4. That
the latter : Cribratione non perditur, sed lapsed christians, when recovered and re*
purgalur frumentum ; The corn is im- stored, ought to endeavour to restore and to
proved, not impaired, by winnowing. The recover, to strengthen and establish others :
saints of God shall be no losers in the end When thou art converted, strengthen thy
by Satan's temptations, how many and brethren.
&r2mTKhrSwV^ayi f » An* hc ■*• un<t hr ha
have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail l am ready to 5° w,th «*«*» DO"1
not. Wbere note, 1. The care that Christ into prison and to death. 34 And
had of Peter, and in him of all believers: he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock
/ have prayed for thee ; for thee as a shall not crow this day before that
believing christian, and for theeas a tempted thou shalt thrice deny that thou
christian ; and 'tis not said, I will pray for i,nftWM* mp J
thee, but I have prayed for thee. Christ Knowe8t me-
prayed for Peter, before Peter understood St Peter's resolution to accompany
that he had need of Christ's prayer; Christ Christ both to prison and to death, was
grayed for Peter as soon as ever Satan de- holy and good ; but his too confident opi-
sired to sift Peter. Our Intercessor is full nion of his own strength and ability so to
as nimble and speedy in his suit for us, as do, without a divine aid and assistance, was
Satan is in his accusations against us : he his failing and infirmity. Self-confidence
has desired, but I have prayed ; he is a is a sin too incident to the holiest and best
potent assailant, but thou hast a powerful of men. Little did St. Peter think what a
assistant. , Observe, 2. The subject mat- feather he should be in the wind of temp-
ter prayed for, That thy faith fail not ; tation, if once God left him to himself, and
not that thy faith be not assaulted, not that to Satan's assaults. Learn farther, How
thy faith be not shaken, but that thy faith hard a matter it is for a christian to excel
may not fail by an absolute and total de- in gifts, and not to be over-confident and
ftciency. The third particular is the chris- conceited. To see a man eminent m gifts.
Chap. XXir. ST. LUKE. 416
and yet exemplary in humility, is a tare remove ibis cup from me 3 never*
sigh* ; if we stand in the evil day, 'tis an theless not my will, but thine, be
noodle fear of falling that must enable us donc. 43 And there appeared an
to * angel unto him from heaven,
* 36 And he said unto them. When strengthening him. 44 And, being
I sent you without purse, and scrip, in an agony, he prayed more ear-
and shoes, lacked ye any thine:? nestly : and his sweat was as it were
And they said, Nothing. 36 Then great drops of blood falling down to
said he unto them, But now, be that the ground. 45 And when he. rose
hath a purse, let him take it, and up *Voni prayer, and was come to
likewise kit scrip ; and he that his disciples, he found them sleep-
hath no sword, let him sell his gar- >ng for sorrow, 46 And said unto
nieot and buy one. 57 For I say them, Why sleep ye ? rise and pray,
unto you, That this that is written ,c»t ye enter into temptation.
mnst vet be accomplished in me. r\ ui^. *j c «~ u •
m . v a t. j » Our blessed Saviour being now come to
And he was reckoned among the !he mounl of Olives, and having entered
transgressors : for the things con- with his disciples into the garden near if,
is enough. an(* importunity • his sufferings were now
* coming on a great pace, and he meets them
As ii our Lord had said, " Hitherto I upon his knees, and would be found in a
have been with you, and you have had my praying posture. Learn thence, that prayer
special protection and careful provision, Is the best preparative for, as well as the
though vou went without purse, scrip, or most powerful support under, the heaviest
swoid : but the time is now at hand when sufferings that can befall us. As to this
I most leave you ; when your friends will prayer of our Saviour, in his agony, many
be flew, and your enemies many $ therefore particulars are very observable. As, 1. The
make such provision for yourselves, as pru- time when he prayed thus extraordinarily j
aVnce shall direct Indeed, my sufferings it was the evening before he suffered, just
wifj be first ; I must be numbered with the before Judas with his black guard came to
transgressors, and all things that are written apprehend him ; and when be did come,
of me must be accomplished, and will sud- he found him in a praying posture j our
denly be fulfilled j and after me you will Lord teaching us by his example, that
next come upon the stage, therefore prepare when imminent dangers are before us, es-
and provide for it." Learn, That Christ pecially when death is apprehended by us,
having forewarned his members, but especi- it is our duty to be very much in prayer
ally his ministers, of the dangers, distresses, to God, and very fervent in our wrestlings
and difficulties that they are to conflict and with him. Observe, 2. The subject matter
encounter with ; it is their duty, by faith of our Lord's prayer, That, if possible, the
and patience, with courage and christian re- cup might pass from him ; that is, that
solution, to be well armed and prepared he might escape the dreadful wrath, at
against them. which he was so sore amazed. But what I
. did Christ now begin to repent of his un-
99 And he came out, and went, dertaking for sinners ? did he shrink and
as he was wont, to the mount of gjve back, when he came to the pinch ?
Olives; and his disciples also fol- No, nothing like this; but as he had two
lowed him. 40 And when he was natures, being God and Man, so he had
at the place, he said unto them, two dWinct wilIs ; as Man he feared and
P»« «h«+ «- ««*»* MA* ;«*«. +««.»** shunned death, as God-man he willingly
Pray that ye enter not into tempta- ^^ t0 Jt ^ divinc nature abnJ
turn. 41 And he was withdrawn the hunian spirit of christ did now assau|t
from them about a stone's cast, and &<& other with disagreeing interests.
kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Again, this prayer was not absolute, but
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, conditional: "Father, if it may be, if thou
416 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXII.
'wilt, if it please thee, let the cup pass ; if of human nature, it is their duty to watch
not, I will drink it." The cup of suffer- and pray, and thereby guard themselves
ings we see is a very bitter and distasteful against temptations : Rise and pray, lest
cup, a cup which human nature abhors ; ye enter into, tec.
yet doth God ofttimes put this bitter cup 47 ^nd whflc jie yet Spake, be-
of affliction into the hands of whom he hoM a multitude an(f hc that was
does sincerely love ; and when he dotn so, ,. , T ■ * ■ . ,
it is their duty to drink it with silence and called Judas one of the twelve,
submission, as here their Lord did before went before them, and drew near
them. Observe, 3. The manner of our unto Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Je-
Lord's prayer in this his agony ; and here we sus said unto him, Judas, betrayest
may remark, 1. It was a solitary prayer; thou the Son of man with a kiss ?
he went by himself alone, out of the hear- 49 When they which were about
jng of his disciples. The company of our him gaw wnat wou|d follow, they
best and dearest friends is not always sea- ^ w ^ h „ £
sonable 1 there are times and seasons when °* " ""w "' "' " , *
a christian would not be willing that the with the sword ? 50 And one ot
most intimate friend he has in the world them smote the servant of the nigh-
should be with him, to hear what passes priest, and cut off his right ear. 51
in secret betwixt him and his God. Again, And Jesus answered and said, Suffer
2. It was an humble prayer; that appears ye thus far. And he touched his
by the postures in which he cast himself, ear an(, healed hinK 52 Then Je-
sometimes kneeling, sometimes lying pros- y , h, f iest ^
trate upon his face, he lies in the very dust, . r . . r . • .
and lower he could not lie, and his heart captains of the temple, and the el-
was as low as his body. 3. It was a ««*» which were come to him, Be
vehement, ferveut, and importunate prayer ; ye come out, as against a thief, with
such was the fervour of his spirit, that he swords and staves ? 52 When I
prayed himself into an agony. O let us was daily with you in the temple,
blush to think how unlike our praying ye 8tretched forth no hands against
frame of spirit is to Christ s. Lord ! what * h% ^ - h and ^
coldness, deadness, drowsiness, formality, r j 1
and laziness, is found in our prayers ! How Power of darkness,
often do our lips move, when our hearts It was the lot and portion of our blessed
stand still f Observe, 4. The posture Saviour here, we rind, to be betrayed into
which the disciples were found in ; when the hands of bis mortal enemies, by the
our Lord was praying in his agony, they treachery of a false and dissembling friend :
were fast asleep. Good God ! could they and in this sad relation before us we have
possibly sleep at such a time as this ? when observable, The traitor, the treason, the
Christ's soul was exceeding sorrowful, could manner how, and the time when, this trea-
their eyes be heavy ? Learn thence, That sonable design was executed. Observe, 1.
the very best of Christ's disciples may be. The traitor, Judas ; all the evangelists
and ofttimes are, overtaken with great carefully describe him by his name, Judas,
infirmities, when the most important duties Judas Tscariot, lest he should be mistaken
are performing ; Then comet h he to his for Jude, the brother of James ; and by his
disciples, and findeth them sleeping, office, one of the twelve. Lord! now
Observe, 5. The mild, meek, and gentle ought the greatest professors to look well to
rebuke which he gives to his disciples for themselves, and to the grounds and prin-
their sleeping ; he said unto them, Why ciples of their profession : for a profession
sleep ye ? Could ye not watch with me begun in hypocrisy will certainly end in
one hour ? " What, not watch when apostasy. Observe, 2. The occasion of
your Master was in such danger ! Could the treason, covetousness, or the inordinate
ye not watch with me, when I was going love of worldly wealth ; and accordingly
to lay down my life for you ? What, not the devil lays a temptation before him ex-
one hour, and that the parting hour too ?" actly suited to bis temper and inclraarkw,
learn hence, That the holiest and best re- and it instantly overcame him. Leara
solved christians, who . have willing spirits hence, That persons are never in such im-
for Christ and his service, yet in regard to minent danger of falling into sin, as when
the weakness of the flesh, and the frailty they meet with temptations exactly sorted
Chap. XXII. ST. LUKE. 417
to their roaster lust O pray we, that God But a certain maid beheld him as
would keep us from temptations suited to he sat by the fire, and earnestly
our predominant lust and corruption. Ob- looked upon him, and said, This
sore, 3. The treason of Judas, be led on .. r^i '*t u* ew a j
an armed multitude to the place where ™an.w" **? wlth.hlm- 67 An*
Christ was, gave them a signal to discover ,ne "enied him, saying, Woman, I
him by. and bids them lay hands upon *"<>* him not. 58 And after a ht-
him and hold him fast; which treason of tie while another saw him, and said,
Judas was attended with these black and Thou art also of them. And Peter
hellish aggravations: he had been a wit- said, Man, I am not. 50 And about
ness of our Saviour's miracles, and hearer the space of one hour after, another
of our Lords doctrine; what he did was ^-isjL..*!.. *h\m^a « : ' g\c
not by solicitation; the chief priests did confidently affirmed, saying Of a
** aid to him, but he vent to them. J™** ^"M™ aIso was *lth him 5
Lord J how dangerous is it to allow our- for he « a Galilean. CO And Pe-
setas in any secret sin! None can say ter said, Man, 1 know not what thou
how far that one sin may in time lead us. sayest. And immediately, while he
Should any one have told Judas that his yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And
covetousnea would at last make him deny tne i^i turned and io0ked upon
hs U>rd and sell his Saviour, he would peter And peter remembered the
have said with Hazael, Is thy servant a ir-i t ju l lj-j
dog, that I should do this thing? Ob- word of the Lord how he had said
stive, 4. The endeavour made by his dis- unto hlm» Before the cock crow, thou
espies lor their Master's rescue. One of shalt deny me thrice. 62 And Peter
them (St Matthew says it was Peter) drew went out, and wept bitterly.
a sword, and cut off the ear of Malchus.
But why not the ear of Judas rather ? This paragraph of the chapter gives us
Because, though Judas was roost faulty, yet an account of the fall and rising of Peter ;
Malchus might be most forward to arrest of his sin in denying bis Master, and of his
and carry off our Saviour. O how does a recovery by repentance ; both must be con-
psoas breast boil with indignation at the sidered distinctly. First, touching his sin
sight of an open affront offered to its Sa- and fall ; there are four particulars ob-
vkrar! Yet, though St. Peter's heart was servable relating thereunto; namely, the
sincere, his hand was too rash ; good in- sin itself, the occasion of that sin, the re-
tentions are no warrant for irregular actions ; iteration and repetition of it, and the aggra-
and accordingly, Christ, who accepted the vat ing circumstances attending it. Observe,
afiectioo, reproved the action. To resist 1. The sin itself, the denial of Christ Jesus
authority, even in Christ's own defence, is his Lord and Master, I know not the man ;
rash zeal, and discountenanced by the and this backed with an oath, he sware that
gospel. Peter did well to ask his master, he knew him not. Lord, how may the slav-
If he should smite with the sword ? but ish fear of suffering drive the holiest and
he ought to have stayed bis band till Christ best of men to commit the foulest and worst
had given him his answer. However, of sins! Observe, 2. The occasions lead-
Peter's sin occasioned a miracle from our ing to this sin, and they were these : I. His
Saviour ; Christ heals that ear miraculously, following Christ afar off. To follow
which Peter cut off unwarrantably ; yet Christ' was the effect of Peter's faith ; but
the sight of this miracle converted none, to follow him afar off at this time, was the
O how insufficient are all outward means fruit of fear, and the effect of frailty. Woe
of conversion, without the Spirit's inward unto us when temptation comes, if we be
operation! far from Christ's gracious presence and
assistance. 2. His being in bad company,
54 Then took they him, and led amongst Christ enemies : would we escape
kxmt and brought him into the high- temptations to sin, we must then decline
priest's house. And Peter followed *™h™m^ll™r?i»~^^™
c jt e-Aj u *l lj into sin. Peter had better have been a-
afar off. to And when they had ooJd by himge|f a|one> than wanning him.
kindled a fire in the midst of the x\f at a fire which was encompassed in
hall, and were set down together, with the blasphemies of the multitude ;
Peter sat down among them. 56 where his conscience, though not seared,
2 E
418 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXII.
was yet made hard. Another grand oc- prehended him : had be been bound and
caaion of Peter's falling was, a presump- led away to the judgment-hall, and there
tuous confidence of his own strength and threatened with the sentence of an igno-
standing : Though all men forsake thee, minious death, some excuse might have
yet wilt not I. O Lord ! to presume upon been made better for him : but to disown his
ourselves, is the ready way to provoke relation to Christ upon a word spoken by
thee to leave us to ourselves ; if ever we a sorry maid that kept the door ; the small-
stand in the day of trial, 'tis the fear of ness of the temptation was an high aggra-
' falling must enable us to stand. We soon vation of the crime. Ah Peter: bow little
fall, if we believe it impossible to fall didst thou answer thy name at this time !
Observe, 3. The reiteration and repetition Thou art not now a rock, but a reed, a
of this sin, lie denied Christ again and pillar blown down by a woman's breath,
again ; he denies him first with a lie, then O frail humanity, whose strength is weak-
with an oath, and next with a curse, ness and infirmity. Note here, That in
Lord, how dangerous is it not to resist most of the saints* falls recorded in scrip-
the first beginnings of sin ! if we yield ture, the first entiocrs to sin, or the acci-
to one temptation, Satan will assault us dental occasions of it, were women; witness
with more and stronger. Peter proceeded (besides the first fall, that of Adam's where
from a denial to a lie ; from a lie to an the woman was first in the transgression)
oath ; from an oath to an imprecation and the fall of Lot, Samson, David, Skriomon,
curse. It is our wisdom vigorously to resist and Peter ; these are sad instances of the
sin at the beginning ; for then we have truth of what I speak. A weak creatine
most power, and sin has least. Observe, 4. may be a strong tempter ; nothing is too
The heinous and aggravating circumstances impotent or useless for the devil's service ;
of St. Peter's sin ; and they are these : 1 . it was a great aggravation of Peter's sin,
The character of his person ; a disciple, an that the voice of a poor maid that kept the
apostle, a chief apostle, a special favourite, door should be of more force to overcome
who with James and John had the special him, than his faith in Jesus to sustain him.
honour to be with Christ at his transfigu- But what shall we say ? small things are
ration : yet he denies Christ. 2. The sufficient to cast us down, if God doth not
person whom he denies ; his Master, his help us up ; we sink under any burden, if
Saviour, and Redeemer. He, that in great God sustain us not ; and yield to the least
humility had washed Peter's feet, had eat temptation, if he leaves us to ourselves; a
the passover with Peter, had given but just damsel shall then make a disciple shrink,
before the holy sacrament to Peter ; yet is and a door-keeper shall be able to drive an
this kind and condescending Saviour de- apostle before her. This is the account, in
nied by Peter. 3. Consider the persons short, of St. Peter's rail, considered in itself,
before whom he denied Christ ; the chief and with the circumstances relating to it
priest's servants. O how surprising, and yet Now follows his recovery and rising again
very pleasing was it to them, to see one bv repentance ; and here we have observ-
disciple betray and sell his Master, and able, The suddenness of his repentance,
another disown and deny him ! 4. Con- the means of his repentance, and the roan-
sider the time when he denied him; it ner of his repentance. Observe, 1. The
was but a few hours after he had received suddenness of St. Peter's repentance : as his
the holy sacrament from Christ's, own sin was sad, so was bis repentance speedy ;
hands. How unreasonable then is their sin committed by surprise, and through
objection against coming to the Lord's the prevalency or a temptation that sui-
table, that some who go to it dishonour denly assaults us, is much sooner repented
Christ as soon as they come from it : such of, than where the sin is presumptuous and
examples ought not to discourage us from deliberate. David's murder and adultery
coming to the ordinance, but should excite were deliberate acts of sin, in which be lay
and increase our watchfulness after we have almost twelve months, without aoy solemn
been there, that our after-deportment may repentance for them. St Peter's denial
be suitable to the solemnity of a sacramen- was hasty and sudden, under a violent
tal table. Observe, 5. What a small pang and passion of fear, and he takes the
temptation he lay under thus shamefully to warning of the cock's crowing, to go forth
deny his Lord and Master ; a damsel only speedily and weep for his transgression,
at first spake to him. Had a band of Observe, 2. The means of his repentance,
armed soldiers appeared to him, and ap- which was two-fold: the less principal
Chap. XXII. ST. LUKE. 410
means was the crowing of the cock ; the efficacy of Christ's word, ia order to .sound
more principal mean* were Christ's took- repentance, depends not upon the historical
ing upon Peter, and Peter's remembering remembrance of it, but upon the close ap-
the words of Christ. 1. The less prin- plication of it to every man's conscience.
cipal means of St. Peter's rising and reco- Observe, 3. The manner of St. Peter's re-
very by repentance, was the crowing of pentance ; it was secret, it was sincere, it
the cock ; as the voice of the maid occa- was lasting, and abiding. 1. It was se-
asoned him to sin, so the voice of the cock cret ; he went out and wept, Vere doUt%
occasioned him to reflect. That God who qui sine teste dotet ; he sought a place of
always can work without means, can ever, retirement, where he might mourn in se-
when he pleases, work by weak and con- cret ; solitariness is most agreeable to an
feroptible means, and open the mouth of a afflicted spirit ; yet I must add, that as St.
bird or a beast for the conversion of a man. Peter's sorrow, so probably his shame,
Bat why does our Lord make use of the might cause him to go forth and weep,
crowing of a cock, as a means of bringing Christ looked upon him, and how ashamed
St. Peter to repentance ? There is ever must he be to look upon Christ, seeing be
some mystery in Christ's institutions and had so lately denied that he had ever seen
instruments ; the cock was a preacher, to him ! 2. St. Peter's repentance was sin-
call St Peter to his duty, there being cere ; he wept bitterly : his grief was ex-
something of emblem between a cock and traordinary, and his tears abundant ; there
a preacher ; the preacher ought to have is always a weeping that must follow sin ;
the wings of the cock, to rouse himself from sin must cost the soul sorrow, either here
diowsmess and security, and to awaken or in bell ; we must now either mourn
others to a sense of their duty * he must awhile, or lament for ever. Doubtless St.
have the watchfulness of the cock, to be Peter's tears were joined with hearty coo-
ever ready to discover and forewarn danger ; fession of sin to God, and smart reflections
he must have the voice of the cock, to cry on himself , after this manner: ** Lord,
aloud, to tell Israel of their sin, to terrify what have I done ! I a disciple ; I an
the roaring lion of hell, and make him apostle; I that did so lately acknowledge
tremble, as they say the natural lion does : my master to be Christ the Lord ; I that
m a word, he must observe the hours of the spoke with so much assurance, Though all
cock, to crow at all seasons ; to preach the men deny thee yet will not I: I that pro-
word m season and out of season. Again, mised to lay down my life for his sake ; yet
2. The more principal means of St. Peter's have I denied him, yet have I, with oaths
recovery were Christ's looking upon Peter, and imprecations, disowned him, and this
and Peter's remembering the words of at the voice of a damsel, not at the sight of
Christ. 1. Chris fs looking upon Peter ; a drawn sword presented at my breast !
our Saviour looked upon Peter, before either Lord, what weakness, what wickedness,
Peter looked upon our Saviour or upon him- what unfaithfulness, have I been guilty of !
self. O wonderful act of love and grace to- O that my head were waters, and mine
wards this fallen disciple. Christ was now eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep
upon his trial for his life, (a time when our all my days for the fault of this one night"
thoughts would have been wholly taken up Thus may we suppose our lapsed apostle
aboot ourselves,) but even then did Christ to have bemoaned himself: and happy
find leisure to think upon Peter, to remem- was it for him that he did so j for blessed
bar his disconsolate disciple* to turn him- are the tears of a converted revolter, and
self about and give him a pitiful but piercing happy is the misery of a mourning oflen-
look, even a look that melted and dissolved der. Observe, 3. St Peter's repentance
him into tears. We never begin to lament was not only secret and sincere, but lasting
our sins till we are first lamented by our Sa- and abiding ; he retained a very quick
viour ; Jesus looked upon Peter, that was sense and lively remembrance of this sin
the first more principal means of his re- upon hirmind all his life after. Ecclesi-
pentance. But, 2. The other means was astical history reports, that ever after, when
Peter's remembering the words of the Lord, St. Peter heard the crowing of the cock,
Before the cock crow thou shall deny mc. he fell upon his knees and wept. Others
Now this remembrance was an applicative say, that he was wont to rise at midnight
and feeling remembrance ; he remembered and spend the time in prayer and humili-
the prediction of Christ, and applied it ation between cock-crowing and day-light.
sensibly to himself j teaching us, that the And the Papists, who delight to turn every
2 f. 2
420 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXII.
thing into folly and superstition, first began Christ ? tell us. And he said unto
that practice of setting up what we call them, If I tell vou, ye will not be-
weather-cocks upon towera and steeples, lieve . m An(f if \ afe0 aak y
to put people in mind of St Peter s fall and wiU t angwer nQr k| *
repentance by that signal. Lastly, St. •* „ A , „ .! « r &
Peter's repentance was attended with an » Hereafter shall the Sou of man
extraordinary zeal and forwardness for the sl* on the right hand of the power
service of Christ, to the end of his days, of God. 70 Then said they all,
He had a burning love towards the holy Art thou then the Son of God ? And
Jesus ever after, which is now improved he said unto them, Ye say that I
into a seraphic flame : I^ord, thou knowest am# 7l Amj they said, What n€cd
all things; thou knowest that I love we further witne8S? for wcour_
thee, says be himself, John xxi. 17. And . i *i u ~ j ru* ~ *l.
as an evidence of it, he fed Christ's sheep ; ^ ves hav* heanl of hls 0WQ ■»■*■
for in the Acts of the Apostles, we read of Observe here, 1. Christ was judged and
his extraordinary diligence to spread the tried before a court that had no authority to
gospel, and his travels in order thereunto, judge or try him, ver. 66. They led him
are computed by some to be nine hundred into their council. This was their great
and fifty miles. To end all ; have any of Sanhedrim or ecclesiastical court, which, ac-
us fallen with Peter, though not with a for- cording to its first constitution, was to con-
mal abjuration, yet by a practical denying sist of seventy grave, honourable, and
of him, let us go forth ana weep with him, learned men, who were to judge impar-
let us be more vigilant and watchful over tially for God, according to Numb. xi. 16.
ourselves for the time to come: let us ex- But this, alas! consisted of a malicious pack
press more fervent love and zeal for Christ, of scribes and Pharisees ; men full of ma-
more diligence in his service, more con- lice and revenge, and over these Caiaphas
cernedness for his honour and glory : this now presided ; an head fit for such a body,
would be an happy improvement of this But though there was at our Saviours
example ; God grant it may have that trial a face of a court amongst them, yet
blessed effect ! their power was much abridged by the Ro-
03 And the men that held Jesus man* " ^ the* ~u,ci not h^^t *"
, , ,. , A .. _ termine, neither judge nor condemn, m
mocked him, and smote Am. 64 capital matters. Observe next, The indict,
And when they had blindfolded him, ment of blasphemy is brought in against
they struck him on the face, and him: What need we any further witness*
asked him, saying, Prophesy, who toe have heard his blasphemy. Abomt-
is it that smote thee ? 06 And ma- DaD,e wickedness ! It is not in the power
ny other things blasphemously spake of the V**** ™* most unspotted mno-
they against him. «** * P1*** from , "f ** **
J ° accusation. Observe farther, the great
Observe here, The vile affronts, the hor- meekness of our Saviour under all these
rid abuses, the injuries and indignities, ill suggestions and false accusations : as a
which were put upon the holy and intoo- lamb before the shearers, so is he dumb, and
cent Jesus in the day of his sufferings : the openeth not his mouth. Learn thence, That
rude officers and servants spit in his face, to bear the revilings, contradictions, and
blindfolded his eyes, smote him with their false accusations of men, with a silent and sub-
hands, and, in contempt and scorn, bid missive spirit, is an excellent and Christ-tike
him prophecy who it was that smote him. temper. Though a trial for bis innocent
Verily, there is no degree of contempt, no life was now managed most maliciouBiy
mark of shame, no kind of suffering, which and illegally against him, yet when he was
we ought to decline for Christ's sake, who reviled, he reviled not again ; xshen he
hid not his face from shame and spitting suffered, he threatened not O may the
upon our account. same meek and humble mind be in us,
06 And as soon as it was day, which was also in Christ Jesus, who instead
the elders of the people and the °f "^^i^T*,*^* ft *i? mur'
««hif»f !ii.;A<,«o ««ri *iL 1~ -k derers, and offered up his blood to God on
;S7' ™ dc ' . ml° tht'r J^ ^P » to set thy instructive esara-
councii, 07 baying, Art thou the pie continually before us, and to be daily
Chap. XXIII. ST. LUKE. 421
collecting and reforming of our lives by step towards it is his arraignment before
that blessed pattern. Amen. Pilate and Herod ; they post him from one
ru ad yviit to another > Pllate sen°8 him to Herod, and
^«at. AA1IL Herod having made sufficient sport with
arose, and led them unto Pilate, yet neither of them would release him!
2 Aoa they began to accuse him, Here observe, That our Saviour being be-
saying, We found this fellow pervert- fore Pilate, answers him readily and cau-
ing the nation, and forbidding to tiousty : Art thou the King of the Jews ?
give tribute to Cesar, saying that *** Klate' Thou ****** u* •*>'* our $***"
he himself is Christ a King. 3 And T' r>?rt J£0UJht ?*!*& the ft" °f
PJUje .,ked hi?, sayinf Art thou Z^'I^^A {^3.^
the King of the Jews \ and he an- Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate wit-
swered him and said, Thou sayest it. nessed a good confession. Teaching us,
4 Then said Pilate to the chief That though we may, and sometimes ought
priests and to the people, I find no t0 bo,(i our P6*08 wnen our reputation is
fault in this man. 5 And thev were c01108"16^ y* we must never be silent
the more fierce, saying, He stirreth T^Jf h,?nour **&?* h,kMh?*Z
up the people, teacL| throughout £n£n^
all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to That our Saviour being before Herod)
this place. 6 When Pilate heard of would neither answer him to any question,
Galilee, he asked whether the man nor work any miracle before him. This was
were a Galilean. 7 And as soon as an instance and an evidence of our Lord's
he knew that he belonged unto He- Sreat nurm%» in refusing to work miracles
rod's jurisdiction, he sent him to ^ore H^» w|j?u<*aired it only to gratify
Herod, who himself also was at Je- fc ET^ Jr& ^ ^ ^
i * al j. *• « * j l tne no|y power of God, desiring to see it
rusalem at that time. 8 And when exerted for admiration and pastime ; not to
Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding be convinced or converted by it, but only
glad : for he was desirous to see him to please their foolish fancy. And as ad-
of a long season, because he had mirable was the patience as the humility
heard many things of him : and he of Christ, and his present silence, who nei-
hoped to have seen some miracle J^? J^VrT"* M/ the ft£
A™**> k« k;m a t» i™ u« *• importunity and false accusations, could be
donebyhira. 9 Then he question- raoVed to answer any thing. • Observe far-
ed with him in many words ; but he ther, That though Herod had murdered
answered him nothing. 10 And the Christ's forerunner, John the Baptist, and
chief priests and scribes stood and our Saviour's own life was in danger by
vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod heretofore, yet now he has him in
Herod with his men of war set him h J* hands» ne **** him g°> only he first
at nought, and mocked him, and f?09? h,m» and »«*• M*. «>d ™J»
■/,. • . , ' . him in a gorgeous robe, like a mock-kner.
arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and tk.» „„! Js *ul ,vuc'"*c * u,uu*. *,ue-
'.. . . * wJT* \W ? * I bus were all the marks of scorn imagi-
sent him again to Pilate. 12 And nab!e put upon our dear Redeemer; yetall
the same day Pilate and Herod this jeering and sportful shame did our
were made friends together : for be- Lord undergo, to snow what was due unto
fore they were at enmity between m *°r our sins ; and also to give us an
themselves. example to bear all the shame and reproach
imaginable for his sake j who for the joy
In this chapter we have a relation of the that was set before him, despised the
blackest and saddest tragedy that ever was shame, Heb. xii. 2. Observe lastly, The
acted upon the stage of the world, namely, wicked accusation brought in against our
the barbarous and bloody murder of the blessed Redeemer ; We found (say they)
holy and innocent Jesus, by the Jews his this fellow perverting the nation, forbid-
own countrymen ; the best of kings put to ding to give tribute to Cesar. O hellish
death by his own subjects. And the first untruth ! How directly contrary to the
422 ST. LUKE. Chap, XXIII.
whole course and tenor of Christ's life was meat of our Saviour's death. One while he
this accusation ! By his doctrine he preach- expostulates with the chief priests, saying*
ed up subjection to governors and govern- What evil hath he done .* Nay, SL Luke
ment ; saying, Bender to Cesar the things here declares, that Pilate came forth three
that are Cesar's. And by his practice several times, professing that he found no
he confirmed his own doctrine, working a fault in him. Where note. How much
miracle to pay tribute to Cesar. Satan more justice and equity Christ met with
could help them to draw up an indict- from Pilate an heathen, than from the chief
ment as black as hell, against the innocent priests and people of the Jews, professing
Jesus ; but all the powers of bell and dark- llie true religion. O how desperate is the
neas could not prove a tittle of it. hatred that grows upon the root of religion !
Learn hence, That hypocrites within the
13 And Pilate, when he had call- church may be guilty of such tremendous
ed together the chief priests and the acts of wickedness, as the consciences of in-
rulers and the people, 14 Said fidels and pagans without the church may
unto them, Ye have brought this bo^k * a.nd E** 9&«z ^te, ?
. .. . ° . .. pagan, absolves Christ, whilst the hvpocn-
nan unto me as one that perverteth J^Sl^ that ^ 'hil docuine £?%*
the people : and, behold, I, having his miractea, do condemn him. Observe,
examined him before you, have 2. How Pilate at last suffers himself to be
found no fault in this man, touching overcome with the importunity of the Jews,
those things whereof ye accuse him : and delivers the holy and innocent Jesus,
15 No, nor yet Herod : for I sent contrary to his judgment and conscience,
you to him : and, lo, nothing worthy t0 ^ "j11 °? his ■«■*«»• »»»▼**
of death is done unto him. 16 I ^^^S^ZXSS^^
.,, « e , . , . . uiey are not committed with their own con*
will therefore chastise him, and re- 8eaU but at the instigation and importunity
lease Aim. 17 (For of necessity he of others : for such is the frame and con-
must release one unto them at the stitution of man's soul, that none can make
feast.) 18 And they cried out all a person wicked without his own consent;
at once, saying, Away with this man, jt was n0 extenuation of Pilate's sm, no
and release unto usBarabbas: 19 aviation of his pimis^t, that to '"-
/WLft *„ „ ««..♦•. „aj:*:^„ «,»j* : the people he delivered our Saviour, con-
(Who for a certain section made in ^^ihe6isKiim of hii own c^scfeoce,
the city, and for murder, was cast t0 ^ crucified. Observe, & The person
into prison.) 20 Pilate, therefore, whose life the wicked Jews preferred before
willing to release Jesus, spake again the life of the holy Jesus; Barabbas; ve
to them. 21 But they cried, saying, will that thou release Barabbas, and de-
Crucify him, crucify him. 22 And l*ver Jetus- Mark the8e hypocritical high
he said unto them the third time, P^ wl» pteteoded ^ a Md fcr God
Whv what evil hath he done ? I aad re,l&l0,, > thev ?*** the life of a per.
wny wnat evil nain ne : aone t I ^n guilty of the higriest imnwralHies and
have found no cause of death in him : debaWies, even murder and sedition, be-
I will therefore chastise him, and fore the best man that ever lived in the
let Aim go. 23 And they were in- world. But whence sprang the malice and
stant with loud voices, requiring hatred of the high priests, and people of the
that he might be crucified. And the JeW8» ag™** our Saviour? Why, plainly
voices of them and of the chief *£? to^.?^faI?T«rt^Ji,»w€r
***;*.»<. ™™:i<wJ €%a kr*A p;u*a God more strictly than their lusts could bear;
priests, prevailed 24 And Pilate ^ he lived a more holy, useftil, and 6^
gave sentence that it should be as ,ent life than they JM ^^ Now
they required. 25 And he released nothing enrages the men of the world more
unto them him that for sedition and against the professors, but especially the
murder was cast into prison, whom preachers, of the gospel, than holiness of
they had desired ; but he delivered doctrine, and strictness of life and conver-
Jesus to their will. sat ion. Such as preach and live well, let
" them expect such enmity and opposition,
Observe here, 1. How unwilling, how such malice and persecution, such sufferings
very unwilling, Pilate was to be an instru- and trials, as will shock an ordinary patience
Chap. XXIII. ST. LUKE. 423
and constancy of mind. Our Master met and flowing from a principle of grace. Learn
with it ; let his zealous ministers prepare thence, That melting affections and sorrows,
for it. even from the sense of Christ's sufferings,
<w» * j At_ i j i_- are not infallible marks of grace. The lus-
26 And as they led him away, tory of Christ's sufferings is very tragical
they laid hold upon one Simon, a aiK| pathetical, and may melt ingenuous
Cyreotan, coining out of the country, nature, where there is no renewed principle
and on him they laid the cross, that of grace. These motions of the affections
lie might bear it after Jesus. may rather be a fit and mood, than the
very frame and temper of the soul. There
The sentence of death being passed by ^ tinaes arKj seasons when the roughest
Pilate, who can with dry eyes behold the an<j m0ii obdurate hearts may be pensive
sad pomp of our Saviour's execution ! Forth an(j tender j but that is not its temper and
comes the blessed Jesus out of Pilate's gates, fraroe> but only a fit, a pang, a transient
bearing that cross which soon after was passi0D. There is no inferring or con-
to bear him. With his cross on his eluding then a work of grace upon the
shoulder, he marclies towards Golgotha ; heart, simply and barely from the movinga
and when they see be can go no faster, they or meltings of the affections. Nature will
compel Simon of Cyrenia, not out of com- have its #>od moods, but grace is steady :
passion, but indignation, to bear his cross. Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for
This Cyrenian being a Gentile who bore me$ gayg Christ.
ZStttESSS&ZiSt " And there were .ho two
Christ, as well as the Jews, and be sharers others, malefactors, led with him to
with them in the benefits of the crow. be put to death. 33 And when
*7 And there followed him a great they were come to the place which
tympany of people, and of women, ■■ *a"ed Calvary, there they cruci-
which also bewailed and lamented ^dliim, and the »»"**»»; one
him. 28 But Jesus, turning unto on the right hand, and the other on
them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, tne Ie,t#
weep not for me, but weep for your- Here we see the infamous company that
selves, and for your children. 20 «» Wf"1 "^ ™!ih * two thir0"'
i?~- bLi.~i*i 4U~An„„ *-* „,*«*;„„. :„ It had been a sufficient disparagement to
For, behold the days are coming, in ^ bIeMed ^^ to ^ J™**^ the
the which they shall say, Blessed are best of men ; but to be numbered with the
Jie barren, and the wombs that ne- scum 0f mankind, is such an indignity as
ver bare, and the paps which never confounds our thoughts : this was designed
gave suck. 30 Then shall they be. by the Jews to dishonour and disgrace our
gin to say to the mountains. Fall on Saviour the more ; and to persuade the
us ; and to the hills, Cover us. 31 7^2? * Ti^1^?^^6" :
For if they do these things in a S^JS^J^t .fffe*
J i . , ,, t i • .i ancient propbecy concerning the Messiah,
green tree, what shall be done in the /w- laL \£ A'nd he „as lumbered witA
dry ? • the transgressors.
There were four sorts of persons which 34 Then said Jesus, Father, for-
altended our Saviour at his crucifixion : the give thera . for they know not what
executioners that tormented him, the Jews Jl^, j^ Abij *l ' ~0.#-j uia „ft;
that mocked him, the spectatorsand lookers- the? do' _An* "V Parted his rai"
00 that marked him, and sympathizing raent> and cast lots-
friends which lamented him: these last Christ Christ had often preached the doctrine
bespoke, Weep not for me, but for your- of forgiving enemies, and praying for them ;
sehct ; that is, " Weep rather upon your he practises it here himself in a most ex-
own account than mine : reserve your sor- emplary manner. Where note, 1. The
rows for the calamities coming upon your- mercy desired and prayed for ; and that is,
selves and your children.1* It is very pro- forgiveness. 2. The person desiring that
pable, that the tears and lamentations of mercy, Christ, the dying Jesus. 3. The
many of these mourners were but the fruits persons for whom it is desired, his bloody
of lender nature, not the effects of faith, murderers ; Father, forgive them, 4.
424 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXIII.
The argument used, or motive urged, to thoughts. But from hence we lean, 1.
procure this mercy : Forgive them, for That persecutors are generally atheistical
they know not what they do. Learn scoffers : the chief priests and elders, who
hence, 1. That ignorance is the usual cause persecuted Christ, do blaspheme God ; they
of enmity against Christ. 2. That there is mock at his power, and deride bis provi-
forgiveness with God, for such as oppose, deuce, which was as wicked as to deny his
yea, persecute Christ out of ignorance, being. 2. We learn from this example,
That to forgive enemies, and to beg for- that such as minister to God in holy tilings
giveness for them, is an evidence of a Christ- by way of office, if they be not the best,
like frame of Spirit; Father, forgive them: they are generally the worst of men; no
not that the gospel requires of us an in- such bitter enemies to the power of godli-
scnsibility of wrongs and injuries; that ness, as such preachers who were never
allows us a sense of offered evils, though it experimentally acquainted with the efficacy
forbids us to revenge them ; yet the more and power of it upon their own hearts and
tender our resentments are, the more ex- lives. Observe, 2. The inscription wrote
cellent our forgiveness is : so. that a for- by Pilate over our suffering Saviour, This
giving spirit doth not exclude a sense of is Jesus, the King of the Jews. It was
injuries ; but the sense of injuries graces the custom of the Romans, when they era-
the forgiveness of them : neither doth the cified a maleFactor, to publish the cause of
gospel require us, under the notion of for- his death in capital letters, placed over the
giving injuries, to deliver up our rights and head of the person. Now it is observable
properties to the lusts. of every one that will how wonderfully the wisdom of God over-
invade them, but meekly to receive evil, ruled the heart and pen of Pilate, to draw
and readily to return good. this title, which was truly honourable, and
t%m A , ' . I.,,. fix it to his cross. Pilate is Christ's heraid,
35 And the people stood behold- and proclaims him King of the Jews.
ing. And the rulers also with them Learn hence. That the kingship and regal
derided him, saying, He saved dignity of Christ was proclaimed by an
others ; let htm save himself, if he enemy, and that in time of his greatest
be Christ the chosen of God. 36 sufferings and reproaches. Pilate without
And the soldiers also mocked him, h» knowledge did our Striwaa eimoent
_ . 4 ,. * & • i piece of service: verily, he did that for Ctonst
coming to him and offering him Uich none of his own disciples dunt do ;
vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou he not that he did it designedly, and with anv
the King of the Jews, save thyself, intent to put honour upon Christ, but
3ft And a superscription also was from the special overruling providence of
written over him, in letters of Greek, God. No thanks to Pilate for all this;
and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS because the highest services performed for
THE KING OF THE JEWS Christ undesignedly, shall never be accepted
nor rewarded by him.
Observe here, 1. A mighty aggravation «« » j * ,. , #• -
of our Lord's sufferings upon the cross; 30 And one of the malefactors
namely, the mocking derision which be which were hanged, railed on bim,
met with in his dying moments. As he saving, If thou be Christ, save thy-
endured the pain so he despised (he shame : self and us. 40 But the other an-
cruel mockings was our Lord tried with, 8werin£, rebuked him, saving, Dost
both from the common people and from not thou fear God ^j,,* thou art
the chief priests; yet the common people s . h condemnation ? 41 And
reviling him, and wagging their heads at . " j . ", r ".
him, was not so much to be taken notice wLe indeed justly : for we receive
of, as the chief priests, who were men of the due reward of our deeds : but
age and gravity, and the ministers of reli- this man hath done nothing amiss.
gion: for them barbarously to mock him 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord,
in his misery ; and, which was worse, remember me when thou comest into
atheistically to jeer and scoff at his faith th kingdom,
and affiance in God, saying, He trusted in J °
God that he would deliver him : let him Here we have a further aggravation of
deliver him, if he will have him ; this our Lord's sufferings upon the cross, from
was such an indignity as confounds our the company he suffered with, the two
Chap. XXIII. ST. LUKE. 42o
thieves who reviled him with the rest St any knowledge of Christ before. 5. This
Matthew and St Mark say, they both re- thief improved his time at last, as never did
▼fled him ; St Luke says one of them re- any before or after ; for he believed Christ
Tiled ; possibly both of them might do it to be the Saviour of the world, when one
at first, and one of them repent ; which, if disciple had betrayed, another denied him,
so, increases the wonder of the penitent and all had forsaken him ; he owned him
thief s conversion. From the impenitent to be the Son of God, the Lord of life, when
tbiefs reviling of Christ, when he was at he was suffering the pains of death, and
the very point of death, and even in the seemingly deserted by his Father : he pro*
suburbs of hell, we learn, That neither claims him Lord of paradise, and disposer
shame nor pain will change the mind of a of the kingdom of heaven, when the Jews
resolute sinner ; but even then, when he is had condemned him, and the Gentiles
in the suburbs of hell, will he blaspheme, crucified him as the vilest of impostors.
From the penitent thief s confessing of Christ, He feared God, owned the justice of his
aad praying to him, Lord, remember me punishment ; was solicitous, not for the
when thou comest into thy kingdom ; we preservation of his body, but for the salva-
learo, both the efficacy and freeness of di- tion of his soul ; yea, not of his own only,
vine grace. 1. The efficacious power of it : but of his brother's that suffered with him ;
O how powerful must that grace be, which so that he glorified Christ more at the mo-
wrought such a change in an instant, which ment of his death, than some do in the
supplied that heart in a moment, which whole course of their lives. 6. This was a
had been hardening in sin for so many miracle, with the glory whereof Christ
years. 2. The freeness of it ; which takes would honour the ignominy of his cross :
hold of his heart, when he was at the height so that we have no more ground to expect
of sin, and was not only void of grace, but such another conversion, than we have to
seemed past grace. O the powerful efficacy expect a second crucifixion. This con-
aod adorable freeness of the heart-changing verted person was the first fruits of the
grace of God in this vile person ; it disposed blood, of the cross. From whence we
bits to own his sin, to confess the justness learn, That God can, and sometimes doth,
of the punishment, to justify Christ's inno* though Very seldom, prepare men for glory,
cency, to reprove his fellow companion, immediately before their dissolution by
to pray to a crucified Christ, and to inter- death. His grace is bis own, he may dis-
cede with him, not for present deliverance pense it how, and when, where, and to
from death, but for a place in Christ's king- whom he pleases ; yet this is no more
dom. Where we learn, 1. That true con- warrant to neglect the ordinary, because
version is never too late for obtaining mercy God doth sometimes manifest his grace in
and salvation. 2. That true conversion, an extraordinary way. True, in this con-
how late soever, will have its fruits : the version we have a pattern of what free
fore-mentioned fruits of faith and repentance grace can do ; but it is a pattern without a
were found with this penitent thief; yet promise: where we have not a promise to
must not this extraordinary case be drawn encourage our hope, our hope is . nothing
into example. This extraordinary and mi- but presumption.
raculous grace of God is not to be expect- 43 And Jeg|JS ^j unto hi Ve_
ed ordinarily : we have no warrant to ex- i i .. A *u t< . u w
pect an overpowering degree of God's grace "^ !. »* "nl° thee, To-day shalt
to turn our hearts in an instant at the hour tnou be Wlth me In paradise,
of death, when we have lived in forgetful- These words are our Saviour's gracious
neas of God, and in a supine neglect of our answer to the penitent thief s humble pray-
soul's concerns all the days of our life ; for er, Lord, remember me in thy kingdom,
it is evident as to this case of the penitent says the thief; To-day shalt thou he with
tbiefs conversion at the last hour, 1. It is me in my kingdom, says our Saviour.
an example without a promise. 2. It is Where note, 1. The immortality of the
but a single example. 3. It is an example souls of men is without all doubt : our de-
recorded but by one evangelist : the Spirit sires after, and hopes for, immortality, do
of God, foreseeing what an ill use some prove our souls immortal, and capable of
would make of this instance, leaves one ex- that state. The souls of men die not with
ample upon record, that none might de- their bodies, but remain in a state of sen-
spair ; and but one, that none might pre- sibility. 2. That there is a future and
4. This thief probably had never eternal state, into which souls pass at death.
426 ST. LUKE- Chap. XXIIf.
Death is our passage out of the swill river lievingly to commend their precious souls
of time* into the boundless and bottomless into the hands of God as a gracious father,
ocean of eternity. 3. That the souls of all Father, into thy hands. Observe, 3,
the righteous at death arc immediately re- What influence our Saviour's death had
cciveu into a state of happiness and glory ; upon the centurion : He glorified God,
This day shalt thou be "with me ; not af- saying, Verily this was a righteous man,
ter thy resurrection, but immediately after Here note, That Christ had a testimony of
thy dissolution. That man's soul is asleep, his innocency and righteousness given
or worse, that dreams of the soul's sleeping unto him from all sorts of persons what-
till the resurrection ; for why should the soever : Pilate and Herod pronounced him
believers* happiness be deferred, when they innocent ; Pilate's wife proclaimed him a
are immediately capable of enjoying it? righteous person; Judas, the traitor, de-
Why should their salvation slumber, when clared it was innocent blood ; the thief on
the wicked's damnation slumbereth not ? the cross affirmed he bad done nothing
How do such delays consist with Christ's amiss ; and the centurion owned him to
ardent desires, and his people's vehement be a righteous man j yea, the Son of God,
longing to be together ? Mark xv. 39. Only the Pharisees and
.. . . .A . . .. . ., chief priests, which were teachers of others;
44 And it was about the sixth not ignorance, but obstinacy ana malice!
hour, and there was a darkness over blinded and hardened them to their ruin
all the earth, until the ninth hour, and destruction ; instead of owning and
45 And the sun was darkened, and receiving him for their Saviour, they igno-
the vail of the temple was rent in noiniously put him to death as the vilest
the midst. 46 And when Jesus had imP°*w.
cried with a loud voice, he said, Fa- 50 And, behold, there toot a man
ther, into thy hands I commend my named Joseph, a counsellor ; and
spirit; and having said thus, he he tea* a good man, and a just: 51
gave up the ghost. 47 Now when (The same had not consented to the
the centurion saw what, was done, counsel and deed of them :) he tons
he glorified God, saying, Certainly of Arimathea, a city of the Jews ;
this was a righteous man* 48 And who also himself waited for the king-
all the people that came together <lom of God. 52 This mem went
to that sight, beholding the things unto Pilate, and begged the body of
which were done, smote their breasts, Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and
and returned. 49 And all his ac- wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a
quaintance, and the women that fol- sepulchre that was hewn in stone,
lowed htm from Galilee, stood afar wherein never man before was laid,
off, beholding these things. 54 And that day was the prepara-
Observe here, 1. What prodigies in na- tion» and tne sabbath drew on. 56
ture happened and fell out at the crucifixion And the women also, which came
of our Saviour : the sun was darkened at with him from Galilee, followed af-
the setting of the Sun of Righteousness ; ter, and beheld the sepulchre, and
and the veil of the temple was rent ; sig- how his body was laid. 56 And
mfying that God was now about to forsake thev returne(( and prepared spices
his temple; that the ceremonial law was s • « ' iy \ \ A °*"™
now abolishing, and the partition-wall be- fB« ointments ; and rested the sab-
twixt Jew and Gentile being now pulling bath-day, according to the corn-
down, alt may have access to God through mandments.
the blood of a Mediator. Observe, 2. The The circumstances of our Lord's funeral
last prayer of our Saviour before his death, and honourable interment are here recorded
Father, into thy hands I commend my by our evangelist; such a funeral as never
sptrtt ; they are words full of faith and was since graves were first digged. Where
comfort, fit to be the last breathings of every observe, 1 . Our Lord's body must be beg-
gracious soul in this world. Learn hence, ged before it could be buried ; the dead
That dying believers are both warranted bodies of malefactors being in the power,
and encouraged by Christ's example, be- and at the disposal, of the judge that con-
Chap. XXIV. ST. LUKE. 427
demos them. Observe, 2. Tbe person it shows us the amazing depths of his humi-
thai begged his body, and bestowed a liation, from what, and to what, his love
decent and honourable buna) upon it : brought him, even from the bosom of his
Joseph of Arimathea, a worthy, though a Father to the bosom of the grave. It may
close disciple. Grace doth not always comfort us against the fears of death, and
make a public and open show where it is j the terrors of the grave : the grave could
bat as there is much secret treasure in the not long keep Christ, it shall not always
bowels of tbe earth, though unseen, so is keep christians : it was a loathsome prison
there roach grace in the hearts of some before, it is a perfumed bed now : he whose
saints, which the world takes little notice head is in heaven, need not fear to put his
of. Observe, 3. The mourners that fol- feet into the grave. Awake and sing, thou
lowed our Saviour's hearse to the grave ; that dwelkst in the dust, for the enmity of
the women which came out of Galilee j a the grave is slain by Christ.
poor train of mourners. Tbe apostles, who
should have been most officious to bear his CHAP. XXIV.
holy body to the ground, were some time
•mXo »ll aMtfemJl ofraifl «#% siwn «kj>;» The 1aat chapter of 8ft. Luke'a Goapel contains (he
smce all scattered, afraid to own their hlitory of £ur g.™,,,., r«.urreciion, and Kive.
Blaster, either dying or dead. Funeral nam account of what he did upon earth, between
pomp had been no way suitable, either thetimeofhlagloriooireaurrecUonandtriuropli-
to the end or manner of our Lord's death,
and accordingly here is nothing like it. T\r0W upon the first day of the
Observe, 4. Tbe grave or sepulchre in 1^ ^l1^,,^ mji„ ;„ «L „.«-«
which our holy Lord* Jay ; it was a sepul- . *cek' very e*rl? ' thc ?T^
chie hewn out of a rod; that so hiseue- ,n*» **J f ame .unto ^e sepulchre,
rob might have no occasion to say, that his bringing the spices which they had
disciples stole him away by secret holes, prepared, and certain others with
and unseen passages underground. It was them. 2 And they found the stone
in a new sepulchre, wherein never man rolled away from the sepulchre. 3
was laid */***!* bf adversaries should And they entered in, and found not
say, it was another that was risen, who was 4u„ u^a*. ~t «ka i ^wi ¥«-,.«, a a ~a
buried there before him. And he was the body of the Lord Jesus, 4 And
buried in a garden ; as by the sin of the li came to Pa88» a* they "«* m,,ch
tot Adam we were driven out of the gar- perplexed thereabout, behold, two
den of pleasure, tbe earthly paradise, so men stood by them in shining gar-
by the sufferings of the second Adam, who ments : 6 And, as they were afraid,
lay buried in a garden, we may hope for and bowed down their faces to tbe
entrance into the heavenly paradise. Ob- eartn tnev 8aid unto thcm, Why
serve, 5. The manner of our lord's fune- k th; ,ivi a th dcad ?
nri ; it was hasty, open, and decent. ~ „ -\ . . • ,. r : « -~
Hasty, because of me preparation for the 6 He * «J°* heJe> bui™ r,8cn : fe'
aabbath; open, that all persons might be member how he spake unto you,
spectators, and none might say, he was when he was yet in Galilee, 7 Say-
buried before he was dead ; decent, being ing, The Son of man must be de-
wrapt up in fine linen, and perfumed with live red into the hands of sinful men,
spices. Observe, 6. The reason why our and be crucified, and the third day
Lord was thus buried, seeing he was to roe rise j 8 An(| th remember-
again in as short a time as other men lie , . . ° . ft a «j Ji* ~a c
bTthewalb; doubtless it was to declare «* his words, 9 And returned from
the certainty of his death, to fulfil the the sepulchre, and told all these
types and prophecies which went before things unto the eleven, and to all
htm : as Jooas's being three days and the rest. 10 It was Mary Magda-
thrtt nights in the whale's belly. He lene, and Joanna, and Mary the mo-
wn also buried, to complete bis humilia- j ^ of James, and other women
boo. This was the lowest rtep to which (hat were with tbenij which told
woTchr^^ ^f^^^srr1^ "
be might conquer death in its own territc And their words seemed to them as
ries and dominions. Observe, 7. Of what idle tales, and they believed them
use our Lord's burial is to his followers ; not. 12 Then arose Peter, and
428 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXIV,
ran unto the sepulchre, and stooping women, ft shall not be in the power of
down, he beheld the linen clothes armed inen to inake them afraid But to a
i • i i a ~i ~ ,1 j— •.♦„,! close consideration of the several circum-
laid by themselves and departed ^^ ^ ^ re8urfectk)n of our
wondering m himself at that which holy j^ . Note 1# With what po^p^d
was come to pass. triumph our holy Lord arises : two men,
that is, two angels in the shape of men,
The Lord of life, who was put to death ver 4, are tent from heaven to roll avsay
upon the Friday, was buried in the evening the stone. But could not Christ have risen
of the same day ; and his holy body rested then without the angels' help? Yes,
in the silent grave all the next day, being doubtless he that raised himself could easily
the Jewish sabbath, and some part of have rolled away the stone himself; but
the morning following. Thus rose he God thinks fit to send an officer from hea-
again the third day, according to the scrip- • yen to open the prison door of the grave ;
lures, neither sooner nor later ; not sooner, and by setting our Surety at liberty, pro-
lest the truth of his death should have been claims our debt to the divine justice fully
questioned that he did not die at all ; not satisfied. Besides, it was fit that the an-
later, lest the faith of his disciples should gels, who had been witnesses of our Sa-
have failed. Accordingly, when the sab- viour's passion, should also be witnesses of
bath was passed, Mary Magdalene getting bis resurrection. Note, 2. Our Lord's Te-
the other women together, she and they set surrection declared, He is risen, he is not
out very early in the morning, to visit the fare. Almighty God never intended that
holy sepulchre, and about sun-rising they the darling of his soul should be left in an
get to it, intending with their spices and obscure sepulchre. He is not here, said
odours farther to embalm the Lord's body, the angels, where you laid him, where you
Observe here, 1. That although the hearts left him ; death has lost its prey, and the
of these holy women did burn with an ar- grave has lost its prisoner. Note, 3. It is
dent zeal and affection to their crucified not said, He is not here, for he is raised :
Lord ; yet the commanded duties of the but, He is risen ; ver. 6. The original
sabbath are not omitted by them; they word imports the active power of Christ, or
keep close, and silently spend that holy the self-quickening principle by which
day in a mixture of grief and hope. A Christ raised himself from the dead, Acts I
good pattern of sabbath sanctification, and 3. He showed himself alive after his pas-
worthy of our imitation. Observe, 2. $ion. Hence learn, That it was the divine
These holy women go, but not empty nature or Godhead of Christ, which raised
handed: she that had bestowed a costly the human nature from death to life;
alabaster upon Christ whilst alive, prepares others were raised from the grave by
no less precious odours for him now dead ; Christ's power, but he raised himself by bis
thereby paying their last homage to our own power. Note, . 4. The persons to
Saviour's corpse. But what need of odours whom our Lord's resurrection was first
to perfume a precious body, which could declared and made known ; to women, to
not see corruption? True, his holy body the two Marys. But why to women ? and
did not want them, but the love and aflec- why to these women ? To women first,
tion of his friends could not withhold them, because God sometimes makes choice of
Observe, 3. How great a tribute of respect weak means for producing great effects ;
and honour is due and payable to the me- knowing that the weakness of the instrument
mory of these holy women, for their great redounds to the greater honour of the agent,
magnanimity and courage : they followed In the whole dispensation of the gospel,
Christ when his cowardly disciples left God intermixes divine power with human
him ; they accompanied bim to his cross, weakness. Thus the conception of Christ
they attended his hearse to the grave, when was by the power of the Holy Ghost ; but
his disciples did not, durst not appear, his mother, a poor woman, a carpenter's
and now very early in the morning they spouse. So the crucifixion of Christ was in
visit his sepulchre, fearing neither the much meanness and outward baseness, being
darkness of the night, nor the presence of the crucified between two thieves ; but the pow-
watchmen, though a band of rude soldiers, ers of heaven and earth trembling, the rocks
Learn hence, That courage and resolution rending, the graves opening, showed a
is the special gift of God : if he gives it to mixture of divine power. Thus here, God
the feeble sex, even to timorous and fearful selects women to declare, that he will ho-
Chap. XXIV. ST. LUKE. 420
aoar' what instruments he pleases, for the doth Christ, in the recovery of one repent-
accomplishment of his own purposes. But ing sinner, than in multitudes of holy and
why to these women, the two Marys, is just persons (such was the blessed Virgin;
the first discovery made of our Lord's re- who need no repentance. For the same
surrection > Possibly it was a reward for reason did our Saviour particularly name
their magnanimity and masculine courage. Peter, Go tell my disciples, and Peter ; he
These women clave to Christ, when the being for his denial of Christ swallowed up
apostles forsook him : they assisted at his with sorrow, and standing in most need of
cross, they attended at his funeral, they consolation; therefore speak particularly
waited at his sepulchre : these women had to Peter : as if Christ had said, " Be sure
more courage than the apostles, therefore God that his sad heart be comforted with this
makes them apostles to the apostles. This joyful news, that I am risen ; and let him
was a tacit rebuke, a secret check given to know, that I am friends with him, not-
the apostles, that they should be thus out- withstanding his late cowardice/'
done by women: these holy women went .,« * j i_ 1 u . *i_
before the apostles in the last services that 13 And, behold, two of them
were done for Christ, and therefore the went that same day, to a village
apostles here come after them in their re- called Emmaus, which was from Je-
wards and comforts. Note, 5. The quick nisalem about threescore furlongs,
message which these holy women, carry to 14 And they talked together of all
the disconsolate disciples, of the joyful thege thin which had happened,
news of our Saviours resurrection; they ... . • ;f0Mma . n„M *uJ* „,u:i~
returned from the sepulchre, and told afl " And !t cam.e/° Pas s' th.at whl,e
these things to the eleven, ver. 9. And the ™«y communed together and reason-
other evangehsts say, That they were sent eo<» Jesus himself drew near, and
and bidden to go to the apostles with the went with them. 16 But their eyes
notices of the resurrection, Go tell the dis- were hold en that they should not
ciplet, says the angel, Matt xxviii. 7. Go know him. 17 And he said unto
teU my brethren, says Christ, ver 10. A tnem what manner of communica-
KSt^a^^ tions are these that ye have one to
my cowardly disciples, truitleft me iTrny another, as ye walk and are sad ?
danger, and durst not own me in the high- ™ A nd the one of them whose name
priest's hall, that durst not come within was Cleopas, answering, said unto
the shadow of my cross, not within sight of him, Art thou only a stranger in Je-
my sepulchre." But not one word of all rusalem, and hast not known the
this by upbraiding them for their late things which are come to pass there
shameful cowardice, but all words of divine in these days ? 19 And he said un-
#/^1^ to them, What things .. And they
Christ calk them brethren after his resur- said unt0 hlm? J-oncerning Jesus of
rectioo and exaltation, thereby showing, Nazareth, which was a prophet
that the change of his condition had mighty in deed and word before God
wrought no change in his affection towards and all the people: 20 And how
bis poor disciples : but those that were his the chief priests and our rulers de-
brethren before, in the time of his humili- Uvcred him to be condemncd to
auon and abasement, are so still, after his iliv ft,u ^ ■ u*— — ««;«-^ i;™ 01
exaltation and advancement: Go tell my £*b, and have crucified him. 21
brethren. One thing more must be note* But we trusted that it had been he
with reference to our Lord's resurrection, which should have redeemed Israel :
and that is, why he did not first choose to and beside all this, to-day is the
appear to the Virgin Mary, his disconsolate third day since these things were
mother, whose soul was pierced with a done. 22 Yea, and certain women
quick and lively sight and sense of her aJs0 0f our COmpany made us asto-
w\5ft!y * " t°^ary ^H^fe* ™hed, *hich were early atthe **-
who had been a grievous sinner? Doubtless , . * rto A • 1 ■* . c 1
this was for the dmfort of all true penitents, Pulc^e : 23 And when they found
and administers great consolation to them : no* hls body. they came> 8a?>ng»
as the angels in heaven rejoice, much more That they had also seen a vision
430 ST. LUKE. Chap. XXIV.
of angels, which said that he was ^ty"?* b^to"D{|^^^
alive. 24 And certain of them •mcetedjed, ™ fear we shall find ourselves
which were with us went to the se- mwta™V . . . ,. ^ n
pulchre, and found ft even so as the , «5 Then he said "to 'hem O
women had said ; but him they saw fools, and slow of heart to believe
wuiiieii u«u , J all that the prophets have spoken !
* ,_ L , . . «.. 26 Ought not Christ to have auf-
Here we have observable, 1. The journey , » h| d to t j
which two of the disciples took to Emroaus, tei€d tn^"in^tt""aw -.„_--
a village not far from Jerusalem. The to his glory ? » And beginniBg
occasion of their journey is not told us, at Moses, and all the prophets, he
hut the scripture acquaints us with their expounded unto them in all the scrip-
discourse in their joumey, and as they were tures the things concerning himself.
walking by the way. It was holy and j8 And they drew nigh unto the vil-
useful, pious and profitable discourse, that j whither they went : and he
they entertained one ~^r^~-£j made as though he would have gone
wafted; they discoursed of Christ s death * h constrained
and resurrection; a good pattern for our jurtner. *o nu * «■ "
imitation, when providentially cast into him, saying, Abide with us ; for it
such company as will bear it : That our is toward evening, and the day is
lips drop as the honey-comb, and our far spent. And he went in to tarry
tongue be as choice sliver. Observe, 2. wfth them. 30 And it came to pass
How our holy Lord presently made one in ft8 he §at at meat w^t|1 them, he took
the company ; when they were discoursing fc d d M d u and brak M(i
seriously about the matters of religion, he "rcttU»» « • , , .
overtook them, and joined himself to them, gave to them. "Ap\~fc2^
The way to have Christ's presence and were opened, and they knew him ,
company with us is to be discoursing of and he vanished out of their sight
Christ and the things of Christ. Observe, 32 And they said one to another,
3. Though Christ came to them, it was Did* not our heart burn within us,
incognito ; he was not known to them, whjje ^e talked with us by the way,
aJX£VT*!!1^&*! rd w>hile he opened to us'the •"*"
could not discern who he was, but took tures •
him for another person, though his body Observe, 1. Our Saviour reproves, and
had the same dimensions that he had be- then instructs them. He reproves them
fore. Whence we learn, The influence for being ignorant of the sense of scripture,
which God has upon all our powers and They thought the death of the Messias a
faculties, upon all our members and senses, sufficient ground to question the truth of
and how much we depend upon God for his office, when it was an argument to con-
the use and exercise of our faculties and firm and establish it : O foots, ought not
members: Their eyes were hotden that Christ to suffer ? As if he had said, " Do
they could not know him. Observe, 4. vou not find that the person described by
That the notion of the Messias being a the prophets in the Old Testament to be
temporal Saviour, was so deeplv rooted in the Messias, was to wade to his glory through
the minds of the disciples, that'it remained a sea of blood > Why then do you think
here with them, even after he was risen yourselves deceived in the person who suf-
from the dead. They here own and ac- fered three days aeo, when his death doth
knowledge bitn to be a prophet mighty agree so well with the predictions of the
in deed and in word, but they question prophets, who foretold, that the Messias
whether he were the Messias, the Redeemer should be cut off, but not for himself, and
of Israel. They could not reconcile the be smitten for the iniquities of his people?
ignominy of his death with the grandeur of Here we may observe, The great wisdom
his office ; nor conceive how the infamy of and grace of God, who makes sometimes
a cross was consistent with the glory of a the diffidence of his people an occasion of
kin^ : We trusted that it had been he farther clearing up the choicest truths unto
which should have redeemed Israel. As them : never did these disciples hear so ex-
if they had said, " We were full of hopes, cellent an exposition of Moses and the Pro-
ttiat this had been the Messias so long ex- phets concerning the Messias as now, when
Chap. XXIV. ST. LUKE. 431
their sinful distrust bad so far prevailed over And he took it, and did eat before
Sf?l S^^l^ T^i doctrinei Tmch ,hem- 44 A«rf he said unto them,
S^L^of £ aS^^"^* "5 These «« th* ^rds which I spake
the necessity of his death and passion, and . 4 ... , A -,i *^
of his glorv and exaltation ; ^ught not u"to J0"' *hlle ! was Jet with you,
Christ to suffer, and to enter tnto his ih?* &n thm5s H"»t be fulhlled
glory? Learn, 1. That with respect to which were written in the law of
God's decree, and .with relation to mans Moses, and fit the prophets, and in
guilt, the death of Christ was necessary and the Psalms, concerning me.
indispensable. 2. That bis resurrection
and exaltation was as necessary as his pas- Observe, 1. That these two disciples at
sioo. 3. That there was a meritorious con- Emmaus, being fully satisfied in the truth
nexkm between Christ's sufferings and his of Christ's resurrection, by his appearing to
glory ; bis exaltation was merited by his them in breaking of bread, they arose pre-
passion i He was to drink of the brook in sently, and went from Emmaus to Jerusa-
the way, and then he was to lift up his lera. It must needs be late at night, being
head. Observe, 4. Christ did not only put after supper, and seven miles distant; yet
hght into these his apostles* heads, but beat considering the sorrows that the disciples
also into their hearts, which burned all the were under, these two leave all their private
while be communed with them ; Did not affairs, and hasten to comfort them with
our hearts hum within us, while he open- the glad tidings of our Lord's resurrection.
ed to us the scriptures .* Oh what an Teaching us, That all secular affairs, all
efficacious power is there in the word of private and particular business, must give
Christ, when set home upon the hearts of place to the glory of God, and the comfort
men by the Spirit of Christ ! and salvation of souls. Observe, 2. The
great endeavours which our Saviour used,
33 And they rose up the same to confirm his disciples* faith in the doc-
hour, and returned to Jerusalem, trine of the resurrection, He comes and
and found the eleven gathered to- stands in the midst of them, and says,
gether, and them that were with fcace. he ^° V>u \ Dexl h;jhf. '*«■
them, 34 Saying. The Lord is ^ P^d hands, stde, and feet, mth the
! '. , , j \r\i_ \ scars and marks, which he yet retained,
risen indeed, and hath appeared to that they might ^ it was tneir crucified
Simon. 35 And they told what Master: after all this, He eats before
things were done in the way, and them apiece of a broiled fish, and honey-
how he was known of them in break- comb; not that he needed it, bis body
ing of bread. 36 And as they thus *x*nE now become immortal ; but to as-
spake, Jesus himself stood in the sure them that it was his own r^rson; and
J*'A~* ~r .u~«* a ~-*i * au that he had still the same body. Yet so
midst of them, and saith unto them, slack and ^^ wefe lh \Q Wieve
Peace be unto you. 37 But they t]iat Christ was risen, that all the predic-
were terrified and affrighted, and tions of the scripture, ail the assurances
supposed that they had seen a spirit, they had from our Saviour's mouth, and
38 And he said unto them, Why are the several appearings of Christ unto them,
>e troubled, and why do thoughts were little enough to establish and confirm
arise in your hearts? 30 Behold their faith in the resurrection of our Savi-
m«. k<**wia «~a ™« ^* *un* :♦ ;- i our. Observe, 3. The highest and fullest
my hands and my feet, that it is I evidence which our Savioifr offers to evince
mvself : handle me, and see ; for a and prove the certainty of his resurrection,
spirit hath not flesh and bones, as namely, by appealing to their senses ;
ye see me have. 40 And when he Handle me and see, Christ admits the
had thus spoken, he shewed them testimony of our senses, to assure it to be
to hands and his feet. 41 And his real body. And if the church of Rome
while they yet believed not for Joy, wjnnn10t a"0WJ» tolbe,7 "» "*"* we
a i I u 'a * *u shall lose the best external evidence we can
and wondered, he said unto them ^ t0 the Mh of (he christjaa
Have ye here any meat? 42 And religion . namely, the miracles of Christ :
they gave him a piece of a broiled for how can I know that those miracles
fish, and of an honey-comb. 43 were true, but by the judgment of my
43* ST. LUKE. Chap. XXIV.
tenses ? Now, as our senses tell us, that first tender of remission, upon condition of
Christ's miracles were true, so they assure repentance ! That repentance and remit-
us, that the doctrine of transubstantiation sion of sins should be preached among ail
is false. nations, beginning at Jerusalem,
45 Then opened he their under- 49 Xt\d, behold, I send the pro-
standing, that they might understand mj9e 0f my Father upon you: but
the scriptures, 46 And said unto tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem,
them, Thus it is written, and thus it untji ye be endued with power from
behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise Qn high. 50 And he led them out
from the dead the third day : 47 as far as to Bethany ; and he lifted
And that repentance and remission up his hands, and blessed them. 51
of sins should be preached in his And it came to pass, while he bless-
name, among all nations, beginning #& them, he was parted from them,
at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are wit- an(j carried up into heaven. 52
nesses of these things. And they worshipped him, and re-
It is one thing to open the scriptures tumed to Jerusalem with great joy;
themselves, or to explain them, and another && And were continually in the
to open their understandings to perceive temple, praising and blessing God.
them : Christ did the latter. Whence note, Amen.
That the opening of the mind and heart
effectually to receive the truths of God, is Our Saviour, being now about to leave
the peculiar prerogative and office of Jesus his disciples, comforts them with the pro-
Christ ; Then opened he their understand- raise of his Holy Spirit, which should sup-
ings ; namely, by the illuminations of his ply the want of his bodily presence j and
Holy Spirit. One of the greatest miseries un- bids them tarry at Jerusalem till they should,
der which lapsed nature labours, is spiritual at the feast of Pentecost, be made partakers
blindness ; Christ has the only eye-salve of this invaluable blessing. Observe, 2.
which can heal and cure it, Rev. iii. 18. Our Lord having blessed his disciple*, be
And there is no worse cloud to obscure the takes his leave of them, and goes up into
light of the Spirit, than a proud conceit of heaven. As he raised himself oat of bis
our own knowledge. Observe, 2. The grave, so did he ascend into heaven by ba
special charge given by our Saviour to his own power, there to appear in the presence
apostles, to preach repentance and remis- of God for us ; and, as our Forerunner, to
sion of sins ; to preach it in Christ's name, give us an assurance, that in due time we
to preach it to all nations, beginning first shall ascend after him, Whither our Fort*
at Jerusalem. Where note, the astonishing runner is for us entered, Heb. vL 20j
mercy of Jesus Christ : although Jerusalem Observe lastly, The act of homage and
was the place where he lost his life, the adoration which the apostles perform to
city that barbarously butchered, and in- the Lord Jesus ; how they worshipped bim,
humanly murdered him, yet there will he that is, as God, the eternal Son of God, be-
have the doctrine of repentance preached ; ing so declared by the resurrection from
nay, first preached ! there the gospel com- the dead, and by his ascension into hearen
bination must first begin, That repentance before their eyes, from whence he will cer-
and remission of sins be preached, begin- tain I y come at the end of the world, to
ning at Jerusalem. Lord ! How unwil- judge both the quick and the dead. For
ling art thou that any should perish, when which solemn hour, God Almighty prepare
thou not only prayedst for thy murderers, all mankind by a renewed frame of heart,
and orTeredst up thy blood to God in the and a religious course of life ; and tben,
behalf of them that shed it, but requiredst Come Jjord Jesus to judgment, ^me
thy ambassadors to make Jerusalem the quickly. Amen.
THE
HOLY GOSPEL
ACCORDING TO
SAINT JOHN.
he fourth and last of the HOLT G08PBL* falls under consideration : namely that which wu written by
the eveageliat 8t John; concerning which we have observable, the writer, the occasion, the deafen
» •*>!« of lhi» ■oblime book. Observe, I. The writer of it, St. John, the beloved disciple, that
smw in the bosom of Clinat ; he that lay in Christ's bosom reveals the secrets of Christ's heart,
Jobs, smith St. Austin, drew out of the bosom of Christ the very heart of Christ, and made it known la
aj2J,warMJ i?b?srIe' * Tto occfjMon of St. John's writing this Gospel, and that was the heresy
of Ebioo and Cerlnthue, which denied the divinity of Jssos Christ. Vbeo God suffers heretics to
wm9\. £ bi*«pherooua opinions, he take* occasion from thence to make a clearer discovery of divine
ith. We bad perhaps wanted St. John's Gospel, if Ebion and Cerinthus had not broached their
nesy against Christ's divinitv. Observe, 3. The design and scope of this Gospel, which is to de-
lbe the person of Christ in bis two natures. Divine and Human, as the object of our faitb : this ho
troth.
•loth in a sublime and lofty manner ; upon which account he was compared by the ancients to the
f?5t* ^^ •5^2L^k>rt* ?^? m»keth her nesit on hin;h ; and was also called John the Divine. Observe
1rtk_The!,*72S? between this and the other Gospels. The other evangelists chiefly insist upon
the Humanity of Christ, and prove him to be truly man, the Son of the Virgin Mary ; this evangelist
yoyos him to be God as well as man ; God from eternity, and man in the fulness of time. The other
ttsRewnterareUte what Christ did : St John reports what Christ said : they recount bis miracles, he
?ffrT■J^L•e^n.0,,• j*?. P™*'™* Ju •hor*» th« profound mysteries of our holy religion are here un-
Meted by the beloved disciple ; aad particularly the divinity and incarnation of our BLESSED Savioub.
qjj Ap j then the Word was, and did actually sub-
sist, even from all eternity. Not in the
TN the beginning was the Word, beginning of the gospel-state, but in the
and the Word was with God, beginning of the creation, as appears frona
and the Word was God. 2 The the following words, All things were
same was in the beginning with made by him, and without him w^ not
p . © e* any thing made that was made. Which
00 • plainly shows that the evangelist is here
Observe here, 1. The person spoken of, speaking of the creation, rise, or beginning
Jests Christ, under the name of the Word, of all things created. Learn hence, That
In the beginning was the Word. Because Jesus Christ, not only antecedent to his
Godjpake to us by him, and makes known incarnation, but even before all time, and
his will to us by Christ, as we make known the beginning of all things, had an actual
our minds to one another by our words, being and existence. 2. His personal co-
Agsrin; As our words are the conception existence with the Father, The word was
ana image of our minds, so Christ is the with God ; that is, eternally and insepa-
express Image of his Father's person, and rably with him, in the same essence and
begotten of the Father, even as our nature, being in the Father, as well as with
are begotten of our minds : for these him, so that the Father never was without
s he is often styled the Word* Ob- him, Prov. viii. 22. I was by him as one
serve, 2. What the evangelist here asserts con- brought up with him% I was by his side,
censing the Word, Christ Jesus, even three says the Chaldee interpreter. Learn hence,
particulars ; namely, his external existence, That the Son is a Person distinct from the
his personal co-existence, and his divine Father, but of the same essence and nature
essence. I. His eternaj existence; In the with the Father; he is God of God, very
beginning was the Word ; in the begin- God of very God ; being of one substance
nmg, when all things received their being, with the Father, by whom all things were
2 p
434 ST. JOHN. Chap. I.
made : The Word was with God. 3. His but without him as an agent, Christ being
divine essence. The Word was God. a co-worker with the Father and the Spirit
Here St. John declares the divinity, as he in the work of creation. He was sa Author
did before the eternity, of our blessed Savi- of the creation, not an instrument in crest-
our. He was with God, and existed in ing. Learn thence, that Christ, as God,
him ; therefore he must be God, and a being the Creator and Maker of ail things
Person distinct from the Father. The Word himself, is excluded from being a creature,
was God, say the Socinians, that is, a god or any thing that was made,
by office^ not by nature, as being God's , w Kfe d th ufc wag
ambassador. But the word God is used . *• ""* « » j,ui:„u
eleven times in this chapter in its proper *? ¥t of men. 5 And the light
sense; and it is not reasonable to conceive snineth in darkness ; and the dart-
that it should be here used in an improper ness comprehended it not.
sense, in which this word in the i singular H proof of Chrbt's
number is never used throughout the whole ,. . ., Ja • j ~ .k„» »«, h*a a
New Testament : Dr. Whitby. Leam *vm,ty; 5™* ^^J^L?t •
hence, That the eternity, the personality, ^f^^J? !"T™^
-«j *L- j;.,;-;.- *f nuJJ* «~ A? ..^— ;♦« asmuch as life is centred in him, commu-
£Jhr ^cAJL 1 Toll v 5? /L/ ^ "in. wj life, formatter et ****.
aright. Christ tdlsus, John v. 23. lhatve L f f ^ c ^ fe ^
Hi"**?** w ' S°".ee"' "* T TJ*' of it 5 and ataS «u«Uy in him « Ike
the Father. Now unlets we acknowledge r" '._'. .. .7 £1 , rn^.. ;,
,k~ «.™;f„ „„j j;..;„u„ «<• r>K™t »$L fountain of it. Learn. 1. That tons s
the first Petaon, we honour neither the <*«"■»?• He «the ongmal life ■ to
Father nor the Son. There is this diner- ordc5°f 5,atuK!' ^"S bJ h.,nL TS JS
enoe between natural things and superna- f^' G'?' K *S f8 "•'Tf JTa
tunl : Natun.1 thinn .» Ant undeilood. tbe order °f ?«*. Jo/ill XIV. 6. /«»• «
be better understood. If we will nnt set , «•!»..« """•"'*" . ...vit,
reason on work, and believe no more than *«■• 2: That all creatures «mW
we can comprehend, this will hinder faith : *n? ,rf^fm Ch.ns*> not » " "SKf
but if after we have assented to gospel mys- b* » th? **» a.,n from w*f" * ^J*
teries, we set reason on work, thU will help *nf J? **>* * ■ V"*™*' b ■"*£
a,:,!/ r proof of his divinity, and an argument
xn# that ho is truly and really God. J* him
3 All things were made by him ; »<" bfi. *nd the life was the light of men
and without him was not any thing 6 There was a man sent from 0.3d,
made that was made. whose name va|johQa 7 Thesan*
Observe bene, The argument which St. <'am« fiw a witness, to bear witness
John uses to prove Christ to be God ; it is of the Light, that all men through
taken from the work of creation. He that htm might believe. 6 He was not
made all things, is truly and really God ; that Light, but war sent to bear wit-
but Christ made all things, and nothing ness of that Light, 9 HW was the
was made without him 1 therefore is Christ *„.,. f • ■ . ,„u:Tu i:~k*„#u «„A«f .nan
truly and really God. Here observe, 1. |'u? U*hi> uw.hl4ch "ghteth every man
An affirmation of as large and vast an ex- »al coiueth into the world,
tent as the whole world. All things were Here the evangelist proceeds in dedanog
made by him ; not this or that particular Christ to be really God, because he was
being, but all created beings received their that original, that essential light, wbieD bad
existence and being from Christ. Observe, no beginning, suffers no decay, but isiodtf-
2. That to prevent the least imagination of fusive, and in some kind and in some met-
any. thing's having another author than sure or other, to enlighten every man that
Christ, here is the most positive and parti- cotneth into the world. Some of the Jews b»
cular negation that can be: that without a conceit, that John, the BapttA was the pro*
him was not any thing made that was mised Messiah, as appears by liswr* iii. 1&
made; not without him as an instrument, Thepeoptewcrcinerpcct4ttt99i9andaUtsf
Chap. I. ST. JOHN. 43d
in their hearts of John whether he ledge turn, did not receive and obey him,
the Christ or not. Here therefore, They neither knew him at creator, nor
to undeceive the Jews, the evangelist adds, accepted of him as mediator. Yea, he
thai John was not that light ; John was a came to his own : that is, his own kindred
great light, a burning and a shining light, and country, the church and people of
hot not such a light at the Messias was to the Jews ; but the generality of them gave
be. John wis alight instrnmentally, Christ him cold entertainment. It was the sin of
efficiently : John was a light enlightened, the Jewish nation, that though they were
Christ was a light enlightening; John's light Christ's own peculiar people, his own by
by derivation and participation, Christ's choice, his own by ourchase, bis own by
itial and original $ John's light covenant, by kindred, yet the generality of
the light of a candle in a private house, them did reject him, and would not own
in and among the Jews only ; but Christ's him for the true and promised Messias.
hght was as the light of the sun, spreading Learn hence, That the Lord Jesus Christ
over the face of the whole earth. This \s met with manifest and shameful rejection
the true light, that lighteth every man even at the hands of those that were near-
that cometh into the world ; that is, he est to him by flesh and nature, John xi. 5.
enlightens all mankind with the light of Neither did his brethren believe on him.
reason, and is the Author of all spiritual 10 n„» «. *,«„., *„ MAA:«^i
diimimation in them that receive it. (Chitt u*\ ?x M "*?* ** TT*
is called a light in regard of his office, him> * I thcm SaY* he P°wcr *> be"
which was to manifest and declare that corae the sons of God, even to them
salvation to his church which lay hid be- that believe on his name :
fore in the purpose of God ; and he is call- ™ . . , . , , . ,
ed the true light, not so much in oppo- That * although multitudes rejected him,
sitioQ to all firise lights, but as opposed to 1* some reaped and owned him for the
the types and shadows of the Mosaical dis- true Mess"» > and those that did so, he
pensation. Leam, 1. That every man and advanced to the high dignity of adoption
woman that comes into the world is en- and "onsnip, Riving them power, that is,
bgbtened by Christ in some kind and mea- £ght or privilege, to become the sons of
sure or other. All are enlightened with ??*• ,Here, note, 1. The nature of justi-
the light of reason and natural conscience : f/.m& fa*h declared. As many as received
s*ne%ith the light of grace and super- **»■ Now this receiving of Christ implies
natural ffluminatSn. learn, 5. That ih°* tbl« lh,n^u1; ™ ■■"* ?f ■*»
Christ being the essential, original, aod understanding to that divine testimony
eternal Light, enlightening and enlivening rj,ch ^ "}!*"» g'v« of Christ. 2.
the wbohf creation, is an evident and un- Jhe consent of the will to submit to this
deniable demonstration that he is truly and Jesus as 1/^ and King;. 3. The affiance
reallf God. "^ trust of the heart m Const alone for
1 salvation ; for faith is not a bare credence,
10 He was in the world, and the but a divine affiance, and such an affiance
world was made by him, and the in Christ, and reliance upon him, as is the
world knew him not. 11 He came P*"50* «»* P«nciple of obedience to him.
unto his own, and his own received Note? * 5*11* h J" hiSh ** "J™!"4"6
h;m nA# privilege of all such as receive Chrat by
nimDOt- kith, to become the sons of God byadop-
Hc was in the world, that is, he that tion. This is a precious privilege, a free
was God from eternity, made himself vi- privilege, an honourable privilege, an
wbte to the world in the fulness of time, abiding privilege, and calls for all possible
The evangelist repeats it again, that the returns of gratitude and thankfulness, of
world was made by himf to show his om- love and service, of duty and obedience,
BMpotaocT and divinity ; and then adds, that of submission and self resignation.
SJf!S? trS him !2f •■ " *»*****?* rf 13 Which were born, not of blood,
the world s blindness and ingratitude. Learn <• ■ •■« <• *i_ « i &
hence, That notwithstanding the eternal nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
Son of God appeared in the world, and the the wlU of man» but of God-
world was made and created by him, yet Because the bragging Jews did much
the generality of the world did not know boast of their natural birth and descent from
; that is, did not own and acknow- Abraham, as being his blood and offspring,
2 f 2
430 ST. JOHN. Chap. I.
therefore it is here asserted, that men become upon him the human nature, but all the
not the children of God by natural propa- weaknesses and infirmities of that nature
gation, but by spiritual regeneration : They also, (sinful infirmities and personal infirmi-
are not born of blood, Grace runs not in ties excepted,) he bad nothing to do with
the blood, piety is not hereditary. Reli- our sinful flesh. Though Christ loved
gious parents propagate corruption, not re- souls with an infinite and insuperable love,
generation. Were the conveyances of grace yet be would not sin to save a souL And
natural, good parents would not be so ill- be took no personal infirmities upon him,
% suited with children as sometimes they are. but such as are common to the whole na-
No person then whatsoever has the gracious ture, as hunger, thirst, weariness. Observe,
privilege of adoption by the first birth. 3. The assumption itself, He was made
They are not born af blood, nor of the flesh ; that is, he assumed the human na*
will of the flesh, nor of the will of man ; ture into an uoion with his Godhead, and
that is, no man by the utmost improvement so became a true and real man by that
of nature can raise himself up to this privi- assumption. Learn hence, That Jesus
lege of adoption, and be the author and ef- Christ did really assume the true and per-
ficicnt cause of his own regeneration. Learn feet nature of man, into a personal union
hence, That man in all his capacities is too with his divine nature, and still remains
weak to produce the work of regeneration true God, and true Man, in one person, tor
in himself. They, says Dr. Hammond, ever.# O blessed union ! O thrice happy
who by the influence of the highest rational conjunction ! As Man, Christ had an ex-
principles, live most exactly according to perimental sense of our infirmities and
the rule of rational nature, that is, of unre- wants ; as God, he can support and supply
Senerated morality, are the persons here them all. Note farther, 2. As our Savi-
escribed. Learn, 2. That God alone is our's incarnation for us, so his life and con-
the prime efficient Cause of regeneration, venation among us ; He dwelt, or taber-
He works upon the understanding by illu- nacled amongst us. The tabernacle was
mi nation, and upon the will by sanctifica- a type of Christ's human nature. 1. As
tion : Which were born, not of blood, nor the outside of the tabernacle was mean,
of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of made of ordinary materials, but its inside
man, but of God. glorious ; so was the Son of God. 2.
14 And the Word was made flesh, ^ • »PC" Pf*™* was in the taber-
and dwelt among us, (and we be- ^e; tliere bedwelt, for behad ao^^
i»j . . . S_ , v /. .. therein. In like manner dwelt all the ful-
hed his glory, the glory as of the ncSs of the Godhead bodily in Christ ; and
only-begotten of the Father,) full of the glory of his divinity slimed forth to the
grace and truth. eye and view of his disciples ; for they be-
The evangelist having asserted the divini- *M his glory, the glory as of the onl9
ty of Christ in the foregoing verses, comes begotten of the Father ; that is, whilst
now to speak of his humanity and roani- Christ appeared as a man amongst us, be
featation in our nature : The word was £"'& gn»t and glorious testimonies of his
made flesh. Where note, 1 . Our Saviour's heing the Son of God. Learn hence, That
incarnation for us. 2. His life and con- m tne day of our Saviour's incarnation, Use
venation here among us. He dwelt or divinity of his person did shine forth through
tabernacled for a season with us. In the ,he veiI of h» flesn» *nd waa seen by all
incarnation or assumption of our nature, tnem tnat had a spiritual eye to behold it*
observe, 1. The person assuming, The and a mind disposed to consider it. IfV
Word, that is, the second person subsisting beheld his glory, the glory as of the onip-
in the glorious Godhead. Observe, 2. The ^gotten of the Father.
nature vwimed, flesh ; that is, the human 1© John bare witness of him, ami
nature, consisting of soul and body. But cried, saying, This was he of whom
why is it not said, The Word was made I spake, He that cometh after me is
man t but^ The Word was made flesh, preferred before me : for he was W-
Ans. To denote and set forth the wonder- eMt% 1¥W» i« a„j ^* ■,- /■,.!_
ful abasement and condescension of Christ; f°re T 16 And of his fulness
there being more of vi)eness.and weakness! have al1 we r<*eived, an<* g™^ for
and opposition to spirit, in the word flesh, K™ce. 17 For the law was given
Jan in the word man. Christ's raking by Moses, but grace and truth came
flesh implies, that he did not only take bv Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath
Chap. T. ST. JOHN. 437
seen God at any time ; the only-be- wat God's minister, by whom the law,
gotten Son, which is in the bosom which reveab wrath, was given to the Jews;
of the Father, he hath declared Ami. I**™* ™d ™h cam'h Je™ Chr"*-
Grace, in opposition to the condemnatory
Here we have John Baptist'* first testU curse and sentence of the law ; and truth,
mony concerning Christ the promised in opposition to the types, shadows, and
Messiah t and it consists of four parts. 1. ceremonies of the legal administration.
John prefers Christ before himself, as being Learn hence, That all grace for the remis-
surpastangly above himself. He that com- sion of sin, and for performance of duty,
eth after me is preferred before me, that is given from Christ, the Fountain of grace :
a, in the dignity of his person, and in the Grace came by Jesus Christ. The grace
eroinency of bis office, as being the eternal of pardon and reconciliation ; the grace of
God. Now amongst them that were born holiness and sanctification ; the grace of
of women, there wat not a greater than lore and adoption ; even all that grace that
John the Baptist : if Christ then was fits us for service here, and glory hereafter.
greater than John, it was in regard of his Christ is both the Dispenser and the Author
being God. He is therefore preferred of it. Grace came by Jesus Christ, A-
hefore him, because he was before him, as gain, 4. John the Baptist here (ver. 18.)
being God from all eternity. Learn hence, doth not only prefer Christ before himself,
That the dignity and eternity of Christ's before Moses, before all believers, but even
person as God, sets him up above all his before all persons whatsoever, in point of
ministers; yea, above all creatures, how knowing and revealing the mind of God.
excellent soever. He that cometh after No man hath seen God at any time ; that
me in time, is preferred before mc in dig- is, no mere man hath ever seen God in bis
oily ; for he was before me, even from all essence, whilst he was in this mortal state.
eternity. 2. John prefers Christ before all Here God's invisibility is asserted : next
believers, in point of fulness and sufficiency Christ's intimacy with the Father is declared.
of divine grace : Of his fulness do they The only-begotten Son, that is in the
receive. They have their failings, Christ bosom of the Father. This expression im-
ha% his fulness: theirs is the fulness of a plies three things, 1. Unity of natures; the
vessel, bis is the fulness of a fountain: their bosom is the child's place, who is part of
fulness is derivative, his fulness is original, ourselves, and of the same nature with our-
ret abo ministerial, on purpose in him to selves. 2. Deamess of affection. None
give out to us, that we may receive grace lie in the bosom, but the person that is dear
far grace ; that is, grace answerable for to us. A bosom friend is the dearest of
kind and quality, though not for measure friends. 3. It implies communication of
and degree. As a child in generation secrets. Christ's lying in his Father's bo-
secetves from its parent member for mem- som intimates his being conscious to all bis
ber, or as the paper in the printing-press Father's secrets, to know all his counsels,
receives letter for letter, and the wax under and to understand his whole will and plea-
tbe seal receives print for print; so in the sure. Now as Christ's lying in the Father's
work of regeneration, whatever grace is in bosom implies unity of nature, it teaches
Christ, there is the like for kind stamped us to give the same worship to Christ which
upon the christian's soul. All the mem- we give to God the Father, because he is of
bers of Christ being made plentiful par- the same nature with the Father. As it im-
takers of his spiritual endowments. Learn plies deamess of affection betwixt the Father
hence. That all fulness of grace, by way and the Son, it teaches us to place our
of supply for believers, is treasured up in chief love upon Christ the Son, because
Christ, and communicated by him, as their God the Father doth so : he, who is the
wants and necessities do require: his fulness Son of God's love, should be the object of
js inexhaustible, it can never be drawn low, our love ; as God hath a bosom for Christ,
much less drawn dry : Of his fulness do so should we have also ; the noblest object
we receive grace for grace : that is, grace challenges the highest affection. Again, as
freely, grace plentifully ; God grant that Christ's lying in the Father's bosom im-
none of us may receive the grace of Christ plies the knowledge of his mind and will,
in vain. 3. John prefers Christ before Mo- it teaches us to apply ourselves to Christ,
ses, whom the Jews doted so much upon, to his word and Spirit, for illumination.
The law was given by Moses, not as the Whither should we go for instruction, but
author, but as the dispenser of it. Moses to this great Prophet ; for direction, but to
438 ST. JOHN. • Chap. f.
this wonderful Counsellor ? We can never set the crown of praise upon Christ's own
be made wise unto salvation, if Christ, the bead, acknowledging him to be all in
wisdom of the Father, doth not make us so. all. 1 Cor. iii. 6. Wha then it Paul?
^ ..... , . > . • and who is A polios f but ministers by
19 And this is the record of John, vhom ye believed f Observe farther, In
when the Jews sent priests and Le- (his testimony of John the Baptist, these
vites from Jerusalem to ask him, two things: 1. A negative declaration, who
Who art thou ? 20 And he con- he was not ; lam not, says the, the Mes-
fessed, and denied not; but con- siah ,wbom 3* ,ook for» nor Elias, nor that
fessed. I am not the Christ. 21 ProPhet ^!ZF&L"L FfeuK *JZ
a j A. i i u- wu * ii. * your sense, not Elias the Tnbbite: not
And they asked him, What then ? £hM for ^^ ofperson, but Elias for si-
art thou Elias? And he saith, I militude of gifts, office, and calling. John
am not. Art tbou that prophet? came, though not in the person, yet in the
And he answered, No. 22 Then power and spirit, of Elias. He denies far-
said they unto him, Who art thou ? ther, that he was that prophet : that pro-
that we may give an answer to them P0* which Moses spake of, Deut. xyiii. 15.
that sent us : what sayest thou of »<>^ny of the old prophets nseo from the
*u id no u -it .u dead; nay, strictly speaking, he was not
thyself? 23 He said, I am the ^et at a„ > fitj^ than a ^
voice of one crying in the wilderness, phet: Tno Old-Testament prophets prophe-
Make straight the way of the Lord, sied of Christ to come; but John pointed
ns said the prophet Esaias. 24 at, showed, and declared a Christ already
And they which were sent were of come; and in this sense he was no mere
the Pharisees. 25 And they asked prophet, but more than a prophet. 2. We
him, and said unto him, Why bap- have here the Baptist's positive affirmation
tizest thou then, if thou be i tha't jR^ rt^?or^Sr S
Christ, nor Ehas, neither that pro- prepare the people for receiving of the Mes-
phet ? 26 John answered them, 8ias, and to make them ready for the enter-
8aying, I baptize with water: but taining of the gospel, by preaching the doc-
there stnndeth one among you, trine of repentance to them. From hence
whom ye know not; 27 He it is, learn, Tr«t the preaching of the doctrine of
who, coming after me, is preferred repentance » indispensably necesarv, in or-
before me whose shoes' latchet I ^er to the preparing of the hearts of sinners
ueiore me, wnose snoes latcnet i for the |Bodvm^ of Je8U8 Chrigt observe
am not worthy to unloose. 28 la8t,Vf The great and exemplary humility
These things were done in Betha- 0f the holy Baptist, the mean and lowly
bara, beyond Jordan, where John opinion he had of himself. Although
was baptizing, John was the greatest among them that
were born of a woman, and so much
In these verses we have a second testi- esteemed by the Jews, and had the honour
mony which John the Baptist gave of our to go before Christ in the exercise of his of-
Saviour Jesus Christ The Jews sent ffce and ministry ; yet he judges himself
priests and Levttesfrom Jerusalem, say- unworthy to carrv Christ's shoes after him :
tn$, Who art thou ? That is, the Sanhe- He that cometh 'after me is preferred be-
drun, or great council at Jerusalem, to fore me, whose shoes I am not worthy to
whom it belonged to judge who were true unloose. Learn hence, That the more emi-
prophets, sent messengers to the Baptist to nent gifts the ministers of the gospel have,
know, Whether he was the Messiaa or not ? and the more ready men are to honour and
John refuses to take this honour to himself, esteem them, the more will they abase them-
but tells them plainly, he was his harbinger selves, if they be truly graciou* and ac-
and forerunner, and that the Messias himself count themselves highly honoured in doing
was just at hand. From hence note, How the meanest offices of love and service for
very cautious, and exceeding careful, this Jesus Christ. Thus doth the holy Baptist
IDeaserD5?.r ?f Christ ***• and a11 tne minis- bere : His shoes' latchet I am not worthy
ters of Christ ought to be, that they do not to unloose.
assume or arrogate to themselves any part
of that honour which is due to Christ j but 29 The next day John sceth Je-
Chap. I. ST. JOHN. 430
pvs coming unto him, and saith, Be- unto me, Upon whom thou shall see
hold the Lamb of God, which taketh the Spirit descending, and remain-
away the sin of the world. 30 This ing on him, the same is he which
is he of whom I said, After me baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34
comelh a man which is preferred And I saw, and bare record that
before me : for he was before me. . this is the Son of God.
tn.» it *u v> * -^ ,t-" S* Observe here, 1. That though John the
This * John the Baptist s third testimony ^ tisl ^ a neat kina|nan ^ Christ, a*
n!!^w!iC^k IDfiW r ^ P°,n!* °* cording to the flesh, yet the providence
S^* " ih^f ft™?* *? ^PV*1!? ' «>f Gocfso ordered it, that for thirty years
f™£ t n^ Hm6 ?f^°d: lh€ together they did not know one another.
Lamb of God s apposing, to be an ex- D^r ^^^8 with each other, nor probably
pator? ; acnfice; the Limb of Gods elec- em mw thc faoe9 of ^ch other; to be
boo • the Lamb of God • affection, the WKf be did not know him to be the Me*
Iamb of God s acceptation ; the Lamb of giah. Thig> no doubtf was ovcrruJed by
Gods exaltation •, who, by the sacrifice ^pf lbe wi$dom of God to prevent all suspicion,
his death,^ . taken away the sin of the M if j^ ^ Chrfat ^ ^^^1 ^
world. The sin, not the sins, (in the plural ^t to give one another credit 5 that the
nomber,) to denote original sin, as some ^orld might ^p^ nothing j ^ Mh of
think ; or, as others, to show, that Christ John.8 testimony concerning Christ, or have
hath universally taken upon himself the lhc ]e9jA Mowy tbat what be said of Christ
whole burden of our sin and gu.lt. And ^ fronJ ^ ^ tf mind to hb penoa9
there seems to be a secret antithesis in the therefore ^ 'repeate it a 8ecood tim^ ver#
word world. In the Levitical sacrifices, 31> 3a j *wr£17w „„,. Hence we may
S£V ^iTJ^l'f^T J? Ta learn. That a corporal sight of Christ, and
the iacnficed beast j but this Lamb takes m outwani r^ * mtance with
away the sin both of Jew and Gentile. uinlf fa not ^ly needfJ and absolutely
XA* Lord has caused to meet on him nec€Ssary, for enabling a minister to set
the tmqmtt, of us all. And the word, him fort^ aml reprcse*t him ^^y to
fcfcrM <way, being m the present tense, the worid. Observe, 2. The means de-
denotes a continued act, and it intimates c]axed by which joho c^e to know Christ
^J* ,b!,^?l?b, m\ That !t " tbe 'k!1? to be the true Messiah : it was by a sign
office of Christ to take away our sin, bv from heaveDf tam^yt f he Holy Ghost de-
presenting to the Father the memoria s sending like a dove upon our Saviour :
of his death. Christ takes away from all Hg that sent me to baptize win water,
believers tbe emit and punishment of their the 9am€ Mid unto me% Upon whom thou
tins, the filth and pollution of them, the snaltsee the Spirit descending and re-
?°wer a"£, dominion that is in them : as St. mainin gp the same u nCm Leam hence, 1.
John called upon the Jews, to behold this That rjj^ t^;ing upQn nim 0Qr natiwer
Lamb of God with an eye of observation ; did ^ co^ nia g|ory with the veil of our
so it » our duty to behold him now with fl^j, ^4 common infirmities, that he
an ere of admiration; with an eye of could not be known by bodily sight from
mtubtion ; but especially with an eye of aoother „„,. Tm john ^ a di;ine ^^
forth and dependence, improving the fruit |atioo> atld an ^j^t gjgn from heaTO,
of h» death to our own consolation and tba,i Chrilt waa the Son ^ Godf he knno
aaJvalion, ba. xlv. 22. Look unto me, and him noL Learn, 2. That Christ in his
be saved. solemn entry upon his office, as Mediator,
. , A . - . , . . . was sealed unto thc work by the descending
31 And I knew him not : but that 0f the Holy Ghost upon him ; he was seal-
he should be made manifest to Israel, ed by the Holy Ghosts descending, and
therefore am I come baptizing with the Father's testifying, that this was his
water. 82 And John bare record, beloved Son, in whom he was well pleased.
saying, I saw the Spirit descending ?ow it was, that God gave not of the
from heaven like a dove, and it ^X?X \° Q^^ ^T"^L^ f^'
. , .. «« * j . i tual administration of his mediatorial office ;
abode upon him. 33 And! knew no„ it pleased the Father, that in Christ
him not : but he that sent me to should all fulness dwell. He was filled
baptise with water, the same said extensively with all kinds of grace, and
440 ST. JOHN. Chap. f.
filled intensively with all degrees of grace, following Jesus would go forth into
in the day of his inauguration, when the Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith
Holy Spirit descended upon him. unto hinif Fo||ow me- 44 Now
35 Again, the next day after, Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of
John stood, and two of his disciples ; Andrew and Peter.
36 And looking upon Jesus as he ^j, latter iiart <>f the criarier acquaints
walked, be saith, Behold the Lamb us with the calling of five disciples ; not to
of God ! the apostlesbip, for that was afterwards:
It is evident that John's disciples were «* X* ""P1/ V. conversion, for some of
never very willing to acknowledge Jesus ihcm ™* loh* 8 dfC'P"* already, and
for the Messias, because they thought he Sieved in the Messiah to come; but they
did shadow and cloud their Master. See *rc *** 9™* to own ?* ^o^Un
therefore the sincerity of the holy Baptist; if08. YhnaLto 5? * , ^JT iff*"**
he takes every opportunity to draw off the Messiah. The disomies here called were
eyes of his own disciples from himself, and Andrew, Peter, and Philip, mean and
to fix them upon Christ ; he saith to two 0?^UI? P"** poor fishermen, not any
of his disciplesT Behold the Umb of God: £ «■» ■««■* ~bb,e* f™1 £**? V*00*
as if he had said, « Turn your eyes from J* Jew* H«*br Chra* **>"* •*; «■
me to Christ, take less notice of me his J** freene" of h» grace, in passing by the
minister; but behold your and my Lord knowing men of the age; the greatness of
and Master, Behold the Lamb of God." b» rower, who by such weak rastraments
Learn hence, That the great design of could eflect such mighty things ; and the
Christ's faithful ministers is to set people 5,orv of ta **»«], in choosing such m-
upon admiring of Christ, and not magni- «ruroents as should not carry away the
fying themselves. Oh 1 'lis their great am- &,ory « ™» work from him j but cause the
bition and desire, that such as love and «*m honour and glory of all fear great
respect them, and honour their ministry, successes to redound to Christ As Christ
may be led by tbem to Christ ; to behold can *°» *> ™ chooae? t0 <J°» &?1 th,0P h7
and admire him, to accept of him, and to «* means' knowing that the weakness
submit unto him : John said to his disci- ?f lhe lament redounds to the greater
pies, Behold the Lamb of God. honour of the aeent; for theas persons
«- * j i_ * j««i i. j now called to be disciples, were afterwards
37 And the two disciples heard waA forth by chtvA as his apostles, to con-
him speak, and they followed Jesus. vert the world to Christianity. Observe
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them farther, The order according to which the
following, and saith unto them, What disciples were called: first, Andrew, then
seek ye > They said unto him, Peter > (which may make the church of
Rabbi, (which is to say, being in- ^"^ a^medT1?f ** *«kness of their
thou? 39 He saith unto them, fore him, and Peter was brought to Jesus
Come and see. They came and saw by him.) Andrew findeth his own Artr.
where he dwelt, and abode with him ther Simon, and brought him to Jesus,
that day : for it was about the tenth Such as have gotten any knowledge of
hour. 40 One of the two which Christ themselves, and are let into acquaint*
heard John speak, and followed him, aDCe with him, will be very difigeutto
>was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. ZX^ P^"^^^^^!
41 He first findeth his own brother our g^ nameg WOspsssa, wWch
Simon, and saith unto him, We have signifies a stone, 9, rock; to intimate to
found the Messias, which is, being him his duty to be firm and steady in the
interpreted, The Christ. 42 And he christian profession, full of courage and
brought him to Jesus. And when constancy. Thou shalt be called Cephas*
Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art which » h interpretation, A stone.
Simon the son of Jona ; thou shalt 4o Philip findeth Nathauael, and
be called Cephas, which is, by in- saith unto him, We have found him
terpretation, A stone. 43 The day of whom Moses in the law, and the
Chap. I. ST. JOHN. 441
prophets, did write, Jesus of Naza- that Philip called thee, when thou
reth, the son of Joseph. 46 And wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee.
Nathanael said unto him, Can there 49 Nathanael answered and saith un-
any good thing come out of Naza- to him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of
reth ? Philip saith unto him, Come God ; thou art the King of Israel. 60
and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael Jesus answered and said unto him,
coming to him, and saith of him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee
Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom under the fig-tree, believest thou *
is no guile I thou shalt see greater things than
The list person mentioned in this chapter,
who was called to own and embrace Christ Observe here, How Nathanael wonder-
far the Messiah, is Nathanael : who this eth that Christ should know him, having
Nathanael was, doth not certainly appear; (as he thought) never seen him. Christ
bat, it is evident, be was a sincere, good gives him to understand, that by his all-
man, though prejudiced for the present seeing eye he had seen him, when be was not
against Christ, because of the place of his seen bynim : When thou wast under the
supposed birth and residence, Nazareth: Jig-tree I taw thee, Christ's all-seeing eye
Cam any good thing come out ofNazar- is an infallible proof of his deity and god-
eth? That is, can any worthy or excel- bead. Christ seeth us whatever we do,
lent person, much less the promised and though we see not him. He seeth the sin-
long-expected Messias, come out of such cerity of our hearts, and will own it, and
an obscure place as Nazareth is ? Where- bear witness to it, if we are upright in his
at Almighty God, whenever he pleases, sight. Observe farther, How Christ's omni-
caa raise worthy persons out of contempt- presence and omniscience convinces Na-
ible places. Observe farther, How mer- thanael that he was more than man, even
drulty and meekly Christ passes over the the Messias, God and man in two distinct
mistakes and failings, the prepossessions natures and one person. Rabbi, Thou art
and prejudices, of Nathanael ; but takes the Son of God. Philip called Christ the
notice of and publicly proclaims his since- son of Joseph ; Nathanael calls him the
rity : Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom Son of God. Such as believe Christ's om-
tkcia is no guile! That is, no guile niscience, will never call in question his
imputed, no guile concealed, no prevailing divinity. Observe lastly, How Christ en-
gine. It being only true of Christ, in a courages the faith of this new disciple Na-
strict and absolute sense, that there was no thanael, by promising him that he shall en-
guile found in his lips ; but, in a qualified joy farther helps and means for the confir-
seose, it is true of Nathanael, and every mationofhis faith, than ever yet he had. All
uptight man : they are true Israelites, like that Christ said to him, was only this, that he
their lather Jacob, plain men ; men of saw him under the Jig-tree, before Philip
peat sincerity and uprightness of heart, called him. How ready art thou, O Lord !
both ia the sight of God and man. And to encourage the beginnings of faith in the
whereas our Saviour speaks of him with a hearts of thy people, and to furnish them
sort of admjration, Behold an Israelite with farther means of knowledge, when
in whom ts no guile ! We learn. That a they wisely improve what they have re-
person of great sincerity and uprightness of ceived ! Never wilt thou be wanting, either
heart towards God and man, a true Natha- in means or mercy to us, if we be not want-
■act, an Israelite indeed, is a rare and wor- ing to thee and ourselves.
thy sight. Behold an Israelite indeed! 61 And he saith unto him, Ve~
Learo, 2. That such indeed as are Natha- riiy veri|y i say unto you Hereaf-
nads, need not commend themselves ; t / V '» / heaven onen and
Christ will be sure to do it for them. ;fr *e ^aU see neaven open, and
Nathanael conceals his own worth : Christ thc ™.&ls of Go? ascending a™ ae-
puUshes and proclaims if, and calls upon sending upon the Son of man.
others to take notice of it. Behold, <$-c. The heavens were open to Christ, and the
* a vr-*L- i -xl .. angels attended upon him, first at his bap-
48 Nathanael saith unto him, tism, Ma«. iii. ult then at his ascensiob.
Whence knowest thou me ? Jesus jcts i. 9. Whether Christ alludes to the
answered and said unto him, Before one or the other, or to both, I shall not posi-
442 ST. JOHN. Chap. II.
tively say ; but gather this note, That the leas Christ's design was nther to put honour
ministry and attendance of the holy angels upon the ordinance than upon the person,
upon the Lord Jesus Christ, in the time of How bold is the church of Rome in spitting
his humiliation, was very remarkable : An upon the face of this ordinance, by deny-
angel foretells his conception to the Virgin, ing its lawfulness to the ministers of religion f
Luke i. 31. An angel publishes his birth to When the apostle, Hcb. xiii. 4. affirms that
the shepherds, Luke ti. 14. In his tempta- marriage is honourable among oU, Net-
tions in the wilderness, the angels came ther the prophets of the Old Testament, nor
and ministered unto him, Matt. iv. 11. the apostles of the New, (St. Peter himself
In his agony in the garden, an angel is sent not excepted,) did abhor toe marriage-bod,
to comfort him, Luke xxii. 42. At bis orjudgethemselvestoopure for an institution
resurrection an angel rolls away the stone, of their Maker. Note, 3. That it is an an-
and proclaims him risen to the women that cient and laudable institution, that the rites
sought for him, Matt, xxviii. 6. At his as- of marriage should not want a solemn cele-
cension, the angels attended upon him, and bration. Feasting with friends upon such
bare him company to heaven. And at the an occasion is both lawful and commends-
day of judgment, he shall be revealed from ble, provided the rules of sobriety and che-
heaven with his mighty angels. Now, thus rity, modesty and decency, be observed,
officious are the holy angels to our blessed and no sinful liberty assumed. But it must
Saviour, and thus subservient to him upon be said, that feasting in general, and mar-
all occasions. 1. In point of affection and riage-feasts in particular, are some of those
singular love to Christ. 2. In point of duty lawful things which aredifficultly managed
and special obligation to Christ. There is without sin. Note, 4. That our Saviour's
no such cheerful and delightful service, as working a miracle when he was at the mar-
the service of love. Such is the angels* riage-feast, should teach us, by his example,
service to Christ for the services he has that in our cheerful and free times, when
done them, he being an Head of confirms- we indulge a little more than ordinary to
tion to them : For, that they are establish- mirth amongst our friends, we should still be
cd in that holy and glorious state in which mindful of God's honour and glory, and lay
they were at first created, is owing to the hold upon an occasion of doing ail the good
special grace of the Redeemer : Glorify we can. Note lastly, As Christ was persoo-
him then, all ye angels, and praise him ally invited to, and bodily present at tins
all his host. marriage-feast when here on earth ; so he
will not refuse now in heaven to be tpiritu-
CHAP. II. ally present at his people's marriages.
a xt*\ a .t • j j *l They want his presence with them upon
^ND the third day there was a tnat g^ 0^0*, they desire and seek T;
marriage in Cana of Galilee ; he is acquainted with it, and invited to it,
and the mother of Jesus was there : whoever is neglected ; and where Carat is
2 And both Jesus was called and made acquainted with thb match, be wilt
his disciples to the marriage. certainly make one at the marriage. Hap-
py is that wedding where Christ and bin
The former part of this chapter acquaints friends (as here) are the invited, *^r^^»\
us with the first miracle which our Saviour and enjoyed guests,
wrought, in turning water into wine: the 0 A , , ., A \ . Al_
occasion of it was, his being invited to a 3LAnd *h*n theJ w.a[lted wine- thc
marriage-feast Here note, 1. That when- mother of Jesus saith unto him,
ever our Saviour was invited to a public en- They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith
tertainment, he never refused the invitation, unto her, Woman, what have I to
but constantly went j not so much for the do with thee 1 mine hour is not yet
pleasure ofeating, as for the opportunity of come> 5 Hig mother saith unto
22TK^nft ^'^wu the servants, Whatsoever he saith
meat and drink unto him. Note, 2. What . A ..
honour Christ put upon the ordinance of unto you> do "*
marriage ; he honours it with his presence This want of wine was probably so dis~
and first miracle. Some think it was St. posed by the providence of God, to give
John that was now the bridegroom ; others, our Saviour an opportunity to manifest hk
that it was some near relation of the virgin divine power in working a miracle to sjuiw
mothers ; but whoever it might be, doubt- ply it Observe here, 1. How the Vi^
Chap. II. ST. JOHN. 443
enquires into the family^ wants, and then 6 And there were set there six
makes them known to Christ. Learn water-pots of stone, after the man-
hence, That it is an aigument of piety, and ner of the pUrifving of the Jews,
zrt^^^i^^ «»**% r '°\hthree, h;i:kin9
iiecewteofotherstoChrisrscareandcon- »Piece; 7 Jesus saith V?to them'
aiderauoo ; whose bounty and munificence Fill the water-pots with water.
cm readily and abundantly supply them. And they filled them up to the brim.
Thus far the Virgin's action was good : she 8 And he saith unto them, Draw
kid open the case to Christ : They have out now, and bear unto the gover-
ns wine. But Christ, who discerned the nor of the feast And thev bare t/.
of00^* rfo^she^ Vb ^JTml 9 When the ru,er of the 'ea8t bad
ther^tnori?/, she* mfeht have* ex£cteo\ ***** the water *at was. made "j™'
if not commanded, a miracle from him : and knew not whence it was, (but
whereas Christ was subject to her as a roan the servants which drew the water
during bis private life : but now being en- knew,) the governor of the feast
tend upon his office as a mediator, as God- called the bridegroom, 10 And
man, he gives her to understand she had saith unto him, Every man at the
nopower over him, nor any motherly au- be&innin ^h ^t forth good wine ;
tnonty m the business of his public office: „ 5 i u«..~ ™n a l, *k~«
thereto* he say. to her, Woman, what and when men have well drunk, then
have I to do with thee ? He that charges that which is worse : but thou hast
his aogeb with folly, will not be taught kept the good wine until now. 11
when and bow to act by poor crawling dust This beginning of miracles did Jesus
and ashes. Observe therefore, 2. Christ in Cana of Galilee, and manifested
calla the Virgin, Woman, not Mother ; fortn njs glory ; and his disciples
bat this was not out of anv contempt, believed on him.
but to prevent her being thought more than
a woman, aboveor beyond a woman, having Id this miracle of our Saviour's turning
brought forth the Son of God. Woman, water into wine, Observe, 1. The reality
says Christ ; not Goddess, as the Papists of the miracle, and the sincerity of Christ
would make her, and proclaim her free in the working of it. To evidence there
from sin, even from venial sin ; but Christ's was no deceit in the miracle, not wine-
Rproving her shows ner that she was not casks, but water-pots, are called for j wine-
faoltless. Observe, 3. Christ would not vessel*, in which some lees were remaining,
bear with the Virgin's commanding on might have given both a vinous colour
earth, will he then endure her intercession and taste to the water ; but stone-pots
in heaven? Must she not meddle with could contribute nothing of this nature;
matters appertaining to his office here be- and being open pots, there was no stealing
low, and will it be endured by Christ, or wine into them without observation. Again,
endeavoured by her, to interpose in the our Saviour's employing the servants, and
work of mediation above ? No, no ; were not his disciples, takes off any suspicion of
it possible for her so far to forget herself collusion ; and his sending it to the ruler
in heaven, she would receive the answer or governor of the feast, was an evidence
from Christ which she had on earth, Wo- that the miracle would bear examination.
man, what have I to do with thee f or Our Saviour's miracles were real and bene-
moo with roe, in my mediatorial office ? ficial $ they were obvious to sense, not
But instead of this, she returns answer from lying wonders, nor fictitious miracles,
heaven to her idolatrous petitioners here on which the jugglers in the church of Rome
earth, " What have I to do with thee ? Get cheat the people with. The greatest roi-
you to my Son, go you to Christ, he that racle which they boast of, transubstantia-
was the Mediator of redemption ; he, and tion9 is so far from being obvious to sense,
only he, continues the Mediator of inter- that it contradicts the sense and reason of
cession." O how foolish, as well as im- mankind, and is the greatest affront to bu-
pious, is it to think, that she who had not man nature that ever the world was acquaint-
to much power as to direct the working of ed with. Observe, 2. Though Christ wrought
one miracle on earth, should have now a real miracle, yet he would not work more
lodged in her bands all the power of heaven ! of miracle than needed ; he would not create
444 ST. JOHN. Chap. II.
wine out of nothing, but turned water Jerusalem, 14 And found in the
into wine. Thus he multiplied the bread, temple those that sold oxen and
changed the water, restored withered limbs, sneep and doves, and the changers of
raised dead bodies, still working upon that money 8itting : 15 And when he
which was, and not creating that which J * f ^ ^
was not: Christ never wrought a miracle ' j . n ® c . .^
but When needful, and the? wrought no he drove them all out of the temple,
more of miracle than he needed. Observe, and the sheep, and the oxen ; and
3. The liberality and bounty of Christ in poured out the changers' money,
the miracle here wrought ; six water-pots and overthrew the tables ; 16 And
are 611ed with wine! enough, say some g^j unto them that sold doves,
writers, for an hundred and fifty men ; had Tftke thc8C thi hence . make QOt
he turned but one of those large vessels into f h . h ^ h f
wine, it had been a sufficient proof of his "JJ ".
power; but to fill so many, was an instance cnandise.
both of his power and mercy. The Lord Observe here, 1. How obedient in all
of the family furnishes his household not things Christ was to the ceremonial law.
barely for necessity, but for delight, giving He was not naturally subject to the law,
richly all things to enjoy. And as the but, to fulfil all righteousness, be kept the
bounty of Christ appeared in the quantity, passover yearly, according to the command
sain the excellency, of the wine; Thou of God, Exod. xxiii. 17. That all the males
hast kept the best wine until now, says should appear before him in the temple
the governor of the feast. It was fit that at Jerusalem. Hence it is probably con-
Christ's miraculous wine should be more eluded, that Christ came up to the passover
perfect than the natural. But, O blessed continually during his private life ; and
Saviour, how delicate and delicious shall being now come up to Jerusalem to this
that wine be, which we shall drink ere long, first passover after his baptism, and solemn
with thee in thy Father's kingdom ! Let entrance upon his office, his first walk was
thy Holy Spirit fill the vessel of my heart to the temple, and his first work was to
with water, with godly sorrow and con- purge and reform it from abuses, not to rain
trition,) and thou wilt turn it into wine, and destroy it, because it had been abused.
For blessed are they that mourn, they Now the abuse and profanation of the tem-
shall be comforted. Observe, 4. The pie at that time was this : in the outward
double effects of this miracle; Christ here- court of the Gentiles, there was a public
by manifested forth his glory, and his mart or market, where were sold oxen,
disciples believed on him. 1. He mani- sheep, and doves, for sacrifice ; which otber-
fested forth his glory ; that is, the glory wise the people, with great labour and trou-
of his godhead, as doing this by his own ble, must have brought up along with them
power. Here shined forth his omnipotence, for sacrifice. Therefore as a pretended ease
his bounty and liberality, every thing that to the people, the priests ordered these things
might bespeak him both a great and good to be sold hard by the altar ; the intention
God. The second effect of this miracle was commendable, but the action not justt-
was, that the disciples believed on him. fiable. No pretence of good ends can jus-
The great end of miracles is the confirma- tify that which is forbidden of God : a good
tion of faith; God never sets the seals of his end can never justify an irregular action,
omnipotence to a lie ; all the miracles then Observe, 2. Our Saviour's fervent zeal in
that Christ and his apostles did, were as so purging and reforming his Father's house,
many seals that the doctrine of the gospel The sight of sin in any persons, but espe-
is true. If you believe not me, says Christ, daily in and among professors, ought
believe the works which I do, for they to kindle in our hearts (as it did here in
bear witness of me, John v. 36. Christ's breast) a burning zeal and indigna-
tion against it. Yet was not Christ's zeal so
12 After this be went down to warm as to devote the temple to destruction,
Capernaum, he, and his mother, ^u« of its abuse and profimation. Races
anA his brethren, and his disciples : SJf'W? ** "^L? T^ £
~*a *u~ *• i" V T v God, if idolatrously abused, must not be
and they continued there not many pul|ed down>but j^ed . not ruined, but
«ays. 13 And the Jews' passover reformed. There is a special reverence doe
was at hand, and Jesus went up to to the house of God, both for the Owner's
Ghap. II. ST. JOHN. 446
sake, and the service* sake. Nothing but Origen and St. Jerome do make the greatest
holiness becomes that place, where Cod is miracle that ever Christ wrought, all circum-
woishipped in the beauty of holiness, stances considered ; I shall close it with this
Christ by purging the court of the Gentiles reflection, viz. Was there such power and
from merchandise, not unlawful in itself, terror in Christ's countenance and speech
but necessary for the sacrifices which were here in the temple in the days of his flesh ?
offered in the temple, though not necessary Oh, how terrible then will his face and his
to be brought there, did plainly insinuate, appearance be to the wicked and impeni-
that a distinction is to be made betwixt tent world at the great day ! Lord ! bow
places sacred and profane ; and that what fearful will his iron scourge then be ; how
may be done as well elsewhere, ought not terrifying that voice, " Depart, depart from
to be done in the house of God, the place me, depart accursed, depart into fire : de-
appointed immediately for his worship, part into everlasting fire, into a fire pre-
Observe, 3. The greatness of this miracle, pared for the punishment of apostate spirits,
in the weakness of the means which Christ the devil and his angels !" God grant we
made use of to eflect and work it: he drore may wisely consider it, and timely flee
the buyers and sellers before him out of the from the wrath to come,
temple. But how and with what ? St. Je- ntm , , . ,. . . . .
rome, in Matt. xxi. says, That certain fiery H And hl8 disciples remembered
ny* or beams, darting from Christ's eyes, that it was written, The zeal of thine
drove out these merchants from this place, house hath eaten me up.
I dare not avouch this, but I am satisfied -,,,.., ,,. .. .
that Christ drove them out, unarmed with The disciples upon this occasion calledi to
any weapons that might carry dread and remembrance «» ™rds _ (* Dw* J**
terror with them, at most but with a whip h«- 9- Thc *f?l°f rt™ *?**«**
of small cords ; which probably might be ™'™ ™ *f> • which was verified in Christ
scattered by the drovers that came thither to ""<& » » ****: Wl« *?*!+ *•
sell their cattle. Behold then the weakness *}* g^ce described, zeal, which is the
of the means on the one side, and consider ardou4r °£ the. ^f)™% «"*»* forth a
the greatness of the opposition on the other. muan L°. the ^m(*4 f°ir ^ ! gl°ry' aJ)d h'8
Here was a confluence df people to oppose <*"? S ^il ?? " "Sat10 T5 « T
Christ, this being the roostVolemn martTf a^!on' M *fc intense degree : of all the
thc passover, and here were merchant-men, actions. Observe, 2. The object about
wlioliehearts were set upon gain (the world's *h*h °.ur Sav'our.8 ™*™ conversant,
god) to oppose him. But neither the weak- £«* ho""> «** al *mF "**** to
ness of tte means, nor the greatness of thc the_ Toreh,P £ ^V *"&' tafn^
opposition, diddismay him, or cause our ■* &c' wh*h "» ft Pl*S? <*,&*•
Skviour to desist from the attempt of reform- ^nce; O^. 3. The effect of this, it
ing what was amiss in thc house of God. hAath eate» "'J* 1,k^^l€^P and
Learn we hence, That it matters not bow dT?c^^hlSl,.,l,,gh,,■ Whatwf
weak the means of the church-reformation «* °f S*« fiPetcr» ™at he was a man made
isnor bow strong the opposing power is ; «P aH£.fire ; and of St. Paul m rapect of
if we engage Christ in tte^dertaVing, the. £,s "*■»» ***» wa? a ■««* of fil?
work shiir certainly be accomplished O, burn,n& !n J» m^st °fthe ?*' may much
how great was the work, and how weak more *?? £ "^^ /^. WJ?1 *■*"
and unlikely were the means here ! a par- "^ » lbe wo* ^ church-reforraa ion.
eel of sturdy fellows, whose hearts werelet ^1^™* M Chi;l8t Wtt8» » cbralian»
upon their wealth, Christ no sooner speaks °^ht ° **• very ^J0?8 f?r lh* e,0!7 °f
to tbem, and shakes his whip at themVbut God; */ honour of h» house, and the
like a company of fearful hares they run be- Pur,ty £ b,s 7**1* A Tk* *' tl^
fore him. ^rist, in purging of hii church, ^«^, that is, for the honour of thine house.
will make every thing yielcf and give way haih eaUn me UP' *c* .
to his power. Let it comfort the church 19 Then answered the Jews and
ui^ all imlikelihood of reformation. Who gaid unto him What sign 8hewest
sff'sscr^itfK?: s- ■-? "•,-*■*« tbou doesj
plain. I .hall close my observations upoo »»»«* *«■«• ? \» J""» answered
this miracle of Christ's whipping the buy- »nd 8a>d "nt<> tnero» Destroy this
ers and sellers oat of the temple, which both temple, and in three days I will
446 ST. JOHN. Cbap. II.
raise it up. 20 Then said the Jews, was fully satisfied for our sin, in that he
Forty and six years was this temple wf .bJ bun «""■» ^ ™LT^
• i -i^- ~j!a „,:u ♦u^.. «a :* .~ which he underwent for us. But yet A a
in building, and wilt thou rear t up often ^^ That q^ ,^Timself,
in three days : 21 But be spake of ana* that ^ ^ quickened by the Spirit,
the temple of his body. 22 When which was as well the Spirit of the Son, as
therefore, he was risen from the dead, of the Father, dwelling essentially in him.
his disciples remembered that he had Now from Christ's foretelling bis passion
said this unto them ; and they believed •»* iworection, learn thence that all our
the scripture, and the word which g*™1*'8 ?*fijl,T fm^nownlA^
. u a \i him, were foretold by bun ; he would not
Jesus had said , ^^ thenif but wif| fogjy pennitted them,
Observe here, 1. How exceedingly often* and cheerfully underwent them. Destroy
ded the Jews were at the reformation which this temple. Note here, 1. The state and
our Saviour had made in the house of God; dignity of Christ's holy body : T» a tem-
tbey were awed indeed with the majesty of pie. He spake of the temple of his tody.
this great work, and durst not openly The saints' bodies are temples by special
oppose, but secretly malign it Thence sanctification : Christ's body was a temple
note, That redress of abuses in God's wor- by substantial inhabitation. The divinity
ship, especially if it crosses our ease, and of Christ dwelt in his humanity personally
controls our profit, (as this did,) is usually and immediately. God dwells in saints
distasted. Observe, 2. How these Jews by regal authority: he dwelt in Christ's
discover their old inveterate disease of in- humanity by personal residence. Note, 2.
fidelity j they require a sign, and call for a The violence and indignity offered to this
miracle to justify Christ's commission, holy temple at our Saviour's death, it was
Why ! had they not a miracle before their pulled down and destroyed ; death dis-
eyes ? Was not the work of purging the solved the union betwixt our Saviour's soul
temple a wonderful miracle ? Yet they and body ; but there was a closer union,
demanded another miracle to make this which no violence of death could dissolve :
§ood. Learn thence, That obstinate infi- namely, the union of his godhead with his
el ity will not be satisfied with the most manhood 5 this was incapable either of dis-
sufficient means for satisfaction, but still solution or destruction. Note, 3. The re-
object and oppose against the clearest, the pairing, restoring, and raising op of this
fullest, and most convincing evidence, temple out of the ruins of it, by our Sa-
What sign shewest thou us .* say the viour's resurrection. In three days I will
Jews, when they had so many signs and raise it up. Observe, A full proof of our
wonders daily before their eyes. Observe, Saviour's divinity. To raise a dead man
3. The Jews demanding a sign, our Saviour exceeds the power of nature ; but for a
grants them one ; he remits them to his dead man to raise himself, requires the pow-
death and resurrection, to prove that he was er of God. We read of dead men raised
the true Messiah. Destroy this temple, by others ; but none but Christ ever raised
and in thrte days I will raise it up. That himself. The Jews could not say, be raised
is, " I know you will destroy this temple others from the grave, himself hie could not
of my body, by putting me to death ; but raise. Inference, 1. Was Christ's body a
I will raise myself again from the grave the temple ? so shall ours be too 5 temples tor
third day." Christ did not command them the Holy Ghost to dwell in. Temples by
to destroy his body, but only foretold that special appropriation, temples by soaema
they would do it Non est verbum consecration, temples by actual employment:
Pracepti, sed Predictions : " The words If ony man defile this temple^ him will
are not imperative, but only predictive and God destroy. 2. Was the temple of
permissive." Christ did not bid them de- Christ's body pulled down by death, and
stroy his body, but foretells what they destroyed ; so must also the temples of
would do. " Ye will destroy this temple, our bodies ere long. The temple of his
but after three days I will raise it up." body was pulled down for our sin ; the
Where note, That Christ asserts his own temples of our bodies ruined by our am.
power in raising bis own body from the Sin brought mortality into our natures, and
dead. True ! The Father is often said to the wages of our sin "is death. 3. Was the
raise btm, and it is necessary that it be so temple of Christ's body repaired in the
said, that it migbt appear that divine justice morning of the resurrection ? so shall the
Chap. II. ST. JOHN. 447
temple of our bodies also, if we be the 2a And needed not that any
members of Christ by a vital union. Thy should testify of man : for he knew
dead men, O blessed Redeemer i shall wnat was in man.
lw€ ; together with thy dead body shall "
they arise. Awake then and sing, ye , St. John s desira m writing of this gospel
that dwell in the dust, for the dew is as being to assert the divinity of Christ, he
tU dew of herds, and the earth shall cast scatters evidences of it in almost every chap-
out the dead, Isa. xxvi. 19. ter» ^K ne declares his omniscience, He
knew what was in man ; that is, being
23 Now, when he was in Jerusa- G°d blessed for ever, he had an exact
lem at the passover, in the feast- knowledge of the hearts of men, not by any
. -..„„ i^j:^^ ;- w;« «amA revelation of mens hearts from God, but
day, many believed in his name, b iraraediate intuilion from hiroself/ He
when they saw the miracles which knows ^ merlf Bndali tnat k in men g^
hfe did. 24 But Jesus did not com- here an ample testimony of the divinity of
mit himself unto them, because he Christ, his knowledge of the secrets of the
knew all men. hearts of all men, which is declared to be
the undoubted property of God alone, I
Observe here, What influence the sight Kings viii. 39. Thou only knowest the
of our Saviour's miracles had upon many hearts of all the children of men.
of the common people, They believed in
his name, when they saw the miracles CHAP. HI.
lhkLH'^: K^T00^^ THERE was a man of the Phari-
by the works which our Saviour wrought J. ,vr , .
(bat he came from God, and what he said _ *eew8» named Nicodemus, a ruler
and did was really true, and no imposture. °» tne ^ews : Tne same came to
But Jesus did not commit himself unto Jesus by night, and said unto him,
them, because he knew all men. Our Rabbi, we know that thou art a
Saviour did not, and would not trust them teacher come from God ; for no
who yet believed on his name. Thence man can do tn€8e miracies that thou
note, That a naked assent to > the > history of d t God be ith M
the gospel is not sufficient to entitle us to * r .
saving faith. We may assent to the truth The former part of this chapter acquaints
of all that we find there, and yet be far us with that famous conference which our
from the kingdom of God. Saving faith blessed Saviour had with Nicodemus. This
implies more than the assent of the under- roan was by sects Pharisee ; which signifies
standing to the truths of the gospel. We a person separated and set apart for the stu-
canoot believe or disbelieve what we please, dy of the law of God, and to teach it unto
but must needs assent to what is evident to others ; and by calling or profession a
our understanding ; so that it is possible ruler of the Jews, that is probably one
for a man to assent to the truth of chris- of the Jews* Sanhedrim, a chief person in
tianity and yet remain in a state of damna- their ecclesiastical court and council. Con-
tton. If he doth not embrace it as good, skier we Nicodemus first as a Pharisee,
as wed as assent to it as true ; if our faith be which sort of men were filled with invete-
not the parent and principle of obedience ; rale prejudice and enmity against Christ :
if our belief doth not influence our prac- yet from hence we may gather, that such is
tjee ; though we pass for believers amongst the efficacy of divine grace, that it some-
men, we are no better than unbelievers times convinces and converts also those
in the account of Christ. If we believe that are the greatest enemies to Christ, and
Jesus to be the true Messiah, and do not fiercest opposers of him. No such bitter
receive him in all his offices ; if we commit enemies to Christ as tne Pharisees ; yet be-
ourseives to his saving mercy, but do not hold Nicodemus, a Pharisee, coming to
submit ourselves to his ruling powei ; if we him, convinced and converted by him !
desire him for our Saviour, but disown him Consider him, secondly, as a ruler of the
for our sovereign ; if we expect salvation Jews, as a person of place and power, mak-
by him, and do not yield subjection to ing a figure in the world Though they
him ; we put a cheat upon ourselves : for were generally the poor which followed
tie only believes as he should, that lives as Christ, yet some of the great and rich men
he does believe. of the world, as Nicodemus, a master of Is-
448 ST. JOHN. Chap. lit.
reel* ana* Joseph of Arimathea, an honour- Two things are observable in this question
able counsellor, .are called to Christ, and re- of Nicodemus, How can a man he born
ceived by him: lest, if be had admitted when he is old 9 1. His ignorance and
illiterate and simple men only, the world weakness in propoiindttgof such a question,
might have thought that they were deceived So true is that of the apostle, 1. Cor. it. 14.
through their simplicity. Observe farther. The natural man receiveth not the things
The time when- Nicodemus came to Christ : of the Spirit of God. What a gross con-
it was by night, partly out of shame, lest ception had this learned man of the notion
tbe world should think that such a knowing of regeneration ! How ignorant is nature
man as he was, wanted instruction ; and of the workings of grace ! Men of name
partly out of fear ; he had something to lose, and note, of great parts and profound
and therefore durst not own Christ publicly, learning, are very often much at a loss in
However, our dear Lord upbraids him not spiritual matters. Yet, 2. In this- question
with his timorousness, but graciously con- of his, there is discovered a great deal of
descends to instruct him in the fundamental plainness and simplicity : he au not comew
principle of Christianity, the great doctrine as usually the Pharisees did, with an en-
of regeneration. Such is the tenderness of snaring question in his mouth, but with a
our compassionate Saviour, that he will not mind fairly disposed for information and
extinguish the least spark of holy fire, nor conviction : with a pious desire to be in-
quench the smoking flax. structed. Whatever ignorance we labour
rt _ • under, it is safest and best to discover it to
3 Jesus answered and said unto OUT spiritual guide, that we may attain the
them, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, mercy of a saving knowledge j but bow
Except a man be born again, lie many had rather carry their ignorance to
cannot see the kingdom of God. hell with them, than discover it to their
_. . , . *». ' • . minister!
Christ here acquaints Nicodemus, and in . . . „ .. ..
him all persons,That there must be a change _ 6 Jcsus answered, Venly, veniy,
from nature to grace, before there can be a * 8av unto tncc» Except a man be
change from grace to glory j for though he born of water, and of tbe Spirit, he
was a Jew, a doctor, and one that had cannot enter into the kingdom of
good thoughts of Christ, looking upon him God.
as an extraordinary person, one that had XT- j « • t_.i * . ..
received power from 6od to work miracle, ; J*"?*"*. "* "f^l understanding
..-.r-fc-JT u_ .k.. .-mj u_J Christ* meaning in tbe former rent, our
be new dresttd, but we mo* belew made ; * "» °° Pah™> *"» V^h|!&1w,0£*
that is. thoroughly aid universally changed m *? 80ul,^ tn,e ^ <* <** w^
the undcntanling b, illumination, the'wfl F&J^t^SR f^SS1 "*. ^f^'
by renovation, the auctions by sanctifica- !D* ,he "Si*""^ Mnful *■>"«■«■ X*"fn
lion, the life by reformation, or we can hence'lJhl *" IfTT^^SfLA
never come at heaveo : we must be like T1! ' "J*-."?* *!>.**. Sp!"fjf °°^
God, or we can never live with him; -if «»•* r^ '* ^ * n»tord fefilement
we be not like' him in the temper of our ?nd renewi,t ""* ^ *""? J*?"" "!*
minds on earth, we can never '£ hap^y image- We never ****»»* *»** ««*hs
in the —'- * -**-'-■ • •
heaven,
holiness, would be a "place of the ireatest r^S*
uneasiness to an unregenerate and an un- iearneQ*
holy person : tbe contagion is universal, 6 That which is bom of the flesh
deep, and inward, therefore such must the is flesh ; and that which is born of
change be. the Spirit is spirit.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, As if Christ had said, « As men gene-
How can a man be born when he is Srto1fcf»."fd ^™ *!***? Q**? ? thc
bo™ > " W * a" ^nce, That M original^rruption in coo.
veyed by natural generation, so saving re-
Chap. HI. ST. JOHN. 440
generation is the effect and product of the not describe its nature, nor declare its origmaL
Holy Spirit's operation. Thus the Holy Spirit in a secret and hidden
. w . . ., . , ., . manner quickens and inOuences our souls.
7 Marvel not that I said unto The eflects of its operations we sensibly dis-
tbee, Ye must be born again. 8 cernj but how and after what manner- he
The wind bloweth where \} listeth, doth it, we know no more than how the
and thou nearest the sound thereof, bones do grow in the womb of her that is
but canst not tell whence it cometh, with child. Therefore it is called an hidden
and whither it goeth : so is every Me, Co/, iii. 2. It is not only totolly hidden
one that is born of the Spirit. l~ ^ ^ ^ m ^ h££ "I^
r known to spintual men, though they them-
Nicodemus making an exception against selves are the subject of it.
oar Saviour's notion of regeneration, from
the absurdity and impossibility of it, (as he 9 Nicodemus answered and said
thought,) our Saviour therefore proceeds to unto him, How can these things be ?
ckar the matter by a similitude taken io Jesus answered and said unto
from the wind, which jrt once declares the hiro Art thou a master of Israel,
!^^TtoT^omKannerf> Th" and knowest not these things? 11
tual regeneration. The author of it is the mT .. -it * .*? «r
Holy Spirit of God, compared to the wind ; Ven }* J*"1* l**3 unto *«• We
First, for the quality of its motion, It speak that we do know, and testify
biows when and where it listeth. Second- that we have seen ; and ye receive
lv, From the sensibleness of its effect, Thou not our witness. 12 If 1 have told
nearest the sound thereof. Thirdly, From you earthly things, and ye believe
the intricacy or mysteriousness of its pro- not how shaU ye beiieve if j teli
ceedine, Thou knowest not whence it - heavenly things.
cometh, nor whither it goeth. As the na- J J J °
tural wind is not under the power of man, Observe here, 1. How Nicodemus, con-
cither to send it out or restrain it ; it bloweth suiting only with carnal reason, persists in
where it listeth for all us, tho' not where it his apprehension concerning the absurdity
listeth in regard to God. In like manner, and impossibility of our Saviour's notion
the Holy Spirit is as wind in the freeness of of regeneration, or being born of the Spirit,
its motion, and in the variableness of its Nicodemus said, How can these things he .*
motion also. Learn hence, That the way Learn hence, That tfje great cause of men's
and work of the Holy Spirit of God, in ignorance in matters of salvation, and the
the soul's regeneration, is oft-times very mysteries of religion, is consulting their own
secret, and usually 'exceedingly various, natural reason without submitting their un-
Various as to the time : some are wrought derstandings to the authority of divine reve-
npon io youth, others in old age. Various lation. Till they can give a reason for
in his methods of working ; some are every thing they believe, they cry out with
wrought upon by the corrosives of the Nicodemus, How can these things be .»
law, others by the lenitives of the gospel. Whereas, though we cannot give a reason
Various in the manner of bis working, and for all gospel mysteries which we believe,
in the means by which he works : upon we can give a good reason why we believe
some by a powerful ordinance, upon others them, namely, because God hath revealed
by an awakening providence. But though them. No man can be a christian who re-
there be such variety in the method of the fuses to submit his understanding to the au-
Spirifs working, yet is the work in all still thority of divine revelation. Observe, 2.
the same. There is no variety in the work How our Saviour reproves Nicodemus for,
wrought The effect produced by the and upbraids him with, his ignorance, ver.
Holy Spirit in the work of regeneration is 10. and his infidelity, ver. 12. First his
alike, and the same in all ; namely, likeness ignorance is reproved, Art thou a master
to God ; a conformity in our natures to the of Israel, and knowest not these things *
holy nature of God ; and a conformity in As if Christ had said, « Ignorance in any,
our lives to the will of God. Again, It is as to the fundamentals of religion, is shame-
-a very secret work, and therefore compared ful, though but in a common learner, much
to the wind. We hear the wind blow, we more in a teacher and master, and he a
feel it blow, we observe its mighty force, teacher and master in Israel : now thou
and admire its strange effects \ but we can- art one of them, and yet knowest not these
2 G
4tt> ST. JOHN. Cbap. Iff.
.things ! Learn hence, 1. That a man observe, That the Son of God hath taken
may be very knowing himself, and take the human nature, into so close and inti-
upon him to teach and instruct others* and mate a union with bis godhead, and what
yet be very ignorant of the nature, and is proper to either nature is ascribed unto
much unacquainted with the work, of re* the person of our Savioar. The same person
generation upon his own soul : a man may who was on earth as the Son of man, who
be very sharp-sighted, as the eagle, in the was then in heaven as God, and yet but
mysteries of art and nature, and yet blind one person still. Lord! what love hast
as a mole in the things of God. 2. That thou shown to our human nature, that uor
ignorance, in the fundamentals of religion der that name thou ascribes! to thyself what
especially, is very culpable and shameful is proper to thy Godhead ! The Son of
in any that enjoy the means of knowledge, man xohich is in heaven. The Socinians
but especially in those that undertake to produce this text, to prove that Christ after
teach and instruct others. Art thou a his baptism was taken up into heaven, there
teacher t thou a toaster in Israel, and to be made acquainted with the will of God,
knovest not these things 9 Next, our Sa- to fit him tor the execution of his propheti-
viour upbraids him for bis infidelity, ver. 12. cal office here on earth, and that for this
Jfl have told you earthly things, and ye reason he was said to be in the beginning
elieve not. This infidelity received its ag- with God, as Moses before him was taken
gravation from the facility, and perspicuity up into the mount, and taught by God.
of our Saviour's doctrine. I have told you But, 1. We have not the least word of any
earthly things ; that is, I have set forth spirit- such thing in Scripture, though we have a
ual things by earthly similitudes, not in a particular account of our Saviour's birth,
style suitable to the sublimity of their own circumcision, baptism, doctrine, miracle?,
nature. Let the ministers of Christ learn death, resurrection, ascension, yea, of small
from their master's example, in all their dis* things compared with this ; as his flight in-
courses to accommodate themselves, and de- to Egypt, his sitting on a pinnacle of the
seend as low as may be, to the capacities of temple ; yet not a word of his assumption
their people : J have told you earthly into heaven. 2. There was no need of it,
things. 2. That even spiritual things, because Almighty God could reveal himself
when they are shadowed forth by earthly to Christ, as well as to other prophets, out
similitudes, and brought down in the plain- of heaven as well as in it : besides, Christ
est manner to the capacities of their people, was fitted for his prophetic office by the
yet are they very slow to understand them, unction of the Spirit he received here on
and very backward to believe them. I earth ; and therefore this assent was altoge-
have told you of earthly things, and ye tber needless.
believe them not. „ A A , m ' ... _
14 And as Moses lifted up the
13 And no man hath ascended up serpent in the wilderness, even so
to heaven but he that came down must the Son of man be lifted up ;
from heaven, even the Son of man 15 That whosoever believeth in
which is in heaven. him should not perish, but hav*
Here our Saviour declares to Nicodemus, eteroal life.
That none ever ascended up into heaven, Christ having instructed Nicodemus in
to fetch down from thence the knowledge the doctrine or regeneration in the former
of divine mysteries, and to reveal the way verses, here he instructs him in the death of
of life and salvation to mankind by a Medi- tlie Messiah, and in the necessity of faith in
ator, but only Christ himself ; who, though his death. The Son of man must be lifted
he took upon him the human nature, and up ; that is, upon the cross, and die: fr«f
was then mao upon earth, yet was be at whosoever betieveth in him should not
the saattttimg in bis divine nature actually perish. Observe here, 1. An Old Tfcsta-
in heafins God. This text evidently merit type which our Saviour refers to, and
proves tvlKstinct natures in Christ ; name- that is, the brazen serpent in toe wflderness,
Iyt a divifle nature as he was God, and an the history of which is recorded, JVstm*.
human nature as man. In his human na- xxi. 7, 8. Obs. 2. The antitype, or the
ture, he wa« then upon earth, when he substance of what that type did shadow
spake these words ; in his divine nature, forth: the brazen serpent's lifting up upon
he was at that instant in heaven. Here the pole, prefiguring Christ's exaltstionTor
Gbap. Iff. ST. JOHN. 451
lifting up upon (be erote. So must the Son himself, for toe curing and nealing of all
of man be lifted up* Learn hence, That that do believe in him. Again, The bra-
the Lord Jesus Christ is of the same use ten serpent cured only one particular
and office to a sin-stung soul, which the nation and people, Jews only'; Christ »
brazen serpent was of old to a serpent- for the healing of ail nations, and his sat-
liung Israelite. Here observe, 1. Wherein vation is to the end of the earth. Farther,
the brazen serpent and Christ do agree. The brazen serpent cured only one parti-
And, 2. wherein they differ. They agree cular disease ; namely, the stinging of the
thus : In the occasion of their institution ; fiery serpents : had a person been srek of
they were both appointed for cure and the plague, or leprosy, he might have died,
healing. Were they serpent-stung ? we are for all the brazen serpent : but Christ par-
sin-stuug ; devil-bitten. Was the sting dons alt the iniquities, and heals all the
of the fiery serpent inflaming ? Was it diseases of his people, Psal. cri. 3. Yet
spreading ? Was it killing ? So is sin, which again, Though the brazen serpent healed
is the venom and poison of the old serpent, all that looked up unto it, yet it gave an
They agree in this ; that they both must eye to none to look up unto it ; whereas
be lifted up before cure could be obtained ; Christ doth not only heal them that look
the brazen serpent upon the pole, Christ up- up to bim, but bestows the eye of faith
on the cross. They both must be looked upon them, to enable them to look unto
unto before cure could be obtained ; the , him that they may be saved. In a word,
looking up of the Israelites was as neces- the brazen serpent did not always retain
sary unto healing, as the lifting up of the its healing virtue, but in time lost it, and
serpent. Faith Unnecessary to salvation as was itself destroyed, 2 Kings xviii. 4. But
the death of Christ. The one renders God now the healing virtue and efficacy of
reconcileable unto sinners, the other renders Christ*! blood is eternal. AH believers
him actually reconciled. Again, did the have and shall experience the healing power
brazen serpent heal alt that looked upon it, of our Redeemer*! death to the end of the
and looked up unto it, though all bad not world. Lastly, The Israelites that were
eyes alike, some with a weak, others with cured by looking up to the brazen serpent,
a stronger eye? In like manner doth Christ died afterwards ; some distemper or other
justify and save a/4 that with a sincere soon carried them to their graves ; but the
faith, though weak, do rely upon him Tor soul of the believer that is healed by Christ
salvation ; Whosoever believeth in him shall never die more \ Whosoever believeth
shall not perish. Further, the brazen »'» him sfiall not perish9 but have ever-
serpent was effectual for Israel's cure after lasting life.
many stingings ; If after they were healed iff For God so loved the world,
tbeywere stung rfresb, and did look up to that he gave h5s oniy begotteo £<>„,
jt, thev were healed by it. Thus the .ko, ..l^^^ k*i£»„JL ;» k:«!
merit 67 Christ's death is not only effectual that whosoever belie veth in him
for our cure and healing at our first con- ?hou!d not Perlsh> but havc everlast-
versioo, but after involuntary relapses and 'ng ^^e*
harktliriinga, if by faith we have recourse Here observe, I. The original source and
to toe blood of Christ, we shall find it ef- fountain of man's salvation; and that is,
nxacious for our further benefit and future God's free and undeserved, his great and
healing. In a word, as the brazen serpent wonderful love Ood so loved the -world ;
had the lateness of a serpent, the form, the be doth not say bow much, but leaves it to
figure, the name, the colour of the serpent, our roost solemn raised thoughts ; it is ra-
but nothing of the venom and poison of the ther to be conceived than declared j and
serpent in it; so Christ did take upon him our admired rather than conceived. God so
nature; but sin, the venom and poison of loved the world : Hence note, That the ori-
eor nature, he had nothing to do with : ginal spring and first cause of our salvation
though Christ loved sours with an invinci- is the free favour and mere love of God ; a
ble and insuperable love, yet he would love worthy of God from whom it proceeds,
awt sin to save a soul. This was the simi- even love inexpressible and inconceivable,
Mode and resemblance between Christ and Observe, 2. The greatness of the gift by which
the brazen serpent. The disparity or dis- God evidenced and demonstrated the great-
samflitnde follows : The brazen serpent had ness of his love to a lost world. He gave
a*> power in itself, or of itself, to heal and his only begotten Son : that is, he delivered
cure ; but Christ has a power inherent in him out of his own bosom and everlasting
2g2
452 ST. JOHN. Chap. III.
embraces. Now this will appear a stupen- unbelief is the formal cause of tbe sinner's
dous expression of God's love, if we consi- damnation ; it is that sin which doth bind
der that God gave him who was not only all other sins upon the sinner, and consigns
the greatest, but the dearest person to him him over to damnation ; it is that sin which
in the world, even his own Son : that he doth not only procure damnation, but no
save him for sinners ; that be gave him damnation like it ; which is intimated in
for a world of sinners ; that he gave him the next verse,
up to become a man for sinners ; that he 19 And this fc tbe condemnation,
Sve him up to become a miserable man . . ,. , . . . . ., , .
sinners; that be gave him up to be a ** ^ is come into the w^
sacrifice for the sin of sinners. Observe, 3. an« "ien loved darkness rather than
The gracious end for which God gave this light, because their deeds were evil,
great gift of his love to lost sinners: That Observe, here 1. Tbe worth and dig-
whosoever believeth in him, should not pe- xklty of a choice and invaluable privilege
rish9 but have everlasting Itfe. Where declared, Light is come into the wortf.
note, 1. The gentle and merciful condition a personal light, Christ j a doctrinal
upon which salvation depends: Whosoever jjght, the Gospel. Observe, 2. The un«
beiievcth in Christ shall not perish. 2. worthiness, abuse, and great indignity,
Tbe infinite goodness of God in proposing which tbe world, through infidelity, offers
such a vast reward unto us, upon our per- „ to this benefit: they reject it, and love
forming of this condition ; He shall have darkness rather than light. Observe, 3.
everlasting life. Learn hence. That faith The dreadful sentence of wrath which the
is the way which God hath appointed, and rejection of this benefit, and the abuse of
the condition which God hath required, in Christ, brings upon the impenitent and un-
order to our obtaining salvation by Jesus believing world. It terminates in their
Christ. This faith consists in the assent of fu|i and final condemnation : This is the
the understanding, that Jesus is the Saviour condemnation : that is, 'tis a just and right-
of the world ; in the consent of the will, eous condemnation, 'tis an inevitable and
to accept of Jesus freely and voluntarily, unavoidable condemnation : tis an height-
deliberately, advisedly, and resolvedly, for ened and aggravated, 'tis an accelerated
our Saviour ; in accepting the merit of his and hastened, an irrecoverable and eternal
blood, and submitting to the authority of condemnation. Learn hence, That the
his laws $ it being in vain to expect sal* greater and clearer the light is, under which
vation by Christ, if we do not yield sub- the unregenerate and impenitent do live in
jection to him $ he that thus believes in this world, so much the heavier will their
Christ, that submits himself to his ruling condemnation and misery be in the world
power, as well as commits himself to his to come, if they wilfully and finally reject
saving mercy, shall not perish, but have it,
everlasting life. 20 Fof every one ^ do^ ^
17 For God Bent not his Son into hateth the light, neither cometh to
the world to condemn the world ; the light, lest his deeds should be
but that the world through him reproved : 21 But he that doeth
might be saved. 18 He that be- truth cometh to the light, that bis
lieveth on him is not condemned : deeds may be made manifest that
but he that believeth not is condemn- they are wrought in God.
ed already, because he hath not In these words our Saviour acquaints us
believed on the name of the only with the different nature of sin and holiness.
begotten Son of God. l\ » the *»£» °£ "?.• «* «« t"°V**J <*
9 sinners, to hate tbe light, because it disco-
Observe here, That the salvation of sin- vers the evil and sinfulness of their ways
ners was the intentional end, and the con- unto them, and condemns them for them ;
demnation of them only the accidental as the Ethiopians are said to curse tbe sun
event, of Christ's coming into the world, for its bright and hot shining : whereas
The design of Christ's first coming into the holy and gracious persons, that walk up-
world was to save it. The end of his se- rightly, do love the light; that is, they
cond coming will be to judge the unbe- delight to have their thoughts, words, and
lieving part of it. Observe secondly, That actions, tried by the light of the word, be-
Chap. Iff. ST. JOHN. 46*
cause they are Drought in God ; that is, but engages them to repentance for time to
performed as in the tight of God, according come ; as children that were circumcised
to the direction of the word of God, and were obliged to observe the whole law,
with a single eye and sincere aim at the but could not perform it till they came to
glory of God. Learn hence, 1. That the understand it. Note, 3. How John did go
word of God, or the gospel of Jesus Christ, on with his work of baptizing, though
has all the properties of a great and true Christ and his disciples did eclipse and ob-
iight. It is of a pure and purifying nature, scure him ; though the people now flocked
it is of a manifestive and discovering nature, after Christ, All men came unto him, ver.
It has a piercing power, and penetrating 26. yet John kept to his duty. Tis the
virtue ; it enters the darkest recesses of the duty of God's ministers to continue in their
soul, and detects the errors of men's judg- diligence, and go on with their work, when
ments, as well as discovers the enormities God raises up others about them of greater
of their lives. Learn, 2. That nothing parts and better success. O ! the admira-
ls so hateful to, and hated by, a wicked ble humility of that minister, who can say
man, at the discovering and reproving light with John the Baptist, Let another in*
of the word of God ; for at the same time crease though I decrease.
that it discovers the sin, it condemns the ft, «, .,
saner. Learn, 3. That a truly gracious L » Then «*/« arose * .q««tion
person, who acteth agreeable to the will of between some of John's disciples and
God, si not afraid to examine his actions by the Jews, about purifying. 26 And
the word of God j but desires and delights they came unto John, and said unto
that what he doth may be made manifest him, Rubbi, he that was with thee
both to God ndmaa. He that doeth beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest
truth, cometh to the light, and rejoiceth, wuneM Uphold th» «imp hftnti^th
that his deeds may he made manifest, j6*8' benold» tn« s^mc *>*P«z«n»
because they are wrought in God. and a11 men comc to hm-
22 After these things came Je- #k0bfierve. ^ *J* a "P"? **7
sus and his d^plesinLheland of ^^j^
Judea; and there he tamed with iower3: He,that was with thee beyond
them, and baptized. 23 And John Jordan, haptizeth, and all men comc to
also was baptizing in Enon, near to him. Where note, 1. How meanly John's
Satim, because there was much wa- disciples think and speak of our Saviour,
tier there ; and they came and were compared with John their master. They
baptized : 24 For John was not yet do no< w mu<* " **™*™k a name' °f
r. - . J give him any title, but, He that was with
east into prison. the€ hc^md Jordant ihe 8ame faptizcth.
Our blessed Saviour having now finish- Observe, 2. How they intimate, as if Christ
ed bis excellent sermon, preached to Nico- had received all his credit and reputation
demos at Jerusalem, he departs thence with from their roaster, John : He to whom
bis disciples into the country of Judea, to thou barest witness, haptizeth ; as if they
make proselytes by the ordinance of baptism, had said, M This man whom the people
Where note, 1. Our Lord's unwearied dili- flock after, neglecting thee and thy cfis-
eence in doing his Father's work and will, ciples, is much inferior to thee; for he
He goes from place to place, from city to came to thee, thou didst not go to him ;
country, preaching with, and baptizing by, thou baptizedst him, be did not baptize
bis disciples ; for Jesus himself baptized thee : thou gavest testimony to him, be
not, but his disciples, John iv. 2. Note, did not give testimony to thee." Whence
2. That the enjoyment of Christ's bodily we observe. What a bitter spirit of envy
presence did not take away the use of his and emulation there has always been a*
own ordinances. None are above ordi- mongst the ministers of the gospel, even
nances, till they come to heaven. The ordi- from the very first plantation of the gospel,
nance of baptism is here administered by the which causes them to look upon the exalt-
disciples, even in the presence of Christ him- ed parts and gifts of others as a diminution
self. This is called, The baptism of repent- and debasing of their own: but why
ance, of which children, as well as others, should the prospering of the work of God,
were capable subjects; because baptism doth in one ministers hand, be matter of re-
not require children's repentance at present, pining unto others } Shall not God honour
454 ST. JOHN. Chap, lib
what instruments he pleaseth ? And will espoused or newly married pecsonsare to one
he not reward all h» faithful labourers, ac- another, Jsa. lxii. 5. At the bridegroom
cording to their sincerity, not according to rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God
their success r rejoice over thee. Learn, 2. It is honour
o* i,*u- «na-,o~A anA *niA A sufficient to the roinistecs of Christ, that
27 John answered and said A ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^^fe^^ m
man can receive nothing, except it 'Ioycd by hitn tg further ^ mirriage
be given him from heaven. 28 Ye relation betwixt him aid b» spouse. Their
yourselves bear me witness, that I office is to woo for Christ, to commend
said, I am not the Christ, but that I his person, and to invite all persons to ac*
am sent before him. 29 He that hath ceptofhim for their head and husband*
the bride is the bridegroom: but 2 Cor. xl 2, I have espoused you to one
the friend of the bridegroom, which *"**3f * 7&IF*iJ£ %£
j 4i j i_ x. u- • • .it chaste vtrsrttt to CAror. l^arn, inat
standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth %hm ^ ^greater joy to the ministers of
greatly, because of the bridegroom s Cbrigtf than to see themselves honoured by
voice. This . my joy therefore is him, as his instruments, in preparing a
fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but people for Christ, and happily uniting
I must decrease. 81 He that com- them unto him. Of bow little do our
eth from above is above all ; he that people know, and less consider, how much
is of the earth isearthlv, and speak- f the comfort * «»■ ^' ™»*»
^*u e *k « *u k~~*L.* ~^^u lives lies at their mercy : WeUveatwesee
eth of the earth: he that cometh of tnem8tena fest in the Lord ; we die
from heaven is above all. as we see others stick fast in their wos.
Observe here. How holilv and wisely This was the second difference which John
John the Baptist corrects the envy and acquaints his disciples was found betwixi
jealousy of bis own disciples, and endea- Christ and himself! The third follows* vet
vours to root out all prejudice out of their 30» He must increase, but I must decrease.
minds against Christ 5 in order to which. He must increase 5 that is, in honour and
he shows them a five-fold difference betwixt dignity, in esteem and reputation, in
Christ and himself. 1, He tells them Christ discovery and manifestation. He snail
was the Master, John but his minister, and shine forth as the rising sun, and I out
that he had told them so from the begin- disappear as the mommg-atar. Not that
ning: Ye yourselves hear me witness, John's light was diminished, but by a greater
that I said, I am not the Christ, hut light obscured only j as all the stars dia-
that I am sent before him. The faithful appear at the appearance of the sun. Yet
ministers of Christ mink k honour enough to observe what matter of joy it was to John
be servants to him, and would not have their to see himself outshined by Christ: Let
followersattribute the least part of that honour him increase, though I decrease. That
and glory to them, which is due to Jesus minister has true light in himself, that can
Christ. 2. John acquaints his disciples, rejoice when he ia outshined by others; who
that Christ was the Bridegroom of his church, is content to be abased and obscured, if he
to whom the christian church was to be may but see Christ dignified and exalted m
solemnly espoused and married ; and that the lives of his people, whosoever the person
he had honour enough in being one of the is whom God honours as bis mstrumeut
Bridegroom's friends and servants ; and ac in that service. The fourth difference
cordiogly, instead of envying, he rejoiced wherein Christ excels John and all his
at the success which the Bridegroom had, ministers, is in the divine original of his
and took great pleasure in it. Learn* 1. person, ver. 13. He that cometh from
That the relation betwixt Christ and his above, is above aU, says John. Mow
church is a conjugal relation, a relation of Christ is from above, his original is from
marriage; yet set forth under the name of heaven : I am from the earth, (though I
Bride and Bridegroom, rather than under had my commission from heaven,) ana ao-
the notion of a complete marriage, because cordinely my words and actions are earthly.
it is but begun here, and to be coosum- My Master therefore infinitely surpasses
mated in heaven. And also to show, that and excels me in the dignity of his person,
Christ's and his people's affections are as and in the sublimity of his knowledge.
warm and fresh, as strong and vehement. From the whole, note, How much it is the
towards each other, as the afflictions of desire and endeavour of every gospel rot-
Chfcp. ltL ST. JOHN; ^66
rater to magnify Jesus Christ, to display bit that God is true ; that is, have subscribed
glorious excellences and perfections before to, and ratified the truth of God ; that God
the people, that they may reverence his in all his promises of the Messiah, uoder
person, revere hjs authority, and respect his the Old Testament, is faithful and true,
laws. This was the care of the holy Bap- Learn hence, The great honour that God
tsst here, and it will be the endeavour of puts upon the faith of believers. As unbe-
every faithful minister of Christ that sue- lief defames God, and makes bim a liar;
eeeds John, to the end of the world. so faith gives testimony to the truth of God,
82 And what he hath seen and £* ,f ?*b t0. * "J* ,tha* God f ««}
heard, that he tctifieth; and no JMl,^
man rcceiveth h» testimony. 83 The illustrious character which the holy
He that hath received his testimony Baptist gives of Christ his Master; he is the
bath set to his seal that God is true, person •whom God hath sent, and unto
34 For he whom God hath sent whom God giveth not his Spirit by mta-
speaketh the words of God : for ?ure- J He whom God htath *»' •" that *
God giveth not the Spirit by measure "^lately and extraordinarily, from hea-
# *jl • r j yen ; not as the prophets and apostles were
mnto mm. ^^ but in a peculiar to himself;
Observe, 1. Another great difference having authority for speaking, not only
which the Baptist teacheth his disciples to from God, but as being God himself. And
put betwixt bis testimony and Christ's : To accordingly it is added, that God giveth not
the intent that he might remove the preju- the Spirit by measure unto him ; that is,
dice which was upon his disciples' minds the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit were
against the Messiah, he shows them, that poured forth upon Christ in a measure far
his own testimony (which they so much above and beyond all finite creatures: there'
admired) was by revelation only ; Christ's being a doable difference betwixt Christ's
by hvrnediate intuition. John testified fulness of the Spirit, and all other persons' »
only what be had received; but Christ whatsoever. 1. In the measure of it. God
what he bad seen ; lying in the bosom of did not give out the Spirit to Christ spar-
the Father. What he hath seen and heard, ingly, and wkh limitation, as he did to tlie
that he testifieth. Learn hence, That it is former prophets and John the Baptist, in
Christ's (the great Prophet of his church) proportion to what their offices required ;
peculiar prerogative, to have the knowledge but he was anointed more plentifully and
of divine .truths immediately from the Fa- abundantly with the Holy Spirit above and.
ther, by special communication; and that beyond his fellows. 2. In the manner of its
all others receive their knowledge from bim working. The holy prophets that were
by gracious illumination onlv. Observe, tilled with the Spirit, (according to their
2. How sadly and sorrowfully the holy measures,) yet could not do or declare all.
Baptist resents if, that Christ's testimony was things, nor act upon all occasions ; but
no better received and entertained by the sometimes the Spirit restrained them, and
world. He testifieth, but no man re- sometimes departed from them. But Christ.
ceiveth his testimony \ John's disciples had no limits put upon the vigour of his
murmured, That alt men come unto Christ, spirit, but bis own will; therefore could
ver. 26. but John mourns that there came work what and when bo pleased. Learn
not more, and complains that none, that is, from hence, That Christ had an abundant
very few, received his testimony. Thence fitness from God for the discharge of his
learn, That it ought and will be matter of office, and an abundant fulness for his peo-
great regret and sorrow to all the friends of pie. God did not measure to him a cer-
Jesus Christ, but especially to his faithful tain quantity and proportion of the gifts
ministers and servants, that his doctrine is and graces of his Spirit, but poured it forth
so ili received and entertained in the world, upon bim without measure.
It greatly affects and grievously afflicts 36 Thc Fathcr ioveth the Son,
thCn,,,t^^ ^testify of Christ, no rf fc h • „ tM into hfc
man, that is, comparatively very few men, ? * e *
receive their testimony. Observe, 3. nand-
The eulogy and high commendation given The Father loved the Son from eternity
of all true believers. They receive Christ's as he was his Son by eternal generation ;
testimony, and thereby set to their seal and he loved him as Mediator by
45<r ST. JOHN. Chap. IV.
constitution ; be loves him as the brightness him ; that is, on his person, the whole
of his own glory, and the express image of man, soul and body.
his person, with an essential, natural, and
necessary love ; and he loves him as Me- CHAP. IV.
diator, for underlying ™JX*^*£. WHEN therefore the Lord knew
terposing for our peace. I*arn hence, I hat Yt l 4. D. • . l.j \,MmA
Goethe Fathered a special love and bow the Pharisees had heard
aflection to Christ, not only in regard of that Jesus made and baptized more
his eternal sonship, but with respect to his disciples than John. 2 (Though
office and mediators!) ip : The Father Jesus himself baptized not, but
loveth the Son. It follows, He hath given ^ disciples,) 3 He left Judea,
aU things into his hand; that is, he hath d 4,^^ agam into Galilee,
entrusted him with all things necessary v °
to our salvation. Lord ! what a privilege The former part of this chapter acqiaiots
is this, that our happiness is in Christ's us with our Saviour's removal from Judea
hand, not in our own, without his. O into Galilee. The occasion of it was this:
wonderful goodness, to put our concerns Christ hearing that John was cast into
into the sure hands of his Son, which were prison, and understanding bow the Pbari-
lost by the weak hands of Adam ! sees were enraged at the increasing of the
number of his disciples ; to decline (heir
36 He that belie veth on the Son, furVt aiK| to prevent danger to himself; he .
hath everlasting life : and he that leaves Judea, and departs into Galilee for
believeth not the Son shall not see his own preservation. Hence learn. That
life ; but the wrath of God abideth *hen the faithful ministers of Cbristdo
OQ him meet with eminent success in their masters
service, they must expect to meet with a
Learn, 1. That though all power be mighty shock of malice and envy from
given to Christ, to dispense grace here and Satan and his wicked instruments, Chrst
glory hereafter, yet none must expect to himself experienced it ; let his mioistei
enjoy it, but upon condition £f believing expect it, and prepare for it 2. That it
in him, and obeying him ; for the original is neither unlawful nor unbecoming for the
word signifies both. No faith is acceptable ministers of Christ to flee when persecution
to Christ, nor available to our salvation, threatens them •, their Lord and Mssjer
but that which is the parent and principle having fled before them ; and commanded
of obedience. Learn, 2. That final unbe- also, When they persecute you in one
lief renders a man infallibly an object of city,fiee to another.
the eternal wrath of God j He that be- 4 A d fce t ds throttgh
Iieveth not the Son, the wrath of God c . *, *u k- ♦« »
abideth on him. The unbeliever now lies S.ama!Lia/ 6 Then cometh he to a
under the sentence of God's wrath, here- city of Samana, which is called ty-
after he shall lie under the full and final char, near to the parcel of ground
execution of it. Lord ! how sad is it to that Jacob gave to his son Joseph,
be here in a state of condemnation! but 6 Now Jacob's well was there,
how intolerable will it be in hell, to con- jesus therefore, beinc wearied with
tinue eternally under the power of con- hi journey, sat thul on the well;
demnation? to lie for ever in that mys- ,J.A J\ . .* . a. k^..»
terious fire of bell, whose strange property and lt was about the 8lxth bour'
is always to torture, but never to kill; or Here observe, 1. How wonderfully the
always to kill, but never to consume : for, wisdom of 6od overrules the malice of
after millions of years are expired, still 'tis men for his own glory, and the good of
a wrath to come ; and though the unbe- others. The malice of the Pharisees is
liever has felt and endured never so much, Judea drives Christ into Galilee, sad m
yet still. Me wrath of God abideth on him. his passage through Samaria, the first-
Every word carries dread and terror with fruits of the Gentiles are called, and psrh-
it. The wrath, not the anger ; and the cularly the woman of Samaria. Observe,
wrath of God, not of man, at whose re- 2. How in every step of Christ's way he
bukes the devils tremble. And this wrath was doing good to the souk of men. la
of God not only flashes out like lightning, his passage through Samaria into Galilee,
but abides, dwells, and sticks fast, upon a poor woman is brought to know him to
Chap. IV. ST. JOHN. 467
be the trueMeasias. Observe, 3. Our holy ians ; would neither eat nor drink with
Lord, in his journeying from plaoe to place, them.
did travel usually on foot; and the weak- 10 Jesus answered and said unto
oess of his body, upon travelling, shows her, If thou knewest the gift of God,
h"F to !* tJ[u,y and "^ man' and in aiJ and who it is that saith to thee,
things like unto us, sin only excepted. Gi to d • . . J\ wouidejlt
Our blessed Lord did not only take upon ~lve m\ *? a™. » «®u would est
him our nature, but the infirmities of our J1*™ a.skcd <* ™m.> *?* ne would
nature also. have given thee living water.
_ _, L r a The Samaritan woman had refused Christ
7 There coraeth a woman of Sa- a draught of water in the former verse : he
maria to draw water. Jesus saith oficrs her the water of life in this verse. O!
unto her, Give me to drink. 8 (For how kindly doth Christ deal with those that
his disciples were gone away unto the deal unkindly with him ! If thou knewest
city to buy meat.) 9 Then saith the gift of God, 8cc. Here observe,!. The
the woman of Samaria unto him, niercy which Christ had for, and waj so de-
n • -s. *l * *u u • t sirous to bestow upon, this poor woman :
How is it that thou, being a Jew, ft wa8 the gift C/Jw th£~is> nimaelf;
askest drink of me, which am a wo- nig noiy Spirit, in the sanctifying gifts and
man of Samaria ? (for the Jews have saving graces of it. All which are corn-
no dealings with the Samaritans.) pared to water, in regard of their effects
and operations, which are to purify the un-
Obaervc here, 1. How all our motions clean, and to satisfy the thirsty. Observe,
and actions are under the direction and 2. The way and course which this woman,
government of God, and how divine Pro- and every lost sinner, ought to take, in
videoce doth sometimes dispose of small order to the obtaining of this inestimable
matters to become occasions of great good, gift ; and that is, by asking it : Thou
This poor woman's coming to the well to wouldest nave asked, and he -would have
draw water, became the means of her con- given thee living water. Learn hence,
version. Observe, 2. Christ speaks to, That Christ himself, his holy Spirit, with
and seeks after, this poor woman, before all the sanctifying graces of it, must be
she takes any notice of him ; God is found earnestly sought of God : and such as do
of these that seek him not, and makes unfeignedly seek them, shall certainly
himself manifest to them that enquire not obtain them. Observe, 3. The true cause
after him : Jesus said unto hert Ghe me and reason assigned, why sinners ask not
to drink. Observe, 3. The great poverty for, and seek not after, Jesus Christ, and
of our Lord's outward condition ; he want- the graces of the Holy Spirit ; and that is,
ed a draught of water for his refreshment, ignorance of the worth and want of them,
and a meal's meat now at dinner-time, to If thou knewest the gift of God, thou
refresh his wearied nature. O ? what con- wouldest have asked. Learn hence, That
tempt did Christ cast upon the world when it is ignorance of the worth of Christ, and
be was here in it ; He would not honour it insensibleness of the want of him, that
so far as to keep any part of it in his own makes persons so indifferent in their desires
hand. Yet observe," 4. That though Christ after him, and so remiss in their endeavours
had neither house nor land, nor money of his for the obtaining of him. O, sinners ! did
own, yet he lived not by begging, or upon you but know who and what Christ is,
mere alms. The disciples were now gone that is offered to you, did you but see his
into the city to buy (not to beg) meat ; beauty, fulness, and suitableness, and were
for there was a bag required a bearer, John you but sensible of the worth and want
xii. 6. And our Saviour's friends and fol- of him, all the world could not keep you
lowers supplied him with money for his from him ; you would break through all
necessary occasions : His disciples were difficulties and dangers, through all suffer-
gone to buy bread. Observe, lastly, How jngs and reproaches, to come unto the en-
bitter is the enmity which differences in joyroent of him.
religion, ^diversrtf of opinions, do u The woman 8ftUh unto hi
occsmoo : they do not only alienate aflec- 0. ,, . . _ ... ^ . jm„ .„:*u
ticm, but ev« violate the* bonds of civil Sir thou hast nothing to draw with,
society and common conversation. The and the well is deep : from whence
Jews had no doling* with the Samari- then hast thou that living water ?
458 ST. JOHN. Chap. IV.
12 Art thou greater than our father 15 The woman with unto him,
Jacob, which gave us the well, and Sir, give me this water, that 1 thirst
drank thereof himself, and his chil- not, neither come hither to draw,
dren, and his cattle ? 13 Jesus an- 16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy
swered and said unto her, Whoso- husband, and come hither. 17 The
ever drinketh of this water shall woman answered and said, I have no
thirst again: 14 But whosoever husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou
drinketh of the water that I shall hast well said, I have no husband:
give him, shall never thirst : but the 18 For thou hast had five husbands ;
water that I shall give him shall be and he whom thou now hast is not
in him a well of water springing up thy husband : in that saidst thoa
into everlasting life. truly.
Observe here, 1. How ignorant persons These words set forth unto us, 1. What
are of spiritual things, till enlightened by manner of person this woman was, whose
the Holy Spirit of God. This poor wo- conversion Christ sought so illustriously a£
man's question, Whence hast thou the ter. 2. The means he used in order to that
living water ? looks much like that of end. Observe, 1. What manner of person
Nicodcmus, John iii. 9. How can these this woman was ; beside that she was aa
things be ? A natural person cannot per- idolater, as being a Samaritan, she was also
ceive the mind of Christ when speaking an adulteress, and lived now in the sin of
to bim about spiritual things. Spiritual uncleanness with one thai was not her bus-
objects must have a spiritual eye to discern band, after she bad bad five husbands be-
and behold them, 1 Cor. ii. 14. The na- fore. Whence we learn, that the ice of old
tural man perceiveth not the things of age will not quench the fire of lust, Con-
the Spirit. Observe, 2. With what great cupiscentia non sen esc it ; such is the pot-
humility and condescension our holy Lord lution of our nature, that lust will be ixua-
treats this poor woman, pitying her igno- liable, if grace doth not restrain it. This
ranee, and pardoning her infidelity ; he woman, after five marriages, yet lives is
tells her, That the water of that well which the sin of uncleanness. Observe, 2. The
she was about to draw, could not give an way and manner our Lord takes, the me-
abiding satisfaction j but toe thirst, quenched thod and means our Lord uses, in order to
for the present, would certainly return her conversion. 1. He deals very tenderly
again : but he that should drink of the and gently with her ; he uses no roughness
water which he had to give, that is, be made or tartness of speech with her ; he doth not
partaker of the graces of his Spirit, shall call her whore, nor upbraid her for her im-
find such refreshing satisfaction therefrom, pudent lewdness, in living with a man that
that all inordinate desires after earthly things was none of her husband, but only gives
will be quenched and extinguished, and her to understand, that be knew the sin she
will be like a well of water springing up, lived in ; yet this he did likewise with ail
till he come to eternal glory. Learn hence, imaginable privacy, whilst bis disciples were
1. That as the body of man is subject to a away, and nobody by but they two only,
natural, so is the soul of man subject to a Hence learn, 1. That private sins are not
spiritual, kind of thirst. 2. That no crea- to be reproved publicly. 2. That in re-
ture-comfort, or earthly enjoyment, can proving sin, all sharpness and bitterness of
quench this thirst which the soul of a man expression must be avoided ; the pill of re-
is subject unto. 3. That the spirit of grace proof must be wrapped up in sugar ; for if
(which our Saviour here calls the water of they to whom it is given taste the bitterness
life) is able fully and perfectly to quench of gall and passion mixed with it, they will
the thirst of the soul : and where it is once certainly spit it out before, it may be, upon,
savingly received, shall never be totally nor our faces. Our Lord's practice here m-
finally lost. It shall be in him a well of structs us, that sin is to be so reproved, as
water springing up into everlasting life ; that the credit and estimation of the sinner
that is, the graces of the Spirit shall be in may be preserved as much as may be.
believers as permanent habits, as fixed prin- Note, 2. That as Christ dealt with this wo-
ciples, that shall not decay. Hence St. man tenderly and gently, so be discovers
Peter calls it incorruptible seed, which her sins to her particularly, and sets her se-
<tv*th andabidethfor ever, 1 Pet. i. 23. cret sin before the face of her conscience
Chap. IV. ST. JOHN. 450
distinctly. If ever the ministry of the word nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the
works upon the minds of men to their con- Father. 20 Ye worship ye know
version, it must be by a particular and close Dot what . we know what we worship ;
application of the word to every man s con- * ■ 4- . * *l t £«
science: generals will not affect Note, 3. ^ salvaUon is of the Jews. 23
What the particular tin is, which Christ But tnc hour cometn, and now is,
charges home upon the conscience of this when the true worshippers shall
woman j it is the sin of uncleanness, that worship the Father in spirit and in
the man she kept with was not her husband, truth ; for the Father seeketh such
Learn hence, That, amongst all sin, the sin |0 worship him*
of uncleanness will lie heaviest upon the
conscience, and wound the soul most deep- Here we have our Saviour's answer to
ly, when the Spirit of God once effectually the foregoing question, which consists of .
discovers it, and charges it home upon the two parts. 1. Concerning the place of
conscience. For there is no sin so directly worship. 2. Concerning the worship
opposite to sanctification and holiness as itself. As to the place of worship, our Sa-
this sin ; no sin that quenches the Holy viour tells her, That though the Jews had
Spirit of God like this. heretofore by warrant of God's word re-
19 The woman saith unto him, gularly worshipped at Jerusalem, and the
Sir, I perceive that thou art a pro- Samaritans superstitiously worshipped at
phet. 20 Our fathers worshipped mounlt Cterizim, vet the hour was coming,
in this mountain • and ve aav that namelY» * h,s death» when a11 diflerence
in this mountain , and ye say, that of -^ for q^ worghi |hou|d te takfiB
in Jerusalem is the place where men aw£y> md therefore she need not trouble
ought to worship. herself about the place of God's worship
In these verses the evangelist declares a to know whether of the two places were
threefold effect and fruit of the grace of con- holier, and the better to serve God in ; for
verssoQ that appeared in this woman. 1. erelong the service of God should not be
She neither denied, nor excused, nor extenu- confined more to one place than another,
ated this sin, which Christ had charged her Learn hence, 1. That, since the death of
with, but tacitly owns, and implicitly con- Christ, the religious difference of places is
Jesses it 2. She doth not only own, and tafcen away, and the worship of God not
confess what she was charged with, but she confined to any one particular place or
doth profess reverence to our Saviour's per- nation. 2. Our blessed Saviour resolves
son, and pays honour to him as an extraor- her, concerning the worship itself, namely,
dinary prophet : Sir, I perceive that thou That the ceremonial worship, which the
art a prophet 3. She desired instruction jews arM| Samaritans used, should shortly
and solution from him concerning the wor- he abolished, and instead thereof a more
•hrp and service of the true God, how she spiritual form of worship should be estab-
might seek him, and where she might 'lished, more suitable to the spiritual nature
serve him most acceptably j whether 0f the great and holy God, and containing
at Jerusalem, or upon mount Gemira ? ;a jt the truth and substance of all that
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain: wnich the Jewish ceremonies prefigured
but ye say, Jerusalem is the place where an(j shadowed forth. Learn hence, That
men ought to worship. Where observe, tne true worship of God under the gospel
How ready and forward persons of a false doth not consist in the external pomp of
religion are to ascribe too much toantiquity, anv outward ceremonies, but is spiritual
and to the example and custom of their an(j substantial ; no worship is acceptable
forefathers. Whereas it B not the continu- t0 hira, who is the Father of spirits, but
ance of a thousand or two thousand years that which is truly spiritual.
that can make any thing truly ancient in _ , . c^:»u . *nA th™
religion, except it 'has been from the be- 24 God ts a Spirit : and they
ginning; nothing is truly ancient in that worship him must worship htm
matters of religion, but that which can de- in spirit and in truth,
rive its original from Him that is truly called God is a Spirit; that is, he hath no
the Ancient of Days. body, nor bodily parts: he is not a bare
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, spiritual substance ; but a pure and perfect
believe me, the hour coineth, when Spirit: and therefore his worshippers must
> € shall neither in this mountain, worship him in spirit and in truth : where
4«0 ST. JOHN. Chap. IV.
spirit is opposed to the legal ceremonies, (at the time of our Saviour's appearing) of
and truth to the Jewish rites, not to hypo- one whom the Jews call the Messiah. /
critical services ; for the old patriarchs did know that Messiah comet A, This woman,
worship God in spirit and in truth. As though a Samaritan, yet knew that the Mes-
truth is taken for sincerity, they served siah should come, and that he was now ex-
him with a sincere conscience, and with a pected. Observe, 2. What the work and
single heart But our Saviour's business is office of the Messias was apprehended and
to show, That a worship, without legal believed to be, namely, to reveal the whole
rites and Jewish ceremonies, is proper to the mind and will of God to a lost world :
times of the gospel. In the words, Ob- When the Messiah is come, he will tell us
serve, 1. The nature of God declared: God all things. Learn hence. That trie Lord
is a Spirit. 2. The duty of men inferred : Jesus Christ, the promised and true Mes-
therefore they that worship him, must wor- siah, being called and appointed by God
ship him in spirit and in truth. From to be the great Prophet of his church, hath
the whole note, 1. That God is a pure fully and perfectly revealed all things need-
spiritual Being. When bodily parts, hands, ful to be known for our salvation, John xv.
and eyes, &c. are ascribed to him, it is 15. AM things that I have heard of the
only in condescension to our weakness, Father, I have made known unto you.
and to signify those acts in God, which Observe lastly, How freely and fully Christ
such members do perform in us. Note, 2. reveals himself to this poor woman ; be
That the worship due from the creature to tells her plainly, that he was the. Messias.
God is spiritual worship, and ought to be When the Jews asked biro, John x. 24.
spiritually performed ; that is, we must If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly ;
worship him from spiritual principles, sin- Christ did not in plain terms tell them who
cere love, and filial reverence ; for spiritual he was ; nay, when John Baptist sent two
ends, that we may please him, and promote of his disciples to ask him, whether he were
his glory ; and after a spiritual manner. He that should come ? be gave them no
with the whole heart, soul, and mind, and direct answer : yet, behold, he makes hkn-
with a fervency of spirit. We must have self plainly known to this poor woman ; be
awful apprehensions of him, suitable to the discerning her humility and great simplicity,
nature of his being: but above all, we that she was willing to be instructed by him,
must endeavour to resemble him. Then and did not come to him as the Jews and
is God be>t worshipped by us, when we Pharisees did, captiously, with a design to
are most like to him. The Jewish ceremo- entangle and ensnare him. Hence learn,
nial worship was abolished, to promote the That the Lord Jesus Christ delights to re-
spirituality of divine worship ; yet must veal himself, and make known his mind and
not this be so understood, as if God rejected "Hit to such as with an humble mind, and
bodily worship, because be requires spiritual a» honest simplicity of heart, do desire to
under the gospel ; for Jesus Christ the most know him, and understand their doty to
spiritual worshipper, worshipped God with biro.
his body. Besides, God has appointed Am . . x. . .. ,. .
some parts of worship, which cannot be 2^ And upon this came bis disci-
performed without the body, as Sacraments. P\es» anc* marvelled that he talked
In a word, God has created the body as witii the woman : yet no man said,
well as the soul ; Christ has redeemed the What seekest thou ? or, Why talk-
body as well as the soul, and he will glorify est thou with her ? 28 The woman
the body as well as the soul : therefore sit is then left her water-pot, and went
ourduty to worship and glorify God with our k».m«.. :„*A *l. •* 'j •*■. -
ui^.„j^uL :•*. !.• u L- ner way into the city, and saith to
bodies, and with our spirits, which are his. 4L J «#% ^ J — ■*** ■"
r the men, 20 Come, see a man
26 The woman saith unto him, I which told me all things that ever I
know that Messias cometh, which is did : Is not this the Christ ? 30
called Christ : when he is come, he Then they went out of the city, and
will tell us all things. 26 Jesus came unto him.
saith unto her, I that speak unto ~. „
thee am he. ' Observe here, 1. How the providence
r>h™»„ ul« i wt * , of God *° ordered and disposed of things,
J£^^- .1?*- ^jF?^ CTpec- that tfae disciples did not return to Christ,
tation there was in the minds of all oersons till he had finished his discourse with this
Chap. IV. ST. JOHN. 461
poor woman. An humble tinner may meet forgets both water and water-pot, and away
with such satisfaction and sweet refreshment she goes to fetch in all her acquaintance to
in Christ's company, that the presence even Christ
of disciples themselves (the best and holiest 31 In thc mcan while his disciples
woman bad so sweet a time with Christ, 82 But hc 9a»<* «nto t1hem» l hav«
that an end being put to the conference by m*at to eat which ye know not of.
the coming of the disciples, might be mat- 33 Therefore said the disciples one
ter of grief and resentment to her: yet the to another, Hath any man brought
providence of God so ordered, that the him ought to eat ? 34 Jesus saith
<*"?*» ^.llnc!Lcomeut5 breft,k ?? ^ «nto them, My meat is to do the
?**"***.£«< *. h£ madC h,m8eIf will of him that sent me, and to
known as the Messns to this poor woman. n . , . . , '
Observe, 2. The carriage and behaviour of finish hl8 work'
the disciples upon their return to Christ : Observe here, The fit and seasonable
finding him preaching a sermon to a single motion which our Saviour's disciples make
woman, they marvelled, but yet were to him •, Master, cat. Learn from thence,
silent. Learn, 1. That the humility and That though a person's chief care should
condescension of the Lord Jesus Christ, in be for his own soul, and for improving all
treating poor penitent and humble sinners, opportunities for doing good to the souls
is a matter of wonder and admiration, even of others j yet the bodies of men must not
to disciples themselves. O, blessed Savi- be neglected, but supported by meat and
oar ! there was more kindness and con- drink ; especially theirs, whose health and
desceosion, more love and compassion, strength may be of greater use and service
more meekness and humility, in thyself to God and his church. The body is the
alone, than in all thy disciples and followers servant of the soul, the instrument whereby
put together. Yet observe, 2. Though it worketh: and therefore to neglect the
they marvelled, they were silent, No man body is to disable and unfit the soul for
saiti9 Why talkest thou with her ? Thence service, to hinder the functions and opera-
note. That such reverence is due to Christ tions of it. The sixth commandment,
in all his dispensations and actions, that which forbids us to kill, requires us to use
when we can see no reason for what he all means for the preservation of life, both
doth, it is not for us to enquire, much less in ourselves and others. Observe next,
for us to quarrel ; but we must awfully ad- Our Saviour's answer to the disciples' mo-
mire tvhat we cannot comprehend. Ob- tion j Master, eat, say they. I have meat
serve, 3. The behaviour of this woman to eat that ye know not of, says he, for
after the conference was over ; she leaves my meat is to do the will of him that
her water-pot, and makes haste to, invite sent me. Not that our Saviour did not
and call her neighbours to Christ, whose want meat at this time, for he was both
pjace and kindness she had experienced, huogry and thirsty, as appears by his ask-
Learn hence, That such as* truly know ing water of the woman to drink, and by
Christ, have tasted sweetness in him, and his sending his disciples into the city to
derived comfort and satisfaction from him, buy meat : but our Lord was more intent
will be forward to invite and industrious upon doing his Father's work, than upon
to draw others to a saving acquaintance satisfying his own hunger. Christ hunger -
with him. Come with roe, and see a man ed more after an opportunity of doing
that told me nil that ever I did: is not good to the souls of men, than he did after
this the Christ ? Learn farther, from the meat and drink to satisfy his hunger.
woman's leaving her water-pot behind her, Lord ! let us, thy ministers, learn of thee to
and hastening to the city, That when once prefer the spiritual welfare of our people,
a soul has tasted the sweetness and excel- before any temporal advantages whatsoever.
lency that is in Jesus Christ, those things 35 Sav not ye, There are yet
which were highly esteemed before will be four roonihSf an <$ then cometh har-
Irttle .regarded then. The poor woman ? ^h M j Lift
came to draw water, and thought much j 1 1 V In
and spake mueh of the water of that well UP ypur «yes, and look on the fields ;
which was before her; but meeting with for they are white already to harvest.
Jesus Christ, and tasting of his grace, she 36 And he that reapeth receiveth
462 ST. JOlfN. Chap. IV.
wages, and gathereth fruit unto life and does not come up at all, yet shall to*
eternal ; that both he that soweth fe*hful fedsman beiewarded according
and he that -^h -y ej j ^»^^
together. 37 And herein is that dm ^ hBAnwn f^m the easiness and
saying true, One soweth, and ano- fe^y of that iaboiir woicn God requited
ther reapeth. 38 I sent you to of them : Others have laboured, and ye
reap that whereon ye bestowed no are entered into their labours ; that is,
labour: other men laboured, and The prophets and John the Baptist have
ye are entered into their labours. prewired the ground, and sown the seed,
•* and made ready a people for the Lord, and
Our blessed Saviour having in the for* now you enter into their labours, perforro-
raer verses given a most plain and evident ing and gatheriog them into the gospel-
demonstration of his fervent desire to bring church ; yet this must not be understood
souls home to God, doth in these verses absolutely, but comparatively : not as if
labour to stir up and kindle the like affec- the prophets reaped nothiog, con verted
tions in his disciples : and this he doth by none ; but that their fruit was small in
three very effectual arguments. The first comparison of the success which the apos-
argument is drawn from the ripeness of the ties found. Nor is it to be understood as
people, and their willingness to hear, and if the apostles took no pains at all, bat that
their readiness to be reaped and gathered the prophets* greater pains render the apos-
by the gospel (whereof there was a present ties* labour successful, who took less pains,
instance in the Samaritans, who were now Learn hence, That the wisdom of God sees
coming forth in multitudes to Christ,) which it fit that all his servants in the work of the
opportunity was therefore to be improved, ministry do not meet with the same diffi-
Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, culties, nor enjoy the same success. Some
for they are white already for harvest, are laborious sowers, others are joyfal
Learn hence. That as a people is sometimes reapers ; some labour all their days with
lay hold upon such opportunities with as little, others enter into their labours, and
much desire and delight, as the harvest- reap much,
men do upon a reaping season. The second
argument to stir up the disciples* diligence 3d A»d m*,iy of wc Samaritans
in preaching the gospel, is drawn from the of that city believed on him for the
great reward they should receive for this saying of the woman, which testified,
their work : He that reapeth receiveth He told me all that ever I did. 40
wages The liarvest-man*s wages is double So whe*n the Samaritans were come
to what other labourers receive. The mi- 11M.^ u:« *k«« kAa^..»k» k;«* *k~t u«
nisters of God shall receivegood wages at his unto^m. thcy *» °«p l him th*1 £e
hand, how ill soever they are requited and wouId tarry Wlth thcfn : and he
rewarded by an unkind world. And, as a abode there two days. 41 And ma-
farther encouragement, it follows, He that ny more believed because of bis
soweth, and he that reapeth, shall rejoice own word ; 42 And said unto the
together : that is, The prophets who took woman, Now we believe, not be-
so much pains in sowing the seed of the cauge of thy saying . for wc have
and reap the fruit of what they did sow, ^w "indeed the Christ, the Sa-
sfaall have the same reward in glory, and vwurof the world.
rejoice together. Learn hence, That not Here an account is given of the eoover-
only the successful, but the faithful labourer sion of more of the Samaritans from the city
in God's harvest, shall be rewarded : not of Sichar. Some believed on him, upon
only those which see the fruit of their mi- the full report which the woman had made,
nistry in the conversion of sinners, but such That he had told her all that ever she did :
as are faithful seedsmen. Though the but others were brought to believe by his
seed does not come up till we are in our own word. Now from the woman's being
graves, nay, though it rots under the clods, an instrument to bring her acquaintance to
Chap. IV. ST. JOHN, 403
Christ by her own experience of what she Cana, where he had done bis first miracle.
had hes#d from him; Learn, 1. That very Learn hence* 1. That there is a real tribute
weak instruments, when they employ them- of honour due unto every prophet and mi-
selves for Christ, desiring to extol his nister of God, which ought to be testified
praise, and set forth his glory, are some- by reverence to their persons, by a due es-
firaes richly blessed with great success, timation of the dignity of their calling, by
Many of the Samaritans believed for the obedience to their doctrine, and by an ho-
saying of this poor woman. Learn, 2. nourable maintenance. A prophet should
Thai when a person can say but little of have honour j and honour includes all
Christ, yet if it be spoken from experience these. Learn, 2. It is very usual and or-
and * sensible feeling, it will be more dinary for the prophets of God to meet
successful and persuasive, than much more with least respect where they are most
that is spoken from notional knowledge, known ; their nearest neighbours, their
Such was this woman's testimony concern' nearest relations, their nearest acquaintance*
ing Christy Come see a man that told me are oft-times farthest off from giving them
all things that ever I did : is not this that honour that is due unto them. Learn,
the Christ ? She spoke what she found, 3. That the true prophets and messengers
yea, what she felt within herself, and speak- of God shall be sure to find some that will
ing her own experience, many believed on entertain their persons, and embrace their
kism for her saying. But farther, These ministry, though they be disesteemed and
Samaritans believed Christ to be a prophet rejected by others. Though our Saviour
upon the testimony of this woman ; but had no honour at Nazareth, yet he found
they believed hhn afterwards to be the Mes- entertainment amongst the rest of the Gali-
siaa, or the Saviour of the world, upon the leans.
credit and authority of his own word, ver.
41. And many more believed because of 46 So Jesus came again into
his awn word. Thence learn, That al- Cana of Galilee, where he made the
taoqgb instruments speaking may be a water wine. And there was a cer-
meanto dmw persons to give some assent tain nobleman, whose son was sick
to truth, yet it is Christ himself that must . r««A-«««™/ At wu*n u~ i™„ j
work a fell persuasion,jand bis own word J* Capernaum. 47 When he heard
» the surest foundation for faith to build and that Jesus was come out of Judea in-
depeodupon: Now wc believe not because to Galilee, he went unto him, and
of thy saying, for we have heard him besought him that he would come
omrseioes. down, and heal his son : for he was
43 Now after two days he de- at the Point of death. 48 Then
parted thence, and went into Gali- said Jesus unto him, Except ye see
lee. 44 For Jesus himself testified, signs and. wonders, ye will not be-
that a prophet hath no honour in his l*cve« *® The nobleman saith un-
own country. 46 Then, when he to him, Sir, come down ere my child
was come into Galilee, the Galileans die- 50 J««us sa»th unto him, Go
received him, having seen all the thy way ; thy son liveth. And the
things that he did at Jerusalem at Inan believed the word that Jesus
the feast : for they also went onto had spoken unto him, and he went
the feast. his way. 51 And as he was now going
Oar blessed Saviour having spent two *£"• .his »*™**™<* *™> ™*
days with the Samaritans, as an introduction toW h%m> **y\n8> Llhy f nL ,lveth.
to the calline of the Gentiles, he goes for- 52 Then enquired he of them the
waid towards Galilee, the place which he hour when he began to amend. And
was pleased to make choice of for the exer- they said unto him, Yesterday at
cise of the greatest part of his ministry, the seventh hour the fever left him.
Coming into Galilee, he passed by the city 63 So the father knew that it ^
of Nazareth, where he had had his educa- h same ho|ir in the which j
ttoo* knowing what little respect he was . . . , . m. ,. ., ,
lite to find there; a prophet ordinarily ««» «"*> >!,m» ™y son liveth : and
little honour in his own country : himself believed, and his whole house,
shunning Nazareth, he goeth to 54 This is again the second miracle
464 ST. JOHN. Chap. V.
that Jesus did, when he was come not raise him being dead. Lord, heal my
out of Judea into Galilee. ""• *?ad **» a P«?P* ■* * him who
was the mat Physician : but, Owe down,
In this last paragraph of the chapter, we and heal him ; was to teach Christ how
find our blessed Saviour performing a se- to work. He who doth whatsoever he will,
cond miracle in Cana of Galilee, curing a must do it how he will, and when he will.
nobleman's son that was sick of a fever : It is for us to crave and receive, not to pre*
This nobleman apprehended Christ to be a scribe and appoint. Note, 5. The meek-
prophet, and believed that if be were a ness and great condescending goodness of
prophet, and believed that if he were bodily Jesus Christ ; notwithstanding the infirmity
present with his son, he might possibly cure of this poor man, our Lord says, 60 thf
him ; but he did not believe him to be the way, thy son livcth. Worthiness is the
Messias, who was true God, and every creature, is not the motive that rates Christ
where present : therefore to give him an in- Should we measure our hopes by our wor-
fallible proof that he was so, be tells him bis thiness, there was no blessing to be hoped
son was cured by the word of his mouth, for ; but if we measure them by Christ's
even at that distance. By which miracle bounty and compassion, there is no biess-
be cured not only the child of his fever, ing to be despaired of. Note, 6. How
but the father of his unbelief. From the Christ not only answers tbe desires, but ex*
whole we note, 1. The person that here ceeds the expectations, of this distressed per-
applies himself to Christ : a nobleman, son : his request was only, Come and heal
We do not find Christ oft attended with no- my son. Christ's answer was, Go iky
bility. Have any of the rulers believed on way, thy son tiveth. Our heavenly Fs-
him * Yes ; here is one : the sovereign tber, when he doth not give us what ve
grace of God is free : and he has his num- ask, gives us -better than we asked. We
hers among all orders, ranks, and degrees ask what we think best, but God gira
of men. And though not many noble are what be knows to be best Christ here
called, yet some are. Note, 2. The cala- gave a greater demonstration of his omoi-
mity which befell this noble person, his potence than was craved. Note lastly,
son was sick ; yea, dying. Earthly With one word doth Christ heal two ps-
greatness is no defence against afflictions ; tients ; the son of his fever, the father of
great men are in trouble as other men ; his unbelief. It was a low degree of kith
neither the wealth and riches of this that brought the father to Christ ; it was an
nobleman, nor his power and authority, higher degree that sent him back to his
nor his honour in his country, nor son ; but highest of all, when finding db
his favour with his prince, could keep off son healed, he himself believed and his
God's hand either from himself or from his whole house. Learn hence, That a weak
son ; but the father feels as much by sym- faith may be true, but a true faith is always
pathy, as the child by sense. Note, 3. growing and increasing : It is like tkc
The cause and special occasion which path of the just, that shineth more and
brought this nobleman to Christ : it was, more until the perfect day.
in general, an affliction ; and, in particular,
the sickness of his child. Learn hence, . D v
That great is the fruit and profit of afflic- CHAP. V.
!Lr^hulC„hil n^T; .^'/L'n A FTER this there was a feast of
this nobleman, never come to Christ till J\. ., • . « mm „Mt nn
they be driven by the cross, and, parti- , the Jews ; and Jesus went «P
cularly, God sanctifies the sickness and to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Je-
death of near and dear relations, children rusalem, by the sheep-wower, a
in special, to bring persons nearer to him- pool, which is called in the Hebre*
self. Note, 4. This nobleman was neither ton gue Be thesda, having five porches,
faithless nor faithful ; had he been quite 3 ]n these lay a great multitude of
™ le£ ™ -IlTVlSL ^ rSU£hf ftMu lA impotent folk, of blind, halt, wither-
come to Christ: had he been faithful, be had j . • ,. r *i_ ~,:„«.«fthe
notlimited the Son ofGod, by saying, Come «lf waitin* ** the m0VI & down
down and heal my son, ere he die. Come water- 4 For an anSeI wcnt 1d0 J
down, as if Christ could not have cured at a certain season into the pool, ana
him absent, ere mv son die, as if the same troubled the water : whosoever then
power required to' him being sick, could first, after the troubling of the wa-
Chap. V. ST. JOHN. 465
ter, stepped in, was made whole of that was cured, It is the sabbath-
whatsoever disease he had. day ; it is not lawful for thee to
This chapter begins with a description of ^ £» .b«d- .ll He ^"ered
the famous pool of Bethesda, whose waters lnem> He that made me whole, the
were medicinal, to cure the first comer same said unto me, Take up thy
thereunto, whatsoever disease he had. bed, and walk. 12 Then asked
Some think this was effected in a natural they him, What man is that which
way, and that the entrails of the sacrificed said unto thee, Take up thy bed,
beasu^ng washed in this pool, an healing and waik ? 13 And he that was
yT^^m^F$££ T^nt ^aled wist not who it was: for
palsy, and such cold diseases: as persons , , . , , . .-
mat have lame and withered hands, are at Je8U« ha? conveyed himself away,
this day directed to put them into the belly a multitude being in thai place.
of a beast newly opened. But others look It was very commendable that the rich
upon the healing virtue of this pool to be men did not engross this pool, and the be-
supernatural and miraculous, because it nefit of it, to themselves, but suffered poor
cured all diseases, how great and desperate people to come to it In this college of
soever, and this in a moment, or very cripples, a poor man, who had been lame
quickly ; and but one at a time, and that thirty-eight years, was found, who wanted
one the first that stepped in only, after an an- strength to himself, wanting money to hire
gel had descended and troubled the waters, others, and others wanting mercy to help
All which show that the healing virtue him ; Christ takes pity on him, and because
came not from the goodness of the waters, he could not go to health, health is gra-
but that it was a supernatural work. Some ciously brought to him, and that by the
think that the miracle of this pool was hand of the great Physician, Christ Jesus.
granted to the Jews, partly to strengthen Observe here, L That not only are men's
them in the true worship of God, and to bodies subject to innumerable infirmities
confirm them in their religious course of and diseases, but it pleases God for wise
sacrificing, against the scoffs of the Ro- ends to continue some of his servants la*
mans, who were now their lords ; such a bouring under bodily weakness for many
virtue being given to that water wherein years together, yea, even all the days of
their sacrifices were wont to be washed, their life. Here is a poor man for eight
Learn thence, That means of God's ap- and thirty years together under the disci*
pomtment, how improbable and unlikely pline of God's rod by bodily weakness.
soever, must not be despised, but awfully Observe, 2. That it is the duty of the af»
admired, and thankfully used ; although flicted to wait upon God in a diligent use
the way and manner of their working be of all means which God has appointed
not understood or comprehended by us. for their help and healing : as to trust to
. - ., means, is to neglect God ; so to neglect the
5 And a certain man was there mea08 is t0 tempt God- This p^- man>
which had an infirmity thirty and no doubt, had made use of the means be*
eight years. 6 When Jesus saw fore, yet waits at the pool now. Observe,
him lie, and knew that he had been 3. Though Christ well knew the case of
bow a long time in that case, he saith this afflicted person, and wanted no infor-
unto him, Wilt thou be made whole ? malion> 7ei »" ■*■ hjmj V* were ^U
m «. . 4 . _A i • • insr to be made whole? To make him
7 The impotent man answered him, J^ of his ^ t0 icken bjs de_
Sir, I have no man, when the wateris 8iresafter healing, and to raise his expectation
troubled, to put me into the pool : 0f help from him. Though Christ knows
but while 1 am coming, another our wants, yet he takes no notice of them,
steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus till we make them known to him by ]*ay-
saith unto him, Rise, take up thy er. Observe, 4. The time when Christ
bed, and walk. 9 And immediately ^^fV^^t^Zl^X^
- ' jit t . r impotent man, it was on the saboatn-aay ;
the man was made whole and took J*^ aa evidcnce of the ^^ of &
ap his bed, and walked : and on cure> a,^ bids him, take up his bed9
the same day was the sabbath. 10 and walk. Our Saviour's miracles were
The Jews therefore said unto him real and beneficial, they were obvious to
2h
403 ST. JOHN. chaP- V*
~» »»d would bear the oaminatkto of iMtnimcnte for recovering ^fly beajlh,
greatest affront to human nature that ever recovered cripple: J** «* £*•
STworM unacquainted with. And our ^ wh*J^ta<L^dffi •« *
Saviour's working this and many other never: >r **r**%fir\Z, ^
miracle, on the .Wday, was for the «£. *"^,XJV«E St
teBtification of the miracle, to •»£»«» ^"t^llkd bfto . Itaw Tton>.
that would take notice of than. Otaerve, 2* ^""■""^l ^J uagm and
5. How unjustly the Jewa tax the cripple That there, ^y'ff^taw,
that was heated with the breach of the common NfJ™**'™"* Vv™, ^w-
SLth. for taking up hi. bed and walking upon those that *aw n ^ggJE,
on the sabbath^ay } whereas the law only ledge of him _or saving "JJ^JJ eirt
forbade carrying burdens on the sabbath- hun. I%« ami M«< •»• •""£>«,
dayfc.pro7t.fn wa,c^:^Mh. .* g^rt-J-gJ J^Jfg
c7^?g2^b^n^towlud.Tm^ hisrecoverrf patient; no. atjje^
fnHhflSe and tlLkmtae- to- but in totm*£nb.»BI*»ff™
wards God. Hypocritical and supersti- ^ taiwi^ 1^ "*■<*■
ttwspersons oftenUnes pretend mochwal forth his word ■*>«■»•* *5 ■»
foTofieX the letter 'of the law ; Uttle duty to make our fiwt visoto ' *J» *?
Meeting til moral seme and signification and to pay our vow. « «« f£rf<*F
of r Beridet, our Saviour has a mind to gallon, and aound forth ^l*"?^
kt the Jews know that he was Lord of the great and gruaous Deliver. 0^
sabbath, that he bad power over it, and ^circumstance of tra* wb«
eould dispense with it a. be thought good, found him » *^ftj°Mto
Observe lastly, The great moderty and hu- ««>yfy- ^ST^w/trnM Wbe da-
mility of our bleiwr Saviour i how hate- »» M* *W^™ %*££*,
M all orientation and vain-glory was unto morou. and «y*"**^,S
him ; for having wrought this famous mi- and dumb and tongu*hed ro nw^*
^teWuieJeopkJ.publfcUr^Jhe J^f^1SUwS-S
feast of the passover.to shun all applause toe M^,ro^Al^'ohJ^ j. Tte
from the inuWtude he convey. Wlf him thri liealeth £ °b«rw, *
privately away from them : Jesut con- admonition itself: BehoU, um ^
Vyrd L*if away, a multitude being vhok: «» *» morUett « «»*J ^
•/< far p/fli-. thir Saviour', bt»ine» come unto ih%j£^ *£%**,
was to do much good, and make but little monishe* him of the S^^r^.
noise : be sought not hi. own glory. Behold, thou art "^T^ ™m„,
.. joins a cautionary direction, ««>"»
. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him \vTiere it is necessarily iroplW, ™l~L
in the temple, and said unto him, always the deserving, and <***rwi
Behold, thou art made whole: sin P^P&^^l^/rJTwe*
„o more, lest a wo«e thing come —^^JfiLi-
onto thee. calamities to a person, is for a |«*» »
These words are our Saviour's seasonable return no more to sin ; Sm i w «"* j,
advice and counsel to the poor impotent a verse ^'ng^meuntot^-
cripple, whom he had miracdomjv re- is farther ,mP,^t,fJ^,ffiS in
stored to health and soundness. Whence sorer riague. and severer J^""^.
observe, 1. The person admonishing, Je. store for those sinners who go « ^
w: he that had been his physician before, nately in a course of smano ro~
* his monitor and teacher now : Behold, against God, notwithstanding •» l« ^
thorn art made tohok ; tin no more. O nal rebukes of h»»vengiDg angw. ^
how much H is the duty, but bow seldom the whole, note, That when mew ^ ^
the practice, of those whom God makes graciously heal a person or a peep*
C&ap. V. ST. JOHN.' 4OT
a mercy to be much observed, and thank- and in the works of providence and pre*
folly acknowledged. serration also. Learn hence* I. That
15 The man departed, and told ^l^f^teiJktf c^ac^yeTSol
the Jews that it was Jesus which had ftom foe work of preservation. My Fa-
made him whole. 10 And there- ther worketh hitherto ; not by creating'
fore did the Jews persecute Jesus, new kinds of creatures, but by upholding
and sought to slay him, because he and preserving what he has already created.
had done these things on the sab- LearD' 9- Tbat ctttiA the &>* <* °»4 »
i^.L jov joined with and undivided from the Father
Daui"aay# in working. As the Father created all
After the man understood who his healer things by him, (not as a roan, and as an in-
and benefactor was, be went and told the strument in his Father's hand $ for then he
Jewish magistrates it was Christ that had was not such,) but as his fellow-worker, be-
healed him. This he did, not with any ing equal m nature and power with the Fa-,
evil design, no doubt, to inform against ther ; in like manner as the Father pre-
lum, and stir up the Jews to persecute him ; serveth, sustainetb, governeth, and uphold-
but desirous to publish what Christ had eth all things, so doth Christ; the Father's
done, to his honour, and to direct others to actions and his being the same. My Fa-
make use of him. Learn thence, That it is (her worketh hitherto, and I work.
the duty of all those who have experienced
the power and pity of Christ themselves, to 18 Therefore the Jews sought the
proclaim and publish it to others, to the in- more to kill him, because he not
lent that all that need him may experience oniy ha<| broken the sabbath, but
help and healing from him. Thisseerm ; to ^ ^ that God was hig Fath
be the poor mans design : but behold the __ L • . • %c i »*l n a -ni
bliiKhiesrobstinacy, ixA malice of the making himself equal with iGod 10
Jews, who persecuted Christ, and sought to Then ■■■wcred jcglJS> and said unto
kill him for doing good, and healing a crip- them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
ate that had been thirty-eight years so : The Son can do nothing of himself,
Therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, but what he seeth the Father do :
and sought to slay him. Yet observe the for wnat things soever he doeth,
cloak and pretence they have for their ma- lhcse a,s0 docth tbe Son likewise,
hcious persecution of our Saviour ; namely,
the supposed violation of the sabbauVday : Observe here, The Jews, instead of being
They sought to stay him, because he had satisfied, were the more enraged ; not only
dome these things on the sabbath-day. because he had violated the sabbath (as they
Learn hence. That great cruelty against pretended) by healing the cripple on the
Christ and his members has always been, sabbath-day, but because Christ had assert-
and still is, masked and disguised with a ed, tbat God was his Father in a peculiar
stir pretence of zeal for God and his com- manner, and made himself equal with God.
mods. The Pharisees mortally hated our Our Saviour therefore goes on to assert his
Saviour j therefore they cover their malice, equality and conjunction with the Father in
and traduce him as a proraner of the sab- his operations and workings ; which does
bath, and seek to take away his life. at once justify his work on the sabbath-
17 Bat Jesus answered them, My £y, ■*■ Prove **■ tot ** truly and really
Fatherworkethhitherto^dlwor^ ^J0^
From this verse to the end of the chap- first many arguments, to ver. 31. and then
ter» we have our Saviour's apology for his alleges the testimony of many witnesses to
working tbe foregoing cure on the impotent tbe end of the chapter. Our Saviour's first
man oo the sabbath-day. . And the chief argument to prove himself equal with the
argument he insists upon, is drawn from bis Father in essence and nature, is this, that
unity and equality in nature and operation the Father and he are equal in operation,
with his Father : As the Father workcth, in will and consent for working ; that the
says he, so I work. Here he speaks of him- Son doeth all that the Father doeth, and
sesf not as a servant, or instrument in the the Father doeth nothing without the Son,
Father's hand, but as the fellow- worker with ver. 19. The Son can do nothing of him-
the Father, both in the works of creation, self; that is, as Man, as the Messias, and
488 ST. JOHN. Chap. V.
as Mediator, he could do nothing of him- • A third argument proving Christ to be
self. Hit perfect obedience to, and com- God, and equal with the Father, is here pro-
phance with the will of, his Father that duced ; namely, his raising of the dead: be
sent him, would not suffer him to do any is joined with the Father in that work, and
thing without him ; but as God he could equal with him : As the Father quick-
do all things of himself. Learn hence, That encth whom he pieaseth, to doth the Son
it is an undeniable proof that the Father and quicken whom he will; that is, not as the
Son are one in nature, essence, and being ; Father's instrument, but as a principal
in that they are inseparable and undivided Agent, by the same authority, with the
in operation and working : What things like absolute freedom of will which the
soever the Father doeth, these also doeth Father uses, being a sovereign ' and inde-
the Son likewise; and the Son doeth no- pendent being as the Father is: Ai the
thing of himself, hut what he seeth the Father raiseth the dead, and quickeneth
Father do: therefore Father and Son being them, so the Son quickeneth whom he
equal in operation and working, are equal in will. This is more than ever was said of
nature and being ; and, consequently, both any prophet or apostle, that he did such
essentially, truly, and really God. Therefore works at his will. Learn hence, 1. That
the Arians of old, and the Socinians at this quickening or raising of the dead, is an act
day, are wide when they produce this text, of omnipotence, and. proper to God only '-
The Son can do nothing of himself, to The Father raiseth the dead, and quick-
prove that Christ is not equal with God the eneth him. 2. That Christ's power to
Father. They forget or neglect to distin- raise the dead as well as the Father's, is a
guish between his divine nature, which proof of his equality with his Father, and
could do all things, and his mediatorial an evidence of his being truly and really
office, which could not do but what the Fa- God : The Son quickeneth whom he mil.
ther that sent him had appointed him to do. ^ Fof ^ ^^ .^^ n0
20 For the Father loveth the Son, m*n • but hath committed all judg-
and sheweth him all things that Inent unto the Son : 5» Th" ™
himself doeth : and he will shew ««* »houW honour the Son, even
him greater works than these, that « th«y honour the Father. He
ve may marvel that honoureth not the Son, honour-
J ■ eth not the Father which hath sent
The second argument which our Saviour him.
produce, to prove hi. unity to nature, and A fourth iMtance of c^., pftai,
equality in operation, with the Father, is and ^ ^ hig ^ with the Fatta.
l1*"!^ '^ T*f l°,e T^? • . »' «•*« ^ » h» «lk to judge the world:
ther beareth to the Son , which .inclines Tke ¥ath Christ,7W|rf* » mut
him to communicate all things to him by a ,tat ^ n0 ^ „itboJ„£ but all aw
divmeand inetob^mmunicaton. Uarn b to thjg Meut that aU ntn ,W*
nl -1; Ihac Q°d •£ Fathef l0.- ?h Je" <">»our the Son, even a, they ho»o» tkt
sus Chnst his Son, with an «ntai. na- falhe L hon him with the «uw
tural, and necessary love, as being the sub- feith , <• WOBhi ^ .doeaod
stantial Image of himself, and the »P«endour We to QoA *the Fath£, g^ few,
and brightness of his glory. The Father £'That Chrfat ^ toth the ataolute
loveth the Son; ttat is, with an essential, ^ ,jfe and dea,b of abwtalkm ,nd
eternal, and meffabte love. 2. That the £ndem„ation. which he execute in on-
Father s love to Christ was communicative: junction wfth bjs Father 2 ^ ^
the Father communicated his eswnce and {his of j(jd f ^ world wMh the
nature, his wisdom and power, for operation Fatb^ doth .^thtt the «ne gk*7 »
to// ^°n : J.'?"' Z '!"%' ht ,"" due to him. which fa due unto the Father.
alt thins that hmtelf doeth ; namely, M men shouU honour th( &„, „,, «
by a divine, inconceivable, and unspeaka- they honour the Father. 3. That «h
ble communication. M j^^i ,0 honour Christ, but dear him
„.„ „ _, .. . .. .. to be God, equal with the Father, *ithtaw
81 For as the Father raiseth up the the highe* Honour from him ; and such
aeail, and quickeneth them ; even so M withdraw the honour from the Sob,
the Son quickeneth whom he will. deny it to the Father, who will not be l»-
Ciiap. V. ST. JOHN. 409
rased but in and through honouring of the grace on earth, and a life of glory in hea-
Son. This text speaks dread and terror to ven. 2. Such as are corporally dead also ;
the Sotinians, who pretend to honour these are likewise quickened and raised by
Christ, but not with the same honour with Christ as God. Learn hence, 1. That
which they pretend to honour the Father. God the Father hath communicated to
In God's account they honour him not at Christ his Son a power to quicken and
all : For he that honoureth not the Son, enliven such as are spiritually and cor-
honoureth not the Father. True, they porally dead. 2. That the Father's corn-
pray to Christ, and give him divine won municating this power to the Son argues
ship* though they believe him to be a no inequality or inferiority in the Son, but
creature ; but what is this but idolatry, to be hath the same life infinitely, independ-
worsbip that which by nature is not God, ently, and equally with the Father ; as the
and to do that to a creature which God re- Father hath it, so hath the Son : the
quires to be given to himself, having said, Father hath it in himself, and so hath the
My glory will I not give to another .* Son also : therefore the Son as well as the
Isa- xlnii. 2. Divine honour can be only Father is essentially and truly God. 3.
due to a divine person $ that is, to him Others, by the dead, understand those
that is God blessed for ever. whom Christ raised from the dead, when
___...,_ he himself arose. When many of the
24 Verily, venly, I say unto you, y^^ of the ^nts arose with him, Matt.
He that heareth my word, and be- xxvii. it being said, The hour now is, <frc.
lieveth on him that sent me, hath Dr. Whitby.
everlasting life, and shall not come AO «» . . . ... r A.
J* V u * :„ «„™j 28 Marvel not at this : for the
into condemnation ; but is passed , . ... . . , T, .« .
!r . A. J./. ofc '\T't hour is coming, in the which all that
from death unto life. 26 Verily ., &> , „ . , .
.. , 4 . rm,. . ^ : are in the graves shall hear his
Tcnly, 1 say unto you, The hour is ft_ AB , . „ - ..
• ja • .~i™ *k« a^a voice, 29 And shall come forth ;
coming, and now is, when the dead ., !, . . , , . .. •
i_ ii i? *u ~:„« ~e *k« c~„ ~r "*ey that have done good, unto the
shall hear the voice of the Son ot J .. r ..- B , * . ...
*» j a *u *u«* u ~. «.u~n i:..« resurrection of life ; and they that
God : and they that hear shall live. , . .. . ' . J ..
30 For a. th/ Father hath life in hav.e d006™1' unt0 the «»«"«*t,on
himself; so hath he given to the <»f damnation.
Son to have life in himself: 27 ?* Sav,io?r fiJdi?B,t,?e J«?w ama?ed
And hath given him authority to M1^onB^lh^iT^™^T^r
r . j* * i l u and supreme authority and power to quick*
execute judgment also, because he m ^d „& whom he pleased from the
is the Son of man. dead, doth in these verses assure them, that
Here we have a fifth evidence of Christ's there should be a general resurrection, and
godhead, and equality with tlie Father, an universal day of judgment, both of the
namely, that be is the Author of spiritual righteous and the wicked, and a future dis-
aod eternal life to all that believe on him. tributkm of rewards and punishments in
He that hath a fountain of life equal with another life, according to men's actions here
the Father, and communicated to him in this life. Ail that are in the graves
from the Father, is God : but Christ hath shall hear his voice, and shall come forth.
fJut,ver26. For as the Father hath life Here observe, 1. The certainty and uni-
sn himself, so hath he given to the Son to venality of the resurrection of the dead
have life in himself. Again, he that hath declared : The hour is coming, in which
authority to execute judgment upon angels alt that are in the graves shall come forth.
and men, is God ; and Christ bath such Observe, 2. The powerful and efficacious
authority, ver. 27. He hath given him mean by which this great and sudden change
authority to execute judgment. Farther, shall be effected and accomplished in the
he that with his voice quickeneth and maketh morning of the resurrection 5 namely, the
them alive that hear it, is God ; and Christ omnipotent voice of Christ 5 All that arc
doth this ver. 25. The dead shall hear in the graves shall hear hts voice and
the voice of the Son of Ood, and live, shall come forth. 3. Here are the difter-
TUedead; that is, 1. The spiritually dead ; ent ends of the resurrection declared, ac-
ggprf-h as are dead in trespasses and sins : cording to the difference of persons which
bearing the voice of Christ in the shall then be raised, Good and Bad -, Those
of the word, shall live a life of that have done good, to the resurrection of
470 ST. JOHN. Chap. V.
life ; and those that have done evil to the his unity id essence, and hit equality in
resurrection of damnation. Learn, I. power, with the Father, comes now to the
That there shall certainly be a resurrection end of the chapter, to produce several tes-
of the body. 2. That all in the graves snail timonies for the proof of it ; and the first
be raised, though not all alike : the wicked of them is the testimony of God his Father :
shall be raised dv the power of Christ, as There is another that keareth witness of
their Judge ; the righteous shall be raised by me9 whose witness is true. Now the Fa-
virtue of their union with Christ as their tber had lately at Christ's baptism, by a
Head. 3. According as men live in this voice from heaven, declared him to be his
world, and go out of it, so will they be beloved Son in whom he was well pleased ;
found at the resurrection, without any which Ulustrious testimony, given to Christ,
change of their state ; there will then be they bad rat regarded. Learn hence, That
only two sorts of persons, good and bad. as Christ came into the world in obedience
All that have done good, how small soever to bis Father, and to bear witness to him ;
the degree of their goodness have been, shall so did the Father honour him, and bear
be rewarded ; and all that have done evil, witness of him, and his testimony concern-
shall be everlastingly punished ; for all per- ing his Son is undoubtedly tree, and to be
sons shall be eternally happy, or intolerably depended and rested upon ; for we make
miserable, in the other world, accordingly the Father a liar, if we do not depend upon
as they manage their deportment and be- the record which he hath given of his Son.
haviour in this life : They that have done 33 Ye sent unto John, and he
good shall go, Src. bare witncsg unto ^ truU| ^
30 I can of mine own self do no- But I receive not testimony from
thing : as I hear I judge ; and mv man : but these things I say, that
judgment is just ; because I seek ye might be saved,
not mine own will, but the will of The second testimony to prove Christ to
the Father which hath sent me. be the Messias, was that of John the Bap
Here Christ declares to the Jews, and in **• Weread, John i. 19. how the Jews
them to all mankind, that they might assure «■* to enquire of him, Whether be
themselves his judgment would be exactly $* Cbnst, or not r and be denied it, and
righteous, because he had no private will or povaied at Jesus, saying Behold the Lamb
power of bis own, contrary to or diflferent •fGodf vet "7**11* ** Jew» •bkte bX
from his Father. Learn hence, That the tn® testimony of John concerning the Mes-
Lord Jesus Christ being the same in essence ■•*• Nevertheless, says Christ, I receive
and nature, in power and operation, with not testimony from John ; that is, «* John
the Father, had no private will or interest of ty h« testimony added nothing to me : I
his own, but acted all things as God, in 00- WM what l WM» and I *» what lam, co-
ordination with the Father} and as man in fore John testified of me, and since." Learn
subordination to him : J can of mine own hence. That the divinity of Christ* person,
self do nothing ; that is, neither as God and the verity of bis doctrine, needs no
nor as Mediator ; not as God, for God the maQ'8 testimony for the confirmation of it,
Father and Christ beingone, equal in power, being wfficiently confirmed by Christ's own
what one person did, the other dotb, not authority, and his Fathers testimony : /
as a Mediator, for so Christ finished the receive not testimony from man : that is,
work which his Father gave him to do $ " * need it not, I desire it not upon my
the will of the Father and the will of Christ ow* account, but upon yours only, that
being both one. As Christ was sent by uP°n w* «*** of John's testimony ye
his Father's order, so be was altogether might believe in me, and be saved by me .
guided by his Father's will, wherewith his These things I say that ye might be saved?
own exactly concurred. 36 He was a burning and a shin-
31 If I bear witness of myself, ing light ; and ye were wiUing for a
my witness is not true. 32 There season to rejoice in his light,
is another that beareth witness of 0baerve ^ JomVs chmckgf ^ lhe
me ; and 1 know that the witness people's carriage. 1. John's character ;
which he witnesseth of me is true. he was a light, a burning and a shining
*K^tf2»bleaed Saviour having produced light : he had in him a light of knowledge,
these five foregoing arguments to prove to enlighten, direct, and comfort others:
J
Chap. V. ST. JOHN. 471
and that b» knowledge was accompanied nisters. The lamp of John's ministry was
with zeal ; he was a turning light in bis always alike, burning and shining j his
doctrine, and a shining lamp In hu conver- oil did not waste, but his bearers' zeal
satioo ; he had the light of knowledge in wasted, and their ejections cooled. Those
baa bead, the warmth of zeal in his heart, whose gifts are not at all abated, may yet
and the influence of both in his life. Learn find a great abatement in the acceptation of
hence, 1. That those whom God calls to the their gills ; therefore let no man live upon
office and work of the ministry, he furnishes the breath of men ; least of all let ministers
with abilities and endowments suitable to live upon the popular air, or the speech
their great employments ; be endows them of the people. O, let us live upon the cre-
wttb a light of knowledge, which is ani- dit which we have with God, and rejoice
mated by the heat and warmth of zeal. 2. chiefly in his esteem. If our performances
That ministerial gifts and abilities are not find acceptance with God, we are safe and
bestowed alike upon all, but dispensed va- happy, though they fall under contempt
rioutly. AU are lights according to their with men.
^S^^f^^z^^^^ w But ' have Skater ™tness
a Thlt the bngbt^bura.ng, and dearest th^n that °* John ; for the works
shining lights in the church of Christ, have whlch the Father hath given me to
bat their time in this world ; they are sub- finish, the same works that I do,
ject, as well as other men, to the common bear witness of me, that the Father
condition of mortality, and the lamps of hath sent me.
**j * •Am.n» i;„ht . k.,# ™v- ;- «..♦ Jz* to evidence and prove himself to be the
tffii/ing
iigA,
rejoiced*
■in, i«. .nA *.„«h XL*mL lr,-k;u^ I'M miracles id h»_ own name, and by
?ZL 7L?*5*tE?*" °T? *? itodethumanvholf Hu name, through
£Fu^£hT^ r&-$m,tmao& '<"»»*• I^VrJce, That the testimony
*J%2M: t£l2££ M^? of Cfchfi own work*, hit miracles wrought
SSLS^bC^ ?^ n!L ^ .a*c"°1?8 rity and power, is a clean* confirmation of
towards John. 3. They ryotced only j^-fl,^ J^ „& docWn. „„, the
./ir a season ; for an hour, as the word |~,B Zj ~™.' il»«!LZv*,r™ r/u—iJi™
*^. -^. n_ _ .u~* •:_. t_i • _:_• oes' °* men ■ tsstimoniei ; yea, than John
•snioes. For a short time John s minis- ■n._,irfi. -__ ,~m^~„ t>IZ7 a- -™ >i.
tr% was acceptable. Learn hence, 1. That c^i own tesumony, That he saw the
it ta. bWan old practiceanTong pro- Sp.nt descending an hm.
teams, not to like their pastors long, though 37 And the Father himself, which
they have been never such burning and hath sent me, hath borne witness of
shining lights. John was not changed, me. Ye have neither heard his
but his bearers were changed; he did voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
a • a •
bum and shine in the candlestick of the 33 And have not nis word abiding
church with equal zeal and lustre to the . m,Mm J ^. . mu„m u- "
last ; but the7had changed their thoughts 'n you 5. » wh^m hc
of him, and lost their esteem for him. h,m Je believe not
Learn, 2. That as nothing in general is so Here our blessed Saviour produces again the
mutable as the mind of man, so nothing in testimony of his Father, that he was the true
particular is so variable as the affections and promised Meatias : this was given him
and opinions of people towards their mi- both at his baptism and histransnguntioo ;
472 ST. JOHN, Chap. V.
-when God the Father owned Christ to be luable mercy, which Chrs* standi ready to
his Son, by an audible voice from heaven, bestow upon poor sinners; and I that * life,
saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom both spiritual and eternal. A "feofgraoe,
I am well pleased. Which testimony the in order to a life of glory. Obserw, 2.
Jewa now ought the more to have regarded, The gracious condition upon wtacb tha
because though their forefathers had heard invaluable blessing may be had ; and that
the voice of God at certain times, Exod. xx. is, upon coming to Christ, beheving on
and Deut. iv. yet they in their times had him, and receiving of him. 3. Here a
never beard his voice. Learn hence, That the true reason declared why annas do
the Father's immediate testimony of Christ miss of life and salvation by Jesus Cbnt,
from heaven, is greater than all the testimo- when he has so dearly purchased it foe
nies given to him here on earth ; greater them, and does so freely tender it unto
than John's, greater than his miracles. The them, and that lies in their own winulnea
presence of the glorious Trinity, when that and obstinacy : Ye will not com unto me.
testimony was given, Mmtt. hi. ult. made Learn hence, That the true reason why »
that witness most awful and solemn. many sinners miss of salvation and eternal
- . life, after all that Christ has done sad suffer-
39 Search the aenptures ; for in ^ for lhemf „ ^^t own obstinacy sad un-
til em ye think ye have eternal life : willingness to come to him, that they may
and they are they which testify of have life. Man by nature has not only as
me# inability, but a fixed enmity in ha will
against Jesus Christ
The next testimony which Christ appeals 41 I receive not honour from men,
to, is the testimony of the scriptures ; that 42 But I know you, that ye have not
is, the writinp of JVIoses and the prophets, the We of GoJ in ou. 43 I am
which Christ bids the Jews diligently m lw% _ iTo« w/ nam* and ie
search, and they si
dantly testified of h
phecies and types
The word search, signifying to search as receive.
men do for a golden mine in the bowels of Here observe, 1. How little our Saviour
the earth, which they must dig deep for, sought the approbation and vain-glorious
before they can come at : it intimates, 1. estimation of men : I receive not honour
That there is an inestimable treasure lying from "men. The same should ail b*(r
hid in the holy scriptures, which we shall ciples and followers do •, rest satisfied m
never fathom by a slight, superficial search, the secret testimony and silent appUiBeoi
2. That this inestimable treasure may be their own consciences, without pum^
found out by the painful searcher ; and it is for popular applause. Observe, 2. Toe
the duty of all the members of the visible dreadful sin which Christ charged upon
church to read and search the scriptures, the Jews, as the cause why they rejected
which point out the way to eternal life. him : I know that ye have not the me
40 And ye will not come to me, o/Godinvou. O ! deplore Mr*
Al «, • L* I * i«r case, to be void of all true love to uw-
that ye might have life. ^ ^ ^ ^^ of ^ ^n, sod
Here our Saviour upbraids the Jews for the root of all true obedience ; he that taw
their obstinate infidelity ; that notwith- God, will not only sweat at bis work, but
standing God the Father by a voice from bleed at his work too, if his work cannot
heaven, and John the Baptist by his testi- be carried on without bleeding. But where
mony on earth ; notwithstanding all the love of God is wanting;, and no ^r*
miracles which they had seen wrought by please God is found, his authority » de-
Christ himself, and notwithstanding the spised, his Son rejected; as the Jews we
scriptures, which they pretended so highly would not come to Const, that ^Z01^
to -esteem of, did prove him to be the Mes- have life, because they had not the low ot
sias, and the Author of eternal life, which God in them. Observe, 3. The nig&
they professed to seek; yet such was their affront which the Jews offered to the boo
obstinacy, that they would not come unto of God in preferring any seduces or 10-
him, nor believe in him* Ye will not postors before him, who came in their own
come unto me, that ye may have life, names ; whilst he was rejected, who came
Hence observe, 1. A choice and inva- in the name of his Father. Leara bene*,
Chap. VI. ST. JOHN. 478
That though Christ was the great Ambas- in his writings, you would have been led
sador of his Father, not a servant, but a by them to believe in me ; for they all
aon, and had his mission, his approbation, pointed at me, and received their accom-
and his testimony, from heaven ; yet so plishment in me : but if Moses cannot be
for did the perverseness and prejudices of heard by you, I must expect no authority
the Jews prevail, that be was rejected, with you. Learn, 1. That the whole
whilst impostors and deceivers, false christs scope of Moses' ceremonial law was to
and antichrists, without any evidence and point out and prefigure Jesus Christ : Christ
authority from God, (because promising was the sum of the law, as well as the sub*
them a temporal kingdom,) were embraced stance of the gospel ; he was Abraham's
and entertained : 1 am come in my Fa- promised Seed, Moses' great Prophet, Ja-
thcr's name, and ye receive me not; but cob's Shiloh, Isaiah's Emmanuel, Daniel's
if another (a seducer) should come in his Holy One, Zechariah's Branch, and Mala-
ivn name, him ye will receive. As if chi's Angel. 2. That such as believed the
Christ had said. You are incredulous to none ancient prophecies before Christ came, did
bat me ; every deceiver, every cheat that see their accomplishment in him, when he
has but wit or wickedness enough to tell was come.
you, " The Lord hath sent him," is be-
lieved by you ; but though I come in my CHAP. VI.
SEwa^iSSSSS a™ *- thy*s !ra r*
that none but a God can do, yet you . over the sea of Galilee, which
receive me not O unreasonable infidelity ! »s the sea of Tiberias.
44 How can ye believe, which re- Observe here, How busy and industrious
ceive honour one of another, and ?£. W* £"* was ,ibo* l? F^f^T0?'
--~x „,** »i._ h*>nA... »k«* JL^^l botn on tne 9BBL and on the land, both by
aeek not the honour that cometh night ^ by day : his meat was to do the
from God only ? v^^ him that 8ent him9 and to finiih
Here Christ tells the Jews, that it is ira- his work. Some have enquired into the
possible they should believe aright in him, reasons why Christ travelled by sea, as well
because they were so in love with the praise as by land $ and they seem to be these : 1.
of men, that they would own him for the To show what was his intent in making the
Measias, who could promise them a tern* sea, namely, to be sailed upon, as the
poral kingdom, and in the mean time reject land was made to be walked upon. 2.
himself, who came authorized with the That Christ might take occasion to raani-
testimony and approbation of God ; you fest his deity in working miracles upon the
will receive' honour one of another, but re- sea, as well as upon the land. 3. Might
ject the honour that cometh from God it not be to comfort and encourage sea-
only. Learn, That such as ambitiously faring men, that dwell much upon the wa-
hunt after vain-glory and respect irom ters, in the midst of their distresses, to trust
men, do evidence themselves to be regard- in and pray to such a Saviour, as had him-
less of God's approbation and acceptation, self an experimental knowledge of the dan-
.. n _ . *u*~l *u~* t :n - gerof the seas? Some have farther ob-
45 Do not think that I will ac- ^ed, That, after our Saviour's resurrection,
cose you to the Father : there is we never find him WB^a% upon me ^
one that accuseth you, even Moses, more ; for such a turbulent condition,
in whom ye trust. 46 For had ye which necessarily attends sea-voyages, was
believed Moses, ye would have be- utterly inconsistent with the stability and
lieved me : for he wrote of me. 47 Perpetuity of Christ's state, when he was
But if ye believe not his writings, nsen .from % £* «; 5* 7t £ 1*
v l ii Li- — jo agreeing with his fixed estate, than the
how shall ye believe my words ? fluctuating water.
Think not that I will accuse you ; that 2 And a great multitude followed
,S that I only will accuse you to the Fa- h{ becaug* th saw h[s mmdes
ther; there is one that accuseth you* ,. , , ••« J .% ...
even Moses; that is, the writings of Mfoses, *h,ch *?e d,d on them that wcre
which you pretend to depend upon, and to diseased.
trust to : for had you believed his writings. Observe here, what an exact knowledge
that is, the prophecies and types contained Christ had, not only of all his followers,
174 ST. JOHN- Chap. VL
but of the motives and principles which did This miracle of our Saviour's feeding
induce them to follow him : it was not the five thousand persons with fivebtrley-loafci
excellency of his person, nor the heaven li- and two small fishes, is recorded by all the
ness of his doctrine, that drew the multi- four evangelists j and several puticubn
tude at this time after him, but the novelty therein are very remarkable. Observe, 1.
of his miracles; They saw the miracles What a poor and slender provision the Lad
which he did. It is better to feel one mira- of the whole earth hath for his family, for
cle wrought upon the heart, in changing himself, for his disciples, and the multitude:
and renewing that, than to see a thousand nothing more than five barley toavei sod
outward miracles wrought before our eyes, two fishes. Teaching us, that these bodia
of ours must be fed, not pampered. On
3 And Jesus went up into a moun- **% ™* not be our master, much lea our
tain, and there he sat with his disci- i«}! Andaatto <^*^*****
pies 4 And the passover a feast t^Z^t3T%t^i
of the Jews, was nigh. 6 When ap^y, What are they among soma**
Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw The eye of sense and reason sees so utter
a great company come unto him, he impossibility of those effects which faith
saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy can easily apprehend, and a divioe power
bread, that these may eat ? 0 And more easily produce. When men judge
this he said to prove him : for he & ■«■» "* ryop>M^. * *£*£
himself knew what he would do. *£ E^SS SSZ
7 Philip answered him, Two hun- todoB 0b8ervCf 2 How the great Ma*r
dred pennyworth of bread is not 0f this miraculous feast doth marshal bis
sufficient for them, that every one guests: he commanded them to at down.
of them may take a little. 8 One None of the people reply, " Sit down ! hut
of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Pe- *> *hat ? Here's the mouths, but whete'i
ter's brother, saith unto him, 0 to***** We i^y soMbeset,butwhai
There is a lad here, which hath five JJ w« ^^ ^"uSfSl
barley loaves and two small fishes : ^ it fsVtrurt^hy ^idence, and rely
but what are they among so many ? upon lhy poWerf wn^ tbere B coram t be
10 And Jesus said, Make the men barn, bread in the cupboard, money in the
sit down. Now there was much purse ! But when our stores axe empty,
grass in the place. So the men when our stocks run low, and when we
sat down, in number about five thou- have nothing in band, then to depend upon
sand. 11 And Jesus took the 1^^^
loaves: and when he had given b ou'r bie^dSavk)ur :*" 1. JaVaW
thanks, he distributed to the disci- the. loaves; teaching us by bis example
pies, and the disciples to them that never to use or receive the good creatures
were set down ; and likewise of the of God without prayer and praise, act to
fishes as much as they would. 12 «t down to our food as a beast 1o bis fod-
When they were filled, he said unto der- *• Christ *r**e the taves ; he c*M
his disciples, Gather up the frag. ^umul!!>liedu *"? "h°!* #J5
m»n*. *ko# «.Lma;n *k«* _,i«k;nM. iL dotn he rather choose to do it in the breu-
ments that remain, that nothing be m ? Perb to ^ m wc «ay
lost. 13 Therefore they gathered ^^ expect his blessings in the distribu-
them together, and filled twelve tion of his bounty, than in the rewvatioo
baskets with the fragments of the of it Scattering is the way to uxaeasiog'
five barley loaves, which remained and liberality the way to riches, •Ag1^?'
over and above unto them that had * *7*»« '• his disciples, &****£ "JR?
eaten. 14 Then those men, when ij^^Jo the multitude: he«goo
did. sad This is of a truth that his di8ciples f^ \^ people. The
frophet that should come into the game course doth Christ take in *»"-
worW- mat distributions. He that couW fced d*
Chap. VI. ST. JOHN. 476
•oob of his people immediately by the hand exercise a spiritual kingdom in it, yet he
of his Spirit, chooses rather by the hands came not into the world to be a temporal
of his ministers to divide the bread of life king, nor was his kingdom of this world, or
among them. Observe, 4. The reality and ever designed to be prejudicial to the thrones
greatness of the miracle : They did all of princes, and civil government of men.
cat, end were filled ; they did eat, not a Therefore doth Christ withdraw himself,
crumb or a bit, but to satiety and fulness, and refuse all this offer, as no ways agree*
All that were hungry did eat, and all that able to him, or consistent with his design.
did eat were satisfied, and yet twelve bas- ,0 . , .
kets of fragments remain. More is left 16 And when even was jioit come,
than what was at first set on. Tis hard n,s disciples went down unto the sea,
to say which was the greatest miracle, the 17 And entered into a ship, and
maaculoBs eating, or miraculous leaving, went over the sea toward Caper*
If we consider what they eat, we may naum. And it was now dark, and
wonder that ttey left any thing 5 if what je8tt9 was not come to them. 18
tey tti0"*?*/11 aD* tb!?* u*. And the sea arose, by reason of a
lost, but gathered up j we must exercise they had rowed about five and twen-
frugality in the enjoyment of the greatest ty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus
plent/. Lord ! how tremendous will their walking on the sea, and drawing
account be, who, having large and plen- nigh unto the ship : and they were
liful estates, do consume them upon their afraid. 20 But he saith unto them,
lu^! how willtbev wish they bad been ,t j. , be not Wd 2l Thefl
^o Kr; zrs£rj& ** *■■* «•*- ;*■ «■* *.
God i ship: and immediately the ship was
15 When Jesus therefore per- at the land whither they went,
ceived that they would come and take Observe here, The great danger the dis-
him by force, to make him a king, ciP,e* were.4in' "J* ** difficulties they en-
».- Ao~o-*<lA «««:„ :„#,* « „,«...,#»:„ counter with, after they had enjoyed the
he departed again into a mountain ftweet ^^ of ^^ ^J,
himself alone. ^^ with them# They were t0Med upon
Here we have observable, The wonderful a tempestuous sea. Learn thence, That it
effect of the foregoing miracle ; the people is not unusual, after sweet refreshments and
seeing so many thousands fed with five manifestations of Christ unto his people,
loaves, were so transported, that they con- to meet with a stormy and sharp exercise of
eluded that Jesus was certainly the pro- faith and patience ; such was the lot of his
noised Mesas. Now the notion they had disciples here : a constant gale of sweetness
of the Messias was this, that he should and uninterrupted course of prosperity and
be a temporal Prince that should subdue happiness, as it is not to be expected here,
all nations under his feet, and particularly so neither can it be enjoyed here, with*
free the Jews from the slavery of the Ro- out great peril and danger. Observe, 2.
man yoke, which was now upon their What baste our Saviour makes towards
neck* ; forgetting what our Saviour had his disciples, when they were tossed upon a
often told them, that his kingdom was tempestuous sea: Jesus drew nigh unto
not of this world, but within men; and that the ship. Nothing can separate between,
nil business was to free men from soul- nor keep Christ from, his children and peo-
tlavery, not from civil subjection ; however, pie in a suffering hour. He that waded
upon this mistake, the Jews here in a furious through a sea of wrath to save his people,
zeal designed to take Christ by force and will walk upon a sea of water to succour
make him their king ; but our Saviour (who and relieve them in an hour of tribulation.
came not into the world to disturb the or- Observe, 3. The disciples not discerning
der of civil government) understanding Christ, not knowing him to be their Sa-
thesr intentions, withdraws himself into a viour, were afraid of him. Christ may be
mountain, to avoid giving the least occa- coming to save his people, and they not
•ion for any such jealousy or suspicion, able at present to discern and apprehend
Hence learn, That although Jesus Christ him ; but their fears may be highest, when
be toe great King of his church, and doth their deliverer and deliverance is nearest.
473 ST. JOHN, Chap. Vf.
Observe, 4. How speedily Christ relieves was tneir end ; tbey followed him indeed,
them of their fears, by telling them who he but not for any spiritual excellences tbey
was : It is J, be not afraid. It is a suf- saw in him, or soul-advantages they ex-
flcient support in all our afflictions to be as- pected from him, but for bread ; only to
wired of Christ's gracious presence with us. have their bellies fed with the loaves, not
Say but, O Saviour, It is I, and then let their souls satisfied with the bread of life,
evils do their worst ; that one word, It is J, O ! how seldom is Christ sought for his
is sufficient to allay all storms, and to calm own sake, viz. Jesus quariiur propter
a thousand tempests. Observe lastly, With Jesus. Aug. How natural is it for men
what joy and gladness the disciples received to seek Christ for sinister ends and by-ie-
and entertained Christ in this hour of their spects f But to seek him only for outward
distress : They willingly received him into advantages, is the basest of by-ends, sod
the ship. Though the company of Christ that which the soul of Christ exceedingly
is always sweet and welcome to his disciples abhors. Labour not for the meat vhicA
and friends, yet never is it so very agreeable perisheth. This prohibition must not be
and desirable to them as in the hour of trial understood absolutely, but comparatively}
and temptation : then they willingly receive not as if Christ intended to take than off
him, and joyfully welcome and "entertain from their lawful labours, and the business
him. of their callings ; but his meaninff is, La-
22 The day following, when the bo"f1n<* j? "" ** Md !;h*J£?£
• .. . J. , .!?• ., ., earthly things, which are all pernbiDgt bat
people which stood on the other side for bread ff ^ t0 fce JJ^
of the sea saw that there was none by ; even for the food of my heavenly
other boat there, save that one doctrine, which will make them that feed
whereinto his disciples were entered, upon it immortal : and this the Son of man
and that Jesus went not with his dis- stands ready to give unto you. For ami
ciples into the boat, but that his haih God the Father sealed; that is, J>y
disciples were gone away alone ; 23 a »P«ial wmmission and «M^»
fii^Zu*;* *u™ •„ *L*u i * empowered him to dispense all spiritual
(Howbe t there came other boats ble£ t0 thcm ^ ,^^cravTto.
from Iibenas, nigh unto the place Leam hence, 1. That all the things oftbis
where they did eat bread, after that life are perishing and fading. The best of
the Lord had given thanks;) 24 outward comforts and enjoyments are meat
When the people therefore saw that **»* perisheth. 2. That it is the greatest
Jesus was not there, neither his dis- of follies to labour intensely and 1 inordi-
ciples, they also took shipping, and "*£ f™' ***!*. oul8elwB ^ tZ
««L~ *~ n~ i • r might and strength to pursue and follow
came to Capernaum seeking for ^ perishing things. 3. That Jesus
Jesus. 26 And when they had Christ's holy doctrine, his heavenly grace,
found him on the other side of the is food that never perisheth, nor diminished,
sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, how many soever partake of itj but makes
when earnest thou hither ? 26 Je- all that partake thereof, to be partaken of
sus answered them and said, Verily, eternal ,ife therewilb. 4. That Jews Christ
verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, JJ :*I"*B* ^L^i^j^ *
«i/*t iw»*.«..Ji «^ -«.- \u~ ~: i his Father, to give eternal life to suca as
not because ye saw the miracles, indu8triouiy fabour after him, and will
but because ye did eat of the loaves, not & ^ed without him. Him hstk
and were tilled. 27 Labour not God the Father sealed; that itfte*
for the meat which perisheth, but Christ was sealed to the office of Mediator
for that meat which endureth unto by God the Father : Christ was sealed at
everlasting life, which the Son of his baptism, sealed by his do^riiie^w
man shall give unto you : for him b^T^K !?,ed b/ hH^Z
i«««k r*~A JL i?«*u~ . «i a sealed by ha unction of supereminem ana
hath God the Father sealed. ^paralleled sanctiacation. Lord ! wh«
Our blessed Saviour having wrought the will the rejecters of Christ then appear at
foregoing miracle, feeding five thousand the great day, who have despised the su-
with five loaves, the people followed him thority of him whom the Father commis-
in troops from place to place. Christ, who sioned to give eternal life to whomsoever
knew their hearts, tells them plainly what he pleaaeth f
Chap, VI. ST. JOHN. 477
28 Then said they unto him, his mission by some miraculous operation.
What shall we do, that we might 2- That Gta* honoured Moses, his mes-
work the works of God ? 20 Jesus ■"** very P°* T* P™* his minist£
answered and said unto them, This muc* ™°re' m ,that ^ fof *? m wrouSht
. 7 . i * n j m^ / li* gwat and special miracles for the confirma-
is the work of God, That ye believe fion 0f theiPmission. 3. That the Jews*
on him whom he hath sent. DOt believing Christ to be the true Messias,
Hoe the Jew., who were strict obrervers °P» "JK^SSto h? -iSf J?
of the ceremonial law of Moms, and rated dm?e ""*«»» ,.was con5™?11^ ^fA E*
thereupon for salvation, enquire of our Sa- [»<*1°» operates, rendered their infidelity
viour What they should do that they might ,oexcu»bfe' «* thelr obsflMCy 'nv.nc.ble.
please God? Christ directs them to the 32 Then Jesus said unto them,
great duty of believing on himself, to own Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses
and acknowledge bun to be the true Mes- gave you not that bread from hea-
san, and as such to rely upon him alone ° . . u„» „,., p^.u.,, „:„„,k „«.. ik.
for salvation : TUt it the vork of God, *e" ' ^ut ™y/ath« S,veth J°" £h«
tAaiyeMieve, *c. Learn henci, That true bread from heaven. 33 For
for a penitent, humbled sinner to believe the bread of Go<1 ls ne «•»<* com.
in the Lord Jesus Christ, is a work highly eth down from heaven, and giveth
pleating and acceptable unto God. Christ life unto the world.
^f^Ml' rE*£%U'3,k-,,2S" UpontheJews mentioning manna to our
!£j?X£SJ?'*2L l*"nff; «*J5 Saviour, he takes occasion to make
TZZJSLy^FiL & StTrf h?« * comparison betwixt himself the bread of
commanding ; and to the work of his ap- ,if Jj^,,^ the bread of Moaeg and
probation and acceptation ; a work that Ii!„,i„ \\^Z, "V~^..u„ i i, _.I „„,
God is highly pleaseiwith, and greatly de- £Un„* *£&"• ,JL\L WJ* "*
lighted in : *fo .> M* ™V* o/C^// MwM ** ^ve _ the Israelite. .that manna,
^ •'it was God at the prayer of Moses ; but it
30 They said therefore unto him, was God ,hat now offered them the bread
What sign shewest thou then, that ofjife, were they willing to accept it. 2.
_A__.. ™ ft«/ikj:u.,*vkM» u/k«* The manna was not given from heaven,
we may see, and believe thee ? What that is> from ^ odegl*| heaveo> but 00,
dost thou work f 31 Our fathers from the air and cioud8f wnich frequenlly
did eat manna in the desert ; as it jn scripture is called heaven ; but Christ
is written, He gave them bread from the bread of life was given and sent by the
heaven to eat. Father from the highest heaven, even the
heaven of glory. 3. Manna was not true
Here the Jews tell our Saviour, that before spiritual food effectively and of itself, but
they will believe in him, they must see bodily food only ; but Christ is real and
some sign from him, to confirm his doc- spiritual bread, which gives life to lost and
nine, and prove him to be the Messias. dead men , which manna did not, could
They acknowledge Christ had wrought a not do. And whereas manna was peculiar
great miracle in reeding five thousand per- to Israel alone, Christ gives life to all sorts
sons with five barley-loaves, but Moses fed of persons, Gentiles as well as Jews : The
their fathers in tlie wilderness, who were bread of God giveth life unto the world,
no less than six hundred thousand persons, Learn hence, That as Christ is the truth
with excellent manna from heaven, and and substance of all types in the Old Tes-
tbb for forty years together ; from whence tament, so particularly the manna was an
they would seem to conclude that they had illustrious type of Christ. In many things
more reason to believe Moses than Christ ; they agree ; and in some they differ. They
not considering that Moses was but an in- agree in their original ; manna came down-
struroent to obtain by prayer the manna at from above, so did Christ ; manna wa&
the bands of God $ but Christ was an freely given, so is Jesus Christ the free gift
agent, and that, by a creating power inhe- of God ; manna was not fit to be eaten as it
rent in himself, he multiplied the five loaves lay in the field, but must be ground in a
to the feeding of five thousand. Note here, mill, or beaten in a mortar, and baked in
from the Jews requiring a sign before they an oven, before it was fit for food. Christ
would believe, That he who publishes a was ground by his sufferings, bruised on
new doctrine to the world ought to confirm the cross, scorched in the fiery oven ofhk
■J
I,
478 ST. JOHK. Chap. Vf.
' * • w Father's wrath, that he might become a fit have heard my doctrine, yon have seen my
, t Saviour for us. Again, as the manna was miracles ; I have done amongst you those
/: , . (gathered by the Israelites daily and equally : works which never any man did,toa>Qvmce
* \ i it was rained down about their tents, and you that I am the Messiah, yet you will Dot
'*" ^ every man had his omer. Thus is Christ own me to be such, nor believe in me. 0
in the ministry of the word daily offered the strength of infidelity and unbelief! The
to a lost world, and all that believe in him devil has as great an advantage upon men
'shall share alike in the benefits of the jus- by making them strong in unbelief, as God
tification, sanctification, and glorification hath by making his people strong in faith.
from him. But now the manna and Christ 3? AU that the Father ^veth me
differ m this ; and the true excels the type „u~n — a a u:-. *u«*
./thus: There' is a quickening, enlivening ^all come to me ; and him that
. ' virtue, a life-giving -and a Tife-upholdinl cometh to me I will in nowise cast
, - power in Christ, the bread of life, which ou*.
. i was never found in manna, the bread of Our blessed Saviour having lamented the
. Israel. And whereas manna only fed the obstinate infidelity of the Jews in the fore*
"*; ' body of an Israelite, and this only for a going verse, who, though they hsd seen
' > 7 . 4ittle time in the wilderness ; Christ nou- him, would not believe on him \ be doth
( * u risheth the soul, the souls of all believers, be in this verse comfort himself with the a*
They Jew or Gentile, bond or free, and this «wed expectation, that there would be a
": '" "'"not for a time, but for eternity : The bread number, which should certainly and into-
of God is he which cometh down from holy come unto him : AU thai the Father
heaven, andgiveth life unto the world. hath given me, shall come unto me, fo.
Hera observe, 1. An account of the persons
34 Then said they unto him, Lord, *tt shall come to Christ, AU that tkt fa-
evermore give us this bread. 36 **? htath ? "J" *«■• J^JV £2
a*a ¥«-«« «,«;j ..n*A *k^«, i ««. »k. gift of us to Christ. 1. In Gods eternal
And Jesus said un tc them, I am the « ^ ^^ 2 h ^ ^^
bread of life : he that cometh to vocation g^ ^w^ when oor hearts aiehy
me shall never hunger ; and he that the Holy Spirit of God persuaded and eo-
believeth on me shall never thirst, abled to accept of Christ, as he is fredy
36 But I said unto you, that ye tendered us in the gospel. Observe, 2. The
also have seen me, and believe not. gracious entertainment which Christ giva
to those that come unto him : He fw w
Observe here, 1. How the carnal Jews, no wise cast them out ; where the positive
hearing of the bread which Christ had is included in the negative, I will not east
commended so highly, and conceiving of them out : that is, I will kindly receive,
it carnally, desire they may partake of it and graciously entertain them, tara
constantly : Lord, evermore give us this hence, 1. That both God the Father and
bread. The commendation of spiritual Christ his Son are unfeignedly willing, and
things may move the affections and quick- cordially desirous, of the salvation of lost
en the desires of natural persons; but if sinners. That federal transaction which was
their desires be not spiritual and serious, betwixt the Father and the Son from erer-
diligent and laborious, constant and abiding, lasting, about the salvation of lost sinners,
they are no evidence of the truth of grace, evidently declares this. Learn, 2. That the
Observe, 2. Christ discovers another excel- merciful and compassionate Jesus will in no
lent effect of this bread of life, which he had wise cast out or reject, but kindly entertain
been recommending j that such as feed of and receive, every penitent sinner that doth
it shall never hunger more : that is, inor- believingly apply unto bim for pardon of
dinately, after the perishing satisfactions of sin and eternal life : I will in no wist cast
this world j but shall find an all-sufficient out ; that is, I will not cast them out of my
fulness in him, and complete refreshment pity and compassion, out of my love sod
from him, for the preserving and perpetu- affection, out of my prayer and ioierces-
ating of their spiritual life : He that cometh skra, out of my care and protection : 1 *»■
unto me shall never hunger, <$*c. Ob- not cast them out of my covenant ; 1 ™
serve, 3. How justly Christ upbraids the never cast them out of my kingdom ; for
Jews for their obstinate infidelity : Ye have my nature inclines me, my promise T>mda
seen me, says our Saviour, yet ve believe me, and my office as Mediator engages me,
not. Ye have seen me in the flesh, you to the contrary
Chap. VI. ST. JOHN. 4?t>
38 For I came down from heaven, essentially, and really God. That person
not to do mine own will, but the will who can by his own almighty power
is the Father s will whwh hath sent QtheB f^fo dead, and his own dead
me, That of all which he hath given b^y froiII tne gnLye a^ by his own
me I should lose nothing, but should power; and therefore Christ says, I am
raise it up again at the last day. 40 the resurrection and the life ; and I
And this is the will of him that sent will raise him up at the last day. Doubt-
roe, That every one which seeth the le» he that spake these words, and made
Son, and believeth on him, may have ^SLS^^ IT^i ZZL TJ £
'. . ..- ,- .., .J .. perform them: and that power must be
everlasting life : and I will raise him ^potent, and that act & omnipotence
up at the last day. doth prove him to be God. Tis true, the
In these words *>ur Saviour gives us the discipla «*** the dead, who yet were not
confirmation of the foregoing promise, that <** *>* uwi*fh? difference, they raided
he will in no wise cast out those that come ^e dead by Christ s power ; but Chrst
unto him, by assuring us, that it was the rai9ed othcra «** huMelf alao bJ hw own
great end for which he came into the world. P°wer«
H» Father sent him to -do .bis will, and 41 The Jew8 then murmurcd at
not hn own: that is, not to do hn own will ,. , . • i i ^ *u u a
without bis Father's? but to do his own will htm because he said, I am the bread
and his Father's. For Christ, as God, hath which came down from heaven. 42
a co-ordinate will with his Father's, and And they said, Is not this Jesus, the
as man, a will subordinate to the will of son of Joseph, whose father and mo-
bs Father. Now it is the will of both ther we know ? how is it then that
Father and Son, that such as believe in him he saith, I came down from heaven ?
■^ ** F*^'. 7! J? *FH*F* t ** 43 Jesus therefore answered and
raised up by Christ at the last day. ■ Learn • • . .i _ «. _ .
beoce, 1. ftat the Lord Jesus Christ stands 8a,d u"l° thwD' Murmur not amon8
not only inclined by his own mercy and yourselves.
goodness to save repentin* and believing Although Christ had in the foregoing
sinners, but doth ,also stand obliged there- veneg ]akk]y ^^^^ himgelf to ^ tne
untoby virteofatm^mraittedtohim true bread that came down from haven
from the Father. Therefore Christ men- for the heo^t of the worWf yet ^ Jewg>
tiorn the will of him that sent him, as a understanding his words carnally, are of-
reason of ha fidelity in this matter. Learn, fended with him, and murmur at him, for
2. That the Father s will and good plea- pretending to come down from heaven,
sure is the original source, the fountain when ^y knew him t0 ^ the ^n of
™j"5Bt »P"pg. "om whence the salvation Joseph and Mary. They understood no-
of believers doth sfoceed and flow. It u thing of hi8 divrae nature, nor of his mi_
the Father s mil that sent me, that every ^^Som conception by the overshadowing
one that seeth the Son, and Mteveth on ^ the Hol Gh^f ^therefore were high-
hm^may have everlasting Me Learn, x ofleoded at bim j^^ leam> ^
3. pat such as are given to Christ by the ^0^^ of Christ's divine nature was the
Father, and put as his trust into his keep- ^^ and 0^^ of that contempt
mg, he looks upon them as his charge, which wag ^ upon his venoUt observe
and stands engaged for the preservation of farther> Tne proof which Cnri8t g^ of
*„ T'L l* ?Zi Fa- * *' J,*, his divine nature, in his knowing the hearts
of a II which he hath g'venme, I should and thoughts of these murmuring Jews :
losenothtng. Yet hath the Father so com- Jesus said. Murmur not among yourselves.
nutted the care of believers to ha Son, as Cnrist knows ^d observes the most secret
that lie keeps them still in his own hand, murmurings and repinings that are found
John x. 21, 28. My Father which gave in the breatta 0f ^ children of men ; and
them to me, is greater than all, and no this his knowledge is an evidence and
man u able to pluck them out of my p^f of his divinity, that he is truly and
Father's hand. Learn, 4. From those really God.
words, I will raise him up at the last
day, that the Lord Jesus Christ is truly, 44 No man can come to roe, ex-
480 ST. JOHN. Chap. VI.
cept the Father which hath sent unto him, and believe in him. Lam
me draw him : and I will raise him hence, 1. That the teachings of God an
un at the last day. absolutely necessary to every man that
" J' cometh unto Christ in the way of faith.
In which words we have something ne- 2. That auch shall not miscarry in the way
cessarily implied, and something positively 0f faith, who are under the special teachings
expressed. The misery of man in his na- an(] instructions of God : They shall le
tural and unsanctified state is here implied ; au taught of God, and he teacbeth to pro-
he is far distant from Christ, and unable fit, and that not only authoritatively, but
of himself to come unto him. By nature efficaciously and eflectually. Those whom
we are strangers, yea, enemies unto God j God undertakes to teach, receive from him
enemies to the holiness of his nature, and both an ear to hear, and an heart to un-
to the righteousness of his laws: and as dcrsland. They shall be all taught of
the state of unregeneracy is a state of en- God, and they that are taught have heud
mity, so consequently must it be a state of and learned of the Father,
impotency : Without me (therefore says ...
Christ).** can do nothing, John xv. 5. 48 I am that bread of life. 40
that is, without interest in me, and influ- Your fathers did eat manna in the
enoes of grace derived from me. Again, wilderness, and are dead. 50 This
the truths we have expressed are these: 1. j9 the bread which cometh down
That all those who come unto Christ are from heaven, that a man may eat
drawn unto him. 2. That the drawmg of h f d di 5l , am thc
sinful souls unto Jesus Christ is the special ... / , ... _ , /• m
and peculiar work of God. This drawing j"™* b™jd wh»«h camc down from
is a powerful act but not a compulsory heaven. If any man eat of this
act ; God doth not draw any against their bread, he shall live for ever : and
wills to Christ, but he inclines the wills the bread that I will give is my flesh,
of sinners to come unto him. He draws which I will give for the life of the
by effectual persuasion, and not by violent World.
compulsion. 3. That all those who are
drawn to Christ here, shall be raised In these verses our blessed Saviour ro-
up gloriously by him hereafter : / will sumes his former doctrine, namely, that he
raise him up at the last day. Such is the object of saving faith, and the bread
as are brought to Christ by the Father, of life, which he compares with the manna,
Christ shall never abandon them, till he has the bread of Israel, Your fathers did cat
raised them up at the last day, and present- manna in the wilderness, which manna
ed them blameless and complete before his was an illustrious type of Christ Tbis
Father ; where they shall ever be with the both came down from heaven ; both were
Lord. freely given of God without any mentor
45 It is written in the prophets, de8ert ?f maD > 5°th m* ^^f^
And they shall be all taught of God. J£* £jhwl*^^
Every man therefore that hath heard, ^^ to al| ^ ^^ foi alt
and hath learned of the Father, poor amj neb. The manna, white in o>
cometh unto me. 46 Not that any four, so clear is our Lord's innocence}
man hath seen the Father, save he pleasant like honey, so sweet are his bene-
which is of God ; he hath seen the fits j beaten and broken before eaten, Chrirf
Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say un- 0Q, h» cross bleeding and dying ; J**
to you, He that believeth on me hath on]y in the *^*™+"* T£S£t™
J , * . rr as they came into the land of promae, »
everlasting life, sacraments shall vanish, when we enjoy
In these words our blessed Saviour con- the substance in heaven. But thoqgn
firms his former assertion, concerning the manna was thus excellent, yet £*****
Father's drawing, from the prophecies of of it were dead ; but such as feed upon
the Old Testament, which, speaking of the Christ, the bread of life, shall live eternally
lays of the Messias, foretold that persons in bliss and glory. I am the living bresd
should be taught of God to embrace the which came down from heaven : lf**!l
Messias; whence Christ inferreth, that man eat of this tread he shall In* J*
every one who is thus taught, shall come ever. Here we learn, 1. What a miaerahle
Chap. Vf. ST. JOHN. 48 L
creature man naturally is, in a pining and can have no evidence for. a life of grace,
starred condition* under the want of soul- nor title to a life of glory. This place
food. 2. That Jesus Christ is the food of some papists produce to countenance the
souls, which quickens them that are dead, doctrine of transubstantiation, and a bodily
and is unto the needy soul all that it can eating and drinking of Christ's flesh and
need ; such spiritual food as will prove a blood in the sacrament. But it is evident
remedy and preservative against death, both that Christ treats not of the sacrament in
spiritual and eternal. I am the living this chapter, for the sacrament was not
bread. now instituted ; therefore it is not a sacra-
52 The Jews therefore strove a- £ti^^
raong themselves, saying, How can ^ ^ves |ife t0,he eater; all that eat
this man give us his flesh to eat ? are saved, and all that do not eat are daran-
53 Then Jesus said unto them, ed. But this is not true of a sacramental
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ex- eating. Besides, this eating which Christ
cept ye eat the flesh of the Son of ■!*»** oft he makes absolutely necessary to
man, and drink his blood, ye have no fivation 5 ■"* f°.m« are ™*1 *« ™»"
iw*A :« ™*« &a mrtort «n*fl*k ,«., fed upon Christ in the sacrament, as John
Me in you. 54 Whoso eateth my ^ ^^ and the thfcf 0Q the CKJ88
flesh, and dnnketh my blood, hath j^y, if it ^ understood of a sacramental
eternal life ; and I will raise him up eating and drinking, woe be to the church
at the last day. 55 For my flesh is of Rome, for denying the cup to the laity ;
meat indeed, and my blood is drink because drinking of Christ's blood is here
indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, made as necessary as eating of his flesh, in
and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in **" ^^f"? Iifi% Except i", w '£
me. and I in him. 57 As the living 4SL°fJ lf°H °f >71' . TSii"
„ ', , ., . j » ■• i oto<m9 ye have no fife tn you. Observe
Father hath sent roe, and I live by farther, "The close and intimate union which
the Father ; so he that eateth me, js betwixt Christ himself, and those that
even he shall live by me. 58 This feed upon him: He that eateth mc9
is that bread which came down from dwelleth in me, and I in him. As meat
heaven : not as your fathers did eat is turned into the e*16^8 substance, so be.
manna, and are dead : he that eat- J£j» "t.P** 4becon?e °"V and b*
eth of this bread shall live for eve, gjj£ S^.^ So^
59 These things said he m the syna- ChriM dwelleth in them, and they in him :
gogue, as he taught in Capernaum, this is true of a spiritual feeding upon Christ,
Observe here. How the Jews, under- but not of a sacramental eating. Nay,
standing Christ after a carnal manner, were Christ carries it higher still, and tells us,
offended at what he had said : for they that there is a real union between the Fa-
thought, it was inhuman to eat man's flesh, ther and him ; and as the Father lives who
and could not understand how the body of sent him, having an eternal fountain of
Christ could in such a sense be food to all life in himself, and the Son lives by the
the world. Hence note, That carnal per- Father, having the same life communicated
sons pot a carnal sense upon Christ's spi- to him with his essence from the* Father ;
ritual words, and so occasion their own in like manner (says Christ) he that eateth
stumbling. But yet notwithstanding the me, the same shall live by me. All which
Jews' stumbling at our Saviour's expression, » certainly true of our spiritual feeding urjon
be doth not alter his words, but presseth Christ by faith ; but cannot be applied to
more and more the necessity of feeding a corporal feeding on him in the sacrament,
upon him by faith, in order to eternal life : *» the papists would have it.
Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, 60 Many therefore of his disci-
and drink his blood, ye have no life in p|e8f wnen thcy had heard this, said,
f °^ , U*7L!£™ 0^*' h T^^S this is an hard saying.; who can hear
Lord Jesus Christ is the true spiritual food u 7 „t ti/k— fL™ L„™ ;M k;m
of all believers. 2. That thoW, and only rtJ ®\? T • T J I
those, who by faith feed upon him, shall self that his disciples murmured at
obtain a life of grace and glory from him ; it, he said unto them, doth this of-
d we do but by faith feed upon him, we fend you ? .62 What and if ye shall
2 i
48* ST. JOHN. Chap. VI.
see the Son of man ascend up where Our biased Saviour having thus cleared
he was before ? °» . doctrine, that he was the bread of life
m. e . j » . , « . which came down from heaven, and that
The foregoing doctrine of our Saviour be ^ not t0 be carnally, but spiritually fed
concerning eating h» flesh and drinking ^ Uin, tella lheJews>that the
his blood, sounded so very harshly, that ^ ciose of their sturobliiig at thai doctrine,
not only the common multitude, but some WM meir ^onuice and unbelief: There
of them that had been his disciples, lha is, ore gome K that beUev€ not v
who had given up their names to follow whichplain^iingofoulble«ed Saviour^
him, could not tell how to bear it Our ^^ p^fes80I8 M whoUv for.
Saviour reproves their unjust stumbling at ^keJhim and accompanied no longer with
what he had said, that he was the bread him j^ 1^^ Yhat multitudes who
which came down from heaven ; and tells ^ , profe8sed Christ and his lioly re-
them, that his ascension into heaven should Vtgio * rdmw backf and fall from their
Sove the truth of his descent from heaven. pkfe*ion, and finally revolt from him. 2.
encewe learn, That Christ s arising from f»hatitisan evil heart of unbelief which
the grave, and ascending into heaven by causef mento de^ froin Christ, and to
his own power, is an evident proof of his ^^ shipwreck oT^ profession,
godhead, and that he really came down jfumt _/ ., _ . A. A ,
from heaven, in respect of his divine nature, ** Then said Jesus unto the twelve,
which condescended to be clothed with Will ye also go away ? 68 Then
our flesh. What and if ye shall tee the Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to
Son of man ascend up when he was before, whom shall we go? thou hast the
63 It is the Spirit that quickeneth; w<>rdsof eternal life. 69 And we
the flesh profiteth nothing: the believe and are sure that thou art
words that I speak unto you, they £a* Chr,8t* the *°n of *« ^"S
are spirit, and they are life. £od- 70 Jesus answered them
Have not I chosen you twelve, and
To convince the Jews that our Saviour 0|ie of you ig a devii ? 7 1 Hc spake
dri I potmean 1 a carnaland fleshly eating of j^ Iscariot tke #om of $imon .
of his body, he tells them, that such an e . .. ., , • , * . . ..
eating would profit nothing; but it is a [or. he >t was that should betray him,
spiritual eating of him by faith, that bring- »cm& onc of the twelve,
eth that quickening life of which he had Out Saviour finding many of bis nomi-
spoken. It is the Spirit, or divine nature, n*l disciples forsaking him, and departing
that quickeneth ; the flesh or human na- from him, asks his apostles, (the twelre}
ture alone, separated from his godhead, whether they would also go that way?
profiteth nothing, and can give no life, intimating that their departure would go
Learn hence, That it is the godhead of nearer to biro, than the departure of an
jChrist, united to the human nature, which the rest. The nearer they are, from
adds all virtue, efficacy, and merit, to thc whom we receive unkindnesses, the nearer
obedience and sufferings of the human do these unkindnesses go to our hearts :
nature. It is the Spirit, or divine nature w*u 3tou ali0* tht twehe, go away *
of Christ, that quickeneth ; the flesh, or peter, as the mouth, and in the name of the
human nature alone, profiteth nothing; rest, answers, That they knew none besides
and therefore the carnal eating of his flesh to whom they could go, and expect the
would do no good. happiness which they did from him. They
„* t> A *i_ * Ai * that go from Christ, can never hope to mend
64 But there are some of you that themselves, let them go whither they will ;
believe not. For Jesus knew from therefore 'tis as irrational, as it is sinful, to
the beginning who they were that be- depart from Christ, who hath the words*
lieved not, and who should betray that is, the promises, of eternal life. Ob-
bim. 65 And he said, Therefore serve lastly, St. Peter having made tWs pro-
satd I unto yon, That no man can fawon for himself and therest of the twelve,
*Am» t.M*«* ™~ A.ilan4 ;f mat^m^t „i„A„ that they would not depart from Jesus,
ZZ L V r ' I !C £ § e" "»x>» «*y Wi««J »° »* the true Mam*
«ntohim of my Father. M From the Son of God 5 Christ iniimatalo Peter,
that itaie many of his disciples went that his charity wu something too huge in
tack, and walked no more with him. promising so much for them all ; lor there
Chap, Vif. ST. JOHN: 488
was one traitor among them, whose heart observed in the month of September, after
was open to Christ as his face was to them ; they had gathered in the fruits of the earth ;
he meant it of Judas Iscariot, of whose per- whence it was also called the feast of
fidiousness he gave tbem warning at this ingathering. At this feast they went out
time. Learn hence, That tlie better any of their houses, and dwelt in booths seven
roan is in himself, the more charitable is days, in remembrance of their living in
the opinion which he has of others. Cha- tents or booths in the wilderness for forty
rity inclines to believe others good, till they years together, before they came to Canaan.
discover themselves to be bad. Learn, 2. Now the institution of this feast, being to
That Christ doth approve of our charitable call Israelites to remembrance of their former
judgment of others' sincerity, according to condition in the wilderness, teaches us how
what we hope and believe, though we hap- prone and ready we are to forget our trou-
pen to be mistaken, and our judgment is bles, and the mercies wherewith our troubles
not according to truth ! Christ knew Ju- have been sweetened, when once they are
das to be an hypocrite at this time, but past and over. The Jews when settled in Ca-
doth not reprove Peter for having a better naan, going out of their houses yearly, and
opinion of him than he deserved. Tis far dwelling in booths, did thereby testify, that
better to err on the charitable than on the present mercies had not made them forget
censorious hand ; *tis less offensive to former trials and troubles.
Christ, and less injurious to ourselves. _ „. __ . . r .,
' 3 His brethren therefore said un-
CHAP. VIT. to him, Depart bence, and go into
. ,-rcn Ai A. . * ii j Judea, that thy disciples also mav
A^^^^10^8"8^1^ ^ the works that thou doest. 4 For
in Galilee : for he would not there isno man Ma/doeth any thing
walk in Jewry, because the Jews in ^^ and he himself ^^ £
sought to kill him. ^ known openly. if thou do the8e
Our blessed Saviour knowing that the things, show thy self to the world. 5
sage of the chief priests and Pharisees in For neither did his brethren believe
Judea and at Jerusalem, was grown to that in him.
height, .that they were resolved to kill him; 0^ fa , Tfa ^ . fc
SSSff^rSS ftnl^?^?n^h! him' torender him9eIf ™>re famous and
mcKCen^hbt:" publicly known totheworld* they advise
'iSTLm SEL hf™ SbE and P°H0US country of Judea, and work
himself from danger, he was pleased mi 'S^u— Tint .h.t hie* n««,m,v.
• S^S- ™*7' k- : F miracles there. But what high presump-
to use tbe ordinary ^meaiisforhisownpreser- to was ^ fa creatureg to y^ £
^T ''JSTfa JfTaS an Jl f "a Chrkt, and direct him whither to go, and
J^^?^[^C^M^vUdhaeKd what to do! Observed. The reason they
himself out of the hands of his enemies by A«. f„r #Vs •„ .,*«;~/ v~ „~ «-« *iT.
a miraculous preservation ; but he uses the off" ' J* ^ "^ * For n0.11m?n that
orcuEry meanTwhen they would serve the Sf^Z^' t7?. t^Z
tonTAnd as he would not decline danger &^ft^^^ £ ?h° " 1™
when his hour was come, so would he not th?u*ht t0 tfkthe M«f .,as bv th* W.0I*IDS
i^LL •• _!r ;~r u * 22j ii miracles, do them not in a corner ; but go
^♦if™ 1 ""a "^ l^i? PFI>" °P to Jerusalem with us at the next feast,
dental means and methods for ms own ^ ^ men teke notice of
safety m and preservation. He would not lhem g *ch ^ hunt ftft J talion them-
r*Kffi 5 * *"* ^^ and are ambitiou8 of ^in-glory and
to aw atm. commendation from men, measure others,
2 Now the Jews* feast of taberna- even the most holy and religious, by their
cleu was at hand. own inclinations and dispositions ; and
wonder that others do not follow their
There were three great feasts which the measures for gaining reputation and respect.
Jews celebrated every year ; namely, the Thus did our Lord's brethren here ; but the
feast of the passover, the feast of pentecosr, wonder ceases, if we consider the following
and the feast of tabernacles. This last was words : Neither did his brethren believe
2 i 2
484 ST. JOHN. Chap. VII.
in him.' It i» do new thing for the holiest ing him: for some said. He is a
servants of God to meet with great trials good man : others said, Nay ; but
from their graceless friends. Christ met ne deceiveth the people. 13 How-
wilh this before us ; his kindred according ^^ no man gpake openly of him,
to the flesh not believing in him, were a f feaf of the Jewg
sore trial and temptation to nun* borne
martyrs have confessed, that the hardest Observe here, How our blessed Saviour,
work they have met withal, has been to who came to fulfil the law, goes up to
withstand the temptation, the tears, and Jerusalem at the Jewish feast, according to
entreaties of their dearest and nearest re- the command of God, Exod. xxiiL Three
lations. times a year shall all thy males appear
• j . *i_ hm before me. Christ, being made under the
6 Then Jesus said unto them, My ^ snoweth a punctual obedience to the
time is not yet come : but your jaw> ana fulfilled it in his own person. Ob-
time is klway ready. 7 The world serve, 2. The different opinions which the
cannot hate you ; but mc it hafeth, Jews at Jerusalem do express concerning
because T testify of it, that the works our Saviour : so m%^!rin^mmJ1nen^".
*vZ ^««> ««;f ft fin vp un unto "table character of being a good roan;
thereof are evil. 8 Go ye up unto ^ % ^^ rf
this feast : I go not up yet unto ^ . ^ d&a j^ we ^ when
this feast; for my time is not yet here' onr earth, passed through evil report
full come. 9 When he had said and good report. Is it any wonder to find
these words unto them, he abode the friends of Christ branded with infamy
still in Galilee. and reproach, when Christ himself passed
returned to hi. r.retbren's desires : he tells «™JW ^ ., N ^ y
them, that they might go up to the feast of g^/"r, /« ___#. *
Jerusalem whin they pleased, and as pub- decavetk the people.
Jicly : but it was not fit for him to appear 14 Now about the midst of toe
so publicly, because the doctrine which he feast Jesus went up into the temple,
taught was odious to the Pharisees, and the an(j taught. 15 And the Jews mar-
prevailing power at Jerusalem; he there- vcijeci gaying. How knoweth this
{ore resolves to go up privately, that he , ' °h . learned?
miehtnot str up the jealousy of the San- i»*» «««-«■» "• *
heoVim: but for them, they were out of 16 Jesus ^^^J?^^
danger of the world's hatred, for being the My doctrine is not mine, but Ins
children of it, the world would love its that sent me. 17 If any man will
own; but him it hated, because he re- do his will, he shall know of the doc -
? roved its sins. Where we may remark, trine, whether it be of God, or wke-
•hat though our Lord Jesus Christ was ^er I speak of myself. 18 He that
most freely willing and ready to lay down k £ of hlinself 9eeketh hi* own
his life for sinners, when the time was come 8Fca*cl" v -^k .a w irUrv
that God the Father called for it; yet he gl°ry '* but he that seeketh his glorv
would not expose his life to hazard and that sent him, the same is true, and
danger unseasonably. Teaching us by his no unrighteousness is in him.
example, as not to decline sufferings when Observe here, 1. Though Christ went up
God calls us to them; so not to tempt t0 jCTU8a|ero privately, lest he should stir up
God by running into them, when we may the j^io^y 0f the Pharisees against himself
inoflensively avoid them. Your time ts un8eas0nably ; yet went he into the temple,
always ready, mine is not yet come: and taugnt publicly. His example leaches
10 But when his brethren were us thus much, " That although the servants
gone up, then went he also up unto of Christ may forarime,aiid «««<»*•
iu-tJil ™* rtn.nlv K.»* <ia it wPiv withdraw themselves from apprehended dan-
the feast, not openly, but as it were when God calU them to appear
in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought J* L they mu8t do it courageously, with-
him at the feast, and said, Where is out ghrmiung, though the danger be still im-
he ? 12 And there was much mur- pending.** Jesus went up to Jerusalem, en-
muring among the people concern- teted the temple, and taught. Observe, 2.
Chap. VII. ST. JOHN. 48*
So admirable waiour holy Lord's doctrine, ses, but of the fathers ;) and ye or*
that the Jewjmarvelled how he should come the sabbath-day circumcise a man.
totheknowledge of such divine mysteries, 33 If a maQ JA gabbath.day rc_
considering the meanness of his education. • ,, . .. . J -
They were struck with admiration, but they ™ye circumcision, that the law of
wanted faith ; whereas the least degree of M<>ses should not be broken ; are
saving faith is beyond all admiration with- ye angry at mc, because I have made
aut it Observe, 3. Our Lord vindicates a man every whit whole on the sab-
his doctrine, telling the Jews, that the doc* bath-day ?
nine he delivered was not his own ; that is,
not of his own inventing and devising. It . Observe here, 1. That our Lord, having
was no contrivance of his, nor was it taught indicated his doctrine in the former verses,
him by men; but received by him immediate- f0™? now .to vindicate his practice in
ly from the Father, whose ambassador and dealing the impotent roan on the sabbath-
great prophet he was. Again, when Christ dav» «*J whlclJ the Jews sought his life,
says, My doctrine is not mine, that is, not ■» a violation of the fourth commandment
only mine, but my Father's and mine. gven bY Moscs- *** Saviour tells thorn,
For as be was God eqoal with the Father, Jhat» notwithstanding their pretended zeal
so he naturally knew all his counsels ; and [or *he [aw of Mo9e»» lhey more notoriously
as man, had knowledge thereof by commu- b?°*e the Jjf^h commandment, by going
nicatiou from his Godhead.— Learn hence, f^ut to kill him, an innocent person, than
That the doctrine of the gospel is a doc- Je had broken the fourth commandment
trine wholly from God: he contrived it, hy making a man whole on the sabbath-
and sent his own Son into the world to dav- Hence learn, That it is damnable
publish and reveal it. Christ was sent, hypocrisy when men pretend a treat zeal
and ha doctrine was not bis own, but his for the 81M of othere» and <*o allow and
that seat him. Observe, 4. A double rule {™?*te wone in themselves. This is for
given by our Saviour, whereby the Jews }Pc,r practice to give their profession the
might know, whether the doctrine he ,ie : tbe JeW8 condemn our Saviour for a
preached were the doctrine of God. First, apposed breach of the fourth command-
If a man walk uprightly, and doth tbe will n**1 5 1whllsJ tnf VL « guilty themselves of
of God in the best manner according to his J*"1 breach _J «* 8,x!h commandment.
knowledge : If any man will do his will, °°8Trc' 2' T™ ^ominy and reproach
ke shall know of my doctrine whether it whl*h J* Jews fix upon our blessed Saviour
be of God. There is no such way to find JP tbe Jjk*4 ° f the,r "B?f and fury against
m* truth as by doing tbe will of God. hlft1 : P™ hast a d™L Jhe King of
The second rule, by which they might »«•» » heaven, as well as the whole host
know that his doctrine was from God, was of *mt* "J earth, b" **en frequently
this. Because he sought his Father's glory, S?1^ *» deeply wounded with reproach.
and not his own, in the delivery of it : He C£mt was reproached for our sake, and
that seeketh his glory that sent him9 the wben we are reproached for his sake, be
same is true. Hence learn, That the na- ,akee «» reproach as his own. Moses'
tore and scope of that doctrine which Christ rcPr~ch *■■ ™ rcp^ch of Christ, He b.
delivered, eminently tending not to promote x,'2°- And " ?tf??ed xi* l*******
bis own private glory, but the glorifying ^b,cn ™» now enrich him with its worth,
of his Father, is an undoubted proof and ^an press him with its weight : Esteeming
knee that his doctrine was of God. #' reproach of Christ greater riches
._-.., A «. ., than the treasures of Egypt. Observe,
19 Did not Moses give you the 3, The wonderfu, meeknS of Christ, in
law, and yet none of you keepeth the passing over this reproach and calumny,
law ? Why go ye about to kill me ? without one word of reply. Guilt is com-
20 Tbe people answered and said, monly clamorous and impatient, but inno-
Tbou hast a devil : who goeth about cence is silent and regardless of misreports.
to kill thee? 21 Jesus answered pur &viour is not at the pains of a word
...... .1 1 to vindicate himself from their impotent
ami said unto them I have done ^^ ,„ with hjt dJ8C^r8ef
one work, and ye all marvel. 22 and ^xfas his own action, in healing a
Moses therefore gave unto you cir- man on the sabbath-day, from the Jews'
eurocision, (not because it is of Mo- own practice in circumcising their children
48*
ST. JOHN. Chap. Vlt.
on that day, if it happen to be the eighth saying, Ye both know me, and ye
day: and the argument runs thus; " If know whenc# I am : and 1 am not
circumcision may be administered to a comc of myself, but he that sent me
child on the sabbath-day, which is a servile j8 true> whom ve know not. 29 But
kind of work and bodily exercise, without j knQW him /for i am from him,
blame or censure, why must IMwte d fc hath ^ me. 30 Then they
censure, for healing a man on the sabbath- * .- .. . b t
day, thoroughly and perfectly, only by a sought to take nun. nui no
word speaking?" Hence learn, That the laid hands on him, because to
law of doing good, and relieving the mi- hour was not yet come. 31 Awr
serable at all times, is a more ancient and many of the people believed on him,
excellent law, than either that of the sab- an(j gai(jf When Christ cometh, will
bath rest, or of circumcision upon the eighth he jQ more miracles than these
day. A ritual law must and ought to give fa. fc hi h th don€ ?
nkce to the law of nature, which is written i™**" wu* ■•"
S e^ man\ hit. As if our Lord had Our biased Saviour having vmd«strf
said -If vou may wound a man bycir- both his doctrine and practice, andappor-
cumcision on the £bbath-day, may 1 not ed publicly in the temple, and^^
heal one > If you may heal on that day boldly there, the people of fenta
o?e member of the circumcW, may I not knowing the hatred and enmity rffeeW
make a man whole every whit? If you priests and rulers HP*"*Jj^ * "J?
be at pains to cure such a one with your that they did not apprehend him. fcara,
hand, may not I without pains cure a man 1. Almighty God doth and can mm
with the word of my mouth ?" his own, in the faithful discharge of tto
24 Judge not according to the duty, in such an admirable ■»>«**
^^3 h..t iudcre rbrhteous even their enemies themselves may ^ooder
appearance, but judge ngtiteous ^ ^ ^ ^^y^ with iL o^
judgment. 2 Tne argument which the Jews aged
From the foregoing argument Christ .^ ^s^oux's being Christ, and the
draws an inference or conclusion, That ■ ^ MeB8i|ia> namel that they ***
there is no making a judgment according Ymhtnste he waSf whereas, vhcn the Afo-
to the first appearance of things } and that j&f cawWA# „„ mflW ,Aatf £»<« wfc**
suddenness or rashness, prejudice or parti- he ^ nQW feerein ^ ^ a mamfet
ality, in judging, overthrows righteous untroth. for though Christ, in respect ofha
judgment. This is the general application -^hasi was prefigured by Mefchi«edek,
of what Christ had said before: and the ^ho ^ Wlth^ father or mother, without
particular application of it, as to himself, descent (that ^ without any that the
comes to this, Judge not according to ap- KTiviwe mentions ;) yet in respect of to
pearance, but judge righteous judgment : Yummi nature, the Jews might know
as if Christ had said, " Lay aside your wheQCe he was ; for the scripnue jMy
prejudices against my person, and compare . ^ QvX the ^^ the fcuiiily, thelw
these cases attentively and impartially with £~ and the lace 0f his birth. Obserw.
one another ; and then see whether you 37^^ Christ, being grieved at this mj-
can justly condemn me as a sabbath-breaker ^^ cavil> dotft ^y UDto jt with much
and
feet
that ubwuhi«u«uiu.umu„.u«-.v — We l«/jcr tnatu,: ».- ^- ..
reason and judgment of his very enemies. Tntt ^ „ You know me as a man, wnae
25 Then said some of them of l wasborn, and of what family I «» '• j*
Jerusalem, Is not this he whom they you ^now not my divine nature, nortw
seek to kill ? 26 But, lo, he speak- Father from whom I am by etenrt 1 g«£
eth boldly, and they say nothing ration, and who hath sent «*£,
unto him. Do the rulers know in- world/* Observe ^J^J^Jr
deed that this is the very Christ? ggjj » ta men ^°*jj
27 Howbeitweknowthismanwhence KJ^^
he is : but when Christ cometh, no er and providence of God restrain*
man knoweth whence he is. 28 Then tnem for the present, because his une*0
cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, suffer was not yet come Hence &*">
Chap. VII. ST. JOHN. , 487
That violence and persecution against the era and professors of it, than the success
faithful dispensers of the truths of God, which the gospel at any time meets with,
have been the lot and portion of such in all * Observe, 2. Our Saviour tells them, that as
ages and generations : Christ experienced they desired to be rid of him, so ere lone
it ; let his ministers expect it 5. That they should have their desire : be would
although the rulers at Jerusalem were angry leave them, and go to his Father, and in
and enraged, yet the meaner and inferior his absence they would wish for his bodily
sort of people believed on him, being con- presence again, but should not have it,
vioced by the wonderful miracles which Learn, The despisers of Christ have little
he had wrought amongst them, that he was cause to be weary of him, and to seek, to
the true and promised Messias. For, say put him away by violence and persecution :
they, whenever the Messias comes, he for their obstinate contempt of him will
cannot do greater and more evident mi- cause him to depart from them, and finally
ractes than this man hath done. Learn to forsake them. Observe, 3. How the
hence, That although the grace of God be Jews, not understanding our Saviour's
pot insured to, or entailed upon, any sort words aright, reasoned among themselves
of people; yet ordinarily it is the meaner whether, by leaving of them, he meant to
tort of people with whom it prevails most go into some pagan country, and teach the
Many of the common people at Jerusalem GentiJes the mysteries of the Jewish reli-
were believing, when the rulers there were gion ; which above all things they could not
persecuting : men that live in pleasure and endure to hear. Learn hence, That it is
at ease, see no need of dependence upon the ordinary sin of a people privileged with
God ; have little inclination or desire to the means of grace, not to be sensible of
further the gospel, and to encourage either the hazard or danger of Christ's leaving
the dispensers or professors of it, nay, it is and forsaking them ; till at last he forsakes
well if they do not turn persecutors. them finally, and casts them off to their
_. _. . , , , inevitable and unutterable condemnation.
82 The Pharisees heard that the Thus did our Lord deal with the Jews
people murmured such things con- here: I go my way, and whither I go ye
cerning him : and the Pharisees cannot come.
and the chief priests sent officers Am « .. . . « . A
to take him. 33 Then said Jesus »7 In the last day that great jfotf
unto them, Yet a little while I am of *he ff*st' JeBUS 8t^ *n* 4C™0»
with you, and then I go unto him "J1"* ]f anJ ™a" .tlVret' let him
that sent me. 34 Ye shall seek come unto me, and drink.
me, and shall not find me : and The feast of tabernacles (which is the
where I am, thither ye cannot come, feast here meant) lasted eight days; the
36 Then said the Jews among them- first and last of which were to be kept holy
selves, Whither will he go, that we *»th religious assemblies and sacrifices ;
shall not find him ? will he go unto Md * wai1tt ^^ ""^ the ***** UP;
the dispersed among the Gentiles, on, ** ~le"mI **.* J* «P a P<* <*
a * i. *u r> *-i a oa wu 1 ml* roto God, which they drew out of
and teach the Gentiles ? 36 What lhe fountain ofSiloam: with reference to
manner of saying is tins that he this custom, Christ here cries with a loud
said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not voice, inviting the people to fetch and
find me : and, where 1 am, thither draw from him, as from a living fountain,
ye cannot come ? *U the sanctifying gifts and savinggraces of
the Holy Spirit. Learn hence, That Jesus
Observe here, 1. How enraged the Phari- Christ is the original and fountain of all
sees were, when they heard that so many of saving grace, whom if we thirst after, repair
the common people were brought to believe to, and by faith depend upon as Medi-
m Christ, and to cleave unto Christ, inso* ator, we shall certainly receive what in-
much that they sent public officers, armed fluences of grace soever we want and stand
with authority to apprehend our blessed in need of.
Saviour : The Pharisees and chief priests ^ „ , KMieveth on me as
sent officers to take him. Learn thence, ™ He that believeUi on me as
That nothing more enrages the enemies of the scripture hath said, out of his
, and draws trouble on the preach- belly shall flow rivers of living water.
488
ST. JOHN.
Chap. Vlf.
Here again Christ alludes to a Jewish
custom : the Jews were wont at fountains
to build great vessels of stone, and in the
midst or belly of them to have pipes,
through which the water passed ; " Now,
(says Christ,) thus shall it be with every
one that belie veth on me; he shall be
abundantly filled with the Spirit of God,
in all the sanctifying and saving graces of
it" Christ and his holy Spirit are a living
fountain, whose waters never fail ; they
are not a water-brook, but a spring of wa-
ters ; we shall never miss of the waters of
life, if we seek unto, and wait upon, Christ
for them : For if we believe on him, out
of our deify shall flow riven of living
water, sufficient for ourselves, and where-
with to refresh others.
39 (But this spake he of the
Spirit, which they that believe on
him should receive : for the Holy
Ghost was not yet given ; because
that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
These words are the evangelist St. John's
commentary upon the foregoing promise;
he tells us, that Christ spoke this of the mi-
raculous gifts of the Spirit, which did ac-
company the descent of the Holy Ghost, at
the feast of Pentecost. For the Holt/
Ghost was not yet given ; that is, not sc
plentifully given : Because Jesus was not
yet glorified* Learn hence, That although
the Spirit was in some measure given by
' God from the beginning to good men, yet
the more plentiful effusion of it was defer-
red till the ascension and glorification of
Jesus Christ.
40 Many of the people therefore,
when they heard this saying, said,
Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41
Others said, This is the Christ.
But some said, Shall Christ come out
of Galilee? 42 Hath not the scrip-
ture said, That Christ cometh of
the seed of David, and out of the
town of Bethlehem, where David**
was ? 43 So there was a division
among the people, because of him.
44 And some of them would have
taken him ; but no man laid hands
on him*
In these verses an account is given of the
various effects which our Lord's foregoing
sermon had upon his hearers' hearts: some
so aftcted with it. that they believed
him to be the great prophet promised to Is-
rael, Deut. xviii. 18. Others apprehended
him to be the Christ; ouien contradict both,
supposing him to be born, not at Bethle-
hem, but in Galilee. And upon this di-
versity of opinions, there arose a division
amongst them ; and some had a mind to
have apprehended him, but by an over-
ruling providence they were restrained from
the doing of it at present. Learn hence,
That diversity of opinions in matters of re-
ligion, even concerning Christ himself, have
been even from the beginning. Some ac-
counted him a prophet, others the Messiah ;
some thought him neither, but a grand im-
postor and deceiver. Our dear Lord, when
here on earth, passed through evil report
and good report ; let his followers expect
and prepare for the same: for innocence
itself cannot protect from slander and false
accusation.
46 Then came the officers to the
chief priests and Pharisees ; and
they said unto them, Why have ye
not brought him ? 46 The officers
answered, Never man spake like this
man. 47 Then answered them the
Pharisees, Are ye also deceived!
48 Have any of the rulers or of the
Pharisees believed on him ? 40
But this people, who knoweth not the
law, are cursed.
Observe here, 1. How God restrained the
rage and malice of Christ's enemies, till his
hour was come : the officers of the chief
priests, who were sent forth with a com-
mission to apprehend him, returned with-
out him j but with this honourable mention
of him in their mouths. Never man spake
like this man. Such is the power of
Christ* s doctrine, that even those that come
unto it with prejudice, and with a perse-
cuting purpose, may be surprised by it, and
though not converted, yet bridled and re-
strained. The preaching of the gospel doth
sometimes restrain the violence of the hand,
when it works no change in or upon the
heart. Thus it was with these poor officers.
Observe, 2. That the Pharisees being more
enraged at the reason which the officers
gave for neglecting their office, than for the
neglect itself, upbraid them that they should
suffer themselves to be so deceived, where-
as none of the grandees, or learned tabbies,
had owned him ; only an accursed crew of
ignorant people followed him, and doted oa
1
Chap. VIII. ST. JOHN. 480
Here note, That when Christ came temple, and all the people came
into the world, the great ones of the world unto him ; and he sat down, and
not only refused to believe on hiro, but fought them. v
boasted of their unbelief, as an argument f
of their wisdom. Have any of the rulers The foregoing chapter gave us an account
believed on him .* O no, they were too of * «"»* excellent sermon, which our Sa-
wise to believe ! Faith is left to fools, and ™ur preached in the temple, at the feast of
accounted foUy by those wise men. Nay, tabernacles. Now tbe feast being ended,
ftuther, they count tbe common people Jesus did not tarry in the city all night ;
coned, who did believe on Christ O pro- }>u* went out of it two miles, as he frequent-
digiots stupidity ! to account them accursed, ty u** to do, to the mount of Olives. And
who received Jesus Christ the chiefest bless- although it was so dangerous for him to be
ing. Great men have not always the wis- **«* any more in Jerusalem, yet early tbe
dom of a man, but more seldom have they next morning he returns again to the city,
the wisdom of a real christian. Great in cntera tne temple, and falls upon his work
honour, wise in understanding, are a sweet ?f P^*"?*' without fe*r» an<* w»tb de-
couple, but seldom seen together. fatigable diligence. O what a busy, useful
life was this of our Saviours! He spent the
60 Nicodemus saith unto them, day in preaching in the temple, the night
(he that came to Jesus by night, m. privacy and prayer on the mount of
L>;u *n*> *f *u~m \ r-i nA*k«„, Olives : and the next morning he returns to
being one of them,) 61 Doth our hu wQ£ of hi a^ *Thus WM he
law judge any man before it hear always hoi ilv and painfully employed. To
bim, and know what he doeth ? 52 glorify his father, and to be useful and be-
They answered and said unto him, neficial to mankind, was his food by day,
Art thou also of Galilee ? Search, and bis rest by night. Lord, how little do
and look : for out of Galilee arise th we resemble thee, if, when thy life was all
no prophet. 53 And every man P*in an* labour» oura ** d\ pastime, plea-
went unto his own house. 8ure- "* «»*»•
Here observe, 1. How God stirs upNi- . 3 A"d ^scribes and Pharisees
codernos, though he durst not openly own brought unto him a woman taken in
Chrat, yet to plead for bim, that he might adultery; and when they had set
not be condemned before heard ; this was her in the midst, 4 They say unto
a common rule of justice, and nothing but him, Master, this woman was taken
what might have been said on behalf of in adultery, in the very act. 5
the greatest malefactor ; he could not ^ow Moses in the law commanded
weU have said less ; but God so ordered it, th t guch lh ,d ^ 8toned . but
that it was enough to divert the storm from .' . , .• . . Q rp.- #.
WHng upon Christ at this time. One word wl?at ■**«* ^ ? « ™ls ^
shall be sufficient to blow over a persecu- sald tempting him, that they might
tkn, when God will have it so. Observe, have to accuse him. But Jesus
2. They answer Nicodemus with a taunt, a stooped down, and with At* finger
nock,aod a scorn, that no prophet ever did wrote on the ground, as though he
« out of Gal ifee, nor ever should. There- heard them not. 7 So when they
fore Chnst, arising ont of Galilee, as they contjnued asking him, he lifted up
ia^ll^ mSTano ^-If, and J| unto them, l£
mote entagedTyet they disperse without that is without sin amoug you, let
concluding any thing against Christ, for him first cast a stone at her. 8 And
that time every one went to his own home, again be stooped down and wrote ort
There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor the ground. 0 And they which
counsel, against the Ix>rd. heard t7, being convicted by their
rvAT> vm own conscience, went out one by
chat. viu. one^ bcgjnnmg at tne eldest, even
JESUS went unto the mount of unto the last : and Jesus was left
Olivet. 2 And early in the alone, and the woman standing in
morning, he came again into the the midst. 10 When Jesus had
480 ST. JOHN. Ch*p..Vm.
lifted up himself, and saw none but vantage of the conhadiction to curiam
the woman, he saith onto her, Wo- Cbrirt. Obwve, 5. The «^><>c»
• iL Ai_' tion of our Lords answer : he doth not ex*
man, wherer arc those thine accu- ™{^ime, but bids her accows look
sers ? Hath no man condemned ^ horoe> and examine their own con-
thee ? 11 She said, No man, Lord, gcjences, whether they were not guilty of
And Jesus said unto her, Neither the like, or as great a sin. He doth not'say,
do I condemn thee : go, and sin no " Let her be stoned ;" this had been against
more the coarse of his mercy : he doth not say,
" Let her not be stoned ;" this had been
Our Saviour early in the morning entering against the law of Moses; but he so aa-
upon the work of preaching ; Observe, 1. gwera, that both his justice and his mercy
What a mixed auditory he had, of scribes, are entire ; she dismissed, and they ashamed.
and Pharisees, and common people. All it is a false teal that is eagle-eyed abroad,
sorts of persons came to hear him, but not and blind at home. Such as are moat wick-
all with the same intentions. The com- ed themselves, are oft-times most ready aod
raon people came to learn, but the scribes skilful to spy out the faults aod failings of
and Pharisees came to cavil and carp ; the others : we stand too near ourselves to da-
latter came to tempt and ensnare him, the cem 0ur own miscarriages. The eye that
former to be taught and instructed by biro. 9BeA every thing, sees not itself. Observe,
It is not our bare attendance upon ordi- (j. Though Christ abhorred the sin, yet be
nances, but the purity of our aim, and the does not condemn the sinner. Haik no
sincerity of our intentions, in waiting upon man condemned thee f neither do I con-
God in them, that is an evidence of our sin- demn thee9 says Christ. This Christ said,
cerity. Observe, 2. How the hypocrisy of not to excuse the woman, or to conniie st
these Pharisees was gilded over with an ap- her offence ; but to show that he declined
pearance of sanctity : as if they were great the office of a civil judge, which was to
lovers of chastity, and haters of unclean* pass sentence on criminals. He therefore
ness, they bring to Christ a woman taken in doth not say, No man ought to coodemo
adultery, to be censured by biro. One that thee, but, Hajth no man condemned thee ?
had not known these Pharisees, would have Christ doth not execute the office of a ma-
concluded them very holy and honest, very gistrate in judging her to death; butofs
conscionable and conscientious persons; but minister, in calling her to repentance sod
Christ, who saw into their bosoms, soon reformation. How ought every oneof a to
found that all this was done only to tempt keep within the bounds of our calling, when
him. Thus a smooth tongue and a false our Saviour himself will not intrench anon
heart often accompany one another : when the office and functions of others ! Ob-
we see a glittering appearance, we have rea- genre lastly, Our Saviour's cautionary df-
son to suspect the inside. Observe, 3. The rection to this adulteress : Go, and *m no
punishment which the Pharisees sought to more. Where note, Christ doth not say,
have inflicted on this adulteress : it is death : Go, and commit adultery no more; but,
Let her be stoned. Sometimes the punish- Go, and sin no more. It is not a partial re-
ment of adultery was burning, sometimes pentance, or a turning away from this or
stoning, always death. Lord ! how ought that particular sin, which will denominate
christians to blush, who have slight thoughts us true penitents, or entitle us to the pr-
of the sin of adultery, which both Jews and • doning mercy of God, but a leaving off all
Pagans held ever deadly ! Observe, 4. gin of what kind soever ; therefore says
Their ensnaring question : Moses command- Christ, Go, and tin no more.
ed such should be stoned; but what safest . t
thou * The Pharisees desire no better ad- 12 Then spake Jesus again unto
vantage against Christ, than a contradiction them, saving, I am the light otinc
to Moses their, lawgiver : it has been an old world : he that followetb me shall
stratagem to set Mosea and Christ at va- not walk in darkness, but shall have
riance ; but they are fast friends ; they are the ij_nt 0f life. 13 The Pharisees
subordinate one to another, not opposed thererore said unto hirn, Thou bearest
one against another. Moses brings us to , - ., ir.*u.. MAanI la not
Christ^ and Christ to glory; fain would record of thyself; thy record wnot
these colleaguing adversaries draw Christ to t"ie. 14 Jesus answered and saw
contradict Moses, that they might take ad- unto them, Though I bear recoro
Chap. VIII. ST. JOHN. • 401
of myself, yet my record is true : judge no man ; that is, at present. My
for I know whence I came, and whi- P^per work is not to condemn any, but
ther I go ; but ye cannot tell whence tof teach *«» *» W ?J*ni <>£<* » *at
I coJaad JLithej -1 go, 15 Ye trtMiSTu-^ffTS
judge after the flesh; 1 judge no next coming will be to judge and condemn
man. 16 And yet if I judge, my it. Observe, 4. Christ declares that he is
judgment is true ; for I am not alone, not alone in the testimony given of himself,
but I and the Father that sent me. but that the Father did also testify and bear
17 It is also written in your law, witness of him, and that according to their
That the testimony of two men is own law, the ^imony of two was always
»—~ -id i teM *jL »k.i k— ~ «,;♦ accounted and esteemed valid. " Now,
true. 18 1 am one that bare wit- ayg ChHftf if ^ much wei h, ^ |0 ^
ness of myself, and the Father ^a upon ^ testimony of two men, how
that sent me beareth witness of me. much more forcible should the testimony
19 Then said they unto him, Where of the Father, and of him whom the Father
is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye bath sent, be, to satisfy you, that what I
neither know me, nor my Father: »y of myself is truer Learn hence, 1.
if ye had known me, ye should have ™* the pathf «* 'he *»; ™ough one
knV>«.~ m« i?a*k*.. Ii«« on Tk~«* m essence and operation, yet are distract
known my Father also 20 These 8 2 Th£ thaje ^.^ M
words spake Jesus in the treasury, did bear joint witness concerning Christ.
aa he taught in the temple : and no God the Father testified of him by a voice
man laid hands on him ; for his from heaven ; and Christ, as God, bare
hour was not yet come. witness of himself as Man, and as Mediator.
Surely out of the mouth of two such wit-
Our blessed Saviour having baffled the nesses, the truth of Christ's divine mission
design which the Pharisees had upon him, is sufficiently established.
and showed a spirit of divine wisdom, in 0i tk«« <.«;/< !«=..- ««.*:« ..«*~
delivering himself from that, snare which A 21 Jhen 8aid Jesu.8 a*»mll ,,nt?
tbey bad laid for him, he returns to in- thero> l S°ml way: and J* .sha" s*ck
struct the people in the treasury. And tne> and shall die in your sins : whi->
here note, 1. He instructs them in the na- ther I go, ye cannot come. 22 Then
ture of his office, which was to enlighten said the Jews, Will he kill himself ?
all men with the knowledge of divine truth $ because he saith, Whither I go, ye
so that they should not walk in darkness, cannot come. 23 And he said unto
either of sm «^^M **">** thcin Ye are from beneath; lam
l,fc .I^bence, That the peat end and f b f fc| ; ,rf
errand of .Christ's coming into the world, "v 7^; f. ** :' " . . !
was to give light unto poor souls that sat * am not of this world. 24 I said
m darknftt. Observe, 2. The exception therefore unto you, That ye shall die
which the Pharisees made against our Sa- in your sins : for if ye believe not I
toot's testimony of himself: Thou bearest that I am Ae, ye shall die in your
record of thyself: thy record is not true. gins.
Indeed, such a the corrupt nature of
man, which is prone to seek itself, and Observe here, A dreadful threatening
boat after vain-glory, that it may render a denounced by Christ against the obstinate
person's testimony of himself suspected; and unbelieving Jews, Ye shall die in your
but Christ being true God, that cannot lie, sins ; that is, in the guilt of your sins,
and coming out of the bosom of his Father, under the power, and undergoing the pun-
as his ambassador, his testimony of himself ishment, of your sins. Lord, what a sad
is above all exception, and ought to be word is this, Ye Shall die in your sins I
credited without farther proof. Observe, O better is it a thousand times to die in a
3. How Christ challenges his enemies the ditch ; for they that die in their sins, shall
Pharisees for judging carnally of him, and rise in their sins, and stand before Christ in
according to the meanness of his outward their sins : such as lie down in sin in tho
appearance, whereas he judged no man ; grave, shall have sin lie down with them
f hat is, 1st, No man, as they judged, ac- m hell to all eternity. The sins of believers
cording to outward show. Or, 2dly, / go to the grave before them, sin dielh
4ga ST. JOHN. Chap. VUt.
while they live : but the sins of unbelievers that they could not but say, Verily this
go to the grave with them. While they was the Son of God.
five they are dead in sin ; and by sin they 29 And he that sent me is with
fall into death; from which there is no me . t||e Father hath not left me
recovery unto life. ObKn* 2- 1 ** { f , do alway8 thoie things
grand sin for which this great punishment "*™ J . . J
is threatened ; and that is, the sin of unbe- that please him.
lief: If ye believe not that I am he, ye That is, He that sent and commissioned
shall die in your sins. Plainly intimating, me for the great work of redemption, he a
that, of all iin, infidelity or unbelief is the continually with me, both to assist sod to
grand damning sin under the gospel. The accept me, I doing every thing that is
devil hath as great an advantage upon men, agreeable to his holy will and pleasure.
by making them strong in unbelief, as God Hence learn, 1. That the work of redemp.
hath by making his people strong in faith, tion, in the hands of Jesus Christ, was a
Unbelief renders a sinner's case desperate work well pleasing to God the Father; the
and incurable; it doth not only procure work itself was highly pleasing to him;
damnation, but no damnation like it. and Christ's way of managing it was well*
-. «„ pleasing also. 2. That the reason why it
25 Then said they unto him, Who ^ thug well-pleasing to God, was, because
art thou ? And Jesus saith unto he acted in a constant conformity to his
them, Even the tame that I said un- Father's will, kept to his Father's conuwV
to you from the beginning. 2?6 I sion, and executed his Father's commands,
have manv things to say, and to doing ^\^Jh^'l^Z
Judge of you : but he that sent me ^ ^£^£^t
is true ; and I speak to the world . of the divi£ eBcnce . w thc Fatte
those things which I have heard ot was a|wtty8-with Christ as Mediator, both
him. 27 They understood not that t0 support and to uphold him, to accept
he spake to them of tbe Father, and to reward him. The Father bath not
28 Then said Jesus unto them, left me alone, either in the doing of hs
When ye have lifted up the Son of will, or in the suffering of his pteaw*.
man, then shall ye know that I am ^™, 4 That those who desire Mh g*
inau, Hiui b«» j ftncj gpecial presence of God wnn
he, and f hat I do nothing of myself ; them fa a„ ^J^ particularly in tk»
but as my Father hath taught roe, I of suffering, and trouble, they roust make
speak these things. it their care and study to please God, and
to observe his will in all things ; then God
The Jews hearing our Saviour's denounc- wijj ^ witn tnem in his guiding presence,
ing such a terrible threatening against them, in nig strengthening presence ; in ha com*
because they believed not on him, in the fortmg, in his quickening, in his sane-
foregoing verses; here they perversely ask tifying, sympathizing, and accepting pre-
lum, Who he was ? Our Saviour replies, sence.
That he was the same that he was from the _ A . . . . _,_
beginning, even the very Christ, and that 30 As he spake these words, ma
they were the very same that they were ny believed on him. 31 Then saw
also, the mortal enemies and opposers of Jesus to those Jews which believed
the truth. But that the time was hastening, 0n him, If ye continue in my word,
when they should be fully convinced who ^^ are yemy disciples indeed : 82
he was ; namely, when they had lifted him And shajj kmwr the tnlth, and
op upon his cross, when he was risen again, , f, , . „ _0t__ „ftlI f^
and ascended into heaven, and brought that the trutlt sha11 make J00 "*• A
destruction upon them which he had so Observe here, 1. The blessed fruit and
often threatened. Learn hence, That the success of our Saviour's foregoing discourse
sufferings of Christ were clear and con- concerning his person and office. At A*
vincing demonstrations, both who he was, spake these words, many believed on km i
and what ho was. The darkening of the not by their own natural power and ability,
sun, the quaking of the earth, the rending but by Christ's omnipotent and efficacious
of the rocks, the opening of the graves, grace : he that spake to the ear, caused hs
were such convincing proofs of his deity, word to reach the heart ; Christ himself
Chap. VIII. ST. JOHN. 403
that planted and watered, gave also the tolerate himself in a sinful course, he is
increase. Observe, 2. The love and care under the servitude and thraldom of sin.
of Christ mentioned to these new converts ; Every sinner is a bond-slave ; and to live
he watereth immediately these plants with in sin, is to live in slavery. And this
wholesome advice and counsel : If ye con- every man doth till the Son makes him
tinue in my word, then are ye my disci- free ; then, and not till then, is he free
pies indeed. Where note, It must be indeed. Leam hence, That interest in
Christ's word, the true doctrine of the gos- Christ, and continuance in his doctrine,
pel, and this abided and continued in, sets the soul at liberty from all that bond-
which will evidence our discipleship. Ob- age whereunto it was subject in its natural
serve, 3. A special privilege which shall and sinful state. O happy exchange, from
follow upon abiding in the doctrine of being the devil's slave, to become Christ's
Christ : they shall increase in the know, freeman ; and also freed from the rigorous
ledge of it, and be made free by it. Ye exactions and terrible maledictions of the
shall know the truth, and the truth shall law.
make you free. Where note, That man is t%m - , ... * ■ ■ ,
naturally in bondage and captivity, by s] I know that ye are Abrahams
blindness of mind, by hardness of heart, seed : but ye seek to kill me, be-
by rebellion of will. 2. That the means cause my word hath no place in you.
appointed by God for setting hiin at liberty 38 I speak that which I have seen
from this captivity and bondage, is the with my Father ; and ye do that
word of Christ, and the doctrine of the which ye have seen with vour fa.
gotpd. The truth shall make you free. ther ^ They an8Were(, and 8ai(j
33 They answered him, We be unto him, Abraham is our father.
Abraham's seed, and were never in Jesus saith unto them, If ye were A-
bondage to any man : how sayest braham's children, ye would do the
thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 works of Abraham. 40 But now
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, ye seek to kill me, a man that hath
I say unto you, Whosoever commit- told you the truth, which I have
teth sin, is the servant of sin. 3d heard of God: this did not Abra-
And the servant abideth not in the ham.
house for ever : but the Son abideth The Jews boasting again that they were
ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall Abraham's seed, and bearing themselves
make you free, ye shall be free much uP°n u» our Saviour tells them, he
indeed knew they were so, his natural children ac-
* cording to the flesh ; but not his genuine
Observe here, How these carnal Jews children according to the spirit. This he
understand all that our Saviour said, to be proves, because they did not tread in Abra-
spoken in and after a carnal manner : when ham's steps, and do his works j for if either
he spake to them before, of eating his the temper of their minds, or the actions of
fleshy and drinking his blood, they under- their lives, were agreeable to Abraham, they
stand it grossly of bis natural body. When would not seek, as they did, to destroy and
he speaks to them here of a spiritual freedom kill him, only for bringing the doctrine of
from sin, tbey understand it of a civil free- salvation to them, which he had heard and
dom from servile bondage and subjection ; learned of the Father. Thence learn, 1.
alleging they were Abrahams se*edt and How prone we are to glory in our outward
never in bondage to any man. This was privileges, and to rely upon them. Where-
a manifest untruth, having been in bondage, as these are arguments of God's goodness
in their ancestors, to the Egyptians and towards us, but no evidence of our good-
Babylonians ; and, in their own persons, ness towards him. 2. That it is very dan-
to the Romans. But this was not the gerous and unsafe to pride ourselves in, and
bondage that Christ meant ; but a spiritual depend upon, any external privileges and
slavery and thraldom under the dominion prerogatives whatsoever; as our being born
of sin, and power of Satan : For he that within the pale of the visible church, orde-
rommitteth sinf is the servant of sin ; seen ding from pious parents and holy pro-
that is, whosoever doth habitually, wilfully, genitors : for unless we be followers of their
deliberately, and constantly, allow and faith, admirers of their piety, and imitate
494 ST. JOHN. Chap. VIII.
their example, we are none of their children ; be what it will ; if in the temper of their
but belong to another father, as our Saviour minds, and in the actions of their lives,
tells the Jews in the other verses. there be a conformity to Satan's disposition,
41 Ye do the deeds of your fc- ^^^
ther. Then said they to him, We preten8ioia soever tbey make of being the
be not born of fornication ; we have children of God. None could pretend high-
one Father, even God. 42 Jesus er to the relation of God's children than
said unto them, If God were your these Jews did; yet says Christ, Ye are the
Father, ye would love me ; for 1 children of the devil fir hu ;«^ J"*-
proceeded forth and came from God ; »" »«* ^ *■£" tt fff
v .. ■ , r jri »l * of a father to all wicked men ; ana urn n-
neither came I of myself, but he sent ^<xA did not proceed from the act of
me. 43 Why do ye not understand thc fatherj ^ of the children ; for the de-
my speech ? even because ye cannot y\\ ^oth not make wicked men his children
hear my word. 44 Ye are of your by begetting them, but they make the de-
father the devil, and the lusts of vil their father by imitating of him.
your father ye will do. He was a 46 And because I tell m the
murderer from the beginning, and truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which
abode not in the truth, because there of you convinceth me of sin I And
is no truth in him. When he speak- if I say the truth, why do ye not bc-
eth a lie, he speaketh of his own ; lieve me ? 47 He that is of God
for he is a liar, and the father of it. heareth God's words : ye therefore
In the former verses the Jews made their hear them not, because ye are not
boast that they were the children of Abra- of God. 48 Then answered the
ham ; in these, that they are the children Jews, and said unto him, Say we not
of God. We have one Father, even Ood. well that thou art a Samaritan, and
This our Saviour disproves, telling them, hast a devil ? 49 Jesus answered, 1
that if God were their Father, they would have not a devil ; but I honour my
Sg^^ Father, and ye do dishonour me 50
by him as Mediator. Abo, if God were And I seek not mine own glory ,
their Father, they would understand him there is one that aeeketn ana
speaking from God ; whereas now they judgeth.
were so transported with malice that they Here observe, 1. The free reproof which
could not endure his doctrine with patience, Christ gave the Jews for their obstinate un-
though it came from God. All which were belief; Because I tell you the truth, ye
undeniable proofs, that they were not the Believe me not 2. The challenge which
children of God. Hence learn, That none he gives the worst of his adversaria : Wmek
can justly pretend any interest in God as of you convinceth me of sin .* So P**
his children, but they that love Christ, as fectly pure, innocent, and spotless, was tfee
being the express image of his Father's doctrine and life of Christ, that aWtougb
person, and do hear and receive his doc* his enemies loaded him with slander sod false
trine, as coming from God. This the Jews accusation, yet none of them couW jusuy
did not do; therefore, says Christ, they convict him of, much less condemn him for*
are not the children of God. Observe the least known sin. Observe, 3. «Jj
farther, Having told them whose children Jews being enraged at this free reoroof, feu
they are not, our Saviour tells them plainly a railing at his person, charging him with
whose children they were : Ye are of being a Samaritan, possessed with an evil
your Father the devil. This appears by spirit. Our Saviour meekly replies, Tbst
their being acted by him, by their resembling he did not deal with the devil; but was
and imitating of him, their inclinations, honouring his Father in what be did and
dispositions, and actions, being all to fulfil said ; and therefore his Father would tow
the lusts of the devil. Now, as his servants care of his honour, and judge between him
we are whom we obey ; so his children and them. Here note. That though Christ
we are, whom we resemble. Learn hence, used some sharpness in reproving the Jews,
That men's sinful practices will prove them and representing them to themselves ; y«J
to be Satan's children, let their profession he answers with wonderful mildness and
Chap. VIII. ST. JOHN. 495
meekness, when he disco vera bis reseat- pleased he was with the redemption of
meot of bis own reproaches. How cool mankind performed by him. If I honour
was Christ in his own cause; but warm myself, my honour is nothing; it is my
enough in God's ! Father that honoureth me.
51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, 56 Your father Abraham re-
Ifa man keep my saying, he shall joiced to see my day : and he saw if,
never see death. 52 Then said the and was glad.
Jews unto him, Now we know that _. 4 . „ ., , , . . ,
thnu hAiit a devil Abraham is lhat Is» Abraham having received a
Uiou hast a aevu. ADranam is ise> (hat tbe Messias should come of hi3
dead, and the prophets ; and thou seedf he exceeaingiy re;oiced t0 ^ the day
say est, If a man keep my saying, he Qf my coming in the flesh, though afar off,
shall never taste of death. 53 Art with the eye of his faith, and in a figure, in
thou greater than our father A bra- his sacrificed son Isaac; and this sight of
ham, which is dead I and the pro- his faith was so transporting, that he leaped
pbets are dead : whom makest thou fo/ W-" ^ n hentcf' That a strong faith
ihvaelf? 54 Jesus answered If I gives such a clear sight of Chnst (though at
thyself ? ©4 Jesus answered, it i a distance) M producelh aa holv de|ight and
honour myself, my honour is no- rejoici in hira.
thing : it is my Father that honour-
eth me, of whom ye say, that he is 57 Then said the Jews unto him,
vour God : 55 Yet ye have not Thou art not yet fifty years old, and
known him : but I know him : and hast thou seen Abraham ? 58 Je-
if I should say, I know him not, I 8U9 said unto them, Verily, verily,
shall be a liar like unto you : but I I say unto you, Before Abraham
know him, and keep his saying. was, I am. 59 Then took they up
Observe here, 1. The blessed fruit and stones to cast at him : but Jesus hid
effect of observing our Saviour's doctrine : himself, and went out of the temple,
Be that keeps my saying shall never see going through the midst of them, and
death : that is, shall be secured from eter- so passed by.
nal misery, and enjoy eternal life. Ob-
serve, 2. How the Jews misunderstood our Observe here, 1. What a false and ridicu-
Saviour's words, He that keeps my saying lous construction the Jews make of our Sa-
shall never see death, as if be meant a viour's words, as if he had affirmed that he
freedom from temporal death; and here- had seen Abraham, and Abraham him, with
upon they looked upon him as beside him- bodily eyes ; whereas Christ only asserted,
self, to promise a privilege which neither that Abraham had seen his day ; that is, he
Abraham nor the prophets did ever enjoy, foresaw by faith tbe day of his incarnation,
Whereas it was not exemption from tempo- and coming in the flesh. Observe, 2. Our
ral death, but freedom from eternal destruc- Saviour's positive assertion of his divinity,
tion, which our Saviour promised to them or that he had a being as God from all
that keep his saying. Hence leam, That eternity; for, says he, Before Abraham
the misunderstanding of Christ's doctrine, was, I am. Where note, That Christ does
and taking it in a carnal sense, has given not say, Before Abraham was, I was, but,
occasion for the many cavils and objections Before Abraham was, I am ; which is
made against it. Observe, 3. How Christ the proper name of God ; whereby is sig-
cJears himself of all ambition in this matter, nified the eternal duration and permanency
and shows that he did not make this pro- of his being. The adversaries of Christ's
miae of delivering his followers from death divinity say, that, before Abraham wasr
vam-rioriously, but that God whom they Christ was ; that is, in God's foreknowledge
called their Father, had honoured him with or decree ; but this may be said of any
power to make good whatever he bad other person, as well as Christ, that he was
promised to them that keep his saying, in tbe foreknowledge of God before Abra-
Learn hence, That as Christ entirely sought ham was born. Whereas undoubtedly it
his Father's glory, so the Father conferred was Christ's design in these words to give
an honour and glory upon Christ as Me- himself some preference and advantage
diator ; thereby testifying, how infinitely above Abraham, which this interpretation
490 ST. JOHN. Chap. IX.
doth not in the least do. Observe, lastly, ways sent to punish sin, hut by way of pur-
How the Jews looking upon Christ as a gation and prevention of sin. 2. It ishere
blasphemer, for making himself equal with supposed, that as some afflictions come upon
God, and for asserting his eternal existence, men for personal sins, so others come upon
they make a furious attempt upon bis life, them for parental sins, and that children
by taking up stones to cast at him, as the inay, and oft-times do, very justly suffer for
Jews used to deal with blasphemers ; but their parents' sins. 3. It is here supposed,
our Saviour delivers himself miraculously that there is no other reason of a person's
from their fury, and escapes untouched, sufferings, but only sin; whereas though
Hence learn, That when arguments fail, the sin be much and often the cause of sufieV
enemies of truth betake themselves to force ing, yet we may wrong God and turn, yes,
and violence : They took up stones to and «sin too, to conclude it is always the
cast at him. 2. That as Christ disap- cause of suffering. 4. It is implied bare,
pointed his own persecutors, so he can and that there is a transmigration of souk from
will deliver his people in their greatest ex- one body to another; the disciplessupposed,
tremity from their persecutors' rage and fury, that this soul, when it was in another body,
2 Pet. ii. 9. The Lord knoweth how to sinned, and was now punished by being
deliver the godly out of temptation, and put into a blind body. This Pythagorean
to reserve the unjust to the day of judg- error was crept in among the Pharisees
ment to be punished. and the disciples here seemed to be tainted
and infected with it This may teach us,
CHAP. IX. how far the holiest and wisest of men are
from an infallible spirit* and that the best
A ND as Jesus passed by, he saw of men may be misled by a common error.
a man which was blind from his 3 Jes|1B answcred> NeUher hath
blrth- this man sinned, nor his parents;
The foregoing chapter acquainted us with hut that the works of God should
a famous encounter which the Pharisees had be made manifest in him.
with our blessed Saviour in the temple at . ,
Jerusalem ; this being ended, as he passed S., 8 answer must not te ^""J?1
from the temple, he saw a man lying, pos- absolutely, as if he denied this man and to
sibly -by the highway, who was born blind ; Parents to be guilty of sin, for both hesnd
him Christ pitches upon as an object fit to lhey had »■} enough, not only to dew? e
exercise his divine power, in the cure and j!™001*1 blindness, but eternal Artnes.
healing of. They that are blind by casualty, The meaning is, that in afflicting thnnan.
may perhaps be relieved by art and indus- [he **** M *<>t so much respect his or
try ; but to cure one that is born blind, h* parents' sin, as the manifestation of to
nothing less is required than an almighty °,w" k*ry in this miraculous cure. Christ
power. Learn hence, That diseases and dotJh J101 denY but that a man's own t*
distempers, which are incurable by the or- and thewn « his parents, may be thepro-
dinary course of nature, am not insuperable CUiroS <*"* <* blindness j but that neither
to Christ's power, nor impossible for him the one nor the other was the cause it tost
to help, but a proper object for him to mag- man'1 «* : hnt that the power and mejcy
nify his power upon. Therefor* it is here of God m«ht he seen in restoring this rosn
recorded, that this poor man was blind to hl» *&** therefore was he born blind,
from his birth ; such blindness being ac- Whence note, I. That though sin be si-
counted incurable by natural means. wav8 the deserving, yet it is not ilwpw
procuring causa of affliction. 2. That we
2 And his disciples asked him, seldom think of, or hit upon any other
saying, Master, who did sin, this cause of affliction, but only sin : though the
man, or his parents, that he was ?*»!?. °.f God looks heyond the sin rfman
born blind? £!ffl,<^^r~,^ifi^
that, or. Hunks of any other design of boa
Here observe, Something implied or sup- ln afflicting, but only punishing for sin.
posed ; namely, %, That all bodily afflic- , . , , .ft-,
tions and calamities *do come upon us for 4 * must wor" tne wo™s ot nim
sin; whereas afflictions, although they ak that sent me, while it is day: the
ways fall upon a sinner, yet they are not al- nijrht Cometh, when no man can
Chap. IX. ST. JOHN. 407
work. 5 As long as I am in the washed his eyes in the pool of Siloam*
world, I am the light of the world. *** returned seeing. Where note, How
_. _ . „..,... m Christ delights to exercise and try the faith
Here our Saviour tells his-discipks. That of hh p^pfe, by their subjection and obe-
bt was sent by God into the world, and dience to difficult commands. 2. That
5"1. * J1611! T°* ."^P^,""* *?y God, true faith, joined with sincere obedience,
daring bis abode in it ; namely, to instruct, never ^^ the expectatioi* of them that
reform, and save mankind ; and what our exercise it ; especially in obeying the most
Saviour says of himself, is applicable to hard and difficult commands. Therefore
every one of us in the lower sense: we are the evangelist added, that the blind man
sent into the world to work out our own after washing returned seeing.
salvation in .the first place, and then to
promote the salvation of others as much as 8 The neighbours therefore, and
in us lies. Note, 1. That every one has a they which before had seen him
work to do in the world, a great work as- thit hc wag bUnd gaid ,9 ^ this b^
agned him by God that sent him into it. .« . . i . _ % * ' n « . .
TrU the time allotted for the finishing £**?* *nd bWd ? • S°m? "**
and despatching of this great work, is a short Thls IS he 5 others said, He. is like
season: While it is day. 3. That after him: but he said, I am he. 10
the working season is past and expired, Therefore said they unto hitn, How
there will succeed a night of darkness, in were thine eyes opened? 11 He
which them must be a cessation from work ; answered and said, A man that is
The night cometh. . . . caUed jegug made c!ay> and anomt_
6 When he had thus spoken, he «* mine eyes, and said unto me, Go
spat on the groan d, and made clay to the pool of Siloam, and wash :
of the spittle, and he anointed the and I went and washed, and I re-
eyes of the blind man with the clay, ceived sight. 12 Then said they
7 And said unto him, Go, wash in unto him, Where is he ? He said, I
the pool of Siloam, (which ia, by know not.
interpretation, Sent.) He went his „,' , ,. _ . . . ,
way therefore, and washed, and J** ""* """"j '*» mireculousW cured,
J . ' ■ ' returns with much joy to his neighbours
came seeing. ancj acquaintance, who confer with him
Two things concurred towards the cure about this matter : they enquire, whether
of this blind man, namely, an act of divine he was the person cured or not ? who was
power on Christ's part, and an act of faith the person that cured him ? and where that
and obedience on the man's part. 1. An person was ? He assures them, he was the
act of divine power on Christ's part : he very person that was blind, but now cured ;
tempers clay and spittle together, and and he that cured him was Jesus ; that the
anoints the man's eyes therewith* and be- means used were clay and spittle ; but
bold he sees. What an improbable remedy where the person .was, or what was be-
and means was this to human reason! come of him, he knew not. Learn thence*
much fitter to put out a seeing man's eyes 1. That the miraculous cures of God work
than to cure a blind man's. Had Christ a sensible alteration in men, not only in
polled out his box, and applied some me- their own apprehension, but in the judg-
dicinal ointment to his eyes, then the praise ments of others. This miracle shined forth
had been ascribed to his skill, not to his among the neighbours, who, having seen
power ; but now it plainly appeared that and observed the blind man, admire his
all the virtue was in Christ, not in the healing. Learn, 2. How frankly the blind
means. Lord! what great things canst man acknowledges, and how. freely he con-
thou do by weak and unlikely means ; yea, fesses, that he was the person whom Jesus
by opposite and contrary means ! but it is had healed : I am he. It is an unthankful
the praise of omnipotence to work by im- silence to smother the works of God in
probabilities. Prom the contemptibleness affected secrecy ; to make God a loser by
of the means or instrument, always re- his bounty towards us, is a shameful in-
doancK the greater honour to the agent, justice. - O God ! we are not worthy of
Observe, 2. An act of faith and obedience thy common favours*. much less of spiritual
on the man's part : He went away, and blessings, if we do not publish thy mercies
2 K
4*6 ST. JOHN. Chap. IX.
aa the house-top, and praise thee for them sight. 19 And they asked them,
in the great congregation. saying, la this your son, who ye
13 They brought to the Pharisees °ay wa8 *»*■ blilld J .how *« doth
him that aforetime was blind. 14 hc now *** *? His parent! an-
And it was the sabbath-day when »wered them and said, We know
Jesus made the clay and opened his that thls w our son» and ™* hc
eyes. 16 Then again the Phari- was ^^ blind : p1 But °J what
sees also asked him how he had re- mean18 b« now «*« know DOl;
ceivcd his sight. He said unto them, or who hath opened hw eyes, *e
He put clay upon mine eyes, and 1 J100* n<* : hc « °/ •§•/ M* hwL;
washed, and do see. 16 Therefore h« sha11 8Pe*k , fo,r h,ln8clf- *
said some of the Pharisees, This man The8e f»* spake his parents, ne-
ts not of God, because he keepeth «""* Jh7 feared the Jews : for the
not the sabbath-day. Others said, Jew8 had ***** ^retdyf that if
How can a man that is * sinner do S?y.ma? d[d c°n/e8S that he ™
such miracles ? And there was a Chri8t* he abould be put oat of the
division among them. synagogue. 23 Therefore said bis
parents, He is of age ; ask htm.
Observe here, 1. How the Jews, who
should have been full of silent wonder, and Observe here, 1. How desirous the Pha-
inclined to believe in Jesus Christ, so om- "sees were to obscure the glory of this fa-
nipotent an agent, are prejudiced against mous miracle which Christ hadwroisjht:
him, and bring the late blind man before m order to which, 1. They re-examine
the Pharisees, our Saviour's professed ene- the man, to know what his thoughts were
mies. Observe, 2. The time which our Sev of the person who had done this for him :
viour chose for working this cure : it was on they judged him to be an impostor, and a
the sabbath. Many, if not most of Christ's great sinner -, the man declares freely that
famous miracles, were wrought upon the he believed him to be a great prophet
sabbath-day. Upon that day he cured Hence we leam, That there may be, aod
the withered hand, MatL xii. Upon that sometimes is, more true knowledge of Jests
day he cured the impotent man at the pool Christ in one poor man, than in t general
of Bethesda, John v. Upon that day he council of learned rabbies. This blind
cured the blind man here. This Christ did man saw Christ to be a prophet, when the
probably for two reasons : 1. To confirm Jewish sanhedrim saw nothing in bin but
nis doctrine which he preached on that imposture. This man is not of God, wp
day, by miracles ; therefore bis preaching the council : Verily, he is a propktU »p
and working miracles went together. 2. the blind man. 2. They next examine
To instruct the Jews (had they been will- his parents, (being unwilling to beheve the
ing to receive instruction) in the true man himself,) Whether be was tber son* or
doctrine and proper duties of their sabbath, not ? If so, whether he was bom blind*
and to let them know, that works of neces- And if born blind, by what means be now
sity and mercy are very consistent with sees ? Lord ! what obstinate sod wilraJ
the due sanctincation of the sabbath. It blindness was found in these Pharisees!
is hard to find out any time wherein cha- How do they close their eyes sod say, We
riiy is unseasonable ; for as it is the best of will not see ! What endeavours are here
graces, so the works of it are fittest for the used to smother a miracle, which uode*
best of days. niably proved Christ to be the expected
_,. Measias ! They examine first the man, then
17 They say unto the blind roan his parents, then the man agaia; hoping,
again, What sayest thou of biro, that being overawed with fear, they would
that he hath opened thine eyes ? He either deny or at least conceal the troth ; bat
said, He is a prophet. 18 But the the more tbey «htwre to darken sod I obscure
Jews did not believe concerning him, £■ WMhe «°J* «?R^fJJ3
that he had been Wind and received **«£*■ G"« w ^TlS
rents of him that had received his The wisdom and cautiousness of his parent
I
Chap. IX. ST. JOHN. 499
answer : they expressly own, that the blind opposing Christ, and persecuting hit mem-
man was their son $ that be was born bers. Next* they attempted to frown this
blind ; but for the way of his cure, they poor man into a denial of this miracle
wave that, possibly because they did not wrought upon him, or to persuade the peo-
see this cure wrought, and fearing the sen- pie that it was a cheat: but it is wonderful
tence of excommunication, a decree being to observe how the boldness and confidence
passed anion? the rulers, That whoso of this poor man increased, God giving him
<oufeueth Christ shall be put out of the tliat wisdom and courage which all hisad-
tynagague. Hence learn, 1. That ex- versaries were not able to resist or gainsay,
communication, or separation from the Therefore the Pharisees being angry at this
society of the people of God, is an ancient boldness of the man, they revile him for be-
and honourable ordinance in the church of ing so silly as to become a disciple of
God, and as such to be revered and esteem- Christ, whose office and authority they
ed. S. That this ordinance of God has knew not ; whereas they were the disciples
been and may be abused by wicked men, of Moses, whom they knew God spake unto.
and the edge of it turned against Christ Learn hence, That such as are led by ma-
himself, and his sincerest members. 3. lice, and prepossessed with prejudice against
That the fear of unjust excommunication Christ, will not only think basely of his
most not discourage persons from confess- person, but refuse to see the clearest evt-
ing the truth, when called to it The aences of his authority and commission,
parents of the blind man durst not confess As for this fellow, say the malicious Pha-
CbriA,for fear that they should be put risees, toe know not whence he is, or who
out of the synagogues. gave him this commission.
24 Then again called they the ^ The man answered and aaid
man that was i blind, and said unto unto th wh hcrein ig a mar_
iT* S!?^°d th.e P-ai86: «! vellous thing, that ye know not from
know that this man is a sinner. 25 whence hc £ and ^ he hafh
He answered and said Whether he ed mine 3J Now wc £nom
be a sinner or no, I know not : that God heareth not ginncrg . but
one thing I know, that whereas I if man be a worshipper of God,
was blind, now I see. 26 Then and ^ hig ^ h[m^e heareth
said they to him again. What did 32 Since the world began was it not
he to thee ? how opened he thine heard that man opened the
eyea? 27 He answered them I 0fone that was born blind. 33 If
have told you already, and ye did thig raan were not of God he cou,d
not hear : wherefore would ye hear do nothi
ti again ? will ye also be his disci-
Pl!f ? ^htn ih?y ^n.ec! h™> In these verses the blind man proceeds to
and said, Thou art his disciple, but vindicate our blessed Saviour, who bad
we are Moses" disciples. 29 We cured him of his blindness, from the excep-
know that God spake unto Moses : tions of the Pharisees, and endeavours by
at for this fellow, we know not solid arguments to convince them, that his
whence he is. cure (being born blind) was truly miracu-
lous; and consequently proved Christ to
Here we have an account of the Pharisees be of God. 1. The man admires that
father practising upon this blind man, to Christ having wrought such a miracle upon
rob Christ of the glory of this miracle ; first him, they should be ignorant of his autho-
they insinuate with him, and then they frown rity. This is marvellous, that ye know
upon him. First they insinuate with him, not front whence he is, and yet he hath
saying. Give God the praise. As if they opened mine eyes. He lays down a general
bad said. Ascribe the cure to God, not to proposition, that no deceiver or false teach-
this man ; whom they conclude to be a er is heard of God, or enabled by him to
sinner, because he broke (as they thought) work such miracles as these, but only such
the sabbath. It is no new thing to see faithful servants as do his will are thus ex-
men pretend to aim at the glory of God, traordinarily assisted by him. We know
when at the same time they are maliciously that God heareth not sinntrs ; that is, such
500 ST. JOHN. Chap, IX.
as love and delieht in sin, such as are in a 34 They answered and said unto
state of sin, and go on in a course of sin, him, Thou wast altogether born in
God will not hear such, or answer the pray- gjns> amj dost thou teach us? and
era of such. Indeed God sometimes hears thCy cast him out 36 Jesus heard
l^^l^r^vJ^^^t £ *■* they had cast him out: ana
near a saints prayer in mercy; out oe t ■ ■* ■ • /• j i_« u« — :j
never denies a saint's prayer in wrath or when be had found him, he said
hears a sinner's prayer in mercy. The pro- unto him, Doat thou believe on the
position laid down is an eternal truth: God Son of God ? 36 He answered and
hearcth not sinners ; that is, so long as said, Who is he, Lord, that I might
tbey purpose to continue sinners, and to go believe on him > 37 And Jesus
on in a course of sin, and to remain bold gftid unto hi T*hou ha8t botb g^
and presumptuous sinners. Leara thence. fc. d . . he that talketh whh
That none that live in a course of sin, can """' °"~ : , " . , f , , .
reasonably expect that God should hear }*"*• 38 And he said, Lord, I be-
them,andgiveinananswerofprayertothem. »eve. And he worshipped nun.
God hearcth not sinners : hut if any man
be a worshipper of God, and doeth his Observe here, 1. A special instance of
■will, him he heareth ; that is, if a man pharisaical pride; tbey account this poor
feareth God, and worketh righteousness, man a vile person, whom heaven had mark-
him the Lord accepteth, heareth, and an- ed by his native blindness for some extra-
swereth. . Learn hence, That such as would ordinary wickedness. How prone are «e
be heard of God, and accepted with him, to judge them the greatest sinners, whom
must be devout worshippers of him. 2. we ol»erve to be the greatest suflferers. Ob-
That is not enough to prove, men religious serve, 2. From reviling they proceed to
and acceptable with God, that they are de- excommunicating ; They cast him out :
vout worshippers of him, unless they walk that is, out of the communion of the i Jewsh
in obedience to him, and do his will. If church. O happy man ! who, having lost
any man he a worshipper of God, and a synagogue, has found heaven ! Behold
doeth his will, him he neareth. Observe, this blind man, and admire him for a re*
3. How the blind man goes on to prove solute confessor, stoutly defending the gra-
that Christ had a special authority from cious author of bis cure, against the cans
God, and an extraordinary presence of God of the Pharisees, and maintaining the ia-
with him in what he did, because he had nocence and honour of so blessed a benfr
done such a work as was never done by factor. Observe, 3. Our Saviour's legaro
Moses, or by any of the prophets, or by to this blind man, whom the Pharisees had
any person whatsoever, since the creation set at nought and excommunicated : He
of the world. From whence he wisely and finds him out, reveals himself more folly
well infers, that Christ was a person autho- to him, and directs him to believe in him.
rizedbyandsentof God. Learn hence, 1. Where observe, That the miracle which
That Christ having done that which was Christ had wrought upon the blind man,
never done before, (namely, to give sight did not convert him, and work faith in
to one that was born blind,) was an evi- him, till Christ revealed himself unto him,
dence of his omnipotence. 2. That this and enabled him to discern the troth of
act of omnipotence proved him to be God. wr^at . he revealed. Learn hence, That
Whatever miracles the prophets wrought, miracles confirm faith, but miracles alooe
they wrought them by Christ's power ; but cannot work faith. The blind man bad
Christ wrought this and all other miracles experienced a miracle wrought upon him,
by his own power. Observe lastly, How yet remains an unbeliever, till Christ said, I
this blind man, though unlearned, judges am he. Observe, 4. How readily the mas
more rightly of divine things than the receives the Lord Jesus Christ by faith,
whole learned council of the Sanhedrim, upon the forementioned revelation of him-
Whence we learn, That we are not always self unto him : he instantly said, 1*™*
to be led by the authority of councils, I believe: and, in testimony thereof,
popes, or bishops ; and that it is not ab- worships himself; that is, as God incar-
surd for laymen sometimes to vary from nate, as God manifested in the flesh.
their opinions. These overseers being Thence learn, That true knowledge of the
sometimes guilty of great oversights. Dr. Son of God will beget faith in him ; aw
*™%. true faith in him will be productive of
Chap. IX. ST. JOHN. 601
homage and adoration, of obedience and God, than to be ignorant of them ; pride is
subjection to him. He that knows Christ a greater hinderance of knowledge than
aright, will believe; and be that believes, ignorance, because the proud man thinks
will worship and obey : He said, Lord, I he wants no knowledge. 2. That the roost
telieve. And he worshipped him, exalted knowledge is insufficient to salva-
__.,. • j r* • j . tion, without a suitable and correspondent
39 And Jesus said, For judgment practice. The Pharisees had theTey of
I am come into this world ; that knowledge at their girdle, yet our Saviour
they which see not might see, and tells them of double damnation. Lord !
that they which see might be made bow sad is it so to know Christ in this
blind. world, as that he will be ashamed to know
us in another world !
la these words our Saviour declares not
the intentional design, but the accidental CHAP. X.
event of bis coming into the world : name-
ly, 1. That those who were blind might VERILY, verily, I say unto you, He
receive sight 2. That those who presume that entereth not by the door
they see, and know more than others ; for into tlje sheep-fold, but climbeth
despising the gospel, and "hutting their up gome other way, the same is a
SSoKd!^ thief and a robberf 2 But he that
be more and more blinded. Those that "^J1 » h1 thc door » *« sheP-
shut their eyes wilfully against the clearest nerd of the »neep. 3 To him the
light, and sty they will not see, it is just porta* openeth ; and the sheep hear
with God to close their eyes judicially, and his voice : and he calleth his own
say they shall not see. sheep by name, and leadeth them
40 And some of the Pharisees °ut- 4 And whett ** putteth forth
which were with him heard these h* own *heLeP h« g«*th ■****
words, and said unto him, Are ™em' and the fheep follow him :
we blind also? 41 Jesus said unto for they kn.ow *»s ™ice- & And a
them, If ye were blind, ye should st.rlai,5 er rwl11 *ey "ot ffow; *>ut
have no sin : but now ye say, We w,n °ee fr.om "im : for the* know
see; therefore your sin remaineth. not ^e voice of strangers. 6 This
-n« u i » *. t»u • u parable spake Jesus unto them :
Obs«ve here, 1. How the Pharisees, who but th un~fcrstood not what thi
watched all opportunities to ensnare our ,. J_ ,. ., , . .. 8
Saviour, look u^on these last words as re- thev were whlch he sPakc nnto them-
fleeting upon them : as if Christ did insinu- Our blessed Saviour having in the end of
ate that they were blind. Are toe blind thc foregoing chapter upbraided the Phari-
also t Tbey that shut their eyes, and will sees for their blindness and ignorance in
sot sea the light which Christ offers to the mysteries of religion, notwithstanding
them, are the worst of blind ones. Ob- the high conceit which they had of their
serve, 2. Our Saviour's reply to the Pha- own knowledge, he proceeds in this chapter
rises' question, If ye were blind ; that is, farther to convince them, that they were
simply ignorant of your duty, and without blind leaders of the blind, tho* they thought
the means of knowledge and instruction, and looked upon themselves as the only
you should have no sin ; that is, com- guides and teachers of the people, And in
paratively to what you have ; you now order thereunto, be propounds a parable of
should not have had so much sin and guilt the true and false shepherd, which re-
upooyouas now you have, by shutting presents a good and bad pastor and teacher,
your eyes against the light But now ye and gives us a fourfold mark and character
say, we see; that is, being puffed up with of a good shepherd. Observe, 1. The
the knowledge which you have, as if ye good shepherd enters in by the door, that
were the only men that saw, this proud b, he has his vocation and mission from
conceit of yours renders your condition in- Christ : he comes into the church regularly*
curable, and your sin remaineth unpar- in a right and approved way and manner ;
dooable. Learn hence, 1. That it is a far not by any clandestine methods, or indirect
greater sin to contemn the known laws of means. To him the porter openeth ; that
60* ST. JOHN. Chap. IX;
is, the Holy Spirit, who opeaeth the hearts they might have life, and that they
of men to receive Jesus Christ and the doc- might have it more abundantly,
trine of the gospel, which the faithful shep-
herds deliver in his name, and by autho- Observe here, 1. The character which
rity received from him. Learn hence, That Christ gives of himself, I am the door of
all faithful pastors have a lawful call to the the sheep ; that is, the only way and means
work of the ministry : they enter by u by which sinners have access to God, and
right door, and execute their trust in a can obtain salvation ; the only door by
right manner ; but such as, without a call which sinners are entered into the kingdom
from God, unwarrantably thrust themselves of grace, and admitted into the kingdom of
into the ministry, are no better, nor no glory. Learn hence. That there is no pot-
other, than thieves and rodders, in God's sible way of access to God for fallen man,
account. Observe, 2. Another property of a but by Jesus Christ As there is no way of
good shepherd is this, That he calleth his entering the house but by the door, and
sheep by their names. This importeth those that so enter are safe; in like manner,
three things: 1. A special love that be such as come unto God through Jess
bears to them. 2. A special care that he Christ, in the way of faith and holy
has over them. 3. A particular acquaint- obedience, shall be 'put in a secure coo-
ance with them, that he may know how to dition, and at last obtain eternal salvation.
apply himself suitably to them; which Observe, 2. The end and design of
though it be eminently verified in Christ, yet Christ in coming into the world, asserted
it is the duty of every faithful pastor and uo- and declared by himself; I am come
dcr shepherd, in his measure, to labour after, that they might have life, and that tkq
Observe, 3. The good shepherd ieadeth might have tt more abundantly. But had
out his sheep into good pastures ; that is, not his people - spiritual life before be came
he feedeth them with sound doctrine, nou- into the world ? Yes, he gave life to hi*
rishes them with the word of life. Whereas people before bis coming, in a measure saf-
the hireling or false shepherd, whatever ficient to supply their necessity ; but since
he may do for his own sake, he has no his coming, he gives it in such a supera-
regard to Jesus Christ, to the honour of bouuding measure, as may testify his divine
his person, to the edification of his church, bounty ; they shall not barely Live, but live
or the salvation of souls; but his design abundantly ; that is, their spiritualise shall
is to raise and enrich himself, and so he abound through the upholcJiog,strenglhea-
mav compass that, he cares not how many ing, quickening, and comforting presence of
souls perish through his neglect. Observe, his Holy Spirit ; for having conveyed spi-
4. The last property of the good shepherd, ritual life unto his people, in their regenaa-
here mentioned, is this, That he goeth be- tion and conversion, he will cause it to m-
fore his sheep, as the shepherd doth before crease more and more in their aanctificatwo,
his Mock ; namely, by a holy life and un- until it arrive to a complete perfection in their
blameable conversation : he treads out those glorification. Observe lastly, The character
steps before the people, which they take which our Saviour gives of the scribes and
in their way towards heaven : And the Pharisees in general, and of those fake
sheep follow him, and are guided by him : Christs and false prophets which went be-
He Ieadeth out his sheep, and goeth be- fore him, in particular ; he styles them
fore them, and the sheep follow him ; for thieves and robbers ; All that ever cant
they know his voice. before me were thieves and robbers. Ob-
7 Then said Jesus unto them a- ""* Hed°«hf ■* 5**JM!I!?
. tr-i _ -i T _ . before me, but all that came before *c*
gum, Verily, verily I say unto you wef8 ^ ^ tobb^ sothitChr*
1 am the door of the sheep. 8 All doth not speak this of the true prophets, who
that ever came before me are thieves were sent by God before him, but of the
and robbers : but the sheep did not false christs, and false prophets, that came
hear them. 9 I am the door : by of themselves without any coomaion
me if any roan enter in, he shall be ff°m God. The meaning «. all ^persons
saved, and shall go in and out, and r^X^M^^^'tt 3
not, but for to steal, and to kill, robber8. that ^ fay Jonly sought the*
ana to destroy : 1 am come that own advantage, while they deceived sod
Chap. Xi ST. JOHN. 603
you. Learn hence* That whoever prefer the good of their flock even before
took upon them the office and person of their own lives.
the Afessias before Christ, or whosoever
have since usurped a lawful calling in his 16 And other sheep I have,
church wiUioiit his commission, they are in which arc not of thig foW them
Christ s account no better than murderers, ..^ » ^m-a k-:«« ««-i *u«„ u~n
thieves, and robbers, and they ought to be^ ?,S0 l m"st. bnn&' *nd theJ *haU
so in the peoples esteem. The sheep did hear ™? vo,ce ' an° ihtere, 8ha11 *>«
not hear them. one fold, and one shepherd.
11 I am the good shepherd : the Here Cbrirt proves himself to be the true
good shepherd giveth his life for Shepherd of his church ftx>m another pro-
the sheep. 12 But that is an hire- K^fflSV^
.. r . ., , , . , care tor increasing and enlarging his fold,
ling, and not the shepherd, whose by bringing in the Gentiles to it; and by
own the sheep are not, seeth the breaking down the partition wall, to make
wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, one church both of Jews and Gentiles.
and fleeth : and the wolf catcheth Christ calls the Gentiles bis other sheept
them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 by waY <* anticipation, because shortly they
The hireling fleeth, because he is an we* * ta. "^ ■»* mM turner with the
of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth it being a federal agreement betwixt the Fa-
me, even so know I the Father : and ther an<* himself, that both Jew and Gen-
I lay down my life for the sheep. ti,e should be one flock, inclosed in one
fold, and presented to his Father as a glo-
In these verses our Saviour evidently nous church. Hence learn. How endearing
proves himself to be the true Shepherd of our obligations are to the dearest Jesus, that
his church, by the marks and signs, by he should account us Gentiles, who were
the properties and characters, of a good &f&r off, his sheep, (we being so in respect
shepherd ; which were eminent) v found of his eternal purpose,) and make it his care,
with him, namely, to know all his flock, &°d esteem it his charge, to call us home,
to take care of them, and to lay down his aiJd bring us into his fold the church, that
life for them. 1. Jesus Christ, the great *« might be saved among the remnant of
Shepherd of his church, hath an exact and the true Israelites. Other sheep I have,
distinct knowledge of his flock: I knots vhiek are not of this fold: them also I
my sheept with a threefold knowledge, and must bring. ^
with a knowledge of intelligence and ob-
servation ; he knows them so as to observe 17 Therefore doth my Father
and take notice of them, with a knowledge love me, because I lay down my life
of approbation and acceptation •, knows that i might take it affain. 18 No
knows them so as to defend and keep them. ?own ^mywOSi 1 have power to
Thus Christ knows his sheep, and is aiso lav * down> and l have Power to
known of them ; that is, he is believed on, take it again. This commandment
beloved, and obeyed, by them. 2 He lays have I received of my Father.
dawn his life for his flock ; and for this
doth be eminently deserve the title of the Hence note, 1. That Jesus Christ cer-
good Shepherd. {As, for his power, he is taioly foreknew his own death and resur-
styled the great Shepherd.) A good Shep* rection. 2. That Christ was a volunteer in
herd indeed, who not only gives life for dying, he laid down his life ; none should
his sheep, but {jives his own life by way have taken it from him. Tis true, hit
of ransom for rus sheep ! The example of death was a violent death, but a voluntary
Christ, the great and good Shepherd, in sacrifice ; he died violently, but yet volun-
laving down his life for his sheep, teacheth tarily : the hand of his enemies could never
all subordinate and inferior shepherds, to hurt him without bis own consent. 3. That
504 ST. JOHN. Chap. X.
asOhrifltdiedvoluQtarUy with respect to him- his own presence. Hence observe, That
self, so in a way of subjection to his Father's our Saviour held communion with the Jew.
command. This commandment have I ish church, and did, without scruple, coo-
recehed from my Father. 4. That this form himself to the observation of theic
voluntary submission of Christ to die for rites and customs, although they were not
us, was the ground of his Father's love to originally of divine institution. Learn, 2.
him. Therefore doth my Father love That such a christian as doth peaceably
me, because I lay dawn my life. Al- comply with the practice of the church in
though the Father had many reasons to whose communion he lives, in the obw-
love the Son, yet none was stronger than vation of those different rites and customs
this obedience of his to death, even the which are used by her, acts most agreeable
cursed death of the cross, for the redemption to our Saviour's practice and example.
and salvation of lost sinners ; therefore did Who can with any show of reason censure
the Father love him with a more exceeding christians for observing the feast of the Na-
love, because he laid down his life for his tivity, who see Christ himself, observing the
sheep. feast of Dedication ? Certainly no penoa
_ __. .... , - of sober principles ever questioned, but that
. 19 There was a division therefore ecclesiastical rulers and civil magistrate
again among the Jews for these have a power to appoint public aays of
savings. 20 And many of them thanksgiving yearly, for the commemon-
said, He hath a devil, and is mad ; tion of mercies, which ought never to be
why hear ye him ? 21 Others said, forgotten. From o™^™*'**?^*.
These are not the words of him thai J* «■* Grot»» "e11 **£
hftth VKr 2? a dCVil °PCn thC So^
eyes of the blind > (^ witli0Ut a ^^ command.
Here the evangelist shows what different 23 And Jesus walked in the tera-
effects this sermon of our Saviour had up- lc in Solomon's porch. 24 Then
on the Jews: many of them calumniate 1 Ai_ 1 .I 1 .u-. k;m
which he had wrought in curing the blind answered them, I told you, and st
man, were abundantly sufficient to confute believed not-; the works that I do
ia»h a groundless slander. Learn hence, in ray Father's name, they bear
^V\^nDt°f^I^,ng!;ith*Kl; witness of me. 26 But ye beheve
vertity of dispositions, it n no wonder that \ , * t'^»*n
it occWiois different effects, to the soften- not» **<* usc J e ar€ not of ^ ***
ing of some and hardening of others ; even as * »ald unto y°u*
as the same sun that melteth the wax, hard- T .. . ., _ ---
eneth the clay ; yet is not this to be im- TrT/f^ S1"?!? """S^ «d
puted to the doctrine of our Saviour, but to ■?* Tfresh d*^B l?ctwixt "» &Sf
men's corruptions which oppose the truth, *he ***>. Md ***** w® *** <Ser?^
and the maintainers of it. There terns a l- J**™ <**■ ^^2
division again amongst them. at ihe£a8l < the &£«**»+ w <*■£
0 * ter. Our Saviour taking that opportunity
22 And it was at Jerusalem the to publish his doctrine, when a concoune
feast of the dedication, and it was of people were gathered together at tint
winter. solemnity. Observe, 2. The place of tha
debate, in Solomon's porch. Although
This feast was not of divine, but human the temple and porch built by Solomon
institution ; it was appointed by Judas were destroyed by the Babylonian*; yet
Maccabeus, and. continued eight days, as when the temple was rebuilt, there was a
an anniversary commemoration for the re- porch like it, which retained the sscient
pairing of the temple." Now our Saviour name. Observe, 3. The debate teetf*
was so for from reproving the Jews for If thou he the Christ, tell us ptatnhf-
observing this feast, which was of human Not that they affected the knowledge of
institution, that he graced the solemnity with the truth, but only designed to ensnare
Chap. X. ST. JOHN. . 605
ban ; for if he had affirmed himself to be the word, the administration of the sacra-
the Messias, he had brought himself in merits, and the operations of his Holy Spirit*
danger of the Roman governor ; because to make all efficacious and effectual to them*
the Jews expected the Messias to be a tern- His protection of them discovers itself, by
poral prince, that should deliver them preparing them for trials, by supporting
from the Roman power. Now if Christ them under them, and by delivering them
had declared himself such a Messias as the out of them, and by sanctifying all to them,
Jews expected, it might have cost him his causing them to work together in sub-
life. Therefore his hour being not yet serviency to his own glory, and his people's
come, he answers with his usual prudence good. Observe, 2. That Christ's sheep
and .wariness to their ensnaring question, bear Christ's voice, and answer the call of
Learn hence, That Christ's enemies are full their great Shepherd. They hear the voice
of subtle policies, and can turn themselves of Christ speaking to them in the scriptures,
into all shapes, that, if possible, they may in the ministry of the word, in their own
entrap and ensnare him ; and accordingly consciences, in providences ; and they hear
they pretend here great earnestness of desire Christ's voice speaking to them in and by
to be satisfied, whether he was indeed the his Holy Spirit ; and as they hear Christ's
true and promised Messiah ; when in truth voice, so do they answer his call : now the
they bad another design. Observe, 4. The right answer to the call of Christ in the gos-
vsdon and caution of our Saviour's an- pel, is a present answer, a willing answer,
swer : be refers them to his miracles, The and an abiding answer. Observe, 3. That
works that I do in my Father** name, all Christ's sheep do follow him their Shep-
they bear witness of me. Our Saviour's herd. They follow him, 1. In his doc-
roinculous works were sufficient for the trine : and, 2. In his example ; in his con-
Jews to have grounded and bottomed their tempt of the world, in his freedom in re-
faith upon, and to have confirmed them proving sin, in the holiness and heavenly-
in the belief, that he was the promised and mindedness of his conversation, in his meek-
expected Messias, had not prejudice, ob- ness and patience, in charity and universal
stsnacy, and malice, blinded their eyes, goodness, and as he was a mighty pattern
that they could neither see nor consider, of prayer. Observe, 4. That Christ the
Observe, lastly, How Christ points out to great and good Shepherd knows all his
these Jews the true cause of their infidelity ; sheep : My sheep hear my voice, and I
which was, not the obscurity of his doctrine, know themK He knows them so as to dis-
but their not being his sheep ; that is, not tinguish them, so as to observe and take
as yet converted, they not having the pro- notice of them, so as to own and approve
perties of his sheep, which he sets down in them, so as to take care of them, and pro-
the following verses. Learn hence, That v'de for them. And as the Lord knoweth
men's final unbelief under the means of who are his, so he knoweth who are not
frith, is a dear evidence of their being in his too ; as he knows his sheep, so he
a lost and perishing condition. Infidelity knows the goats also, and their place will be
is the sin that doth consign a man over to at his left hand : My sheep hear my voice,
damnation ; and to such as sit under the and I know them.
gospel, doth not only procure damnation, ft0 A , ¥ . . .. . .
fautno damnation lite it. t J28 And I give unto them eternal
M **M * u j life ; and they shall never perish,
I know them, and they follow me : of my hand m'rfy Fftther which
Here observe, 1. That all sincere and gave them me, is greater than all ;
faithful christians are Christ's sheep, and he and none is able to pluck them out
Zf^^fiCt-S. o^y Fathers hand,
protection, and plentiful provision. The Observe here, 1. The promise made by
tenderness of Christ's affection towards his Christ unto his sheep', namely, the promise
sheep, appears by pitying their infirmities, of eternal life, and perseverance in grace,
by having a fellow-feeling with them in till they come to the full fruition of it in
their soflerings, by suiting their temptations glory : I give unto them eternal life, and
to the degrees of their graces. His care none shall pluck them out of my father's
m providing for them appears, in affording hand. Observe, 2. The confirmation he
to them the holy scriptures, the ministry of gives of this from his own and his Father's
600 ST. JOHN. Chap. X.
power, which is employed, engaged, and next vert* thai the Jews understood our
concerned for them, and for their perse- Saviour in this sense, why else did they
verance and preservation, notwithstanding take up stones to stone him i We stone
all opposition to the contrary : My Father thee, say they, for blasphemy : because
which gave them me is greater than ait: that thou, being a man, makest thyself
and no man is able to pluck them out God. The Jews took our Saviour's mean-
of my Father's hand. Leam, 1. That ing aright, and were satisfied that when be
eternal life is the portion of Christ's sheep, said, I and my Father are one, he as-
2. That eternal life is the gift of Christ. 3. serted himself to be God, and deserved to
That eternal life is now given to Christ's die ; and well he had deserved it, if he had
sheep • they have it now in the purchase, not been God. Toe adversaries of our .Sa-
in the promise, and in the first-fruits. 4. viour's divinity, to elude the force of these
That all Christ's sheep are put by God words, which make so much agaroat than,
the Father into Christ's hand for security : interpret the words thus, I and my &-
My Father hath given them me. 5. The ther are one ; that is, say they, **««
Father doth so intrust Christ with his sheep, (u*a 0aVr«c) one in will and attectio*.
as yet to take care of them himself; they one in concord and consent; This » a
arc in the Father's hand, as well as in the truth, but not the great truth contained ra
Son's, and their being in the hands of these words ; for the believer* are one with
both, doth assure them of the certainty of God, and one with another ; namely, by a
their perseverance : None shall pluck them harmony of wills and desires ; so for as they
out of my hand : none shall be able to are regenerated, God's will and theirs are
pluck them out of my Father's hand; unisons; they will and desire the same thing,
implying, that there are many that would and are of one heart and of one mind. But
pluck them out of their hands, sin, Satan, God and Christ are one; in a much higher
the world, <frc, but they shall be kept by sense than Christ and beJievera are one ;
the almighty power of God, through faith namely, one in essence and nature, one m
unto salvation ; for who can be too strong authority and power, Christ being con-
fer omnipotent power ? substantial with God. Learn hence, That
the Lord Jesus Christ is for nature co-e*
30 I and my Father are one. sential, for dignity co-equal, and for dun-
That is, one in essence and nature, one tkm co-eternal, with the Father. 2. That
in authority and power, and not barely although Christ be one in essence with the
one in will and affection, one in concord Father, yet are they distinct persons one
or consent. That this is the genuine sig- from another : J and my Father, we are
nification of the word, appears by a three- one. 3. Learn hence, That the Son being
fold argument. 1. From the original one in essence, one in power, one m con-
words 5 it is not said, I and my Father are sent and will with the Father, they are
(«e)one person in the masculine gender, both equally concerned for the peisever-
but in the neuter (tv) I and my Father are ance of the saints, for preserving them m
one thing. Now if that thing be not the grace, and for bringing them to glory :
divine being, they cannot be one ; for since None shall pluck them out of mine or my
the Father is confessed to be God, the Son Father's hand; for I and my Father are
cannot be one thing with the Father, if he one. If the power be the same, the essence
be not God too. 2. It appears from the must be the same,
context : our Saviour, in the preceding 3l Then thc Jew§ took stones
verses, ascribed the preservation on his sheep . w 32 f
to the power of his Father : None can » , ?. *WM~
pluck them out of my Father's hand. 8Wered *«». Many good worka have
and he ascribes it also to his own power ; I shewed you from my Father ; for
None shall pluck them out of my hand: which of those works do ye stone
plainly intimating, that his sheep were me ? 33 The Jews answered him,
equally safe in his own hand, as well as in saying, For a good work we stone
his Father's; for says he, land my Fa- thee not but for blasphemy; and
-fZartfne9 * w>one.ra P°w,er* * « because that thou, being a maa,
if they be ooe in power, they must be one i mU if r J
in nature; unless we make an almighty makest thyself, uod.
creature, which is a contradiction. 3. It Observe here, 1. How the Jews under-
appears evidently by what follows in the stood our Saviour affirming, that he and the
Chap. X. ST. JOHN. 507
Father are one ; that is, one in essence ty from him, bow much more is that title
and nature, and himself a person equal with due to roe, who was sanctified, separated,
God. This they looked upon as blasphe- and ordained for a mediator, and appointed
my in him, to arrogate to himself what is to the work of redemption before I came
proper to God only. Observe, 2. That into the world, and consequently was God
the Jews looked upon it as a piece of jus- from all eternity." This place the Socini-
tfce in them to stone Christ for this appre- ans (those professed adversaries of our Sa-
heoded blasphemy : Then the Jews took viour's godhead) produce to prove, that
•p status to stone him. According to Christ was not God by nature, but only
the law of God, the blasphemer was to be in respect of his sanctification and mission.
stoned to death ; but then be was first to It is a certain truth, that he that was sancti-
be judicially tried and judged : But such fied and sent, was the Son of God j but he
was the furious and fiery zeal of these Jews, was not therefore the Son of God, because
that in a tumultuous manner they attempt sanctified and sent. ' His sanctification was
to stone him to death. Lord ! how far not the ground of his sonship ; but his
doth the rary of men, in opposing truth, sonship was the cause of bis sanctification>
outstrip the true zeal of thy faithful ser- Christ was not therefore God's Son, be-
vanls in defending the truth ! Observe, 3. cause he was sanctified and sent ; but he
With what meekness our Lord receives this was therefore sanctified and sent, because
horrid indignity of stoning ; (for it is pro- he was his Son. He was a Son before he
bable that some stones were cast at him, he was sent, even from eternity, otherwise it
sayings For which of those works do ye must have been said that God sent him to
stone me .*) he clears his own innocence, be his Son, and not that God sent his Son.
and expostulates with them for rewarding This supposes him before be was sent to
him evil for good ; Many good works have been actually his Son, as certainly he
have I showed you from my father ; that was from before the foundations of the
is, by my Father's authority and commis- world. Prov. viii. 23. I was set tip
lion j I rave been sight to the blind, feet to from ever lasting, from the beginning, or
the lame, a tongue to the dumb, and hear- ever the earth was,
rag to the deaf: do any of these works iMW wt . , A .. . r
dServetuch usage as stcomg at your bands? „ *? lf * do not ^e works of my
Learn hence, That such was the perfect and Father, believe me not. 38 But if
spotless innocence of Christ in all bis ac- I do, though ye believe not me, be-
tioas, that he durst and did appeal to the lieve the works ; that ye may know,
consciences of his most inveterate adver- and believe, that the Father is in
aries : For which of those works do ye me . anj j m nml#
stone me T
Here we have a second argument, by
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not which our Saviour proves, that it was no
written in your law, I said, Ye are blasphemy to call himself God, but that
gods ? 35 If he called them gods, he wa* ?* "} ^y deed ; namely, an ar,
e. . ., jrr^j eument taken from his works: If I do not
unto whom the word of God came, *£ worh of Fatherf Mi/ve me not$
and the Scripture cannot be broken; And tbe argument runs thus: If (says
36 Say ye of him, whom the Father Christ) I do those miraculous works, which
hath sanctified, and sent into the no power less than a divine power can
world, Thou blasphemest ; because effect, then you ought by these works to
I said, I am the Son of God ? |* led to, bel«*e «*| i acknowledge, that
I am truly and really God ; but the works
Here our Saviour by a two-fold argument which I do are the effect and product of
vindicates himself from the imputation of an omnipotent power, therefore you ought
blasphemy, in asserting himself to be God. to believe, that I am one in essence with the
1. Because the Old Testament gave to ma- Father, there being a mutual in-existencc
gistrates and judges tbe title of gods, as Psal. of one person in the other, so that the Fa*
Irani. 6. 1 nave said, ye are gods. Now ther is in me, and I in him ; and thus J
Christ argues strongly from the less to tbe and the Father are one. Learn hence,
greater, thus : " If judges and magistrates That Christ never required of his disciples
may be called sods, because they are com- and followers an implicit faith, or a blind
missioned by him, and derive their aulhori- obedience j but as he submitted his doctrine
608 ST. JOHN. Chap. XL
to the trial of reason, so be submitted his glory of Christ m working mirrades, when
miracles to the examination and judgment of he came upon the stage of his ministry,
sense: therefore he says, If J do not the might be the more clear and evident.
works of my Father, that is, divine works, 2. That the evidence of Christ being the
believe me not to be a divine person. Messias, might be the more clear by the
miracles which he wrought. 3. That the
39 Therefore they sought again minds of the people might not be divided
to take him : but he escaped out of »nd distracted between John and Christ,
their hand ; 40 And went away «* ** there might bene prdence or
u 1a i^ j«« :«*^ *k« ~i.™ competition between them: Inarfort
again beyond Jordan into the place Jfl4 ^ no miracle . j., aU things M
where John at hrst baptized; and j0bn spake of Christ were true.
there he abode. 41 And many re-
sorted unto him, and said, John did CHAP. XI.
no miracle : but all things that John .»-._., . . . .
spake of (his man were true. 42 NOW » certam «• "M S,J>
And many believed on him there. , "»"* L*"™8' of ff^?'£
J town of Mary and her sister Martha.
Observe here, 1. The violence and fury 2 (It was that Mary which anointed
of these unbelieving Jews, against the holy the Lord with ointment, and wiped
and innocent Jesus ! They sought again his feet with her hair, whose bro-
to take him Observe, &Tte P^tatl ther Liuaru9 was sick#) 3 Tnere-
care of Christ for his own preservation : his - ,. . . . . I. ^ •
timebeingnot yet come, hVwithdraws from ***** sisters sent unto him, saying,
Jerusalem, the nest of his enemies, and goes Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest
beyond Jordan : when Christ was perse- is sick. 4 When Jesus heard that,
cuted in one city, he fled to another ; he he said, This sickness is not unto
has sanctified a state of persecution to his death, but for the glory of God,
ministers, and members, by his own being that thc Son of God might fc g|0.
!?* J^dT?0r^y,°f ^K-i0 rifled thereby,
fly, when their Captain did it, and bids "MW *«™™v
them do it, saying, When they persecute This chapter relates unto us themXracdow
you in one city, flee unto another. Ob- power of Christ, in raising of dead Laza-
aerve, 3. The success of Christ's ministry rus, which, as it was one of his last, so was
beyond Jordan : Many resorted to him, it one of the greatest miracles which be
and believed on him. This place about wrought ; and yet we find none of the
Jordan was the place where John had ex- evangelists make mention of it, but only St
ercised a great part of his ministry, and John : the reason is supposed to be this ;
now, many years after John's death, the because when the other evangelists wrote
fruit of his ministry appears ; for many be- their history, Lazarus was then alive; (for
lieved on him there ; that is, about Jor- Epiphanius says, he lived thirty years after
dan, where John had preached and bap- he was raised by Christ ;) and probably
treed. Learn hence, That the labours of the mention of this relation might have
faithful ministers may seem to be lost, and lie brought Lazarus into danger and trouble;
long like seed under the ground, and yet at but St. John wrote his Gospel after Lanr-
last, by some new watering, may spring up, us's death. This miracle was a sufficient
and the fruit appear in abundance. Here demonstration of Christ's godhead : none
John's ministry about Jordan bath fresh but an almighty power could recall a man
fruit upon Christ's coming long after John four days dead, from a settled corruption
was dead. Observe, 4. The dignity of to a state of life. None but he that crested
Christ above John, John did no miracle ; Lazarus could thus make him anew. Here
but Christ did all. The wisdom of God observe, 1. The tender sympathy of these
so ordered it, that though the Old-Testa- two endeared sisters with their afflicted
ment prophets, Elijah and Elisha, wrought brother ; they feel his sorrows, and ac-
many miracles for the confirmation of their quaint their Saviour with his sufferings;
divine mission, yet John the Baptist coming Lord ! behold he whom thou lovest u
immediately before Christ, as his messenger sick. They do not say, Our brother that
and forerunner, wrought none, for these loves thee is sick : he whom thou lovest is
three reasons probably: 1. That so the sick: thereby pleading not the merit of
Chap. XI. ST. JOHN. 509
Lazarus, bat the merit of Christ For how quently and familiarly lodged under their
can the lore of Christ, which is infinite and roof, and he rewards them for their enter-
eteraal, hare any cause but itself. Note* tainment with his love : Jesus lovtd Mar-
Tbe person whom Christ loved is sick, and tha and her sister. Where note, That
dies. Learn thence, That strength of Martha is here named first, though else-
grace, and clearness of respect, even from where Mary bad the precedency ; to show,
Christ himself, cannot prevail either against no doubt, that they were both equally dear
death or against diseases. Lazarus, whom to Christ. Observe, 2. That although
Christ loved, is sick. Observe, 2. The Christ loved Lazarus, yet he seems to neg-
gracious answer which Christ sent to the lect him : be delays going to him for some
sisters* message: This sickness is not unto days. But could Christ absent himself from
death* but for the glory of God. That is, one so lone, whom he loved so well r We
This sickness shall not bring upon htm find he did. Let us take heed then that we
such a death as he shall remain under the do not misinterpret Christ's delays. He
power of, to the general resurrection ; but is seldom comes at our time, but never stays
only designed to give me an opportunity beyond his own : our Saviour had a double
of glorifying God, by exerting my mira- end in staying thus long, .namely, for great-
culoos power in restoring him to life, ening of the miracle, and confirming their
Learn hence, 1. That as God's own glory faith. Had Christ gone before Lazarus was
is his supreme aim and end in all his ac- dead, they might have attributed his ra-
tions, so in particular it is designed by him, covery rather to the strength of nature than
in sending afflictions upon his people, to to Christ's miraculous power ; or had Christ
glorify his power and wisdom, mercy and raised Lazarus as soon as he was dead, they
love, in ana upon them. The saints* sick- might peradventure have thought it rather
nesses are all for the glory of God. 2. some trance or ecstasy, than a death and dis-
Tbat God is glorified when his Son is glo- solution; therefore Christ stays so many days,
rmed -, as none do honour the Father who that God might be the more glorified, and
do not honour the Son, so the Father ac- his own omnipotent power the more mag-
counts himself glorified when the glory of nified. We learn then, That when Christ
the Son is advanced : This sickness is for delays to help them whom he dearly loves,
the glory of God, that the Son of God it is always for wise ends and holy purposes.
might be glorified thereby. Observe, 3. How the disciples, though they
were dearly affected to Lazarus, (for they
5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and had learned to love where their Master
her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When loved,) yet they discourage Christ from go-
he had heard therefore that he was ing to him into Judea, for fear of violence of-
sick, he abode two days still in the ^red to him : Master, the Jews of late
same place where he was. 7 Then "■«*' to stone thee, and goest thou thi-
after that saith he to His disciples, [^^^
Let us go into Judea again. 8 Hu airning at tneir own . mey were to g0 with
duci pie 9 say unto him, Master, the him into Judea, and they well knew that
Jews of late sought to stone thee ; their danger was inwrapped in his, there-
and goest thou thither again ? 0 fore they seek to divert him from his in-
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve tention. O how has the fear of suffering
hours in the day ? If any man walk made "^ °f the ^8 of Christ decline
in the dav he stumbleth not h*. aa °PP°rtunrty of glorifying God, and do-
in tne aay, ne siumDietri not, be- m Qod t0 othere f But anwA Qod ive
cause he seeth the lightof this world, ^fety in the midst of danger, if he pleaseth ?
10 But if a man walk in the night, Let usnot then notchoose our way according
he stumbleth, because there is no to our own apprehension, either of danger
light in him. or safety ; but as we see God going before us,
if our call be clear, let us goon with courage,
Observe, 1. What an happy because an whatever difficulties lie in our way. Ob-
koly and religious family, was here, and serve, 4. How our Saviour corrects these
much honoured by Christ : Jesus loved fears for his disciples, by acquainting them
Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Wherever with his call from God, to undertake this
true piety dwells, it draws the eye and journey into Judea : Are there not twelve
heart of Christ towards it. Christ had fre- hours in the day ? If a man walk there-
610 ST. JOHN. Chap, X!.
l/j, he stumbleth not : but in the night Lazarus sleepeth. It foHowetb, hut I go
he $tumbleth. As if Christ had said, that 1 may awake him out of sleep. Ob-
." Ai he that walks in the day is in do serve, Christ says not, We will go and
danger of stumbling, but in the night he awake him ; but, I will go, and I will
is in danger ; so, as long as I have a call awake him. The disciples, who were com-
frotn God, and my working time lasts, there panions in the way* must not be partners
is a divine providence that will watch over in the work ; witnesses they may be, acton
me, and secure me from all danger : now they cannot be ; none can awake Ltzarus
my day is not fully spent, therefore it is not but the Maker of Lazarus. Who can com-
in the power of mine enemies to precipitate mand the soul to come down and meet the
my passion, or to bring the night of suffer- body, and who can command the body to
ings upon me, before the appointed time ; rise up and meet the soul, but that God
but ere long the night will come on, the that created both soul and body ? Loid !
working time will be over, and then shall it is our comfort against the dread and
both 1 and you stumble upon death ; but terror of death, that our resurrection de-
while the day lasteth we are safe." Learn pends upon thy almighty power. I will
hence, 1. Every man has his twelve hours, go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
that is, his working time, assigned him by ,« m. «j •• j» • ■ * i
God in this world. 2. Whilst these hours . . j* T,hen «* hJf dwciplee, Lord,
are not spent, and whilst his working time is " he weep, he shall do welL 13
unexpired, he shall not stumble, he shall not Howbeit Jesus spake of his death :
die, he shall not be disabled from working, but they thought that he had spoken
while God has any work for him to do } of taking of rest in sleep. 14 Then
neither the malice of men, nor the rage of said Jcsus lint0 them pittjniy La2a.
devils, shall take him off till his work be _.„„ • j^j «■* a«j i .m -\~a c
finished. 3. Every man has his night as rus IS deLad' ** *nd * am S]*d for
well as his day, in which he must expect y°" 8akes that l wa* not tbere'
and prepare to stumble ; that is, to fall by to thc lnte«t ye may believe ; never-
death ; for, when God has done his work theless let us go unto him. 16
by us and with us, he will withdraw his Then said Thomas, which is called
protection from us, but not his care over us. Didymus, unto his fellow disciples.
We stumble upon death, and fall into the j^t U8 aiso ^0> that wc may dic with
grave : but God receives us to himself, and ^jm
at the end of our working season rewards
us for our work. Observe here, 1. How desirous the dis-
_. , . ... , _ ciples were that Christ should not go to
11 These things said he : and af- Bethany where Lazarus was, Bethany being
ter that he saith unto them, Our within two miles of Jerusalem, where the
friend Lazarus sleepeth ; but I go seat of our Saviour's enemies was. But
that I may awake him out of sleep. our ^^ knowing his call to be clear,
resolves to go : Nevertheless, says Christ,
Observe here, 1. Our Saviour cometh Let us go unto hitn. O love, stronger
near to Bethany, tells his disciples that than death! the grave cannot separate be-
Lazarus sleepeth $ that is, plainly, he wan twixt Christ and his friends. Other friends
dead. This showed his omniscience, and accompany us. to the brink of the grave,
that he was truly God ; for he had recetv- and there ihey leave us to worms and dust ;
ed no advice of his death from any person, for death hath both horror and noisome-
but as God he knew that he was deceased, ness to attend it : but for thee, O Saviour,
Observe, 2. The sweet title given both to the grave-stone, the earth, the coffin, are
death and Lazarus : death is called a sleep, no bounders of thy dear respects, blessed
Lazarus is styled a friend ; yet Christ says, be God, that neither Hfe nor death can se-
pot my friend, but our friend Lazarus parate from the love of Christ; bat even
sleepeth; intimating that gracious fami- after death and burial he is graciously
liarity and mutual friendship which was affected to those be loves. Christ has a
betwixt himself and all his members, gracious regard to the dust of his sainta:
Learn hence, 1. That all true believers are though his holy ones see corruption, thev
Christ's friends. 2. That the friends of shall not always lie under the power of
Christ must die as well as others. 3. That corruption ; their dead bodies are a part of
tneir death is but a sleep. Our friend the undoubted members of Christ's mys-
Cbap. XI. ST. JOHN. 611
heal body. Blessed be God, tbe time b not above six mild off Bethany, being
coming, when Christ shall knock at the within two miles of Jerusalem, and Jem-
door of his children's graves, and call them salem within four miles of Bethabara, where
out of their bed of dust, and they shall Christ now was, and yet our Saviour came
hear the voice of the Son of God, and not of four days ; doubtless, that the mira-
/«*. Observe, 2. Tbe wise and holy de* cle of Lazarus's resurrection might be the
3* pi of Christ in delaying to go to Bethany more conspicuous and remarkable. Christ
1 Lazarus was dead : namely, that he could as easily have cured Lazarus being
might at once raise Lazarus's dead body, sick, as have raised him being dead, and
and his disciples' faith, confirming them in as easily have raised him the first day as
tbe belief that he was the Son of God, and the fourth day ; but that had not carried
the true Messtas. But could the faith of along with it such a full conviction of
the apostles want confirmation, who had Christ's almighty power. Therefore, that
seen ao many miracles wrought by our he might draw the eyes of their faith more
Saviour, and had lived under the ministry stedfastly to behold and admire his al-
all the time of H? Yes ; the faith of the mighty power, our Saviour defers his corn-
moat eminent saints, even of the apostles ing till Lazarus had been dead four days.
themselves, wants confirmation in this state Observe, 2. The civil usage of mourning
of weakness and imperfection, and is capa- with those that mourned for the dead : au-
ble of growth. I am glad for your taxes ciently they mourned thirty days, and
that I was not there% to the intent ye may sometimes forty, for a dear relation, Numb,
believe. Observe, 3. The great passion xx. 29. During which time, neighbours
which Thomas expresses upon the notice and friends came to visit and relieve them
given by Christ of Lazarus's death : Plain- in their sadness, with such consolatory ar-
fy Laxarus is dead, says Christ, Let us guments as they had. Christian religion
go and die with Aim, says Thomas. O doth not condemn natural affection; human
what passionate and impatient impressions passions are not sinful if not excessive : to
do sometimes drop from our mouths on oc- be above the stroke of passion is a condition
casion of the death of our dear relations ; we equal to angels ; to be in a state of sorrow
are ready to be so affected with the death of without the sense of sorrow, is a disposition
our friends, as to wish ourselves out of the beneath the beasts ; but duly to regulate
world, that we might be with them. But our sorrows, and set boundaries to our grief,
we most remember, that it is God that ap- is the wisdom, the duty, the interest, and
points us our several posts, and particular 'the excellency of a christian. As to be
stations, which we must keep till tbe wis- above all passions will be our happiness in
dom of God sees fit to remove us. heaven, so to regulate and rectify our pas-
sions is a great part of our holiness on earth.
17 Then when Jesus came, he Observe, 3. Although Martha was a true
found that he had lain in the grave mourner for the death of her brother, yet
four days already. 18 Now Beth- she *ot)} not «°. ** ii1£?,?e ,f0 K"* *? T
any was nigh unto Jerusalem, about ™ to** I"?? °f C^SU 1WJ|oa* "■*
£/>;Lt~ c i a -.^ a j arises to go forth to meet him, with a mourn-
fifteen furlongs off. 19 And many fu, raoan m her mouth, Lord, if thou
of the Jews came to Martha and hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Mary, to comfort them concerning Where observe, How faith and infirmity
their brother. 20 Then Martha, as were mixed together ; faith appeared in that
soon as she heard that Jesus was ^rm persuasion which she had of Christ's
coming, went and met him; but P0™! ? if death durst not show his face
Mary sat stiU in the house. 21 » Ch"** ***** :; ?**' *£*£ Z*
«,, J • j m* .i * r » i *»y brother had not died. But then her
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, innrmjty appeared in limiting Christ both
if thou hadst been here, my brother to time and place : to place. If thou hadst
had not died. 22 But I know, that been here ; as if Christ could not, if be
even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask had pleased, save his life, absent as well as
of God, God will give it thee. present. Then to time, Now he stinketh ;
as if she had said, " You are come, but,
Observe here, 1. The length of time alas I too late ; you have staid too long, he
which Christ designedly delayed before he is past recovery, the grave hath swallowed
would come to Lazarus's grave : he was him up." As if death would not deliver
512 ST. JOHN. Chap. Xt
up bis prisoner at the command of Christ, is the author and efficient cause of it : I am
O » the imperfect composition of the best of the resurrection and the life. That is, I
saints ! what a mixture of faith and infir- am the author and principal efficient cause
mity is found in the holiest and best of chris- of the resurrection ; and this with respect to
tians ! This also farther appears in her next both natures : 1. His divine nature a the
words, ver. 22. 1 know, that whatsoever efficient cause of the resurrection ; he shall
thou shait ask of God, he will give it thee, raise our bodies out of the dust, by the
She seems not to believe that Christ was able power of the godhead. 2. His human na-
to raise him by his own immediate power, ture is the exemplary cause or P^tem of the
but must obtain power from God to do it, resurrection ; for which reason Christ is call-
as the prophets were wont to do that raised ed the first-born from the dead. For
the dead. She thought Christ a person though some were raited before him, yet
highly in God's favour, but scarce believed was his resurrection the cause of their re-
him able to raise Lazarus by his own power : surrection. Hence, St Paul argues from
had her faith extended to a belief that Christ's resurrection, the certainty of the re-
Christ was equal with the Father, and that surrection of his members : Christ and be-
the fulness of the godhead dwelt in him, lievers are one mystical body ; therefore a
she would not have questioned his power to not Christ perfectly risen tittall ha members
raise him from the grave j for though are risen with him. Indeed Christ's per-
Christ as Mediator did apply himself by sonal resurrection was perfect when he
prayer to God at the raising of dead La- arose, and all believers arose representatively
zarus, ver. 41, 42, yet as God he had pow- in him; yet, till all believers arise person-
or of himself to raise Lazarus, as almighty ally, the resurrection of Christ has not re-
power communicated with his essence from ceived its utmost perfection ; but there is
the Father, by an eternal and ineffable somewhat behind of toe resurrection of
generation. Christ Most 6tly then might our Saviour
assert, J am the resurrection and the life.
23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy bro- Observe, 4. That Christ not only assert*
ther shall rise again. 24 Martha himself to be the resurrection, but also the
saith unto him, I know that he shall J* \ *«" ^f^^Z^JiJ^'
. . .1 *• . A. That is, lam the cause of life natural, spirit-
rise again in the resurrection at the ^ £d -n||! And whot0€V€r Irvcth
last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, and fc/fr^n in mCt ghaU never die:
I am the resurrection and the life : that is, eternally. -Though his body shall
he that believeth in me, though he die because of sin, yet his spirit shall live
were dead, yet shall he live : 26 because of righteousness.
And whosoever liveth and believeth 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord :
in me shall never die. Believest I believe that thou art the Christ,
thou this ? the Son of God, which should come
Here observe, 1. Christ's meek answer to into the wor,d- M And whcn sh*
Martha's passionate discourse. He takes no had so said, she went her way, and
notice of the forementioned failings, but called Mary her sister secretly, say-
comforts her with a promise of her brother's ing, The Master is come, and call-
resurrection : Thy brother shall rise a- eth for tnee. 29 As soon as she
gTG"I?^ learn, That the knowledge heard ihat she arose quickly, and
and belief of -the general resurrection is, and . /. OA xr™ !*-.;.-«.-.«
ought to be, a sufficient support und* the came unto him- ™ *ow J*?u* was
loss of our endeared friends, who die in the not Yet com€ ™to ™* town> »ut was
Lord. Observe, 2. That thedoctrineof the in that place where Martha met him.
general resurrection was no new doctrine ; 31 The Jews then which were with
Job believed it, ch. xix. 26 ; Daniel pub- her in the house, and comforted her,
liBhed it, ch. xii. 1 ; the Pharisees had a wnen tney saw Mary that she rose
notion of it; but Martha here makes it hastU and went out flowed
an article of her faith: I know he shall . "V _ .J «» ^ .. „ . ' 4. grm^waA
rise again in the resurrection at the last her> »»?"!* She gf* "nto ** «2
day. Observe, 3. How Christ particu- to weeP there' 32 Tben wheB Ma"
larly instructs Martha in the cause otthe re- *y was come where Jesus was, and
surrection, acquainting her, that he himself saw him, she fell down' at his feet.
Chap. XI. ST. JOHN. 513
saying unto him, Lord, if thou not died. Where observe, a mixture of
hadst heen here, my brother had &ith with human infirmity. Here wat
not died. strength of faith in ascribing so much power
->, . ,«--«*-. t0 Christ, that his presence could preserve
Observe here, 1. The full confession from deAih but i^ ^ infirmity in
which Martha makes of her faith m Christ supposing the necessity of Christ's presence
"™i'™w***kc*™''tkS™*f for this purpose. Certainly he that did
God, which should come into the world. ^^ him from deatht ^^ preaent could
A confession which comes nearest to that have preserved him from Sying, being
of St Pteter (Matt, xvu 16.) of any that we absent, had he pleased. This was Mary's
i^*!tii?*riptUI?: ?ay» jf seem8 m°re moan, Lord, hadst thou heen here, my
full than Peters confession: for those ad- hrother had not died; full of affection,
djtiooal words, which should come into but not free from frailty and infirmity.
the world, are inot in his confession: the However, Christ takes no notice of her
sum s» she believed Christ to be the very errors and infirmity ; but all the reply we
Messna, who was typified and prefigured, hear of is a compassionate groan, which the
prophesied of, and promised to the Old- following verses acquaint us with.
Testament saints, as the person that in the
fulness of time should come into the world 33 When Jesus therefore saw her
for the redemption and salvation of it : Thou weeping, and the Jews also weeping
art the Christ, the Son of God, which which came with her, he groaned in
5WrT-^artc^w^hBmf the *?"*> an<* wa» troubled, 34
That Christ is never rightly believed in, nor A , •J\i7i_ ^ 1 .?.. *
regularly depended ?pon for salvation, £nd 8a1^ Whefe. ha*e y« laid h,m *
except he be owned and acknowledged to *ney sai« unto him, Lord, come and
be the eternal Soq of God. Martha was see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said
now fully persuaded of Christ's divine na- the Jews, Behold how he loved him !
turn, of which the best of the disciples, till 37 And some of them said, Could
afier our Saviour's resurrection, had but a not this man, which opened the eyes
faint and uncertain persuasion pbserve, 0f the blind, have caused that even
2. Ho w earnest and intent our Saviour was ... . ' ., , . , .. , «
to dopateh the errand he came upon ; thw man »houW "°thave <•'«<* «
namely, to raise Lazarus from the grave, Observe here, 1. The condolency and
and to comfort the two mournful sisters : tender sympathy expressed by our Savi-
he would not so much as enter the house, our upon this occasion : He groaned in
till he had effected his work; and therefore the spirit, and was troubled: Or, as the
he goes straight to the grave, which pro- original has it, he troubled himself; inti-
bably was the place where Mary met him. mating, that our Saviour's passions were
Lord ? it was thy meat and drink to do the pure and holy, not like ours, muddy and
will of thy Father ; it was thy meat and mixed with sinful imperfection. The com*
drink by day, thy rest and repose by night, motion of his affections were like the sbak-
How unlike are we to thyself, if we suffer ing of pure water in' a crystal glass, which
either our pleasures or our profits to divert still remains clear, and they arose and
us from our duty ! Observe, 3. What were calmed at his pleasure ; he was not
haste and speed Mary makes to attend upon overpowered by them, but had them at bis
our Saviour : she arose quickly, and came command. Learn hence. That as Christ
unto him. Mary's love added wings to took upon him the human nature, so he did
her motion. The Jews, observing her assume also human affections, thereby evi-
hasty motion, have a loving suspicion that dencing himself to be our brother and near
she is gone to the grave to weep there : kinsman, according to the flesh. Learn, 2.
but their thoughts were too low ; for whilst That the passions and affections, which
they supposed that she went to a dead bro- our Saviour had and expressed, were al-
ther, she was waiting upon a loving So- ways holy and innocent : he was not
viour. And she that used to sit at Jesus's without them, but he was above them ; they
feet, now falls at his feet, with an awful did never violently and immoderately
veneration : the very gesture was suppli- trouble him, but when he pleased be trou-
catory ; and ber humble prostration was bled himself. Jesus groaned in spirit,
seconded with a doleful lamentation. Lord, and troubled himself. Observe, 2. How
if thou hadst heen herc> my brother had our Saviour manifests his condolency and
2 L
614 ST. JOHN. Chap. XI.
tender sympathy with Martha and Mary, dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up
by his weeping, Jesus wept ; partly from his eyes, and said, Father, I thank
compassion, and partly for example ; in thcc that thou hast heard me. 42
compassion, ^l»«4»to see how And j ^ that thou ^^ m ^
miserable sin had debased the human na- , , M„m* „t #k* ^u
tore, and rendered man like unto the brute *«■; ta* ^^. A*L ^3*
beasts that perish. Secondly, in coropas- wh|cn stand by I said ti, that they
sion to Lazarus, whom be was now about may believe that tbou hast sent me.
to bring back into a sinful and troublesome 43 And when he thus had spoken,
world. Thus St. Jerome, Nan flenit he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus,
Christus lachrymas nostras, *c. "Christ comc forth! 44 And he that was
(says he) did not weep ouri tears; be dead camc forth bound haod and
oT^anowT^^ ^Frrtt1^?
life." Again, Christ wept for our example, was bound about with a napkio. Je-
to fetch sighs and tears from us at the sight sus saith unto them, Jjoost him, sod
of others' miseries, and esoeciaUy at the fu- let him go.
nerals of our godly friends. Learn hence, In these verses we find our Saviour
That mourning and sorrow, and this ex- addressing himself to the miracle of rasing
pressed by tears and weeping, is an aflec- Lazarus from the grave. First, be com-
tion proper for those that go to funerals, mands them to take away the stooe. Bat
provided it be decently kept within due could not that voice which raised the dead,
oounds, and is not excessive : for immode- remove the stone ? Yes, no doubt; but it is
rate sorrow is hurtful to the living, dishon- always the will of Christ that we put forth
ourable to the dead ; neither is it an argu- our utmost endeavours, and do what we
ment of more love, but an evidence of less can, in order to our own deliverance. To
grace. Note, 3. How the Jews, observing remove the stone, and untie the napkin,
Christ's sorrow for, admire bis love to, dead was in their power -, this therefore the/
Lazarus: Behold, how he loved him! must do; but to raise the dead was out of
Christ's love to his people is admirable and their power ; this therefore will Christ do
soul*amazing ; such as see it may admire it, alone. Our hands roust do their utmost,
but can never fully comprehend it Note, before Christ will put forth his "help. The
4. How some of the malicious Jews attempt stone being thus removed, his eyes begin \
to lessen the reputation of our Saviour, not they are lifted up to heaven, fan Father's
willing to own him to be God, because he throne, from whence he expects to derive
did. not keep Lazarus from dying: as if his power. His tongue seconds his eye,
Christ could not be the Son of God, because and he prays unto hn Father. Christ, ss
he did not at all times, and in all cases, God, wrought this miracle by his own pow-
exert and put forth his divine power, er. Consider him as Mediator, and so be
Whereas Christ acted freely, and not oe- looks up to his Father by prayer ; yet we
cessarily, governing his actions by his own hear of no prayer, but a thanksgiving only,
wisdom, as be saw most conducing to Christ's will was his prayer; whatever
the ends and purposes of his own glory. Christ willed, God granted, Christ and ha
Father having one essence, one nature, sod
38 Jesus therefore, again groan- «* wi»- Neither was it fit for Christ to
ing in himself, cometh to the grave. Pray v«»ny and audibly, k* £ «*
i« «o- . «o«^ o«J • -*„— i.« Mawi_ "eving Jews should say, he did it bye*
•I L\ ' i £1 y P treatyT nothing by power. Observe farther,
it. 39 Jesus said, Take ye away j^ n Christ, when he spake to his Fa-
the. stone. Martha, the sister of ther, lifted up his eyes ; so, when he spake
nim that was dead, saith unto him, to dead Lazarus, he lifted up his voice and
Lord, by this time he stinketh : for cried aloud. This Christ did, that the
he hath been dead four days. 40 strength of the voice might answer toe
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not un- *wiBthof the affection, «?«**«■»■
#A *k^ *k<*» if *i,4i.. ...^..i^-t iw> mently utter what we earnestly dose , w
to thee that, if thou wouldest be- ^ ^ ^ ^ the voice fflight ?.
XTF thou shouldest see the glory 8wer to fhe ^ of the work ; bat
of God ? 41 Then they took away especially that the hearers might bew*
the stone from the place where the nesses, that this mighty work was performed,
Chap. XI. ST. JOHN. 616
not by any magical enchantments, which would be too great curiosity to enquire,
are commonly mumbled forth with a low and greater presumption to determine.
voice, but by an authoritative, and divine _. _ . •
command. In a word, might not Christ 45 Then many of the Jews which
utter a loud voice at the raising of Lazarus, came to Mary, and had seen the
that it might be a representation of that things which Jesus did, believed on
shrill and loud voice of the last trumpet him. 46 But some of them went
at the general resurrection which shall their wavs to the Pharisees, and told
s^r &«*? S&21 s *- what rt tJr\ha? donf;
As the manner of our Lord's speaking with 47 Then S^ercd the chief priests
a loud voice, so the words spoken by him : and the Pharisees a council, and
Lazarus, come firth. Mark, Christ doth said, What do we ? for this man
not say, Lazarus, revive j but, as if be sup- doeth many miracles. 48 If we let
posed him already alive, he says, Lasarus, him thus alone, all men will believe
come firth ; to let us know that they are on him . an(j tne Romans shall come,
afore to him, who are dead to us. Mark and take both our ,acc an<J
also, what a commanding word this was, . J r
Come firth ! Not that it was in the power natlon •
of these loud commanding words to raise Observe here, 1. The different effects
Lazarus, but in the quickening power of which this miracle had upon these Jews who
Christ which attended these words, O were present at the raising of Lazarus.
biessad Saviour ! it is thy voice which we Some of them believed on Christ ; but
shall ere long hear sounding into the hot- others, persisting in their unbelief, went to
torn of the grave, and raising us from our the Pharisees, and informed against him.
bed of dust It is thy voice that shall Notwithstanding all the evidence which our
pierce the rocks, divide the mountains, and Saviour gave of his being the Messias, by
echo forth throughout the universe, saying, the miracles which he wrought, yet many re-
Arise, ye dead, and come to judgment, jected him, and refused to believe on him, to
Observe lastly, how readily obedient Laza- their unutterable and inevitable coudemna-
ros was to the call and command of Christ : tion. Observe, 2. How greatly disturbed
Be that was dead came firth : And if the Pharisees were upon the account of our
Lazarus did thus instantly start up at the Saviour's miracles : knowing how proper an
voice of Christ in the day of his humilia- argument they were to convince men, they
tion, bow shall the dead be roused up out concluded, that if Christ were suffered to
of their graves by that voice which shall go on and work miracles, he would draw
shake the powers of heaven, and move the all men after him. Learn thence, That
foundations of the earth, in the day of his Jesus proved himself to be the true Messias
glorification ! Question, But where was by the miracles which he wrought, his
Lazarus*s soul all that while that he was enemies themselves being judges. For we
dead ? If in heaven, was it not a wrong to find here, the worst of our Saviour's ene-
htm to come from thence ? if not, doth it mies were afraid of bis miracles, that by
not prove that the soul sleeps as well as the them he would draw all men after him :
body ? Answer, Souls go not to heaven If toe let him alone, all men will believe
by necessitation, as the fire naturally and on him. Observe, 3. What was the
necessarily ascends upwards, but are dispos- ground of the Pharisees' fear, if they let
ed of by God as the supreme Governor ; Christ go on to work miracles ; that he
those that have served him go to heaven, would have so many followers as would
and those that have served the devil go to alarm the Romans, and awaken their jea-
hell ; and those that are not yet judged to lousy, and cause them to come upon them
either place, but are to live presently again with an army, to deprive them of the lit—
upon earth, as Lazarus was, are reserved tie liberty they indulged them, and take
by God accordingly; whether shut up in away their place and nation. Their place;
the body as m a swoon, or whether kept that is, their place of worship, the temple :
in the custody and hands of an angel not and their nation : that is, bring the whole
far from the body, waiting his pleasure, body of the Jewish nation to utter destine-
either to restore it to the body, or to return tion. Learn hence, How all the enemies
it to its proper place of bliss or misery, the and opposers of Christ and his kingdom
scripture has not told us whether ; and it do endeavour to colour their quarrel with
2 L 2
616 ST. JOHN. Chap. XI.
some specious pretences, that they may yond his own intention, prophetically to
hide the odiousness of their practices from foretell that great good, which by our Sa-
the eye of the world, and may not be viour's death should redound to the world*
openly seen to fight against God. Thus and that the fruit and benefit of his death
the Pharisees here persecute our Saviour, should not only extend to the Jews, bat to
not as the Messias, (though the miracle he the Gentiles also ; and that he should ga-
wrought were a sufficient evidence that he ther in one body, or church, all that truly
was such,) but as one who would bring believe in him, though far and wide dnv
ruin upon their nation. If toe let him persed upon the face of the earth. Hence
alone, the Romans will come and take learn, 4. That the spirit of prophecy did
away both our place and nation. fall sometimes upon very bad men, and
49 And one of them, named Cai- <^.ha» !T.p,S!fd '° ."T1 """ J?"
A i i • «. ■ • •: . .... of ho mind to the worst of men. Thus
aphas, being the high priest that piuu^h aml Nebuchadneizar had m their
same year, said unto them, Ye know dreamg a revelation from God, what things
nothing at all, 60 Nor consider be intended to do. Learn, 2. That it is
that it is expedient for us that one consistent with the holiness of God, some-
man should die for the people, and times to make use of the tongues of the
that the whole nation perish not. wo"t <* **** ro Polish and declare his
51 And this spake he not of him- ™»- Caiaphas here,thoueh a vile and
he prophesied, That Jesus should die ty God may,^hen he pleases, employ
for that nation ; 62 And not for wicked men this way, without any pre-
that nation only, but that also he judice to his holiness. This Caiaphas
should gather together in one the spake not of himself; but, being high*
children of Ood that were scattered P™*1 tnat 9car* ke prophesied that Jesus
abroad. should die for that nation.
The foregoing verses acquainted us with ' ®3 Then from that day forth they
the apprehension which the chief priests bad took counsel together for to put him
of the necessity of taking away the life of to death. 64 Jesus therefore walk-
our blessed Saviour : Lest the Romans ed no more openly among the Jews ;
should take away both their place and m- but went thence unto a ^vXry near
tion. Nowhere in these verses Caiaphas #^ 4l4 «,:i-i^-«.„.. :«*^ « -u-'l-ii^i
the high priest delivers his opinion ft/pre- * *he. Wllde"iess, into a city called
venting of this danger; he tells the rest, 1EP!,™DV „and there continued with
that they ought not to boggle at the mat- "Is disciples. 66 And the Jews*
ter, but come to a positive and peremptory passover was nigh at hand : and
resolution to provide for the public safety, many went out of the country up to
right or wrong ; and that it is a great folly Jerusalem before the passover, to
to prefer one man's life, though never so in- purjfv themselves. 66 Then sought
nocent, before a nation's welfare: a most Jh-vVnr T»o»« .ml .«o^ o«J^
wicked and devilish speech. As a judge he ™e* 7 Je8U*'. *™ JS-VT B*
regarded not what was lawful, but as a tfJem*SWS ?' l.hey St0od in the tem"
wicked politician lie consulted what was ex- P,e> Wnat lnink >c. tna* n« will not
pedient; he declares, that one man, though come to the feast ? 67 Now both
never so good and holy, though never so the chief priests and the Pharisees
just and innocent, had better die, than a had given a commandment, that if any
whole nation suffer ; whereas it is in any ,nan |<ncw where hc were ^ &0m
sj-k; Lt a.'ass re *™ *• that *<* m*ht *k« *■»•
the duty of all persons to pray for, and Observe here, 1. How baneful and de-
endeavour after, the public welfare of a structive evil counsel is, especially out of the
church and nation, whereof they are mem- mouths of leading men, and bow soon em-
bers ; yet it is altogether unlawful to pro- braced and followed. Caiaphas no sooner
mote the greatest national good by wicked propounds the putting of Christ to death,
and unlawful means. Observe farther, How but from that day forward they lie in wail
^od overruled the tongue of Caiaphas be- to take him. The high- priests had satisfied
I
Chap. XI L ST. JOHN. 517
their consciences, and now they made all 2 There they made him a supper ;
possible speed to put their malicious de- and Martha served : but Lazarus
tigni and purposes in execution. Observe, was one of them that sat at the ta-
2. n* J>rudential care and means which b, with hi 3 Thcn took M
our Lord used for his own preservation, to j /• • * * r \ a
avoid their fury: he withdraws himself pri- P°und of ointment of spikenard
vately into a place called Ephraim, and very costly, and anointed the feet of
there continued with his disciples. Learn, Jesus, and wiped his feet with her
As Christ himself fled, so is it lawful for hair : and the house was filled with
bus servants to flee, when their life is con- the odour of the ointment. 4 Then
spired against by their bloody enemies, and sajtn one of his disciples, Judas Isca-
tte persecution is personal. Observe, 3. riot Simon*9 80n which 8nould be_
When the time was come that he was to ex- * • . - w. ; ^^ ... .
posehimself; when the time of the passover tray him. 5 Why was not this oint-
drew near, in which he, being thetrue m™*> «>W for *^ree hundred pence,
Paschal Lamb, was to be slain, to put an and given to the poor ? 6 This he
end to that type; he withdrew no more, said, not that he cared for the poor ;
but surrenders himself to the rage and fury but because he was a thief, and had
of his enemies, and dies a shameful death the bag, and bare what was put
far shameless sinners, as the next chapter tnercin. 7 Then 8aid Je9U8> j^t
more at large informs us. her alone . against the day of my
CHAP. XII. burying hath she kept this. 8 For
the poor always ye have with you ;
HPHEN Jesus, six days before the but me ye have not always.
passover, came to Bethany,
where Lazarus was which had been In these verses, an account is eiven of
dead, whom he raised from the our Saviour's entertainment at Bethany af-
dead. *** ne nac^ raised Lazarus. A supper is
made for him, at which Martha served, and
The latter end of the foregoing chapter Lazarus sat with him, but Mary anoints
acquainted us with the prudential care of Christ with precious ointment Where
Curat in withdrawing from the fury of bis note, 1. The action which this holy wo-
eoemies in and about Jerusalem, who were man performed : she pours a box of pre-
eousuhmg bis destruction ; his time not be- cious ointment upon our Saviour's head, as
iog fully come, be gets out of the way of he sat at meat, according to the custom of
bis persecutors. But now the passover be- the eastern countries at their feasts. I do
ing at hand, which was the time that this not find that any of the apostles were at
Limb of God was to die as a sacrifice for thus much charge and cost to put honour
the sin of the world, our Lord comes forth upon our Saviour, as this poor woman was.
first 1o Bethany, and then to Jerusalem, not From whence we learn, 1. That where
tearing the teeth of bis enemies, but with a strong love prevails in the heart, nothing is
fixed resolution to encounter death and dan- adjudged too dear for Christ, neither will it
ger for the salvation of his people. His ex- sutler itself to be outshined by any exam-
ample teacbeth us, that although we are pies. The weakest woman that strongly
bound by all lawful means and prudential loves her Saviour will vie with the greatest
methods to preserve ourselves from the un- apostle, and piously strive to express the
just violence of our persecutors, yet when fervour of her affection towards him. Ob-
God's time for our sufferings is come, and serve, 2. How this action was resented and
we evidently see that it is his will that we reflected upon by murmuring Judas, who
sutler for his sake, we ought to set our faces valued this ointment at three hundred
very cheerfully towards it, and resign up pence, and grudged the bestowing of it
ourselves to the wisdom and will of God, upon Christ. He accused this holy woman
Thus did Christ here : chap. xi. 54. we of needless prodigality. Lord ! how doth
find he withdrew from suffering, his hour a covetous heart think every thing too good
not being then come; but now, when the for thee ! He that sees a pious action per-
pasaover was nigh at hand, which was the formed, and seeks to lessen or undervalue
time when he was to suffer, he sets his face it, shows himself possessed with a spirit
towards Jerusalem, and withdraws no more, of envy. Judas's invidious spirit makes
5l0 ST. JOHN. Chap. XIL
him censure an action which Christ highly Observe hoe, 1. the wmnrtkamct
o^J^d Hence learn, That men who that rage and madne* which was found
kuow £t our XrTmay Srough igno- in thelhief priests against Lazana: Th*
w£ or preTud^iisii and Condemn consumed together how they might jjt*
ST 2 wtoh God doth commend, Lazarus to death f^PP«^
anTwill graciously reward. Happy was it Christ had spoken r^P^«^
for this poor woman that she had a more himself equal with God, or suppwng thtt
righteousjudge to pass sentence upon her he had broken the sabbath by cunag the
action than wickefjudas. Observe, 3. man that was bom blind, on UTat&yj
How readily our holy Lord vindicates this yet what had Lazarus don*that be m*
XTww she says nothing for herself, be put to death } But from] to^ekjra,
Sor need she havine an advocate, who That such as have received special mercy
g'es^ -J favour from O*-*^*
}or my burial. As kings and great per- instrumenU of his glory, «^«P^*£
"sons were wont in those eastern countries, at made the mark and the ^fn^
their funerals, to be embalmed with odours enemies. 9^.^^1^~2
and sweet perfumes ; so, saith our Saviour, zarus, by raising him from the gave , Md
this woman7 to declare her faith in roe as here there m a resolution W£J»
he? King and Lord, doth with this box of whom Chnst had thus highly tarn*
ointment, as it were before-hand, embalm The chief priests consulted tM <A*
my body for its burial. True feith will put might put Lazarus aUo to death. Ofc
honour upon a crucified as well as a glori- serve, 2. The cause *hJ ^ ^*£*
fled Saviour. This holy woman accounts consulted that they might put Lazsrm to
Christ worthy of all honour in his death, death j namely, Because that by ream
believing it would be a sweet-smelling sa- of him many of the Jens vent away m
crifice unto God, and a savour of life unto believed on Jesus. That * many oune
his people. **•» ***** the n"™^ of &*** ■"■?
r r Lazarus from the grave, were drawn were-
9 Much people of the Jews by to believe in Jesus Christ; and this »
therefore knew that he was there: enraged the chief priests ag™^1*?™'
and they came, not for Jesus' sake that they sought to put him to to^
i L \ .l **u M:»kf «,^ !». Learn hence. That nothing so eniagei we
only, but that they might see Laza- ^^ rf "^ m ^ ewargement d »
rus also, whom he had raised from kingdomf anci ^ g^t ^ the number of
the dead. believers daily increasing. This provoke*
_. , ¥4 ^ * u,m* M^ the devil's wrath, and his servants' rage.
Observe here, It was not zeal but cun- „« ~ Al_ A, u «^nl*
osity, which brought these persons at this 12 On the next day much people
time to Christ ; they had an itching desire that were come to the feast, wnen
to see Lazarus, to inquire after the truth of they heard that Jesus was coming to
his death, and possibly after the state of the JcrUsalem, 13 Took branches of
dead, and the condition that separate souls paim_trees, and went forth to meet
are in after death. Thus the miracles of f. . . . Hosanna ' Blessed
Christ drew many followers after his person ?f™' a™ cn?V , S*?°* 'Lik m
who were never converted by his decline. » the King of Israel, that • cometi. m
It was the sin of many, when Christ was the name of the Lord ! 14 Ana je-
here upon earth, that they flocked after sus, when he had found a young ass,
him, rather out of curiosity than out of sat thereon ; as it is written, 1«>
conscience, and chose rather to gaze upon Fear noi9 daughter of Zion : bo-
nis works, than to mil in love with the hold> th Kin cometh, sitting on an
worker The multitude here <""»to**- ass's colt. 16 These things under-
any. not for Jesus' sake only, but that disciples at the first,
they might see Lazarus also. V\^ i » ™***'V t(.. ,
J ^ but when Jesus was glonned, meu
10 But the chief priests consulted remembered they that these thing8
that they might put Lazarus also to were written of him, and that they
death ; 11 Because that by reason had done these things unto him.
of him many of the Jews went away Here we have recorded the carriage of the
and believed on Jesus. multitude towards our Saviour, when be
Chap. XII. ST. JOHN. 519
came near the city of Jerusalem : they Christ, by the discerning eye of a believer's,
take palms in their hands, and go forth to faith, is the most glorious, and consequently
meet him, and cast their garments on the the most desirable, sight in the world ; and
ground before him to ride upon : yea, they so must needs be, for it is a soul-ravishing,
do not only disrobe their backs, but expend a soul-satisfying, soul-transforming, and a
their breath in joyful acclamation and loud soul-saving sight This sight of Christ by
Hos annas, wishing all manner of prosperity faith will constrain a soul highly to admire
to their meek, but mighty King. In this and greatly to condemn him. It will in-
Srince-like, yet poor and despicable pomp, cline a soul to choose him, and cleave unto
oth our Saviour enter the famous city of him, and will set a soul a longing for the
Jerusalem. Lord ! how far wast thou from full fruition and final enjoyment of him,
affecting worldly greatness and grandeur ! Luke ii. 29. Mine eyes have teen thy sal-
Thou despisest that glory which our hearts vation ; Now let thy servant depart*
fondly admire. Yet because Christ was a Observe lastly. How the envious Pharisees
King, he would be proclaimed such, and were galled, and cut to the heart to see
have his kingdom confessed, and applauded, such a multitude both of Jews and Greeks
and blessed ; yet that it might appear that crowding out of the city to meet Jesus in
his kingdom was not of this world, he aban- bis triumphal entrance into the city. The
dons all worldly magnificence, Pharisees said. Behold, the world is gone
after him. Learn hence, That in the day
17 The people, therefore, that of Christ's greatest solemnity and triumph,
was with him when he called Laza- there will not be wanting some persons of
ins out of his grave, and raised him such a cankered disposition, that they will
from thedead, bare record. 18 For neith<? ^^ themselves, nor can they en-
this cause the people also met him, dure that others should. This was the case
for that they heard that he had done of the wicked Pharisees here.
this miracle. 19 The Pharisees 2.8 A"d Jc8US answered them,
therefore said among themselves, •ay|n$ Thc h1our1JisL come that the
Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing ? Son of man should ** glorified. 24
behold, the world is gone after him. Verily> venly 1 say unto you, Ex-
20 Aad there were certain Greeks cept a corn of wheat fall into the
among them that came up to wor- grou."<f *nd dl?' .!t a°ldetl\ alone1;
ship at the feast. 21 The same but if it die, it bringeth forth much
came therefore to Philip, which was *™J- ,25 ?e that loveth his life
of Bethsaida of Galilee, and de- f?*1* Iose ■*/ and he that hateth
sired him, saying, Sir, we would see *"* *»* » th» worId *ha11 kecP lt
Jeans. 22 Philip cometh and tell- unto l,fe *te™al.
eth Andrew : and again Andrew and Observe here, 1. How our blessed Sa-
Philip told Jesus. viour entertains his followers with a dis-
course concerning his approaching death
Observe liere, 1. How the multitude at and sufferings ; The hour is coming that
Jerusalem came forth to meet Christ, when the Son of man shall be glorified. Ob-
he was making his public entry into the serve, 2. How he arms his disciples against
city, hearing the fame of his miracles : the scandal of the cross, by showing them
For this cause the people also met him, the great benefit that would redound by
for that they had heard that he had done his death unto all mankind : and this by a
this miracle. Observe, 2. How amongst similitude taken from grain. Except a
others who came forth to meet our Saviour, corn of wheat fall into the ground and
certain Greeks, or Gentile proselytes, who die, it abideth alone. That is, as corn un-
came up to worship in the outward court sown, lodged in the barn, or laid up in the
of the temple, apply themselves to Philip, chamber, never multiplies nor increases :
that be would help them to a sight of Je- but sow it in the field, and bury it in the
sus? Sir, we would see Jesus. It is pro- earth, and it multiplies and increases, and
bable that this desire to see Christ in these brings forth a plentiful crop : so if Christ
persons, proceeded from curiosity only, had not died, he had remained what he
But if it did produce true faith in them, we was, the eternal Son of God, but he had
may lience infer, that a spiritual sight of had no church in the world ; whereas his
5*0 ST. JOHN. Chap. XII.
death and sufferings made him fructify ; both glorified it, and will glorify it
that brought a plentiful increase of ex- again.
altation to himself, and salvation to his
people. Observe, 3. How plainly our Sa- Whilst our Saviour was thus preaching
viour dealt with his followers : he did not of his own death and sufferings, a natural
deceive them with a vain hope and ex- horror of his approaching passion (though
pectation of temporal happiness, but tells such as was without sin) senes upon him;
them plainly, that all that will be his dis- his Father giving him a taste of that math
ciples must prepare for sufferings, and not which he was to undergo upon ti*aoato
think their temporal life too dear to lay our sins. Hereupon he betakes himself to
down for him when he calls them to it, prayer. Father, save me from this hour ;
this being the surest way to secure unto this was the harmless inclination of his sm-
themselves life everlasting. HethatJovcth less nature, which abhorred lying under
his life shall lose it ; but he that hateth wrath, and therefore prays against it ; yet
his life in this world shall keep it unto (as it were) recalling himself, he submits to
life eternal. Learn hence, That the sur- what his office, as our surety, required of
est way to attain eternal life is cheerfully to him, and prays again unto his Father to
lay down our temporal life, when the glory dispose of him as may most and best con-
of Christ, and the honour of religion, re- duce to the purposes of his glory; Fawn
quire it at our hand, glorify thy name. Learn hence, 1. That
mere trouble is no sin ; Christ's soul was
26 If any man serve me, let him troubled : Christianity doth not make ma
follow me; and where I am, there "nseless 5 ^*T^^M
shall also my servant be: ifanyrnan ^ JJ^W !S^
serve me, him will my Father lhe wrath of W is most perpkxiDg aod
honour. soul-amazing. My soul is troubled; ssi
n^ A . « *u «-.i what shall I say * 3. No extremity of
That is, If any man assumes the title, gufferi ought £ discourage us from kf-
and enters into the sacred engagement, of . ^ to7hat ^^ which q^ stands
being Christ s servant, let his conversation .^ m M a Fatber 0ur ^^ ra the
correspond with i his profession, and let him rokht rf his distreM ^ GoAt Father:
be willing to follow me m the thorny path ^ 8ave m€ j^m this hour. 4. la
of affliction and sufferings; from this as- ^ extremrty ^^ sufferings, we may
surance, that all his grievous sufferings ^ imp0rtunate, but must not be peremptory,
shall end in eternal joys: Where I am, fa ouVprayere. ^ Christ in his agooy
there shall my servant be, and him mil prayed more earnestly, so may we in oan,
my Father A??o«r. Learn hence, 1 . {^ 8ubmissively ; Father, save me
That all hat will be Christ s servants, must frQm fh? w ^j* this cause earn*
be his followers ; they must obey his doc- ^ , M hour SJ That m ^ptwo
trine, and imitate his example. 2. That
it not expect better
' an unkind world,
3. That such as serve Chr.st by following ^^ ,0 the ^ . Tkm am
of ban. fell at death see him as he is, and voicefrom Aeaven, saying, I *«* &
be with him , where he is: Where lam, rified •£, md mU j^fy it ago*-
there shall also my servant be. 4. That T^t is, as God the fttber had been »l-
Qod T1^?* tbe ^ V?? T^ «w<»y gloria '» «• Son's ^dott**"*
cy of Christ's servants, with the highest min» j*, n ^ wouW flrther glorify im-
dignfty and honour; If any man serve Mif tahBdeath,re«inection.andasceMioni
me, htm mil my Father honour. as also by the mission of the Holy Ghost,
27 Now is my soul troubled ; and and the preaching of the gospel fori tbecoo-
.hat shaU I say) Father save me J-j- **. G«tf«to the -J-J
from this hour? but for this cause ^ Cbrjgtr from tbe lowest degiee of bshu-
Chap. XIL ST. JOHN. 621
taught; he glorified his Father by the mira- learn, 1. That Satan is the prince and ruler
clea which he wrought, by the unspotted in- of all those who live in sin ; not a prince
VS^L^ his life* hy his ^P*1*1" by legal right, but by tyrannical usurpa-
Wed sufferings at his death 5 by his victo- tion. 2. That this usurper, Satan, will
not* resurrection from the grave, and by not quit his possession, unless he be cast
fasi triumphant ascension into heaven. out. 3. That Christ by his death has cast
ort wru^ 1 *l r lL x ou* Satom, dethroned him, deprived him of
.^ T *? P,C Jth*refor?J *at h» tyrannical usurpation. %m is the
stood by and heard •*, said that prince of this world cast out: that is, I
it thundered : others said, An angel will shortly by my death deliver the world
spake to him. 30 Jesus answered from the slavery of sin, and dominion of
and said, This voice came not be- S****1' and particularly from that idolatry,
cause of me, but for your sakes. 31 *hk* the, S"*1*1 ,PMt °J lhe world were
now shall the prince of this world dared> * hig drawi aI1 men unl0 ^m.
be cast out 32 And I, if I be lift- When I am lifted up from the earth. I
ed up from the earth, will draw all mill draw all men unto me. There is a
unto me. 33 This he said, two-fold lifting up of Christ : the first igno-
signifying what death he should die. minious, when he was hung upon the
cross : the second glorious, in the preaching
Observe here, 1. The way of God in of the gospel : by this he draws all men
speaking to his people : by a voice in thun- unto him ; that is, by the preaching of the
der, for the greater declaration of his glory gospel he calls and invites all persons to
and majesty. Thunderings and lightnings himself; he offers the benefits of his death
usuailv attended the voice of God, even in to all, and gathers a church to himself out
coosolatioDs, and when he spake comfort- of the Gentile as well as the Jewish world.
ably to bis own servants. Oh ! how dread- Learn, 1. That all persons are naturally un-
fal and terrible then must the voice of willing to come to Christ, they must be
God be to his enemies, when he shall drawn. 2. That Christ meritoriously by
come m naming fire, to render vengeance his death, and instrumentally by the preach-
to them ! If there was such dread and ing of the gospel, draws sinners unto him-
terror, such thunderings and lightnings, at self. 3. That it is not a few, or a small
the giving of the law ; Lord I what will number, but a very great number, consist-
there be another day, when thou comest to ing both of Jews and Gentiles, bond and
punish the violation of that law ! Observe, free, persons of all nations, sexes, ages, and
2. The end why God the Father now conditions, whom Christ draweth: Not
spake with an audible voice to Christ his that all are effectually drawn to Christ, so
son : it was for his consolation, and the as savingly to believe in him : but, by the
people*! confirmation. His soul being preaching of the gospel, they are called and
troubled, he stood in need, as Mediator, of invited to him, and the benefits of his
comfort from his Father ; and the people death are offered to them. Thus Christ be-
had here a farther and fuller confirmation ing lifted up upon his cross, and on the pole
of his being the promised and true Messias, of his gospel, draws all men unto him ;
that so they might believe in him. This that is, doth what is sufficient to prevail
voice came not because of me ; that is, not with all men to believe on him, and to
only or chiefly because of me, but to con- render those that do not so everlastingly
firm your faith in the belief of this great inexcusable.
truth, that I am the Son of God, by whom wmn . , , . w
the Father hath glorified, and will farther 34 The people answered him, We
glorify his name. Observe, 3. Our Saviour have heard out of the law that
Sedates a double effect and fruit of his Christ abideth for ever : and how
death and passion. 1. The judgment of 9ayest thou, The Son of man must
this world : Now is the judgment of this ^ lifte(j up ? wno j8 tnis Son of
Z%gitmL9*?inl*t'*rMel Sfln man? 36 Then Jesus said unto
world be cast out. That is, my death shall . . v . ^ 1...1 ...u:i« :« *k« i:„u*
be the devil's overthrow: will bring down th.cm' Yet *Jli*e W*J le ,s ,the hf|*
an, and deliver the world from the tyranny with you. Walk while ye have the
and dominion of sin and Satan. Thence light, lest darkness come upon you :
(83 ST. JOHN. Chap. XII.
for he that walketh in darkne* ^^^^^J^S
knoweth Bat whi her he goeth. 36 "^^ which ^ gwpd Sbrf^
While ye have light, behere in the J^mmwJUt ,0 the glorious hope and
light, that ye may be the children ot g^^ation which the gospel raises us unto,
light. These things spake Jesus, Note, 4. A danger threatened to the Beg.
and departed, and did hide himself teeters of this duty : LeW darkneu come
from them. ^ ^KaSfTd^ri
Observe here, 1. The objection which error and seduction, a darkness of horror
the Jews made against our Saviour's being and despair, and the fatal and final dark-
the true Messias. Their argument runs ness of death and hell : for all contemners
thus : " It was foretold under the law, that of gospel-light, there is reserved the black-
Christ, or the Messias, abideth for ever; ness of darkness for ever; where sin and
but thou sayest, the Son of Man must be torment run parallel, where torment makes
lifted up and die. How then canst thou them sin, and their sin feeds their torment
be the promised Messias ?" The answer is, 37 But tn0Ugh he had done so
rt toto+to of humiliation unto death, he miracles before them, yet they
was lfted up; but, in his state of exaltation, ",!v J .-
he abideth Vo'rever." Learn hence, That believed not on him : 88 That the
Christ's lifting up by death, and his abiding saying of Esaias the prophet might
for ever, do very well consist together ; be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord,
for both are true of him. the one in his who hath believed our report t and
state of humiliation, the other in his state to wnom hath the arm of the Lord
of exaltation. Observe, 2. Our Saviour b€en reveaied ? 39 Therefore they
returns no answer to their caviUing objec- w bclicve because that Esai-
t on, nor doth he undertake to demonstrate w . ^ . 9An „„ K«#K Kl.-wUrf
how his sufferings and his abiding for ever as said again, 40 He hath blinded
are consistent ; but gives them intimations their eyes, and hardened their heart ;
that he was the light of the world ; and that they should not see with their
advises them, whilst they had the light with eyes, nor understand with their
them, to prize it highly, and improve it heart, and be converted, and i
faithfully. Ye t a Itttle while is the light 8houid heal them. 41 These things
fthyou : walk whilst ye ***%«' saiij Esaias, when he saw his glory,
lest darkness come upon you, Note here, , , 'c , . °
1. A choice and singular privilege enjoyed : ond 9Pake of hlin- f
the light is with you, a personal light, The place which our evangelist alludes to,
Christ ; a doctrinal fight, the eospel : both is,lsa. vi. 3. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
these brought with them a light of know- of hosts ; the whole earth ts full of his
ledge, answering our darkness of ignorance ; glory. From whence a clear argument for
a light of grace and holiness, answering Christ's divinity may be thus drawn. He
our darkness of sin, which we had brought whom Isaiah saw environed with seraphim,
upon ourselves -, and a light of joy and and praised as most holy by them, was the
comfort, answering the darkness of misery true and eternal God j for such acclamations
and horror, which we lay under by reason belong to none but the great Jehovah, God
of our guilt. Note, 2. The time of en- blessed for evermore, But, says St John, it
joying this privilege limited : Ye( a little was the glory of Christ that Isaiah saw in
while is the light with you. The time of his vision, it was Christ whom he called,
a people's enjoying the light and liberty of Holy, holy, holy Lord God of A°*t**
the gospel, it is a limited time, it is a short therefore Christ is undoubtedly God blessed
time. Note, 3. A duty enjoined by Christ for evermore. For the evangelist was net
answerable to the privilege enjoyed by us : speaking of the Father, but the Son, and
Walk whilst ye have the light. An uni- cites these words out of Isaiah ; so that it
form and constant course of holy walking, was the glory of the second Person thai
according to the rule of the gospel, is tlie Isaiah saw and spake of, if the words of the
indispensable duty and obligation of all evangelist be of any credit. Besides, the
those that enjoy the light and liberty of the angels are too holy to give acclamations,
gospel ; namely, to walk according to the belonging to God, to any but him that is
precepts and commands of the gospel, an- God.
Chap. XII. ST. JOHN. 623
Observe here, 1. The astonishing infi- God's act of hardening was consequential
ddity and unbelief of the Jews, who heard upon their sinning,
oar Saviour's doctrine, and were eye-wit*
Mates of his miracles : Though he had 42 Nevertheless among the chief
dm* so many miracles before them, yet rulerg abo roany believed on him ;
they believed not on htm. Let not the b t because of the Pharisees thev
fitful ministers of Christ be discouraged, ™\ because or tne rnansees they
and overmuch dejected, at their want of ** n<* ™ni**? *•*■ lc8t ^ey should
success in dispensing of the gospel, when ** Put out of the synagogue : 43
they observe and consider the small success For they loved the praise of men
of our Saviour's own ministry in the hearts more than the praise of God.
and lives of his hearers ; yea, though his
ministry was accompanied with miracles, Observe here, 1. That though the gene-
and though his miracles were many in rality of the Jews were thus hardened under
number, mighty in nature, clear andob- Christ's ministry and miracles, yet there
vious to sense, being wrought before their were some, and those of the chief rank,
eyes, yet his ministry succeeded not and even rulers, that did believe on him ; that
his miracles prevailed not Lord, what lit- is, they were under strong and powerful con-
lie success has the offer of Christ in the victions, that he was the true and expected
gospel met with, from the first original ten- Messias. Even in times and places where
der to this day ! Obstinate infidelity, and obstinacy and infidelity most prevail, the
cursed hypocrisy, draw more souls to hell ministry of the word shall not be altogether
than all the devils in hell. Observe, 2. How without its fruit ; Christ here had some, and
the present infidelity of these unbelieving those of the rulers too, who believed on
Jews was long before foretold and prophesi- him, when others under the same word
ed of by the prophet Esaias, chap. liii. 1. were hardened : Nevertheless, among the
hard, who hath believed our report? that chief rulers also, many believed on him,
is, our preaching. Where note, That Isaiah's Observe, 2. That though many of the chief
complaint of the small success of his preach- rulers had a secret belief, or an inward per-
ing, was a prophecy and prediction of the suasion, that Christ was the promised and
like success that Christ and his ministers expected Messias, yet it was not sufficient
should have under the gospel. Learn to make them openly own, confess, and
hence, That the gospel in all ages has met avow him to be such, for fear of excom •
with more that have rejected it by unbelief munication from the Pharisees : They did
than have savingly entertained it by faith, not confess him, lest they should be put
of the st
complained before Christ, and his out of the synagogue. Slavish fear of
apostles ana ministers in every age since, men, and suffering by them, has hindered
that few have believed their reports. Ob- many from believing on Christ, and kept
serve, 3. That though the present unbelief more from an open owning and confessing
of the obstinate Jews was long foretold of him : Because of the Pharisees they
by the prophets of God, yet the prophets* did not confess him. Observe, 3. As the
prediction was no cause of their unbelief, fear of suffering on the one hand, so the
or that which laid them under an impos- love of reputation on the other, kept them
sibility of believing ; but the fault lay in from owning and confessing Jesus to be the
their own obstinate will, with respect to Christ : They loved the praise of men
which, by the just judgment of God, they more than the praise ofQod; that is, they
were blinded and hardened, for their con- valued honour and applause from men, more
tempt of Christ, the promised Messias. than God's honouring and approving them.
When men close their eyes wilfully, and There is no greater snare to draw persons
say they will not see, it is just with God to from their duty, than inordinate love and
close their eyes judicially, and say they affection to their own credit and reputation
shall not see. He hath blinded their eyes, O ! how often is the applause and com-
and hardened their hearts, &c. Learn mendation of men preferred before the testi-
bence, That the infidelity of the people mony and approbation of God ! Here was
is to be resolved into the perverseness of their snare. They loved the praise of men,
their own wills, and the evil dispositions fore than the praise of God.
of their own hearts, not to any judicial
blindness or objuration wrought by God 44 Jesus cried and said, He that
upon them antecedent to their own sin. belie veth 011 me, belie veth not on
694 ST. JOHN. Chap. XH.
me, but on him that sent me. 46 believers know what the Father is, but by
And he that seeth me, seeth him that **">£ what *• S?11 » i and what they see
-A«* ~*o au i Am ^m» o i;«4i» ;n*** the Son to be, that the Father is m him:
sent me. 46 I am come a light into ^ ^ ^ |j|rf ^
the world, that whosoever believeth me 0b8enre> 3 The dreadful judpnent
on me should not abide in darkness. wnich Christ denounce* against all unbe-
47 And if any man hear my words, lievers, and such as reject him, by rejecting
aud believe not, I judge him not: of his gospel; for though, at Christ's first
for 1 came not to judge the world, coming, his errand was not to judge the
but to save the world. 48 He that ^orid» but to save the world, that is, to oftr
rpiprtPth me and rer^iveth not mv the tenders of salvation to lost swners ; yet
rejectem me, ana receivetn not my ^ his ^^ ^ ^ woul<1 Juds« tbena
words, hath one that judgeth hirn : a| the lagt d wh£ ^ w0ld ^M te
the word that 1 have spoken, the ^^ ^,4 rejected by them, will give a
same shall judge him in the last day. judicial testimony against them. Lesro
49 For I have not spoken of myself: hence* 1. That Christ and his doctrine are
but the Father which sent me, he inseparable; to receive his doctrine is to
gave me a commandment, what I receive him; and .to reject his doctrine a
should say and what I should speak. ^J-J-; JJJ- -gj-j
60 And 1 know that his command- not tQe judpnentof Christ at the
ment is life everlasting : whatsoever g^ jav# 3. That at toe great day, were
I speak therefore, even as the Fa- there no other witness against the rejecters
ther said unto me, so I speak. of Christ and his gospel but the word
preached, yet that alone will be sufficient
In these verses we have our blessed Sa- both for their conviction and condemns-
viour's farewell sermon to the Jews, con- tion : The word that I have spoken, the
cerning his person, office, and doctrine; as 8ame shall judge him at the last day.
touching his person, he acquaints them with The word is now the rule of living, and it
his divine nature, his oneness and equality shall be hereafter the rule of judging: now
with the Father ; and accordingly chal- it is the rule by which we must live to
lenges not only the assent but also the obe- Christ, then it shall be the rule by which
dience and adoration of their faith : Jesus we shall be judged of Christ Observe, 4.
cried, saying, He that believeth on me, The argument and reason which our Savi-
believeth not on me, but on him that sent our produces, to prove that the word of
me. That is, he that believeth on me, God, and the doctrine of the gospel, slight-
doth not believe on a mere man, but on ed and rejected, should condemn sinners at
him that is truly and really God, as well the great day. Namely, From the divine
as man ; and therefore he being true God, authority of his doctrine; for albeit his
one in essence, and equal in power and doctrine was his own, as he was true God,
glory with the Father, their believing in yet as man, and as mediator, it was not hs
him was believing in God the Father that own, but the Father's which sent him, w
sent him. Observe, 2. The argument that his word and doctrine being divine*
which our Saviour uses to prove that be- and the Father's as well as his, (for he did
lievers in Christ do believe in the Father: not speak of himself, that is, of himself
He that seeth me, seeth him that sent me. alone and without the Father,) it issufficient
That is, " He that seeth me spiritually, and to judge and condemn all the rejecters and
by faith, seeth my Father to be one with despisersofit. Learn thence, 1. That though
me in essence, though not in person : and the doctrine of the gospel be Christ's own
he that seeth me in my miraculous works as he is truly and really God, yet it was
which I do, seeth him also that sent me, not bis own as mere man exclusive of the
by whom I do these mighty works." Learn Father, who is one God with him, and
hence, That we do not see Christ aright who gave him a commission and instruc-
with the eye of our faith, unless we see tion, as Mediator, to preach and publish
him and believe him to be truly and really the glad tidings of the gospel ; For (aavs
God ; one with, and equal to, the Father : he) J have not spoken of myself, but the
He that seeth me, seeth in me him that Father which sent me gave me a con-
sent me. Learn, 2. That the Father is mandment. 2. That the doctrine which
not to be seen but in the Son ; nor can Christ delivered by command from the
Chap. XIII. ST. JOHN. 626
Father* doth point out the way to eternal der to find friends unfriendly, or un-
life, and will bring lost sinners thereunto, faithful towards us, when our Saviour had
if they sincerely believe it and obey it: I a traitor in his own house ? Observe, 2.
kmno that his commandment is life ever- The heinousness of Judas's sin in betraying
lasting. 3. That therefore sinners who re- Christ $ he betrayed Christ Jesus a Mao,
ject the doctrine of Christ contained in the Christ Jesus his Master, Christ Jesus his
gospel, do highly dishonour, offend, and Maker ; the first was murder, the second
affront, both the Father, and the Son, and treason. Lord, it is no strange and uncom-
brmg upon themselves a just and righteous mon thing, for the vilest of sins, and roost
judgment ; and expose themselves to un- horrid impieties, to be acted by persons
utterable and inevitable condemnation : making the most eminent profession of thy
The word that I have spoken, the same holy religion ! Observe, 3. What hand the
shall judge him in the last day, devil had in the sufferings of our Saviour :
r„ he put it into Judas's heart to betray Christ,
CHAP. XIII. tnat j^ Hq did suggest and inject such
T\TOW before the feast of the pass- thoughts into his mind, which Judas in-
X^ over, when Jesus knew that the «t«*«y closed with. The devil being a
hour was come that he should de- apinj, has a quick access to spirits, and can
part out of this world unto the Fa- l^t^^'T foi^' A??
Z. • , , , . ... did breathe upon hn disciples, and they ra-
ther, having loved his own which orfved the Ho^ Ghostf ^d were fiUed with
were in the world, he loved them the Spirit ; so Satan breathes filthy sugges-
unto the end. 2 And supper being tions into the spirits of men, and fills them
ended, (the devil having now put with all manner of wickedness, even with
into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Si- the spirit of hell itself: The devil put into
mon's son, to betrav him,) 3 Jesus ihe *eart °f Judas l? hetray him- «
knowing that the Father had given , * H* "seth from 8UPPcr» and
all things into his hands, and that ,ald ?8,de, hi? garments ; and took a
he was come from God, and went to towel» and «irded h»mself ; * After
Qoj . that, he poureth water into a ba-
in this chapter is recorded the history of 80n» and be6an to wash the disci"
our Saviour's washing his disciples' feet; an PleB' feet> and to wiP€ ihem. wlth
action full of humility and condescension, the towel wherewith he was girded,
and propounded to his followers* imitation. Observe here. The admirable humility
The circumstance of the time is here noted, and great self-denial of our Lord and Mas-
when this act was done ; namely, at the ter : he arises from supper, whilst his disci-
feast of the passover, when the time of our pies sat still, and he that came in the form
Saviour's departure was at hand j and hav- of a servant, performs all the offices of the
ing constantly and immutably loved his meanest servant to bis disciples: he lays
own, be expresses the permanency of his aside his upper garments, he girds himself
love towards them to the end, by this ac- with a towel, pours water into a bason,
tion of his, in washing their feet. — Here and begins to wash and wipe their feet,
note, How Christ chose the time of the Jew- which lay out behind them, as they leaned
ish passover to suffer in, that he might prove at the table ; all which was a most servile
himself to be the substance of that type ; employment Learn hence, That the won*
that he was the true Paschal Lamb, who by derful humility of Jesus Christ inclined him
the sacrifice of his death did atone divine to do the meanest offices of service unto
displeasure, and taketh away the sins of the his people, even to become a servant to
world. Observe, 2. The means which the them in the day of his humiliation ; and
wisdom of God permitted, to bring the Lord though now glorified in heaven, he retains
of life to his ignominious death : and that the same compassionate heart towards them
was, the treason and perfidiousness of one as when here on earth : hereby instructing
of his own disciples, Judas Iscariot. Where us, that it is our duty, in whatever station
observe, 1. The person betraying, Judas ; providence shall place us in the world, to
Judas a professor and a preacher ; Judas an stoop to the lowest offices of love and ser-
apostle, being one of the twelve, whom vice towards our fellow-brethren. Lord,
Christ had chosen out of all the world thou hast left the most amazing instance of
to be his dearest friends. Can we won- self-denial for our encouragement and ex-
520 ST. JOHN. Chap. XHf.
ample. Quertioii.Buthowiardoththfeex- St. PWer follows, #J*"V*7Al/tS
amnle bind us. Answer, It docs not oblige hast no part with we : as ifChnst bad
nX fflbl act, but to follow the ret- sakl « Peter, this external dcf^i
son of the example ; that is, after Christ's washing thy feet, doth signify somethint
example, we ought to be ready to perform farther, and imports my washing of thy aojJ
Z lowest and meanest offices of love and ^^^^^^^J^
service to one another. *hieh thou canst neither *******
6 Then cometh he to Simon Pe- me, nor communion with me. Uam
V«. "j * u-«» t^^ hence, 1. That so un versal a the poHutxm
ter : and Peter said unto him Lord ■«£ ^ ^ ^ ift^ rf
dost thou wash my feet ? 7 Jesus washing# 2. That Christ wasbeth all (hat
answered and said unto him, What ^ve a ^ AIK} interest in him, both from
I do thou knowest not now ; but the guilt and pollution of all their sin.
thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Pe- Observe, 3. That St. Peter now under-
ter saith unto him, Thou shalt never standing better what was meant by ths
™*-u «,« f»»+ Iprus answered him. outward washing ; namely, that it did ag-
wash my net ,w™ 'Jf^^J11™' nify and represint the defilement of sin ;
If I wash thee not, thou hast no h/Uwfof^ra ^mi^that Christ should
part with me. 9 Simon Peter sa tn wMh his ^ that he offers hands and
unto him, Lord, not my feet only, head* and all to be washed by him; Ura\
but also my hands and my head, not my feet only , Src Learn hence, That
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is so thoroughly sensible are the saints of the
washed needeth not save to wash filthiness and pollution of sin, that they
his feet, but is clean every whit : ***** nothing more than «■«■«*
n%s ieei, uui i» ^ j thorough, and prevailing purificaUoo of
and ye are clean, but not all. 1 1 ^ ^ £ ^ JMJ — ^ rf
For he knew who should betray him ; the j^ Jeg|]g# t^g^ 4. Our Safkw'i
therefore said he, Ye are not all repiv to st Peter's last request: He that is
dean. washed needeth not save to wash hit feet;
Observe here, 1. How Simon Peter re- plainly alluding to the custom of those coua-
fuses to admit of such a condescending act tries, where going abroad barefoot, or with
from Christ his Lord and Master, as the thin sandals covering only a small part
washing of his feet: Lord, thou shalt of their feet, they had frequent occasion
never wash my feet. It is a sinful humi- to wash their feet, but need not tows*
lity to refuse the offered favours of Christ, their whole bodies ; in like maimer, the
because we are unworthy to receive them, saints and servants of God, who are dready
Though we are not worthy of Christ, and washed and cleansed by the blood of Chrst
Of his love; yet Christ is worthy of us, from the guilt of their sins, and h****11
and of our faith. Observe, 2. OurSavi- work of renovation and sanctification begun
our's reply to Peter's refusal : 1. He tells in them by the Spirit of Christ, thevougM
him, That there was more in it than to be daily purging and porifyiog their at-
the bare act of washing did at first sight fections and actions, and labouring daily
import, and that he should know hereafter, after further measures and degreesof sanc-
what he did not understand now : What I tmcation. Learn hence, 1. *»* }**
do thou knowest not now, hut thou shalt holiest, the wisest, and the best of same,
know hereafter. Learn hence, 1. That whilst here in a world of sin and tanptation,
(he servants of God themselves are oft-times do stand in need of a daily washing by re-
much to seek, and cannot apprehend and pentance,and according to their J***?
understand at present, the actings and deal- and repeated acts of sin. 2. ThwaU j«u
ings of God with them ; they understand fled persons are in God's 9CC^m\fg^riL
not either the intent or the event of God's sons : Ye are clean, hut not all; tftSM*
dispensations. 2. That although God's you are justified and paidoned, «**»*
• dealings with his children and people are and cleansed, all of you, ««552FIJS
for a while in the dark, and are not present- whose heart was known to Cbrw, tnoagu
ly made known; yet there will come a his hypocrisy was hid from the disciples,
time for the clearing and evidencing of „ f , , . washed their
them, when they shall understand Jhat r 12 So after «e had wasneu
all his dispensations were in mercy to them, feet, and had taken J118 «arTj"^
The second part of our Saviour's reply to and was set down again, he saw w
Chap. XIII. ST. JOHN. 627
to them, Know ye what I have done That whatever dignity Christ confer* upon
to you ? 13 Ye call me Master, his servants and officers, yet he is over them
and Lord : and ye say well : for so 5»» "F*r * them' and *™**& . *•
I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Th*V ne c?n»^t,on of Christ* eWy,
' ' *•**•* vucu, yw *^*« »"w an(j hlg mmigter8» meanness, ought to keep
Master, have washed your feet ; ye tbeir rainds humble lmd lowlVf ^ far
ought also to wash one another's from affecting superiority over their bre-
feet. 15 For I have given you an thren : The servant is not greater than
example, that ye should do as I his lord, nor he that is sent greater than
have done to you. 16 Verily, veri- &e ^at *«»' **"*'
ly, I say unto you, The servant is 17 If ye know these things, hap-
not greater than his lord ; neither he py are ye if ye do them,
that is sent greater than he that sent Our Lord here intimates unto us these
him. two things: 1. The necessity of knowledge,
In these words our Saviour declares to in order unto practice. 2. The necessity
his disciples his intention and design in of practice, m order unto happiness. A
washing of their feet ; namely, to teach man raay know lbe wlU of God 1!Jdeed»
ihem by his example the duty of humility ; ««J not do * 5 buJ, he can neve; do ™
that as he had performed that act of abase- Jjll °[ <**} (acceptably) and not know it
ment towards them, so should they be rea- The knowledge of God s will and our duty
dy to perform all offices of love and humble ■ necessary to the practice of it The
eondescension one towards another: Be- knowledge of our duty, and the practice
held, I have given you an example, that ?f *• ™y be (and too often are) separated ;
ye should do as I have done unto you. but *he Practice of relieion, and doing what
Learn thence, That humility and mutual we know to be our duty, is the only way
condescension amongst the members and J0*™ happiness. Learn thence, 1. TJat
ministers of Jesus Christ is a most necessary £nnst «£h not approve of a blind obe-
giace and duty, which the Son of God not d,ence m h« P«n?le' but ?9«h» that their
only taught by his doctrine, but recom- Prac,,C€ Land obedience be founded upon un-
mended and enforced by his example. Ob- demanding jnd knowledge. 2. That the
serve farther, The argument which Christ fin* <»re of*0" lhat ^ *» Chns* 8 d!8C|-
makes use of to press the imitation of his ex- P.,es and followers, must be this, with all se-
ample upon them ; and that is drawn from ™>usness to apoly themselves to the know-
the tnWgiven to him by his disciples : Ye «««* their Master s will 3. That next
call me Master and Lard ; and so I am. *° !** knowledge of our duty, our firs and
Now servants ought to imitate their masters, chief care must be to practise every thing
and subjects tolbey their lord and king. *•* we understand and know o be our
Christ iTa Master, to teach and direct: duly-. 4: That a nght knowledge and
a Lord, to govern and protect. As .he is P™Uc* °'our dutX w,?1 certainly make us
a Master, we are to learn in his school ; as haPPy \Jf % *»*» ihcu thtnB8* ham
he is a Lord, we are to serve in his house : are Ve lfSle do ™cm-
he must be submitted to as a Prince, as 18 I speak not of you all ; I know
well as relied upon as a Saviour. It is in whom I have chosen : but that the
vaiato expect ajvation from him, if we 8cripture may be fulfilled, he that
iS^^ eat4 breacf with me hath lifted
press his disciples to imitate his example, UP hls beel against me.
is drawn from his dignity and superiority If the choosing spoken of here be under-
over them : The servant is not greater stood of eternal election, a choosiog to ever-
than his Lord. As if Christ had said, lasting life, then it affords a strong argument
'* Though you, my disciples, are to have to prove Christ to be God. Thus, he that
a very high and honourable station in the is the author of eternal election, is God ;
gospel church, yet let not this swell you but Christ is such : I know whom I have
with pride, but be ye mutually conde- chosen. Consider Christ as God, so we
scending to each other, remembering you are chosen by him ; consider him as Medi-
an? but servants to myself, and ought to be ator, and so we are chosen in him. If the
so to one another ; and the servant is not choosing here be meant of choosing to the
greater than his Lord. Learn hence, 1. work of the apostleship, then our Saviour
628 ST. JOHN. Chap. .XIII.
tells bis disciples, that it need not seem all become odious and abominable to the
strange to them, that he chose one to be an whole world, our Saviour encourages and
apostle, who he knew would prove a gives them assurance, That there should be
traitor ; for hereby that scripture prophecy, those that would receive them, and that
Psal. xli. 9. would be fulfilled : He that he would lake it as kindly as if they bad
eateth bread with me, hath lifted up his received himself: He that receheth you,
heel against me ; which though it was receiveth me. Learn hence, That it it a
literally spoken of AhithophePs treachery sweet encouragement to the minsters rf
against David, yet it was prophetically spo- Christ unto the faithful discharge of their
ken of Judaa'8 treason against Christ ; and duty, that Christ and the Father account
the expression of lifting up the heel is that the respect paid to the ministers of
metaphorical, taken from a fed beast that the gospel is paid to themselves; and, oo
kicks against his Master. Learn hence, the contrary, that all the contempt cast
That Christ did, as his followers do daily, upon tbem reflects upon themselves: Be
suffer not only from open enemies, but that receiveth you, recevoeth me : and he
from bosom and familiar friends. Lord! that receiveth me, receiveth him tJuUscnt
how many areAhere in the world, who by me.
profession lift up their hand unto thee, who ___ _ ...
yet by treason and rebellion lift up their 21 ^^ J«»us had thus **x\ "J
heel against thee. was troubled in spirit, and testified
19 Now I tell you before it come, and "£* V^ verily, I aajtiato
that when it is come to pass, ye may J00' ^'fT °i T *f i^S
believe that I am he. me' 22 Th*n thf ^1Ptarlo*i
„ _ one on another, doubting of whom
Here another argument occurs to prove a,- anBu °
the divinity of our blessed Saviour, from P
his foreknowledge of Judas's treason ; the ° wnat ^ astonishing word was this,
person who, the time when, and the place 0*e s^a^ betray me I one of mt/disdph
where, were all known to Christ: I tell eball betray me ! yea, owe of you, my da-
tou before it come to pass. The argument ciPle9 **& apostles, shall do it ! Well migbt
ies thus: " He that foresaw the future ac lDey l°°k on« "P<» another with sonot
tions of men, and infallibly foreknew the Md amazement, to hear that these Master
future events and issues of things, is cer- should die ; that be should die by trews,
tainly God ; but Christ did this, therefore and that the taitor «hould be one of than-
he is really God." And he tells us here, «!*«; yet do they not censure one an*
That for this very reason he foretold now ther, but suspect themselves, saying, Muter,
the treason of Judas : Now I tell you be- ** «' J •* *">tt Master, is it Judas .* I*m
fore, that, when it is come to pass, ye may hence, 1. That it is possible for s»J
believe that lam he. What he doth he wickedness to lurk, yea, for the greatest
mean ? What he could foretell so many villanY to lodge, in the hearts of profewas,
things to come, which did not depend upon m who8e conversation appeared* ootnng
necessary, but contingent causes only > tDat roay &™ }°& auspicion to othas.
This he was not a mere man surely, for he Learn» 2- That it is both the duty ud
knows not what shall be on the morrow ; property of the disciples of Christ, to have
but must be real God, because he knew all *° much candour and brotherly tow, *
things not by revelation, as the prophets not rashly to censure and jiidgeoiieaDOther,
knew things to come, but by immediate Dut t0 ^pe the best of others, and to feat
inspection and simple intuition ; so that the worst of themselves,
we may say with Peter, Lord, thou know- oq v^« *\>*~ «.. U*nmv on
est all things ; and, because thou knowest ¥ ^N°W there Tv Sles
n// /«/!£*, thou art God. Jesus ^som °ne of his disciples,
«,* «r -i .f w whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon re-
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ter therefore beckoned to him, that
He thatreceiveth whomsoever! send, be should ask who it should be of
receiveth me ; and he that receiveth whom he spake. 25 He then, lying
roe, receiveth him that sent me. on jC8U8» brca8t> saltn unto him,
Lest his apostles should think, that for Lord, who is it ? 26 Jesus answer-
we treachery of one of them they should ed, He it is to whom I shall give i
Chap. XIII. ST. JOHN. 62fr
sop, when 1 have dipped tt. And to the devil's conduct and suggestion*
when he had dipped the sop, he Satan gets possession of wicked men gra-
gave it to Judas Iscariot, the ton of £«% and bf d<SJ*»5 not all at once.
Simon. 27 And after the sop, Sa- £* ^ wa7 * **,**• J* toc f^* lhe
a j • * l- n*u ■ «j beginnings of sin: for when Satan once
tan entered into him Then said ^ fo^, it is bard to prevent a more
Jeans unto him, That thou doest, do fuH possession. Observe, 4. The place
quickly. 28 Now no man at the where Judas now was ; namely, at Bethany,
table knew for what intent he spake some miles from Jerusalem, and it was now
this unto him. 29 For some of night j yet so intent he was upon the devil's
them thought, because Judas had *«*• ** »**J "• XP^B» to Jerusalem.
th+ ha* that Jesus had aaid unto and * that time of. night repairs to the
the Dag, that Jesus naa saici unto w h ^^^ and «eUs his Saviour into their
him, Buy those thwgt that we have ££ Qf what a ^^ ^ ^a wat
need of against the feast ; or, that here in the devils cause ! men given over
he should give something to the by God, and possessed by Satan, are so
poor. 30 He then having received restless and unwearied in sin, that neither
the sop, went immediately out : and hy day nor by night can they cease from
it was night. the contrivance and execution of it
Observe here, 1. The character given of 31 Therefore, when he was gone
St John the beloved disciple: be leaned out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of
on Christ's bosom: that is, he had most man glorified, and God is glorified
intonate converse wkh Christ, one whom in him. 32 If God be glorified in
Christ treated with greater freedom and him, God shall also glorify him in
familiarity than the rest, and one that knew him9e\f and gha|i straightway glo-*
more of his heart than most of his disciples. *f t • ° J °
We commonly call a very near friend a mJ mm'
iosom friend. Uarn, That although Observe here, 1. Our blessed. Lord calls
Ovist had an endeared love for his disci- bis death his glory : Now is the Son of
plea and followers, yet there were degrees man glorified ; that it, now is the time at
m Christ's own love, and be had a famili- band when I am to die, and shall by my
arity with some disciples beyond others, death finish the work of man's redemption*
whilst he was here upon earth, even as now and thereby eminently glorify God. God
in heaven : though his heart, be towards the Father was eminently glorified in the
all bit children here on earth, yet be is obedience and sufferings of bis dear and
pleased to let out more kind manifestations only Son. It is true that the sufferings of
of himself, and more sensible evidences of Christ were ignominious in themselves, yet
bis love, towards some than towards others, were they the way to his own glory, and
John was the disciple that lay in Jesus's bo- his Father's also ; for by them he redeemed
son* Observe, 2. The way which our Sa- a lost world, trampled upon Satan, triumph*
vioor took to discover Judas to the rest of ed over sin ; and the Father was exceed-
ms disciples, not by naming him, but by ingly glorified by the Son's giving obedi-
grring him a sop ; partly because he would enee to his will, and so cheerfully suffering,
not give Judas any provocation by men- Now is the Son of man glorified, and Qod
tiooiag his name, and partly because this is glorified in him,
sign of eating the sop was most agreeable - ... ...
to the prophetical prediction, Psal. xli. 9. 33 Little children, yet ahttlc while
Mine awn familiar friend, who did eat I am with you. Ye shall seek me:
of my bread, hath lifted up his heel and, as I said unto the Jews, Whi-
sgainst me. Observe, 3. The time when ther I go ye cannot come ; so now
Judas received the sop, and the consequence j gay to you m
that followed upon his leceivinjf of it ; it J
was at that time when be had, with an Observe here. An endearing compilation,
unbelieving heart, and an unthankful spirit, a sweet title, given by Christ to bis disci-
been eating the passover, which was a type pies, Little children ; intimating that ten*
of Christ: Now Satan enters into htm: der affection which he bean unto them,
that is, takes fuller possession of bim, and though now upon the point of departing
be gives himself up more freely and fully trom them. Learn thence, That what*
030 ST. JOHN. Chap. XllC
ever Christ's dealings are, or may be, with ed you, that ye abo kwe«je -aaottar. V*
hiTpeople m wpS of his removing and wwlh. dutysp effectually twght, so
wtthStawioe fwm them, yet be still detains mightily encouraged, so much urged and
CSuon of a Father to them, and will insisted upon, by any teacher, as our Sat>
ta uTtea from them exerci* such a our ; and never wa. there such ao_ example
care over them a. parents have of their given of it as b«_ own. 4. It is a new
young and tender chiWren ; so much doth commandment, .because with the rest rtwa*
thVtSe of little children imply and im- never to wax old ; but to be »»*»&««*
port Observe farther. The plain intima- m the memory arrf practice of Cnnsfad*.
tea which our Saviour givet to his disci- ciples to the end of the world,
plat of hat death's being very nigh (tor it 35 By this shall ail me* know
was the very next day ;) be tells them that that „e are my disciples, if ye have
be was going to heaven ; and whither he ,ove one to anotlier<
went, they could not come : that ■, not . , .
owsentlvT they should follow him their To recommend the foregoing duty, of
SSSe> Zwlrds, but at proent he had loving one another. wKh tbegreater advan-
a great deal of work for them to do, though Uge. «f«2^*" *Z2& t mS
hifown work was done , and till they had be the be* evidence of our rdabon to ban
finished their work, whither he vent they as sincere disciples : By thushaUaUme*
%uU% come. Learn hence. That know t hat ye are mwdu^b * Tbe*s.
though it be rest which the saints may ciptaof John <»j»X *?*""**£
lawful! v derire, an everlasting rest with oftheir lives: the discirjlei of the Ph«we»
ChrW in gtory yet must they not refuse to by their habit and ser-ration from other
l,bo£ wfifct heir Lord will have it .0. men. /^ ^ ^>» *"£"*■■"
Till their work be done, whither Christ is by their profound affection toeach jtber,
gone they cannot come: Ye shall seek me ; whidun the primroveUme. was i» ccmpn
iut whither I go, at present, ye cannot enow, that the very HeaUbens did cry and
"' 6 say out, See how the Christiana love one
"""*' another! Here observe, 1. Our Saviour
34 A new commandment I give dothnotsay,Bythta men shall oonjettro
Bnto you. Th.tye love one anotL ; -J^ff^»ft,S
as 1 have loved you, that ye also ^ 2 J^^ not ny, By this shall yo»
love one another. know yourselves to be my disciples, and
Our Saviour having mentioned his deper- oneanoiber to be so ■* ^ but by this shall all
ture from hi. dociplel in the former v£e ; ««jers know it a. well a. y™*™^ &*
I eo away, attd whither I go ye cannot dofh ** "*TV?T *b* *■ Tl ^L rSZ
SeTTiim and the foHowfngWbe «bat ye ooklike my ********
mves them a strict charge that in his ab- y°» •« indeed what you P«*"dto be,
g£e the? should love 1L another. This °«*M yT ^^Efcatrt
bVcalls I new commandment, not that it Christ dotb not say. By '""J**™***
wunew in regard of institution, but of ro- ™>rld know that you aremy discmleV by
ttuton 8 not^in regard to the substance 7™ awanUing often together m rn^bouse
of n, for it was a branchof the law of na- <* r»yer. by '*". **"&£*&£
tare, and a known precept of the Jewish re- your reading the senpture. dady, by your
Ngton; but he calls it a new command- *«'"* «■»» «•** "J.. £" "J
mint, 1. Becaure purged from the old cor- "^""T^J^&J £££&
root glosses of thePhaiwes, who had limit, ***** *' ' J" n° ,afficSLeT,^ii
M duty of love. anTconfined it to their J°ur d-cmlahm, if you keej .up 1 ajwet
oWcWfcla; wrasreasCJbrirt enlarge. V»f « ft***?*! f^nct S^
the object, and obliges his disciples to love but ly thj* shall all »« *»» **£
all mankind, even fc very enemies. 2. f* "W d^cV^f^' ^JZZlZ*
BecauK this duty of love was M greatly Lea* *^^ ~u?L*f i?JS.
advanced and heightened by our Siviour, «d fences we "^*~ "~
as to the measure Sid degree/of it, even to «<> Cbnst, as to «^J.^P^V?
the laying down of our fives for one ano- hearty love and good will one towards
ther. 3. It is called a Bew commandment another. _
because urged from a new motive, and en- 36 Simon Peter said onto him.
forced by a new example : As I hate lot- Lord, whither goest thon ? Jwtw
Chap. XHI. ST, JOHN. Wl
answered biro, Whither 1 go thou temptation, if once God left him to the
canst not follow roe now; but thou P°wer and P«v*lency of his own fears I
shall follow me afterwards. 37 ™ h?lk?t1 of men knoW8 n?1 hi» own
Peter said unto him, Lord, why f^gJ^Zf^ k'T^ m £
- . e ii Au % * -fi *"*»• Observe, lastly, how detestable St*
cannot I follow thee now ? I will Peter's presuroptioo and selfnjonfidence was
lay down my life for thy sake. 38 to Christ, and how fatal and pernicious to
Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay himself: Wilt thou lay down thy life for
down thy life for my sake ? Verily, my sake « as if Christ had said, ** Peter,
▼erilv, 1 say unto thee, The cock thou say est more than thou canst do ; thine
shall" not crow till thou hast denied own strength will fail thee, and thy self-
m» *hrio» confidence deceive thee; I know thy heart
me uince. betJef thaQ thQu dort thyae|f . ^ j fore^
see that before the cock crow thou shall
Here we find Peter reflecting upon what deny me thrice.9* Thence learn. That none
our Saviour had said just before, ver. 33. are so near falling as those that are most
Whither I go ye cannot come ; he is in- confident of their own standing,
quisitive to know of Christ whither be went.
Our Lord tells him, that for the present he CHAP. XIV.
could not follow him, but should here- _ .,,_ . , . , . , . ,
after; he was not yet strong enough to suf- ¥jET not your heart ** troubled •
fer for him, as he should and did afterwards. y« believe in God, believe also
St Peter, grieved at this, rashly resolves in me. 2 In my Father's house are
to follow him, though be should die for many mansions : if it were not so, I
*■ ,ake. , Cbriit adviM8 .him not l0 ** wou,d have to,c* y°u- I ff° t0 p«-
Z^^X? h* *re^ ^ ^P*?* pare a place for you. 3 And if I
for he should deny him thrice, within the lA .nii "l^^.^ « ,.i„^ iw- «,^„ t
time of cock-crowing. Observe here, 1. 5°*" P Cp* a P,ace.for you' l
How that fond conceit, which our Lord's wlU come a8am» ancl receive you un"
daciples had of ha temporal kingdom here to myself; that where I am, there ye
in this world, did abide and continue with may be also. 4 And whither I go
them to the very last: for when Christ ye know, and the way ye know,
spake of leaving them, oy ascending into
heaven, Peter understands bim of a removal Our blessed Saviour in the foregoing
that was earthly, from one place to another, chapter, having acquainted his disciples
whereas Christ intended it of a removal with bis approaching death, by the treach-
from earth to heaven. The opinion, that ery of Judas, their hearts were thereupon
toe Messiah was to be a temporal prince, overwhelmed with grief and trouble. Ac-
and that his kingdom should be of this cordingly, in this chapter, by sundry ar-
world, was so deeply rooted in the minds guments he comforts his disciples against the
of the Jews, that they stumbled at it fatally ; perplexity of their fears and sorrows. Ob-
and Christ's own disciples bad so drank serve, 1. How Christ addresses himself to
in the notion, that they wondered to hear his disciples in a very endearing and aifec-
Cnrist say, that he was going from them, tfcmate manner : Let not your heart be
and that whither he goes they cannot come, troubled. Whence learn, 1. That the best
Observe, 2. That Christ's disciples shall and holiest of God's children and servants,
certainly follow their Master afterwards, whilst here in an imperfect state, are subject
and be for ever with the Lord; but they to desponding and disquieting and distrustful
must wait their Lord's time, and finish their fears. 2. That no work is more delightful
Lord's work : they must patiently wait for to our Saviour, than to comfort the troubled
their change, and not peevishly wish for it : and perplexed spirits of his servants. Ob*
for, though they do not follow Christ pre- serve, 2. The remedy which Christ pre-
sently to heaven, they shall follow him scribes for the calming their present fears,
afterwards. Observe, 3. The greatness of and for arming them against future troubles,
St Peters confidence : I will lay down my and that is, faith in the Father and in him-
life for thv sake. Goodman! he resolved self: Ye believe in God, believe alto in
honestly, but too, too much in bis own me. Hence learn, 1. That God is the su-
strength. Little, O little did he think, preme object of faith; bis unchangeable
what a leather he should be in the wind of ~ life and faithfulness, with his iofinhe power
2m 2
532 ST. JOHN. Chap. XIV*
in tbe accomplishing of his promise, is the Jesus saith unto him, I am the way,
security of believers. Leans, 2. That and the truth, and the life : no man
Christ, as Mediator between God and guilty coroeth unto the Father but by me.
creatures, is the immediate object ot our '
faith. Learn, 3. That Christ's being the Observe here, 1. How Thomas, and pro-
true and proper object of our faith, is a bablv divers others of the apostles, notwith-
proof of his being truly and really God. Ending all that Christ had said to the con-
Christ doth here assert his own deity in the trary, did still dream of a temporal kingdom,
substance of tbe command, in making him- and supposed him to speak of some earthly
self an object of faith in conjunction with palace which he was going to, and therefore
God the Father : IV believe in God, be- he tells our Saviour, he knew not whither
iieve also in me. Observe next, Tbe ar- he waa g0jng . but Christ, meaning not a
guments of consolation which Christ pro- temporal, but a heavenly kingdom, tells
pounds for the support of his disciples under them, that if they intended to follow him,
tbe sorrow which they had conceived for and be with him in heaven, he himself was
his approachiog departure. 1. He tells the only way thither : I am the way, and
them, That heaven, whither he was now go- tne truth, and the life ; that is, 1 am tbe
ing, was his Father's house, a place of hap- lrue and living way to the Father: and no
piness not designed for himself alone, but man cometh to the Father but by me : that
for many more to enjoy a perpetual rest and is,nomancan have any access to God by
abode in, as in everlasting mansions : In prayer, or any other act of religious worship
tny Father's house are many mansions, here on earth, or any access to God in bea-
Heaven is God's house, in which he will Ven, but by me as Mediator. As if Christ
freely converse with his domestics, his end- |,a(j ^jd, « I am the author of the way that
dren and servants, and they shall enjoy jt.adeth unto life, the teacher of the truth
full glory there, as in a quiet and capa- which directs to it, and tbe giver of that life
cious habitation. A second ground of which is to be obtained by walking in it: I
comfort is, that he assures them, he will mm m€ vajft ana> ^ tru(^9 and the lifer
come again and receive them to himself,
that they may live together with him in the 7 If ye had known me, ye should
heavenly mansions. This promise Christ have known my Father also : ami
makes good to his saints, partly at the from henceforth ye know him, and
day of their death, and perfectly at the day . „.rA UAM . . -j ok;i:«.«:»i. ,.«»«
of judgment, when he stall make oneer- £?ve J*"1"™- 8 ^lhE?kIth UDl?
rand for all, and take up all his children to }""»■ Low. shew us the Father, and
himself, and make them completely happy, * sufficeth us, 9 Jesus saith unto
both in soul arid body, with himself. Learn him, Have I been so long time with
hence. That though Christ has removed his you, and yet hast thou not known
bodily presence from his friends on earth, met Philip ? he that hath seen me
yet his love to them is not ceased, nor will hath seen the Father ; and how
SL™ \Zt J£~ wS^lmTl^ 8aye8t lhou '*«. sh *« ™ thc Fa-
eternally to solace themselves in each ., J * ,_ ~ ,. V ., . .. . f
other's company : I will come again, and ther * ™ Behevest thou not that I
receive you to myself, that where I am, am ,» the Father, and the rather
there ye may be also. A third argument in me ? the words that 1 speak nnlo
for consolation is, that, notwithstanding you I speak not of myself : but the
Christ was to leave them, yet tbey knew Father that dwelleth in me, he
whither be went, namely, to heaven, and doeth the works. 11 Believe me
^h^td^e "wTye^oT i ** ! - «■ - ™« and the Fa-
contributes much to the comfort of believ- *|"« "" me "• <* els* Wteie me for
era, as to know God and heaven, so to we very works sake,
know tbe way that leads thither, that so
they may be armed against all the diffi- Observe here, 1. What a gross conoep-
culties of that way. tion the apostles had, and St. Philip inpar-
ft «« ^ ... . , . r , ticular, of the divine nature and being, as
6 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, if q^ ^ Falner ^^ ^ ^ wrthiiior-
we know not whither thou goest ; taleyes: Shew us the Father, and it smt-
anu how can we know the wa v ? 0 ficeth us. It is not easy to determine what
Cbap. XIV. ST. JOHN. 533
degreesof ignorance may consist with saving world, than he was pleased to do himself,
grace; doubtless, as the degrees of revela- who was God over all, blessed for evermore,
tion and means of knowledge are more or „ « . . , ' , „ ,
jess, so a person's ignorance Tis more or less . 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask
excusable before God. Observe, 2. How ■« ™y name, that will I do, that the
meekly our blessed Saviour reproves their Father may be glorified in the Son.
ignorance: Have I been so long time with 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my
you, and yet hast thou not known me, Phi- name, I will do if.
lip * and then proceeds to instruct them in,
and farther acquaints them with, the oneness In these words our Saviour produces an-
of himself with the Father, and the personal other argument to quiet his disciples* hearts
union of the divine and human nature in under their perplexity and trouble for the
himself. Learn hence, That the Father loss of bis bodily presence ; he assures them,
being invisible in his essence, to know or that whatever comforts they enjoyed by his
see him with mortal bodily eyes is imposst- presence, they shall obtain by their pray-
bte j but he was seen in his Son, who is the ere. Observe here, 1. The qualification re-
express image of the Father, being one in quisite in prayer : we must pray in Christ s
essence with him, and one in operation also : name, that is, for the sake of his merits and
He that hath seen me, hath seen the mediation, in obedience to God's command.
Father, and with an eye to his glory, and for things
__ ., ., , agreeable to his will, and R>r things which
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, hia w^ora sees good for us. To pray in
He that believeth on me, the works Christ's name, is more than to name Christ
that I do shall he do also; and great- in prayer. It implies three things: 1. To
er works than these shall he do; look up unto Christ as having purchased for
because I go unto rov Father. V,ltb"J,,j!ilV'*tISl we ?** P1** » for *
is by the blood of Christ, that we draw near
Here Christ gives his disciples a promise to God, and that a throne of grace is open
of enduing them with power after his de- for us. 2. To pray in the name of Christ,
parture, to work miracles in some respects is to pray in the strength of Christ and by
greater than what be wrought himself; not the assistance of the Holy Spirit of Christ
greater in regard of the manner, for he 3. To pray in the name of Christ, is to
wrought by his ownpower,and they wrought pray in the virtue of the present mediation
all in his name, but greater in regard of the of Christ ; believing that what we ask on
matter of them ; particularly, their speaking earth, Christ obtains m heaven. To pray
with strange tongues, their giving the Holy thus is no easy matter; yet unless we do
Ghost by hying on of hands, their healing pray thus, we do not pray at all. Observe,
diseases by the very shadow of their bodies, 2. The promise made to such prayers:
but especially by their wonderful conver- Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that
sion of the Uentiles from idolatry to serve will I do. He saith not. That will my Fa*
the living God. When St. Peter converted ther do ; but that will I do, to testify his di-
three thousand at one sermon, then Christ vine power and oneness with the Father,
made good this promise, the disciple at that This evidently proves him to be God. Ob-
time appeared to be above his Master ; serve, 3. The repetition of the promise for
Christ all his time was angling for a few the further confirmation of it : If ye shall
fishes, and catcbed but an hundred and ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
twenty, Acts i. 15. whilst Peter comes with The promise is doubted for the confirmation
his drag-net, and catches three thousand at of it, that so we might be free from all fears
one cast. The reason might be, because and doubts of being heard, when we put
Christ was not properly to be the builder, up our prayers to God, in the name and
but the foundation itself. He subjoins the mediation of Jesus Christ, for things agree-
reason of all this : Because I go unto my able to his will. Learn hence, That al-
Falher: that is, to send down and pour though the children of God have sometimes
forth upon you, my apostles, the Holy many jealousies and fears arising in their
Ghost, on the day of Pentecost ; which was mind concerning the answer of their pray-
the great cause of the apostles' miraculous ers, yet they are altogether groundless ; for
operations. Hence learn, That it pleased it is most certain their desires shall be grani-
tic wisdom of Christ to do greater things ed them, so for as the wisdom of God sees
by the hand of his weak servants here in the fit and convenient for them ; and for that
L
634 ST. JOHN. Chap. XlV.
reason our Saviour redoubles the promise, Christ comforteth his disciples here, with
If ye will ask any thing in my name, I a promise of the mission of the Holy Spirit,
will do it. to supply the want of his bodily presence.
1K lf i • Where observe, l. The procurer of this
15 If ye love me, keep my com. ble8singt ^ thi « CbrisVby his prerafl.
mandraenU. in? prayerf ^^ powerful intercession: I
In these words our Saviour implicitly re- todl pray. It root in the future tense ; sod
proves his disciples for their fond way of so it is a promise of Christ's continual in-
expressing their love to him, by doting teroession. As long as Christ ■ in hems,
upon his bodily presence, and sorrowing a christian shall not want a supply of com-
iramoderately for his absence, and he ex- fort and consolation here on earth. Ob-
pressly warns them to evidence their love serve, 2. The author and donor of the
to him by their obedience to his commands: blessing, and that k God himself: Itntl
If ye love me, keep my commandment*, pray the Father, and he shall give. The
Where observe, Christ requires an obedient Father, that is, my Father, your Father,
love, and loving obedience. Love without and be that is the Father of comfort and
obedience is but dissimulation; obedience consolation: J will pray, and he will give.
without love, is but drudgery and slavery, It is an expression of great assurance. Ob-
Such a love as produces obedieocc, must aerve, 3. The blessing itself, the Holy Ghost,
be a dutiful love ; a love of reverence and called here another comforter. Where
honour to him as a commander, and an note, 1. The divinity of the Holy Ghost;
operative and working love, a labour of love, he that will supply the comforts of Christ's
as the apostle calls it: not waiters, but presence, must be as Christ is, the God of
workers, are the best servants in Christs all comfort Note, 2. The person of the
esteem. And such an obedience as is the Holy Ghost: be it a divine person, not a
product of love, will be a willing, easy, and divine quality or operation ; then we
cheerful obedience, a pleasing and an accep- might call him a Comfort, but not a Corn-
table obedience, a constant and abiding forter. Note, 3. The office and employ-
obedience ; all other motives without love raent of the Holy Ghost : He is a Cow-
are servile and base, and beget in us the forter ; that is, an advocate, and interces-
drudgery of a slave, but not the duty of a sor to sue for us; an encounger, and
son. He that fears God only, is afraid one tjiat administers consolation to usj and
of smarting ; but be that loves God is as he is an holy Spirit, so are his comforts
afraid of offending. Learn hence, That holy comforts. Observe, 4. The stability
the best and surest evidence we can have of this blessing : That he may abide with
of our love to the Lord Jesus Christ, is an you for ever. The best of our outward
bumble, cheerful, universal, and persevering comforts are sudden flashes, not lasting
obedience to his commands : Keep my flames ; but the consolations of the Holy
commandments ; that is, endeavour it with- Spirit are strong consolations, they are
out reserve ; for though we cannot keep the abounding consolations, and eredasring
commandments to a just satisfaction, yet we consolations ; especially the Holy Spirit
may perform them to a gracious acceptation, will be the comforter of good men in the
And the word my, my commandments, is a day of affliction, in the day of temptation,
sweetening and alleviating word. Moses' and at the hour of death, when all other
law, an unsupportable load ; but Christ's comforts flag and fail. Observe lastly,
law an easy burden. The law from Sinai, The additional title given to the Holy
dreadful; the law from Sion, gracious; it Ghost, he s called the Spirit of truth:
pardons weakness, and accepts sincerity. partly in opposition to Satan, who is call-
-.« a j * -ii .. ^. ^ ed a lying spirit ; partly because he teach-
10 And I will pray the Father, eth and revealeth the truth, leadeth his peo-
and he shall give you another Com- pie into all truth, and sealeth and confimv
forter, that he may abide with you eth truth to the souls of believers j he is
for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of the Spirit of truth, both in his essence and
truth, whom the world cannot re- in big OP"*10*"- Lcam hence, That as
ceive, because it seeth him not, *? Ho,y Sp"1* «"» » "j ^JS
neither i,nnu,A*k i.:m . i « i nature, so is he true in his office as a com-
him fo Za « T ' -1 ye ^ fort* to good «»: all his console
■hTli k • dwetteth W1*h you, and being real and solid, and free from imp*
•hall be in you. tore and delusion.
Chap. XIV. ST. JOHN* 536
18 I will not leave you comfort- /roe, ye shall live alio. Because I am
less : I will come to you. raised from the grave, I will quicken you*
dead bodies m the grave, and ye shall live
Here observe, 1. The condition which also; and as I live by my ascension
the disciples were in upon the account of into heaven, so shall you my disciples live
CbrisTs removal from them, and that was, a life of grace here, and a life of glory with
sad and comfortless, fatherless or orphans, myself hereafter. Learn hence, That a
as the word signifies. Learn . hence, That believer's spiritual life is derived from Christ,
Christ's departure, or the loss of his graci- who by his Spirit communicates a quick-
bus presence, is very sad and comfortless ening virtue to all his members : Because
to a pious soul ; well might the disciples he lives, ye shall live also. See how
here lament and mourn, upon the occasion Christ binds up their life together with his
of Christ's leaving of them, seeing thereby own ! As if be had said, " Whilst there
they should be deprived of his doctrine and is vital sap in the root, you that are branch-
instructions, of his advice and counsel, and es in me shall not wither and die." Ob*
of the benefit of his holy and instructive serve lastly, A farther privilege insured to
example. Observe, 2. The care of Christ believers after Christ's ascension, and the
for his disciples, in reference to this their Spirit's mission ; they should more perfectly
sad and disconsolate condition : He would understand the essential union betwixt
not leave them comfortless. Where note, Christ and his Father, and the mystical
Be doth not say, I will not suffer you to be union betwixt Christ and bis members :
comfortless, but I will not leave you so : At that day ye shall know that I am in
that is, he will not desert or disown them in my Father, ere The knowledge which
their comfortless condition ; be will not the saints now have of the mysterious and
leave them, either in point of affection, or mystical union, is but dark and imperfect j
in point of activity : he will not cease to but in heaven they shall understand these
love them, nor cease to bestir himself for things clearly : then and there the essential
them. Learn hence, That Christ will not union of Christ and his Father, and the
leave bis friends in a sad and comfortless mystical union between Christ and believers,
state and condition, though for a lime" they will be more clearly understood, than we
may be brought into it : I wiU not leave are capable to understand them in this our
you comfortless. I will come unto you. imperfect state.
Cruirt'scomipgr^um 21 He that hath my command-
^^°f^TT.tothTbyhBHr°ly ments, and keepeth them, he it is
Spirit; in the gifts of it, in the graces of it, ,. . , ,. v A , .!* i ,.•
and in the comforts of it; thJhedid not that [°*etl' mf : "d J?e that loveth
long leave them comfortless, but at the feast me sba" be loved of my Father;
of Pentecost came to them again. and I will love him, and will mani-
^ ...... , , . . fest myself to him.
10 Yet a little while, and the world QuT [Aessed Saviour in lhese words re_
seeth me no more ; but ye see me : peats what he had before enjoined at ver.
because I live, ye shall live also. 15. namely, to evidence the sincerity of our
20 At that day ye shall know that love to him by the universality of our obe-
I am io my Father, and you in me, dfence to his commands : He that hath
and I in you. m<? comfn*ndments, and keepeth them, he
* it is that loveth me. Where note, 1. The
Here our Saviour foretells his approach- necessity of knowledge in order unto prac-
ing death, that within a little time the men tice. 2. The necessity of practice in order
of the world should see Dim no more; unto happiness. We must first have Christ's
for though be rose again, the world saw commandments, before we can keep them ;
him no more after his death ; for we read we.must have them in our understandings
of no appearance of him after his resume- and judgments, in our wills and affections;
lion to any, but to his disciples only. In- not have them only in our eyes to read, in
deed the hour is coming when the world our ears to hear, or in our mouths to talk
shall see him again ; namely, at the day of of them, but to hide them in our hearts, that
judgment, when every eye shall behold we may not sin against Christ, in the wilful
htm with terror and amazement. Observe violation of them. Farther, we must keep,
farther, The consolation given tohisdis- as well as have, these commandments. This
espies, Ye shall see me ; and because 1 denotes an universal, diligent, and perse-
$36 ST. JOHN. Chap. XIV-
verine* obedience to them. Henoe learn, and great admiration. Well might the
Tliulthough many loo* professor, pretend apostle, out of l^J^ZSt
love to Christ, because they hear, read. Lord, how ts it that thou »dt moufitt
know, and can talk of his commandments ; thyself to us, and not unto the world f
yet in Christ's account none do truly love answered and said unto
him, but those who make conscience of •^;JC8,,S answcrea *T „;» ."
The* obedience to him: He that hath him, Ifa man love ^v kirfhg
my commandments, and keepeth them, he my words : and my Father will UK
it is that loveth me. Observe next, The him, and we will come unto mm,
gracious promise of Christ to such as thus an(j make our abode with him. 24
express their love unto him. 1. He shall jje tnat iovetn me not, keepeth not
be loved xf my Father, and of mysetf. sayings : and the word which
J£,tJ ^t i £&. "bT-W yeheJ. if not »iae, but the Fa*e»
he not named then ? Because the Son which sent me.
dwelleth in us by the Spirit, and sheds his . Observe here, How our Saviour still goes
love abroad in our hearts by the Holy 0n to direct and encourage his diaapki to
Ghost. 2. I will manifest myself unto evidence the sincerity of their love to to
him ; that is, such obedient christians shall person, by the universality of their obe-
not only enjoy the fruit and benefit of my dience to his commands : and tefls than
love, but they shall enjoy the sense of my how great their advantage wouM be by *
love, and experience the sensible manifesta- doing. For, First, The Father would me
tions and inward diffusions of my love in fnem ; that is, manifest his favour to them
their own 'souls. Learn hence, That the m farther dispensations of erace and corn-
only way to have Christ love us, and to let fort. Learn thence, That all the msniw-
out bis love upon us, and to know that he tations of divine love to the souls of be-
loves us, is to look diligently to our obe- Severs, depend upon their close walking
diential walking with him and before him. wjth God in the paths of holiness sad stoct
We may as rationally think to nourish our obedience. Secondly, We wM moke «*
bodies with poison, as to enjoy the mani- aoode with him. He shall have Father
festation of Christ's love in a way of sin. and Son's company. An allunoo to t
parent that has many children ; be will
22 Judas saith unto him, (not Is- be sure to live with them that are mo*a>
cariot,) Lord, how is it that thou tiful to him, and most observant .of hm
wilt manifest thyself unto us, and The expression of making their «w»™
„ot note the world t SptSSWA^K
Some understand these words of a tern- aod the perpetuity and constaocy of it st
poral manifestation, and think that Judas all times ; till we are taken up by him into
the brother of James, who spake them, still heaven, he will make this abode f ^ i*
expected that Christ should be a temporal by the indwelling presence of ^Hrl
prince, and have such a kingdom as should Spirit, the graces and comforts whereof »aH
be conspicuous to all the world, and there- abide with us for ever,
fore puts the question, how he could pos- OR -,. ma tk;««« haw I snoken
sibly show himself to his disciples, and the 25 These things navel l sjK m
world not see him? Others understand ""to you, being yet P^en* 7!\
it of a spiritual manifestation ; as if he had you. 26 But the ^mfor*cr»1f*r*
said, " Lord ! who or what are thy disci- is the Holy Ghost, whom the tauw
pies, that we should enjoy more special w'tl| send in my name, he shall teacn
manifestations of thy love to us, than to «ou a]| things, and bring all things
the rest of the world ? Why should we be { remembrance, whatsoever I
dignified by such distinguishing favours . ■* . . „a%^mtAn
a&ve othera?" Learn hence, 1. That bave said unto you.
there is a real difference put by Christ be- Here we have a repeated pip®* ?/ JJr
twixt his own children and the world, in mission of the Holy Ghost, caUeU i«
the matter of special manifestations. 2. Comforter, and his special office*w«i
That there being no cause from the creature namely, to teach, ana to bring t0 *anf«
why Christ should make this difference, brance what Christ had taught: ***"J
his discriminating grace is matter of just teach you all things. As the Spirt «
Chap. XIV. ST. JOHN. 637
God is a gnat comforter, 10 he is the special to entertain the news of his departure rather
teacher of his children ; he teacheth conde- with ioy and exultation, than with sorrow
acendingly, stooping to the meanest capa- and dejection ; If ye lived me, ye would
cities; be teacheth efficaciously, inclining rejoice, because I go to the Father. True
the heart to receive instruction, as well as love to Christ will make us rejoice in his
opening the ear to hear it ; he teacheth advancement and exaltation, although it be
plainly and clearly, unerringly and inialli- our own disadvantage. These words, My
bly ; he is truth itself, and therefore his Father is greater than J, must be under-,
teachings are most true. And as the Holy stood with reference to his human nature as
Spirit is the saints* teacher, so is he also Mediator ; for so he was the Father's ser-
their remembrancer : He shall Bring all vant, and the Father, as God, was greater
things to your remembrance ; that is, all than he, as man. Again, the Father may
truths needful to be known, and necessary be said to be greater than Christ, in regard
to salvation. Here note, That the Holy of his paternity, as being the fountain of the
Spirit teaches nothing but what Christ him- deity ; the Father is of himself, but the
mal taught ; the Spirit teaches in the word, Son is begotten of the Father : but being
and by the word, but never teaches any of the same substance with the Father, he
thing contrary to the word : He shall is consequently God, as the Father is God ;
leach and bring to remembrance whatso- for the inequality arises not from the essence,
*9er I have said unto you- but from the order and manner of subsist-
ence. Thus the Father is greater than
27 Peace I leave with you, my he ; Greater than he as to bis original, the
peace I give unto you : not as the Son being begotten by him ; and greater
world giveth, give I unto you. is he that gives, than he that receives ; but.
Let not your heart be troubled, ** t0 nM essence, they are both one God,
neither let it be afraid. ■** 4804?ua!v£hre? "%*.?* FaU!? T
greater than Christ : 1. With respect to his
As if our Lord bad said, " Whatever human nature. Who can doubt but a de-
outward trouble the world gives you, be pendent is inferior to that Almighty Being
not afraid of it before it comes, nor trou- that made him? 2. With respect to the
bled at it when it is come, for I will give eternal generation of his divine Person ; as
you inward peace in the midst of all your be was begotten of the Father, who is
out ward troubles z Not as the -world giveth, therefore called the fountain of the deity, a
give I unto your Where note, That With respect to his office as Mediator, for
Christ's peace is vastly different from that thus he was the Father's servant. O won-
peace which is given or enjoyed by the derful condescension! that the eternal
world : the world may wish peace yet Word, who, as such, was equal with the
never obtain it ; or they may wish it, yet Father, should, in compassion to us, accept
not be able to give it ; but Christ's peace is a station, and sustain a character, in which
real and effectual, solid and substantial; the the Father was neater than he! Now,
world's peace is only a freedom from out- though under each of these considerations
ward trouble, but Christ's peace is a deli- Cod the Father is greater than the Son, yet
verance from inward guilt : and though it none of them are inconsistent with the Son's
doth not give us an exemption from out- being God by nature,
ward troubles, yet it gives in a sanctified 20 And now I have told you be-
use jnd improvement of them, and assures fore it come t0 g; that wheD
«rf a joyml nsue and deliverance out of h |g ^^ {Q paM ^e might bclicvc
^8m# 30 Hereafter I will not talk much
28 Ye have heard how I said with you : for the prince of this
unto you, I go away, and come world cometh, and hath nothing in
again unto you. If ye loved me, me< 31 But that the world may
ye would rejoice, because I said, I know that I love the Father ; and as
go unto the Father : for my Father is the Father gave me commandment,
greater than I. even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
That the disciples of Christ might neither The time of our Saviour's death now
be overset with fears, nor overwhelmed nearer and nearer approaching, he prepares
with grief, he tells them* that they ought the expectation of his disciples for it, be-
*38 ST. JOHN. Chap. XlV.
cause evil* that surprise us suddenly, do his Father meant to do with Judas, and
sink our spirits sadly ; whereas what we with all unfruitful blanches like unto him,
fear, for that we prepare. Accordingly our even take them away, out them off, and
Lord arms his disciples against all dis- throw them into the fire; but such as are
Suietude, and overwhelming sorrow for his fruitful, he purges by his word and Spirit,
eparture from them : I have told you by ordinances and providences, by mer-
before, that when it comet to pass, ye cies and afflictions, that they may be more
might believe ; that is, Be assured that I abundantly and abidingly fruitful. Learn
am not mere man, but truly and really hence, 1. That Jesus Christ in his office for,
God, and depend upon me for life and sal- and relation to, bis people, doth most fitly
vation. Observe, 2. How our Saviour resemble a vine. As the vine is weak,
points out the cause of his suffering ; name- mean, and small in outward appearance, not
ly, Satan, and his instruments : The prince like the cedar for height, or like (be oak
of this world comet h ; that is, by Judas, for strength ; so was Christ m his state
the soldiers, and the high priests : but he of humiliation ; there was no beauty m
hath nothing in me : that is, " He will him, Is. liti. As the vine is a fruitful plant
find no sin or corruption in me to side though it baa little pomp, yet it has much
with his temptation, or no guilt upon me plenty, and is only useful for fruit-bearing,
to give him any advantage against me, for and brings forth both plenty and variety
I shall die as a perfectly innocent person." of sweet fruit to make glad the heart of
Christ, in suffering for our sins, did not only man : thus the fruits of Christ's death, re-
conflict with the wrath of God, but with the surrection, ascension, and intercession, are
rage of men and devils ; yet all the power many and great, delightful and sweet. In
and policy, all the malice and cruelty of a word, as the fruit of the vine is pressed,
Satan, cannot prevail against Christ, any that it may be drink unto men, so Chrat
father than he voluntarily yields and sub- submitted to be trod in the wine-pros of
mits himself unto it : The prince of this God's wrath, that thereby the sweetest fruit
<oorld cometh, but hath nothing tn me. and benefit might redound to his people.
Observe, 3. That it was Christ's love and Finally, as the vine is the root from which
obedience to his Father, that carried htm all the branches derive their nourishment
forth so cheerfully to the work of sufferings, and fruitfulness; in like manner is Christ
jupported him under it, and carried him the stock into which all his memben
through it : That the world may know are ingrafted, the root in which tbey aH
that I love the Father : and as the Fa- subsist, and the fountain from whence their
thergaveme commandment, even so I do. spiritual life and fruitfulness doth proceed
True love to God will draw all men to obe- and flow. Learn, 2. That as Christ is the
dience in the hardest service and sufferings; Vine, so his Father is the Husbandman:
the grand motive of Christ's sufferings was he ingrafts and implants all the branches
love to his Father, obedience to his com- into this vine ; the plants of righteousness
mands, and a regard to his glory. Lord, are of his own planting ; he takes nonce
let thy love and obedience to thy Father, in what store of fruit every branch doth brio*
all thy sufferings, be the subject of our ad- forth ; and it is his daily care to dies and
•miration, and the matter of our imitation dung, to purge and prune, to support and
also. As the Father gives us command- shelter, his vineyard, that it may bring
ment, so let us always do. forth fruit abundantly. Lean, 3. That
there are two sorts of branches in this rise,
CHAP. XV. some fruitful, others unfruitful ; some haw;
-. AM4, A , „ , the visibility, but not the reality of branch*
J AM the true vine, and my Father es; some are branches only by external
is the husbandman. 2 Every profession, others are so by real iroplanta-
branch in me that beareth not fruit tion. Learn, 4. That the true touchstone
he taketh away ; and every branch whereby to discern one sort of branch*
that beareth fruit, he pursreth it, from "other, is not by the stir leaves*
that it may bring forth more fruit. V**™*. but JF *" ■**■■"»£■
~. v „ . . °* an no*y an<* righteous conversation.
«. J *.rVe a** Ho* our M"** Saviour, Learn, 5. That in the most fruitful brancb-
f^K- Ta^r(rf,a^ne,ele?antIy8e,s «• in the best and holiest christians,
cWhT -n hl8 Jrdat'on to »» visible there remains mueb corruption to be par?,
church, showing under that similitude what ed out, in order to futui/and farther fm*
Chap. XV. ST. JOHN. KB
fulness. Learo, 6. That the Husbandman's The union and conjunction between Christ
band (God the Father's) manages the prim- and his members is mutual : they abide in
kg-knife of affliction, in order to bis peo- him by faith and dependence, and he
pie's improvement in grace and holiness ; abtdeth in them by the indwelling presence
be had rather see his vine bleed, than see of his grace and Spirit : Abide in me, and
it barren. Lastly, That such branches as, I will abide in you* Observe farther, The
after all the Husbandman's care and cost, reason which Christ gives, why they should
remain unfruitful, shall be finally cut off, thus abide in him : because without union
and cast away, as was Judas here ; who, with him, without interest in him, without
m this discourse of our Saviour, seems par- influences of grace derived from him, they
ticutarly and especially to be aimed at : be could bring forth no fruit for him, nor do
was a branch in hhn that bare no fruit, who any thing that is truly acceptable and well-
was shortly after taken away, and went to pleasing to him : As the branch cannot
his own place. bear fruit of iUelf, except it abide in the
«, ^ . - , , vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in
3 Now yc are clean through the me ; fir without me ye can Jo nothing :
word which 1 have spoken unto you. that is, " As branches severed from the vine
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As cannot live and bear fruit, so neither can
the branch cannot bear fruit of it- christians separated from Christ, and without
self, except it abide in the vine ; ^crivrag virtue from him, do any thing spi-
no more can ye, except ye abide in J""* "°°T^m ZS^K!* 5 ^ ■**
*m~ k i .-. *iL iJl . ,u of God. — Learn hence, That not only un-
E!- i? T *£ J^Jl™ the ««**«* men do labour under an impo-
braacoes : be that abideth in me, tency to have that which is spiritually good,
aad I in him, the same bringeth but even disciples themselves, without daily
forth much fruit : for without me ye dependence upon Christ, and without con-
can do nothing. slant communications of grace from him,
can do nothing in a lively and acceptable
Our Saviour having in the former verses way and manner unto him : Without me
distinguished his disciples into two sorts : ye can do nothing ; you that are branches
some that were members of his body the of me the true Vine. As christians, with*
church, and branches of him the true Vine, out me, that is, without my Spirit, abiding
by outward show and visible profession in you, and uniting you to me your head,
only ; others that are spiritually ingrafted you can do nothing acceptable to me, or
into bim, and do bring forth much fruit, worthy of my gospel. Again, as apostles,
Now in this third verse Christ tells his dis- it may denote, that, without the gifts and
ciples which number they were of: Now, powerful assistance of the Holy Spirit, they
saith be, ye are clean through the word could do nothing to convert the world to
which I have spoken unto you ; that is, Christianity. In both respects might Christ
now that Judas the traitor, that dead, rot- truly say, Without me ye can do nothing,
^'•2!!!!i?ii^b' \c* offtaadcast out> 6 If a man abide not in me, he
££^^^ «■ ~ 1 forth as a branch, and is.
Learn hence, 1. That such as are justified m*ewd • and men gather them,
by the blood, and sanctified by the Spirit, and cast tnem >nto the fire, and they
of Christ, are in Christ's account clean, are burned.
notwithstanding their ??ny 8P°te and ma- H«e our holy Lord discovers the sad and
nifoW imperfections : Now are ye clean, deplorable condition of such professors,
2. That as the blood of Christ is the roeri- who, pretending relation to Christ, do yet
tonous, and the Spirit of Christ the effica- bring forth no fruit unto him ; be calls them
ciout, ao the word of Christ is the instru- withered branches, fit only for the fire.
mental, cause of a believer's purification and Leam hence, That such as have had a long
<*™P^.^'Vf «** are cUan throuSn the standing m God's vineyard, and contented
word which I have spoken unto you. A- themselves with a withered profession, are
btdetnmct and I will abide in you. That in great danger of having God's blasting
is, abide in me not only by an outward and added to their barrenness. All their parts,
vatbte profession, but by a real fiducial ad- and gifts, and common graces, will wither,
hereoce, and I will abide in you by the in* and their fair blossoms of profession will
fluences and operations of ray Holy Spirit, drop off, and at the great day the angels
540 ST. JOHN. Chap. XV.
will gather these fruitless branches together, aflfecUon. Nor doth he say, The i Falter
and list them into bell fire. hath loved rne, and I love you ; but, As
the Father hath loved me, so hate I
7 If ye abide in me, and my loved you. Nor doth he sav, As the Fa-
words abide in you, ye shall ask ther hath loved me, so vill I love you; but
what ye will, and it shall be done »^JL W^a^'^^E'
..„♦,* „«.. rity of Christ's love, that he loved us first,
unio you. ^ abo denoteg tbe mvjncible constancy
Observe here, 1. A glorious privilege de- of his love, and the indubitable certainty
clared : Atk what ye vill, it shall he done thereof ; I have loved you. Follow me
unto you. Not that we are hereby war- from heaven to earth, and from earth to
ranted to ask what we please at God's hand, heaven again, and you will find that every
but our will must be limited by the word step I have taken hath been in love. barn,
and will of God ; we must pray in faith, 1. That the Lord Jesus Christ bath given
and in the name and mediation of Jesus full and ample demonstration of bis great
Christ, and with a single eye to the glory of and wonderful love unto his church and
God. Observe, 2. The condition upon people. 2. That it is tbe duty, and ought
which this privilege is attainable : If ye to be the singular care, of every <*nstian,
abide in me% and my words abide in you, to preserve the sweet sense and inward da-
that is, practically and experimentally. If fusions of Christ's love in their own souk :
my doctrine and commands abide in your Continue. ye in my love.
hearts, and dispose you to an holy fruitful- Jf . commandments,
ness in your lives, then shall all your just re- *~ " J\T? " J , AMil '
quests be granted. Learn, That such as by ve shaH abide in my love ; even as
faith embrace the promises, and by obe- I have kept my Father's command,
diencc live up to the precepts of the gospel, ments, and abide in his love,
may in prayer humbly ask of God what ^ w d , . ^ ^
aSL iS Jffl rfGo^ "" gomg™erse. that he had loved them, cm
dom and will of God. b^ £ ^^ ^ ^ ^ ; ^ ^ ^
8 Herein is ray Father glorified, an eternal love, with a real and operative
that ye bear much fruit ; so shall ye Jove, with an immutable and constant love.
* M; j; '-u J In this verse he directs tbem how they nay
De my mscipies. continue in the sense of his love* namely,
Our Lord here exhorts his followers to an by their constant obedience to his com-
holy fruilfulness in good works, by a dou- mands, as his obedience to his Father's
ble argument. One drawn from the glory commands had secured him a continuance
of God: Herein is my Father glorified, in his Father's love : If ye keep my cm-
The other from their own advantage ; So mandments,ye shall abide in my lovt;
shall ye be my disciples ; that is, hereby that is, in the sense of my love, and under
ye shall evidence and prove yourselves to the sweet apprehensions of it I*am
be my disciples. Learn hence, That a hence, That as our obedience to Christ is
christian's abounding fruitfulness in good the best evidence of our love to him, so a
works will abundantly conduce to the hon- it the best means to preserve and keep us
our and glory of God, and also to his own in the sense and assurance of bis love to us.
eAfiS-z^ "■" ** •* « *■«. «"*. *» « **■
n . , _, . . . . . unto you, that my joy might remain
9 As the Father hath bved me, in > and that ^0V joy might be
tu> have 1 loved you ; continue ye in fujj '
* * In these words our Saviour declare the
Lord, what a comparison is here ! As ground and reason why he did so earnestly
the Father hath loved me, so have I loved press and urge the duty of being universally
you. He doth not say, As the Father hath fruitful upon his disciples, and that was
loved me, so have I loved him ; but, so two-fold. 1. That his joy might remain
have I loved you. Nor doth he say, As in them ; that is, That the joy which he
God hath loved roe, so have I loved you j had in their holiness and obedience might
but. As the Father. It is verbum remain with him : nothing is more desired
dtlectionis, a word importing dearness of by Christ, than that be may have cause
Chap. XV. ST. JOHN. 641
•continually to rejoice in the (kith and fruit- ence, by the honourable title of friends :
fulness of bis people. 2. That their joy Ye are my friends. 1. Actively, you
in him might be full. This latter arises will declare and manifest yourselves to be
from the former ; our joy in Christ results my friends. 2. Passively; I will declare
from Christ's joy in us : his delight in us myself to be your friend. Learn hence,
causes us abundantly to delight in him. 1. How condescending is the love of Christ,
Learn hence, That nothing is more de- in calling his servants by the name of
sired by Christ, than that the joy of his friends. 2. How glorious is the believer's
people should be a full, solid, constant, and relation to Christ, in being one of his
uninterrupted joy. 3. That the only way friends. 3. How grateful is obedience to
and mean, in order thereunto, is by an Christ, seeing it dignities the practisero of it
holy fruitfolness in good works : All these with the title of his friends. 4. Our con-
things have I spoken unto you, that my formity to Christ consists not so much in
joy may remain in you, ana that your joy imitation of what he did, as in obedience
might he full. The observation of God's to what he prescribed. Some actions of
commandments does give a christian here Christ are inimitable, but all his commands
•the fullest and roost perfect joy. are obeyable. 5. That nothing short of
12 This is my commandment, anhuml.Ie, unabmo. cbeetfut. and constaat
r-,t . , J .. . , obedience to the commands of Christ, will
That ye love one another, as I have wiixa<x the ttvlh ^ our lMkm to hjn)f
Joved you. and tne sincerity of our friendship with
Our Lord had often, in this farewell him : Then only are you my friends, vhcri
sermon of his to his dear disciples, pressed you do whatsoever I command you.
upon them the duty of loving one another, -. r •» t *u i n
chap. xiii. and xiv. And yet here he en- 16 Henceforth 1 call you not
forces it again from his own example : As servants ; for the servant knoweth
I have loved you, so love you one ano- n°t what his lord doeth : but I have
trier ; that is, as truly and as sincerely called you friends ; for all things
for the manner, though not the same pro- that I have heard of my Father I
portion and degree. Learn hence, That have made known unto you.
for the disciples of Christ to love one ano-
tber upon such grounds, and in such a way By these words Christ declares the rea-
as he loved them, is that which his heart son why he was pleased to change his style,
greatly desires, and is very much set upon, and call his disciples friends instead of ser-
2. That Christ's love unto believers is both vants ; namely, because of his communica-
an obligation unto mutual love, and also tion of secrets to them, which servants are
a pattern and example for it : This is my not admitted to the knowledge of : Hence-
commandment, that ye love one another forth I call you not servants : that is,
as J have loved you. not mere servants ; not that they were to
13 Greater love hath no man ^.T?^ ^ »bed«nce' (for JJ»* ■
than thb. that a man lay down his fflJLj£S%5S*£
life for his friends. and familiarity of friends ; being about to
Here our Saviour gives his disciples an leave them, he unbosoms himself unto
evidence of the greatness of his love unto them, saying, All things that I have
them ; namely, in his readiness to lay down heard of my Father, I nave made known
his life for them, which is the highest ex- unto you. Not as if Christ had communis
pression of love to our dearest friends, be- cated the infinite treasures of knowledge to
cause life is the greatest earthly blessing, them, which the Father had imparted to
Learn hence, That Christ's love in laying him ; but he speaks here as the prophet of
down his life for his people, was a match- his church, that as such he had revealed
less love; for, whilst they were enemies to all things needful for them to know in'
biro, be had a friendly respect for them ; order to salvation, all things belonging to
and never ceased till he had brought them their case and state : as a counsellor doth
into a covenant of friendship with himself, not impart all his knowledge to his client ;
14 Ye arc my friends, if ye do bu'a,,f tha* is, v08""^* 'or h\c}*" to
• . • J , ' J understand and know, that he makes known
whatsoever I command you. unt0 Wm relati t0 his own c^. l^
Here Christ invited his people to obedi- hence, 1. That all Christ's disciples arc his
542 ST. JOHN. Chap. XV.
servants, and all ha servants are his friends, should bring forth fruit, and that ymtt
in regard of intimate communion and tender fruit should remain.
rection he called them brethren, JbA» xx. that ye love one another. 18 If
17. The dignity of believers is a growing the world hate you, ye know that it
dignity ; the longer they follow Christ, the hated me before it hated you. 19
higher privileges are indulged to them. If ye were of the world, the world
Learn, 2. That all the Father's counsel con- wouid iovc n \s own . but because ye
cerning our salvation, and so far as it « afe not of the world but i have
^tLrrAVJSK fosen you out of t^ «**«.
he being constituted by God the Father to fore the world hatetbyou. 20 Re-
be the great Prophet and Instructor of it : member the word that I said unto
Ail things that I have heard of the Fa- you, The servant is not greater than
ther, I have made known unto you : that his lord. If they have persecuted
fc, all things fit for them at present to me> they will also persecute you : if
know ; namely, concerning bis passion, re- |h have k t - & wiu
surrectioo, ascension, mission of the Holy • J ««„-. l\^ oi »„♦ oil tk^
Ghost, a future judgment, and the promise f.e?P J"™ *lso" 2l *ut ™"
of eternal life. thin88 W|U they do unto y00 foLr m1
name's sake, because they know
16 Ye have not chosen me, but 1 not him that sent me.
have chosen you, and ordained You Qhsave
that ye should go and bring forth ^ . rtunit our hotd incuic«tes and
fruit, and that your fruit should re- p^^ tne duty of mutual love upon his
main ; that whatsoever ye shall ask disciples : I command you to tote m
of the Father in my name, he may another. It denotes the great importsoa
give it you. of the duty, and the great aveneoes
and backwardness of our hearts to the per*
Here our Saviour gives another instance formance of it And if we consider the
and evidence of his love to his disciples ; disciples as apostles and minister! of the
he tells them, that his mercy and free good- gospel, it intimates to us the necessity of
ness had prevented them in their election to mutual love amongst the dispensers of the
eternal salvation, and in their vocation unto gospel, as conducing exceedingly to the
the ofljee of apostleship : Ye have not cho- welfare and benefit of the church of God,
sen me to be your Master and Lord, but I over which be hath set them. Observe, 2.
have chosen you to be my disciples, friends, The argument which our Saviour ante
and servants. 2. He acquaints them with use of to press his disciples in general, sod
the end, design, and intention of his cboos- his ministers and ambassadors in particular,
ing of them * namely, that they should to love each other, and that is, because Ibe
bring forth fruit, and persevere therein, world would certainly hate them. Leam
even in all the fruits of holiness and obedi- hence, That the world's hatred of the
ence, which are to the praise and glory of members and ministers of Christ, is, sad
God by Jesus Christ ; / have ordained ought to be, esteemed by them a strong
you, that you should bring forth fruit, and argument to excite and persuade than to
that your fruit should remain. 3. He love one another $ for this is subjoined ss
directs them, that in order to their being an argument to press mutual love, tbat*«
fruitful, they should have access to the Fa- are sure to meet with the world's hatred'
ther through him, for whatever they wanted Observe, 3. The several arguments by v*?
anrl stood in need of; Whatsoever ye shall of encouragement which Christ propouDM
ask of the Father in my name, he will to comfort his members and minute*
give it you. Learn hence, That all those against the world's hatred. The &*•*}
whom God hath chosen, and called to the gument is taken from his own lot sod
knowledge and service of Jesus Christ, ought usage; when here, in the world, he met
to make it their care and endeavour to bring with the very same before them : Tte
forth fruit, and to persevere therein to their world hated me, before it hated you.
lives' end: I have chosen you, that ye Learn hence, That hatred and persecution
Chap. XV. ST. JOHN. 643
from the world need not seem hard to the unto them, they had not had sin ;
S!?^ th2L con8kkr ^ \*!* Chri* but now they have no cloak for their
had before them upon him ; be is a prime g:n J
object of the world's hatred, and they who
hate him much, do hate his members more, These words are not to be understood
because of their likeness to him, and resent- absolutely, but comparatively ; as if Christ
blance of him. A second argument of }md s^d, " Had I not come amongst them
comfort trader the world's hatred, is this, m mv incarnation, and preached personally
that it will evidence they are not of the to them the doctrine of salvation, and con*
world, but chosen out of the world, ver. 19. firmed that doctrine by miraculous opera-
Becauseye are nofqf the world, but I fi0DS> tney might have pleaded ignorance
have chosen you out of the world, there- iQ. some measure, and they had not had
&re the world hateth you. Learn hence, **n •' that J8» they had not had the sin of
1. That the children of God, though in unbelief and gospel contempt to answer for,
the world, yet they are not of the world, °f bad not had so great a measure of any
they have not the spirit of the world in kind of sin t0 answer for, as now they have ;
fhem, nor is the conversation of the world but would have more to say in excuse, or
fed by them. 2. That the difference be- for a cover *or their sin, than now they
twixt them that are of the world, and those can.: «?*' now they have no cloak for
that are chosen out of the world, is of God's their Sln •' that », they are totally inexcus-
making : I have chosen you out of the abl€t and have not the least colour or pre-
vorld. 3. That such christians as are se- ,ence for their obstinate unbelief." Learn
parated from the world in judgment, affec- bence, 1. That sins of ignorance are, as it
tion, and practice, must for that reason ex- were» no sins, compared with sins commit-
pect to be hated and persecuted by the tod against light and knowledge. 2. That
world : Because ye are not of the world, sras committed against gospel light are of
therefore the world hates you. The third an heinous nature, and aggravated guilt,
argument for consolation and support un- ** being committed against the very reme-
der the world's hatred, is taken from our <*y. 3. That the gospel, where it is plainly
relation to Christ as servants to a roaster, preached, doth take away all pretence and
ver. 23. Remember that the servant is not excuse from sinners : Now they have no
greater than his lord : as if Christ had ctoakfor their sin.
said. Is it equal, that you should expect o« tta ,u . u«*A*u L * *.
better treatmenTthan myself, either aHo 2* **? that hat^hirm¥eV h*tettl
your person or ministry, 6r that you should mv *atner also. 24 If I had not
expect that the world should better receive donc *m<>ng them the works which
your doctrine than it did mine before you ?" oone other man did, they had not
L^arn hence. That neither the members nor had sin ; but now have they both
ministers of Christ can nor ought to expect seen and hated both me and my
better entertainment in and from the world Fathor Q* Rut #&«*• ~~~~«i *~
tlao tbei, Mttter found before them : The thftt ,L «JB ii> ? AZu'l
servant is not above his master, nor great- *?*J .the *°r,d. "f*' b* fulfiIled
er than Ait lord. A fourth argument to *hat !s wn«en m *«r law, They
rapport them under the burden of the world's hated me without a cause.
¥*} " I^ST <he f00*1^* °f ** These wwd» <feclarethe heinoui nature
cau« for wh,fh they were to sutler ;nan». „f the Pharisee.' sin, in hating and perse!
Ifc^K JTXJ'fr T 2 * iU culi»6 Christ, who haddoneW^Tr
these things mil they do unto you for eye9 ^h works as no man besides him, or
«ZjZ"\"Jh. . HeDce £"»• ^J .* ■ before him, ever did; be acting b, bis
^.'S0f™Ut,S)eC'a,l, tVTfT ow»Po^ IVter healed the lameman,
ofCbnsr, to own the name of Christ, to Acts iii. but it was in the name of Jesus of
stand op in defence of ha name and truth, Nazareth ; but Christ healed the sick and
*l£L "i lT?IT,.uWhat 0PP?,,K)n »bed the dead in his own name, and by
soem they meet with for the same, learn, a special word of command : I say uJo
tJ^^A^ q"?^l ?f '.hcfworW thee, Arise. Yet did the Pharisees hate
■p,™^#%J^:,|,,? . Chre*» » «» A" him and his Father, according to the pre-
nan» of Christ ; whatever may be pretend- diction, Psalm xxxv. 19. They haled me
**«S"iri^8!?Ond40f,heqUttrre,1- , "Moot a cause. Which betog spoken of
22 If 1 had not come and spoken David in a type, received a more anincnt
644 ST. JOHN. Chap. XV[.
ftcoompMuneotiQ Christ, the Son of David. twirftbe Sonand the Udtt OtaiTe£
Learn thence, 1. That let men pretend to That it » the highest ft™2Z
never •omuch holiness or respect to God, of the apostles, and ministers <* ChnMtat
vTTf £ey hate CnrLTaud des£te bis g«- tbeSpirit t**?*™*^!,™^
H. beware haters of God. who is ont in but with and acoordrng to t* «*»">£
Sencfand nature with his Son: He that B«ven by them; *^* VWjftJ
hattth me, hatcth my Father also. Learn, ,haUte.Uf« *~'£*^£lZ
2. That no miracles wrought by mortal wttneu. who have been with me from Ue
men were ever comparable with the rai- beginning.
racks by Christ the Son of God ; hit did CHAP. XVL
surpass them all in number, kind, and man- _ ,!,;__ u.— t .nnk<>ii onto
oe/of doing them ; by hit own authority, THHESE things haw I »J»lwV»w
fa hi. own name, and not as other* who * you, that ye should not beoffcad-
obtained their power by prayer from God : ed. 2 They shall put you out ot
I have done ammigtt them the wordt the synagogues : yea, the time
which none other man did. Learn, 3. cometh, that whosoever killeth you
That Christ, having confirmed his doctrine wiu think that he doeth God ser-
by such unparalleled miiactes as the world 3 And these thing, will they
was never before acquainted with, doth u„-...« «k2» km not
aggravate the sin of those thatare hate* of do unto you b*»"^te?~
tos person, despiser* of his doctrine, and known the Father nor me. 4 But
reproachers of his miracles: it being just these things have I told you, that,
with God, when men obstinately will shut when the time shall come, ve may
their eyes and will not see, judicially to remember that I told you of them.
close their eyes and say, They shall not see. A|ld thegc tningg I said not unto
26 But when the Comforter is you at the beginning, because I was
come, whom I will send unto you with you.
from the Father, even the Spirit of in the close of the foregoing chapter.our
truth, which proceedeth from the blessed Saviour had acquainted bisdiscipw
Father, he shall testify of me : 27 with the hatred and hard usage which iter
And ye also shall bear witness, be- were like to meet i^mftfio**
J •_ u 'al _A ft,A» here he intimates to them the reason wny
cause ye have been with me from £« .^ ^ .^ ^ m wbject
the beginning. namely, not to sadden their hearts^ and
Here our holy Lord comforts himself, grieve their spirits, before their «£ennp
that, though he had laid them under many came, but that they might not be offended*
aspersions and scandals from the world, discouraged, or scandalized at them, when
yet all these should be done away by the they came, but prepared for them, and
coming of the Holy Spirit, who should tea- armed against them. Hence learn, i-
tify of him, and make his person and doc- That all afflictions, but especially pw*-
trine to be acknowledged in the world ; cutions, are so searching and trying, ton
and that they themselves should bear wit- the best of christians have need to be guard-
neas of him, who had been with him from ed against them, that they may not be
the beginning ; that is, since he first began offended at them. 2. That it was the great
to exercise his prophetic office. Observe design of Christ to arm his disciples against
here, 1. That Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the scandal of the cross, lest, -tomb,'D^
are three distinct persons in the Godhead, what they expected not, they abonW wi
2. That the Holy Ghost proceedeth from from the profession of Christianity. i»*
the Father and the Son : here the Son is things have I spoken unto you, mtje
said to send him ; and, as to the Father, he should not be offended. Observe, 2. How
is said to proceed from him. If the Holy our Saviour instances m two P"**31^
Ghost doth not proceed from the Son, why sorts and kinds of sufferings, www "■
is he called The Spirit of the Son ? Gal. iv. disciples were to expect in the worM, ana
6. Why is he here called to be sent by from the world ; namely, etcommm**'
the Son ? The Comforter whom I will tion and martyrdom, ver. 2. TheytMf*
send unto you from the Father. And if put you out of the synagogues {.*»*
the Spirit doth not proceed from the Son, exclude them from all their assemblies, bo»
what personal relation can we conceive be- civil and religious, and shall not onJy
Cfcap. XVI. ST. JOHN. 545
think it lawful, but a very acceptable tine from them, and reproves tfaem for be-
service to God, to put t^ to j^ . ing w |>dde||ed at ^ and c^^ for ft
H^«forv<r *///*M jkw, will think that without considering the end and design of
hfdocth God service. Observe, 3. How it, and the benefit and advantage they
Christ discover! to his dear disciples the were to receive by it. Here we see how
cause and ground of the world's hatred the disciples' thoughts were wholly taken
against tbem, and enmity towards them 5 up about themselves, what they should do
namely, their ignorance of the Father and of for want of Christ's bodily presence, with-
himself, ver. 3. These things will they do, out being instant with him, to know whi-
because they have not known the Father ther he was going, and what benefit he
mr me. From whence we may learn, should reap, and they might expect, from
That all the persecutions of the saints do his departure. Learn hence, That Christ's
speak in persecutors an ignorance both of disciples ought not so much to have la-
God the Father and of Jesus Christ his Son. mented the loss of his bodily presence, as to
All persecution springs from ignorance as have rejoiced in his glorious exaltation, and
well as from malice. And men, who con- in their advantages by his death, resurrec-
tinue ignorant of God and Christ, are in tion, and ascension : None of you asketh
danger of turning persecutors, if they have a me, Whither goest thou * But sorrow
temptation to it Observe, 4. How our Lord hath filled your heart.
again forewarns his disciples of their ap-
proaching aufierings, to the intent that they 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the
might remember that he had foretold them truth ; it is expedient for you that
of them, and would not fail to support them I go away : for if I go not away, the
littler them. He had often told them in Comforter will not come unto you •
general of persecutions and troubles which hut if I *W«r* T will mA\Xl * '
they must expect to meet with, but did not * * l dcpart* l WlU 8cnd him unto
till now intimate the kinds and degrees of ^0Ua
those sufferings, with respect to their weak- In these words our Saviour urges his dis-
ness ; and because whilst he was with them, ciples to submit to his departure, as that
be himself bore the brunt of all, the world's which would make way for his sending the
rage sailing upon him, letting them alone ; Comforter to them ; which, he assures
bat after tus ascension, when the malice of them, would be of more advantage to them
Satan and wicked men could not reach him, than his own stay and continuance amongst
then did the storm fall upon them. Learn them. Thence learn, That the presence
hence, 1 . That Christ is so tender of his of the Holy Spirit with us is a greater com-
disciples* weakness, that he will not put fort and advantage to us, than the presence
them upon the hardship of sufferings, till of Christ in the flesh amongst us. Christ's
theybe trained up and prepared for them, bodily presence was comfortable, but the
2. That it may encourage the saints in and Spirit is more intimately a Comforter than
under their sufferings, that Christ himself is Christ in his fleshly presence ; because
the great object of the persecutors' malice, the Spirit can comfort all believers at once,
and they only so for his sake ; for, could in all places ; but Christ's bodily presence
they reach him, they would not concern can comfort but few, and that in one place
themselves with them. Learn, 3. That the only at once. Christ did converse with
saints of God, after long exemption and his disciples outwardly, but the Spirit pos-
freedom from sufferings, must expect that sessed himself of their hearts inwardly.
stomas will arise, clouds gather thick, and Now for the Spirit to dwell in us, is more
trials come on apace ; and their being un- advantageous than to have Christ dwell in
der one trial will not hide or shelter them the flesh amongst us. The benefit of
from another. Christ's conversation was great ; but the
5 But now I go my way to him advantage of the Spirit's renovation and
that sent me ; and none of you aak- ho,y "»P'»u'on is much greater: the one
etb me, Whither goest thou ? 6 S001™*" an£ tocitaV"i5° h°,y/ Y
nn» k_«.....~ 1 u~„~ ?-:j iu 4.U- toe olner quickens and enables us to be
Bat because I have said these things hol jg+n weu might Christ say,
unto you, sorrow hath filled your ,y „ expedient, or highly necessary or ad-
beart. vantageous for you, that I go away. He
Observe here, How our Saviour again in- subjoins a reason : tylgo not away, the
tixnates to his disciples his speedy depar- Comforter will not come ; but if I depart,
2 N
640 ST. JOHN. Chap, XVI.
I will send him to you. Whence we tee me no more, ai I must have been ifany
learn. That Christ's ascension was indiapen- thing had been omitted by me." Note
sably necessary, in order to .the Spirit's farther, That none are convinced jf right-
mission ; the Spirit could not have descend- eousness who are not first convinced of sin.
ed, if Christ had not first ascended ; the None will come to Christ byt*tth,trflcoD-
Spirit could not come, but by the gifts and victims of sin have awakened and dates*!
mission of the Mediator. Now the sending them. Thirdly, Of judgment : that a,
of the Spirit being a part of Christ's royalty, the Spirit shall convince the world that Je-
ns Mediator, it was not convenient that the sus is both Lord and Christ, that he had
Spirit should be sent, till Christ was crown- power to judge Satan the prince of the
ed, and set down on his throne in his world, and that he did by his death put
kingdom ; tben the Spirit was to make ap- down the kingdom of darkness, Urn
plication to us, of the redemption purchased hence, 1. That Satan is a prince, who by
for in. unjust usurpation, and Burners' vohmtary
A * j , . • l -ii consent, has exercised a tyrannical powei
8 And when he is come, he will ^ £ WQ&L % Thg{ Chrirt by *
reprove the world of sin, and of <jaath ^ $*&&, condemn, and owrcame*
righteousness, and of judgment. 9 this mighty prince, and hath made ha coo-
Of sin, because they believe not on quest evident to the consciences of men,
me; 10 Of righteousness, because by the convictions of his Holy Spirit: The
I go to my Father, and ve see me Spirit shall convince tfj^g^j^
no more: 11 Of judgment, because »*£a'Satan ihe t^nceoflkts wrt*
the prince of the world is judged. JudSe •
In these and the following verse, our J2 l haTf J* ""S^ *2
Saviour acquaints his disciples with the ad- «■*<> y°"> bu* J* c.anB0Lt ™* **
vantages that will redound by the coming now. 13 Howbeit when be, we
of the Comforter. First, The advantage to Spirit of truth, is come, he will
the world. Secondly, To the apostles, guide you into all truth : —
And, thirdly, To himself. To the world, _ . .
1. He shall convince them of sin, right- The second benefit which our Savworde-
eousness, and judgment. Of sin, that is, clares was to be expected by tbecomingoi
of their sinful state and nature, of the large the Holy Spirit, relates to the fF**™*4
extent of sin, and particularly of the sin of selves : He shall guide you tntosU frsw.
unbelief. Learn hence, 1. that the Spirit that is, into all truth necessary for you »
of God is the author of conviction of sin, know in order to salvation^ 1 to * ■
and that all convictiona of ain do either principal text which the «r* "■*?
mediately or immediately flow from him. their doctrine of infallibility j waj$f0"n>
2. That unbelief is a ain of the greatest lessly. For this promise was made » aa
malignity against Christ, and of the great- the apostles, as well as Peter; nay^aw
eat danger to a christian's soul : He shall only to the apostles, but to all their suoc©-
convinee the world of sin, because they *ors ; yea, iwt to the apostles only awiaw
believe not on me. Secondly, Of right- successors, but to all believers abc • ; tor tney
eousness ; that is, of the insufficiency are led by the Spirit of God, and thai mio
of all human righteousness, and of the ne- all truth too ; not absolutely, but mto w
cessity of the righteousness of a Mediator ; necessary truth ; and so far as a prrnw
by which alone we are to expect accept- christian follows the conduct ^ J™?~
ance with God ; or of a complete and per- of the divine Spirit, he is more >f »^™
feet righteousness in me, imputable to sinners either pone or council, who follow tflecw>
for their perfect justification ; and that it fates and directions of their own SF*
is so, appears, Because I go to the Father, only.
and ye see me no more. As if Christ __ por ne shall not speak of
had said, «• Hereby you may benfefied h} ,f but what80CTer he shall
that by my active and patave obedience I . ..' • „ . __—t . and he
have fully satisfied ray Father's justice for *"*>'*** ahall he «*•»
you, and you shall never be charged or w,u sh«w y°u *,Dg» t0 come' .
condemned ; because, when I go to heaven, That is, he shall not teach you a pnwte
I shall abide there in glory with my Father, doctrine, or that which is contrary to wf*
and never be sent back again j ye shall ye have learned of me* bot whatsoever J*
Chap. XVI. ST. JOHN. 647
shall bear of me, and receive from me, that shall see me : and, Because I go to
shall be speak ; and he shall shew you the Father ? 18 They said there-
things toome. Thfcaffords an argument forc what is Ulis that he saith A
to prove the Holy Spirit to be God : he rtt. ' ... ? w cannot ten what
that can show us things to come, he that "Ule * llllc ' ™c caTnnot ;cl1 ™a*
deariy foreseeth and infallibly foreteUeth he saith- 19. Now Jesus knew that
what shall be, before it is, is certainly God. tney W€re desirous to ask him, and
But this the Holy Spirit doth : He shall said unto them, Do ye enquire a-
shea you things to come. Men and de- mong yourselves of that I said, A
vils may guess at things to come, but none little while, and ye shall not see me ;
can show things to come, but he that is and again A liU|e whUe and ye sha!1
toily and really God j therefore the Spirit gee m% ? 2Q Veri|y % veH|y> , ^ ^
9 M He shall glorify me; for he Jo you That ye shall weep and lament.
shall receive of mine, and shall shew Yut WW " */? u*?"* ! ^ yC
U unto you. 15 All things that the 9*a °« *°rrowful, ^ your sorrow
Father hath are mine : therefore shall be turned into joy. 21 A wo-
said 1, that he shall take of mine, roan "hea sbf «• »t»^«» hath sor-
and shall shew it unto you. r<w' bccause ber !I0U5 !? «»■* ^
Here Christ shows the advantage which •» "f0" as she !s de>lvered of tbe
would redound to himself by tlie coming of child, she rem em beret h no more the
the Comforter; be declares that the Spirit anguish, for joy that a man is born
should glorify him by his testimony, gifts, into the world. 22 And ye now
and miracles, and shall in all things accord therefore have sorrow : but 1 will see
with him, and thereby evidence that he you agam> an<| your heart snaU rc_
bath h» mission from him: He shall re- Joi af|d - no mftn taketh
cetve of mine, and shall shew it unto you. r J J
And all things that the Father hath are ,rom J0""
mine. Hence learn, That, although the ]D these words our holy Lord proceeds to
union in. essence amongst the Persons in comfort his disciples with a promise, that,
the Trinity is the same, yet the order of their however he was now to be removed from
subsistence and operation is distinct ; the them, yet they should shortly see him again ;
Son being from the Father, and the Holy namely, after his resurrection ; it being im-
Ghost from the Father and the Son : For possible tfiat he should be held by death,
all things that the Father hath are mine: but must arise and go to bis Father. His
and the Spirit shall take of mine, and disciples not understanding what he meant,
shall shew it unto you. Observe farther, but labouring under the prejudices of their
That these words afford a strong argument national errors concerning the temporal
to prove the divinity of Christ : All things kingdom of the Mcssias, knew not what to
which the Father hath are mine. Where make of those words, A little while and
Christ challenges to himself the incommu- yC thall not see me. Our Saviour there-
nicable attributes of God, and consequently fore explains himself to his disciples, telling
that essence which is inseparable from them, them, that they should have a time of sad
Doth the Father know the secrets of all sorrow and grief of heart, during the time
hearts ? so doth Christ, Rev. ii. 23. All the 0f his sufferings and absence from them j
churches shall know that I am he that but their sadness shall soon be turned into
searcheth the reins and hearts. Is the joy, when they shall see him alive again af-
Father eternal ? so is Christ, Prov. viii. 23, ter bis resurrection. This be illustrates by
I van set up from everlasting, fyc. the similitude of a travailing woman, who
16 A little while, and ye shall not soon forgets her sorrow after she hath
see me : and again, A little while brought forth a child. Thus will their
and ye shall see me ; because I go hearts revive upon the sight of him risen
to the Father. 17 Then said some [ron\tbe *™»s ."? nof maV^1 £?ble
r t. • j« • i xi i to take away their joy from them, because
of h.s disciples among themselves, ^ ^ J no ^ but tJ ^^
What is this that he saith unto us, ^ there live for ^^ t0 maJe intercession
A little while, and ye shall not see for them. Learn hence, 1. From the apos-
me : and again, A little while, and ye ties not understanding Christ's words con-
2 n 2
548 ST. JOHN. Chap. XVI.
ceming hisdeparture, though to often incul- they ask shall be given them, in the latter
cated upon them ; A Utile while, and ye part of the verse. To resolve this, know
shall not see me, because I go to the Fa- that there is a two-fold asking, -one by way
thcr. Hence note* How unreasonable it is of question, the other by way of petition.
to arrogate to man's understanding a power The former is asking that we may know,
to comprehend spiritual mysteries, yea, to or be, informed in what we doubt; the
understand the plainest truths, till Christ en- latter is asking that we may receive, and
lightens the understanding ; let the doc- be supplied with what we want Now
trine be delivered never so plainly, and re- when Christ saith, In that dot/ ye shall
peated never so frequently, yet will men ask me nothing ; it is as much as if he had
continue ignorant, without divine illumina- said, " At present you understand but little
rion. How often had this plain doctrine of of the mysteries of religion, and therefore
Christ's departure to the Father been preach- ye put questions about many things; but
ed to the disciples by Christ's own mouth ? in that day, when the Comforter corns,
Yet still they say, What is this he saith , ye shall be so clearly enlightened by nim,.
We cannot tell what he saith. Learn, 2. that ye shall not need to ask me any more
The different effects which Christ's absence questions.1' But when Christ saith, What-
should have upon the world, and upon his ever ye ask of the Father in sny name,
disciples ; The world will rejoice, but ye he will give it ; the meaning is, M In that
shall weep and lament. Note, 1. That it day wnen I have left the world, and av
is the wretched disposition of the world cended to my Father, you shall not seed
to rejoice in the absence and want of Christ to address your prayers to me, but to my
out of the world. When I am gone, the Father in my name." But what ii it to
world will rejoice. 2. That nothing is pray in the name of Christ ? Answer, It »
the cause of so much sorrow and sadness to more than to name Christ in prayer ; it is
sincere disciples, as Christ's absence and re- easy to name Christ in prayer, but no easy
moval from them ; such is their estimation thing to pray in the name of Christ. To
of the worth of him, so great is their appro- pray in the name of Christ, is, 1. To look
hension of the want of him, that there is no up to Christ, as having purchased for us
loss comparable to his absence and re- this privilege, that we may pray ; for it is
moval from them. Ye shall weep and la- by the blood of Christ that we draw Dear
ment at my departure, though the world to God, and that a throne of grace is open
wyi rejoice. Learn, 3. That the believer's to us. 2. To pray in the name of Christ
sorrow for Christ's absence, though it be is to pray in the strength of Christ, by the
very great, yet it shall not be perpetual i assistance of his grace, and the help of bis
Ye have now sorrow : hut I will see yon Holy Spirit. 3. To pray in the name of
again, and your heart shall rejoice, find Christ, is to pray by faith in the virtue of
yonr joy shall no man take from you,. Christ's mediation and intercession, believ-
The joy of the saints may be interrupted, ing that what we ask on earth, he inter-
it shall never be totally extinguished ; it is cedes for and obtains in heaven. To pray
a permanent joy, of which they shall ne- thus is no easy matter ; and unlesi we do
ver be totally deprived, till they enter into pray thus, we do not pray at all. Ver.
the ocean of eternal joy, Your joy no man 24. Hitherto have you asked nothing in
takethfrom you. my name : that is, explicitly and exprewy
23 And in that day ye shall ask %** name' or ^"*22 totv
«w> «^*u: v« •! «i « G°d and man, and with respect to my
me nothing. Verily, verily I sav ^^ j^ thjt ^ ^ tesmK.
unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask tk>n, and ascension to the right band of
the Father in my name, he will give God, and you shall receive such answers as
it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked will fill you with joy. For the saints of
nothing in my name : ask, and ye G°d under the Old Testament, and the
shall receive, that your ioy may be ***»**<* themselves under the New, bad
f(Ijj4 j j j j hitherto put up all their petitions in the
name of the Messiah ; though not in the
At the first reading of the 23d verse there name of Jesus. But now be exhorts them
seems to be a contradiction in the words, to eye his mediatory office in all their ad-
Christ tells them in the former part of the dresses to God, and promises them what-
verse, that they shall ask him nothing in soever he had purchased of the Father by
mat day ; and yet promises that whatever his sufferings and satisfaction, they should
Chap. XVf ST. JOHN. 64ft
obtain it, for the sake of bis prevailing in* is not, that he will lay aside his office as in-
tercession.. Learn hence, That it is a tercessor for believers, but that they bad not
mighty encouragement to prayer, that now, only bis intercession, but the Father's love,
under the gospel, tbe person of the Me-' upon which to ground their hope of au-
diator is exhibited in our flesh, has satisfied dience. Learn hence, 1. That tbe christian
divine justice in our nature, and in that prayers put up in Christ's name, cannot fail
nature intercedes as Mediator, for whatever of audience and acceptance for the sake of
he purchased as our surety.— Hence is the the Mediator's intercession and tbe Father's
encouragement, Whatever ye ask of the love. 2. That in our prayers we ought so
Father in my name, he will give ityoui to eye and look up to Christ's intercession,
_, ,. , _ , as not to overlook or forget the Father's love,
25 These things have I spoken but ground our hopes of audience upon
onto you in proverbs : but the time both : " I say not that I will pray the Fa-
cometh when I shall no more speak tber for you, (though I shall assuredly do
unto you in proverbs, but I shall it.) for the Father himself loveth you, be-
ahew you plainly of the Father. <*** ve **ve loved me-w
Here our Saviour tells his disciples, That 28 I came forth from the Father,
although he had spoken many things to and am come into the world : again,
them in dark parables and figurative ex- 1 leave the world, and go to the Fa-
pressfcms, yet now .the time was approaching, faeTm 29 Hia disciples said unto
"T&^k V ^ •°?mf' Ir^^ him> Lo. now speakest thou plainly,
would by the Holy Ghost clearly enlighten ,' \ . Y , * ~T J$
their understanding in tbe knowledge of and *P*akest no proverb. 30 Now
divine mysteries, and tbe things pertaining are we »ur* that thou knowest all
to the kingdom of God, and particularly in things, and needest not that any
tbe knowledge of God as his Father, and man should ask thee : by this we be-
tbeir Father in him. Hence learn, 1. That Jieve that thou earnest forth from
the clearest truths will be but parables, pro- God.
verbs, and dark mysteries, even to disciples
themselves, till the Holy Spirit enlightens Here observe, ]. A proof of our Saviour's
their understandings. 2. That the clear and godhead' : He came forth from the Father
full manifestation of divine truth was re- into the world. He came out from the Fa-
served till the coming of the Comforter, ther in his incarnation, and came into the
who did communicate it to the apostles, world to accomplish tbe work of our re-
and by them to tbe church or body of demption. Learn hence, That Jesus Christ
christians : J, by him, will show you is true God, equal with the Father ; for he
plainly' of the Father, was not only sent by him, but came forth
„ - Al . . „ . . from him: l came forth from the Father.
26 At that day ye shall ask in my Observe, 2. That it pleased Christ, out of
name : and I say not unto you that love to bis people, to leave the Father, and
I will pray the Father for you ; 27 come into the world: not by being separated
For the Father himself loveth you, from the Deity, but by obscuring the Deitv
because ye have loved me, and have witb tnc veiI of our fl«D» >n on*** to tne "•
believed that 1 came out from God. Di8bin« thfe V* and glorious work of re-
demption for us i I came forth from the
At that day ye shall ask in my name : Father, and am come into the world.
that is, after I am ascended into heaven, Observe, 3. That Christ having finished his
and have sent down the Holy Ghost upon suffering work here on earth, ascended into *
you, you shall put up all your prayers and heaven, and sent down the Holy Spirit to
requests to God in my name : And J say apply unto his church the redemption pur-
not that I wilt pray the Father for you : chased by his blood: again,/ leave the
for the Father himself loveth you. "That world and go to the Father. Observe,
is, I need not tell you, (though I shall cer- lastly. How the apostles argue from the
tainly do it,) that I will intercede with the knowledge of Christ's omniscience to the
Father for you, for he of himself is kindly certainty of his divinity : Now are we surt
disposed and affected towards you, for my that thou knowest all things : by this we
sake. When Christ says, I do not say that believe that thou earnest forth from God.
I will pray the Father for you; the meaning The knowledge and experience of Christ's
*t
WO ST. JOHN. thap. XVI.
omniscience, may and ought fully to con- soul-rending troubles, inch trouble; as will
firm ub in the belief of his deity j for that make the heart to break, and the bsckto
attribute of the Deity cannot be communis bend ; and you, my disciples, must en**
cated to any person without the communis it as well as others: In the vortdyc thcU
cation of the divine nature. have tribulation. Hence learn, Ibat tne
_, . , 4. tv dwciples of Christ in this world may, yes,
31 Jesus answered them, Do ye mmfaveci and look for trouble. Obsave,
now believe? 32 Behold, the hour 2. The remedy provided by Christ against
cometh, yea, is now come, that ye this malady: In me ye shall haw peace,
shall be scattered, every man to his when in the world ye bare triWa-
own, and shall leave me alone : and tion. Ye shall have peace-, that **
yet I am not alone, because the »»J. of ««U £* an dob toper
va*uA- ;«, «,Uk «»-, of »pm* within, when the world, l«e a
Father is with me. tempestuous air, is full of storms without
In the foregoing verse, the apostles made Learn thence, That though in the world
a full profession of their faith in Christ's' Christ's own disciples must look for and
divinity, and in Christ's omniscience: Now expect troubles, yet he has taken effectual
are we sure that thou knowest all things, care tna|f amidst all their troubles, m him
and that thou earnest forth from God. they may have peace; Christ's blood has
In this verse Christ intimates to them, that purchased peace for them, bis word has
their faith should be put upon a great trial promised it to them, and his Spirit seals it
very shortly, namely, when his sufferings UDOn tnejr w^ Observe, 3. The cadal
came on ; and that then they should all for- provided by Christ for the support of ha
sake bim, and take care of themselves : Ye disciples* spirits, under the sinking burden
shall be scattered, and leave me alone. 0f tn€ world's tribulations and troubles:
Xearn hence, 1. That Christ was forsaken But be of good cheer, 1 have overcmt
and left alone by his own disciples in the the world. I have taken the sting oat of
day of his greatest distress and danger. 2. every cross, and the venom out of every
Then when the disciples left Christ, they arrow. Learn hence, That it if a great
were scattered every one to his own. 3. comfort to a christian, under all the troo-
That when all forsook Christ, and left him bles of this world, to consider, that Christ
alone, he was far from beiug simply alone, has overcome the world, that is, all things
because God was with him : Ye shall leave \n the world, which may hinder his peo-
me alone j and yet I am not alone, because p]e*8 comfort and consolation here, sod
the Father is with me. God was with their eternal happiness and salvation hoe-
Christ, and will be with christians in a suf- after . namely, the prince of the world, the
fering hour, in his essential presence, in his m)eTl 0f the world, the wicked men of the
gracious and supporting presence : M He WOrld, the troubles of the world, the temp-
that sent me (says Christ) is with roe; the tations of the world, the corruptions that
Father hath not left me alone ; for I do al- are in the world through lust Now Christ
ways those things that please my Father." having overcome the world, all persons and
33 These things have I spoken things in it are at his disposal, and can do
nnto v *L~* :~ — - — — :~u* 1 nnthino- hut hv hia nermission: ana 83 ne
peace.
tribulation __ awv
have overcome the world. ovcTt'hc wo7ld" even ow faith.
These words are the conclusion of our
Saviour's farewell sermon to his disciples, in CHAP. XVII.
which he declares to them, 1. The inevita- __„-.«„ , .v. !-«,« and
ble necessity of the world's trouble : In the T*^ """t **"* vTJ*
world ye shall have tribulation; that is, * lifted up his eyes to neafCT.
while ye have to do with the men of the and said, Father, the hour is come,
world, while ye have any thing to do with glorify thy Son, that thy Son also
the things of the world; nay, while you may glorify thee :
have a being in the world ; you roust look , , . ■
for trouble, both from within and from Our blessed Saviour having ende,*J
without, from friends and foes, in body, consolatory and valedictory sermon, coo-
soul, name, estate j heart-breaking troubles, tained in the three foregoing chapters; a
Chap. XVI. ST. JOHN. 661
this chapter wtbave recorded his last pray- venly Father.— Father, the hour is come,
er, with and for his disciples, before he left the doleful hour of my death and passion j
the world ; which is a copy left upon earth, glorify thy Son, glorify him at his death,
of what be doth now intercede for as an by manifesting him to have been the Son of
advocate in heaven. M It is good (saith one) God ; glorify him in his death, by accept-
to compare scripture with scripture, but not ing it as the death of thy Son for the sins
to prefer scripture before scripture ; all of the world : glorify him after his death,
scripture being written by inspiration of by a speedy resurrection from the grave,
God:** but if any part of scripture be to and triumphant exaltation at thy right hand,
be magnified above another, this chapter Here note, How the glory of the Father
claims the pre-eminence ; it contains the and the Son are inseparably linked toge-
breathings-out of Christ's soul for his church ther *, it was the Father's design to glorify
and children before his departure ; not for the Son, and it was the Son's desire to have
his disciples only, but for the succeeding glory from the Father, for this end, 1hat
church to the end of the world. In the he might bring glory to the Father : Glo-
verse before us, observe, 1. The order of rify thy Son, that thy Son also may glo-
om Saviour's prayer : These words spake rify thee.
Jesus; that is, after he had finished his
excellent sermon, he closes the exercise 2 As thou hast given him power
with a most fervent and affectionate pray- over all flesh, that he should give
er ; teaching his ministers, by his example, eternal life to as many as thou hast
to add solemn prayer and supplication given him.
to all their instructions and exhortations :
if every creature of God be to be sanctified Observe here, 1. The dignity which
by prayer, much more the word of God, Christ was invested with, power over all
which works not as a natural agent, but as jUsh ; that is, authority to judge and sen-
a moral instrument m Gods hand. Now tence a|i mankind. Observe, 2. How
as God sets the word on work, so is it pray- Christ came to be invested with this power ;
er that sets God on work. Observe, 2. As jt was given him by his Father : Thou hast
the order of Christ s prayer, so the gesture given %im pvaer over all flesh. Hence
in which he prayed : He lifted up his eyes the Socinians would infer, that he was not
to heaven ;— as an indication of his soul God, because he received all from God : but
being lifted up to God in heaven ; to sig- the text speaks not of his divine power as
nify his reverence of God, whose throne is God, but of his power as Mediator. And
in heaven ; and to denote his confidence in the note is, That all mankind is under the
God, and raised expectation of aid and help power and authority of Jesus Christ as Me-
from God, and not from any creature, diator; he has a legislative power, or a
Learn, That the gestures which we use in power to give laws to all mankind ; and a
prayer, should be such as may express our judiciary power, or a power to execute the
reverence of God, and denote our affiance ]aWs that he hath given. Observe, a The
and trust in biro. Observe, 3. The person end for which Christ was invested with
prayed to, God, under the appellation of a this power : That he might give eternal
Father: it intimates a sweet relation; it Ufi to as many as God hath given him.
a a word of endearing affection, and im- Here note, I. that all believers, that is, all
plies ereat reverence towards God, and great 8\ncete and serious christians, are given by
confidence and trust in him. I^arn, it is God the Father unto Christ ; they are giv-
very sweet and comfortable in prayer, when en to him as his charge, to redeem, sanc-
we can come and call God Father. Ob- tify, and save ; and as his reward, Isa. liii.
serve, 4. The mercy prayed for; The hour io. 2. All that are given to Chmt, have
is come: glorify thy Son, that thy Son life from him; a life of justification and
may also glorify thee. The hour is come; sanctificatkm on earth, and a life of glory
that is, «■ The hour of my sufferings, and in heaven. 3. The life which Christ gives
thy satisfaction ; the hour of my victory, to them that are given him, is eternaltTfe.
and of thy glory ; the hour, the sad hour, 4. That this eternal life is a free gift from
determined in thy decree and purpose.** Christ unto his people ; though they do not
No calamity can touch us till God*s hour work for wages, yet they shall not work for
is come ; and when the sad hour is come, nothing : I give unto them eternal life.
the best remedy is prayer, and the only
person to fly unto for succour is our hea- 3 And this is life eternal, that
552 ST. JOHN. Cbap. XVII.
they might know thee the only true ——I have finished the work
God, and Jesus Christ whom thou which thou gavest me to do.
hast sent. That ^ 1 am Q0W about t0 ^^ it . ^
That is, " This is the true way and speaks of what he was resolved to do, at
means to obtain eternal life, namely, by the already done. Here note, 1. That it is
true knowledge of God the Father, and of work that glorifies God. 2. That every
Jesus Christ the Mediator, who was com- man has his work, his proper work, assigned
missioned and sent by his Father to ac- him by God. 3. This work must be fioish-
complish the work of redemption for a lost ed here upon earth. 4. That, when we
world/' Here observe, Christ calls God have done our proportion of work, we may
the Father the only true God ; not in op- expect our proportion of wages. 5. That
position to the Son and Holy Ghost, who, it is a blessed thing at the hour of death to
being one in essence with the Father, are be able to say in sincerity and uprightness,
truly and really God, as well as the Father ; that we have glorified God in the work),
but in opposition to idols and false gods, and have finished the work which he ap-
There is a great difference betwixt these two pointed us to do : Father, I have glorified
propositions: The Father is the only true thee on earth; and have finished the work
God, and the Father only is true God. which thou gavest me to do,
Christ saith the former : This is life eter- ... ,* -, , .,
nal, to know thee the only true God. 6 An« now, O Father, glorify
The Socinians say the latter : This is life thou me with thine own self, with
eternal, to know only thee to be the true the glory which I had with thee be-
God, and that neither Jesus Christ nor the fore the world was.
Spirit are God, but the Father only. But
how comes eternal life to depend as well From the connexion of this with the
upon the knowledge of Jesus Christ, as of former verse learn, 1 . That whoever ex-
God the Father, if Jesus Christ be only man, pects to be glorified of God in heaven, must
and not truly and really God ? For thus glorify him first here upon earth. 2. That,
our Saviour affirms, This is life eternal, to after we have glorified him, we may expect
know thee and Jesus Christ. Whence to be glorified with him and by biro. I
learn, 1. That the beginning, increase, and have glorified thee, And now, 0 Father,
perfection of eternal life, Iteth in holy glorify thou me ; it follows, with tkegio-
knowledge. 2. That no knowledge is suf- ry which I had with thee befire the world
ficientto eternal life, but the knowledge of was. Here note, 1. That Christ, as God,
God, and Jesus Christ, who is also God ; for had an essential glory with God the Father
who can think that the knowledge of a mere before the world was*. He had this glory not
creature should be accounted equally ne- in the purpose and decree of God only* at
ccssary to salvation with the knowledge of the Socinians would have it ; for be doth
the great and mighty God ? Surely, if pur not say* " Glorify me with the glory which
happiness consists equally in the knowledge thou didst purpose and prepare for roe be-
of God and Christ, then God and Christ are fore the world was ;" but " which I had
of the same nature, equal in power and and enjoyed with thee before the workl
glory. The comprehensive sense of the was :" by which words our Lord plainly as-
word seems to be this, " That the know- serts his own existence and being from eter-
ledge of the only true God, and of Jesus nity, and prays for a re-exaltation to that
Christ the Mediator, is the life of grace, and glory which he enjoyed with his Father
the necessary way to the life of glory/* before his incarnation. Note, 2. lint
^ i u . ■£ j.i .. Christ, as Mediator, did so far humble him-
4 1 have glorified thee on earth :— ^ that ^ needed t0 pmy for his Fathef
Learn hence, That the whole life of to bestow upon him the glory which he
Christ, while here on earth, was a glorify- wanted ; namely, the glory of his ascension
ing of his Father ; he glorified his Father and exaltation : Now, O Father, glorify
by the doctrine which he preached ; he me with thine own self. As if Christ had
glorified his Father by the miracles which said, " Father, glorify me, embrace and ho-
he wrought ; he glorified his Father by the nour me as thy Son, who have been, in the
unspotted purity and innocency of his life, eyes of the world, handled disgracefully a
and by his unparalleled sufferings at his a servant." It is an actual glory that
dealn- Christ speaks of, not in decree and purpc*
Chap. XVIL ST. JOHN. 653
ooly, for that believers had as well as he 5 8 For I have given unto therfi
but this was a glory when no creature was the words which thou gavest me :
in being. anc| they have received them, and
6 I have manifested thy name un. £ave known 8U*ely tha* * «»f. ou*
to the men which thou gavest me out ffom thee, and they have believed
of the world : thine they were, and that thou dldst send me-
thou gavest them me ; and they As if Christ had said, " The message by
have kept thy word. thee my Father committed to me, 1 have
t> .. c r* j u communicated to them my disciples, and
^AenameofGc^we areheretoun- they have ^jved it, and will £mmuni-
derstend his nature, his property, and at- ^ ft from ^ (o the worW w ^
tributes, his desuns and counsels for the fident, ^^ that CQmi *» ^
.Ovation ,cf mankind. Christ as the pro- preacbfDg was ^ by c'ommissioil from
pfaet of b» church, made all these known ^ BHence learn, 1. That the doctrine
uDtoh« people Learn hence, That Jesus 0f the gospel, which was revealed by Christ,
Chnat has made ^a full and complete da- was J^fri from lhe Father# £ ThaJ
eovery of ha Father s mind and will unto faim fc a ^j^ of the word of Chrigt
b» people: I have manifested My name and ofCnrist ^^ b the wonJ ^
smlo Mrm which thou gavest me; Thine ^ ^ a re|ative ^ ^ pre6Upp08es
they were, and thou gavest them me ; ^ off* ^ offen 0Q his * a^
ft^?Aflrv ^ M* . iS^f receive on our part, the whofeword with
1. That all believers are given unto Christ, the whole h&£ That the mioister8 of
as his purchase, and as his charge : they |he t afe to h |h and .
are given him as his subjecte, as his ch.l- that, which they hive out of the word of
6m \J1 *? v?,feJif hB,Ibo80m' M *h? God : / have given them the word which
members of his body. Learn, 2. That tnou savest m%m
none are given to Christ, but those that e
were first the Father's : Thine they were, 9 1 pray for them : I pray not
and thou gavest them me. Learn, 3. for the world, but for them which
That all those that are given unto Christ, thou hast given me; for they are
do keep ha word ; they keep it in tliar t^j
understandings, they hide it in their hearts,
they feel the force of it in their souls, they That is, " I now offer up a prayer par-
express the power of it in their lives: ticularly, 1. For my apostles, designed for
They have kept thy word. so great a work as the preaching of the ever-
. lasting gospel to the obstinate Jews and
7 Now they have known that all obdurate Gentiles. 2. I intercede also for
things, whatsoever thou hast given all believers at this time, for their persever-
me, are of thee* ante in the faith, and constancy in perse-
cution, but I do not now intercede for the
Observe here, 1. The faithfulness of wicked and impenitent world, they not
Christ in revealing the whole will of his being capable (whilst such) of these mercies
Father to his disciples. 2. The proficiency and blessings ;" though at other times we
of his disciples in the school of Christ : find him praying for the world, yea, for
tbev knew all the things which Christ had his very crucifiers : Father, forgive them,
told them ; namely, that whatsoever he had, <$v. Nay, in this very prayer, at the 20th
was given him of the Father, and that he verse, he prays for the" world ; that is, for
had these things from him to be a medi- the Gentile world 5 all those that, by the
ator. Learn hence, That Christ hath ap- preaching of the apostles and their succes-
proved himself a faithful prophet to his sors, should be brought to believe on him
church; a faithful messenger from his Fa- to the end of the world. Learn hence, 1.
ther to his people, in that he hath added That the Lord Jesus Christ is the great
nothing to hjs message, nor taken nothing and gracious intercessor. 2. That all
from it. 2. That it is our duty to know believers, all the children of God in ge-
and believe on Christ, as the only messen- neral, are under the fruit and benefit of
ger and mediator sent of God : Now they Christ's intercession. 3. That as all the
have known that all things whatsoever members of Christ in general, so the mi-
thorn hast given me are of thee. nisters and ambassadors of Christ in spe-
554 ST. JOHN. Chap. XVII.
cial, have a peculiar interest in Christ's must be exalted now; he had no more work
intercession ; and great are the advantages to do on earth, but much to do in heaven,
of his intercession for them, 1. From the therefore he left this earth to go to heaven,
person interceding, Christ: consider the Observe, 2. Our Saviour's prayer to bis Fa-
dignity of his person, God-man : the dear- ther for his apostles, before be left the
ness of his person, God's Son. 2. From world : Holy Father, keep them ; thai
the manner of his intercession : not by way is, preserve them by thy divine power
of entreaty, but meritorious claim. 3. and goodness, for the glory of thy holy
From the sublimity of his office: our in- name. Here note, 1. The title andappdJa-
tercessor is near to God, even at his right tion given to God, Holy Father, Thence
hand. 4. From the fruits of his interces- learn, That when we go to God in prayer,
sion : it procures the acceptance and jus- especially for grace and sanctiDcabon, we
tification of our persons, the hearing and must look upon him as an holy Father, as
answering of our prayers, the pardon and essentially and originally holy, as infinitely
forgiveness of our sins, our preservation in and independently holy. Note, 2. The
grace, and our hopes of eternal glory. supplication requested of God : Keep
10 And all mine are thine, and trough thy name ^^j*"**
,,. it i •*. j eroen me. Thence learn, That the pens-
thine are mine, and I am glorified % ^^ of ^ ^^ m a Me of ^ k
in them . the sweet effect and fruit of Chrat's prayer :
We may understand this two ways; 1. Christ has begged it, and it cannot be de-
Of all persons ; all my friends, all my dis- nied, there being such an harmony and
ciples, are thine as well as mine. Thence sweet consent betwixt the will of the Fa-
learn, That the Father and the Son have ther and the will of the Son. Three things
a like share and property in all believers, concur to the believer's perseverance. On
2. The words in the original, being of the the Father's part there is everlasting love,
neuter gender, signify, All thy things are and all-sufficient power. On the Son's
mine, and all my things are thine. Christ part, there is everlasting merit, and constant
and his Father are one, and they agree in intercession. On the Spirit's part, there
one j they have the same essence and na- is a perpetual inhabitation, and continued
ture, the same attributes and will j Christ influence. Observe, & The end of Chrat'i
hath all things that the Father hath, supplication on behalf of his people: That
willeth all things that the Father willeth, they may be one, -as we are one. Hera
and doeth all things that the Father doeth ; note, 1. That the heart of Christ if ex-
he is therefore really and essentially God. ceedingly set upon the unity and onenesi
It followeth, And I am glorified in them : of his members. The believers' union with
that is, I am made glorious by their owning Christ their head, and one with another,
and receiving me, by their believing in me, has some resemblance to that unity that n
and accepting of me for their Lord and betwixt the Father and the Son. For it ii an
Saviour. Thence note, That the Lord Jesus holy and spiritual union, a close a&dinfr
Christ is eminently glorified in and by mate union, an indissoluble and inseparable
all those that believe in him, and belong union,
unto him.
- - A , . . A, 12 While I was with them in the
m k a T* ^ D? T6 m mC world, I kept them in thy name:
world, but these are in the world, thogc ftat ^ ^ me t havc
and I come to thee. Holy Father, . an(J none Q}ihem is Iost> but
keep through thine own name those ^ ^ rf dlilon that &
whom thou hast given me, that they 8cri ture mi £ ^ fulfii,ed#
may be one, as we are. r °
Here observe, 1. Our Saviour's present Observe here, 1. That those which shall
condition : I am no more in the world : be saved, are given unto Christ, and corn-
that is, I shall continue on earth but a small mitted to his care and trust 2. That none
time longer, and then ascend to my Father of those that are given unto Christ, as ha
in heaven. Learn thence, That Jesus charge, and committed to his care and trot,
Christ, as he is man, he is gone out of this shall be finally lost: Those that ihoa
lower world into the immediate presence of gatest me I have kept* and none of them
his Father ; he had been abased before, he is lost : it follows, hut the son ofperfa
Chap. XVII. ST. JOHN. 566
tion. A person may be said to be the son has given his word, must expect the world's
of perdition two ways ; actively and pas- hatred. Few of the prophets or apostles
lively. Actively, he is so who makes it died a natural death : as their calling is
his work and business to destroy others, eminent, so must their sufferings be exem-
Passively, be is a son of perdition, who for plary. The best ministers, and the best
his wickedness m destroying others, is de- men, are usually most hated. There is an
atroyed himself. Judas was a son of per- antipathy against the power of godliness ;
dition rn both these senses ; his heart was or a cruel, causeless, implacable, and irre-
maliciously set upon destroying Christ, and conctleable hatred against the saints, because
wilfully set upon his own destruction : his of their strictness in religion, and contrariety
covctousness and hypocrisy prompted him to the world. 2. That it is to the honour
to betray our Saviour, his despair provoked of believers that they are like unto Christ,
turn to destroy himself. in being the objects of the world's hatred :
--* . • r*xL j The world hates them, because they are
13 And now come I to thee ; and not o/ the world. as I am not if the
these things I speak in the world, woriJl This Christ adds both for informa-
that they might have my joy fulfilled tion and consolation ; for information, that
in themselves. they should look for such hatred, misery,
and trouble, as they saw him grapple with ;
In these words our Saviour declares the and for consolation, to think that the world
great reason why he did at this time so can never hate us so bad as it hated Christ.
publicly and solemnly pray for his disci-
ples; it was to fill them with joy and com- *& * P«*y n<>t that thou shouldest
tort, that their joy might not be diminished take them out of the world, but that
by Christ's departure, but rather increased thou shouldest keep them from the
by the coming of the Comforter: That evil. 16 They are not of the world,
they may have myjoyM/Med in them : even ag | am not of the world
that u, the joy which they take in me,
and the joy which they have from me. Here observe, 1. That the wisdom of
There is a double care which Christ takes Christ sees fit to continue his children and
of his people, namely, a care of their graces, people in the world, notwithstanding all
and a care of their joy and comfort : how the perils and dangers of the world. He
solicitous was he to leave his disciples joy- has work for them, and they are of use to
fnl before be departed from them ! Hede- him, for a time, in the world ; till their
lights to see his people cheerful ; and be work be done, Christ's love will not, and
knows of what great use spiritual joy is in the world's malice cannot, remove them from
the christian's course, both to enable us for hence. Yet Christ prays that his Father
doing, and to fit us for suffering. Learn would keep them from the evil ; that is,
hence, 1. That Christ is the author and ori- from the sins, temptations, and snares of
ginal of the joy of his people : My joy. this wicked world. Thence note, That a
2. That it is Christ's will and desire, that spiritual victory over evil is to be preferred
bis people might be full of holy joy : That before a total exemption from evil ; it is a
my joy may be fulfilled in them. 3. That far greater mercy to be kept from sin in our
the great end of Christ's prayer and inter- afflictions, than from the afflictions thero-
cesskm was, and is, that his people's hearts selves. Learn farther, how necessary divine
may be full of joy : These things I speak aid » to our preservation and success, even
in the world, that they might have my » the holiest and best of enterprises, and
joy fulfilled in themselves. bow necessary it is to seek it by fervent
i4*1 have jfr Srz ft r* : smhiaft ^tssas
and the world hath hated them, of big M 9nd protection whilst so em-
because they are not of the world, ployed.
even as I am not of the world. „_ „ A.r ., A. , .
T. jl al j -i l 17 Sanctify them through thy
I have given them thy word, partly by . .. . th V, . . A e '
external revelation, and partly by internal Uuttl • "J wora ls truin'
illumination ; and for thy word's sake the Sanctify them, not initially, for so they
world hates them, as also because they are were sanctified already, but progressively :
not of the world. Learn, 1. That chris- let them increase more and more in grace
tians, especially ministers to whom Christ and holiness. Learn hence, 1. That such
656 ST. JOHN. Chap. XVtl.
as are already sanctified, roust labour and 20 Neither pray I for these alone,
ought to endeavour after further measures but for them also which shall be-
and higher degrees of sanctification : that )jeve on me through their word ;
m God', hand for bis peSplrt anctifica- ** himself «>d **>V°f*-, "«• »W
tin. 3. That the word'of God is the truth «* ■» P~. b*" /!ew«,If^11*^
of God: W/i/v ffc» Mro^A thy lhal should believe on him, t»«o^ioUtbe
frurt: thy VoJ% truth. The word of «*>. «V the pr«ch.ng d . the g«pd.
God is a divine truth, an eternal truth, an H*"*. ***** }: T*£. f "S"^!
infallible truth, an hoi, truth. ?Pe?al 'nterest «n Chnrt. «ayer. 2. Tta
• ' in the sense of the gospel they are believers
• 18 As thou hast sent me into the J*» ■" J""** WS^fcew!
• • i t i 4 *u -. through the word. 3. TbatsucnisUmsU
world, even so have I also sent them care * and bve t0 ni9 0WD> that they vere
into the world. remembered by him in bis prayer, eren
r\u u i nu ■ ». ^.-^ «w-» hefore they had a being: I>r*jr mrf/w
Observe here, 1. Christ s mission ; the h , > butfor J tUiMI kHas
Father sent him into the world. Christ s . me J
sending implies the designation of his per- *
son, his qualification for the work, his au- 21 That they all may be one ; as
thority and commission. Learn hence, thou, Father, art in me, and 1 in
That Christ did not of himself undertake the thee, that they also may be one in
office of a Mediator, but was sent j that is, us . tnat tne world may believe that
authorized and commissioned of God so to thou hast sent me
do ; Thou hast sent me into the world. .
Observe, 2. As Christ's mission, so the The special mercy, and particular We*
apostles' mission : As thou hast sent me, mg which Christ prays for on behalf ot
so have I sent them. Learn thence, That believers, is a close and intimate union be-
none may, or ought, to undertake the of- twixt the Father, himself, and them, and
fice of the ministry, without an authorita- also betwixt one another; such an union as
tive sending from Christ himself ; not ira- doth in some sort resemble that union
mediately and extraordinarily by voice or which is betwixt God and Chret; not an
vision, but immediately by the officers of unity of essence and nature, but tf wws
the church. And such as are so sent, are and affections. Hence note, 1. inattne
sent by Christ himself ; and if so, it is the mystical union betwixt Christ and u
people's duty to reverence their persons, to members carrieth some re9OTD»n^w"?
respect theiroffice, to receive their message : that union which is betwixt the Father ana
As thou hast sent me, so have I sent them, the Son. 2. That union amongst the mi-
nisters and members of Jesus Cnrw, »oi so
19 And for their sakes I sanctify great importance, necessity, and conse-
myself, that they also might be qnence, that he did in their behalf pnnci-
sanctified through the truth. J*11? "J* «**?* P*; for it. Anun^ot
° love and affection, of faith and profession,
The word sanctify here, is not to be an unity of practice and conversation, are
taken for the cleansing, purifying, or mak- mercies which Christ earnestly prayed fort
ing holy, that which before was unclean ; and has dearly paid for ; and nothing b
but Christ's sanctifying himself imports, 1. more desired by him now in heaven, than
His separation of setting himself apart to be that his disciples should beone among them-
a sacrifice for sin. 2. His consecration or selves here on earth : Father, may they oc
dedication of himself to this holy use and one, as we are one : that the world may
service. Hence learn, That Jesus Christ did believe that thou hast sent me. Here
dedicate and solemnly set himself apart to the Christ intimates one special advantage that
great work and office of a Mediator. Learn, would redound to the world by this desirable
2. That the great end for which Christ did union betwixt the ministers and members of
thus sanctify himself, was, that he might Christ ; it will, if not convert, yet at least
sanctify his members ; therefore did he convince the world, that I and my doctrine
consecrate and set himself apart for us, that came from God. Thence note, That union
we should be consecrated to, and wholly set amongst Christ's disciples is one special
apart for, him. mean to enlarge the kingdom of Christ,
Chap. XVII. ST. JOHN. 667
and to cause the world to have better 17. Therefore doth my Father love me,
thoughts of him and his doctrine : By their because I lay down my life for my sheep*
being onef as we are one, the world will Observe 4. lhat God the Father fovea be-
btlieve that thou hast sent me, lievers, even as he loved Christ himself;
An a a *u i I.* u a that is, he loves them upon the same grounds
2 . A dw Vhe gl?ry "J"0*1 thL°U that he loved him ; namely, for their near-
javest me I have given them ; that ne8Sj ^j for their likeness to him. 1. For
they may be one, even as we are their nearness and relation to him j he
one : loveth Christ as his Son, believers as his
Here observe, 1. Christ's communication <*iW«n. 1 John iii. 1. Behold what man-
of that glory to believers, which he had ner of love the Father best^eth uj^n us.
receivecf of the Father ; that is, not his es- 'Aa' ™ sho^be cf'd ^e'onf '/^ !
sentiai glory, but his mediatorial glory: 2- ™*£°1?** °f ,the FatherfJove t0"
The glory which thou gavest me. Now waids Christ and believers are the same:
Christ hath no glory given him as God, doth he love Christ w,th a tender love, with
but much glory rjestowed upon him as ?n ^changeable ove, with an everlasting
Mediator. Observe, 2. The \md of this love ? so doth he love believers also. Ob-
communication, why he gave his disci- f rvc' *• ™* Christ would have the world
pies that glory which the Father had given know, that God the Father loveth the chil-
him; namely, that they might be one. dl*n ofumen' ** wel1 M ^^\ Chr«* *
Learn, 1. That God the Father had be- ?ot ™°><»ous to engross all our love unto
stowed much glory on Christ his Son, as ^mseJf' ** ^ Jjfvef ^ "»Jf take «J:
he is Man, and Mediator of the church, twe of the good-will of his Father, as well
2. That the same glory for kind and sub- ■* °f {"*»■•* to lo* ^ i ? *• Fa-
stance, though not for measure and degree, }her » ,ovln? him*l[> " wel1 ■■ <* h,s °Wn
which ChrSt as Mediator has received »ove in coming : That the world may know
from the Father, is communicated to true [\at *******{ sent me, and hast loved
believers. 3. That the great end of this them, as thou hast loved me.
communication was, and is, to oblige and 24 Father, I will that they also,
enable bis people to maintain a very strict whom thou ha8t iven £ with
union among themselves ; The glory which . , . tf> th 'mftv be-
thou gavest me, I have given them, that me wnere » am • ""« ttiey may De-
they may be one, even as we are one. 4. h?ld my glory, which thou hast
That unity amongst believers is part of that given me : for thou lovedst me be-
glory which Christ as Mediator hath ob- fore the foundation of the world.
Our Saviour bad prayed for his disciples*
23 I in them, and thou in me, that sanctification before, here he prays for their
they may be made perfect in one: glorification: 1. That they may be where
and that the world may know that }e is: now <$** "with them in his or-
•k^v.. k..» M_* .«« —a k— ♦ i~.,«,i dmances, m his word, and at his table:
thou hast sent me and hast loved m x ^ shall ^ wj|h him M ^
them as thou hast loved me. friendgf as his gpouse> M his companions, in
Observe here, 1. That as the Father is in his kingdom. 2. That they may be with
Christ, so is Christ in believers, and they in him where he is ; that is more than the
him : the Father is in Christ in respect of former; a blind man may be where the
bis divine nature, essence, and attributes j sun is, but not with the sun, because be
and Christ is in believers, by the inhabita- doth not enjoy the light and benefit of it ;
tkro of his Holy Spirit. Observe, 2. That To be with Christ where he is, imports
the believers* happiness consisteth in their union and communion with him. 3.
oneness, in being one with God through That being with him where he is, they may
Christ, and one amongst themselves : That behold his glory ; that is, to see it, and
they may be made perfect in one. Ob- everlastingly to possess and enjoy it.
serve, 3. That God the Father loveth Christ Learn, 1. That all those that are given to
his Son : Thou tovest them as thou hast Christ as his charge, and as his reward, shall
loved me. God loveth Christ, first, as God ; certainly come to heaven to him j Father,
so he is Primum Amabile, the first object I will that they be with me ; because I
of his love, as representing his attributes have merited that they should be With me:
exactly. Secondly, as Mediator, John x. I will that they behold my glory, because I
558 ST. JOHN. Chap. XVIU.
have purchased it at bo dear a rate. Learn, manifestation of the same into the end.
2. That the work and employment of the Learn thence, That the saving knowledge
saints in heaven chiefly consist in seeing of God was not attainable by natural abiu-
and enjoying Christ's glory ; for it will be ties, but cometh to us by the special revels-
a possessive sight; the language of every tion of Jesus Christ : I have declared un-
lock will be, " This happiness is mine, this to them thy name. Learn, 2. That tbey
glory is mine." 3. That the top and height that have the name of God, his nature, sad
of the saints* happiness in heaven consists will, savingly declared to them, do not
hi this, that they shall be with Christ ; stand in need of any farther declarations
Father, I will that they may be with me, and discoveries of God's nature and will to
to behold my glory. be made unto them : I have declared un-
to them thy name, and will declare it.
a& O righteous Father, the world That ^ ,ove whmM ^
hath no known thee : but I have hast ,oved me be h ^ d
known thee, and these have known j • tuem
that thou hast sent me. *
umt uiuu ua»i»cui m*. That is, « That the love which is ori-
Observe here, 1. The appellation given ginally in thyself, as the fountain of all
to God : O righteous Father. This is the grace, may be communicated and dispensed
sixth time that Christ in this prayer has from thee to them, and become inherent in
called God, Father, it being so sweet a them.** Learn hence, That it is not enough
relation, and producing all love, delight, for the people of God that they are betora
joy, and confidence in God, by him that of him, and that bis love is towards them;
practically reproves it But observe. That but they must endeavour to have it in
at ver. 1 1. when Christ prayed for his peo- them ; that is, experience it in the effects
pie's sanctification, he said, Holy Father, of it, and in the sense and feeling of it in
making use of that attribute which is the their own souls. The safety of a chrs-
cause of all holiness in the creature j but tian lies in this, that God loves him ; bat
now praying for their glorification, he says, the joy, the comfort, and happiness of a
O righteous Father ; righteous in making christian, consists in the knowledge, in the
good thy promises both to me and them, sensible apprehension and feeling, of ha
Observe, 2. What it is that our Saviour love ; therefore Christ closetb his prayer
affirms concerning the wicked and unbeliev- for his members, with this affectionate and
ine world, that they have not known God ; comprehensive petition : Let the Ime
The world hath not known thee ; not as if wherewith thou hast loved me, be n them,
the world hath not known him at all, but and I in them.
not known him aright; the unbelieving
and unsanctified part of the world having CHAP. XVIII.
S^SS^StA'SS w™. *r ";**-. fr
duty. Observe, 3. What Christ affirms words, he went forth with ins
concerning himself: But I have known disciples over the brook Cedron,
thee, and these have known thee. Inti- where was a garden, into the which
mating thus much unto us, that Jesus Christ he entered, and his disciples. 2
knows God immediately, and all others And Judas also, which betrayed him,
know him by the means of Christ ; Christ knew the Diace . for jeaiia oft-times
is the original and fontal cause of all the JtJP^ ' -^ if- 5uLu
saving knowledge that believer, have of resortcd thlther w,th hls dwclP!eS'
God. There is not the least ray of saving No sooner bad our dear Lord ended bk
illumination that doth not descend from divine prayer, recorded in the foregoing
Christ and the Spirit of Christ: I have chapter, but he goes forth to meet his srf-
known thee, and these have known that ferings with a willing cheerfulness. Be
thou didst send me. retires with his disciples into a garden, not
26 And I have declared unto to hide and shdter hir^ fi»m te ene-
them thy name, and will declare it ; mm ; *f' ,f J* lt JfJ lMi5LB05 Z
J • * ' proper place he could have chosen j it w-
♦k Tbat. *• "lhave made known unto ing the accustomed place where he was wont
mem thy nature, attributes, counsels, will, to pray, and a place well known to Judas,
ana commands, and I will continue the who was now coming to seek bnn. Me*
Chap. XVIII. ST. JOHN. 660
which betrayed him knew the place ; for Observe here, 1. How our Lord's suffer-
Jesus oft-time* resorted thither with his ings were all foreknown to himself, before
disciples ; so that Christ repaired to this they came upon him, and yet how willingly
garden, not to shun but to meet the enemy, and cheerfully did he go forth to meet them.
to offer himself a prey to the wolves, which Should our sufferings be known unto us be-
in the garden hunted him, and laid hold fore they come upon us, how would it dis-
upon him ; be also resorted to this garden quiet and disturb us ! yea, not only discom-
now for privacy, that he might freely pour pose us, but distract us ! In great wisdom,
out his soul to God. Learn hence, That the therefore, and in tender mercy, has God
Lord Jesus Christ was praying to his Fa- concealed future events from us. But it
ther in the garden, when Judas with his was otherwise with Christ ; he had an
black guard came to apprehend him. As exact knowledge of those bitter sufferings
the sin of the first Adam, which brought which be was to undergo, and yet with a
destruction upon his posterity, was commit- composed mind he goes forth to meat them :
ted m a garden, so the salutary passion of Jesus knowing all things that should
the second Adam, which was to rescue us come upon him, went forth. " Lord I
from that destruction, did begin in a garden how endearing are our obligations to thy.
also. self, that when thou knewest before-hand
« T » \i_ i • . . the bitterness of that cup, which the justice
3 Judas then, having received a of God was about to put into thy hand,
band of men, and officers, from the thou didst not decline to drink it off for our
chief priests and Pharisees, cometh sokes ! Observe, 2. That it was not man's
thither with lanterns and torches power, but Christ's own permission, which
and weapons. brought his sufferings upon him. How
n, ^ , ««_* \au .j i_ easily could Christ have delivered himself
^"Ztl *J7tL """"J £?•*"* ou* of his enemies' hands, who with a word
C&2i^^^^I1lin^ from his mouth caused them to go backward
IITKSSLI^!^^0 and fall to the ground! Christin speaking
meo and [sword men, young and old, Jew those wonl8 djf ^ a ,mle ££*
f^SSt i ""J-.* **"?* «**™* of his deity, and this struck them down.
bssdeath, as all conditions of people were Mark whaty'a gt ^ ^ in
aflerwards to receive benefit fey it But the worf of Christ, andthat not an angry
what need these knternsand torches, it word neither. ^ did notchide them *nJ
h^.^k ' a8,.!0ume °b!!^Ve, 5™ m00A »y> " You wretches, how dare you lay
when they sought him in the garden ? All ^ on and ^y m t0 ^'t
__ — t . -? , « u wnat rear win unnsi sena oui wnen ne
hnnself in any holes or comers of the gar- ^^ t0 jud^ ^ world who ^^
^lJJ*!l2rC*t That. Pe"ecu?0IB ** send forth such a fear when he yielded up
wicked apostate, are not asleep in their himaelf t0 ^ judged and condemned in
gns andacting» but very vigilant and tne worId , u Jth*re ^ „ much majest
re; when at the same time Christ s own in the voice of Christ in one of the lowe£
""«* ^l°We" "? 2** Mf ?"• «* of h» humiliation, what will the voice
_ Jl "^ EL3*** h0W. <* a glorified Christ be to sinners, when he
T^J^L TL^M- °T' 6V!? a! iWl come as a judge to condemn the
that tune when Christ s disciples could not worid.
keep their eyes open f
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all 7 Then asked he them again,
things that should come upon him, Whom seek ye ? And they said,
went forth, and said unto them, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus an-
Whom seek ye? 5 They answered » we red, I have told you that I am
him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus he. If therefore ye seek me, let
saith unto them, I am he. And Ju- these go their way : 9 That the
das also, which betrayed him, stood saying might be fulfilled which he
with them. 6 As soon then as he had spake, Of them which thou gavest
said onto them, I am he, they went me nave I l°st none,
backward, and fell to the ground. Here note, 1. How voluntarily and freely
560 ST. JOHN- Chap. XVIII-
Chrfct laid down bk life ! When his ene- Christ own de^>»fMh seal, and dis-
rates were fallen to the ground, he suffered countenanced by the gospel.
ttem to rise again, and offers himself to The which m Yaiher
them to take him and carry him away. ... _ _k~ii i „,*♦ vi«.;n|r ;* ?
Note, 2. How the sight of this glorious hath given me, shall I not drink it *
miracle of the soldiers falling to the ground Here 0DServe, 1. A metaphorical descrip-
did not deter or discourage them from their tion ^ chrjgt*8 sufferings : they are a cup
wicked purpose ; they get up aeain, and go ^ into nig j,^ t0 drink off, and that by
on with their bloody design. Learn hence, j^ own Father. They are a cup, and but
That obstinate And obdurate sinners will a . Goc| wijj not over-charge his peo-
not be reclaimed by the most evident and le . and this cup ^ f^n, the hand of a
convincing, by the most miraculous and J?atherf yea, from the hand of our Father :
surprising, appearances of God against tbem. j*^ Cf^ ^hieh our Father hath given me.
Note, 3. How mindful, in the midst of his observe, 2. Our Lord's resolution to drink
sufferings, Christ was of his dear disciples, to off tn ^ CUDf now bitter soever, being yA to
secure them, at this time, from death and his mouln by his Father's hand: Shall 1
danger ; If ye seek me, let these go not drin^ it y that is, I will drink it.
their way: that is, my disciples, against jJWim nenoef i. That oft-times the wisdom
whom ye have no warrant at this time. Qf G(Kj ^ pleased to put a cup, a very bitter
Learn bonce, That Christ is so tender of his cup> of affliction into the hand of those Id
followers, that he will not put them upon j^ whom he doth most sincerely love. 2.
trials, or call them forth to sufferings, till rj^ wnen q^ doth so, it is theur duty to
they are ripe and ready, fitted and prepared ^^ it with silence and submission : Shall
for them. The disciples yet were weak j not 4^ # 9 That is, I will certainly
and feeble, timorous and fearful, and Christ ^rink it with cheerfulness and resignation,
had much work and service for them to
do in the world ; namely, to plant and 13 Then the band and the cap-
propagate the gospel in foreigo countries ; tain an<1 0ftcers 0f the Jews, took
he therefore resolves not to lose any one of } and ^^ hhn „ Aod led
thou gavest me have I lost none. father-in-law to Caiaphas, which was
the high-priest that same year. 14
10 Then Simon Peter, having a Now Caiaphas was he which gave
sword, drew it, and smote the high- counsel to the Jews, that * was «*"
priest's servant, and cutoff his right pedient that one man should die tor
ear. The servant's name was Mai- the people.
chus. 11 Then said Jesus unto J^a8havingroade good his promise to the
Peter, Put up thy sword into the chief priegU> and deuvered Jesus a prisoner
sheath :— — bound into their hands, those evening wolves
^ „ ^ , no sooner seize the Lamb of God, but they
Observe here, St Peter s love unto, and thiRt and long t0 g^ bis innocent blood j
zeal for, his Lord and Master, in defence of et> ^ it should look like a downright
whom he now draws his sword : but why mm^Ut they allow him a mock-trial, aod
did he not rather draw upon Judas than upon abuse the jaw by perverting it to injustice
Malchus ? Possibly, because though Judas and bloodshed. How impossible is it for
was most faulty, yet Malchus might be most tne greatest innocence and virtue to protect
forward to carry off our Saviour. O, how ff0m 5]ander and false accusation ! and 00
doth a pious breast swell with indignation, j)enon can be so innocent or good, whom
at the sight of an open affront offered unto ^^ witnesses may not condemn,
its Saviour ! Observe farther, The rebuke
which Christ gave St. Peter for what he did : 15 And Simon Peter followed Je-
though his heart was sincere, yet his hand gug> amj ,0 <#<£ another disciple.
was rash; good intentions are no warrant That discipie was known unto the
f" "<&»}** ™«0™'- Vlf *^\£? high-priest; and went in with Jests
man for drawing a sword in defence of him, . &" vlt*°*' «*" ^ju*
without a warrant and commission from »*o *« P»lacc of ^e hl^?"pil!*:
him. To resist a lawful magistrate, even in 16 But Peter stood at the floor
Chap. XVIII. ST. JOHN. 661
without. Then went out that other Christ as soon aa they come from it ! Such
disciple, which was known unto the examples ought not to discourage us from
high-priest, and spake unto her that C0TiD& t0 lhe orfinance, but should excite
kept the door, an<f brought in Peter. «£ T>!!fT* watch£,D?» a*?r w? >**«
,«rrp. ../ 4. j °, .. . , . been there, that our after-deportment may
17 Then saith the damsel that kept be suitable to the solemnity of a sacramental
the door unto Peter, Art not thou table.
also one of this man's disciples ? He
saith, I am not. 18 And the servants 19 The high priest then asked Je-
and officers stood there, who had 8US of his disciples, and of his doc-
made a fire of coals : for it was cold : trine. 20 Jesus answered him, I
and they warmed themselves : and »P*ke openly to the world : I ever
Peter stood with them, and warmed taught in the synagogue, and in the
himself. temple, whither the Jews always re-
sort ; and in secret have I said no-
All the four evangelists give us an ac- thing. 21 Why askest thou me ?
count of Peters fall in denying his Master, ask them which heard me, what I
And therein we have observable, 1. The had said unto them : behold, they
sin itself which he «1 into, the denial of know what j gai(J-
Ghrist, and this backed with an oath ; he
sware that he knew not the man. Lord I Qur Saviour being brought before Caia-
how may the slavish fear of suffering drive pha8 the high-priest, he examines him con-
tbe holiest and best of men to commit the ceroing hi8 doctrine, and his disciples,
foulest and worst of sins ? Observe, 2. pending him to be guilt v of heresy in
The occasion of h» fell. 1. His presump- doctrine, and sedition in gathering disciples
tuous confidence of his own strength and and followers. Our Saviour answers, that
standing: Though all men forsake thee, M t0 his doctrine, he had not delivered it
yet vM not L Lord ! to presume upon m holes and corners, but had taught pub-
ourselves, is the ready way to provoke hciy ,„ ine tempie and synagogues ; and
thee to leave us to ourselves. If ever we tnat in secret \e naa- saifi nothing, that
stand in (he day of trial, 'tis the fear of ^ nothing contrary to what he had de-
falling must enable us to stand ; we soon ijvered in public. Christ never willingly
fall, if we believe it impossible to fall. 2. affected corners ; he taught openly, an'd
His being in bad company, amongst Christ's propounded his doctrine publicly and
enemies : Peter had better have been a- plainly in the world. A convincing evi-
cold by himself alone, than warming him- dence, that both he and his doctrine were
self at a fire which was compassed in with 0f God. Learn hence, 1. That it is not
the blasphemies of the soldiers, where his unusual for the best of doctrines to pass
conscience, tbo' not seared, was yet made under the odious name and imputation of
hard. Observe, 3. The reiteration or re- error and heresy. Christ's own doctrine
petition of this sin : he denied Christ again fe here charged : The high-priest asked
and again; he denied him first with a Jesus of his doctrine. 2. That the minis-
lie, then with an oath and curse. O, how (e„ 0f Christ who have truth on their side,
dangerous is it not to resist the beginnings roay and ought to speak boldly and open*
of sin ! If we yield to one temptation, |y . r spake openly unto the world.
Satan will assault us with more and strong- «« Veritas nihil erubescit, praeterquam
er. Observe, 4. Thebeinousand aggravat- abscondi." Truth blushes at nothing, ex-
ing circumstances of Peter's sin. 1. From cept at its being concealed ; In secret, says
the character of his person ; a disciple, an Christ, have J said nothing.
apostle, a chief apostle, yet he denies Christ.
2. From the person whom he denies: his 22 And, when he had thus spoken,
Master, his Saviour. 3. The time when one 0f the officers which stood by
** £?"£ hr,m. : ■oon **** P'u* £"} struck Jesus with the palm of bis
washed h» feet: yea, soon after he had . , ^ •_ a„™«™* 4LA11 «l~
received the sacrament from Christ's own ^ •W. Answerest thou the
hand. How unreasonable then is their bigh-pncrt so ? 23 Jesus answered
objection against coining to the Lord's ta- him, If I have spoken evil, bear wit-
We, that tome who go to it, dishonour ncss of the evil : but .if well, why
2 o
60ft ST. JOHN. Chap. XV11I-
smitest thou roe ? 24 Now Annas If they smite thee en one cheek, turn
had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the other also, commands only th»,that
the high-priest. 25 And Simon wtner than <*** revenge, we should bar a
Peter stood and warmed himself. ^TiL wro^Tnl ^Ji
-,, • i *u £ XL* a* suffer a double wrong* than to seeJtapn-
They said, therefore, unto him, Art Vate revenge: Christianity obliges us to bear
not thou also one of his disciples? manv injuries patiently, rather than to
He denied if, and said, I am not. avenge one privately. But though it binds
26 One of the servants of the high- up our hands from private revenge, yet it
priest, being hit kinsman whose doth not shut our mouths from complain*
ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I in& *° Public tu*£|y- <**ft own
see thee in the garden with him? Ef^J^^
A* Tfc * -L. J i • j » j Matt. v. 39. r or he complains here of the
27 Peter then denied again : and officef g ^^^ in ^j him ^^ thQ
immediately the cock crew. judicatory, and challenges the man lo bear
Observe here, 1. How insolently and witness of the evil. Observe lastly, How
injuriously an officer strikes our Saviour in our Lord was not only buffeted, but bound,
this court of judicature : One of the offi- and sent bound from Annas to Caiaphas,
cers struck Jesus with the palm of his from Caiaphas to Pilate, from Pilate to He-
hand. What had the holy and innocent rod, and from Herod to Pilate again : sad
Jesus done, to deserve these buflfctings? He all this on foot through the streets of Jem-
only made use of the liberty which their aalem, from one end of the city to the
law did allow him, which was not to ac- other ; partly to render his passion more
cuse himself, but to put them upon the public, being made a gazing~stock to the
proof of those accusations which were world, and a spectacle both to angels and
Drought against him. But, from this in- men. And his condescending to go taad
stance of our Saviour's sufferings, we learn, from one high-priest to another, and fioa
That Christ did endure painful buffeting*, one tribunal to another, teaches his people
ignominious and contemptuous usage, even what delinquents they were before the tri-
from inferior servants : giving his cheek to bunal of God, and what they deserved by
the smderi, to testify that shame and re- reason of sin ; even a sentence of eternal
proachful usage which was deserved by us, condemnation at the tribunal of the just tad
and to sanctify that condition to us, when- holy God.
ever it is allotted for us. Observe, 2. The .. -, , , - T c n
meek and gentle reproof which the Lord 28 Tnen led theJ Je8UB from L4"
Jesus gives lothis rude officer: he doth not iaphas unto the hall of judgment :
strike him dead upon the place, nor cause and it was early ; and they (hem-
that arm to wither which was stretched forth selves went not into the judgment'
against the Lord's Anointed; but only lets hall, lest they should be defiled.
J^'lK^^m&S but thatthey mighteatthepas-o^.
our Saviour doth not revenge himself, yet he There were two courts of jtiJieatufe
vindicates himself, and defends himself both which our blessed Saviour was faraas^
with law and reason: If I have spoken before, and condemned by. 1. The ecde-
evil* bear witness of the evil ; but if siastical court or sanhedrim, in which the
well, why smitest thou me* Hence high- priest sat as jodfce ; here he was cca-
we learn, 1. That we are not literally demned to death for blasphemy. 2. The
to understand the command, Matt. v. of civil court or judgment-hall, where fVx&s
turning the cheek to him that smites us. Pilate, the Roman governor, scat jodpe.
for Christ himself did not this, but defends who, because he was a Gentile, they woiM
the innocency of his words. 2. That to not go into his house, lest they shook! be
stand up jn defence of our own innocency, defiled ; for they accounted it a legal pel-
is not contrary either to the duties of pa- lution to come into the house of * Genfc'e
tience and forgiveness, or to the practice Where observe, The notorious HypoeuA -'
and example of our Lord Jesus. Note, 3. these Jews: they scruple thede&lkig of ther-
That when the soldier had struck Christ up- selves by coming near the judgmssal-te"-.
on one cheek, he did not turn to him the where Pilate sat, but make no sccrofde aH*
other also, according to Matt. ▼. 39. to defile themselves with the guilt of £ '
Which evidently shows, that that precept, innocent blood which Pilate alwd. WS»
Chap. XVIII. ST. JOHN. 069
persons are over zealous for ceremonial ob- Christ was the true Messias, being sent into
serrations, they are oftentimes too remiss the world when the sceptre was departed
with reference to moral duties: They from Judah, according to that ancient pro-
orought him to the judgment-hall ; but pbecy of Jacob, Gen. xlix. 10. The sceptre
they themselves vent not in, lest they shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh
should be defiled, come. The Jews bad no power absolutely
aa iv i t. *° condemn any man, or put him to death :
29 Pilate then went out unto but this power the Roman emperor reserved
them, and said, What accusation to his own deputy. This contributed to-
bring ye against this man ? 30 wards the fulfilling of our Saviour's words.
They answered and said unto him, Matt. xx. 19. That he should be deli-
If he were not a malefactor, we **?* to MLe <?entii€9' and '\ouldbecru.
would not have delivered him up e*cd: whw* waJ no' * £?** but *
h . .. v Roman punishment Had the Jews put
unto Uiee. hi|n to death| lhey had 8loned him £ut
Observe here, 1. How Pilate humours Christ was to be made a curse for us by
these Jews in their superstition. They n™gn>g upon a tree ; and accordingly the
scruple to go into the judgment-hall to *** exocute the c?UDteJ ?f <** ^ou8h
him ; he therefore goes outto them, and Jhey >»?* * not; by "**m* [° Put *'«
demands what accusation they had against to *■* h themselves. Uarn hence, How
Christ They charge him here only for Wl!,,n? Chf* WM^>JUD!je,r?1? f shameful,
being a malefactor, or an evil-doer in the {™°fa\EI1? accuned deJth» that te ™Shi
general ; but elsewhere (Luke xxiii.) they J*1"* h,8J.ove un!°» an^ P"*™* a .blessl
particularly accuse him, 1. « For perverting in6 tor, his people. Thus the saving of
the nation." 2. - For forbidding to pay Je'u< ^s fulfilled ; which he spake, s,g-
tribute to Gesar." a - For saying that *fi"** vhat deaih he ^oulddie.
be himself was Christ a king." All which oa r-i «.. 4 . . . . 4t
was filthy calumny, yet Christ underwent . *3 Then ^llate .cntcr*d "to the
the reproach of it without opening his judgment-hall again, and called Je*
mouth; teaching us, when we lie under SU8t *«>d said unto him, Art thou the
calumny and unjust imputation, to imitate King of the Jews? 34 Jesus an*
him, who opened not his mouth, but com- swered him, Sayest thou this thing
mitred his casse to him that judgeth up- 0f thyself, or did others tell it thee
rightly, of me ? 35 Pilate answered, Am I
31 Then said Pilate unto them, * **'. Thine own nation and the
Take ye him, and judge him accord- chief P™8*8 have d*™ thee un-
ing to your law. The Jews there- \° m€ : What hast thou done ? 30
fore said unto him, It is not lawful J«us answered, My kingdom is not
for us to put any man to death: of thl? *orld- 'V"? kingdom
32 That the saying of Jesus might wcre of tbw, *«*•» *« ™M "J
be fulfilled, which he spake, signi- servants fight that I should not be
fying what death he should die. delivered to the Jews : but now is
my kingdom not from hence.
Tlie Jews being now under the power of
the Romans, though they had a power of Observe here, 1. Pilate's ensnaring ques-
judging and censuring criminals in smaller lion, Art thou the King of the Jews *
matters, yet not in capital cases; they How jealous are great men of Jesus Christ,
could not pronounce a sentence of death and how afraid are they of his kingdom,
upon any person, say some ; they might, power, and authority, as if it would be
and did, say others, punish blasphemers by. prejudicial to their authority and power in
stoning them to death ; but then their sen- the world ; which was far enough from
tence is to be ratified by the Roman power. Christ's thoughts f Observe, 2. The wis.
Accordingly, here they had in their ecclesi- dom and caution of our Saviour's answer :
astical court condemned Christ for bias- he neither affirms nor denies. Though
phemy, now they bring him to Pilate the whenever we speak we are bound to speak
Roman governor to confirm the sentence the truth, yet we are not bound at all
of death. From hence it appears, That times to speak the whole truth. Christ
2 o 2
m ST. JOHN- Chap. XVIII.
tell, him therefore, tint, upon the sup- 38 Pilate saith ^*™JJf*"
portion that he was a king, yet his king- truth ? And when he had said this,
dom was no earthly, but a spiritual king- he went out again unto the Jews,
dom- he was no temporal king, to rule an(j sajth U0to them, I find in him
over his subjects with temporal power and nQ fo|||t fl| fl// 39 But ye have a
worldly pomp; but a spiritual king, m fc , houId re|ease unto
and over his church only, to order the luwo™ "' tHp n»*sover • will \e
aflairs and look after the government there- you one at the jwow. ™» >e
of. Learn hence, That Christ as God hath therefore that 1 *b«a^£™£?
an universal kingdom of power and pro- King of the Jews ? 40 Then cried
vidence even over the highest of men, and they all again, saying, Not this man,
as a Mediator hath a spiritual kingdom in j^ Barabbas. Now Barabbas was
and over his church. 2. That it is a clear roDber.
evidence that Christ's kingdom is spiritual, .
inasmuch as it is not carried on by vio- Observe here, 1. The question Pilate put
knee and force of arms, as worldly king- to Christ, What is truth f * most nook
doms are, but by spiritual means and me- and important question, had it been pa
thods- If my kingdom were of this world, forth with an honest heart, with a mmd
my servants would fight for me: but fairly disposed for information and satis-
naw is my kingdom not from hence, faction ; but it is evident, Pilate s enquiry
* * was notserious; nay, it is generally thought
37 Pilate therefore said unto that Pilate asked this ' *^ "2
k- a J ?w*„ . lrin<r fhpn > Jpsus contempt, and dension: for he stays not
him, Art thou a king then ? Jesus P^ ^^ w M wm m ^
answered, Thou sayest that I am a ^^ ^ went off the fc^ m
king. To this end was I born, and hagt& hejB^ hcncCt That his question.
we come is
King, luuiucuu wa» . «v.«, —«. hagt& Learn nence, luai n»
for this cause came 1 into the world, What j5 iruth f or, how may wc
that I should bear witness unto the the knowledge of the truth ? is of unspeak
truth. Every one that is of the able use and importance, and a question
truth heareth my voice. ISgSgS* SE£2BE5
Pilate asks him again directly and ex- by all parties of men, brail P«*~?°[
nressly, Art thou 7 king ornot* Our religion. Ask the different parUes, from
Saviour answers, ^ Thou say est that I am the old W^^J^^^J^
a king, and so it is indeed as thou sayat, Quakerand Mungletonian, Where ***«*.
I am f king, and the king of the Jews too ; and tbey will all tell you, they are in poj.
but not a temporal king, to rule over them session of it. Every sect ^J^^
after the manner of earthly kings with tern- of popery with it, tha the ^^«*
poral power, and worldly pomp and think themselves infallible, and ever one
splendour; but I am a spiritual king, to cries out. Here ts truth. But Gcd bas
rule and govern, not only the Jews, but given us a two-fold light to search tor
ray whole church, consisting both of Jews truth ; namely, the light of reason, and the
and Gentiles, after a spiritual manner." light of scripture, or divmc levdation. rne
Observe here, 1. The dominion and sover- former Solomon calls the *«»«'*# '**
eighty of Jesus Christ ; he has a kingdom : Lord, set up in our breast by ***• ™
My kingdom. Observe, 2. The condition purpose to discover truth "ntous. i*xi
and qualification of this kingdom, nega- allows us, yea, enjoins >m, the raiurtim-
tivelv expressed: My kingdom is not of partial use of our understandings and judg-
this world. Observe, 3. The use and end ments, in order to the finding out of divrne
of this kingdom: that the truth may have truth ; but because natures H^ « "*
place among the children of men for their light of natural reason, is not jdear and
salvation : To this end was J born, and bright enough to give us a prospect otsu-
came into the world, to bear witness unto pernatural truths ; (for nature ana reisoa
the truth. Observe, 4. The subjects of can never dictate those things which depena
Christ's kingdom declared: Every one only upon God's free grace and i gooa
that is of the truth heareth my voice ; pleasure, such as the doctrines of aj »™*»
that is, every one who is by divine grace and Redeemer, and the v*0?1*** n\
disposed to believe and love the truth, will salvation by the sufferings of the son 01
hear and Obey Christ's doctrine. God : (it had been blasphemy once to narj
Chap. XIX. .ST. JOHN. TOft
supposed such things, had not God revealed a base slave. Behold, hard-hearted sinner !
than ia scripture; therefore the second the lashes wherewith thy Redeemer is cruelly
standard of divine truth, is the infallible tormented, were to preserve thee from the
word of God. The gospel of Christ is the severer lashes of thine own accusing and
.way and the truth : Truth came by Jesus condemning conscience, and to save thee
Christ* And would men be ruled and from being lashed by the rage and fury of
conducted by the unalterable standards of devils to all eternity. Observe, 2. How
truth, namely, right reason and divine re- unwilling, how very unwilling, Pilate was
veJatkm, they would easily agree in their to be the instrument of our Saviour's death :
judgments what is to be believed, and all it is very evident that he bad a mind to re-
debates and controversies would vanish, lease him ; and it is concluded, that Pilate
Right reason and inspired scriptures are the was thus forward to scourge Christ, hoping
best judges of controversies; they being that the Jews would have been satisfied with
the fixed standards and measures of divine this lighter punishment, and so nave dis-
truth, can best resolve Pilate's question here, missed him. From this instance we may
and tell us tshat is truth. Observe here, gather, that hypocrites within the pale of
How unwilling, how very unwilling, Pilate the visible church, may be guilty of such
was to be the instrument of our Saviour's tremendous acts of wickedness, as the con-
death: he came forth three several times, science of an infidel and pagan may boggle
and tells the Jews that lie finds no fault in at and protest against Pilate, a pagan, ab-
him -9 he bids them take him, and judge solves Christ, and seeks to release him,
him according to their law. Pilate, a pa- whilst the hypocritical Jews, who had
.gaD, absolves Christ, whilst the hypocritical heard his doctrine and saw his miracles,
Jews, that heard his doctrine, and saw his condemn him. Observe, 3. How wretch-
miracles, do condemn him. Observe, cdly Pilate suffers himself to be overcome
3. Pilate having absolved Christ, I find with the Jews* importunity, and, contrary
no fault in him, endeavours next to re- to the light of his own reason and con-
lease him, and takes occasion from their science, delivers the holy and innocent Je-
custom of having a prisoner released to sus, first to be scourged, and then crucified.
them at their feast, to insinuate his desire Learn thence, That it is a vain apology for
that they should choose Christ: Ye have a sin, when persons pretend that it was not
custom that I should release unto you committed with their own consent, but at
one at thepassover. Observe lastly. How the instigation and importunity of others :
the Jews prefer Barabbas, a robber, before for such is the frame .and constitution of
the holy and innocent Jesus: They all roan's soul, that none can make him either
cried out, saying, Not this man, hut wicked or miserable, without his own con-
Barabbas. Learn hence, That no per- sent: Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged
sons, how wicked and vile soever, are so nim,
odious in the eyes of the enemies of God 0 A . A. »■. • .. ,
a. Christ himself was, and his friends and 2 And the 90,d!cr9 P!.aUed *
followers now are : Christ did find it thus f row" of thorns, and put xt on his
in his own person when on earth : Barab- head, and they put on him a purple
bas a robber was preferred before him ; and robe, 3 And 8a id, Hail, King of
now be is in heaven, he suffers in his mem- the Jews ! and they smote him with
ben, the filth of the world being preferred their hands,
before them.
Behold here, 1. The crown which they
CHAP. XIX. have prepared for him, a crown of tliorns ;
and with great cruelty they press it closely
rpHEN Pilate therefore took Jesus, to his sacred temples, whilst those sharp-
A and scourged kirn. P™**1 **»» r*"** ^ose tender parts.
° let out that blood, which m a short time
Observe here, 1. That as the death of the was to be more freely poured forth for the
cross was a Roman punishment, so it was redemption of captive souls. The next
the manner of the Romans, to whip their part of our Saviour's sufferings consisted of
malefactors before they crucified them. Ac- cruel mockings : Christ had owned himself
cording! y Pilate took Jesus, and scourged to be the King of the Jews j that is, a spi-
him. O ! amazing sight, the great God of ritual king, in and over his church. But
heaven and earth is lashed and scourged like the Jews expecting that the Messiah should
£M ST. JOHN. Chap. XIX.
have appeared in the pomp of an earthly der temples wounded with a thorny crown ;
prince* and finding; it to be quite otherwise his face spit upon, his cheeks buffeted, his
in our Saviour, they look upon him as a de- head smitten, his hand sceptred with a
ceiver and impostor, and accordingly treat reed. By his wearing a crown of thorns,
him as a mock-king, with all the marks of he took away the bitterness of that cope
derision and scorn : for first they put a which our sins brought upon the earth,
crown upon his head, but a very ignomi- Gen. iii. 18. Thorns and briars shall it
nious and painful one ; a crown of thorns, bring forth. Christ by his bitter and
They put a sceptre in his hand, but it was bloody suffering, has turned all the
that of a reed : a robe of scarlet or purple curses of his people into crowns and bless-
upon his body ; and then bowed their ings. Observe, 2. The noble testimony
knees unto him, as they were wont to do given of Christ's innocency, by the mouth
before their princes, crying, Hail, King ! of Pilate : I find in him no fault at
Thus were all the marks of scorn imagina- alt. He doth not say, I find him not
ble put upon our dear Redeemer : yet what guilty of what is laid to his charge \ but
they did in jest, God permitted to be done gives an universal testimony of our Lord's
in earnest ; for all these things were en- innocency : I find no fault at all in him.
signs and marks of sovereignty, and Al- In spite of all malice, innocency shall find
mighty God caused the royal dignity of his some friends and abettors. Rather than
Son to shine forth, even in the midst of bis Christ shall want witnesses, Pilate's mouth
greatest abasement Whence was all this was opened for his justification : how fain
jeering and sport, but to flout majesty ? would he have freed Jesus, whom he found
And why did the Son of God undergo all faultless ! Our Lord found more compas-
thb ignominy, disgrace, and shame, but to sion from Pilate, a heathen, than he did from
show what was due unto us for our sins; them of his own nation. Pilate would have
as also to give us an example, to bear all saved him, but they cry out for his blood,
the scorn, reproach, and shame imaginable, Hypocrites within the visible church may
for the sake of him, who, for the joy that be guilty of such monstrous acta of wicked-
was set before him, despised the shame, as ness, as the consciences of heathens without
well as endured the cross ) Verily, nothing the church may boggle at, and protest
was omitted that cither the malice of men, against Pilate, a pagan, pronounces Christ
or the rage of devils could possibly invent, innocent ; whilst the hypocritical Jews,
either to torment or reproach him. But who had heard his doctrine and seen ha
with what a lamb-like meekness, with what miracles, do condemn him. Observe, 3.
an astonishing patience, did he undergo all Who influenced the main body of the
these trials, both for our good and in our Jews to desire Pilate to put Jesus to death ;
stead ! it was the chief priests and elders : They
. _., persuaded the multitude. Woe be to the
4 Pilate therefore went forth a- common people, when their guides and
gain, and saith unto them, Behold, leaders are corrupt; and woe be unto
1 bring him forth to you, that ye them much more, if they follow their wick-
may know that I find no fault in ed and neraicious counsels. The Jews here
him. 5 Then came Jesus forth, foI,owed their guides, the chief priests ; but
wearing the crown of thorns, and ^^^^sT^^FT^"^
«kA »...»iA .„k« k~a »•# 4 '4L leaders: When the bund lead the blnuL
the purple robe. And \ Pilate saith both fall into the dHeL ww*
unto them, Behold the man! 6
When the chief priests therefore and 7 Tne J«ws answered him, We
officers saw him, they cried out, say- bave a ,aw» and by our law he ought
ing, Crucify him, crucify Aim. Pi- *> die, because he made himself die
late saith unto them, Take ye him Son of G°d* 8 wben Pilate there-
and crucify him ; for 1 find no fault forc beard that saying, he was the
in him. mor€ afraid ; And went again in-
^i . - -u 4 to the judgment-hall, and saith ua-
foot-ball of all cruelty and scorn ; his sa- Jesus ^ve hlm no anwer-
baltt^lh?,!^™^ !?d.hi8 0b8erve *■* '• H°* «°bihous the
oaca disguised with purple robes; hjs ten- chief priests were that Christ should die
Chap. XIX. ST. JOHN. 667
under a colour of kw : We have a lata, ably be boasts of his power and authority :
and by our law he ought to die. Toe law Have not I power to crucify thee, and
which they allude to, is the law for putting power to release thee .* It is the great
false prophets and blasphemers to death ; sin and snare of men in power, to forget
of which number they conclude Christ to from whom they derive their power, and to
be, because be made himself the Son of think that they may employ their power at
God j whereas be did not make himself so, they please. Observe, 2. The piety and
or only pretend to be so, but really and in- meekness of onr Saviour's answer : Thou
deed was so ; to wit, the eternal Son of eouldest have no power against me, except
God. Such as are indeed blasphemers, it were given thee from above. That is,
and do arrogate to themselves what is proper Thou hast no power over me, nor eouldest
to God only, by the law of God they ought thou inflict any punishment upon me, were
to be put to death : but Christ was not it not that my Father hath in his great
guilty of the violation of that law ; for he wisdom, divine counsel, and for glqrious
was indeed the Son of God, and did not ends, permitted it so to be. Learn, That
make himself so. Observe, 2 How full Christ's being under the power of any man,
of tear the conscience of Pilate, was, when how great ana eminent soever, did flow
the Jews told him that Jesus made himself from the peculiar dispensation of God, who
the Son of Gcd : he was afraid to condemn in bis wise and wonderful counsel so order-
him, not knowing but that he might be ed it, and ordained it for the redemption
some divine and extraordinary person, and and salvation of his people ; he was above
consequently might draw down divine all human power as God, and no ways ob-
vengeance on his own head. Learn hence, noxious to Pilate's power, being a perfect
That serious thoughts of a deity will strike innocent man. Observe, 3. How Christ
terror even into a natural conscience, espe- charges bis death more upon Judas and the
cially when the sinner is following a course Jews, than upon Pilate and the Gentiles :
which bis own judgment cannot approve; He that delivered me unto thee hath the
when Pilate heard of Christ's being the greater sin. Not that Pilate was excused
Son of God, he was afraid, knowing what from sin, in delivering Christ to be crucifi-
he had done to him was against bis own ed ; he sinned heinously in abusing his
conscience. Observe, 3. The question power; but Judas sinned more in delivering
Pilate puts to Christ upon this occasion, him up to the chief priests, and the chief
Whence art thou f that is, What is thy priests in delivering him up to Pilate, than
original or parentage ? Art thou a divine Pilate himself, whom they made a tool to
person or not f Our blessed Saviour being serve their malice and revenge: they had
unwilling to obstruct his own sufferings, better means of knowledge than he ; and so
or to discover any thing that might hinder sinned against more light than be; and
Pilate from proceeding against him, would consequently their guilt was greater, and
give him no answer, having before made their condemnation heavier, than his.
a reasonable and sufficient defence. O how Learn thence, that the greater means of
ready Christ was to lay down his life for light and knowledge persons sin against,
sinners, and now willing to pay that ransom the more aggravated is their guilt, and the
/or bis people, which the justice of God more heightened will be their condemna-
required ! tion : He that delivered me unto thee hath
the greater sin.
10 Then saith Pilate unto htm,
Speakest thou not unto me ? know- rf ffom thenccforth P|Utc
eat thou not that I have power to ^ ^ Km . butthc Jewg
cweify thee and have power to re- ^ . If lho|| |et lhig
base thee? 11 Jesus answered, man _ thoa irtB00t Ce«trt friend :
Thou eouldest have no power at all ^J^ver maketh himself a king
against me except it were given kcth against Cesar. 13 When
thee from above : therefore he that p»[|at ther* fore, heard that saving,
delivered me unto thee hath the hc brought JegU8 fortn, an<f m
greater sin. down 5n tbe j„dgment-seat, in a
Observe here, 1. How offended Pilate place that is called the Pavement,
was at Christ's silence, and how unreason- but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
ST. JOHN, Chap. XlX.
Still observe, bow unwilling Pilate was to the sixth, that is, from nine to twelve,
to put Christ to death ; conscience bids him was called the third hour ; and the whole
spore, popularity bids him kill : how fre- intervening time from the sixth to the north,
quently and how fervently did he contend that is, from twelve to three, is called the
with the Jews, till they make it a state sixth hour ; and so of the rest Now when
case, and tacitly accuse him for a traitor to St. John says, it was about the sixth boor
the Roman emperor, if he released him *. If when Christ was condemned by Pilate, and
thou let this+nan go, thou art not Cesar's led away to be crucified, and St. Mark
friend. When Pilate heard that, he delivers says it was the third hour, we are to under-
up the innocent Jesus to be crucified, stand, that St. Mark takes m the whole time
Hence learn. That the natural consciences of the third hour, from nine to twelve; and
of men, and the innate notions of good St. John saying it was about the sixth boor,
and evil, may carrf men on a great way implies that it was near twelve; so that
in opposing that which is bare-faced iniqui- between the hours of nine and twelve out
ty ; but at last, either fear or shame will Lord was sentenced, and led away to Ha
overrule, if there be not a superior and cross; about twelve, fastened to his cross,
more noble principle. Though Pilate's upon which he bung till the ninth hour,
conscience acquitted Christ, and his mouth that is, till about three in the afternoon ;
had declared that he had found no fault at during which time there was such an
all in him, yet fear of Cesar's displeasure eclipse of the sun, as did occasion darkness
causes him to deliver to death the holiest over all the earth. Learn hence, The
and best of men, against his judgment and great love and condescension of Christ, in
his conscience : When Pilate heard that, stooping so low, to have his sufferings
he brought Jesus forth unto than. lengthened out upon our accounts, to ex-
piate our guilt, which deserveth eternal sut
14 And it was the preparation of ferings: that he might, by hit example,
the passover, and about the sixth warn us to prepare for trials of long con-
hour : and he saith unto the Jews, tinuance, and sanctify a state of continual
Behold your king ! 15 But they ■fflidi5 iot ,"■■. *** ^ *?,«? ?*
cried out Awav with Aim nwav ha,*Med a11 nigM before he suftred, hur-
cried out, Awav wit n him, away ried from place to place, jwted backward
with htm, crucify him. Pilate saith and fo^^ fr0m Rlate toHerod, and
unto them, Shall I crucify your from Herod to Pilate, wearied, scourged,
king ? The chief priests answered, buffeted, crowned with thorns, at last nailed
We have no king but Cesar. 16 to his cross, and hanging thereupon from
Then delivered he him, therefore, about twel?e to *«* in exquisite torture
unto them to be crucified.— of ^ »nd "«}« ^ "?^J*,Fa?rt
wrath in bis soul. O Lord I tby kindness
Observe here. How careful the Holy towards us is matchless and inimitable ; ne*
Ghost is to record and set down the time vcr was love like thine,
when Pilate gave sentence against Christ.
In general, it was on the day of the prepa- —And they took Jesus, and led
ration for the passover ; that is, the day im- Aim away. 1 7 And he, bearing his
mediately before it, when they prepared cross, went forth into a place called
every thing needful for the solemnization : theplaceoi a mU^ whicn « ^1^
and, in particular, it was about the sixth . %• H . MW r»^l««*k- . io
hour of that day. St. Mark calls it the !" . ^e Hebrew Golgotha ; 18
third hour, St. John the sixth ; but this Where they crucified him, and two
is easily reconciled thus : the Jews divided other with him, on either side one,
the day into four quarters, which they called and Jesus in the midst*
hours ; the first was called the third hour,
which answers to our ninth ; the second. Observe here, 1 . That it was a custom
called the sixth hour, answering to our among the Romans to cause the person
twelfth : the third, called the ninth hour, condemned to crucifying, to carry bis own
answering our three in the afternoon : the cross ; accordingly our Saviour bare his
fourth, called the twelfth hour, which was own cross part of the way, till fainting un-
the time of their retirement from labour, der the burden of it, they laid it upon an-
and beginning of the first night watch, other, not out of mercy, but malice, re-
Now the whole time from the third hour serving him for a more public death $ they
Chap. XIX. ST. JOHN. 5ft&
loatb be should go away in a fainting lish the cause of his death in capital letters
fit. But why could not Christ bear his own over his head, that so the equity of their
cross, who was able to bear the sins of the proceedings might more clearly appear to
wholeworld, when hanging upon the cross ? the people. Now it is observable how
Answer, 1. Probably, the Jews' malice wonderfully the wisdom of God overruled
provided him a cross of an extraordinary the heart and pen of Pilate to draw this title,
greatness, proportionable to the crimes they which was truly honourable, and fix it to
charged him with. 2. He was much de- his cross. Pilate, who before was his judge,
bihtaled and weakened with his long watch- and pronounced him innocent, is now his
ing and sweating the night before. 3. The herald to proclaim his glory. Learn hence,
sharp edges of the cross grating his late That the regal dignity of Christ was openly
whipped and galled shoulders, might occa- proclaimed by an enemy, and that in the
sion the fresh bleeding of his wounds, and time of his greatest reproaches and sufferings.
hss weakening thereby. 4. Hereby he Pilate, without his own knowledge, did our
gave the world a demonstration of the truth Saviour an eminent piece of service ; be did
of bis humanity, that he was in all things that for Christ, which none of his own
like unto us, with respect to his human na- disciples durst do ; not designedly, but
ture and the common infirmities of that na- from the special overruling providence of
tsse. Herein, like Isaac, Christ cheerfully God. No thanks to Pilate for all this ;
carried the wood on which he was to be because the highest services performed to
oflered up a sacrifice to divine justice. Ob- Christ undesignedly, shall neither be ac-
serve, 2. The infamous company which our cepted nor rewarded by God. Observe, 2.
holy Lord suffered with, two thieves ; on How the Jews endeavour to alter this :
either side one, and himself in the midst : Write notf The king of the Jews : but
it had been a sufficient disparagement to that he said, I am kins of the Jews,
our blessed Redeemer, to be sorted with the The Jews thought it would be a disgrace
best of men ; but to be numbered with the to them, that Christ should be reported
scum of mankind, is such an indignity as abroad to have been their king, therefore
confounds our thoughts. This was de- they desire an alteration of the writing.
by the Jews to dishonour and dis- But Pilate, that wrote in honour of Christ,
our Saviour the more, and to per- stiffly defends what he had done : to all
the world that be was the greatest of their importunity he returns this resolute an-
as. But God overruled this, for swer, What I have written, I have written.
fulfilling an ancient prophecy concerning Surely the constancy of Pilate, at this time,
the Mesrias, Isa. liii. ult. And he was must be attributed to special divine pro-
nwmbered with the transgressors. vidence. How wonderful was it, that he
who before was as inconstant as a reed,
10 And Pilate wrote a title, and should now be fixed as a pillar of brass!
not it on the cross. And the writ- Whence is this, but from the God of spirits
ins; was, JESUS OF NAZARETH m°™& «P™ his spirit to write, and to
??E 5*2. OF T!!E JEWSv t? o^th™^
This title then read many of the standing of all Stares.
Jews : for the place where Jesus 23 Th h
was crucified was nigh to the ^c.ty : fcrf fi ; J
and it was wntten in Hebrew, and , . ' ««„*. *«
Greek, and Latin. 21 Then said ments' *nd made /our Par,te' *°
X ?. r • j, r *u i *~ d: every soldier a part; and also Aw
the chief priest, of the Jews to P,- * now ^ * • wag w}thout
late Wntc not, The King of the Jews; woven hom ^ top througn_
but that he said, I am the K.ng of • ^ They gai<J t£erefor*a.
the Jews. 22 Pilate answered, theinMiVe8, Let us not rend
What I have wntten, I have wntten. jt ,*, cagt ,otg for ;t> whoge H 8ha„
_. . , __ . be : that the scripture might be ful-
^^J^£ffXr ™ «™' ?** "*£ """» Fl* "*
is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the raiment among them, and for my
Jews. It was the manner of the Romans, vesture they did cast lots. These
when they crucified a malefactor, to pub- things therefore the soldiers did.
670 ST. JOHN. Chap. XIX;
Here we have recorded our Saviours Fearing that calling her by that name
sufferings from the soldiers ; they stript should augment and increase her grief and
bim of his garments, before they fastened trouble. Or else, 2. To intimate his
him to his cross, and divided those garments change of state and condition, that being
which could be parted amongst them, and ready to die and return to his Father in
cast lots on his woven coat which could heaven, he was above all earthly relations,
not be divided. Little did these vile sol- and knew no one after the flesh, no, not his
diers think that they were now fulfilling a very mother ; yet, see at the same time,
scripture prophecy •, yet so it was, this ac- when he was above her, and about to leave
tion of theirs being foretold, Psalm zxii. 18. ber, how his care manifested itself for her,
They part my garments among them, when his soul and body were full of anguish
and cast lots upon my vesture. Not that to the very brim ; yet all this makes him
the prophecy made them do it, but was not in the least unmindful of so dear a re*
fulfilled by their doing of it. From hence lation. Thence learn, That Christ's tender
we may gather, that Christ suffered naked care of his mother, even in the time of hit
upon the cross, as naked, say some, as he greatest diuress, is an excellent pattern for
came into the world. We had made our- all children to imitate and follow to the end
selves naked to our shame, and Christ be- of the world. St John here obeyed Christ's
came naked to cover our shame. If, sen- command, and imitated his example : he
sible of our own nakedness and shame, we took her to his own home : that is, he treat-
flee unto him by faith, we shall be clothed ed her with all that dutiful regard which a
with robes of righteousness, and garments tender and indulgent mother challenges
of everlasting praise. from a pious and obedient ton. No per-
o«v xr^-, *i™ ~ -*^ a i *u ,ona* **"*! <* trouble upon ourselves doth
25 Now there stood by the cross ^p us from lhe pSformance of our
of Jesus his mother, and his mo- duty towards others, especially towards our
tber's sister, Mary the wife of Cleo- near and dear relations; Christ, in the ex-
pas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 tremity of his sufferings, accounted it his
When Jesus therefore saw his mo- duty to take care of and provide for his
ther, and the disciple standing by *** m*|"«,8 t**ckmg us by his example
whom he loved, he saith unto his 2"1 chil^ ou*ht!° f^0? ** the*
mother, Woman behold thy son ! JEElS^
27 Then saith he to the disciple. Again, inasmuch as St John took care of
Behold thy mother ! And from that the holy mother after her dear son's death ;
hour that disciple took her unto his that disciple took her to his own home;
own home. we learn, That the Lord never removes one
comfort, and takes away the means of sub-
These woids contain our Saviour's aflec- sistence from his people, but he raises up
tionate recommendation of bis distressed another in the room of it. It is very pro-
mother to the care of a dear disciple. It bable tliat Joseph her husband was Wore
was an argument of Christ's wonderful love this time dead, and Jesus her son was now
to her, that when he was nailed to the cross, dying ; but still God provides ; he raises
and ready to die, he was more concerned up St. John to take care of her ; he takes
for ha mother's sorrows than for his own her to his own home, and looks upon her
suflmngs. Now was Simeon's prophecy as one of his family. Bat bow comes St
fulfilled, Luke ii. 36. A sword shall pass John above the rest to have this honourable
through thine own soul also. Her soul service put upon bim, and this high trust
was pierced for him, both as his natural reposed in him ? Answer, the text tells us,
mother, and also as a mystical member of he was the disciple whom Jesus loved; that
him her head ; therefore Christ applies is, in a more particular manner, treating
these comfortable words as a salve to her him with greater freedom and familiarity than
wounds, even whilst his own were bleeding the rest 5 he also evidenced more love unto,
unto death. Woman, behold thy son. and more courage and resolution for, Christ,
Where note, He calls her Woman, and not than the rest of the disciples, he standing
mother : he doth not say, Mother, behold by the cross, when they got soar off, Jfarl
♦k?. S? ?_/*** Woman> wtoM hfm. Not xv. 50. Thence we learn, Thai such as are
™!;°? was ashamed of, or unwilling beloved of Christ, as do keep dose into
10 own her as his mother } but either, 1. him, and express most seal and resolution
Chap. XIX. ST. JOHN. 571
lor him, shall be peculiarly honoured by bhn, final accomplishment. 2. It is finished;
and be employed in the highest services that is, the scriptures are now fulfilled ; all
for him. the types that did prefigure me, all the
prophetical predictions that were made of
28 After this, Jesus knowing that me, all the Jewish sacrifices that pointed
all things were now accomplished, at me, have now received their final ac-
that the scripture might be fulfilled, complishment in me, and are abolished in
saith, I thirst. 29 Now there was my death. 3. It is finished, that is, my
set a vessel full of vinegar : and iun^mg am now euded, my race is run,
.. +u , ..P • «„»„ my work is done, I am now putting my
they filled a sponge with vinegar, ,Jt huA {Q % my death fc ^ *^ \
and put xt upon hyssop, and put tt naFe finished the work, the whole work,
to his mouth. which 1 came into the world for, doing as
^_ well as dying ; all is upon the matter corn-
Observe here, 1. The affliction or suffer- plefedi it fc j^ finishing, it will be instantly
ing which our Saviour complained of, and finished. Again, 4. It is finished* that
that is, thirst ; there are two sorts of thirst, J8f ^ fury and malice, the rage and re-
theooe natural and proper, the other spi- venge of roy enemies, is now ended, they
ritual and figurative j Christ felt both at have done their worst 5 the chief priests
this time. His body thirsted by reason of and soldiers, the judges and witnesses, tlte
those agonies which it laboured under- executioners and tormentors, have all tired
His soul thirsted in vehement desires, and out themselves with the exercise of their own
fervent longings, to accomplish that great roajice. but now their spite and spleen,
and difficult work he was now about. 2. lheir envy and enmity, is ended, and the
The design and end of our Ix^'s complaint: Son of God is at rest. 5. J* is finished:
That the scripture might be fulfilled, he that is, the glorious work of man's redemp-
saia\ I thirst. Our Saviour finding that tion and salvation is perfected and perform-
all was accomDl»hed, which he was to do ed, consummated and completed, the price
before his death, but only the fulfilling that i8 paid, satisfaction is given, redemption is
one scripture, Psal. Ixix. 21. They gave purchased, and salvation insured to a mi-
me vinegar to drink ; he, for the accom- serable world. Woe unto us, if Christ
plisbment thereof, said, I thirst. Whence had left but one farthing of our debt to the
note. That such were the agonies and ex- justice of God unpaid ; we must have lain
treme sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ m hell to all eternity, as being insolvent ;
upon the cross, that they drank up his very fiut Christ has by one ofcringfor ever
spirits, and made him cry, I thirst. 2. perfected them that are sanctified. Learn
That when Christ cried out, I thirst, it hence, That Jesus Christ hath perfected,
was to show, that whatever was foretold and completely finished, the great work of
by the prophets concerning him, was ex- redemption committed to him by God the
actly accomplished, and even to a circum- Father. Observe, 2. Our Saviour's last
stance fulfilled in him : That the scripture act : He bowed his head and gave up the
might be fulfilled, Jesus saith, I thirst. ghost. Whence learn, The spontaneity
and voluntariness of Christ's sufferings, how
30 When Jesus therefore had re- freely he surrendered to death; his soul
ceived the vinegar, he said, It is d- was not rent from him, but yielded up to
nished : and he bowed hkhead, and God by him $ Christ was a volunteer in
gave up the ghost. <JyinS 5 though h» <*«*» *■» * ^ent
0 r ° death, yet it was a voluntary sacrifice ; He
Observe here, 1. Our Lord's last words, bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
It is finished. 2. His last act, He bowed
hit head, and gave up the ghost. As to 31 The Jews therefore, because
the former, his last words, ft is finished, it was the preparation, that the bo-
this might be the probable intendment of dies should not remain upon the
it: I. It is finished; that is, now is my ^^ on thc Babbath-day, (for that
Fathers eternal counsel concerning me MLLafL j„„ __ tl„ i« £ j\_, n l_
acconpHsbed. and now » the prouite that "bbath^ay was nn high day,) be-
be made of my beoomiog a sacrifice for tin fou8ht, Pllate *** the'r leR? «M«J»t
fulfilled ; both my Father's purpose and be broken, and that they might be
»jr Father's promise are nojr receiving lheir taken away. 32 Then came thii
672 ST. JOHNs Chap. XIX.
soldiers, and brake the legs of the make sure work, thrusts a spear into hts
first, and of the other which was »»<*<?• and lhere came out straightway blood
crucified with him. 33 But when %^jS^Z&*iti&
they came to Jesus, and saw that he ^^ by rwater and blood> x John Ym 6
was dead already, they brake not his an<j tnat frora the merit and efficacy of his
legs : 34 But one of the soldiers death, there fioweth out blood for the ob-
with a spear pierced his side, and taining remission of sin, and water to rege-
forthwith came there out blood and nerate and wash us from our uncleanness.
water. 35 And he that saw it bare F">m the barbarous soldiers piercing of
record, and his record is true : and ^risl's «*> after he was dead, we team,
t i lL lL 4 . -4. A .. * That no cruelty was omitted to Christ
he knoweth that he saith true, that either dead or ^ whicn m^t |ertify
ye might believe. 36 For these the great desert of our sin, nor was there
things were done, that the scripture any needful evidence wanting which might
should be fulfilled, A bone of him make clear the truth of his death; the soL
shall not be broken. 37 And again diers* piercing of our Saviour's side was at
another scripture saith, They shall once an exercise of their cruelty, and an
i,w*l «„ i,:m ,.u~™ #u„„ «>;A^/i evidence of the certainty of Christ s death,
look on him whom they pierced. Qbaervc, 3 & Jo|m * ^ „ ^ CTi.
These verses contain several remarkable dence: he avouches, That Christ really
passages lending to the confirmation of our died, and expressly affirms that he saw it
faith, in the belief of the certainty and with his own eyes, for the confirmation of
reality of our Saviour's death : in which our faith : He that saw it bare record,
the Jews, the soldiers, and St. John, do all and his record is true. And farther shows
give their several and sufficient evidences, that by these actions of the soldiers, that
Observe, 1. The Jews* part in clearing up was done by which several scripture propbe-
his truth : they desire Pilate (who had pow- cies were fulfilled, and received their ac-
er alone to dispose of the dead bodies of complishment ; particularly, that of Rrod.
condemned persons) that the legs of the xii. 46. concerning the paschal lamb,
crucified persons might be broken to hasten which was a type of Christ, That a bone
their death, that so they might be taken of it should not be broken; and that predic-
away, and buried; because according to lion, Zech. xii. 10. They shall look on him
the law, (Deut. xxi. 22, 23,) the land was whom they have pierced, Learn hence,
defiled with those that were hanged. That Christ is the truth and substance of
if not timely buried: and they judged that type, the paschal lamb, mentioned,
if the bodies of these persons did remain Exod. xii. and the true passover sacrificed
on the cross all that night, and the next for us ; therefore what was ordained con-
sabbath-day, which was an high day, (the cerning the paschal lamb, is applied here
ordinary-sabbath, and the first day of the to Christ, as the substance of that type : A
passover, or feast of unleavened bread, bone of him shall not be broken.
meeting together,) it might pollute both
them and their feast, whence note the 38 And after this, Joseph of Ari-
cursed hypocrisy of these Jews; they look mathea, (being a disciple of Jesus,
upon themselves as strictly bound to observe but secretly, for fear of the Jews,) be-
n™ ™1^ *°»*ht Pilatc that hc miSht tak«
never scruple to violate the most weighty ° .. , , -. _ & . ,*.. .
precepts of the moral law ; -they strictly ob- away *hc .^y of *f*u* : ai!d PIlate
serve the ceremonial precept, that the dead Save htm leave« "e camc therefore,
bodies should not remain upon the cross, and took the body of Jesus. 39
but they scruple not to crucify the Son of And there came also Nicodemtis,
God, and to use him with the utmost rigour, which at the first came to Jesus by
desiringbisbooesmay be broken. Observe, night, and brought a mixture of
LTn^f rUS? nlf lhH£ t0 °,ef myrrh an<* a>°es, about an hundred
the truth of Christ s death: they execute J . . tjl ' ir« A , A.
what the Jews had desired, and Pilate P°UI"d «*■#*• 40 Then took they
granted, breaking the legs of the two thieves, t.hc body of Jesus, and wound it in
but not of Jesus, because he was already linen clothes with the spices, as the
dead ; but one of the soldiers resolving to manner of the Jews is to bury. 41
Chap. XX. ST. JOHN. 673
Now in the place where he was cru- worldly business early on the eve of the
cified there was a garden ; and in Lo«d's day ; that we may be Ihe better
the garden a new sepulchre, wherein PreP?^ t0 "***% that day. Again, our
«,«. »^„A. «.«« «,A* um,A ao fi.^--* Lord s funeral was public, aod open; all
was never man yet laid. 42 There pe^ns that would, might be spectSors, to
laid they Jesus therefore, because £t off occasion from any to object, that
of the Jews* preparation-cfay ; for there was deceit and fraud used in or about
the sepulchre was nigh at hand. our Lord's burial ; yet was be also interred
decently, his holy body being wrapt in fine
This last paragraph of the chapter gives linen, and perfumed with spices, according
us an account of our Lord's honourable bu- to the Jewish custom. Observe, 5. The
rial ; such a funeral as never was since reasons why our Lord was thus buried, see-
fives were first digged. Where observe, ing he was to rise again in as short a
Our Lord's body must be begged before time as other men lie by the walls : doubt-
it could be buried, the dead bodies of male- less it was to declare the certainty of bis
factors being in the power and at the dis- death, and the reality of his resurrection,
posal of the judge : Pilate grants it ; and to fulfil the types and prophecies which
accordingly the dead body is taken dead, went before of him ; as Jonah being three
wrapped in fine linen, and prepared for days and three nights in the whale's
the sepulchre. Observe, 2. The persons belly. He was also buried to complete his
who bestowed this honourable burial upon humiliation, this being the lowest step to
Christ : Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicode- which he could descend in his abased state,
mus ; the one provided fine linen, and the Finally, He went into the grave, that he
other fine spices, and they jointly wound might conquer death in its own territories,
and embalmed his body after the Jewish Observe lastly. Of what use our Lord's bu-
manner ; both of them worthy, though rial is to us his followers. It shows us the
close, disciples: grace doth not always amazing depth of his humiliations, from
make a public and open show where it is ; what and to what his love brought him,
but as there is much secret treasure unseen even from the bosom of his Father to the
in the bowels of the earlh, so is there much bosom of the grave. It may also comfort
grace in the hearts of some saints, which us against the fears of death \ the grave
the world takes little notice of. We read of could not long keep Christ, it shall not
none of the apostles at Christ's funeral ; always keep us ; it was a loathsome prison
fear had put them to flight ; but Joseph and before, it is a perfumed bed now : he whose
Nicodemus appeared boldly. If God head is in heaven, need not to fear to put his
sJrcngtlien the weak, and leave the strong feet into the grave. Awake, and sing,
to the prevalency of their own fears, the thou that dwellest in the dust, for the enmity
weak shall be as David, and the strong as of the grave is slain by Christ,
tow. Observe, 3. The grave or sepulchre in
which our Lord was buried : it was a sc- CHAP. XX.
pulchre in a eardent to expiate Adam's sin m . . A% t „ . . 4
*. ... • • *„ _JL„ li u.. ,Lfl „;„ ■ f Th is and the following chapter give m an account
committed in a garden : as by the sin of of onr ^^^^ exaltation and victorious tri-
the first Adam we were driven Out of para- omph over all hit enemies, by bit powerful re-
rW ihp crardpn of nlpavnrp • «o bv thesuf- »urrection. All the four evangelist* do confirm
aise, tne garden oi pleasure , so oy me sui- (ht tr||U| of . . recording the several stepa
fcnngS Of a second Adam, who lay buried and degrees of the manifestation of it. In this
in a garden, we may hope for entrance into f "*£?«»" Chri*'* resurrection » confirmed first
„. ,B , ,. J V j •• .;„« to Mary Magdalene, next to Peter and John,
the heavenly paradise. And it was in a new tnen t0J ,n Jge d itcipiet except Thomas,
sepulchre, wherein never any man was laid, ^^
lest his adversaries should say, it was an- T^HE first day of the week cometh
other that was risen, who was buried there Mary Magdalene early, when it
before ; or, that he arose as one of the old was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and
prophets did, by touching the bones of seeth the stone taken away from the
some other dead person. Observe, 4 The 8epuichre.
manner of our Lord s funeral : it was hasty, r
public, and decent. It was hasty, by rea- In this verse is recorded how Mary Mag-
son of the straitness of time ; the sabbath dalene came early to the sepulchre, on the
was approaching, and all business is laid first day of the week, to anoint the dead
aside to prepare for that. Teaching us, body of our Lord Jesus. Where note,
How much it h our duty to despatch our That though her heart did bum with an ar-
074 ST. JOHN. Chap. XX.
dent zeal and affection to her crucified seeth the linen clothes lie ; 7 And
Lord, yet the commanded duties of the sab- the napkin that was about his head,
bath were not omitted by ber ; she kept not \ym~ witn tne linen clothes, but
close, and ^ifcntly spent that holy day in s> wrapped together in a place by it-
mixture of grief and hope. Her example is .*rr Q fvu-n .»«»+ in^u that
a good pattern of sabEth sanctification, ■£'• • ™en wei1' in ^ ^f1
and worthy of our christian imitation, other disciple which came first to
Note, 2. What magnanimity and courage the sepulchre, and he saw and bc-
is found in this weak woman ; she follow- lieved. 9 For as yet they knew
ed Christ courageously, when his disciples not the scripture, that he must rise
left him cowardly ; she accompanied him aKa|n from the dead,
to his cross, she followed his hearse to the
grave, when his disciples durst not appear ; Here obaerve> j How p^ ^ John
and now very early in the morning she moved wilh M Magdalene's words,
goes to visit his sepulchre, fearing neither the Th have taken '^ke Lordf ^ do
darkness of the night, nor the presence of ron t0 lhe ^1^ lo satisfy themselres in
the watchmen. Learn thence. That courage the Uuth Qfit Such u siocefdy ^
is the special gift of God, and if be gives it ^^ ^ least jnumatioo tnat he
to the feebler sex, even to timorous and ^ mi8singVbestir themselves with great ac-
fearfol women, it is not in the power of Uvit and diligence, that they may see
man to make them afraid. llinjf or hear of him . p^ mJ jonn ^
« mi. t lL j lL to the sepulchre, to see what was become
2 Then she runneth, and cometh of their holy j^^ observe, 2. That
to Simon Peter, and to the other dis- there was such a clear evidence about
ciple whom Jesus loved, and saith Christ's grave, as made it apparent that he
unto them, They have taken away was indeed risen from the dead, and not
the Lord out of the sepulchre, and conveyed away either by friends or foes :
we know not where they have laid * <»nnot £ ^P?09*1 that ™* <*h*
i- ' friends (could they have come at it) would
have so handled his holy body, as to carry
It was a great honour that God pat upon * ■"«* ,nak„ed ' » "± "•** "*■«* *■}
this poor woman, Mary Magdalene, that ,hey f • £flj£ %"•* £&>"£?
she hasihe first notice o? our Saviour's re- ?£fLhaV| *$ L *?"J£l l|^eb"Ml ,5em-
surrectioo. and is tbe first that discover, it S^^JlII ^ZF^ .Z^UFS
to the apostles. But why had not the Vir- «he grave, te left h» grav«k>thes behwd
gin MaTh^diseonjoli rnothe, vthispri- ^ tZ^^gSETlZ
vilege conferred on her, rather than Mary Jr V» • u *r»u 1 rtL-L/ «*""•
« ii , . . j J . J him. It teaches us. That Chnst rose never
Magdalene, who had been a grievous sin- : j. •«».»«»•»»*•«* y«f* *<**= ""**
nerT Doubtless this was for the comfort ^^ « hk"™!^0^^
of all true penitents, and administers great lherefore « left4 nM p^lothes m the
consolation to them : as the angels in hea- P?? M neyer t0 ^ "" * J00? ■"*•
ven rejoice, much more doth Christ joy But Laiaru» WWM to. die. ^D' *■* °«"
in the recovery of one repenting sinnef, J*0*"*8 l0 h?vld°™.Lm<? °W hmli£<
than in multitudes of holy and just person* l**f™ came forth with ihs mveclothes'
(such was the blessed Vhgio,) who need no J^*?!: j^fJ^^
repentance t"e RP0S"es were °f the doctrine of Cbrnft
™ resurrection and of the holy scriptures,
3 Peter therefore went forth* and which declared he was to rise again from
that other disciple, and came to the JK^/ T*Q *?* "** th? icr^^V:
«An..l^liM a cL *Um ^„ u**u ** that IS» fhey did not need and regard them,
sepulchre. 4 So they ran both to- der ^ fa ^ ^ ^^
gether : and the other disciple did tnem by faj*n# '
outrun Peter, and came first to the
sepulchre. 5 And he, stooping down, 10 Then the disciples went away
and looking in, saw the linen clothes again unto their own home. II
lying : yet went he not in. 6 Then But Mary stood without at the se-
cometh Simon Peter following him, pulchre weeping : and as she wept,
and went into the sepulchre, and she stooped down and looked into
Chap. XX. ST. JOHN. 67*
the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two «ek the Lord, shall certainly find, if not
angels in white, sitting, the one at the very thing which they seek, yet that
the head, and the other at the feet, "hichi\ rau?h^fii^dA.b^tterJ tr.lhTl!
»kOM iU*> k^j., *c f— .- u<*a i«;~ Mary did not find Chntt s dead body, but
where the body of Jesus had lain. ^ ^ ^ which ^ more comf(J;ablc
, . . _ , for her to find, namely, two angels, to tea*
Here we have a description of the great tify that he was risen. Where note, the
love oi Mary Magdalene, which she express- po^ of lhcse angels described ; the one
ed towards Christ after his resurrection } lilting at thc j^ lbe othcr at the feet#
she wen to h» sepulchre early, when it It „ a matter <* ^mta* to the members
was yet dark ; she hastily calls the disciples of Christf that aDgelg do not wait upon lhe
Peter and John, to the sepulchre ; and she ncad on]y . but up0n tbe feet u]mo and it
stays behind weeping at the sepulchre ^i* t0 ^ maWcr of imitation also,
when they were gone away to their own i^ us imitate our blessed Saviour in having
borne. And as Mary first sought him, an angel not at our head only, but at our
and longest sought him, so she first found feet afco. Many have an ambition to have
him. Here note, 1. Mary s carriage and ail ^nA at their bead, a great measure of
behaviour towards her Saviour: that is ]ignt and knowledge there, but they care
discovered by her patient attendance, She DOt for an ange| & their feet, lhey ^y^t
stood without at the sepulchre ; by her not to wa|k answerably to their light and
passionate mourning, she stood at the se- knowledge, they have an angelical under-
polchre veepwg ; by her unwearied dili- standing and a diabolical conversation ; it
gence, She stooped down, and looked wto j. sad for a man to have all his religion in
the sepulchre. Here was great love in- his hnin and t0ngue, and nothing in his
deed in this poor woman ; a love stronger heart and life,
than death j a love which did outstrip and
go beyond the greatest apostles. Learn 1S And they say unto her, Wo-
^*Z}<' .t£ ^Jr9 ito ^rat 8 ofc! man» why *cePest th°" * She *aith
not itself to be stinted or limited, no, not . 4 \u L n - . *u u- *~l —
by the greatest examples ; the weakest wo- unt0 them' ?.c^use *«* h**e take"
man that truly lova Christ, may piously away my J-°rd> ™*1 know noj
strive with the greatest apostle in this point : where they have laid him. 14 And
though be be learneder, wiser, more useful, when she had thus said, she turned
and more eminent than any of us, yet it is herself back, and saw Jesus stand-
holy and wise not to suffer ourselves to be jng, and knew not that it was Je-
exceeded by any in our love to Christ; SU8- 16 jC9U8 sait|l unio ber, Wo-
every christian may strive to exceed any wh t thou ? wfc
one in grace, and to attain the highest . • .s * v,. , .
place in thekingdoin of heaven. Learn, 2. seekest thou ? She, supposing him
That strong love is valiant and undaunted, to he the gardener, saith unto him,
it will grapple and encounter with the Sir, if thou have borne him hence,
strongest opposition ; Mary fears nothing tell me where thou hast laid him,
in seeking of ber Lord, neither the darkness and I will take him away,
of the night, nor the terror of the soldiers,
nor the malice of the Jews ; love is as strong Observe here, 1. That the best company
as death, and the flames thereof are vehe- in the world will not satisfy or content such
meat. Note farther, The success of Mary, as are seeking for Jesus Christ, when they
Magdalene's love to Christ, and unwearied find not him whom their souls seek : Mary
attendance on his sepulchre ; she found not now enjoyed the presence and company of
the dead body of Christ, and it is well she two angels, but this did not satisfy her in
did not ; for if death could have held him, the absence of Christ himself. Observe, 2.
it would not have let him go. But though How passionately did Mary mourn for the
she found not her Lord in the grave, she loss and want of Christ's bodily presence,
found two of his servants there, two angels, thereby giving testimony of her great aflec-
Of all things in the world, one would have tion towards him ; but truly our love to
least expected to find an angel in the grave, Christ is best shown, not by our passionate
spirits in tbe place of dead bodies, and ira- desires for his bodily presence, but by our
mortality in the place of corruption. But holy longings after his spiritual presence in
from hence we learn, That such as sincerely his word and ordinances here on earth,and
&7G ST. JOHN. Chap* XX.
his blessed and immediate presence in hea- corporeal, but spiritual, manner. Learn
veo. Observe, 3. How Christ may be hence, That our love to Jesus Christ is best
present with, and very near unto, his poo- shown, not by our human passionate afiee-
ple, and yet not be presently discerned by tions to his bodily presence, but by our
them: Jesus stood by Mary, but she spiritual communion with him by faith
knew not that it was Jesus. Her not ex- here on earth, in order to an immediate
pccting a living Christ, was one cause why communion with him face to face in hea-
she did not discern him. Observe, 4. ven. Christ now after his resurrection was
How exceedingly Mary's thoughts were advanced to a more spiritual condition,
taken up with Christ ; she saith to the gar- therefore refuses at Mary's hand the offi-
dener, If thou have borne him hence, ces of human conversation, but expects of
What him .* She doth not say whom, her the duties and services of spiritual devo-
t>ut her heart was so taken up with Christ, tion. Observe, 2. Christ's injunction ;
and her mind so full of him, that she But go to my brethren, and say, I as-
concluded every body would understand cend to my father and your Father, to
whom she meant, though she did not say my God and your God. Where note,
whom she meant. Hence note, That the The endearing title given to the disciples,
soul of a sincere believer is full of earnest my brethren. He had before bis death
and longing desires after Jesus Christ 2. called them his servants, his friends, bis
That such a soul is yet sometimes at a loss children ; but now, after his resurrection,
for Christ, and cannot tell where to find he calls them his brethren : he became our
him. 3. That whilst the soul is at a loss brother by assuming our nature in hs in-
fer Christ, its desires are often quicker and carnation, he continues our brother by re-
more stirring after Christ. This was the suming that nature at his resurrection,
case of Mary here; with the spouse by Note farther, That Christ calls his disciples,
night on her bed, and early in the morn- brethren, after his exaltation and resurrec-
ing, she sought him whom her soul loved, tion ; thereby showing, that the change of
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. "» condition had wrought no change in
She turned herself, and saith unto J* f^^ ,t0JJ^- htlF* u^L "
i • D , i • • • • • 4 »# hut those that were his brethren before, m
him, Rabboni, which is to say, Mas- the time of hil humiliation and abasement,
ter. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch are so still, after hit exaltation and advance-
me not ; for I am not yet ascended to roent : Go to my brethren, and say, Src
my Father : but go to my brethren, Humility doth not only go before honour,
and say unto them, I ascend unto but dwe,h with honour, and doth evermore
my father and your Father, and to accompany it. Observe la*ly.Tbe good
., God and your God. . ^"T&lSME ?£
In the former of these verses, Christ cend to my Father and your Father, to
makes himself known to Mary, and calleth my God and your God; as if nature and
her by her name. In the latter he gives adoption gave the same interest. Christ
her a prohibition and injunction. Observe, calls God his God, and his disciples' God,
1. The prohibition, Touch me not; toge- his Father and their Father; first his and
ther with the reason of it, For J am not then theirs, and therefore theirs because his.
yet ascended to my Father. It is con- Learn hence, That God for Christ's sake
eluded by interpreters, that Mary Magda- hath dignified believers with that near and
lene was now fallen at Christ's feet, and dear relation of his being a Father to them
embraced them ; that having found him in and through his Son ; so that as they
whom her soul loved, she hugs him now, ought to carry it towards him like children
and hangs about him ; but Christ forbids by obedience, subjection, and resignation,
any farther embracing, and rejects such tes- so they may expect that be will retain a tV
timonies of her love: as if be had said, therly affection towards them, and they may
Although I will allow you as much famili- expect from him fatherly compassion, pro-
arity as shall satisfactorily convince you of vision, protection, correction, and all things
the verity of my resurrection, yet you must needful. Lastly, remark from Christ's say.
not expect to converse with me in the ing, I go to my God and your God, the
bodily manner which you did before my false inferences of the Socinians, via. Ttal
death ; for I am ascending to my Father, because Christ styled God his God, hence,
and must be enjoyed no longer after a say they, it is evident that Christ m not
Chap. XX. ST. JOHN. 677
God: but from these word* it only follows, shall want the best external evidence we
that he was not God according to that na- can have to prove the truth of the christian
tore which ascended. Thus Psalm, xlv. religion j namely, the miracles of our Sa-
lt is said of Christ, God even thy God hath viour ; for how can we be assured those
minted thee: and yet he adds of the miracles were true, but by the judgment of
same person, Thy throne, O God, is for our senses ? Now as our senses tell us that
ever and ever. Christ's miracles were true, so they assure us
that the popish doctrine of transubstantia*
• 18 Mary Magdalene came and DOn *■ fche.
told the disciples that she had seen A. m. • a t * *i
the Lord, and that he had spoken _ 2l ™en ""»«»• *• them again,
these things unto her. 19 Then the £""* * »"to you : as my Father
game dav at evenine beinir the first hath Knt roe' evea *° 8end ! J0"*
same oay ai evening, ueing me nrsi _~ • . u u j. j • j fhi h
day of the week, when the doors ~ ♦? ,, ° i Had said this, he
were shut where the discinles were breathed on tkem' and »R,th unto
iTm^ ?rwheceivc ye thei„Holy Ghot
Jews, and stood in the midst, and » Whose 8.°^r 8'ns Je rcmit'
smith onto them, Peace be unto you. th.c* are wmltt!d unto *«" : «»d
20 And when he had so said? he who5C,a80^Cr fMM *C retam' they
shewed unto them hu hands and his are relainea-
side* Then were the disciples glad Observe here, 1. The repetition of our
when they saw the Lord. Saviour's endearing salutation to his disci-
ples, Peace be unto you, Peace he unto
Our blessed Saviour's first appearing after you. This was no more than might be
his resurrection having been to Mary Mag- needful, to signify his firm reconciliation
dalene, as the former verses acquainted us, to them, notwithstanding their late coward-
tfae same day at evening, when the doors ice in forsaking of him, and flying from
were shut for fear of the Jews, Jesus mira- him, when the storm fell upon him. Ob-
culously , and, as to the disciples, insensibly serve, 2. How Christ doth renew his disci-
opens the door, and stands in the midst of pies' commission for the work of the min-
ihern, and says. Peace be unto you ; and istry, who possibly were much discouraged
shows them bis bands and his side. Where with the remembrance of their faint-heart-
note, 1. That it has been no strange thing edness m the time of his sufferings ; he
in the church, that the best members of doth therefore anew commisskmate them,
it have been put to frequent their assem- and sends them forth in these words, As my
with great fear, and been forced to Father hath sent me ; that is, to preach,
in the night with great caution, be- plant, and propagate the gospel ; so send
i of the fury of the persecutors: here I you. By the same authority, and for the
Christ's own disciples were forced to meet same ends, in part, for which I was sent by
together in the night, the doors kept shut, my Father, do I send you ; namely, to ga-
for fear of the Jews, Note, 2. Let ther, to govern, and instruct my church.
Christ's disciples meet together never so Learn hence, That when Christ left the
privately, ana with never so much hazard world, he did not leave the church destitute
and jeopardy, they shall have Christ's com- of a gospel ministry, which shall continue
pony with them ; neither bolts, nor locks, to the end of the world. As Christ was
nor fastened doors, shall hold Christ from sent by the Father, so are his ministers sent
them ; When the doors were shut, Jesus by him : and they may expect, he having
came and stood in the midst of them, the same authority and commission, the
Observe lastly, The evidence which our same success and blessing ; and the con-
Saviour offers to evince and prove the cer- tempt cast upon them and their message,
fejnty. of his resurrection : He showed his ultimately reflects upon God and Christ,
disciples his hands and side. Christ ap- whose messengers they are. Observe, 3.
pealed to, and admitted of, the judgment How Christ that sends them forth, doth
of tbeir senses, to assure them that was the furnish them with the gifts of the S pi-
real body. And if we must not be al- rit for their office: He breathed on
lowed to believe our senses, (as the Ro- them, and said, Receive ye the Holy
roisb synagogue would persuade us,) we Ghost ; that is, the gift of this Holy Ghost,
2 p
678 ST. JOHN. Chap. XX.
They had received the Holy Spirit before Christ appeared to them; and his absence
as a spirit of sanctificatk» : here they re* had like to have cost him dear, even the
ceive it in his extraordinary gifts to fit them loss of his faith ; and be might have had
for their office. And Christ's conferring cause for ever to nave bewailed hit absence
the Holy Ghost, by breathing upon them, from that meeting of the disciples, had not
shows that toe Holy Spirit proceeds as well Christ been more merciful. Learn hence,
from the Son as from the Father. And as That the letting slip of one holy oppoitu-
by God's breathing the first man was made nity, may prove exceedingly prejudicial to>
a living soul ; so by Christ's breathing on the soul's advantage : it is wise and safe to
the apostles they were quickened and ex- lay hold upon every opportunity for enjoy-
trabrdinarily enabled for the service they ing communion with God, and fellowship
were called to. Learn hence, That when with his saints. Thomas's absence depriv-
Christ sends forth any about his work, he ed him not only of the good news which
will furnish them with endowments an- Mary brought of Christ's being risen, but
swerable to their vast employment j and also of the sight of him, which the other
the best furniture they can have, is the Holy disciples got by assembling together : and
Spirit in his gifts ana qualifications suitable for want thereof Thomas is left under many
to their work : He breathed on them, and doubts and fears. Verily, we know not
said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Ob* what we lose, when we absent ourselves
serve, 4. How Christ asserts their authority from the assembly of God's people. Such
in the discharge of their commission, and views of a crucified raised Jesus may be
declares, That what they act ministerially, communicated to others whilst we are ab-
accordinstothekcommissicnhereonearih, sent, as would have confirmed our faith,
is ratified in heaven : Whose soever sins ye and established our joy, had we been present.
remit, they are remitted. Where note, Observe farther, What a strange declaration
That there is a two-fold power of remitting Thomas makes of his obstinate unbelief j
or forgiving sins; the one magisterial and Except I see the print of the nails, and
authoritative, (this belongs to Christ alone ;) put my finger into his sidef I will not
the other ministerial and declarative, (this believe. Where note, How strangely root-
belongs to Christ's ambassadors, who have ed unbelief is in the hearts of holy men,
a power in his name to bind and loose.) insomuch that they desire the objects of
It is a pious note of St. Austin upon this faith should fall under the view of their
place, That Christ first conferred the Holy senses. Thomas carries his faith at his fin*
Ghost upon his apostles, and then said, gers* ends \ he will believe no more than be
Whose sins ye remit, they are remitted, can see or feel j whereas faith is the ew-
Thereby intimating, that it is not they, dence of things not seen. O ! Thomas,
but the Holy Ghost by them, that puts how deplorable had been thy case, if Christ
away sin : For who can forgive sin but had never given thee that proof, which was
God only. 9 The power of forgiving sin, very unreasonable for thee to expect ! But
that man hath, is only to declare, that if Christ takes compassion on him, and ap-
men be truly and really penitent, their sins pears to him, ana cures his obstinate unbe-
are forgiven them for the sake of Christ's lief, which he might have justly punished,
satisfaction. as appears by the .following verses.
24 But Thomas, one of the tweWe, K. a6,.A1dl after ^..f^/ff^
mU . !>.. __ ' , 7.7 V ' his disciples wore within, and The-
called Didymus, was not with them ^ ^^m. Then came Jesus.
? "«i * ?' ™a Thf °u^er «.e door, being shut, and stood in
dimple, 'therefore wh! unto h,m, the midgt amf9aid> Vw u untc
We have seen the Lord. But he a7 The„ ^ ^ to Th
?,lf,"f *he4?- E*cfP*1 Js.ha" 7/* Reach hither thy finger, and behold
in his bands the pnnt of the nails, ha„d Jfr Te8ach hiiha ^
and put my finger into the print of h(fm, a„d thmt ft fato ^
s.e :# Atr Air- ,nto a°d * not "^ but "***.
Observe here, 1 . Our Saviour's appearing
What the cause of Thomas's absence again to his disciples after bis rcsurrectioo ;
was it not declared; it is evident that he it was eight days after he first arose, which
was not with the rest of the disciples when was the first day of the week. Here note,
Chap. XX. ST. JOHN. 67*
That Christ's rising the first day of the only a creatine before. And farther ob.
week, and appearing on the next first day serve, That Christ doth not reprove Thomas
or the week after to the disciples, and the for owning him as God, which shows that
observing that day for their solemn assem- Thomas did not mistake in owning the di-
blies, and St. Paul administering on that vinity of Christ.
day the Lord's supper, Acts xx. and com-
manding on that day collections for the 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas,
poor, 1. Cor. xvL and St. John calling it because tbou hast seen me, thou
the Lard's day. Rev. i. 10. From these hast believed : blessed are thev that
*£??*? "fij^ 'TSK? PTik* we ha™ not 8Ce° ""<* I" h^e believed,
derive our christian sabbath j for we do 9
not find in all the scripture, one instance of Here we have Christ's reprehension of
any ope congregation of christians only as- Thomas for not believing without such sen-
semWmg upon the Jewish sabbath, but on gible evidence as he desired. He believed
the first day of the week ; on which we now that Christ was risen from the dead,
ground I our observation of that day. Ob- but it was upon the testimony of his senses
serve, 2. The wonderful condescension of only. Therefore Christ tells him, that his
Christ to the weakness of Thomas's faith : faith would have been more excellent and
he bKb him reach forth his hand, and more eminently rewardable, if he had be-
tkrust it into ha side. Not that Christ lieved without such demonstrative evidence :
was pleased with, but only pitiful towards, Faith is the evidence of things not seen.
Thomas s infirmities; and it ought to be no Therefore to give credit to a thine upon
encouragement to any person to follow his the evidence of a sense, is not properly lie-
example^ in seeking or expecting the like iievmg. Observe farther, How Chnst pro-
tora of their own prescribing for helping nounces them blessed, who should hereafter
of their faith. Observe, 3. How mercifully believe on him through the preaching of the
Christ overruled Thomas's unbelief, for the gospel, though they ?id not see him as Tho-
ronfiimation of our faith. His doubting, mas did, nor handle him as he might.
proved a means for establishing his own and This is a sure rule, That by how much our
our fiutb; therefore says Gregory well, faith stands in less need of the external evi-
Plus mtht profutt dubitatio Thomas quam dence of sense, the stronger our faith is, and
credulttas Manas : «« Had not Thomas the more acceptable it is, provided what we
doubted, we had not been so fully assured, believe be revealed in the word of God •
that it was the same Christ that was croci- Blessed are they that have not seen, and
fied who rose again." yet have believed.
28 And Thomas answered and 30 And many other 8igng tru,
said unto him, My Lord and my did Jesus in the presence of his disv-
**°"' ciples, which are not written in this
These words may be considered two *°°4k- 31. *utu *"* *rc TwriUe«
ways. 1. As an abrupt speech, importing ^l? ™%ht believe that Jesus is
a vehement admiration of Christ's mercy tne Christ, the Son of God, and
towards him, and of his own stupidity and that believing ye might have life
dulness to believe. Learn hence, That through his name,
the convincing condescension of Christ
turns unbelief into a rapture of holy admi- Observe here, 1. The true end for which
ration and humble adoration. 2. This ex- the miracles of Christ were so carefully re-
pression of Thomas, My Lord and my corded ; namely, that toe might believe.
God, contains a short, but absolute, con- By believing that Christ is the Son of
fession of faith. Thomas rightly collects God, we have life ; and by the evidence of
from this resurrection, that he was Lord, his miracles, we know and believe him to
God blessed for evermore, the true Messias, have been the Son of God. The miracles
the expected Redeemer, and accordingly which Christ wrought, were the best exter-
with an explicit faith be how professes his nal evidence of his mission. Observe, 2.
interest in him, saying. My Lord and my That all Christ's miracles, both before his
God. Yet note, That this resurrection could passion, and after his resurrection, were not
not make him God, and render him then recorded by the evangelists. Observe, 3.
the object of divine worship, if he had been The great point concerning Christ to be
2 p 2
980 ST. JOHN. Chap. XXI.
known and believed from the scriptures, is Afterwards, when at the feast of Pentecost
this, that Jesus, the Son of the virgin, is the they had received those visible gifts of the
promised Messiah, the anointed of the Fa- Holy Ghost, which did furnish them for
tber, he in whom all the types and sha- preaching the gospel to all nations* and
dows of the law are accomplished ; and they went forth to plant and propagate the
that this Jesus is for nature co-essential, gospel, we may believe they then gave
for dignity co-equal, and for duration co~ over the labour of tbeirsecular callings, and
eternal with the Father ; one in essence, applied themselves wholly to the work of
equal in power and glory. Thus believing the ministry. That may be done (Ecclesid
that Jesus is the Son of God, and accompa- constituent) in a church which is consti-
nying that belief with a holy life, if we tuting, or about to be constituted. Observe
believe well, and live well, we shall have farther, How Peter, with the rest, toil ail
life through his name. night* and catch nothing ; but no sooner
is Christ come among them, but they in~
CHAP. XXI. close a multitude of fishes^— Thereby teach-
ing us, That all human labours ana eodea-
A FTER these things Jesus shew. VOurs are in vain, unless Christ by hsi
ed himself again to the disci- presence and blessing crown them with
pies at the sea of Tiberias : and on success.
this wise shewed he himself, M _ . _
' 4 But when the morning was now
The foregoing chapter acquainted us with come, Jesus stood on the shore ; but
several appearances of Christ to his disci- the disciples knew not that it was Je-
ptes after bis resurrection, all which were gU9. 5 Tnen jesu9 saitil unto tnem
m-JF*BL • Tl:\ch5^ FVTSli m Children, have ye anv meat? Thev
with his appearing to his disciples in Galilee, J /• it '** I j 1- •*!
whitherheliadoideredhisdisciplestogo.pro. •»»wered him, No. 6 And he said
raising there to meet them. Jerusalem now unto them, Cast the net on the right
becomes a forsaken place, a people aban- side of the ship, and ye shall find,
doned to destruction ; Christ will not show They cast therefore, and now they
himself openly to them, but Galilee was a were not able to draw it for the
place where Christ's ministry had found muititude of fishes,
better acceptance ; to Galilee therefore doth
he go. Such places wherein Christ is most Observe here, 1. Christ was near, very
welcome to preach, shall be most honoured near to his disciples, but thev perceived it
with his presence : Jesus showed himself not : Jesus stood on the snore, but they
to his disciples at the sea of Tiberias, knew not that it was Jesus. Learn, Christ
called elsewhere the sea of Galilee. is not always discerned by us when he is
present with us $ it is a double mexcy le
2 There were together Simon Pe- enjoy his company, and to know indeed
ter, and Thomas called Didymus, that it is he. Observe, 2. Although they
and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, ^.laboured all the night in vain, yet at
and the sons of Zebedee, and two <*«* ■ 2"™?* ^ 8° *?, work W
a4lm * . . .. . • o c- and with great success: They were not
other of his disciples. 3 Simon abU to draw the net for the multitude of
Peter saith unto them, I go a fish- ju„e9m when Christ is about to do great
ing. They say unto him, We also things for his people, yet will he have them
go with thee. They went forth, exert all possible endeavours of their own $
and entered into a ship immediately ; and the want of former success must not
and that night they caught nothing, discourage from future endeavours. Ob-
serve, 3. What a proof Christ here gives
Observe here, That after Christ was cru- of his divinity and godhead : how were all
rifted, the discioles returned for a time to the fish in the sea at his pleasure, and obe-
their trade ana employment of fishing ; dient to his command ! he knew where
though thev were called to be fishers of they swam, and brings them from one part
men, yet churches not beine gathered and of the lake to the other, where the disciples
constituted at present, nor being able to had toiled all night, and caught no-
maintain them, they labour with their thing. Christ our Mediator is true God,
hands to supply their present necessities, and as such be had a sovereign power and
Chap. XXI. ST. JOHN. 6&t
providence over all the creatures ; the cattle Observe here, 1. What was Christ's end
on a thousand bills, and all the fish swim- in commanding his disciples to bring forth
mmg in the sea, are obedient to his power, the fish which they had now taken : namely,
and observant of his commands. that the sight of their number and big*
. ness, together with the sight of the net
7 Therefore that disciple whom remaining unbroken, might confirm them
Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is in the belief of its being a real miracle,
the Lord. Now when Simon Peter Christ had fed their bellies before, bis bu-
heard that it was the Lord, he girt «ne» now » to feed their minds with the
his fisher's coat unto him, (for he contemplation of the greatness and reality
was naked,) and did cast himself into °£ torsade. A,1,Chn*f "™*» »»
"! */ " ! , ' r *~* M,"«^"/"w obvious to sense, and would bear the ex-
the sea. 8 And the other disciples animation of the senses j not like the ly-
came in a little ship, (for they were ing wonders of the church of Rome, which
not far from land, but as it were two. are commonly wrought in the dark to cozen
hundred cubits,) dragging the net the vulgar, and are mere cheats and impos-
with fishes. 9 As soon then as they tocs- Observe, 2. That this full draught
were come to land, they saw a fire <* "«> which Peter and the rest of the
of coals there, and fis/ laid there, ^fet^^^^
and bread. ami Wey were afterwards to have in fishing
Observe here, 1. The great zeal and for- for men. Here we have an hundred fifty
wardness of Peter: bearing that it was and three great fishes caught at one draught:
Christ, be leaps into the sea to get to him. but Acts ii. we find three thousand souls
O bow inviting, attractive, and alluring, converted by St Peter at one sermon. O
n a sight of Christ ! It will make those the marvellous success of the gospel at the
that know him break through all difficul- first preaching and planting of it ! Three
ties to come unto him. It is not a sea of thousand then proselyted by one sermon,
water, no, nor seas of blood, that can keep Now we have cause to fear that there are
a zealous soul at a distance from Christ : three thousand sermons preached, and scarce
When Peter heard that it was the Lord, one soul savingly converted. Lord! who
he girt his coat, and cast himself hath believed our report 9
into the sea. Observe, 2. What a com-
Z&~t£&*^Z3Z "Jesus said, unto them 0>me.
miracle, viz. a fire of coals, and fish laid and dme- And nonc of tne dwc|-
onf and bread, all created and produced by pl<* durst ask him, Who art thou )
Christ out of nothing, at this time, as an knowing that it was the Lord. 1 i
evidence of his divine power; for before Jesus thencometh, and taketh bread,
they could get the fish to shore, they saw and gWeth them, and fish likewise,
fish broiling upon coals, which makes it 14 This ig now thc third time ^
evident that these were none of the fish Ia.__ auA«Aj u;m0i0>ir ♦« u:- a:~~:
which they hadcatched. Christ, when be Jfus ™ewfd 4hl1m8elf to .hw dr1SCI-
pknses,for the benefit and comfort of his P'e8\af*er that he wag n8en from
people, will work miracle upon miracle, *he dead,
mercy upon mercy, one wonder upon the
bead of another ; for here, after a miracle at A two-fold reason may be assigned why
sea, they met with another miracle at land : Christ did at this time invite and call his
As soon as they came to land they saw disciples to dine with him : the first and
afire. more principal reason was, to evidence to
them the reality of his resurrection, and to
10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring assure them ofthe-truth of his manhood, that
of the fish which ye have now caught, they might not think it was an apparition
11 Simon Peter went up, and drew onl£ Bv *?"*"£!* ?**}£$ T ^T
an hundred and fifty and three: {Jimselfto be man, and consequently teaches
and for all there were so many, yet ^ that our exalted High Priest continues
was not the net broken. our kinsman in heaven. He is still bone
68S ST. JOHN. Chap. XXI.
of our bone, and ftesh of our flesh ; be lambs. Or, move than these? that is, more
has taken possession of heaven in our na- than the rest of my disciples. Dost thou
tine, sitting there in our glorified humanity love me more than thou lovest these ? Or,
united to the glorious Deity, clothed with more than they love me ? If so, evidence
that body which hung in its blood and the sincerity of thy love to me by thy care
Sore upon the cross, but now shining of mine. Thence note, That mmisten
tighter than ten thousand suns. The se- who are called to take care of Christ's
cond and less principal reason why Christ flock, had need of much love to Jesus
called his disciples to dine with him, was Christ, and great compassion for souls ; by
this, to show his tender care over the bo* which they will be animated and fortified
dies of his dear disciples, as being the ta- to go through with the labours and difficult
bemacles of his own Spirit, the temples of ties, as well as to encounter the dangers and
the Holy Ghost ; therefore Christ encour- sufferings, which do accompany their call-
ages, though not to the pampering, yet to ing. Simon, lovest thou me .* Feed my
the refreshing of them : Jesus said unto flock. Note farther, That the surest argu-
them, Come and dine. And he would ment and best evidence of a minister's love
not confer with them till they had dined ; to Jesus Christ, is his conscientious care to
as the next verse shows. feed, that is, to teach, instruct, and govern,
the whole flock of Christ j lambs and sheep,
15 So when they had dined, Je- weak and strong: the feeblest in the fold
sua saith to Simon Peter, Simon, $an w*re purchased by the great Shepherd.
of Jonas, lovest thou me more than ** tf ** judged them worth his blood,
these? He saith unto him, Yea, ***** .w •£*■ "*" w<^°£ «*?'•
T . . , , . Al_ . I , ' Note again, That such as would be faith-
Lord; thou knowest that I lore ful in ^ ^aerial charge, ought to
thee. He saith unto him. Feed ray look upon their people as committed to
lambs. 16 He saith to him again them by Christ himself, as loved of him,
the second time, Simon, aan of Jo-* and committed to their care by him, and
nas, lovest thou me ? He saith unto for wnich they must ** accountable to
him, Yea, Lord ; thou knowest that i"* Christ calls them three times over,
1 love thee. He saith unto him, ^^J^^^St!^^'
i?-- w* -«.. -u««.i i*> u~ :*u * ges Peter to feed tbem. Observe next, Pe-
Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto !U threefold answer to Christ's question:
him the third time, Simon, son of Simon, lovest thou me more than these »
Jonas, lovest thou me ? Peter was Lord, thou knowest that 1 love thee.
grieved because he said unto him Where note, 1. The great modesty of Pe-
the third time, Lovest thou me > ier in his reply. Invest thou me more
and he said unto him, Lord, thou £*"» [hese * •*» &** J *** replies,
knowest all things : thou knowest l^i*^0* ^''Jh'J fE! £*
4Lan |^MA 4t ° t ... . He doth not say, Lord I love thee above
that I love thee. Jesus saith unto them all. and before them all : here is no
him, r eed my sheep. boasting now. Once it was said that Peter
vaunted, though all men forsake thee, vet
Observe here, 1. Christ puts Peter upon wilt not I; but now his fall bad taught
a threefold profession of his love unto him, him humility j he boasts not of bis love
answerable to his threefold denial of him : above others, and makes no comparison
his threefold denial required a threefold with others, but only ranks himself among
confession. True repentance ought, and' the true lovers of Christ: Lord, J love
will be as eminent in the fruit and effects thee. Note, 2. The evidence that Peter
of it, as the saint's fall hath been. A three- gives of his sincere love to Christ : he dares
fold denial of Christ shall be attended with appeal to Christ himself, Lord, thorn know-
a threefold profession of love unto him. est that I love thee ; yea. Thou ait omni-
Observe, 2. The^solemn question put by scient, the all-knowing and heart-searching
our Saviour unto Peter : Lovest thou me * God, thou that knowest "all things, know-
Lovest thou me more than these ? That est that I love thee. Of it is a blessed
u, more than thy occupation and employ, thing, when we can and dare appeal to
ment, more than thy nets and fishing- God's knowledge ; and it is matter of high
S™ \. lf "?' **** t?em» w*1 wh<% em- consolation to know that God kooweth our
pioy thyself m feeding my sheep and sincerity and love unto him, and he know-
Chap. XXI. ST. JOHN. 58a
eth and approveth us as such. Lord, thou their work is almost done for God, they
knowest all things, thou knowest that I dose their days with suffering for hira:
love thee. Note lastly, From these words, When thou art old, thou shalt stretch
Lord, thou knowest all things, an argu- forth thine hands, and another shall gird
roent of Christ's divinity. He that knows thee. Learn lastly. That the sufferings
all things, and particularly the hearts of all of the saints in general, and of the minis-
men, is God, 1 Kings viii. 29. but so doth *ters of Christ in particular, do redound
Christ, if St Peter's testimony here be true j much to the glory of God ; which is a con-
saying* Lord, thou knowest all things, sideratkra that ought to reconcile them to
that is, say the Socinians, very many the cross of Christ, and support them under
things; but this would have destroyed St. it: This spake he, signifying by what
Peter's argument at once; for it follows death he should glorify God.
not that Qrtist knew the sincerity of Peter's '* „ , A
heart, unless he knew the secrets of all 20 Then Peter, turning about,
hearts; and if he knew the secrets of all seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved
hearts* he is really God. following, which also leaned on his
breast at supper, and said, Lord,
18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, what is he that betrayeth thee ? 21
When thou wast young, thou girdedst Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus,
thyself, and walkedst whither thou Lord, and what shall this man do?
wouldest : but when thou shalt be 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will
old, thou shalt stretch forth thy that he tarry till I come, what is
hands, and another shall gird thee, that to thee ? follow thou me.
and carry thee whither thou wouldest
not 12 Thus spake he, signifying Our Saviour having foretold the manner
by what death he should glorify God. of Peter's death in the forcing verses;
And when he had spoken this, he bere m r^, P^winquisiive after, and
.rmiiu incline ii y~ t y solicitous for the knowledge of, what
saith unto him, Follow me. kind of death St John ahould j^ ChM
checks him for his curiosity, as meddling
In these words our Saviour forewarns wjtn that which did not concern him, yet
Peter of his future sufferings, intimating, that intimates fo him that John should live till
be should prove more stout than in his for- ne mme to take vengeance on the Jews,
mer trial. When he was young and un- ^^ destroy Jerusalem : If I will that he
experienced, he enjoyed his liberty; but tarry till I come ; that is, till I come to
when he was grown older in years, and execute judgment upon Jerusalem. Here
stronger in grace, he should willingly stretch we mav notet There are two great vanities
forth his hands, and quietly suflfer himself m roen wjth reference to knowledge ; the
to be bound to the cross ; for Peter (say one a neglect to know what is our duty to
some) was not nailed, but tied and bound know . tne olher a curiosity to know what
to the cross only, and so as a martyr or dotn not belong to us to know. Christ
witness for the truth of Christ glorified God le]|g p^ jt was none of his business to
by his death. Learn hence, 1. The minis- e„qUjre what John should do ; but he ought
ten of Jesus Christ, when they undertake ratner l0 be preparing for what he himself
the charge of his flock, must prepare for ^^y ^fifa . jf j Wly/ tnat he tarry,
suffering work, and their lot upon it : ^at is that to thee.
therefore is this prediction of Peter's suffer-
ings joined with the former injunction, 23 Then went his saying abroad
Feed my sheep. 2. That human nature among tne brethren, that that disci-
in Christ's ministers, as well as in other . s£ouW not die . t Jesus gay
Sft^,J3^ fo«tf5»; p^-Sft 5 but'
niZthec whither thou wouldest not. If I will that he tarry till I come,
3. from the time of St. Peter's sufferings, what u that to thee ?
when he is old: learn, That the timing of .
the saints' sufferings is in Christ's hands; Observe here, How strangelv our Savi-
he can, and when he pleaseth doth, screen our's words were mistaken and misunder-
tbem from suffering till old age ; and when stood by his own disciples ; they appre-
684 ST. JOHN. Chap. XXL
bend presently that John should not die, if they should be written every one,
and so it passed current among them. I suppose thai even the world itself
From hence we may note, How much the C0Q\^ not contain the books that
wisdom of God is, and ought to beadmired, shouid be written. Amen,
in giving us a written word and tying us to
it, when we see erroneous traditions so soon John being about to conclude the history
on foot in the world, and our Saviour's own of our Saviour's life asserts, that there were
speeches so much mistaken, and that by: many other miracles and special deeds done
wise and holy men themselves in the purest by Christ, both before and after bis pessioo,
times. Much more may the words of which he had not recorded or set down;
others be misreported, and wrested contrary because, should all that Christ did and said
to their sense and meaning. How great be committed to writing, it would even fill
then is the vanity and uncertainty of oral the world, the volumes would be so many,
tradition ! Men are naturally prone to From hence we gather, 1. The wonaerM
mistake, to mistake themselves, and to mis- activity, industry, and diligence, of the
take one another. The more to be admired Lord Jesus Christ, that he was never idle,
is their over-daring ignorance, who think but that his whole life was spent in doing
they cannot err. Such a haughty opi- good ; because should all the particular
nion of a man's self, concludes him to be m^p^t have been recorded, it would
neither good nor wise. amount to an incredible bulk. Learn, 2.
<%a rp.. • At j- • i i. l 4. That it is impossible to get all said, which
24 This is the disciple which tes- might ^ saio^of Christ, and in bis com.
tifieth of these things, and wrote mendation : such is the transcendent ex-
these things: and we know that his cellency of his person, and the weakness
testimony is true. of our apprehensions and judgments, that
_, . - . , . , if all were written, which might be written
The great modesty of the holy evangelist concerning him, the world itself could not
St John is all along throughout his gos- contain the books which should be written.
pel very observable j he mentioneth himself Leam \^yt That although many of Christ's
hitherto under a third person ; be calleth sermons, conferences, miracles, and actions,
himself a disciple, a learner, who excelled be not recorded ; yet it doth not foUow, nor
the most accomplished doctors of the ages can it be inferred from thence, that any ne-
ever since. Here he speaks more plainly and cessary docrtrine is omitted, or not suffici-
expressly concerning himself, declaring that ently confirmed : there being so much writ-
he was an eye-witness and an ear-witness of ten & ft pleased God we should know, and
what he wrote, for the greater certainty *» necessary for us to know, in order to
thereof. And this protestation here made by our improvement in faith and holiness. If
the evangelist of the truth of what he wrote, then, after all the revelation and discovery
was highly necessary, lest any should think wnich God nath made of his Son Christ
that Christ's extraordinary love and affection Jews, and of the way that leads to eternal
to him, (he being the beloved disciple) should salvation by him, persons remain willingly
move him to exceed (as we are prone to do) ignorant of him, and of their duty to him,
in writing the history of their lives who are « where shall they appear, and how shaH
dear to us, and we to them. Learn hence, they escape ?"
That this gospel was written by John the
beloved disciple, and the narration is of di- p^ j Ter# 5y &
vine truth, worthy to be embraced and re- „ . . * \ _ " ' , _ ,
ceived by us as a perfect rule of faith and J*— •**• *«* ***{ **** us, and wash.
life. We know that his testimony is true. «* us from our sins in his own blood, and
hath made us kings and priests unto God
26 And there are also many other and his Father : To him be glory and do-
things which Jesus did, the which minion for ever and ever. Amen.'
THE CLOSE.
npHE design of the foregoing Notes upon below bis parents ; If the highest upon
J- the Holy Evangelists, being to recom- earth think their parents beneath them, and
mend the instructive life of our blessed Re- themselves above their parents' commands,
deemer to our observation and imitation : our Saviour did not so. What shall we
although I have upon all occasions pro- think of those monsters of ingratitude, the
pounded his example to be followed by us reproach of human nature, who are ashamed
in all the steps of an imitable virtue, as to own their parents because of their po«
the matter every where occurred j yet ad- verty ; or despise them because of the in*
judging it may be profitable to sum up to- firmities of their age ! Prov. xxiii. 22
gether the several graces and virtues which Hearken to thy Father that begat thee,
were so orient in the Life of Christ, that and despise not thy mother when she is
having them daily before odr eyes, we may old.
be continually correcting and reforming of III. In his unwearied diligence in doing
our lives by that blessed pattern ; I shall good, Acts x. 38. Who went about doing
therefore briefly ofler at it Because, good. This was his meat and drink by
Nothing is so proper to form us to noli- day ; his rest and sleep by night. He fed
ness, as the example of the Mediator, it the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the
being absolutely perfect, and thoroughly sick, was eyes to the blind, feet to the lame,
accommodated to our present state : there and administered to such as were in neces-
is no example of any mere man that is to be sities and straits. And he has declared, that
followed without limitation ; but the Life he will judge us at the great day, according
of Christ was as the purest gold without to our imitation of him in doing good to all
the least alloy. His conversation was a mankind. See the notes on St Matt. xxv,
living law j and Christianity, which is the the ten last verses.
best and holiest institution in the world, is IV. In his humility and lowliness of
nothing else but a conformity to his precepts mind, Matt xi. 29. Learn of me, for I
and pattern. The universal command of am meek and lowly in heart ; witness his
the whole gospel is this, To walk as Christ stooping to the meanest office, even that
walked. This denotes a sincere intention, of washing his disciples* feet, St. John xiii,
design, and endeavour, to imitate and fol- 5. He that came in the form of a servant,
low him in all the paths of holiness and performs the office of the meanest servant
pbedience. to his disciples. And all this was to set us
Particularly let us imitate Jesus, an example of mutual condescension to each
I. In his early piety. We find him at other : If I your Lord and Master have
twelve years old about his Father's busi- washed your feet, you ought also to wash
ness, sitting in the midst of the doctors, one another's feet ; which precept, though
both hearing and asking them questions, it doth not bind us to the same action, yet
See on St Luke ii. 46, 47. An early piety it obliges us to the same condescension ;
gives both the person and the service a pe- namely, to think no office of love beneath
culiar pre-eminency ; no comfort in life, us, which the necessities of our brother call
no happiness in death, like the happiness for from us.
and comfort of being good betimes. V. In the unblameableness and inof-
II. In his obedience to his earthly pa* fensiveness of his life and actions. He in-
rents. See on St Luke ii. 51. He went jured none, and iustly offended none, but was
down to Nazareth, and was subject to harmless as well as holy : he wrought a
them. He paid homage to the womb that miracle to pay tribute money, rather than
bore him, and to his supposed and reputed give occasion of offence to the government.
rather that provided for him : let a person See on Matt. xvi. 37. Accordingly, let
be never so high above others, he is still us be harmless and blameless j wise as ser-
686 THE CLOSE.
ports, and innocent as doves. Piety with- giving. What a pattern of thankfulness
out policy is too simple to be safe ; policy then was Jesus to his followers ? There
without piety is too subtle to be good. is hardly any one external duty which we
VI. In his eminent self-denial. He do not find the hypocrite performing in
emptied himself and became poor. When scripture, except this of thanksgiving ana
he was rich, as God, from all eternity, he praise ! we find Judas repenting* Ahab
impoverished himself by becoming man. humbling himself, Saul sacrificing ; but
O ! what did he not deny when he left the rarely do we find any wicked man blessing
bosom of his Father, with the ineffable de- and praising God. Need will make us beg-
lights and pleasures which he there enjoyed gars, but grace only thanksgivers,
from all eternity; and instead thereof to X. In his compassion towards those
drink the cup, the bitter cup of his Fa- that were in distress and misery. Matt
ther's wrath, for our sake ? Lord, how xx. 34. Great was his compassion to the
can we enough abase ourselves for thee, bodies of men; he healed all that came unto
who thus deniedst thyself for us? him ; he healed many undesired ; with
VII. In his contentment in a low end great coodolency and tender sympathy, he
mean condition in this world; yea, in a exercised acts of mercy and compassion,
suffering and afflicted condition. He would when the object of compassion was before
not honour the world so far as to have any him ; and did perfectly abhor, and severely
part of it in his own hand, and was there- condemn, all acts of cruelty. How great
fore of himself less provided of comfortable was his compassion to the souls of men !
accommodations than the birds of the air what pains did he take, and what hazards
or the beasts of toe field. See Luke ix. did he run, in preaching the gospel to lost
51. The foxes have holes, and the birds sinners, in his fervent prayers lor them,
of the atr have nests ; but the Son of man but especially in dying for them ! Let us
hath not where to lay his head* Let us imitate Christ herein. As his compassion
learn from him to manage an afflicted con- was universal to all mankind, to the whole
dition with a contented spirit ; let there be man, soul and body ; as it was active and
no murmuring*, complaints, or foolish operative ; as it was exercised with marvel-
charging of God, heard from us, whatever lous complacency and delight ; as it was a
straits or troubles we may be brought into : preventing compassion, and an unwearied
But in whatsoever state we are, let us be compassion ; so let ours be also.
therewith content, Phil. iv. 11. XI. In his holy and fruitful discourse.
VIII. In his frequent performance of His lips dropt as the honey-comb, and his
the duty of private prayer and fasting, tongue was as choice silver. When walk-
He sometimes spent a whole night in prayer, ing with his disciples to Emmaus, with
Luke vi. 12. He went into a mountain what heavenly discourse did he entertain
to pray, and continued all night in pray- them in the way : See Luke xxiv. 13, &c
er to God. And Mark i. 36. In the A good pattern for our. imitation, when
morning, rising up a great while before providentially cast into such company as
day, he went into a solitary place, and will bear it. Lord ! what a shame and re-
prayed. It is certain that we have much proach is it to us, that in common conversa-
more business with Almighty God in prayer tion we spend so many hours together, in
than Christ had ; he had no sins to con- talking over tlie news of the city and coun-
fess, no wants of grace to make known ; try, and part without speaking one word of
yet did he delight with frequency and fer- Jesus Christ our best friend !
vency to perform this homage to his hea- XII. In his free conversation. The
venly Father. Lord! How doth thy zeal Son of man came eating and drinking, Matt.
and forwardness condemn our remissness xi. 19. that is, was of a free and familiar
and lukewarmness in praying to our hea- converse, affable and sociable, not sour or
venly Father ! morose, never shunning the society of the
IX. In his affectionate performance of worst of men, even of the Pharisees them-
the duty of praise and thanksgiving, selves ; but complying with their innocent
Our blessed Saviour was a great pattern of customs, and accompanying them at their
thankfulness ; Matt. xi. 25. I thank thee feasts. See on Luke v. 29. We do not find.
O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, &rc that when Christ was invited to any public
John xi. 41. Father, I thank thee, and entertainment, that ever be refused to go;
thou hast heard me. When he was to eat not so much for the pleasure of eating »
common broad, he received it with thanks- for the opportunity of conversing and
. THE CLOSE. ftW
doing good; Christ conversed with bad house hath eaten me up. Now as Christ
men, but as their physician, not as their was, so christians ought to be, intensely
companion. Let us go and do likewise. zealous for the glory of God, the honour
XID. In his patience under sufferings of his house, and the purity of his public
and reproaches. When he was reviled, worship. The zeal of thine house hath
he reviled not again ; but underwent the eaten me up. Our zeal for the public wor
burden of his sufferings with admirable pa- ship of God glorifies him most, and he
tieoce and meekness of spirit, when his accepts it best. Now we own the God
kiame and honour suffered the vilest indig- whom we serve, in the face of the world •,
nities, blasphemies, and reproaches, that and this creates a veneration and esteem of
the malice of Satan, and the malignity of God in the minds of men.
wicked men could belch out against it; XVII. In his glorifying of his Father
when he was called a blasphemer, a sor- in all he did. John xvii. 4, I have glo-
cerer, a devil, a wine-bibber, a glutton, a rified thee on earth. The whole life of
friend of publicans and sinners. For an in- Jesus, when here on earth, was a glorify-
nocent person, and a dignified person, to bear ingof his Father: he glorified his Father
all this, when he could have looked all his by the doctrine which he taught, by the
enemies into hell, and have frowned them miracles which he wrought, by the unspot-
into nothing ; verily to bear all this, with- ted parity of his life, and by his unparalleled
out the least discomposure of spirit, is the sufferings at his death. In like manner
highest triumph of patience that ever the should we glorify God in all we do, in all
world was acquainted with. And why all we design, in all we desire ; in all our na-
this, but to leave us an example that we tural actions of eating and drinking; in our
should follow his steps? 1 Pet. ii. 21, 22. civil employments, buying and selling; in
XIV. In his readiness to forgive in- our lawful recreations, taking care that too
juries. One of his last words upon the cross much of our time be not consumed therein*
was a prayer for his murderers : Father, Recreation is not to be our business, but to
forgive them, Luke xxiii. 34. He offered fit us for business ; but especially let us
up his blood to God on the behalf of them seek to glorify God in our religious duties,
that shed it. Thus to forgive our enemies, public, private, and secret
and to beg forgiveness of them, will be an XVIII. In his impartiality in reproving
evidence of a Christ-like frame and temper ; of sin. He feared the faces and spared the
when the grace of God calms those tumul- faults of no offenders. The Pharisees were
tuous and outrageous passions which at a proud and haughty sort of people, who
any time we find raging in our breasts, dishonoured God above most, when they
moulding our spirits into sweetness and gen- pretended to glorify him 'above any ; there-
tleness, treeing us from all malicious de- fore we find Christ denouncing a bad roll
sires of revenge, which are so far beneath a of woes against them in one chapter, Matt,
christian, that it is the baseness of a man : xxiii. Woe unto vou, scribes, pharisees,
yea, as jealousy is the rage of a man, so hypocrites ! Eight several woes are de-
malice is the rage of a devil ; it is the spi- nounced against them, for so many several
rit of the apostate nature. sins committed by them. Those to whom
XV. In his laying to heart the sins, God has given his authority to reprove the
as veil as the sufferings, of others, sins of others, ought to imitate their pattern
Mark iii. 5. He was grieved for the hard- in his impartiality in reproving sins. His
ness of their hearts' Such was his zeal very enemies gave him that character. Matt
for his Father's glory, such his compassion xxiii. 17. Thou carest not for any man,
on the souls of men, such his antipathy thou regardest not the person of men :
against, and hatred of, sin, that he was griev- that is, thou sparest none, but tellest all
ed for sin wherever he found it, and mourn- men of their faults.
ed over those who had no hearts to mourn XIX. In his universal obedience to his
for themselves. Lord! how far are they Father's will, and cheerful submission to
off from a Christ-like spirit and temper, his Father's pleasure. He obeyed the
who, instead of mourning for other men's will of his Father universally, voluntarily,
sins, rejoice in iniquity, and take pleasure sincerely, and with a single eye to his glory,
to see their brother stab at once the christian perseveringly, and to the end ; and as he
name and his own soul ? was, so must we be faithful to the death, if
XVI. In his zeal for the public worship ever we expect the crown of life. And in
cf God. John ii. 17. The zeal of thine like manner did he submit to the will of his
588 THE CLOSE.
providence : Father, not as I will, But as Jesus, that we may be like him in purity
thou wilt: not my will, but thine be done, and holiness, in justice and righteousness,
O let us keep this example continually be- in patience and meekness, in charity and
fore us, and every day obey the will of universal goodness. That as he was, we
God's precept universally, and submit to the may be in the world, holy, humble? harm-
will of his providence very cheerfully ; this less, heavenly-minded, glorifying God on
is heaven on earth. earth, that we may be glorified with him
XX. In his love and practice of urn- and by him in his eternal kingdom.
versal holiness, both in heart and life. . XXI. Yet before I close this exhortation
He was holy in nature, holy in principles to an imitation of Jesus, I most subjoin
and motives, holy in his aim and ends; this cautionary direction -.—Take heed that
he was perfectly holy, precisely holy, uni- you do not so imitate Christ for your pat-
formly holy, exemplarily holy ; he delight- tern, as to disown him for your priest
ed not in holy persons, and holy things ; This is the dangerous error of those who
it concerns us to imitate him herein, if affirm, that the great end of Christ's death
ever we expect to be where he is. Heave* was, to give the world an example of pa-
ts the habitation of holiness : the compa- tience, humility, meekness, and the fore*
ny is holy, the employment holy, the en- mentioned Christian graces ; and that his
joyments holy ; no unclean thing can en- sufferings were exemplary, but not proper-
ter into heaven, or could be happy in hea- ly satisfactory. We acknowledge that
▼en : heaven is rather a nature than a Christ's giving us an example was one end
place. It is not the place of heaven can of his coming into the world and dying
make us happy, but the disposition and for us, but not the great end; a subordi-
temper of our minds in heaven ; with- nate end, but not the ultimate. God pro-
out conformity to the nature of God there serve us from the contagion of this grow-
can be no communion with him, nor de- ing error : other errors only scratch the
light in him. What a discourteous cour- face, but this stabs the heart of the Cbris-
tesy would it be to turn a filthy swine tian religion, in that it deprives us of the
into a garden of curious flowers, to lodge choicest benefit of Christ's death ; namely,
it in a bed of sweet perfumes, to bathe it the expiation of sin by a proper saudac-
in a clear and crystal fountain ? Alas, its tion to the justice of God. Eur, blessed
unclean temper and sordid inclinations be God, we have not so learned Christ ;
would rather choose to lie down in a ken- as we are taught, so we believe, that the
nel, and to wallow in the mire, its proper holy Jesus by the sacrifice of bis death
element Thus unsuitable would heaven has redeemed us from death and hell,
be : that place of greatest happiness would and saved us from the wrath to come ; by
be the greatest uneasiness to an unholy a full and adequate payment of divine
heart. Let us then pray and endeavour justice, and by the redundancy of his roe-
tbat the temper of our minds, and the ac- rit, has purchased an eternal inheritance
tions of our lives, may be a lively tran- for us ; and as we are taught and believe,
script of the mind and life of the holy so we pray :
" Almighty God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for
sin, as also an example of godly life ; give us grace that we may always most thankfully
receive this his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the bless-
ed steps of his most holy life ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.*'
" Almighty and everlasting God, who of thy tender love towards mankind has sent
thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon
the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility ; mercifully
grant that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of
his resurrection, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen"
END OF THE FOUR EVANGELISTS.
« r
THE
ACTS
OF THE
HOLY APOSTLES
The most illustrious life of the holy J SB US being recorded at large in the foregoing Gospels, by the
several Evangelists whose namra they bear ; wit next Book of the ACTS undertaketh these three
things:
1. It recommends to our observation and imitation the Uvea and actions of the holy Apostles, particular*
ly St Peter and St. PanI ; and acquaints us with their fervent seal and unwearied diligence in plant-
ing and propagating Christianity, not only in Judea and Samaria, but also in Syria. Asia, and Macedo-
nia) ; yea, even in Rome itself : where, by the way, note. That there is not one word, in all this history,
of St. Peter's primacy, of bis superiority over Uie rest of the apostles, or of any bishopric that ho had
at Rome. The least intimation of which would have made a louder noise than PasceOves, or Tues
Petraa.
IL We have here an ecclesiastical History of the first and purest Churches, informing us how the Christi-
an church in its infancy was planted aud watered, gathered and propagated, both among Jews and.
Gentiles ; how she observed and obeyed CHRIST'S commands to his apostles, both in matters of faith,
worship, communioo, and government, that therein the primitive church might be an exemplary
rttern to succeeding churches throughout all ages.
This history gives all the ministers of the gospel, to the end of the world, a great and noble pat-
tern of ministerial diligence, faithfulness, and prudence ; acquainting us what the apostles did, the
pains which they took, the hazards which they ran, in preaching the glad tidings of salvation to a lost
world. Bow they instructed the Ignorant, reduced the wanderings how they bare with the weakness
of some, and patiently contended with the obstinacy and pcrversencss of others. Like wise stewards of
God's family, they gave to the whole household their portion of meat in due i
CHAP. I. the keeper of the prison, that they were not
—..«_*..* ,.,«.*. ^ denied pen and paper. When persecutors
This first chapter relates, 1. The time and manner ___ j #uT -.:-.#. *! JLu*- ruj ««V» ~~w.;.i~
of our LoA-a ascension. 2. The hundred and "d » »mt» to P™00* <*» Can provide
twenty disciples' joint devotion. 3. The election a keeper for their tUTD. But how do the
in prison ? Very advantageously ; the for-
rpHE former treatise have I made, mer in writing epistles to the churches for
x O Thcophilus, of all that Jesus their confirmation; the latter in recording
began both to do and to teach. the *<& and monuments of the holy apos-
tles for our imitation. There is no such
Observe here, 1. The penman of this sa- way to be even with the devil and his in-
cred history, St. Luke, the same that wrote struments, for all their malice and spite
the Gospel, which be calls hn former trea- against us, as by doing all the good we can
Use. dedicated both that and this to the wherever we come. Satan had better have
same Theophilus : The former treatise let these two holy men alone, than have
have I madef O Theophilus. Observe, cast them into prison ; for by their pens
2. The time when St. Luke wrote this holy they battered the walls of his kingdom, and
history, and the place where ; namely, when made them shake about his ears. Observe,
he was the companion of St Paul ; and, as 3. The integrity and impartiality of this
some think, durrns the time of his imprison- historian, St. Luke : he wrote of all things
meoi at Rome, u so, we may profitably Jesus both did and taught in his Gospel,
remark the favour which God gave the and what the apostles did and taught in
apostle and his companion in the sight of the Acts .- not that this is to be understood
590 THE ACTS. Chap. I.
strictly and absolutely, but comparatively things pertaining to the kingdom of
only ; not as if St Luke recorded every God :
action that Jesus did, or every expression _ , _. A.
our Saviour said ; for St. John says, they Observe here, 1. The time which our
were so many, that they could not be writ- Lord spent here upon earth, between his
ten, chap. xxi. 25. But by all things we resurrection and ascension ; it was forty
are to understand very many things; the «*y»- Chrult would not presently ascend
most principal and chief things ; every into ^I™* «■ «oon as he was risen, but
thing that the Holy Ghost thought fit to thought fit to > stay some time with his dis-
dictate to him and enjoin him to publish ciples, to confirm their faith in the belief of
for the church's use and service. Leam «« resurrection, and to satisfy than that it
thence, That St. Luke was a eery faithful wa» ** hwas^f, their Lord and Blaster, that
and impartial historian, withholding nothing died for **** »»* *»■ indeed risen, and
which was necessary for the church to now appeared to them : He ™***n of
know, and leaving no room for unwritten them forty day*. Observe, 2. What our
and uncertain traditions : I have wrote Saviour did m that forty days stay upon
all that Jesus began both to do and to «**?: He shewed himself alive unto his
teach. disciples, appearing sometimes to them, and
giving them many infallible proofs of the
2 Until the day in which he was 7»* * d» resurrection, by eating drink-
5k,cn » -ft T hc through thae ^^t^o^i^^^^
Holy Ghost had given command- nJ|tm^ himael£ to ^ touched a^j handled
merits unto the apostles whom he by them. Not that Christ's conversation
had chosen : with his disciples, in this his exalted state
., , _, . . after his resurrection, was so frequent and
0be?7* J!?6? ™ JP00!?.1 con^emu ^ familiar as it was before his death, when be
care which Christ had for hu church on wag in a A9te of humiliation ; and accord-
earth, before he ascended into heaven. The ing|y we never read, I think, that Chnst
very first night that he appeared to his dis- ever lodged or continued all night with his
ciples, after his resurrection, be breathed on disciple^ after he was risen from the grave i
them, and distributed the holy Ghost ^ ^ converted with them only upon
among them, St. John xx. 22. both to occasion, as he pleased himself, and when
inform their judgments of what they did he pleased. Observe, 3. What our Saviour
not know, aod tp direct their practice, what ^ n we|j ^ wbat ^ dkJf m tWs k^Bm
he would have them to do : He, through venmg time betwixt his resurrection and
the Holy Ghost, gave commandments unto ascension, being forty days. He spake la
the apostles; that is, he distributed the his disomies of the things pertaining to
Holy Ghost amongst them, to be their con- the kingdom of God. That is, 1. Of the
stant instructor and director, what they things pertaining to his church militant, or
should do, in order to the execution of their foe kingdom of grace here on earth, how
office and employment. Learn thence, ^ W0Jd h^ his church plantcd and „
That as the apostles had, so the ministers p^td by the apostles* doctrine, guided
of Chnst, in their measure, shall have, the £& govemed by their discipline : or, 2.
gracious and special influences of the Holy By „? kingdom of God, may be under-
Spirit to direct and instojct, to guicken and 8tood the cliurch triumphant, or the king-
support, them in the faithful discharge of dom of glory in heaven : what perfect bliss
their ministerial office, to the end of the amj happiness he was now going to pre*
world j that gracious promise, LoJ I am p^ forthemm the presence of his Father.
i kingdom is pure*
spiritual kingdom
_ preaching of the
the comfort of it, as well as the apostles, g^ » the great instrumental means for
to whom it was originally made. the erecting of the kingdom of grace, and
3 To whom also he shewed him- **+* °f *" kiD*U™ * glory*
self alive after his passion by many 4 And, being assembled toge*
infallible proofs, being seen of them ther with them, commanded them
forty days, and speaking of the that they should not depart from
Chap. I. THE ACTS. Mtt
Jerusalem, but wait for the pro* of sins should be preached in his name
raise of the Father, which, saith an™g aU nations, beginning at Jerusa-
he, ye have heard of me : 6 For ***"•
John truly baptized with water; Q „,. .. ., -
but ye .bill be baptized with the , 6 ^he?.the* th«cf«™.w«« *?n»e
HolyGhct not many day. hence. W^", *? •*?,# *"' "*?■*•
J J J Lord, wilt thou at this time restore
iog down the Holy Ghost to ^confer upon for vou t0. kno" 'J?6 ltime* 0,r the
them tbe gifts of tongues and miracles, in seasons which the Father hath put
order to the fitting and furnishing them for in his own power,
their work of preaching and publishing the
gospel to all nations : ze shall be baptized Observe here, Tbe disciples' question,
with the Holy Ghost not many days and our Saviour's answer: 1. The ques-
hence. That is. The gifts and graces of tion proposed by the disciples, Lord, wilt
the Holy Ghost shall be largely poured thou at this time restore again the king-
forth upon you, (as water upon the bap- dom to Israel ? That is, wilt thou repair
tized person,) which was fulfilled on the day the ruinous condition of the Jewish state,
of Pentecost When Christ calls his minis- and restore it to that great dignity and
ten to extraordinary assistance, furnishing splendour which we have always expected
them with endowments answerable to their should be done by the Messias } Where
great employments. Note, 2. The place observe, That notwithstanding Christ had
where Christ commands the apostles to wait so often rebuked the Jews in general, and
for the descent of the Holy Ghost upon his disciples in particular, for their conceit
them: namely, at Jerusalem; He com* of a temporal kingdom, (who were so full
wuxnded them not to depart from Jerusa* of ambitious expectations to receive great
lem, but to wait there for the promise, honours and preferments here on earth,) yet
Of all places, tbe apostles would least have it evidently appears, that this notion still
chosen Jerusalem to tarry in, had not ran in their minds, and that their Master
Christ commanded them to wait there. For being now risen from the dead, this was
Jerusalem was now a justly abhorred and the time both for his and their dignity and
detested place, reeking afresh with the blood advancement. Learn hence, That it is
of tbe holy and innocent Jesus ; yet Jerusa- no wonder that unbelievers stumbled at the
lem is the place chosen by Christ for the poverty and meanness of Christ's outward
pouring forth of the Holy Spirit upon the condition when he was here on earth, see-
apostles. Because, 1. There had been his ing it was so hard for the disciples thera-
greatest humiliation : there Christ had suf- selves to be convinced, and believe that
fered tbe greatest ignominy, therefore them his kingdom was not of this world. I
will he show forth his power and glory. 2. know not any thing wherein the bishop of
Because at Jerusalem there was the greatest Rome may so properly call himself apos-
company of spectators to behold this noble totical, as in his following this error of the
work, and to be wrought upon by it apostles. Were they always dreaming of
Such as would not be convinced by our Sa- a temporal kingdom ? so is he always dot-
viour*s death and resurrection, might proba- ing upon it, and his eyes dazzled with the
bly be convinced by this miraculous efiu- splendour and glory of it The disciples
lion of the Holy Spirit, descending upon the not only all the time that Christ was with
apostles in fiery cloven tongues. Lord f them, but even now, when upon the point
what an instance was this of thy love to of departing from them, when he was just
thine enemies ! How desirous wert thou of ascending, yea, in part ascended, having
the conversion and salvation of thy very one foot upon the earth, and the other in
murderers! In and at Jerusalem, where our the cloud which took him to heaven, yet
Lord was crucified, the Holy Ghost first still they asked him, Wilt thou now re-
descended ; and when Christ appointed store the kingdom ? that is, settle upon us
where the gospel-combination should begin, thy followers secular power, and temporal
Jerusalem is the first place in nomination dominion here on earth ? But mark, 2.
by him. St Luke xxiv» 47. And he said Our Lord's answer, ver. 7. It is not for
unto them, that repentance and remission you to know the times or the seasons,
£82 THE ACTS. Chap. I.
which the Father hath put only in his for gmtubtion and thankfulness ; and to
own power. Our Saviour's answer doth improve both in farther measura and in-
not in the least imply that any such king- crease of holiness and sanctifirahon both of
dom should ever be granted, as tbey dreamt heart and life,
of; but he checks their curiosity in enquir-
ing into the times and seasons, and nature 8 But ye shall receive power, af-
of God's secrets, which it no ways concern- ter that the Holy Ghost is come ap-
ed them to pry into : It is not for you to on you : and ye shall be witnesses
know the times or the seasons. Here note, un^0 me both in Jerusalem, and in
1. Something implied, namely, that there aU ju<|ea> an<i i„ Samaria, and .unto
iSlff^SZgiS^ &5K *• «■»«— » p** °( *• «*•
yet man's curiosity has an itching desire to Observe here, How Christ instead of gra«
search and pry into. There is nothing tifying his disciples* curiosity, acquaints
more natural to man, than a desire to know tDem wjtn tQejr own daty : he tells them
both what shall be hereafter, and when t^&i although they had received his Spirit
that hereafter shall be. We are very care- before, in some measure, yet very shortly
less in seeking out the season of that which tDe Spirit should be poured forth upon
we ourselves should do ; but over-careful them in a plentiful manner, to confer the
and curious in seeking out the season of gjft 0f tongues, prophecies, and miracles,
what God will do. Note, Here is some- up0Q them, for rendering them fit to preach
thing expressed, namely, that God hath the gospel throughout all nations, and fabo
times and seasons for executing his own to testify and bear witness unto the truth of
purposes, which it is neither proper, or pro- wnat Oirist did and said m Judea and Sa-
fitable, nor possible, for us to know. Not maria, both to Jews and Gentiles, even to
proper, because none of our business ; not ^ uttermost parts of the earth. Hence
profitable, because no part of our interest ; notCf what is thespecial work of the mmo-
not possible, because out of our reach. It ten of the gospel ; namely, to bear witness
is not possible for us to know either what ^to Christ : Ye shall he witnesses unto
God is about to do, or when he will do it mCm This they do three ways ; Christum
It is not possible for us to know it as men prmdieando ; secundum Christum vioen-
by a natural sagacity, nor as christians by a j0 . propter Christum patiendo : M By
supernatural illumination ; no, nor as min- the purity of their doctrine, by the piety of
isters and apostles, without divine inspire- their lives, and by their patience under suc-
tion and extraordinary revelation, which we fe^g, both for Christ, and from Christ*
have no warrant to expect, and should Note, 2. What it was that enabled the
have no curiosity to desire. Learn hence, apostles thus to bear witness unto Christ,
That it much better becomes us with an Damely, the pouring forth of the Holy Spi-
awful silence to adore, than with a bold r jt upon them : The Holy Ghost shall
curiosity to pry into God's hidden and un- comc upon y0Ui and ye shall be witnesses
revealed secrets. Yet though it be not for unto mtt Thence learn, That some mea-
us to know God's times and seasons, it is j^ 0f ministerial gifts and sanctifying
our duty to expect them, and be prepared -^a, from the Holy Spirit, is absolutely
for them. We know not when our Lord necessary to enable the ministers of the
will come to us by death and judgment, g^pei t0 bear their testimony unto Christ
whether in the evening, or at midnight, wjtb faithfulness and success.
or at cock-crowing, or in the morning ;
but it is our duty to believe and expect it, 9 And when he had spoken these
to wait and prepare for it, and be always things, while they beheld, he was
ready to receive him. Finally, Though it taken up ; and a cloud received him
is not for us to know the times and sea- out of their ^ghim
sons which God hath put in his own pow- °
er, yet it is for us to know the times and Here an account is given of our Saviour's
seasons which God hath put in our power : triumphant ascension into heaven, with se-
namely, the present time to improve it, ana veral remarkable particulars thereunto be-
the time past to bewail our misimproveraent longing. Observe, 1. Who and what it
of it. To improve the time of affliction, was that ascended : even the same that de-
fer consideration and humiliation ; and the scended, Christ Jesus in ha divine nature
time of prosperity, mercy, and deliverance, as God, and in his human nature as man ;
Chap. I. THE ACTS. 693
ha person caoasting of soul and body, be King of glory to his royal pavilion: A
now aaoended in both. Observe, 2. The cloud received him out of their sight,
place he aaoended from : from this world in And, O ! what jubilations of the blessed
general, and from mount Olivet in parti- angels were heard in heaven! The triumphs
cular, that very place where be began his and univeital acclamations are not ended to
last sorrowful tragedy. Where his heart this day, nor ever shall end. 3. He as-
began to be sad, here it is now made glad, cended munificently, shedding forth innu-
Learn hence, That God can make the very merable and inestimable gifts upon his
places of our trouble and torments, fas sick church at his ascension : When he ascend-
beds, prisons, strange countries,) to become ed up on high, he gave gifts to men ;
places of comfort and triumphant joy unto prophets, apostles, evangelists, pastors,
us, when be pleases. Observe, 3. The and teachers. And, O! how many
place whither he ascended : into heaven •, thousands now in heaven, and upon earth
that is, the third heaven, the throne of God, also, are blessing Christ, at this day, for
the seat of the blessed. Hence he is said to these his ascension-gifts ! Observe, 6.
ascend Jar above all heavens; that is. The witnesses of our Lord's ascension:
above the aerial and starry heavens which Elias had but one witness of his rapture
we see, into the highest heavens ; unto the into heaven, St. Paul not one ; but Christ
place where he was before, as himself ex- will neither have all eye-witnesses of his
presses it, John vi. 62. Thence learn, That ascension, not yet too few ; he did not
the Lord Jesus Christ is returned back again carry all Jerusalem forth to see his glorious
to that sweet and glorious bosom of delight departure, but the select company of his
and love, from which he came at his first disciples only ; the number of witnesses
incarnation : What and if ye shall see the was about an hundred and twenty. Those
Son of man ascending up where he was be- who bad been partners with him in his
fore ? Observe, 4. The time when our humiliation, are now made witnesses of
Lord ascended ; forty days after his resur- his glorious ascension. If we will con-
nection. The care and love of Christ to his verse with Christ in his lowly estate here
church was manifested by this his stay with on earth, we shall be made happy with
(hem. Unspeakable glory was prepared for the sight of his transcendent glory ere long
him* and did not await him ; but he would above. Observe, 7. The cause and rea-
not go to possess it, till he had settled all sons why he thus ascended ; namely, be-
filings for the good of his church. And cause, bad he not ascended, he could not
when be bad settled his family in order, and have been inaugurated and installed in the
given charge to his disciples concerning the glory he now enjoys above. Had he not
discipline of his house, he would stay no ascended, he could not have interceded, as
longer, lest be should seem to affect a ter- now he doth, for us here below. Had he
sene life. Note hence, That Christ desired not ascended into heaven, we could never
to be no longer here, than be had work to have entered heaven : he entered as our
do for God and souls. A good pattern for fore-runner, as our head and representative,
our imitation, to desire life upon the score and we ascend after him in the virtue of
of usefulness % to be willing to begone when his ascension before us. In a word, had
oar work is done. Observe, 5. How andaf- he not ascended before us, the Holy Spirit
ter what manner Christ ascended up into hea- had not been enjoyed by us, as a sanctifier,
▼en : be ascended, as well as was raised from and as a comforter, at least not in that
the grave, by his own power, ver. 10. Whilst measure in which he has since been enjoy-
they looked stedfastly, he went up ; that ed by his church : If Christ had not
is, by his own divine power. True, the gone, the Comforter had not come. He
angels did attend him, but they did not as- begins where Christ ended. Take we
sat him. Elias went to heaven in a cha- good heed then, how we treat the holy
riot of fire, but he was fetched up, he could Spirit whom Christ sent down from heaven
not carry himself up ; but Christ needed no at his ascension thither; that we do not
chariot, no carriage of angels for his con- grieve him by our unkindness, nor vex him
veyance, being the author of life and mo- by our disobedience, nor quench him by
tion. 2. He ascended magnificently, with our sinful neglects of duty -, for in grieving
great triumph, into his kingdom in heaven ; the Spirit, we grieve our Comforter, and in
God went up with a shout, the Lord with grieving our comforter, we grieve ourselves.
the sound of a trumpet. A cloud is pre- But let us entertain him kindly, on account
pared as a royal chariot, to carry up this of his nature ; for he is God, Acts. v. On
2 Q
594 THE ACTS. Chap. U
the account of his office, and the benefits plication, with the women, aad Ma-
we receive by him ; for be a Vinculum ry the mother of Jesus, and with his
Unionis, the bond of Union between Christ brethren,
and our souls, without which we can nerer
have either interest in Christ or communion The apostles having seen our Saviour
with him. thus gloriously ascend into heaven from
mount Olivet, they return to Jerusalem,
10 And while they looked stead* which is called a sabbath-day's journey,
faatly toward heaven, as he went up, that is, about two miles. Eight furlongs
behold, two men stood by them in make a mile, and Bethany, in which was
white apparel ; 11 Which also said, the mount of Olivet, was from ^safem
v \J: K«f r*Lt;io» «»h« aland v#» ahout fifteen furlongs, John xu 18. This
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye ^ ^ common a^ which ^ Jcwj
gazing up into heaven ? 1 his same ^ m lfae smbbit|l^1yt but rather for
Jesus, which is taken up from you meditation than recreation's sake. The
into heaven, shall so come in like apostles thus returned, assemble together4
manner as ye have seen him go into at Jerusalem, where they lay the founds.
heaven. tion °* the firat S080^ church. And here
observe, 1. How the names of all theefeven
Observe here, How the spectators of our apostles are repeated, and distinctly set
Lord's ascension were justly transported down : to show that although they had fel-
into an ecstasy of wonder and admiration, len from their profession, and forsaken
Christ ascended gradually and leisurely, Christ, yet they had recovered themselves
that he might at once confirm the faith, and by repentance, and were risen again ; and
delight the eyes and minds, of his behold- upon their recovery were continued by
ers. Whilst they thus stood admiring, two Christ in their former office and dignity. O
angels in the shape of men appear m white, the mighty power of a sincere repentance,
(a colour which they oft appeared in, to to reinstate us in the favour and friendship
show both that they retained their native of an offended God. Observe, 2. How the
purity, and also to represent the joyfulness sight of Christ's ascension had establisbel
of their errand which they went upon,) and and confirmed the apostles* faith: they
call to the apostles, who were some of them now adore and worship him, and assem-
men of Galilee, to take notice that this Jesus ble together to perform their joint devo-
wnom they now beheld ascending up into tions to him. Before Christ's resurrection
heaven, should come again to Judge the and ascension, we scarce read of any act
world, and so come again in like manner ; of adoration that the disciples paid unto
that is, visible, in a cloud, by his own him. True, they looked upon him as a per-
power, with the like majesty, and with the son sent from God, a great prophet, and
same soul and body. But not one word of the son of David. But his deity being
the time when ; that not knowing the hour, evinced, and now made evident to them by
we may be upon the watch every hour: his resurrection from the grave and ascen-
Ideo latet unus Dies ut obseroentur sion into heaven, they now worship him as
omncs. the Son of God. See Luke xxrv. 52. Ob-
serve, 3. The place were this christian
12 Then returned thev unto Jc- congregation did assemble : In an upper
rusalem from the mount called room- J1*1 * .***. ?*' ?amnTd! *
Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a « l^lZ^n^S «v^T
../.., . -. rt * j pie : in the large upper room, say otners,
sabbath-days journey. 13 And whe^ Christ ha^ latel^eaten the passover
when they were come in, they went wim his disciples : it was, no doubt, the
up into an upper room, where abode most convenient place they could find for
both Peter, and James, and John, that solemnity; an upper room being re-
and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, mote from noise and company, aad capa-
Bartholomew, and Matthew, James <*>« ?10U&h *> ««»* ** P^pnmmve
the son of Alpheus, and Simon Ze- church, consisting of an hunted and
. 4 » / , • . . ^. r twenty persons. It teaches us, that all ao>
lotes, and Judas the brother of ^^^h ^^ to tilDe and place,
James. 14 These all continued and otter circumstances, for the better per-
with one accord in prayer and sup- forrnaace of holy duties, ought to be made
Chap. I. THE ACTS. 606
use of and improved by us. Observe, 4. insomuch as that field is called in
Xbe persons who were the first constituting their proper tongue, Aceldama, that
members of this new constituted church; ^ to gay Thc ficld of b|ood# 20
W^Tfa t^^A^Z'v^n Por * » written in the book of
oi women in general, and ot tne Virgin *, , - , . « ... .. , ,
Mary in particular ; where we may remark, Psalms, "* *»* habitation be de-
That this is the first and last time that the solate, and let no man dwell there-
scripture makes mention of her after Christ's in : His bishopric let another take,
death. None of the evangelists record one During the ten days' stay and conti-
word of our Lord's appearing once to her, Huance of the apostles at Jerusalem, before
Airing his forty days stay and continuance the feast of Pentecost, a motion was made
opoo earth after his resurrection. Doubt- amongst them for filling up the vacancy
less, The Spirit of God in the holy scrip- m the sacred college of the apostles, which
tares, by speaking so sparingly of her life, was occasioned by the death of the traitor
and nothing at all of her death, took care Judas; and here we have observable, 1.
that all those fabulous reports of her assump- The person that made this motion, St. Peter :
fen, which have since arisen, should find J„ those days Peter stood up, and sai8.
bo footsteps in the word of God. God Whence the church of Rome would infer
dealeth with her as with Moses, of whose his supremacy ; but very groundlessly.
sepulchre no man knoweth unto this day, For St Peter's being the chief speaker, and
lest it should be abused to idolatry. The sometimes the sole speaker, is not to be at-
ksarned Dr. Lightfoot is of opinion, that she tributed to his superiority ; but, 1. To his
continued under the care of the beloved seniority, be being probably ekler than the
disciple, unto whom Christ committed her, rest. 2. To his apostolical office : be was
for some time, and at last was taken away appointed to be the first and chief minister
br nuutyidom, according to Simeon's pro- of the circumcision, to preach among the
pbecy, Luke ii. 25. A sword shall pass Jews ; and therefore no wonder that Peter
through thine own soul also. Which m first mentioned, when any thing relating
prophecy, he thinks, pointed at the manner to the Jewish affairs is recited. 3. His
of ber death. But notwithstanding thc si- forwardness to speak and act for Christ and
fence of the scriptures, the church of Rome his interest, may be imputed to his repent-
confidently affirms, that the Virgin lived ance, it being but necessary that he, who
sixty-three years, and that all the apostles had so scandalously fallen, should by his
were at her funeral, except St. Thomas, future zeal convince the world both of his
who desiring afterwards to see her holy repentance and recovery. And accordingly
corpse, the sepulchre being opened thc third be speaks, acts, and labours more abun-
day, the body was gone, being assumed dantly than all the apostles : not that the
and taken up into heaven. rest were idle or insignificant j for they
15 And in those days Peter stood w^#^ual with, 2* J*ving an equal au-
lL * j . r i_- j- • i thonty, an equal gift of miracles, an equal
lip in the midst of his disciples, num{^ ^^ an ^ p^ t0
and said, (the number of the names preach the gospel, an equal wisdom iu
together were about an hundred and preaching of it ! For the reasons above
twenty,) 16 Men and brethren, mentioned, St. Peter spake and did so
this scripture must needs have been much i having dishonoured Christ before
fulfilled which the Holy Ghost by by ,h» cowardly denial of him, he now
the month of David spake before re?1"* .t0 •*n,h"J5^l M53S
T . . . f - 1 extraordinary measures of zeal and activity
concerning Judas, which was guide for him._&bserve, 2. The honourable
to them that took Jesus. 17 For office and station which Judas once had :
he was numbered with us, and had He was numbered with the apostles, and
obtained part of this ministry. 18 obtained part of that ministry with them.
Now this man purchased a field Judas, though (secretly) a thief, a traitor,
with the reward of iniquity; and yea. a devil, yet had he by Christ's own
tailing headlong he bur'st Lender tTo^^A^l^
in the midst, and all his bowels gad, is it to preach to others, and to become
gushed out. 19 And it was known castaways ourselves ! to prophesy in thy
unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem ; name, and yet to perish in thy wrath ! to
2 q 2
THE ACTS. Chap. f.
cast devils out of others, and yet to be cast take part of this ministry and apos-
the devils ourselves ! to have our ministry tleship, from which Judas by trans-
blessed to others' comfort and salvation, gression fell, that he might go to his
and at the same time to minister to our ^ lacc M And th vc forUl
own condemnation ! ztuis taliafando tern- .. . r, , ^ A .• . j 2 .. ^
jerrf * /acAr^tf* Observe, 3. Judas's £e,rJots : a»d the lot ufe^ UP°"
sin described^ He was guide to them Matthias; and he was numbered with
that took Jesus, ver. 16. A guide to the the eleven apostles,
chief priests in their counsels, as to the
manner of apprehending Christ ; and a Judas having in the fbrementioned man-
guide to the soldiers, as to the time and ner made void his office, and being gone to
dace of his apprehension. Note thence, his own place, St. Peter moves the corn-
That there cannot be a greater sin, than for pany, that another person may be chosen
a person to be a guide and leader of others to fill up the place. Where note, 1. The
into sin. Woe to magistrates! woe to electors, or persons choosing; namely, the
ministers ! woe to parents ! that are found hundred and twenty : these were the ete-
guilty of this sin. Observe, 4. Judas's ven apostles, the seventy disciples, and
punishment declared : 1. He was hanged about thirty-eight more, all of Christ's own
or strangled; some think by bis own kindred, country, or converse ; not that
hand, others by the devil's. No doubt these were all the believers that were found
that Satan who had so great a hand in in Jerusalem, for he appeared to Jive hurt-
his sin, had more than a finger in bis pu- drcd brethren at once. But these followed
nishment. Of all mortals, no wretch ever him continually, were of his family and
deserved so direful a fate as this traitor Ju- society, and of his immediate train and
das : and doubtless it was the dreadfullest retinue, and appointed by him for the rain-
that the devil could inflict 2. It is added istry : these therefore make the choice ; and
that he hurst asunder, and his bowels of one among themselves is the choice
gushed out. The rope, or that to which made. Note, 2. The qualification of the
it was fastened, breaking, he fell down person which St Peter directs the company
headlong, and burst asunder, and his bow- to observe in the choice they make of this
els gushed out A just and suitable pun- new apostle : One that had companied
isbment for his want of bowels to his kind with them all the time that the Lord
and innocent Master. 3. He went to his Jesus went in and out among them. That
own place ; that is, he went and was sent is, one that had followed Christ from his
to bell and damnation, the proper place for baptism to his ascension, to the intent he
the son of perdition ; called his own place, might be an authentic witness, both of the
because of his own choosing, of his own doctrine and miracles, but particularly of
deserving, of bis own procuring ; it was the resurrection, of the Lord Jesus : for the
what he had purchased to himself by the article of the resurrection includes many
wages of iniquity, and justly deserved for other articles of faith in it ; for if he arose
bis final impenitency. from the grave, he was buried ; if he was
buried, he died ; if he died, he was born.
21 Wherefore of these men which Therefore the person whom they choose,
have companied with us all the time was to be one that had companied with
that the Lord Jesus went in and them. Note, 3. That the apostles did not
out among us, 22 Beginning from Pretum5 t0 ordain an apostle by imposition
the baptism of John unto that same <* han*f;r!?f ih!LfS Tf^ ^5
j Ail a i- a i r chosen of God immediately, it was neces-
day that he was taken up from us, ^ that he who wag to Jact m ^ same
must one be ordained to be a wit- office should be chosen after the same man-
ness with us of his resurrection, ner. Accordingly they cast lots, and leave
23 And they appointed two, Jo- the determination to God ; who devolving
seph called Barsabas, who was sur- il uP°n Matthias, be was thereupon nura-
named Justus, and Matthias. 24 ***** with «he eleven apostles. Lots were
And they praved, and said Thou i"^^^
Lord, which knowest the hearts of how ca8ual ^ it seemed, God was the
ail men, shew whether of these two undoubted determiner of it. Therefore to
tftou hast chosen, 26 That he may cast lots upon trivial occasion* and solemnly
Chap. II. ,THE ACTS. 597
to appeal to God's determination in ludi- ""* M ^ve n^d *&*ti™* above the
crous matters, is profanely to take the name worid» and *"> nearest ^J0 heaven ; not
of God in vain. UP°D sucn u m huned alive in worldly
business. Earth will extinguish fire as
CHAP. II. ,well as water, and some say sooner;
_^ . . A . 4 m A . . not only sensual lust, but an excess of
^^ffiraXVTb^ £ ^^y b«.in«. and worldly drudgery, will
apostles at the feast of Pentecost This was QUenCh the Holy Spirit, and Cause him to
matter of wonder andamasemenMo some, but of <fepart and ^ away aggrieved from US.
■corn and mocking derision unto others. Here- ruTH.... o °rpi J ^6 ' w ,
upon 8t Peter stands up, and in a most excellent Observe, 6. I be persons On Whom the
sermon defends the apostles, convicts the Jews of Holy Ghost tylUS descended ; namely, the
crucifying the Lord of life, and exhorts them to •«rt«*Ljfl. •»«» tkot *K^« «.A.l „:a« * *i
believe on bin, whom they had ignominiously pnt JPf"? ». DOt ^ theV, Were ™tbout the
to death; and the Holy Spirit crowned his en- Holy Spirit until now, they had him before
deavoun with a desirable .access.. w his sanctifying graces ; here they receive
A ND when the day of Pentecost was him m his extraordinary gifts, to fit them
-** fully come, they were all with one [or extraordinary services. When God ex.
accord in one place. 2 And sud- ^S^J?^ any ?f hl 8ervaDts t0
j i al f1,»^' j " '" "UM more than ordinary service, they may ex-
deoly there came a sound from hea- «& more ^^ ordinary assistance. The
ven as of a rushing mighty wind, Holy Spirit now descended upon the apos-
and it filled all the house where ties in his miraculous gifts, and if we be
they were sitting. 3 And there ap- not wanting to ourselves, he will descend
peared unto them cloven tongues UP°Q m in invisible favours every day,
like as of fire, and it sat upon each J?j*in* °°r ""$* ™d h2to 5 te??PIe aPd
of them: 4 And they were all filled * *£S^
with the Holy Ghost, and began to ful assistJcJ! hf^ quicLingTfS"
speak with other tongues, as the ences ; pouring in both the oil of grace,
Spirit gave them utterance. and also the oil of joy and gladness, into
, .*. . j. , . . , our hearts. Observe, 4. The manner how
In this extraordinary and miraculous de- the Holy Ghost at this time descended on
scent of the Holy Ghost upon the apostles, the apostles : 1. Suddenly, like the wind ;
°^SVe: 'J™ tome,7 when' W/tfn th€ <% a rushing mighty wind from heaven ; in-
cf Pentecost was fully come; that b, fifty rfnuatin^ that it was not the apostles'
days after Christ s raurrection. The day prayer that brought, but Christ's promise
of Pentecost is probably believed to have and power that sent, the Holy Ghost thus
fallen then upon the Lord s day ; it is cer- miraculously down upon them. This rush-
tain from Acts 1 that the Spirit descended fag wind did also represent the mighty effi-
wben i the apostles were unanimously as- caCy of the Holy Spirit now descending,
sembled for his worship, and continued 2. In the appearance of fiery cloven
with one accord m prayer and supplication, tongues ; cloven, to signify the variety of
There ■ no way to obtain the Holy Spirit languages which the apostles should be en-
from l«aven,both as a sanctifier and as abled to speak, and to qualify them to preach
a comforter, like fervent prayer, assiduity the gospelunto all nations; and fiery, to
^t1^?™™mo™tooUoi^es^idW represent that fervent heat and zeal they
in the public assemblies of the samts. Ob- should be endued with themselves; that
serve, 2. The place where : at Jerusalem, divine light they should impart to others,
the more general place, Where our Lord had as also that purity and holiness which they
undereone his ignominy and reproach, and all succeeding ministers of the gospel
there he manifesto forth his glory and dig- ought to appear beautified and adorned with,
nity : First, by his triumphant ascension, Finally, As fire dissipateth and disperseth,
and afterwards by his miraculons mission multiplied and increaseth ; even so the gifts
of the Holv Spirit. The more particular and graces of the Holy Spirit, the more
place was the upper room, where they were they are diffused and well employed, the
assembled and constantly prayed. This more will they be increased ; by imparting
upper chamber was most raised towards to our people, we shall gather to ourselves,
heaven, most remote from noise and com- Thus was our Lord's promise fulfilled to his
pany, and worldly distractions. The Spi- apostles, in sending down the Holy Ghost
rit of God descends upon, and rests with, upon them, but not upon them only ; the
jgg THE ACTS. <*»P- »•
holv far : to quicken and strengthen, to a imputed it to drunkenness. Here note,
.DirVrf wwer; to guide and direct, as a 1. Tbewisdoro and pro^ndenceof Atojgb-
EriofSwom.nd^,unSel;to«.nite«.d ty God. to so °rWbetat J^"!
knit their hearts together, as a spirit of love, of the gospel, Uiat the fcme thereof and
Ami bteLedbe oSfot the promise of the of that convincing mirade wh|eh. gave an-
«me HolySpWtTaWde witTall believe*, tbority thereunto, might bej onr»d I untoaU
Sough not in his miraculous gifts, yet in nations by so many eye and «™<»«*
his slnctifyiog operations and siVing graces, "™,>™frW*J*«£*J^
to the endyof Worid. T^%ZlfZ?£^
6 And there were dwelling at Je- heaven ; that is, of every nation where
rusalem Jews, devout men, out of any Jews were scattered at this time
every nation under heaven. 6 Now throughout the world, *«««• aomemr-
whJ this was noised abroad, the ^tSS^ST'AT^^iZ
multitude carae together, and were ^ c£inic|iJr gyea of those persons,
confounded, because that every man who from t^I several countries came up
heard them speak in his own Ian. to ^ house of God in Jerusalem, to
guage. 7 And they were all ama*- worship him there: they are styled dewt
ed, and marvelled, saying one to men ; and they received from God the _re-
another, Behold, are not all these ward of their piety and devotion. Had
«i.;A|. o^olr n«1.1pftn« ? ft And t*wy staid at home, as many of their we-
which speak Galileans f 8 Ana J ^ ^ ^ wft#
how hear we every man in our own J^~ w ^^ miracle fcr the
tongue, wherein we were born f 9 confirmation of their faith as now they
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, wer& yet note, 3. The different influence
and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and effect which this miracle of the Holy
and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Spirit's descent in fiery cloven tongues, had
Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and upon the minds of the people* Jerwalem,
i>..mnk.,i;a ;n Fo-vi.t and in the Some were struck ra an ecstasy of adminv
Pumphylia, in Egypt, and in tne awfiJ ^^^ ofb&% & g^
parts of Libya about Cyrene, and and phariaeei probabiy^ scornfully deride,
strangers of Rome, Jews and pro- ^ impule £e miracle to drunkenness,
selytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, saying, These men arefullofnew wiVic.
we do hear them speak in our tongues a senseless slander ; for though excess of
the wonderful works of God. 12 wine may give a man more tongue, yet
And they were all amazed, and were not more tongues. O ! how have the holy
in doubt, saying one to another, operations oftbe blessed Spirit *****
wu * Ju tu\a> i* n*h»rl beginning been slandered and blasphemedl
What meaneth th,s ? ™ Others 3J[ tne effects of drunieuii«tos,
mocking, said, These men are full ot of ttthuriMm or melancholy now !
new wine.
The feme of the foregoing miraculous ™ But Peter^ standing up witb
operaUonTtheHoly SpiriTbeing instantly the eleven, lifted up his voice, and
spread abroad in Jerusalem, and there being said unto them, Ye men of Judea,
present at that time great multitudes of Jews, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem,
who had come from all parts of Judea, to be this known unto you, and hearken
the feast of Pentecost, and also many other ^ my words : 15 For these are
Jews and proselytes born in other nations, ^ drunken, as ye suppose, seeing
SSRWS 22W! J «■ ** * ** V VS t£ •
worship the true God at Jerusalem ; when *« But this is that which was
they heard the apostles speak in their own spoken by the prophet Joel ; 17
Chap. II. THE ACTS. 580
And it shall cone to pass in the last men, but plentifully and abundantly poured
days,(saithGod,)IwiUpouroutofmy **& «»<"* the &*& dispensation upon
Spirit upon all flesh : and your sons al[ believe™. It » one of the great cheats
and ^daughters shall prophesy, Jjjt^^
and your young men shall see visions, Qodistied to the pommel of his chair :
and your old men shall dream dreams : that he, and his cardinals, have monopolized
18 And on my servants, and on ray the Holy Ghost. But, blessed be God, he
handmaidens I will pour out, in those has promised to pour out his Spirit upon
days, of my Spirit ; and they shall *H ™sh, even uP°n servant! and hand-
prophesy : . 19 And I will shew maid8» ^J*10?' that beLdot? not despise
~*v.wiAM ;« ii^o^^n nu.,n ««*i «;„«« persons of the lowest rank and condition m
wonders in heaven above, and signs JL- _^.u u„* #u«» «u~ • ~* *u
• ai_ _al u al. ui j j this world, but that the promise of the
in the earth beneath ; blood, and Spuit h made unt0 them ^ observe
fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The lastly, What is here foretold that should
£un shall be turned into darkness, come to pass after this great effusion of the
and the moon into blood, before that Holy Spirit, namely, Wonder in the heaven,
great and notable day of the Lord and signs in the earth, the sun turned into
come : 21 And it shall come to &*"'"' an* tAf T°l "** b^
pass, that whosoever shall call on W!&*?F^^J^TTlT2M
f, ' miwwfw , ,," ^*" j and troubles, the calamities and desolations,
the name of the Lord shall be saved. which 8houId yyj the Jews Mote ^
-., , _, . . r „A destruction of Jerusalem, for their crucify-
Observe here. The holy courage of St M tbe ^ of m ^ , unt0 whiih
^L? **!*"** P8 "IS00™?1 ^ is subjoined tbe only way to escape and
apostfes, and confiiting the calumny of avokitr^, nair^y, calling ur^ tbV Lord
drunkenness, which was now cast upon m fervent ^ ^j^ : Who-
himself and them: These men are not ^er shall call upon the name of the Lord
irLUn!ie^ ye 7ST? 'eet%u' " *?' '»*" *" "**- Intimating, that prayer
the third hour of the day. Where note, m^eg ^ ^fa*. §ad ^ \ mn f^
1. How he argues negatively from the time m ^ ^^ that no ^ 8naU falaI1y
of the day : it was but the third hour of the touch our —^ or ^^ near our d we,f_
day, that is, nine o clock in tbe morning, j_ wmj8t we ^j^ hoW of q^j by ^^
which was the hour for the morning sac- ^ appiotch unto him by prayer. Lord f
nfice and prayer ; and the worshippers of how nappy „ it when 8trong afflictions
God (at the great feast especially) were ne- fom thee, raise strong affections in us to-
ver wont to eat or drink before those holy wards thee I
services were performed. In those times
they went Jo their public devotions fasting; M Ye men of Israel, hear these
£?? "^^.^r^K86^ the,r words, Jesus of Nazareth, a man
bellies. The first fruits of the day were ™V1"°» j * J-; j »*•■««■» «■ •««*«
offered m the temple then ; in the tavern approved of God among you : by
now: ten. morning and evening visits are miracles, and wonders, and signs,
made by some to the latter, for one to the which God did by him in the midst
former. Note farther, How he argues posi- of you, as ye yourselves also know :
lively: he assures them, that the apostles 23 Him, being delivered by the de-
were full of the Holy Ghost, and not full terminate counsel and foreknowledge
a°LxVwS^ of?i\^hr taken'-fiandd b*
ptetion of a prophecy uttered by Joel: ™ked *•»£■ ha™ f'ucified and
That in the last days, that is, in the shim: 24 Whom God hath raised
days of the Messias, there should be a roost up, having loosed the pains of death ;
plentiful effusion of tbe Holy Spirit upon all because it was not possible that he
Jksh : that is, upon Jews and Gentiles, should be holden of it.
and upon all sorts of persons without dis-
tinction, old and young, sons and daughters, St. Peter having wiped off the unjust
bond and free. Learn thence, That the aspersion of drunkenness cast upon himself
Spirit of God is a free spirit, not confined and his brethren in the foregoing verses;
to any party, to any order er degrees of in these he makes it his business to con-
*600 THE ACTS. Chap. II.
vince the Jews that they were the mar- relating to the death of Christ, but what
derers of the best man that ever lived in the came under the holy counsel and wise de-
world, even Jesus of Nazareth, the true and termination of God. Yet this foreknow-
promised Messiah. In order to this he ledge and counsel of God, as it did not
treats in this sermon, 1. Of the person necessitate and enforce them to it, so nei-
and life of Christ. 2. Of the sufferings ther doth it excuse them in it God*
and death of Christ. 3. Of the resume- foreknowledge and determinate conns*
tion of him from the grave. First, as did no more compel or force their wicked
touching his person, the apostle shows, hands to do what they did, than the ma*
That he was evidently sent from God and riner's hoisting up his sails to take the triad
approved of him, by those many miracles, to serve his design, can be said to compel
wonders, and signs, which were wrought the wind to blow. God's eod in acting
by him. Hence note, That the many and was one, their end in acting was another;
great miracles wrought by Christ, evidently his most pure and holy, theirs mat ma-
prove that he was sent of God, and came licious and daringly wicked. In respect of
from hirr., and was approved by him. God, Christ's death was justice and mercy,
Our Saviour's miracles, for the nature of in respect of man, it wasmuiderandaitt-
them, were beneficial to mankind ; for the ty ; in respect to himself, it was obedience
number of them, they were many; for and humility. The third part of the apoi-
the manner of their operation, they tie's sermon, respects the resurrection of
were public and open, in the sight and the Lord Jesus Christ from the grave,
view of all the people ; not in corners, Ver. 25. Whom God hath raised up, hav-
like the Popish miracles, (wrought before tng loosed the pains of death; because it
their own creatures only,) but oefore his was not possible that he should be koUen
enemies ; and for the quality of them, they of it. Christ, though laid, was not tori in
were of the greatest magnitude, cleansing the grave ; but revived and rose again! and
the lepers, raising the dead, giving sight to rose by the power of his Godhead True,
them that were born blind; by a word God is here said to raise him, and the Spirit
spoken, by a touch given : so that our elsewhere ; but we are not to understand it
blessed Saviour had all that attestation that so, as if they raised him by their power
miracles can give, that he was commissioned without his own power ; for he declares it
by God, and came from God. The second expressly, John ii. In three days I vill
part of Peter's sermon here treats of the raise up the temple of my body. And if
sufferings and death of Christ : By wicked he had not raised himself by ha own
hands ye have crucified and stain him, power, how could he be said, Rom. i. 4.
who was delivered by the determinate To be declared to be the Son of God by
counsel of God. Where note, 1. The the resurrection from the dead? What
name and kind of death which Christ died : more had appeared in Christ's resurrection
this is described more generally ; it was a than in any other, if that were all ? For
violent death, Ye have slain him ; more others were raised by the power of God as
particularly, it was an ignominious, cursed, well as he. Now because the Jews, to
and dishonourable death, ye have crucified whom Peter here preaches, were filled with
him. Learn thence, that the Lord Jesus prejudice against Christ, the apostle thought
Christ was not only put to death, but to tit to tell them that God had raised him
the worst of deaths, even the death of the from the dead; yet by consequence it
cross. Now the death of the cross was a sufficiently appears in the following dis-
violent death, a painful death, a shameful course, that Christ raised himself from the
death, a lingering death, a succourless dead. — Learn hence, That the Lord Jens
death, and an accursed death. Note, 2. Christ, by the omnipotent power of the
The causes of Christ's death are here ex. Godhead, the Father's, the Spirit's, and his
pressed. The principal cause, permitting own Godhead, revived, and rose again
and ordering, was the determinate counsel from the dead, to the terror and <HDSterD?'
and foreknowledge of God. The instru- tion of his enemies, and the unspeakable
mental cause, effecting, was the wicked consolation of all believers. As by the
bands of the Jews : Him, being delivered eternal Spirit, or the power of his own
by the determinate counsel. Src ye have Godhead, he offered up himself to God
taken, and by wicked hands crucified, when he died j so when he was put to
cfc Learn hence, That there was not any death in the flesh, he was quickened by the
one particular action or single circumstance Spirit j that is, by the power of his din*
Chap. II. THE ACTS. 601
nature. The nine Spirit enabled him to sermon, which he preached at the feast of
do both. Observe also, The reason annex- Pentecost, to convince the Jews, that Jesus,
ed, why God raised op Jesus Christ : be- whom they had crucified, was undoubtedly
cause it was impossible that death should the promised Messias, because he was raised
bold him. But how impossible ? 1. from the grave according to the prophetical
Twas naturally impossible, upon the ac- prediction, Psal xvi. Thou wilt not leave
count of that divine power which was in- my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer
berent in his person as God. 2. Twas thine Holy One to see corruption. And
legally impossible, because divine justice accordingly St Peter doth strongly prove
being fully satisfied by his sufieringi, re- that these words, in their literal sense, could
quired that he should be raised to life ; as not be spoken of David, because he was left
when a debt is paid, the prisoner is die- in the grave, and saw corruption ; but must
charged, and the prison-door opened. be applied unto Christ, who though be was
_--,-.., . A. laid, yet was not lost in the grave, but saw no
26 F°r David spcaketh concern- corruption, being raised by God the third day.
ing bun, I foresaw the Lord always Hence note, That though death bound the
before my face ; for he is on my right handsand feet of Jesus Christ, and laid him in
hand, that I should not be moved : his grave, yet, Samson-like, he snapt and
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, broke those bands winder, it being impos-
and my tongue was glad ; moreover ■*■• *? * *oM * **>&? of them, or
also mj flesn shall rlst in hope : 27 ^J*££ £S JSJt Se
Because thou wilt not leave my soul _ve tonger than three foyrg. h Beauae
in bell, neither wilt thou suffer thine be was Lord of life and death, he was the
Holy one to see corruption. 28 resurrection and the life; life to quicken
Thou hast made known to me the himself, and the resurrection to raise us ; be
ways of life; thou shalt make me wthe resurrection effectively, the life es-
full of joy with thv countenance. 29 *ntiaUy and formally. Now it was im-
vf-.«. J.i i »ul « i «. c i possible for death to hold him that was lrfe
Men and brethren let me freely g^under it8 power, any longer than he
speak unto you of the patriarch Da- who * life ^J^ . aild for tni8 reason be
vid, that he is both dead and buried, » said to swallow up death in victory, 1
and his sepulchre is with us unto Cor. xv. 54. 2. Because of his undertaking
this day. 30 Therefore being a for us ; for if Christ had been held by cor-
prophet, and knowing that God had P0*1 death, we must have continued for
swora with an oath to him, that of the SELT^J w«J^ 1**^*^1
- .A e . . . . ,'. . ., therefore the Holy one was not suffered to
fruit of his loins, according to the ^ corruption, thc least corruption, accord-
flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit in? t0 tDe prophetical prediction, Psal. xvi.
on his throne ; 21 He, seeing this Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell ; that
before, spake of the resurrection of is, my dead body in the grave, (for David
Christ, that his soul was not left in *** left in that hell, from which Christ was
hell, neither his flesh did see corrup- »»d» but the bell which David was in was
tion. 32 This Jesus hath God rais- D* te3™d J* ■«* $ T.'^SL t"i
. , - „ .A Holy One to see corruption ; that is, I
ed up whereof we all are witnesses, ^f neither ^ nor {ee^n0T Iie under the
33 Therefore, being by the right poWcr 0f corruption, but shall suddenly
hand of God exalted, and having re- rise again, and then my Father will show
ceived of the Father thc promise of me the path of life, and make me full of
the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth joy with his countenance ; that is, after my
this, which ye now see and hear, resurrection, I ^ "" ^ ««» #xj™
o^i? Tk-j* ~i jj-* the presence of my Father, where I snail
34 For David is not ascended into ^f^^ofj^^d^^ofpUcurc
the heavens : but he saith himself, ror evermore.
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit The last part of St Peter's sermon treats
tbou on my right hand, 35 Until of Christ's ascension. Ver. 33, Therefore
I make thy foes thy footstool. being by the right hand of Qod exalted,
SfC intimating, That when the Lord Jesus
St. Peter here proceeds in this memorable Christ had finished his work upon earth, he
008 THE ACTS. Chap. II.
was placed in the teat of the highest honour been to close, it is probable the sucoaai of
nod authority, at the right hand of God in the sermon had not been so considerable,
heaven. To convince the Jews of the cer- Thence learn, That the success and efficacy
taioty hereof, St Peter applies that pro- of the word preached, depends upon a par-
raise, Psal. ex. 1. unto Christ, Sit thou ticular and warm application of it to every
on my right hand, until I make thy foes man's conscience : generals will not affect
thy footstool; showing that these words See aa instance of it in what follows,
are not applicable unto David ; for David
is not ascended into heaven in his own 37 Now, when they heard ikis,
person, but his body remained in thesepul. they were pricked in their heart, and
chie then among* i them ; but Christ was sai^f unto J>etcr and to the rest of
tt^^VJ^S *• ft*"- Jft — «■— "*
now tent down the Holy Ghost in fiery wnat «naU we do *
cloven tongues, and divert languages, upon „ .. „, ^ ,
them. Where note, The gieatabd win- H**1the.u,uoo?.of &- **? * fnn~ B
derful change in the state and condition of '5*^1 • J™*™" werenot 2™7 **«*•
Christ, smel his ascension into heavco: a •?•£* *** ***** wcre ,00?ed .wtth*
little while since they died him the ear- luadiJf "■«" '» *** "J01™ *» ""»» "*
penter's ton, th„ ftllov, tkit deceiver ; «<!u,r? »l»tthey ihonU do tobe saved I ?
now he has obtaineel a more excellent name &■» » «» <*»*« »ould have been ^ofiend-
thanangds. Then be had not a place to «*" "*.« WJ- ■ad to* *"5l*
lay his Read on ; now be is exalted to be ™^j^^)^?*^V*,*£**
hiir of all thing*. Here he sweats, there "P**8* » J** Of* & ^u. *Tr
he sits ; here he froaned. there be triumphs : "* *%**? l"d.,l0,1h,nS uj* •"* to »*•
never to groan, weep, or bleed more. His L*^ ***$l that •" w*» done to then-
human nature is now advanced to the high- J"0* : ^ SL. ?<*« jeproves them not for
est honours, even to the object of adoration tbea ■"«■* but.Puh J601 "P™ rdon«i
both to angels and men. This was the Baindy, the exercise and practice of repent-
doctrinal part of St Peter's sermon: it J""* m *•. «*»***• . H«_Bote, 1
treated of the person, life, miracles, death, Jj** •«»»?■. »*■■ «* « "> tart", by.
rewrrection, and ascension, of the Lord «* •ndoScn°IM<ry P°* "*******
Jesus, in a very close and convincing man- cha3F!: £• V** ,he .Pwdsmg of the
ner. His warm application of th<f whole w°"! " * ,n*™nfn'?1 «»*?« «« «*
now follows, ver. 36 •**»? .and u««>Bipl»bmg of thu, change.
3. That the best preaching is that which
36 Therefore let all the house of R™*» "**'*. hearts' T"*LMd.S?*¥"
I.r.e. know r«red.y that God tZgZ&A&*2£
hath made that same Jesus, whom estt aiMi Qf tne great necessity of a change.
\c hare crucified, both Lord and 4. That when men are once convinced of
Chri»t. their bad state and dangerous condition,
their first enquiry will be, yea, should and
That is, God the Father bath ordained ought to be, What they should do to be
juid appointed this Jesus, whom ye have saved ? They said, Men, and brethren*
crucified, to be the Head and Saviour of »A<*f shall we do? The apostle liked that
his church, he being the true and promised enquiry very well ; and answers it in the
Messiah. Learn hence, That the Lord Je- next verse,
sus Christ was constituted and appointed by
his Father, to be the supreme Governor and 38. Then Peter said unto them,
only Saviour of his church. God had made Repent, and be baptized every one
Jesus both Lord and Christ, both a Prince of you in the name of Jesus Christ,
and a Saviour. Note forther, How very for the nmMgm of gin9 . and ha|1
close and home the apostle is in applying ^^..^ ,i^ •* Ar 4kA o i W *
what he had said to to auditors ; h? doth ™ei™ thl *lft °f ^hc P01* Gh(Mt'
not rest in generals ; but says plainly, Ye 39' *or tbe Proralse ls unto yon,
are the men. This is the same Jesus whom an<* to your children, and to all that
ye have crucified, whom ye with wicked are afar off, even as many as the
hands have slain. Had not the application Lord our God shall call. 40. And
Chap. n. THE ACT*. 4169
with many other words did he tes- vileaes only; Hence learn,- That when
tify and exhort, saying, Save vour- <*» take* believing parents into covenant
selves from this untoward gene- **h !«"* he **• al*> their children or
t: ° seed into covenant with himself likewise.
And if so, then the seal of tbe covenant,
_. , n n , , which is baptism, ought to be applied to
Observe, 1. St Pteter exhorts them to re- them. It is evident that under the Old Tes-
pentance, But did they not repent already? 1amentf children were in covenant with
Were they not now pricked at their hearts ? God, as well as their parents. And do we
And will the apostle add grief to grief, and any where find that ever they were cast out
fain to smart ! Know, that the apostle ad- under the gospel ? The apostle doth not
vises them to join to their legal sorrow, wy the promise xoas unto you and your
evangelical repentance, such as is attended »ed ; but, still is ; for otherwise children
and accompanied with owning Christ to be would be in a worse condition under the
Ibe true Messias, with believing in him, with gospel of Christ, than they were under the
desire and hope of pardon from him. law of Moses; but surely the privileges of
Where by the way, observe, That St. Peter the gospel are not straiter and narrower than
prescribes a dose of the same physic for those of the law. Observe, lastly. How St.
them, which he had very lately taken him- Peter closes all with an exhortation to his
self with good success, when upon his auditors, to save themselves from that ti*.
hearty sorrow he obtained pardon for deny- toward generation ; that is, from the
ing his Lord and Master, Matt. xxvi. 75. Scribes and Pharisees, that sour sort of men.
He xoent out and wept bitterly. No ser- who desperately and maliciously opposed
moos are so sovereign and so successful as Christ and his gospel, and by their authority
those which proceed from the minister's and example kept people from embracing
personal and comfortable experience. St the only way of salvation revealed by Jesus
refer presses upon his auditors the doctrine Christ.
of repentance, which he himself had prac-
tio^l^S^^^ ,.41^enthe«g,idlyTT,d
directs then! to be baptized in his name, hls ™ri w*rc baptized : and the
and then they should be capable of tbe gifts Mmc day therc werc added unto
of tbe Holy Ghost ; even of those miracu- them about three thousand souls,
lous gifts which they now saw and admired
in the apostles. Learn hence, That bap- Observe here, 1. The wonderful success
tism is a solemn ordinance and sacred insti- of St Peter's sermon : about three thou-
tution of Jesus Christ, which is not to be sand were converted to tbe profession of
administered to any out of the christian the christian religion in one day, by near-
church, till they profess repentance and ing a single sermon. How many thou-
raith in Christ, and sincere obedience to sands of sermons have been since preached
him; Repent and be baptized every one without the conversion of a single person ?
of you. Observe, 3. Tbe argument which Oh, what an high holiday was this me-
the apostle uses with them by way of en- morable day in heaven ! This All Saints
couragement to persuade them to repent day was a festival of great solemnity there,
and be baptized ; for says he, The promise where there is joy over one sinner that
is unto you and to your children; to you, repenteth. But here did concur several
Jews of the seed of Abraham, and to your advantages to render St Peter's sermon more
seed ; and to as many of tbe Gentiles, and effectual : 1. The sufferings of our Saviour
their seed, as shall be called by tbe preach- were so near in place, and so late in time,
ing of the gospel to profess faith in Christ, that his wounds were still fresh bleeding
and subjection to him. Where, by the pro- in the guilty memories of the people now
misef is meant tbe gracious covenant of assembled. 2. The present miracles of
God, whereby he often pardon and peace to tongues bestowed on St Peter, and his un-
such as will accept them. Now this ac- learned companions, did wonderfully make
oeptance is twofold: 1. Cordial; which way for the word delivered. And, 3. His
entitles a person to all the benefits of the auditors were devout men, ver. 5. ignorant
covenant, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, enough, but yet brought with them minds
And, 2. Professional only ; which enti- fairly disposed for information and con vie-
ties a person and his seed to church pri- tkra. 4. The Holy Spirit wrought now
604 THE ACTS. Chap. II.
extraordinarily by and with the word, and ground* and principles of it, and then
caused this miraculous improvement. Now choose accordingly ; otherwise our adhe-
d id our Saviour fulfil his promise to his rence to the best religion in the world, will
disciples : John xiv. 12, Greater works rather be the result of chance than of judg-
than these shall ye do, when I go to my ment and choice. Observe, 3. They con-
Father. Now was Peter the disciple above tinued stedfast in fellowship. This mav sig-
his Master in success : Christ all his life nify and import three things : 1. 'Their
time was angling for a few fishes, whilst communion with the apostles, their keeping
St. Peter comes with his drag-net, and catch- close to their own teachers in opposition to
es three thousand at one cast. Observe, schism* which is a causeless, and therefore
2. These three thousand were baptized the a culpable, separation ; they were obedient
same day in which they were converted, to their spiritual governors and instructor,
and probably in the same place, which 2. Their society among themselves, and
was at Jerusalem ; either in the temple, or communion one with another : as the corn-
in some house, where the sermon was munion of saints in heaven is a considerable
preached. We need not enquire, whether part of the happiness of heaven, so the Jet-
the apostles did it by dipping or sprinkling, lowship of saints on earth is a sort of hea-
both being lawful ; but this may be said, ven upon earth. The comfort of our lives
It is hard to guess how such a quantity of depends much upon society ; but more
water could be brought to the place, as upon the suitableness of society. The pri-
inight serve for the decent dipping of three mitive saints were all of one mind, and
thousand persons in so short a time. And, therefore fit to make one body. For though
upon supposition that the water was not man loves company, yet it is the company
brought to them, but they went down to of those lfe loves. 3. Mutual assistance
that ; baptizing so many by dipping, would which they gave and received, a comam-
have required a week rather than a day to nication or free distribution to the neces-
despatch it in. sities of each other : they did by love serve
. , , .«i/., 0De another, and parted with their posses-
42 And they continued stedfastly sionsforthe support of each other. This
in the apostles* doctrine and fellow- liberality and mutual supplying one ano-
ship, and in breaking of bread, and ther's wants, did plainly show, that they
in prayers. esteemed themselves as fellow-members of
the same body ; and that they were perfect*
Which words give us an account of the \y united in heart and affection. Observe,
behaviour of the first christians, particu- 4. Another religious office, m which they
larly in their religious assemblies, and of the continued constant, was breaking of
way of worship used in the church of Je- bread ; that is, receiving the sacra-
rusalem, the true mother church, in the ment : so great and fervent was the de-
time of the apostles. Where observe, 1. votion of the first christians, that none of
The doctrine which they adhered to, the doc- their religious assemblies passed m which
trine of the apostles j that is, the doctrine they did not make this solemn coramemo-
delivered by Christ, and taught by the ration of our Saviour, and show forth his
apostles, and contained in the Holy scrip- death ; looking upon their other religiout
tures. This was the rule which the first service as lame and defective without this,
christians governed themselves by, both as Our Saviour's blood was still warm, and
to faith and manners. It was infinite wis- those first christians kept it so, by their de-
dom in God to inspire holy men for com- vout and frequent remembrances of it
mining this doctrine to writing, and not And it was their constancy in breaking of
to leave it to the hazardous and uncertain bread, which quickened and put life into all
way of tradition. Observe, 2. The steady their religious actions. This fitted them
adherence of the first christians to this doc- both for doing and dying ; their frequent
trine of the apostle: They continued sted- drinking of the blood of Christ fired them
fastly in it; that is, they were constant with zeal for shedding their blood for Christ,
hearers of it, and attendants upon it ; they Lord ! what reason can men now give for
received it not upon trust, but due examma- neglecting so holy and useful an institution >
tion. Learn hence, That religion being the Are we above those helps to a good life
great interest and common concern of roan- which they used ? Have we not as much
kind ; he that espouses it aright, must first need to arm ourselves against sin and
understand and examine the fundamental temptations, as they had ? But the plain
Chap. 11, THE ACTS. 005
truth is, men are not willing to be to holy should want ; the rich very readily sold their
now as they were then. This ordinance, possesions and goods to help and relieve the
their consciences tell them, would engage poor. Yet note, 1. That this community
them to greater strictness of life than they was not of all their goods, but of that part
are willing to undergo. They must leave only which every one did voluntarily con-
their sins, which they are loath to part secrate and devote to the relief of the
with ; they must forgive their enemies, church's necessities. It was not in a strict
whom they had rather be revenged of; sense a community of goods that was here
they must enter into new engagements, practised ; but by all things we are to un-
whereas they had rather be at liberty. So derstand such things as every one freely
that those things which make men loath to laid aside for the service of the poor. Note,
come to the sacrament, are indeed, if duly 2. That this practice was only used in
considered, the greatest arguments to draw Jerusalem in the beginning of Christianity,
them thither; and, according to the exam- without being a precedent for after-times
pie of these primitive christians, to be con- and places. Res qua; erat temporaries
slant in breaking of bread. Observe, 5. necessitatis et liberi arbitriu non debet
The last thing which they continued sted- in exemplum trahi, multo minus ut ne-
Rst and constant in, was prayer j that is, cessaria obtrudi. Christ's gospel doth
in the public and solemn addresses made to not destroy the moral law ; the eighth
God in the religious assemblies, whereby commandment is still in force ; which it
they poured out their souls to God both in could not be if there were no property.
prayer, and supplication, and in praise and The lesson for your instruction to be ga-
tfaanksgivings. The public prayers and tbered from this instance, is this : That they
intercessions of the church of Christ, are who have ability ought to abound always
greatly to be esteemed by all christians ; in ordinary, and sometimes in extraordi-
they glorify God most, he esteems and nary, works of charity ; we must always
accepts them best. This keeps up a sense relieve the saints* wants as we are able,
of God and religion in the world, and and sometimes upon an extraordinary oc-
aothing delights God more than the joint casion above what we are well able.
prayers and praises of his people. Psal. ^ . , , ,. . ...
Cxxvii.2. The Lord lovcth the gates of 46 And they, continuing daily
Zion more than all performances in the with one accord in the temple, and
dwellings of Jacob. breaking bread from house to house,
did eat their meat with gladness
43 And fear came upon every and singleness of heart, 47 Prais-
soul : and many wonders and signs ing God, and having favour with all
were done by the apostles. 44 the people. And the Lord added
And all that believed were together, to the church daily such as should
and had all things common ; 45 be saved.
And sold their possessions and This chapter concludes with giving us
goods, and parted them to all men, an account how these primitive christians
as every man had need. spent their time together in the service of
God ; and in great simplicity and sincerity
Observe here, 1. What awful respect amongst themselves. They continued
God obliged the people of Jerusalem to pay daily in the temple; that is, at the usual
unto the apostles : Fear came upon every time of prayer they joined with the Jews
scul9 at the sight of those wonders and in their prayers in the temple. We must
signs which were wrought by the apostles, not think that they preached sermons, and
Tis God that keeps up the authority and administered sacraments in the temple ;
reverence of his ministers in the minds of that would not be endured, as appearetb,
their people: did not behold these stars chap. iv. 1. But having performed their
in his own right hand, how soon would public devotions daily in the temple at the
men trample them under their feet ! Ob- accustomed times of prayer there, they used
serve, 2. An extraordinary instance of a to resort to a private and particular place
noble charity among these primitive chris- to celebrate the Lord's supper, and after -
tans: They had all things common, wards took their ordinary and necessary
That is, tbey chose rather to part with their repast with gladness and singleness of heart.
estates, than that any of their brethren And thus these holy christians conversing
606 THE ACTS. Chap. IIL
together with great simplicity and sincerity, o'clock in the morning, St Peter preached
they went on cheerfully in their christian a sermon, chap. ii. 14. which by the bleav
course, praising God for what he had done mg of the Holy Spirit accompanying it,
tor them and by them ; and their holy and converted three thousand souls. Here at
harmless conversation procured them favour three o'clock in the afternoon on the same
with the generality of the people, who had day, (as the learned Dr. Lightfoot notes)
not their hearts possessed with the preju- be preached a second sermon, which con-
dice against Christianity, as the Pharisees verts five thousand more. This affords at
had. And thus by the purity of the apos- once a good precedent, and a good eocoor-
tles' doctrine, and the exemplary piety and agement, to the apostle's successors, tha
unblamableness of their lives, the Lord ministers of Christ, to the end of the world,
daily added more and more converts to for the preaching twice upon the Lord's day:
his infant christian church. Learn hence, if, in the room of three and five thousand
That the work of a thorough and saving souls, we be mstrumental for the conver-
conversion upon the hearts and in the lives sion of one single son), it is infinitely worth
of men, is God's work. It was not the the indefatigable pains and diligence of oar
mighty rushing, nor the miracle of the whole lives. Observe, 2. The place which
fiery cloven tongues, nor St Peter's sermon, the apostle preaches in, the temple ; thither
nor any of these, nor all of these, that did the apostles went, not to ofler sacrifice, but
or could alone produce this great effect with- to inform the Jews, that the law of sacri-
out God and the internal operation of his fioes was now abolished by the death of
Holy Spirit. Therefore it is expressly said, Christ ; not to communicate with them is
That the Lord added to the church ; not St their antiquated worship, but that they might
Peter, nor all the apostles. Yet note, 2* have a larger field to sow the seed of the
That though God and his Holy Spirit be the gospel in. Observe, 3. The circtnnstance
author and efficient cause, yet the preaching of time ; at the how of prayer. In all
of the gospel, and an exemplary coover- ages since God had a church in the world,
sation agreeable thereunto, were the subor- there have been stated times and places for
dinate helps and instrumental means condu- solemn public worship *, by which means
cing thereunto. They continuing daily in a sense of God and religion has been pre-
the temple, and breaking bread [from house served and kept up in the world, which
to house, did eat their meat with gladness otherwise would be in danger of being
and singleness of heart. A nd thereby the lost. The worship of God in the closet
hard added to the church daily such as will not do this, because it is unseen ; but
should be saved. stated, solemn, public worship, glorifies
God most, and he accepts it best, Ptol.
CHAP. m. Ixxxvti. 2. The Lord loveth the gates of
The constituting of the first gospel church, we bad Zjon\ m0JS than ?l ihe ****»*& *f
recorded in the former chapters. The Ant perse- Jacob. The apostles went up together
I ?£? niw?t3 ain,t.tbil c»hur;h' "IJ1"" 5Ml* Mo the temple at the hour of prayer.
in this and the next chapter, together with the _. , A. .. r . »*' r J
. occasion of it; which was, st Peter's healing Sine atationibus non staret mundus.
the larae beggar. No sooner was the primitive
church planted, though miraculously, but a per- 2. And a certain man, lame from
sedition m stirred up against it, roost maliciously , . , , . . «
to root it up, and lay it waste: wherever God hlS mother 8 WOmb, was carried,
has his church, the devil wilt be sure to set up -.k^m tkAV \A\A HaiI v at tho crai* nf
his chapel; not a chapel of ease for the saints, ^OOm Uiey laiCI OWiy ■>« U1C gate OI
but a chapel of service for himself. Hoping at the temple which IS called Beautiful,
once to strengthen the walls of his own king- ._ « !Li— .- ~x iL.« it.i AM.*i^«- jk
dom, and to raze the foundation of Chrisfs tO ask alms Of them ttiat entered
church, which yet thegates of hell shall never Jnto the temple ; 3. Who seeing
fully nor finally prevail against. * « t t_r l ** •*_ *i_
Peter and John about to go into the
NOW Peter and John went up to- ta»ple. ask?d an. alrns' 4' £ad
gether into the temple, at the Peter fasUning his eyes upon him,
hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. *"* Juohn' •Md» ^ok °» "•• 6-
r J * And he gave heed unto them,
Observe here, 1. The remarkable dili- expecting to receive something of
gence and industry of St. Peter and the them
other apostles in preaching the gospel of
Jesus Christ At the third hour of the day, Observe here, 1. The condition of this
on the feast of Pentecost, that is, at nine person: 1. He was poor, even to beggary -
Chap. III. .THE ACT8. GCft
but poverty b no sign of God's dis&vour, 6 Theft Peter said, Silver and gold
dot doth exclude any from partaking of the navc i none; but such as I have
**?* £f ^^u8, Hen was ^T .* g^e I thee: in the name of Jesus
had continued a cripple forty years, chap. ? A™ hc, too* him by the right
iv. 22. The man was above forty years hand, and lifted Aim up : and ira-
oid, on whom this miracle of healing was mediately his feet and ancle-bones
showed. Consequently the cure was the received strength. 8 And he leap-
harder, and the person cured the more ere- fog up, stood, and walked, and en-»
dibte witness taunst them that cavilled at tercd with lhem int0 the teriiple,
m^d ^of^o^St! ?»?** *nd *I**. *nd »™»S
poor cripple: his miseries and calamities, **°Q'
his lameness and poverty, are overruled by Observe here, 1. The poverty of this
God for good to him, even for the best great apostle St. Peter, and holy contempt
good ; namely, for bringing him to the of the world ; silver and gold he had none ;
knowledge of Jesus Christ, and salvation his pretended successor the pope upon his
by him. O ( bow good is God, at making election says the same, but with as little sin-
op all our losses, and exceeding not only cerity as he says, Nolo Episcopari. The
oar deserts, but our expectations also! This apostle's poverty was real, not fictitious.
poor roan only begged an alms, God gives The holiest, the wisest, and best of men,
him his limbs ; yea, gives him his Son, are seldom the wealthiest. Silver and gold
and salvation by him. Thus we receive have I none, but such as I have I give
of God daily more than we can either ask thee : as if he had said, " I have no money
or think. Observe, 3. The apostle's ad- to give thee, but that which is better than
vice to the lame man, and his ready com- money ; I have received power from Christ
pliance with that advice ; Look on usf says to cure and heal diseases, and having receiv-
SL Peter ; he doth not say, Believe on us, ed it freely, I will give it freely : therefore,
but, Look on us, and believe on Christ* in the name of Jesus (that is, by the pow-
This the apostle spake to quicken his at- er of Jesus, whom in contempt you call Je-
tenrion, and excite his hope. M if St. sus of Nazareth,) be healed, rise up and
Peter had said, " You look upon many walk." Observe, 4. The nature of the mi-
others as able to relieve your necessities: racle here wrought : it was, 1. Public and
mow look on us, and see what we can do open, not done in a corner, but before all
for you f accordingly he fastened his eyes the people at a public time, Pentecost, and
upon the apostles, and beheld them as ex- at a public place, the gates of the temple.
pectant of relief. Here note, 1. The great The miracles, that is, the lying wonders*
mercy of God that was mingled with this wrought in the church of Rome, will not
poor man's affliction ; though he was lame, bear the light. Miracles are by them most
ne was not blind. He could and did sted- pretended to where people are most igno-
festly behold the apostles with a fixed eye rant, and a dark shop is fittest for their false
both of body and mind. Note. 2. That wares. 2. Instantaneous and sudden : im-
what the cripple could do, he must and did mediately his feet and ancle-bones re-
do* towards his own healing. He could ceived strength. This evidently showed it
not move a foot, but he could fix his eye. to be God's work ; he was perfectly cured,
We are spiritual cripples, labouring under and instantly cured, though he was lame
a moral impotency; being without strength, from his birth, and had continued lame
Rom. v. 6. But God expects the exer- above forty years. All things are easy,
rise of our faculties, and the use of our en- yea, equally easy, to an Almighty Power ;
deavours, m order to our recovery, help, if God speaks but the word, tie lame shaft
and healing. As the cripple looked up to leap as an hart, Isa. xxxv. 6. Observe, 3.
the apostles, so may we look up to the The humility and faith of this great apostle,
ministers of God ; hear them, and apply to discovered tn the mariner of the cure:
them, and place ourselves under the word his humility, in not disdaining to touch
dispensed by them ; for he that made us and take hold of, and life op this poor
without ourselves, will never save us' without cripple from the ground; his faith, in
ounelves ; but we must work out our own being fully persuaded of Christ's presence,
salvation, Phil. ii. 12. relying upon his power, and depending
906 THE ACTS. Chap. III.
upon his promise, Mark xvi. 18/ ' Tbey beget it. The Spirit'* extraordinary work*
shall lay hands on the sick, and tbey shall may produce astonishment; bat it is the
recover.* The apostles had not a power at work of the Spirit that must produce firth,
their pleasure to work miracles ; but when Observe, 3. How the apostle abaseth hkn-
God pleased to work them, be made it self and his fellow-disciples, that he might
known to them by inspiration, and put exalt Christ : he will not suffer the least
them upon it Observe, 4. How the poor part of the praise and glory of this miracle
cripple piously ascribes the praise of this to stick to their own fingers, but gives it all
miracle to God only : He leaped and to Christ. Think not that we by our own
praised God, not the apostles. No instru- power and holiness nave made this man to
ment must rob God of his glory ; we may walk. The Jews had a conceit, that extra*
pay and gratify the messenger, but must ordinary holiness would enable a man to
return our prime and principal thanks to work miracles. The apostle denies it: for
our benefactor. No doubt the cripple re- though there be a great difference betwixt
turned thanks to the apostle, but his pray- miraculous faith and justifying faith ; yet
jn unto God only. To conceal Goers true justifying faith has a miracle in it,
mercies is ingratitude ; to attribute them to though not so obvious to sense, requiring the
second causes, is sacrilege. same power to work it in us which raised
up Christ from the dead, Eph. i. 11. Learn
9 And all the people saw him hence, That Christ's power, not his apostles'
walking; and praising God : 10. And holiness, was the cause of all the mtrades
they knew that it was he which sat that were wrought by them. Why look
for alms at the Beautiful gate of the you so earnestly upon us, as though by
temple: and they were filled with turnings we had made this man to
wonder and amazement at that if*!*^?** *£ *"*««*"**»
t • i I i i , .i. , , man made strong, ver. lo.
which had happened unto him. 11 °
And, as the lame man which was 13 The God of Abraham, and of
healed held Peter and John, all the Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of oar
people ran together unto them in fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus ;
the porch that is called Solomon's, whom ye delivered up, and denied
greatly wondering, 12 And when him in the presence of Pilate, when
Peter saw it, he answered unto the he was determined to let him go.
people, Ye men of Israel, why mar- 14 But ye denied the Holy One,
vel ye at this ? or why look ye so and the Just, and desired a mux-
earnestly on us, as though by our derer to be granted unto you ; 15
own power or holiness we had made And killed the Prince of life, whom
this man to walk ? God hath raised from the dead :
~, , , A 4, whereof we are witnesses. 16
Observe here, 1. As soon as ever the A • , . .. , r .A, . . .
poor cripple receivedstrength, all the people And his name, through faith mbis
beheld him praising and blessing God. nvnae, hath made th» man strong,
Learn hence, That toe very first appear- whom ye see and know ; yea, the
ances of the power and mercy of God to- faith which is by him hath given
wards ourselves or any of ours, should put him this perfect soundness in the
us upon the works of praise and rejoicing, presence of you all.
We truly say, " Better late than never :" but Y J
it is best to be early in every good work, Observe here, 1. How St Peter lays bold
especially in the noblest and most angelical upon this opportunity, (when the people
work ; namely, that of thanksgiving and are gathered together to gaze upon this lame
praise. My voice skalt thou hear, says beggar,) to preach a second awakening
David, betimes in the morning; my pray- sermon to the Jews, in which he rebukes
ing voice, my praising voice. Observe, them sharply for their cursed contempt of
2. The influence and effect that this mi- Christ, and the horrible indignities offered
raclehad upon the minds of the multitude, to him. 1. They denied him, although he
it occasioned wonder, but did not produce was an holy and just one. 2. Tbey de-
faith. They wondered, but not believed, livered him up to Pilate, when he was to-
Miracles will confirm faith, but not alone clined to let him go. 3. They preferred
Chap. III. THE ACTS. 609
Bsrabbas, the worst of men, and a mur- charitable as to impute it to the ignorance
derer, before Jesus, the best of men, and a of the Pharisees, their rulers also. 3. He
Saviour. 4. They murdered the Measias, calls them brethren, though guilty of so
called the Prince of life, because he came great a mistake in their judgment, and fault
to bring life into the world. Where note, in their practice. Now, brethren, I wot
That though probably none of the Jews that through ignorance ye did it, as did
then and there present did actually nail also your rulers. Learn thence, That
Christ unto his cross, yet they having God used the ignorance of some, and malice
given their consent unto it, they are charg- of others, for bis own glorious ends, in ac-
' ed with kilting the Lord of life. A complishing the fore-ordained and foretold
plenary and full consent to the sins of death of our Redeemer. Observe, 2. St
others^ makes us deeply guilty of others* sins. Peter acquaints them, to keep them from
Ver. 15. Ye delivered up and denied the despair, that God had decreed the sufferings
Holy One; ye have crucified the Lord of of Christ for man, and by his prophets fore-
life. Observe, 2. How St. Peter ascribes the told them, who, as they spake by one Spirit,
whole of this miracle to the power of faith ; did all speak the same things, as if they had
ver. 16, Through faith in his name, and all spoken out of one mouth. So that
the faith which is by him, hath given this what the Jews did, be tells them, was,
perfect soundness in the presence though unknown to them, a fulfilling of
of you all. Faith is twice named in this ancient prophecies and promises for man's
one verse, because of the apostle's faith in redemption. Those things which God
working the miracle, and the cripple's faith before had shewed by the mouth of all his
in receiving of it, says Dr. Lightfoot But prophets, that Christ should suffer, he
questionless, it was chiefly the apostle's has now fulfilled. The death and sufler-
Jaith ; for the lame man showed no faith inss of Christ, with all the circumstances
in Christ before be was healed ; he expect- relating thereunto, were all ordained by
ed an alms, but little thought of receiving God, and foretold by the prophets ; which
the use of his limbs ; but the apostle firm- though it doth not excuse his murderers
ly relying on the power and promise of from the guilt of a dreadful sin, yet may be
Christ for healing, did believe that Christ improved as an argument to keep them
could and would help and heal him. Learn from despair. What God before had
hence, That as it is the property and pre- showed, he hath now fulfilled.
rogative of God to do great things, it is the
duty and property of faith to expect great 10 Repent ye therefore, and be
things from God : great expectations from converted, that your sins may be
God honour the greatness of God; we biotted out whcn the times of re-
^^^^m^toimor^\^^ freshi ghaI| comc from &
believe little, as when we do little. A great r *u t j
God and a small faith suit not well toge- *ence of thc **** •
ther : accordingly, St. Peter here, knowing The apostle, like a wise physician, having
the all-sufficiency of Christ's power, exerts discovered to the Jews the danger of their
strength of faith, and through faith in- the disease in the foregoing verses, now directs
name of Christ makes this man whole. them to the only effectual remedy, viz.
17 And now, brethren, I wot that H??1^1 **""' and **• co™er'ed:
through ignorance ye did tf .« &t!^
also your rulers. 18 But those To iepeat doth denote a change & the
things which God before had shew- mind and judgment $ and to be converted,
ed by the mouth of all his prophets, a change in the life and conversation. The
that Christ should suffer, he hath exhortation doth denote our duty, and
so fulfilled. supposes our ability also, by the assistance
of that grace which will never be wanting
Observe here, 1. How careful the apos- to sincere endeavours. They were subjects
tie was, not to drive these murderers of recipient of that Vis grahm verticordia,
Christ (and consequently the worst of men) as St. Austin calls it, " The heart-changing
to despair, but to draw tbera to repentance; power of the grace of God," which could
in order to which, 1. He mitigates their and did enable them to convert and turn
sin, imputing it rather to ignorance and to God. Note farther, How this duty of
blind zeal, man to malice. 2. He is so repentance is urged from the effect and
2 R
010 THE ACTS, Chap. III.
fruit, and profitable consequents of it. 1. Jesus whom we preach to you, visibly to
Your sins shall he Slotted out ; a meta- justify and glorify all penitent and pardon-
phor taken from creditors, which have the ed sinners, whom yet the heaven must
cooks of accounts in which all debts and contain till the restitution of all things ;
reckonings are set down. 2. The times that is, to the end of the world* when the
of refreshing shall come from the presence whole creation which now groaneth will be
of the Lord: by which some understand delivered, and man particularly restored to
more generally the times of the gospel, God, to himself, and to a blessed inimor-
others more particularly understand it of tality. Learn hence, That Christ, being
the time of Jerusalem's destruction ; as if ascended into heaven in our human nature,
St Peter had said, " Know, O my brethren, shall abide and continue there until the res*
that the time of Christ's coming to Jerusa- titution of all things ; and his corpora] pre-.
Jem to execute vengeance on his murderers sence here on earth is not to be expected,
is now at hand ! Repent therefore speedily until he has put all his enemies under hi*
•f what yon have done j that those dread- feet. Now if his body be, and must coo*
ful days to his enemies, may be days of tinue in heaven, surely then it is not in the
refreshment to you.*1 But the days of re- sacrament, as the papists dream ; who
freshnient are thought by most to signify ascribe to Christ's human nature the pro-,
the day of Judgment* which will be a day perty of a Godhead, namely, to be in ten
of refreshing all penitent sinners ; be- thousand places at one and the same time*
cause they shall then enjoy a full and com- contrary to the nature of an human body,
plete absolution from all their sins. Note If the heavens must contain Christ* Christ
here, 1. That Almighty God has his book must be contained in heaven, and then his
of remembrance, in which be writes down presence in the sacraments doth not draw
all the sins which every person commits* him from heaven ; his bodily presence is
in order to their accusation and charge, in heaven, his spiritual presence with his
2. That it is the great wisdom, interest, and people in the sacrament
duty of every person to take care that he Art -, m. A . ....
gets his sins now blotted out of God's . ?2 For Moses truly said unto the
debt-book, as he ever hopes that the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord
reckoning day may be a day of refreshing your God raise up unto you of
to him. 3. That without repentance, con- your brethren, like unto me ; him
version, and turning unto God, there will shall ye hear in all things, whatso-
be no forgiveness, comfort, or refreshment ever he shaU say unto 23
Irom nim. KeprnL that your sins may *_j •*. „k«.u ~™~ *~ t~ ** m
he blotted outZhei I the times of rcfrj- Aud lt "haI|J. £° m* t0 V*** *ai
ment shall come. 4. That a complete every soul which will not hear that
absolution and full discharge from all sin Prophet shall be destroyed from
is not yet enjoyed, till the day of judgment, among the people.
We are in this life continually subject to These words are recorded, Dcut. xvhi.
new sins ; and consequenUy are daily con- 15. and hereby St. Peter pertinently applied
tractmg new guilt, whereby arise new fears ; to Christ, to convince the unbelieving Jews,
so that .a soul has not a full rest till the that he is the true and only Messiah, the
final absolution be pronounced at that so- great prophet and teacher of bis church,
iemn day. whose doctrine it was highly dangerous to
. condemn, though out of the mouth of such
20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, contemptible persons as he and St John
which before was preached unto you: appeared to be unto them. Where note*
21 Whom the heaven must receive la Christ according to his prophetic office
until the times of restitution of all " ^^ dMcnhed, and that three ways :
things, which God hath spoken by !Zl f S V ^^°^Vby^
♦hf» mnnth ~f «n k:« u l u / omce u to declare the whole will of God to
the mouth of all his holy prophets man. 2. By his t a P ket ^
since the world began. unto Moses /one *£%*,* tewefil| <££
„ _ _ 4 . , and the people, as Mosesdid, carrying Goofs
Here St. Peter enforces his exhortation to mind to them, and returning their mind lo
repentanee with a strong motive, namely, God. As Moses was faithful in the
tha r«»4«- * * Wt. • ,° —~*"*-» "««»«j, uuu. xn .musts whs laumui in cne exaro-
tht ™?uY £ Pf*,? ^H t0 i^S8 tion of to office» *> wa» Christ. As Mom
«* work*. Qod shall send Jesus ; this confirmed his doctrine bv miracW » did
Chap. III. THE ACTS. 611
Christ Aa Moses brought brad out of Emmanuel, Daniel's Holy Onef ZechariaW
literal Egypt, so Christ brings us out of Branch, and Malacbi's Angel,
spiritual Egypt, whereof the Egyptian __ v . .... t .
bondage waY V figure. 3. By hi Sock 25; Ye a^e )he children of the
and original, from which according to the prophets, and of the covenant which
flesh he sprang ; I will raise him up from God made with our fathers, saying
among thy brethren. Christ honoured the unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall
nation of the Jews, and the tribe of Judali, all the kindred of the earth be
with his nativity. Thus this great Prophet blessed
is described. Note, 2. A strict injunction *
to hear and obey this great Prophet ; hear Still observe, How sweetly St Peter in-
him only, hear htm universally. The word vites and encourages these murderers of
khn9 is to be understood exclusively, him Christ to repentance : the worst of men
and none but him ; that is, in the same must neither be driven to despair, nor be
manner that we hear him, him for his own too hastily despaired of. He tells them
authority's -sake, his ministers for his sake, they were the posterity of Abraham, Isaac,
as speaking from him, and in his name ; and Jacob, witn whom God first entered
and we must hear him universally, in all into covenant, and consequently they were
things,— every command is to be obeyed, children of the covenant, and also children
none to be disputed; be the duty com- of the prophets; that is the people to whom
manded never so difficult, and the sin for- God primarily and chiefly sent the prophets.
bidden never so tempting. Note, 3. A So great were the prerogatives of the Jews,
severe commutation .- The soul that will that they are called the children of the pro-
no/ hear shall he cut off That is, God pbets, children of the promise, children of
will severely revenge himself upon the stub- the covenant, children of the kingdom.
bom and disobedient. Learn hence, 1. But the higher a people are exalted by spi-
That the Lord Jesus Christ is constituted ritual privileges, the lower they fall if they
and appointed by God to be the great pro- miscarry.
phet and teacher of his church. He reveals
the will of God perfectly, powerfully, per- 26 Unto you first, God, having
suasively, plainly, and infallibly. Learn, raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to
2- That it is the duty of all to hear and o- bless you, in turning away every one
bey the voice of this great Prophet, and this 0f you from his iniquities,
under the penalty of eternal destruction :
Every soul that will not hear that Pro- Here note, 1. That the offer of Jesus
phet shall he destroyed from among the Christ and eternal salvation by him, was
people. first made to the people of the Jews, because
, - they were the children of the covenant.;
24. Yea, and all the prophets from lnat ^ the oniy people in visible com-
ftanuel, and those that follow after, munion with God throughout the whole
as many as have spoken, have like- world. Note, 2. The benefit offered ;
wise foretold of these days. God's Son is raised up ; that is, either, 1. Au-
thorized, consecrated, and appointed to be a
That is, " All the prophets from Moses to Saviour ; or, 2. Raised from the grave. You
Snmn^, and particularly Isaiah the evan- crucified him with wicked hands : but be-
jgehcal prophet, did foretell the coming and hold the divine clemency ! He is first offered
Kingdom of the Messias, the special mercies to you his cruchlers ; God has sent his Son
to them that believe on him, and the de- in the preaching of the gospel first to you ;
struction of those that reject him.*' Where and this not to take vengeance on you, but
note, That Samuel is mentioned as the first to bless you. He being the great High-
prophet between them, because he was the priest, blesses authoritatively and effectually;
first prophet after Moses that wrote his pro- and the blessing he dispenses is not a tempo-
pbecy, and first erected the schools of the ral blessing, as you expected, a pompous
prophets.— Learn hence, That Christ was Messiah, a secular kingdom, but spiritual, in
the sum of the law as well as the substance turning souls from sin to God ; he offers to
of the gospel ; all the legal sacrifices pointed bless you by turning every one of you from
at him, ail the prophets prophesied of him, your iniquities. Learn hence, 1. That it is
and received their completion in him. He Christ's proper work to turn sinners from
Abel's Sacrifice. Isaac's Ram, Isaiah's their iniquities. O ! that we would all sub-
2 R 2
A
612 THE ACTS. Chap. IV.
serve Christ in that great work ! He is the These were distract persons, and they wen
principal agent ; let us be subordinate in- differently distasted; The captain, who
strumeots, by practising holiness ourselves, was placed with. a band of soldiers near the
and promoting holiness in others. Learn, temple to guard it was offended for fear of
2. That to be turned by Clirist from our a tumult, from such a vast appearance of
iniquities, is the greatest blessing we can people as came to see the recovered crip-
receive from him ; because 'tis a spiritual pie. The priests were offended, because
blessing, a fundamental blessing, a com- the apostles being private men, went about
prehensive blessing, an endearing blessing, publicly to teach and instruct the people,
an everlasting blessing. not considering toe extraordinary call which
the apostles had. The Sadducees were dis-
CHAP. IV. pleased, because they preached the resurrec-
_ . . tion from the dead, a doctrine which they
ncuiow cSn irougF/b^tbH VratuA^Ta denied ; and because they preached through
cripple that wm lame from hit birth. Thu chap. Jesus the resurrection from the dead, that is
ter rauainU ua how exceedingly the goreruon tnroueh the power and efficacy of Jesus ;
both in church and atata were offended and T i« -V l i *^V^^*« • ■*«»» j
enraged thereat, to such a degree, that they asserting Christ to be both the efficient and
impnaoo the apoatlea, and raiae a persecution also the exemplary cause of the resurrection :
againat the church; which yet God over-ruled n9kA ■ *„„.;„„ *L»J1 r»h»Ut\. r^.„.^^t^^ «h»*
tor hie own glorr, and hi. church'e increaaa. *« inferring from Chnst 8 resurrection, that
TbU infiuit goapci church in the time of the all his followers should arise with him, and
chorch waa moleeted, the more the multiplied ; God Suffered these persecutors and this per-
'^reaeed they Were oppf•,,ed, *** mon **** seoution to proceed : They laid hands up-
on them ; and put them in hold. How
ND as they spake unto the peo- easily might this band of soldiers nave
pie, the priests, and the cap- taken away the lives as well as imprisoned
tain of the temple, and the Saddu- the bodies of the apostles! But God re-
cces, came upon them, 2. Being ^med them, and led on the apostles to
grieved that they taught the people, l^r 8ufe,D*8 ,** ^^1.^1 JJTkZ?
j ljai: ?» K«*pre» but young pupils in Christ s school, there*
and preached through Jesus the re- fore they shalfnot have trials beyond their
surrection from the dead. 3 And strength. God will not call his servants to
they laid hands on them, and put a martyr's fire till he has first endued them
them in hold unto the next day : with a martyr's faith ; for this reason God
for it was now even-tide. 4 How- suffered not the storm of persecution to
beit many of them which heard the J»* ** "**} overmiich violence upon
word believed ; and the number of ^^-^82
the men was abont five thousand. which waa now ofiered t0 ^ apostles:
Observe here, 1. How the apostles' preach- God overruled it for his church's advantage*
ing to, and instructing the people, stirs up and a wonderful increase by a new addition
the devil's rage, and brines upon themselves of five thousand souls more added to it.
a severe persecution. Well might Luther O • wonderful draught of fishes at the as-
say, fluid est Evangelium pradicare ; cond casting out of the gospel-net ! These
nisi in nos furorem Diaboli derivare .* fishermen, Peter and John, now became by
" At the preaching of the gospel the gates the help of the Holy Spirit fishers of men,
of Satan's prison fly open, and the walls according to their Master's prediction, Matt,
of his kingdom are shaken ; he finds him- "• 19- follow me, and I will make you
self in danger of losing bis principality." fishers of men. Many which heard the
No wonder then that he raises all the powers w^ believed, and the number of them
of hell, and stirs up all his instruments on was about five thousand, ver. 4. This
earth, to stop the mouths of the preachers infant church flourished the more by the
of the gospel. Observe, 2. The persons by frowning* of men upon her. Ptures eft-
whom, and the cause for which, this perse- cimur, quoties metimur ah illis. Tertul.
cution was now stirred up against the " Like a green meadow, which, the ofteuer
apostles -, namely, the Jewish priests, the it » mowed, springs the faster, and becomes
Gentile captain, and the sottish Sadducees : the thicker."
As they spake, the captain of the temple, 5 And it came to pass on the
thepriests and Sadducees, came upon them, morrow, that their rulers, and el-
Chap- TV. THE ACTS. 613
ders, and scribes, 6 And Annas taral and divine power ?— Cursed men!
the high-priest, and Caiaphas, and who accounted it a credit for themselves
i^k- B«j* i«™,^. n~A I- «.•„., — to do evil, make it a crime for the apostles
John, and Alexander, and las jnany as to do good j Was «*„. any wuoVfor
wereof the kindred of the high-priest, ^ ^ b vhat pover\ when lbe
were gathered together at Jerusalem . thing itself proclaimed it to be done by the
7 And when they had set them in power of God ? Observe, 3. The bold
the midst, they asked, By what and resolute answer of St Peter to the fore-
power, or by what name, have ye g°>»g malicious and ridiculous question.
done this? 8 Then Peter, filled Where note, 1. His holy courage. 2. The
with the Holy Ghost said unto ^lA^^sSt^
them, Ye rulers of the people, find a ful, ^^ not ^ 3^^ but of
and elders of Israel, 9 If we this professed enemies, enough to have dashed
day be examined of the good deed ten prisoners at the bar out of countenance.
done to the impotent man, by what But behold the ingenuous and holy bold-
means he is made whole ; 10 Be n«8 of a g00*1 christian in a good cause.
it known unto you all, and to all ^rPte» ^Sj™11^ wh? fuli ?• k£
*k~ .^.^u ^ i.MAi Ik..* K« *u*> *\*t w*» baffled by a damsel, and frighted
the people of Israel, that by the ^ a d&M of Cmigt b a 8% w*nch
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, TOW ^ filled vith fhe Hoiy Onostt
whom ye crucified, whom God raised silences and confounds his most potent
from the dead, even by him doth and malicious accusers. Lord! how wo-
this man stand here before you fully weak are we when we rely on our
whole. 11 This is the stone which own strength! but how able to do all
was set at nought of you builders, thinB*» when Christ strengthens us I "In te
which is become the head of the stas et non stas, t^ys St Amii^ "Thou
art sure to come down when thou standest
corncr" on thine own legs ; but shall be mightily
upheld and carried on, when supported
Here observe, 1. What a combined force and conducted by God's hand.** Observe,
did unite and ioin together, of rulers, 4. A singular instance of the apostles*
elders, scribes, high-priests, high-priests* boldness 5 namely, in preaching Jesus Christ
kindred, and who not ! They all, though to them that had imprisoned them. Be it
of different interests, yet hold together as known unto you, that this Jesus, whom ye
one to extinguish and put out the light of crucified, is the stone which was set at
the gospel, as soon as it began to shine nought of you builders, and is become
forth. Need we wonder that the devil the head of the corner ; neither is there
struggled so hard at the dawning of the salvation tn any other, fyc. Where note,
Reformation to blow out the light of the l. The title given to the rulers of the Jew-
gospel ; when we consider what opposition ith church, builders ; so they were by
he discovered against the first plantation office, and here are called so, to remind
and propagation of the gospel ? As Herod them of their duty, namely, to increase,
would have strangled Christ in his cradle, strengthen, and beautify the building, the
so would the high-priests have stifled chris- church of God; not to demolish, weaken,
tianity in its infancy : They all gathered or deface it. Note, 2. The contempt
together at Jerusalem. £ad ! that a mes- which these builders cast upon Christ the
sage of such glad tidings as the gospel, chief corner-stone ; they refused him and
should meet with so bad entertainment, set him at nought, according to the pro-
Observe, 2. How the apostles are here pnecy. Psat. cxviii. 22. which was a pro-
arraigned and questioned, By what name phecy of the rejection of the Messiah, though
and authority ; that is, By what power or the Jews would not so understand it ; for
virtue, they had done this ? Some think, they dreamt of such a pompous Messias
they suspected the apostles to have wrought coming, according to their hearts* desire,
by the black art, being assisted by the that it should be incredible that any Jews
devil. But did not this miracle give a should ever reject or despise him. Note, 3.
sufficient convincing light, to demonstrate The title given to Christ, the corner-stone ;
that it was heaven-bom, and showed evi- so called, because he supports and sustains
dently that it was wrought by a superna- the whole building ; and as the corner-
414, THE ACTS. Chap. IV*
stone is equally necessary far both aides of not to speak at all nor teach in the
the building, which are united to it, and name of Jesus,
borne up by it, in like manner both Jew and
Gentile are united in Christ, and saved by Observe here, 1. How convincing the
him. boldness of the apostles was, together with
the undeniable evidence of the miracle
12 Neither is there salvation in wroueht by them : When the coiinsdob.
any other : for there is none other J™* botn,thev marvelted, tfie apostles
any outer . iw *» «^ heme unlearned men, yet able to speak
name under heaven given among ^ j*^ and ^ ^ppfe born lame,
men whereby we must be saved. now abte ta ^p and wajk. The* men
were convinced, but not converted; si*
Observe here, 1. A positive assertion, fenced, but not satisfied; they marvelled
that there ■ no salvation but by Christ ; but not believed ; they were full of admira-
or, that besides, or without him, there is no tion, but far from faith. The evidence of
possibility of salvation, either for Jew or the fact, with the courage of the apostles.
Gentile: both those under the Old Testa- stopped their mouths at present, but did
ment had, and we under the New Testa- not cure their hard hearts. Observe, 2.
ment have, one and the same common Sa- At what a nonplus the counsel was to know
viour. Observe, 2. The ground and rea- what to do with the apostles : they confess
son of this confident assertion, That there the miracle, but consult upon ways and
is no salvation but by Christ ; namely, means how to conceal it ; and at last con-
Because there is no other name given un- elude upon threatening them. That for the
der heaven by which ioe must he saved, time to come they speak no more in the
Thai is, no other person designed or ap- name of Jesus ; that is, not to preach in
pointed by God, to be the author of re- his name, nor work miracles by a power
demption to, and procurer of salvation for, and authority derived preteodedlyftom him.
a lost and miserable world, but only Christ. But the apostles soon let them understand,
Take we good heed then, that we do not that they esteemed not the threatening* of
reject or set him at nought, for in rejecting the counsel, nor looked upon them as any
of Christ, we reject the wisdom of God, excuse for the forbearing of their duty ; as
the authority of God, the love of God, yea, appcareth by the next words,
the salvation of God
19 But Peter and John answer-
13 Now when they saw the bold- c(j ^^ 8a„j unt0 them, Whether it
ness of Peter and John, and per- ^ nght in the sight of God to
ceived that they were unlearned and hearken unto you more than unto
ignorant men, they marvelled ; and #3od, judge ye. 20 For we cannot
they took knowledge of them, that DUt speak the things which we have
they had been with Jesus. 14 And seen an(j heard,
beholding the man which was heal-
ed standing with them, they could Observe here the prudence and integrity
say nothing against it 15 But when of the apostles in referring it back to the
they had commanded them to go judgment of their very adversaries, whether
aside out of the council, they con- iX ^ ^U^°A^^!^
* , _, , ,« « when they charged them to preach no more
ierred among themselves, 16 Say- fa the name of ^ j^ j^ ^ if the
ing, What shall we do to these men ? apostles had said, " We have received a
for that indeed a notable miracle command from God to preach, Go teach
hath been done by them is manifest ail nations, Matt, xxviii. 19. and we
to all them that dwell in Jerusa- have received a command from you not
lem ; and we cannot deny tf. 17 tot P«»ch.: J10* *• lea!e !t WIlh 7°°
But that it spread no further among ***** * ^ *ttes* "* 5°J ~"£
4Ua t \ . . .Al A. • able to obey God or you ? It n a strong
the people let us straitly threaten of co *viction> ^^ a matter to then
them, that they speak henceforth to judgment and coiiscience, against whom we
no man in this name. 18 And they roake opposition. Learn, That when the
called them, and commanded them commands of God's vicegerents run counter
Chap. IV. THE ACTS. *L*
to the commands of God himself, God is but either the fear or favour of the people,
to be obeyed, and not man. Thus God made the people a restraint to the
rulers* rage. Observe, 2. That tbeapos*
21 So when they had further ties, thus dismissed, went immediately to
threatened them, they let them go, their own company, (that is, to the bun-
*KHng nothing how they might t^^^AA^
punish them, because of the people : ^ an(J deiiverance, the better to prepare
for all men glorified God for that them for sufferings, and encourage tbem to
which was done. 22 For the man hope for the like support under them. Ob-
was above forty years old, on whom serve, 3. What use the church makes tbere-
this miracle of healing was shewed, of; t^y hearing how their enemies lay in
23 And being let go, they went to 7* t(> persecute and destroy them, apply
their own i* and* reported 8£^« ^1^
all that the chief priests and elders when enemies combine together to do mis-
had said unto them. 24 And when cnieft to give themselves much unto prayer.
they heard that, they lifted up their Thus did the church here, and the like,
voice to God with one accord, and chap. xii. Observe, 4. The prayer itself
said. Lord, thou art God, which which they jointly put up at the throne of
bast made heaven and earth, and the grace, with one heart and spmt. And here
sea, and all that in them is ; 25 note' h Th7 he^\ the,r ff1!* w"£»-
«tl T IT "■••»■ *■"* * •» *" vocation, and reverent com pellatjon, suitable
Who by the month of thy servant to their preaent ^^0^^ adoriDg God's
David hast said, Why did the hea- omnipotency in creating and governing of
then rage, and the people imagine the world. Lord! thou art God, who
vain things ? 26 The kings of the hast made heaven and earth, and the sea,
earth stood up, and the rulers wore and al1 that ** therein. Whence learn,
leathered together against the Lord, Tha* the P°wer and wisdom of God in
-.wi ««„:«-* u;- r\*Z\0* o* v*. Je creating and governing the world, doth af-
luid against his Christ. 27 For of forf ^la, 8Bupp0rt and comfort under the
a truth, against thy holy child Jesus, ^^ </ present or future gufferrags. He
whom thou hast anointed, both He- that made all things by his power, will
rod and Pontius Pilate, with the overrule all things by his providence for
Gentiles and the people of Israel, his own glory and his church's good,
were gathered together, 28 For Not*» 2- The apa^e* used scripture lan-
to do whatsoever thy hand and thy Pjy *nd expressions in their prayer : they
,,. • j u r au allude to Psa/m n. and acknowledge that
counsel determined before to be ftU (hat enii^ ^^ of men aiKfdevi,8
done. 29 And now, Lord, behold agamst the Metsias, which was foretold long
their threatening : and grant unto ago by the prophet David, was now come
thy servants, that with all bold- to pass: for both the Jewish counsel and
ness they may speak thy word, 30 the Roman governors had combined to-
By stretching forth thine hand to gether against Christ, and in opposing him
heal: and that signs and wonders ha? ^P08"1 !he ^the/ ^ «* h*m- °f
«%»., k- a*~a k„ *u«. «-.«« ~c *k« * truth, against the holy child Jesus are
u? SiaT* y y ih«> g**h™d togetherf to do what thy
holy child Jesus, hand and thy counsel had determined
before to he done. Where we see, 1.
Here observe, 1. That notwithstanding That all the sufferings of Christ were fore-
this rational plea which the apostles used, ordained and determined by God the Fa-
the council added further threatening*, and ther ; God from all eternity decreed that
so dismissed them, because of the people, Christ should die a sacrifice for sin. 2.
who looked upon the miracle with adraira- That this decree of God did not necessitate
tion, and glorified God for working it by the Jews to sin ; but they acted freely and
the apostles* hands. Where note, That it voluntarily according to the wicked deter-
was not the sense of sin, nor any appre- minations of their own wills. God fore-
hensions of God's displeasure that influenced saw and permitted it, but no ways infiuen*
the council to set the apostles at liberty ; ced or compelled them to it. He over-
ei* THE ACTS. Chap. iV.
rated those evil instruments to fulfil his brought the money, and laid it at
holy purposes, while they intended only the apostles' feet*
to fulfil their own wicked counsels. Ob-
serve lastly, They close their prayer with Observe here, 1. The special and speedy
% fervent petition, that God would strength- answer which the Lord gave to the apostles*
en them, and glorify his Son. 1. That prayer: as a testimony thereof, the place
God would strengthen them against their wnere they prayed is miraculously shaken*
fears ; steel thetn with courage, and fortify and many eminent graces and special gifts
them with impregnable resolution. Grant 0f the Holy Spirit were poured out upon
that with all boldness we may speak thy tne apostles, particularly a greater measure
•word. Boldness to preach the gospel, 0f boldness to preach thejgospel ; and, as
when unjustly forbidden, is a special gift tome think, the wonderful gift of conferring
of God, and a great effect of God's grace the Holy Ghost was now conferred upon
unto his servants. 2. They request that the twelve ; so Dr. Ligbtfoot The Holy
God would magnify, not them, but his Spirit, which caused them thus to pray,
Son by them, in giving them power to gave them that holy boldness which they
work miraculous cures in the name of prayed for; with signal shaking of the
Jesus, for confirming of the gosnel : Grant ^^ which they prayed in. O ! how
that signs and wonders may he done by ready is God to hear and answer the pray-
the name of thy holy child Jesus. Where ers and pleading of his righteous servants,
note, That the gift of miracles, though especially when suffering for righteousness'
promised by Christ, is yet prayed for by gate ; Observe, the great unity and nappy
the apostles. God will have the perform- unanimity which was found amongst the
ance of his promises to be the answer of ministers and members of this infant
our prayers. church, this purest and roost primitive
christian church : They were of one heart
and of one soul That is, they were one
31 And when they had prayed, in doctrine and opinion, and they were
the place was shaken where they one in heart and affection! A singular
were assembled together ; and they pattern for succeeding christians to the end
were all filled with the Holy Ghost, of *e wor,d» «° J?0"?,,*! ~ ■"K*
. A. i A. .J e r^~A another, as members of the same body,
and they spake the word of God and .^^ by tbe8ame }mL <&
with boldness. 32 And the mult!- j^ 3# M their unanimity, so their
tude of them that believed were of liberality, in contributing to the necessities
one heart, and of one soul : nei- of each other : They called nothing their
ther said any of them that ought own, when their brethren's wants required
of the things which he possessed was * i the rich readily sold their possessions
his own ; but they had all things ??d. ?**£ *?. MP. and ■*"* the J**?-
~~mn*™ ** Ani»ui. or—** .w»„ Notwithstanding, this example cannot be
common. 33 And with great pow- a for ^ to fol£w « a com-
er gave the apostles witness of the „„£ or to imime „ m perfection ; seeing
resurrection of the Lord Jesus : and that such was the state of the church at
great grace was upon them all. 34 that time, as was never since, nor like to
Neither was there any among them be ; it was but newly born, it was all in
that lacked : for as many as were ODe citv» a11 ra a possibility to be soon
possessors of lands or houses, sold ***** .bX persecution : IUs aum erat
Tk™ «.wJ k~v..»i.» *k~ .^;^. Le *u-> temporarim necessitatis flr liocn arbitru,
them, and brought the prices of the nonFdeoet in eMfnpium iranif muUo minus
things that were sold, 36 And laid ut necessaria obtrudi. The lesson to be
them down at the apostles' feet : gathered, from this instance, for our in-
and distribution was made unto every si ruction, is this, That those who are of
man according as he had need. 36 ability ought to abound always in ordinary.
And Joses, who by the apostles was and sometimes in extraordinary, acts of
surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being charity- We muf alwavs rel«fB the ""**
interpreted, The son of consolation,) ^antsasweare ^a^^^uP°nan
n !,»«,;*„ j r*u * I ,!■' extraordinary occasion above what we are
nJ«! <^ °f th? C°.UntlX °f C-V" well able .-Observe, 4. How the apostles
pros, <*7 Having land, sold it, and with great authority and assurance gave
Charx IV. THE ACTS. 617
testimony to the resurrection of Cbirst, and ing to their example, one Ananias, and
their doctrine found great favour and ac- Sappbira his wife, consecrated a possession
ceptation with the people, ver. 33. With unto God, and sold the same to that pur-
great power gave the apostles witness of pose, but fundamentally kept back part of
the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and the price ; and thus, as St. Cbrysostom
great grace was upon them alL The notes, was found stealing his own goods.
resurrection of Christ from the dead, was He had the formality to sell his lands, as
the great point now in controversy ; there- others did ; but had not the sincerity to
fore with evident miracles and wonderful part with his money as others had. Ob-
gifts of the Holy Spirit, did the apostles serve here, The true nature of Ananias's sin:
perform their testimony of his resurrection, it was sacrilege ; that is, a purloining or
So that as Christ was declared to the apos- stealing of that which was consecrated unto
ties to be the Son of God with power, by God ; not by actual performance, but by
the resurrection from the dead j in like vow and inward purpose of heart. Covet-
nanner, the apostles, by miracles and ousness and vain-glory, lying and hypoc-
wooderrol gifts, did bear witness to the risy, did all attend and accompany this sin $
certainty of our Saviour's resurrection, and but the sin itself was sacrilege. Learn
their doctrine found acceptance with the hence, 1. That what is consecrated to God
people. Learn hence, 1. That our Lord must not be alienated or applied to other
Jesus Christ, by the almighty power of his uses. 2. That such an alienation is sacri-
Godhead, revived and rose again from the lege, and a sin against God, being a breach
dead, to the consternation of his enemies, of vow orpromise made unto him \ a ly-
and the consolation of all believers. 2. ing unto God, as the text calls it. 3. That
That the doctrine of Christ's resurrection it is an heinous sin, which God will se-
beiog not only attested by the preaching, but verely punish. Observe, 2. How this se-
coofirmed by the miracles of the apostles, cret sin, lying in the intention of the heart,
found deservedly belief in the world, and was known to God, and by divine rave-
is a point of infallible certainty amongst lation made known to St. Peter. Learn
all those whom wilful obstinacy has not thence, That not only our outward actions
blinded. are taken notice of by God, but even the
purposes and intents of our hearts -are all
CHAP. V. manifest and open to him, and thoroughly
BUT a certain roan named Anani- 2JW ** ^1 J^™'- 3' ,How .*•
•*.lc? u- i_- •* u Peter justly aggravates their sin, from the
as, with Sapphira his wife sold divJy «J ,g Pereon (the H'0, Ghogl)
a possession, 2 And kept back ag^t wnom it was committed, Why hath
part of the price, his wife also be- Satan filled thine heart to lie unto the
ing privy to it, and brought a cer- Holy Ghost ? Thou hast not lied unto
tain part, and laid it at the apostles' »«». but «nto Goa\ But why is Ananias
feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, said to lie unto the Holy Ghost rather
why hath Satan filled thine heart to *» » ^ ^SJ^ "iu?" ^ It
i- *\ xi_ it i y-u i. 1*1. Son? Ans. Either, 1. Because it is the
he to the Ho v Ghost, and 1 to > keep ^^ work of lhe ^ {Q ^ £
back part of the price of the land ? heart, and to know the thoughts and pur-
4 Whiles it remained, was it not poses thereof: or, 2. Because the wealth
thine own ? and after it was sold, brought in to the apostles, and laid at their
was it not in thine own power ? feet, was an eflect of the Holy Spirit's in-
Whv hast thou conceived this thing clioing the hearts of believers so to do.
in thine heart t Thou hast not g- gfc ^fZ^J^t
I led unto men, but unto Ood. whom lbe ^^^^ ^1, the great and true
The last verses of the foregoing chapter God, is God ; but the scripture calls the
acquainted us with the practice of the pri- Holy Ghost, the great and true God :
roitive christians at the first plantation of therefore the Holy Uhost is God. Either
the gospel, in selling their possessions for the Holy Ghost is man, and God's mer-
chantable uses, and laving down the money senger, or God himself; but the antithesis
at the apostles' feet, for the relief of their or opposite shows, that he is not man, for,
fellow brethren and members in Christ, says the apostle, Thou hast not lied unto
Now this chapter informs us, That accord- man ; and if the Holy Ghost bad been only
018 THE ACTS. Chap. V.
God's messenger, it had been as great a sia made public examples. Thus the
to lie to Peter (he being God's extraordU before the Jewish church ; Nadab and Abi-
nary messenger) as to lie to the Holy hu at the beginning of the Jewish church 5
Ghost; therefore the apostle in the fourth and Ananias and Sapphira at the beginning
verse doth explain what he meant by ly- of the Christian church. Observe, 2. How
ing to the Holy Ghost in the third verse* Sapphira the wife's subjection to her has-
Daraely, lying unto God ; Thou hast not band doth not excuse her from p»H*ltii^g
tied unto man, a creature like thysdf, but in his sin, nor exempt her from the severity
unto God, even to the Holy Ghost, who of the punishment God's authority in
is God. coromandiug or forbidding, must be fit*
observed and obeyed; otherwise we put
5 And Ananias, hearing these the creature in God's place, debase him,
words, fell down and gave up the and set up an idol, which the jealousy and
Ghost: and great fear came on all Win- of God wfll never eodme. Ob-
♦k-^ *k«* kA.~i fk^o^ ♦k:„«.a #* serve, 3. How the same sin meets with the
them that heard these things. 6 ^ p^t^t . husband and wife had
And the young men arose, wound j^ agreed ^h what t0 do and what to
him up, and carried him out, and say, and they that sinned together anfiered
buried him. 7 And it was about together. God is no respecter of persons,
the space of three hours after, when male or female, Jew or Gentile, prince or
his wife, not knowing what was object, husband or wife ; the soul that sin-
done, came in. 8 And Peter an- «*! jfJ^il-^J^ift *??
swered unto her, Tell me whether *<^j^
ye sold the land for so much ? And ^o^ my ^ punishing offenders with
she said, \ ea, for so much. 9 immediate death by the apostles, was not
Then Peter said unto her, How is common ; this is the only instance in the
it that ye have agreed together to New testament of so severe a punishment
tempt the Spirit of the Lord ? be- inflicted by the mouth of the apostles for
hold, the feet of them which have ™y/! V^!*' ."1 I1 8!?M, aCf0m*
1. : a *u l„ uB/i ^,_ «* 4u modaled and suited to that particular time,
buried thy husband are at the ia which magistmtes were wfo m^mde!
door, and shall carry thee out. 10 feadiQg lne ^utchf that ^y fQrthered the
Then fell she down straightway at persecution, and endeavoured the extir-
his feet, and yielded up the ghost : pation of it Observe lastly, The eflect
and the young men came in, and which this tremendous miracle had upon
found her dead, and carrying her the whole church ; it awfully affected them
forth buried her by her husband. with *** ?fd tabling; Or** fear came
11 An^i „MA* £»«. „„™« ..—« „n upon all the church, and upon as many
11 And great fear came upon all J hcard th<se th{ God's extraordf
the church, and upon as many as nary providences, cither judgments or roer-
heard these things. cie^ towards ourselves or towards others,
~, . , m. „ - .- c .u ought to affect us with holy fear, and that
Observe here 1. The just.ee of the pu- fe£ *„*„ woriu nghtewJL I»- nri.
rmhraent inflicted upon Ananas for his s.n : Q when hu jj^, ^ ainmi ;„
he is struck dead upon the spot for his sa- (ke w^ ti/ ^Uit„tt of tht ^
crilege, covetousness. hypocrisy, and lying wU learn righte<mtnat • that is, they
Doubtless it was a very heinous sm which ht to do si and if ever they wUI do I
God so severely punished, and it was the ,,* wi„ do u then. Judgo*,* work fear,
first s.n of th.s kind under the new testa- gjfear works righteousn!».
ment. 1 his was the first consecration of °
foods that ever was made unto Christ our 12 And by the hands of the apos-
,ord, after he was exaltedat the right hand ties were many signs and wonders
of God in heaven : and this was the first ^..^..-u* ~mjL„ Zu* w^^^i* . /*«j
sacrilege : the first sin of this kind, and ^rou?ht "*™* .£« P^P1* > (an.d
therefore the first persons that were found j*"* were aU ™th one *Jcor<l m
guilty of it met with this severity in tcrro- Solomon's porch. 13 And of the
rem, to make all others afraid of it. The rest durst no man join himself to
first transgressors in any kind have been them : but the people magnified
J
Chap. V. THE ACTS. 619
them. 14 And believers were the of St Peter. Observe, 2. The place where
more added to the Lord, multitudes the apostles assembled to preach the grope!,
both of men and women ; 16 Inso- ?nd work ™?c,es for *e «pflnnttioD of
u *i.~* *u u u* r~-*u *u~ the same: They are all with one accord
much that they brought forth the in Solomon*syporcn. where DOtef L
sick into the streets, and laid them j^k unily and unanimity : there were no
on beds and couches, that at the persons among them guilty of schismatics!
least the shadow of Peter passing separation in forsaking the public assembly ;
bv might overshadow some of them, but with one mouth, as well as with one
16 There came also a multitude out "J""1 and heart, they glorified God. 2.
of the cities round about unto Je- Their prudential boldness and holy courage
, t • • • i c il a appeared in preaching to the people in
rusalem, bringing sick folks, and gXaM porch; for the Sanhedrim, <*
them which were vexed with unclean Great Council, sat in or very near that
spirits : and they were healed every place, even that council which in the for-
one. mer chapter imprisoned them, and in this
beat them. See ver. 43. Learn thence,.
Three things are here observable : 1. That nothing better becomes the ministers
How that act of severity upon Ananias and and messengers of Jesus Christ, than an
Sapphira for their hypocrisy, is instantly holy and humble, a wise and meek, a zeal-
succeeded with acts of clemency and mer- ous and convincing boldness, in asserting
cy upon others : the former acts of severity the truths of the gospel, and in reproving
in the apostles, were necessary to prevent sin, and denouncing judgments against
the intrusion of hypocrites into the chris- impenitent sinners. Consider we, how
tian church ; these subsequent acts of bold and zealous our Lord and Master was
mercy were as necessary for the propagating in his ministry, Luke xx. 21. We know
of the gospel, and to invite people to the that thou teachest the way of God truly,
love of Christianity. Accordingly the and acceptest not the person of any. And
apostles after the death of Ananias are en- the apostles learnt the same of their Master,
dued with power from on high to work Acts iv. 13. When the high-priest saw
signs and wonders, to heal diseases, to cast the boldness of Peter ana John, they
out devils; insomuch that the people took knowledge of them that they had
brought forth their sick into the streets, and been with Jesus. Observe, 3. How God
laid them upon beds and couches, hoping that overruled the judgment inflicted upon
the shadow of Peter as he passed by might Ananias and Sapphira, and caused it to
reach and cover some of them. The church work for special good. Thus, such of the
of Rome makes a noise with this text, and apostles* hearers, who were unsound and
produces it to prove St. Peter's supremacy insincere, durst not join themselves to them,
over the rest of the apostles, because his having seen a great instance of severity
very shadow cured the diseased. But very upon concealed hypocrisy : they were
grotmdlessly ; for, 1. By the same argu- afraid to come among them any more, or to
ment they may prove St. Peter to be supe- make a show of such piety and zeal as Ana-
rior to Christ himself; this being more nias did, for fear of the same or such like
than what Christ himself wrought, accord- punishment as he had. But, however, the
ing to what he foretold ; St. John xiv. 12. people extolled and magnified, admired and
Greater works than these shall ye do, <$*c. applauded them, and multitudes were daily
2. The papists might observe, were they added to the church. This seems to be
not wilfully blind, that the napkins and the sense of verse 13. And of the rest
handkerchiefs which were carried from St. durst no man join himself to them, but
Paul's body, cured diseases also, and dis- the people magnified them ; and believers
possessed devils. Acts xix. 12. 3. Besides were added to the Lord, multitudes both
all this, it is not here expressly said that of men and women. Nothing doth more
any sick were actually healed by St. Peter's affect and afflict unsound and drossy hy-
shadowv but that the diseased were brought, pocrites, than the sight of God's judgments
in hopes that his shadow might produce such inflicted upon others in this world, and the
effects ; and if it did so, Almighty God fear of the righteous judgment of God
thereby put honour upon the gospel, and upon themselves in the world to come,
upon all the apostles, without any parti-
cular respect or special regard to the person 17 Then the high-priest rose ur>
020 THE ACTS. Cbap. V.
and all they that were with him, them. The angel said unto them, Go end
which is the sect of the Saddu- '/*«* «»'* the people alt the words of this
cees. and were filled with indigna- */*ver.20. . That is, of mis life for which
10 a j 1 -a *u • 1 -ilr ~« you are imprisoned; this life which the
tion, 18 And laid their hands on k^^ ^ ^p^oned you, deny;
the apostles, and put them in the namely, the resurrection of the body, and
common prison. 19 But the angel eternal life. Learn, That not the things of
of the Lord by night opened the this life, but the things of eternity and the
prison-doors, and brought them life to come, the unseen things of another
forth, and said, 20 Go, stand and **>'«, «« the things which all the mioisften
speak in the temple to the people of <*"£ «** t°i{^<%andfl^i "*%
all the words of this life. Zn7o%2 peopHu\he ^of\hk7fe.
That is, the gospel, which is the word of
Note here, 1. How the persecutions of life, and directs them how to attain eternal
the holy apostles did gradually advance life and salvation by Jems Christ,
and increase. In the former chapters the
apostles were only secured, kept in hold 21 And when they heard that,
for a night, and dismissed with a threaten- they entered into the temple early
ing the next day ; but now being filled a in the morning, and taught. But
second time with the Holy Spirit, they are the high -priest came, and they that
better enabled to grapple with sunerings, wcre with him and called tbecoun-
and to glorify God under them; and ac- .■ 4^„^u~- —a <*n ♦k-* -._«**_ ~t
cordingly h<ie they are committed to the «* together, and all the senate of
common prison amongst malefactors, and the children of Israel, and sent to
afterwards beaten and exposed to public the prison to have them brought.
shame, ver. 40. O the terderncss of God 22 But when the officers came, and
towards his tender servants ! While these found them not in the prison, they
apostles were striplings, their faith feeble, returned, and told, 23 Saying, the
and their grace weak, God siayeth the prison tn||y found wc shut with all
rough wmd, keepsorTthestorm of persecu- ^ J h k Btanding
tjon from them, God will evermore suit the .'? J\. /V 1Z j *^ , T •_ B
stroke to his people's strength, proportion without before the doors : but when
their burden to their back, and never suffer we had opened, we found no man
them to be tempted above what they are within. 24 Now when the high-
able. Note, 2. The apostles being prison- priest and the captain of the temple
ere for Christ and his gospel, they have an and the chief priests heard these
angel for their keeper and deliverer, who thing8 thcy doubted of them where-
Eute -to this would «w 25 Then
have delivered them, but he makes use of came one and told them, saying,
the ministry of angels for the confirming Behold, the men whom ye put in
of their faith, and to let tbem see by expe- prison are standing in the temple,
rience that he had given his angels charge and teaching the people. 26 Then
over them. Since the establishment of the went the captain with the officers,
gospel, God will have us live more bv faith, and brought them without violence :
and to walk less by sense, and therefore we f th DfMMHi th. n«,nu |~*
must not now (oroinarily) see those min- ™ "Jf* *e™ Jhc ^°pl^ ^
istering and beneficent spirits ; butalthough they should have been stoned. 27
their visible apparitions be ceased, yet their And when they had brought them,
invisible operations for the heirs of salvation they set them before the council:
shall never cease, Heb. i. ult. Are they not and the high-priest asked them, 28
all ministering spirits, tent forth to min- Saying, did not we straitlv command
tsterfor them v>ho shall be heirs of sal- u that ye shouid not teach in ihis
^r„gh«Notw%ayr Sgeui rn,e \ and-rho,d« y,e ; ave fi,,ed.
commanded to preach, and they have their Jerusalem with your doctrine, and
text given them by the angel that opened intend to bring this man s blood
both the prison and the pulpit door for upon us.
i
Chap. V. THE ACTS. 021
Observe here, 1. No sooner were the brious titles which the learned rabbies
apostles out of prison, but tbey enter into thought fit to impose upon the best man
the temple and preach, with a redoubled that ever the world had. Lord ! how can
zeal and diligence ; no doubt, Satan had we be abased enough for thee, who was so
better nave let these holy men alone, than degraded and debased for us ?
have cast them into prison : for the cold rtft „,, D . , A. ,.
blast of persecution and imprisonment beat- 29 Then Peter and the offer
ing upon their outward man, by a spiritual apostles answered and said, We
antiperistasis, augmented the heat of grace ought to obey God rather than
within. There is no such way to be even men. 30 The God of our fathers
with the devil and his instruments, for all raised up Jesus, whom ye slew,
their spite and malice against us, as by an(j hanged on a tree. 31 Him
doing allthe good we can to the souls of haU| God exalted ih w rf ,
men. Observe, 2. How the deliverance u-jj* »• a a *
which God wrought for the apostles, in ? Jand' to * a Pnnce and a Saviour,
bringing them miraculously out of prison- for to £lve repenUnce to Israel,
by the conduct of an angel, did con- and forgiveness of sins. 32 And
found the council which laid them in ; we are his witnesses of these things ;
they were nonplussed and horribly per- and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom
&?** ■! ,rt : Thewdmtoed whereunto God hath given to them that obey
this would grow. They stood amused and Mm# 33 when th hcard ikJ
armreri, and knew not what measures to .1 . - ,. ,J , A /
take; but were at their wits end. Sin oft- they wfre cut io'he Aear'» and took
times brings men into straits, but straits counsel to slay them,
do not always bring men off from their To the foregoing charge of obstinacy
sins. Thus here notwithstanding their pre- brought in against the apostles, St. Peter
sent perplexity of spirit, they spur on, and answers in the name, and as the mouth, of
bring them again before the council, ver. the rest j owning that they had not obeyed
26. Then went the captain with the offi- them in their injunctions, because they
cert of the temple, and drought them had commanded that which was contrary
without violence. Observe, 3. The crimes to the command of God. Where observe,
which the holy apostles were unjustly ac- How the apostles assert the prerogative of
cused of j namely, obstinacy and sedition. Christ, ana their apology for their disobe-
They are charged with obstinacy for persist- dience to human commands : We ought
ing to preach the gospel, when they had to obey God rather than man. These-
strictly (but very wickedly) forbidden them; cond part of the charge was sedition: as
and tbey are accused of sedition, as if they if the apostles endeavoured to stir up the
endeavoured to stir up the people to avenge people to revenge the blood of Christ up-
the blood of Christ upon the rulers, as being on the chief priests and rulers. Thence
unjustly shed by them. The greatest inno- note. That it is no new thing to tax the
cency cannot protect the holiest persons ministers of Christ for preaching sedition,
from slander and false accusation. The when rulers design to stop their mouths,
best of men have sometimes been charged and not suffer them to preach at all. But
with the blackest of crimes. No wonder to remove this part of the charge, the
that the Sanhedrim, or Great Council, apostle tells them, That this Jesus whom
which charged Christ himself with impos- they ignominiously slew on earth, is now
ture and blasphemy, did accuse the apostles an exalted Prince in heaven, able to give
of sedition and contumacy : The disciple is repentance and remission of sins to the
not above his Master. Observe, 4. The worst of his murderers, if they unfeigo-
contumelious reflection which they had edly desire it: Him hath Qod exalted to
made upon our Lord Jesus Christ himself; be a Prince and a Saviour, to give re-
You intend, says the council, to bring this pentance, &c. Whence leam, 1. That
man's blood upon us. As if the Lord Jesus Jesus will be a Saviour to none to whom
bad not been worthy the naming by them, he is not a Prince. We must submit
Christ told his disciples, Luke vi. 22. that ourselves to his ruling power, as well as
the world should cast out their name as commit ourselves to his saving mercy,
evil. Behold ! his own is used no better : For it is in vain to expect salvation by him
he is Homo nuttius nominis. This man, if we do not yield subjection to him. 2.
this fellow, this deceiver, were the oppro- That repentance and remission of sins are
622 THE ACTS. C*»*P- v*
the special fruits and advantages of Christ's of men, it will come to nought : 30
exaltation : Him hath God exalted, to But if it be of God, ye cannot over-
give repentance and remission of sins, throw it ; lest haply ye be found
Learn, 3. That it is the sole prerogative of even to fignt against God. 40 And
our Lord Jesus Christ, to give repentance tQ ^ th agreed : and when they
and remission of j .ins. Where i note. The ^ h apostles, and beaten
Sardon : he preaches the duty of repentance should not speak in the name of Je-
and the privilege of remission of sins, but sus, and let them go. 41 And they
assureth them for their comfort, that Christ departed from the presence of the
stands ready to dispense both. But observe council, rejoicing that they were
the sad effects which this sermon had upon countcc[ worthy to suffer shame for
these hearers; it was for sutetance me same h{ ^ A d dail in the
whichStPeterpreached,chap.n.whenso °l* "* ™7 . • h • thcT
many thousands were pricked at the heart temple, and in every douse, they
by sorrow and compunction ; whereas ceased not to teach, and preach Je-
these men were cut to the heart with anger sus Christ,
and indignation. Whence learn, 1. That
the most sound and sacred doctrine is an in- Observe here, 1. A general council
tolerable torment to an unsound and unholy erring, and that fundamentally, in matters
heart. 2. That the word of God dispensed of faith. They determined peremptorily.
By the same minister, and in the same roan- That the doctrine and practice of the apos-
ner, has not always the same success. The ties was not from God ; and accordingly
sxibstance of both these sermons was the resolved to suppress them, and that by
same, Jesus and the fesurrection 5 and the death. Thence learn, That no detennina-
preacher, St. Peter, was the Bame : but the tion of a council against a doctrine or prac-
success was not the same ; to let the apos- tice is any demonstrative or sufficient proof,
tie know, that the excellency of the power that such a doctrine or practice is not from
was of God, and not of himself, as St. Paul God. Observe, 2. How God raised up a
speaks, 2. Cor. iv. 7. particular person in the council, Gama-
7 „,, . . liel, to interpose on the apostles' behalf, as
. 34 Then stood there up one in Nicodemus "before had done on Christ's
the council, a Pharisee, named Ga- behalf; and uses him as an instrument
maliel, a doctor of the law, bad in to preserve them from the rage and fury of
reputation among all the people, their persecutors. Without question, Ga-
and commanded to put the apostles mallei's spirit was acted and influenced by
forth a little space ;P 35 And said ^^^^
unto them, Ye men of Israel, take J^^ ^ven> in the several porta of it
heed to yourselves what ye intend h He advise8 thcm t0 take 1^ wnat tney
to do as touching these men. 36 did to these men, ver. 35. implying, that
For before these days rose up Theu- men had need to take heed how they en-
das, boasting himself to be some- gage themselves in suppressing or destroy -
body ; to whom a number of men, ing any sort of men whatsoever, until they
about four hundred, joined them- have a clear and expressive warrant from
, : / .J . .1 na heaven for their execution. 2. He assures
selves: who was slam; and alias th^m7That if thi8 work beof men, it will
many as obeyed him, were scattered, certainly come to nought ; which he proves
and brought to nought. 37 After by a double instance, namely, Theudas,
this man rose up Judas of Galilee, and Judas of Galilee, who both pretended
in the days of the taxing, and drew to be sent of God, as savioursof their coun-
away much people after him : heal- try, and gathered many followers, but
so perished; and all, even as many miscarried in their enterprise; mtimaUng
K. , , • 1. j 00 that every invention, contrivance, or device
as obeyed him. were dispersed. 38 rf ^ M m thi ^ to
And now I say unto you, Refrain God and ^ion, will in time be blasted
from these men, and let them alone : aDd blown upon by God, and come to
for if this counsel or this work be nothing. 3. He adds, That if this work be
Chap. V. THE ACTS. 023
of God it can never be overthrown ; but
the attempt will be deemed a fighting against CHAP. VL
God. Signifying to us, That for any per- . ,. , . . . . . .
~« «*v .mL«m* «k» «»^m.«;a» *t . j~~ 1° the ">regomg chapters an account it given of the
SOD tO attempt the suppression Of any doc- two first periecot Ions that befell the christian
trine Or practice that is from God, is tO church after Christ's ascension : the former in
ffebt^ain* God himself 4. He intimate, ^SS^tSS SfiS SSZFSgSi
to them the great pen! and danger Of fight- ns with a third blow (riven to this infant church,
ine against God, in the word even ; 4« Lest blacker and bloodier than both the former, in the
y? S found «*. fighting against God." *££ Jf» *% £?" st Stt«*ra • »* "»
^!^J!!imjJbat^6l',ingragainStG0di8 AND in those days, when the
a most dangerous enterprise for any person Xm. t r.L j« • 1 «
at any tin to be found engaged « con- . .. »«»J«'of the disciples was raul-
cerned in. Observe, 4. The success or issue tiplied, there arose a murmuring of
of Gamaliel's counsel : his advice being so the Grecians against the Hebrews,
wise and rational, it prevailed with the because their widows were neglected
rulers to daist from their former intention in the daily ministration. 2 Then
ofputtmgtheapost.es to death; but they the twelve called the multitude of
ISSam ? T^i^^ ^ the disciPle8 «**> '*«». an* said,
bloodshed : they are scourged, as their t. • . r .u 4 . , . , *
Master was before them, which was both a '* ls ™t reason that we should leave
painful and reproachful punishment; yet the word of God» and serve tables*
were they so far from being discouraged, 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out
that they were the more resolved. They re*- among you seven men of honest re-
joiced that they were so graced as to be port, full of the Holy Ghost and wis-
dsgraced for Christ, and accounted it their dom, whom we may appoint over
highert honour to be dishonoured foi :him; this busines9. 4 Bit we will give
esteeming it a very great favour and bap- i „ A h \
PinesstoWieprichforClimt,according ourselves continually to prayer, and
to that of the apostle St. Peter, 1 Epistle to the n»i)Uitry of the world,
iv. 14. If ye be reproached for the name Here observe, 1. How the number of
of Christ, happy are ye ; for the Spirit christians increased upon the foregoing
of glory and of God rcsteih upon you. persecution : as the Jewish church of Egypt,
This sent them from the presence of the the more it was opposed the more it mul-
council, rejoicing that they were counted tiplied ; so the christian church here got
worthy to suffer shame for his name, ground by opposition : ver. 1. In those
Observe lastly, How wisely and well the days the number of the disciples was mul*
holy apostles improved their restored li- tiplied. Observe, 2. How the number of
berty : they redouble their pains and dili- believers increased, there arose (as it too
gence in preaching the gospel, and are often happens among a multitude) a raur-
uowearied in the way of their duty, and in muring among them : the Grecians, that is,
the work of their God. ver. 42. Daily in such Jews as were dispersed abroad among
the temple, and in every house, they ccas- the Greeks, complaining that their widows
ed not to teach and to preach Jesus were neglected, and received less than the
Christ. That is, they laid hold on every widows of the Hebrews, in the daily distri-
opportunity, in season, and out of season, bution of the church's money, for charita-
publicly and privately, to publish the gos- ble uses. Thence learn, That neglect of
pel to those that had not received it, and the poor, particularly of the godly poor,
farther to instruct those that had already is a sin in all, but especially in the churches
received the faith of Christ. Thus the more of Christ. Observe, 3. How the apostles
outrageous were their adversaries, the more desiring to nave the poor well provided for,
courageous were the holy apostles. They and not having leisure themselves personally
religiously profess the name of Christ, and to take care of them, advise the church to
resolutely abide by their profession, though choose seven persons out of the hundred
they were derided, imprisoned, persecuted, and twenty, mentioned chapter the first,
and beaten for the same. Lord ! help thy to be stewards and dispensers of the church's
ministers, at this day, to suffer reproach for stock, to distribute the same with equity and
thy gospel ; but never let any of them ei- indifference to all proper objects of charity
ther reproach it, or be a reproach of it. without exception. Thence learn, That a
Amen. general concern for the poor, and a tender
034 THE ACTS. Chap. VL
regard to their necessities and wants, is a Here note, 1. The qualification of the per-
dutv that well becomes the ministers and sons chosen ; Men full of the Holy Ghost.
ambassadors of God : God's poor are his That is, persons that were extraordinarily
treasure, his jewels, the signet upon his assisted by the Spirit to perform the duties
arm ; they are always in his eye, and upon required of them ; for the office of a deacon
his heart ; how well then doth it become was, besides the biking care of the poor, to
the ministers of God to take care of them preach the gospel, and to baptize; as it
who are so dear to him ! Observe, 4. How appears Philip did. Had it been only to
the apostles resolve to perform their duty take care of the poor, they needed not to
to God and their people, with such zeal be so inquisitive to rind out men full of the
and application as became persons of their Holy Ghost, for that service. Here ob-
holy character and profession : We will serve, That the scripture mentions a three-
give ourselves continually unto prayer* fold fulness of the Holy Ghost, according
and to the ministry of the word. Where to a threefold capacity of the receivers,
note, 1. That such as are called by God to There is plenitudo Suficientim, the fulness
the work of the ministry, ought to give of a vessel ; this every believer hath : there
themselves wholly to it : We will give is plenitudo Abundantim, the fulness of a
ourselves continually thereunto. 2. That stream : this the apostles had, when extia-
a minister's giving himself unto prayer, is ordinarily inspired, and filled with the
as great, if not a greater duty, than giving Spirit, at the first plantation of the gospel :
himself to the preaching of the word: We and there is plenitudo Superabundantly
will give ourselves continually unto the fulness of the fountain ; and this Christ
prayer, and to the ministry of the word, had, Col. i. 19. It pleased the Father that
To the one as the end, to the other as the in him should all fulness dweU. Note,
mean : it is God that sets the word on 2. The manner how these deacons enter
work, but it is prayer that sets God on into their office : it is by prayer and im-
work. That minister that is not fervent position of hands, verse 6. They prayed,
m prayer, cannot expect to be successful and laid their hands on them. This rite
in preaching. Pray for us, says the apos- of laying on of hands was used anciently
tie to the Thessalooians, that the word may upon a threefold occasion in the Jewish
run and be glorified. He that begged church ; namely, in their sacrifices, Exod
prayer of others, did not neglect it himself, xzix, 15. in their blessing. Gen. xlvrii. 14.
but prayed without ceasing. and in their designation unto a charge or
office, Numb, xxvii. 18. Thus Moses laid
5 And the saying pleased the nis hands on Joshua ; and from hence it
whole multitude : and they chose ^ derived and brought into the gospel
Stephen, a man full of faith and of J*""*' ^hen ministers were ordained
the Holy Gho* and Philip, and Bfi^
Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, Notef 3. The mign7y n^ ^ ^ g^^
and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a pro- notwithstanding all the violent opposition
selyte of Antioch ; 5 Whom they that was made against it : The word of
set before the apostles : and when God, that is, the doctrine of the gospel,
they had prayed, they laid their increased, the number of believers mul-
hands on them. 7 And the word *¥*****• aonle ?f ** P™** them-
of God increased ; and the number ^i^J^^y^^^^ *
c At j* • i ia.' i* j • ¥ Christ, now embraced trie faun, and were
of tlie disciples multiplied m Jeru- joined to the church. Great is truth, espe-
salem greatly : and a great company cially the Spirit of truth, and will prevail,
of the priests were obedient to the Naked truth is too hard for armed error,
faith. Truth has the strength of God in it, and
therefore human power can never prevail
Observe here, That to remove the fore- against divine truth : So mightily grew
mentioned murmuring at the inequality of ™€ word vf God, and prevailed*
the poor's relief, seven deacons were chosen 0 A , a. . r.„ f/»-*i_ j
to assist the apostles, and to dispose of that 8 And »tePncn» ,uU of »w and
treasure, which had been laid down at the power, did great wonders and rnira-
apostles' feet, with more indifierency to all cles among the people. 9 Then
nt objects of chayity without exception, there arose certain of the synagogue*
Chap. VI. THE ACTS. 62o
which is called the synagogue of the an old artifice of the devil, to swear inno-
Libertincs, and Cyrenians, and Alex- cent men out of their lives : and therefore
andrians, and of them of Cilicia, * * next to a miracle that no greater
and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. **£** ° i™0^ f""0™ a ^
lO And thev were not able to K murdered m the world by perjury and false
10 Ann uiey were not able to re- accusation> when w many thousands hate
sist the wisdom and the spirit by tbero, who make no conscience of raise
which he spake. II Then they oaths. Observe, a The charge and ac-
suborned men, which said, We have eusation brought against Stephen ; that he
heard him speak blasphemous words *$&* dishonourably of the Jewish religion,
against Moses, and against God. tnat he was continually foretelling destruc- ,
12 And they stirred up the people, *" to *}* }ffib and ?«*"?"}& the
j *u i j j il Y 'iT J change of all the Mosaic rites. It » very
and the elders, and the scribes, and ^^ that ^ told them (he ghado^
came upon Atro, and caught him, ^j ceremonies were to vanish, now the
and brought him to the council, substance was come ; and that the Mosaic
13 And set up false witnesses, which rites were to give place, that a more excel-
said, This man ceaseth not to speak lent and spiritual worship might succeed.
blasphemous words against this holy £or ■» God *" worshipped aright four
place and the law. 14 For we have ***** *«"* «"» "£herT **?»?* .or
t • i • lL . ... , - temple were built, or the Jewish rites in-
heard him say, that this Jesus of ^^ M ^ might t^B ^ tru, wor-
Nazareth shall destroy this place, shipped after they were abolished. Ob-
and shall change the customs which serve lastly, How Almighty God by a mi-
Moses delivered us. 15 And all racks bears witness to the innocency of his
that sat in the council, looking sted- holy servant St. Stephen j and to con-
fastly on him, saw his face as it had vincc h» accusers that he bad done no
been the face of an angel. wronS to Mose8» God make8 his face to
6 ' shine now as Moses' face had shined of old,
Observe here, The great character given and ?*ve nim an angelical countenance,
of St. Stephen ; a man full of the grace of *» *ni<;h appeared an extraordinary lustre
God, full of faith, full of power to work and radiancy: not that an angel has a
miracles, mighty in word and deed , able to fa<*. or shines visibly ; but it intimates
do all things, and to suffer all things, that amazing brightness of beauty which
through Christ that strengthened him. J» mstamped upon the face of Stephen.
Observe, 2. The violent opposition which ™ "°w be?an1 to «*?" uP°fn ,tawn»
this good man met with in the way of and h^ received soim beams of glory ap-
his duty. He is, 1. Encountered by dis- Pfoaching. It pleases God sometimes to
putation with the heads of five colleges in Pe hl8 ^Hieo and "T u ,oine J^h"
Jerusalem, namely, Libertines, Cyrenians, ^a"008 and foretastes of heaven before
Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asiatics. Be- thev «*9 mt0 j**™0* especially holy roar-
hold here an admirable act kept, wherein JJ» and confessors, who love not their
SC Stephen was the respondent, against 1,ves unt0 death 5 God bears an honour-
whom opponents appeared from all parts of fble ""P6* •? them that bear witness to
tbe then known world; but all too few h» name and truth ; and as they shall
to resist the wisdom and spirit by which sh,De fprtjj » the kingdom of their Father,
he spake. He asserted the truth so con- » "?\ <?** wmetimja put a lustre up-
rincragly, that all his opposite* had no on ttap face» heie- AU l.htL c^al sa?
power tooppose him. See here how faith- £'• Stephen's face, as tt had been the
ful Christ was in fulfilling of bis promise, face °fan ttttSeL
Luke xxi. 15, 1 will give you a mouth CHAP VII
and -wisdom, which aU your adversa-
ries shall not be able to gainsay or op- FT* HEN said the high priest, Are
pose. 2. His adversaries being baffled in J. these things so? 2 And he said,
their disputes, they bum with levenge; Men brethren, and fathers,' heark-
iE&^^A^s «; Th* g* i •** **rv?
arguments of a baffled adversary are ever unto our father Abraham, when he
found to be craft and cruelty : it has been was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt
2 s
026 THE ACTS. Chap. VII.
in Charran, 3 And said unto him, manner how tbat worship is to be ao
Get thee t>ut of thy country, and ceptably performed, was not known by the
from thy kindred, and come into the ,aw.°f. «*■* but discovered by di^ne
i j i • u i l 11 u *u a revelation. Adam in innocence knew God
land which I shall shew thee 4 wag t0 ^ worshipped . yet he dkl toot
Then came he out of the land of the know by wnat outward acts he was to tes-
Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran : tify that homage, till God the sovereign
and from thence, when his father Governor and supreme Lawgiver did give
was dead, he removed him into this direction. 3. That the worship due from
land, wherein ye now dwell. 6. And the creature to God the Creator is a spin-
he gave him none inheritance in it, J"* W0"hiP' *?d £&** !**p,r,U,?I,y
9 . l ~ * *u-r* performed. 4. The Judaical worship,
no not to much as to set his foot on : J™ ^^ by q^ t^f, ^
yet he promised that he would give fleshfy a^ ^4, ^d never pleased God
it to him for a possession, and to for its own sake. 5. The evangelical wor-
his seed after him, when as yet he ship being spiritual, and most suitable to
had no child. the nature of God, is therefore most ac-
ceptable and best pleasing to him. The
This chapter contains St. Stephen's apo- ceremonial worship ™* therefore good,
logy, or defensative plea, which he makes because God commanded it ; but theevan-
fo? himself. The Jews had in the fore- p1"*1 ***» » therefore comrnanded,
going chapter accused him for blaspheming ^"f6 Rood. The legal worship is called
their law, and profaning their temple, /«A m scripture, and a carnal o^nance;
imagining that Almighty God was so ln opposition to the gospel, which b called
pleased with the temple-service and Mo- {P ini» «» « mmtstratum of the *j*r//,
saic rites, that no other way of worship because attended with a more spiritual effi-
could be acceptable to him. Therefore ^y on the hcart* and "*« « meD-
by an historical deduction, he sbowsthero, e And God spake on this wise,
that God was worshipped aright before ,-,., .. a-. ii,rt„ij e^;rt..« ;„ a
either tabernacle or temple was built, That his seed should sojourn in a
or any of the Mosaic rites instituted or strange land; and that they should
ordained, and consequently that the true bring them into bondage, and en-
worship of God was not necessarily and treat them evil four hundred years.
inseparably annexed to any of these things. 7 And the nation to whom they shall
For the proof of this, he begins at be in bondage will I judge', said
Abraham, and shows them, that he living God and aftc, that shaH thcy
of old at Ur of the Chaldeans, in the „,,„ *• „fk omj B1MNja __ • #i,;"
midst of idolaters, God was pleased of his come fo'thA' *™ ser?e mf.in ^
free mercy to call him, to enlighten and P,ace- 8 *nd. he gave htm the
draw him to own and worship the true covenant of circumcision. And so
God, and commanded him to leave his oa- Abraham begat Isaac, and circu mo-
tive country, and go into a land which he cised him the eighth day ; and Isaac
should show him 5 he promised to make of fagot Jacob ; and Jacob begat the
him a great nation, and that in him all the »wp1vp natxiarrha
families of the earth should he blessed. Now Cwel e Palnarcns-
the design and drift of Stephen in this re- Observe here, The great trial which God
lation, is to prove, that Abraham from his put Abraham's faith unto; the Lord pro-
first call in Chaldea, when he was seventy mised to give him the land of Canaan (or
years old, to the time of his being ninety a possession, but he gave him not a foots
years old, had served God faithfully all that breadth. He promised to give it unto his
time, without either circumcision or cere- seed when as yet he bad no child ; and
mony, without tabernacle or temple ; and when God gave him seed, yet they were
consequently, that the true worship of G*d to sojourn in a strange land, Egypt ; and
might be now performed acceptably after continue there in bondage four hundred
these ceremonies were abolished, as well years. Learn hence, That there is no grace
as it was performed before they were insti- which God delights more to exercise and
tuted. Learn hence, 1. That religious try than the faith of his people; as
worship is manifestly due to God by the faith puts honour upon God, so doth
law and light of nature. 2. That the God put honour upon faith ; and faith
Chap. VII. THE ACTS. 627
ETm ^,noa,*53?d "?dreJ. noc* mOK Hvered him out of all his afflictions.
1 Pfet. i. 7. That the trial of your faith L" th.e "«*t.of Phar»?h king of
iebig much more precious than of gold ^P1 »' and ne made nim gorernor
that pefUheth, might be found unto over EfSyP*' *nd *U •»» house. 11
pru»e, and honour, and glory. Here the Now there came a dearth over all
apwde compares faith unto, and prefers it the land of Egypt and Canaan, and
™SfiL^e«ven **Ve ^ P^?" 8°ld, «reat »ffl«ction ; and our fathers
E^.sffcSfc" Tb 8°i? precous and found no sustenance. 12 But when
S&d^th* KiTEtf .S Jacob heard that there was corn i„
durable ?
improved
by exercise, « me instance 01 ADranam **«*• mwuc ruuwh tu ms oreinren ;
here fully prove*. Observe, 2. How God and Joseph's kindred was made
^**brabaraaadhi*seed into covenant known unto Pharaoh. 14 Then
wiuihin^and gives him circumcision, the sent Joseph, and called his father
seal of the covenant. Thence learn, That l«mh t* jw- o„J i-u u- i i • !i /
m the covenant which God made with I* t0 ktn\'£d M h,IS klndred.
Abraham, he gave himself to be a God to l""6*501* and fift*en souls. 15 So
Abraham and his seed, and received Abra- Jacob wcnt down mto Egypt, and
ham and his seed to be a people unto him- d*ed» ne» and our fathers, 16 And
self. 2. That circumcision was both the w<*e carried over into Sychem, and
Jjgn and the seal of the covenant which laid in the sepulchre that Abraham
^j^ with Abraham and his seed, the bought for a sum of money of the
people of the Jews. It is here ca lied the 80nq ftf pmmA, 4k„ j A J i «
covenant of circumcision, because circum- TJL ™ * ? I &tK? °*/?'
cision was both the sign and the seal of cbem: X] But when the tlme of the
that covenant made with Abraham. 1. Prom,S€ drew nigh, which God had
Circumcision was a sign, and that in seve- sw<>rn to Abraham, the people grew
ral respects: it was a commemorative sign and multiplied in Egypt, 18 Till
of God's covenant with Abraham; it was another king arose, which knew not
f„^SWiW*8igIIJ)f^A!>rah?m> feith Joseph. 19 The same dealt sub-
Sii^cT^f ^"t ^ A*1?™- t,ely with our kindred, and evil-en.
strative sign of original am, and thedenra- *-„«♦« a c ^ A ,
vhy of 7uman nature. A discrimiE **?** °"r .fathcr8' ML^ th*y
and distinguishing sign of the true church cIast °Jut the,r younS children, to
and people of God, from all the rest of the thc end tney m«&ht not live,
world. An initiating sign, by which all From the history of Abraham, Stephen
strangers were admitted into the Jewish proceeds to that of Joseph ; and shows, as
.aKhZ , Ax^ ,aid7* il wat a prefigurative he did before, that Joseph, as well as Abra-
sign of baptism, which succeeded in the ham, worshipped God acceptably without
room of circumcision in the christian church, either tabernacle or temple, and without
2. Circumcision was not only a sign, such customs as Moses delivered ; and.
but a seal also, Rom. iv. 11. He received consequently, that the worship of God is
the sign of circumcision, the seal of the not confined to an outward temple, or a
righteousness by faith. It was a seal on Mosaical ministration; and that therefore
God's part to confirm all the promises it was not blasphemy in him to say, That
made to Abraham and his seed ; and it God might be so worshipped. This is St.
was a seal on his and their part, to bind Stephen's argument from the instance of
him to renounce the service of all other Joseph. As to the particular story of
gods, and to oblige them to the observation Joseph, observe, 1. The great and sore
of the whole Jewish law. afflictions which betel that holy and good
man: he was envied and hated of his bre-
9 And the patriarchs, moved with tnOT»}tey wmspired against him, and
envv sold Josenh il ZnV K„* sought to take away his life ; he is thrown
envv, sold Joseph into Egypt ; but into a pit, and afterwards sold for a bond-
God was with him, 10 And de- slave to the Midianites; they sell him into
628 THE ACTS. Chap. Vir.
Egypt, where be was imprisoned so long, up, and nourished him for her own
M the iron entered into his soul; that is, son. 22 And Moses was learned in
ao loaded with irons, that his flesh was aj| tne wisdom of the Egyptians, and
eaten with them. Learn thence. That af- wag • ht Jn wordg and in decds
^BSC^S S5 » And whye„.hewa?f„Hfo«y year,
be, the lot and portion of the holiest and J>Mf it came into his heart to visit
best of men, and all these occasioned by his brethren the children of Israel.
their own brethren: Joseph's brethren, 24 And seeing one of them suffer
moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, wrong, he defended him, and aveng-
Observe, 2. * The singular support and ed hjm tnat was oppressed, and
comfort which Joseph experienced in, and smotc the EVyptian . 25 For he
under, his great affliction* : God was with aimnftapfi t, jT° brethren would hiiv«»
him. God was with Joseph in Potiphar's 8UPPOS€d ^ nlf brc™ren *™™ n*v.c
house, and gave him favour in the eyes of understood how that God by his
his Master, who reposed an entire confi- hand would deliver them ; but they
dence in him. God was with Joseph in understood not. 26 And the next
prison, and caused his imprisonment to day he shewed himself unto them
make way for his enlargement. God was as they strove, and would have set
with Joseph in Pharaoh's court, and gave thcm at one ag^ saying, Sirs, ye
^maPr.^nt?d^rovidtnt8prl,m^K? are brethren; why do ye wrong
him a father unto Pharaoh, and to all his . ., * • •* D * . ..*
people, giving him also a compassionate <»« V* ai?°[hler ? 27 Bu' hc £at
and merciful spirit to his brethren j par- d«d his neighbour wrong, thrust him
doning their cruelties, and forgiving the away, saying, Who made thee a
injuries done unto him. Hence we learn, ruler and a judge over us ? 28
That all the envy, malice, and mischievous Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the
designs of men, shall never be able to hin- Egyptian yesterday ? 29 Then fled
ffSJ?mp^?intthf ?"**?" a°d "?lea8^ Moses at this saying ; and was a
ef God: The patriarchs, moved with . .• J% a ^ c *j j-
envy, sold Joseph into Egypt : but God ganger in the land of Madian,
was with him. Observe, 3. The religious *herc he begat two sons.
desire which Jacob and Joseph, and the
rest of the holy patriarchs, had to be buried From the history of Abraham and Jo-
together in the land of Canaan, ver. 15, 16. «eph, St Stephen descends to that of Moses.
Jacob died, and our fathers, and were Where we have observable, 1. The birth
carried over into Sychem, and laid in a and education of Moses, he was bom, and
sepulchre. No doubt this was done by && *nree nionths tn his father's house ;
way of declaration of their own faith, and and then being cast out, was taken in by
in order to the confirmation of the faith Pharaoh's daughter, and has a noble edu-
of others, that their posterity should enjoy c*"0* given him ; being instructed in all
and possess that land ; so that this act of kinds of good literature, to fit him for such
theirs was a profession of their faith in the gn*t services as a prince's court might
promises which God had made to them of probably have brought him to. Moses
their possessing and enjoying the land of »** learned. Hence note, That the great*
Canaan. There is a natural desire in per- ermen are, the greater their care should be
sons to be buried by their ancestors, but for the learned and religious education of
here it was a religious desire ; they died in tbeir children; because nothing is more
the faith of their ancestors, and laid down incongruous and unsuitable than greatness
their heads together upon the same pillow of estate and meanness of imderstanding.
of dust, in hope of a blessed and glorious 1* ■ a »harae to great men to breed up their
resurrection. children sensually, to gaming, sporting,
. and excess ; as if an inheritance did serve
20 In which time Moses was born, ** D0 <*■» P^pose, but to make the nek
and was exceeding fair, and nourish- rf * "£■*, 9?£f>od /"**"5 J**"?
mA nn ;M u:- r~?u * u lL note, The latitude and extent of Masai
!f & «, /^u8 hL°USe thrCe karnV He was learned in all the tear*-
months : 21 And when he was cast ing oftn€ Egyptians. Where remark, I.
out, Pharaoh s daughter took him The diflerent end which God had in h»
Chap. VII. THE ACTS. ' 029
E
iridenoe, from what Pharaoh's daughter of Moses1 preservation, by hit being hid
1 in her particular care. She intended, three months in his father's house without
by this education of Moses, the good of discovery; by his floating upon the. water*
Egypt; but God intended the good of in an ark of bulrushes without danger,
Israel: she designed the service of Pharaoh; when an infant; they might have ration-
but God designed Moses to be a deliverer ally thought that such a person was de-
from Pharaoh. Thus the wise and holy signed by God for very great purposes,
providence of God useth the diligence of 3. From his readiness to defend tbera at
men to effect and bring things about which this time, when an Israelite and an Egyp-
they never thought of. 2. We may re- tian contended ; for it was wonderful that
mark, How that Moses the great prophet, so great a person as Moses was, and might
whom God spake to mouth to mouth, is have been, should concern himself in a
here commended for his learning, yea, for private quarrel betwixt two obscure • per-
Egyptian learning. Thence we may gather, sons. Moses might well suppose that his
That human learning is a noble and bene- brethren -would have understood, how that
tkial gift of God, and a very great ornament God by his hand would have delivered
and honour unto the greatest and most ex- them ; but they understood it not. Ob-
edient men : for it is in itself an ornament serve, 3. The ill treatment given to Moses,
and perfection to the mind ; it renders men when lie offered himself to be a reconciler :
the more useful and serviceable in their they thrust him from them, and expostulate
generation, and a greater blessing to human with him, Who made thee .a ruler or a
society, but especially to the church of God. judge ? The meek man replies, Sirs, ye
Human learning indeed is far inferior to ore brethren, why do ye wrong one to
holiness ; but in holy men, learning is another ? Where note, 1. Who are the
a rare ornament and accession to holiness, persons doing wrong to each other ; they
Sanctified wit beautifies religion, sanctified were Israelites, both Israelites. To see an
reason defends it, sanctified power protects Israelite and an Egyptian struggling, had
it, sanctified elocution persuades others to been no .wonder ; but to see two Israelites,
the love of it. So that to decry the use who were brethren, brethren by nation,
of human learning must proceed either brethren by religion, brethren in tribulation,
from ignorance or malice, and a desire to both of the seed of Abraham, both initiated
have religion betrayed. Let us see that we into the same covenant, both in bondage
get our learning seasoned with holiness, to a cruel tyrant, Pharaoh, who had con-
that we use it with humility, moderation, demned them to an ignominious slavery,
and sobriety, as an handmaid unto Christ ; and designed such a degree of cruelty, as
not vain-gloriously unto ostentation, not to murder all their, male issue. This was
proudly with contempt of others, not here- an astonishing sight, and Moses might well
tkatlly in defence of error ; never suffering »ay> Why do ye wrong one to another /
human learning, but divine revelation, to Plainly implying, that both parties were to
determine articles of faith. Then, if with blame ; but that party most, who would
Moses we be learned in all the learning of not hear of a reconciliation, or putting a
the philosophers, the more glory we shall stop to the quarrel : a reconciler is more
bring to God, and be the more useful and odious than a stranger, in the apprehension
beneficial to mankind. Observe, 2. As of some. Observe lastly, How Moses being
the education of Moses in Pharaoh's court, thus ill treated by them, departs from them,
so the time of his continuing there; namely, and they hear no more of him for forty
till he was /arty years old. After which years, ver. 29. Then fled Moses, and was a
God put it into his heart to visit his bre- '(ranger in the land of Madian. Where
tbren, the children of Israel, and offer him- observe, The years of Moses's life were an
self to be a deliverer to them ; and he hundred and twenty : forty years he spent
supposed that they would have understood at the court in Egypt ; forty years he spent
the purpose of God to save them by his in Madian with his father-in-law Jethro ;
hand, but they understood it not. But and the last forty years of his life in the
what reason was there for the Israelites to wilderness. Now all this time Moses was
suppose, that Moses was the person designed a worshipper of the true God, and that in
by God for their deliverer? Answer, Very an acceptable manner ; and most of this
great reason ; because, 1. They knew that time he worshipped God without either ta-
the time of their deliverance did now draw bernacle or temple : from whence St. Ste-
Tery near. 2. From the extraordinariness phen draws his argument to prove, that
030 THE ACTS. Ctop- VII.
as God was acceptably woishipped by boly again into Egypt, J**m \Jj*°
men before either tabernacle or temple were Aaron, Make us gods to go before
erected, in like manner he may be so again us . for as for this Moses which
after both tabernacle and temple are de- bought us out of the land of Egypt,
stroyed ; and consequently, that they un- wc wQt not what js become of him.
justly | accused him ol ^lasphcmy^ cTspeak- d . raadc a calf in those
ing blasphemous words against Moses and ^ j^ ^^ ^ ^
aSam8t God* idol, and rejoiced in the works of
30 And when forty years were their own hands. 42 Then God
expired, there appeared to him in turned, and gave them up to wor-
the wilderness of Mount Sina an an- ^ t^e b0st Gf heaven: as it is
gel of the Lord, in a flame of fire in writtcn in the book of the prophets,
a hush. 31 When Moses saw it, q ye houge 0f igrael, have ye offer-
he wondered tat the sight : and as e(j to me 8iajft beasts and sacrifices,
he drew near to behold it, the ^ ihe space 0j forty years in the
voice of the Lord came unto him, wjiderness ? 43 Yea, ye took up
32 Saying, I am the God of thy the tabernacle of Moloch, and the
fathers, the God of Abraham, and gtar Qf y0ur ^ Remphan, figures
the God of Isaac, and the God of wnjcjl vc made to worship them :
Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and ancj | wm caTTy vou away beyond
durst not behold. 33 Then said Babylon. 44 Our fathers had the
the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes tabernacle of witness in the wilder-
from thy feet ; for the place where ncggj ^ be bad appointed, speaking
thou standest is boly ground. 34 unto Moses, that he should make
I have seen, I have seen the affliction jt according to the fashion that he
of my people which is in Egypt, and bad seen. 45 Which also our fa-
I have heard their groaning, and am tbcrs that came after brought in
come down to deliver them. And w-|th Jesus into the possession of
now come, I will send thee into E- the Gentiles, whom God drave out
gypt. 36 This Moses, whom they before the face of our fathers, noto
refused, saying, Who made thee a the days of David ; 46 Who found
ruler and a judge ? the same did favour before God, and desired to
God send to be a ruler and a de- ^n(| a tabernacle for the God of
liverer, by the hand of the angel jaCob. 47 But Solomon built him
which appeared to him in the bush. an bouse. 48 Howbeit, the most
36 He brought them out, after that jjigh dwelleth not in temples made
he had shewed wonders a/id signs wjtb hands; as saith the prophet,
in the land of Egypt, and in the Red 4g Heaven is my throne, and earth
sea, and in the wilderness forty t-, my footstool : what house will ye
years. 37 This is that Moses which build me ? saith the Lord : or
said unto the children of Israel, A wnat ^ the place of my rest 1 60
prophet shall the Lord your God Hatb not my hand made all these
raise up unto you of your brethren, things ?
like unto me; him shall ye hear.
38 This is he that was in the church St Stephen heregoes on with the tostoiy
in the wilderness, with the angel of Moses, and having in the former vera*
which spake to him in the Mount Si- made mention of what ocaured jol torn »
jK 'ii r-*i™« . M(i.A — Egypt, and m Madian, here an account h
na, and with our fathers ; who re- ^^wliit happened* him in the wfl-
ceived the lively oracles to give unto lmm . and the first thing observable is
us : 39 To whom our fathers would tne appearance of God to him in a flame of
not obey, but thrust him from them, fir*, out of the midst of a busfa, which buro-
and in their hearts turned back ed, but was not consumed This busb
Chap. VII. THE ACTS. 631
was an emblem of the church. This bush love a devotion of our own devising very
burning, pointed out the afflicted state of dearly. Learn, 2. That idolatry in wor-
the church in Egypt, having a long time shipping the sun, moon, and stars, is a very
been in the fiery furnace there ; but the ancient sin ; both the old Gentiles and old
burning bush, not consumed, signified the Jews were guilty of it ; and consequently
church's preservation. God was in the may infer, that neither antiquity nor uni-
midst of the bush, whilst the bush was in versality will bear us out in idolatrous wor-
the midst of the burning. Where note, ship. Example is no plea against a rule,
How almighty God, intending to send nor antiquity against truth ; it is no excuse
Moses as a deliverer of his people out of to us, when we do evil, to say our fore-
Egypt, gives him a visible sign for confirm- fathers did so before us. Learn, 3. That
rag of his faith, in the sight of this burning, the idolatry of the Jews was a grand ini-
but unconsumed, bush : 1. To assure him quity, and much worse than the idolatry of
of his people's deliverance, that though they the heathens : the Gentiles knew not God,
were now slaves in Egypt, yet they should but the Jews owned him, and gloried in
be set free, and instated in a land flowing him. But though they* knew God, they
with milk and honey ; next to satisfy him worshipped him not as God. Observe,
that he should be the instrument to bring to 4. The Israelites being come out of Egypt
pass so glorious a work. O how gracious by the conduct of Moses, and having en-
is God's condescension towards his servants, tered the wilderness at God's appointment
who is pleased by visible signs to support and particular direction, the tabernacle for
the weakness of their faith ! The Lord his public worship and service is erected.
appeared to Moses in aflame of fire in the That is here called, ver. 44. The ta&er-
bush. Observe, 2. Sow Moses, in the nacie of witness ; it being the place where
faith of God's presence with him, protec- God used to witness and manifest his glo-
tion over him, and assistance of him, goes rious presence and because the ark of the
forth for Egypt, where he works many covenant, the law, and the testimonies, were
signs and wonders before Pharaoh, at last laid up in it, which were witnesses and
brings the people forth into the wilderness declarations of God's will how he would
to mount Sinai, where God gave them his be served. Now this tabernacle was an
law, and appointed Moses then to make a ambulatory temple, as the temple was a
tabernacle for his worship. Now the use standing tabernacle. This tabernacle was
which St Stephen makes of this, is to con- moveable ; they carried it with them from
vioce the Jews, that for above four hun- place to place, while they sojourned in
died years their fathers had worshipped the wilderness, and at last they brought
God without any tabernacle at all ; and, it with them into Canaan, ver. 45. which
consequently, that now that sect of worship tabernacle our forefathers brought in with
was abolished, God might be very accep- Jesus (that is Joshua) into the possession
tably served and worshipped in the absence of the Gentiles, that is, the land of Canaan,
of it. Observe, 3. That notwithstanding where it continued all the days of David,
Moses was raised up by God, and sent to be till Solomon began his reign, who built
a deliverer into Egypt, and a lawgiver to the temple in a most magnificent and
the Israelites in the wilderness, yet they sumptuous manner. Here note, 1. That
rebelled against him, and against God in the public worship of Almighty God is a
faim ; for they ran into the vilest idolatry, moral duty, founded on the light of na-
eveo to make and worship a golden calf, ture, and the common reason of mankind,
to adore the host of heaven, the sun, moon, 2. That solemn places for public worship
and stars, for deities ; yea, they carried have been from the beginning, before the
about with them the images and pictures giving of the law. The ancient devotion
of the heathen gods, Mars and Saturn, of the world delighted much in groves,
with the design to* worship them: for Gen. xxi. 33. Abraham planted a grove
which gross idolatry God sent them into* and called there on the name of the Lord*
captivity beyond Babylon. Hence learn, This was a sort of oratory or chapel,
1. That there is a strange inclination in whither Abraham and his family resorted,
man's heart to the sin of idolatry ; the rea- to worship the true God. After the giving
son is, because it is a worship of our own of the law, while the people of the Jews
invention. Now man is most fond of, and were in an unsettled condition, God was
forward for, that service of God which is contented with a mean tabernacle ; but
of his own finding out and setting up. We when they were settled in Canaan, then a
031 THE ACTS. Chap. VII-
magnificent temple is built, m some rota- your fathers persecuted ? and they
sure suitable to the greatness and majesty of naVe slain them which shewed be-
that God who was to te worshipped in it. fore of the comi of the Just One,
From whence we may infer. That the pub- _r— u — u u *• •
lie worship of God, though it doth require °f "hom ^e .have ^een now the **-
inward and spiritual devotion, yet, as *»*«» an0- murderers : 53 Who
public, is necessarily external ; and as such h*ve received the law by the riispo-
it ought to express, in the best manner we sition of angels v and have not kept it,
are able, that profound reverence which we
pay to the divine majesty. And therefore, Observe here, 1. How St. Stephen,
that the circumstances of it should not only having finished his general discourse in toe
be decent, but very solemn and magnificent, foregoing verses to the Jews, comes now to
the light of nature seems plainly to require, & particular and close application of it to
and the gospel doth no where gainsay, them. All the while he was generally dts-
When David determined to build God an coursing, they were quiet and still, and
bouse for public* worship, he resolved it made no noise at all ; tor generals do not
should be exceedingly magnificent; which affect. But when he came to apply it par-
resolution was not a piece of ceremonial ticulariy, and say, " You are the men, ye
piety, but grounded on a moral and eter- stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart"
nal reason, of equal force in all ages ; this enrages them, and drives them into the
namely, that the greatest and best of beings worst kind of madness. Learn hence, 1.
be most awfully adored by us in the best That the efficacy of the word preached lies
manner we are able ; and that we declare in a particular and close application of it
our high regard and esteem of so glorious to every man's conscience. 2. That it is
a Majesty by all outward fitting testimo- ministers* great duty not to satisfy them-
nies of respect and reverence. Observe, selves with delivering general truth to their
lastly, That after the temple was built, the people, but they must point at their parti-
worship of God was not so tied to that cular sins, (though not at their particular
place, as that he could not be worshipped persons,) and reprove them for the same,
acceptably any where else : for God hath what hazards soever they run, and what-
declared by the mouth of his holy prophet, ever the event may be. St. Stephen's close
Isa. Ixvi. 1, 2, That he delighted not preaching here, and impartial reproving of
in templet made with hands, as if he were sin, he saw would cost him his life; but
included therein, and bound thereto. nothing terrified by his adversaries, be
And thus St Stephen, by a large indue- spares not to tell them, the greatest of
tion of particulars, made good his defence, them, of their faults. Accordingly observe,
That he was not guilty of blasphemy for 2. The particular sins which St. Stephen
affirming, that Christ would destroy the bere convicts them of, and reproves them
temple, and change the customs which for: 1. The stoutness, and stubbornness
Moses delivered. He closes his apology and stiff-neckedncss, of their hearts. Ye
with this argument. That which was not stiff-necked, and uncircumcised in heart ;
blasphemy to affirm of the tabernacle, a metaphor taken from a bullock not used
though it was set up by God's special ap- to the yoke, who therefore will not submit
pointment given to Moses, is not blasphemy his neck to bear it. Wicked men are often
to affirm of the temple. But it was no called children of Belial, because they will
blasphemy to affirm the use of the taber- not endure the yoke of obedience ; but
nacle to have been temporary, and conse- when God comes to put it upon their
quently alterable : therefore to affirm the necks, they lift up their heel against him.
same of the temple is not blasphemy ; 2. He charges them with rebelling against,
especially since the Lord hath said, That and resisting of, the Holy Spirit of God,
he dwelleth not in temples made with Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost,
hands. That is, both the outward testimony of the
Holy Ghost speaking to them in the minis.
61 Ye stiff-necked, and uncircum- [rJ ?( «he prophets and apostles, and also
cisedin heart and ears, ye do al- ^ »^rd options of the Holy Spirit ,o
«.« - • * *u u i Al * lne work of illumination and conviction
ways resist the Holy Ghost : as which they had been under, a For the*
vour fathers did, so do ye. 62 imitating their cruel ancestors, who killed
Which of the prophets have not the old prophets, and crucified the Lord of
Chap. VII. THE ACTS. 093
life and glory : As your fathers did, so do more either of his counsels or conriplaints.
ye. 4. For their wicked violation of the 4. They ran upon him with one accord,
holy law of God, which was given them by like persons combined and united together
the glorious ministry and proclamation of in malice and madness. 5. They cast him
angels : Ye received the law by the dis- out of the city, not out of the synagogue
position of angels ; that is, the angels were only, but out of the city also. They look
Testes, and Internuncio witnesses and upon this good man, of whom the world
messengers betwixt God and Moses in giv- was not worthy, as a person not f& for
ing of the law ; or Jesus Christ the angel of human society. . " Lord ! why should any
the covenant, who is God's messenger, and of thy present ministers and ambassadors
the angel that appeared to Moses in the wonder at, or be discouraged by, the ill
bush. He gave the law to Moses, and by treatment which an unkind world now
Moses to you, which law ye have notwith- gives them ; when thy blessed apostles, full
•taiwling violated, and never kept of the Holy Ghost, and endued with power
to work miracles, were cast out before us ;
54 When they heard these things, as the filth of the world, and the off-scour-
they were cut to the heart, and they ing of all things !" But this was not
gnashed on him with their teeth, all : not only by the gestures, but by their
55 But he, being full of the Holy actions, did they discover the utmost effects
Ghost, looked up stedfastly into of their rage and malice against this holy
heaven and saw the fflorv of find and innocent I*"00' for ,hey P0* hlm to
heaven, and saw the glory ot ijod death stoned him f0 death ghootiDg
and Jesus standing on the right hand a whole voney of ^^y at hig nakeg
of God, 56 And said, Behold, I breast: a shower of stones came down upon
see the heavens opened, and the Son him, from those hands which ought to have
of man standing on the right hand cast the first stone at themselves; but all
of God. 57 Then they cried out this did but join him the closer to Christ,
with a loud voice, and stopped their the corner stone, E^er tot lapidesPetrx
«..«. ~~A Mn ...ww. k;~» «,:ik ~~~ conjungitur uni. Learn hence, That it is
ears, and ran upon him with one nofin fne p^r of piety and religion to
accord, 58 And cast him out of ^^^ aiMTsecure the most holy and re-
the city, and stoned him : and the ligious person either from the attempt of
witnesses laid down their clothes at popular fury, or from the stroke of a violent
a young man's feet, whose name and bloody death : They cast him out of
was Saul. Me c'ty* ar,d stone(i him. Observe, What
a blessed sight St. Stephen had of heaven,
Observe here, 1. The Jews* angry and and of Jesus in heaven, to prepare and fit
unreasonable resentment of the foregoing him for his sufferings, and to support and
representation : though it was exact truth hold him under them, ver. 56. Behold, I
and matter of fact, yet were they cut to the see the heavens opened, and Jesus stand-
heart ; that is, they were angry even unto ing on the right hand of God. Blessed
madness. Here was a most proper corro- Jesus ! what an encouragement it is to us,
sive, and applied by a skilful hand ; but suffering for thee on earth, to look up sted-
they would not let it stick, nor endure a fastly by faith unto thee in heaven, who
cure : such is the enmity of wicked hearts, art continually standing there to behold
that when the ministers of God reprove sin and observe, to strengthen aud support, to
sharply, instead of receiving the message, receive and reward, thy suffering servants ;
they rage at the messenger : When thev to count every stone cast at them, and to
heard the»e things, the?/ were cut to the revenge all the injuries and wrongs done
heart. Observe, 2. How they discover unto them! Observe lastly, How these
their rage against the holy man two ways : bloody persecutors manage their cruelties
by their gestures, and by their actions, under a form of law, that they may appear
Their gestures made a full discovery of the more specious. By the law of God,
their enraged minds : 1. They gnashed stoning was the punishment due to blas-
upon him with their teeth ; the action of pheming ; and they that witnessed against
damned fiends. 2. They made a great out- the blasphemer were by the law of God to
cry with an unanimous and tumultuous rage: cast the first stone at him, Deut. xvii. 7.
They cried out with a loud voice. 3. They Accordingly, the witnesses here put off
stopped their ears, resolved to hear no their upper garments to fit themselves for
634 THE ACTS. Chap. VII.
their bloody "work; and a young man, he has not sold it to sin9 nor pawned it to
called Saul, undertook to look to them, kept Satan, nor exchanged it for the world ; but
their garments for them, and consequently he has reserved it for Christ, who redeemed
consented unto his death, and had a hand it for him. 2. Receive. Learn thence, It
in stoning of him: The witnesses laid is the duty and disposition of a gracious per-
down their garments at a young man's son to resign up his soul willingly and cheer-
feet, whose name was Saul. By consent- fully into Christ's hands, whenever God calls
"ing to the sins of other men, we certainly for it ; his soul is surrendered by him, not
become partakers of other men's sins. extorted from him. The knowledge that a
*« a « a *k«„ a*~~~A c*^»o.«„ good man has of Christ's love and care
59 And they stoned Stephen, |>f ^ faithfulne88 ^ encourages
calling upon God, and saying, Lord him to ibk resignation? ftal. xxxi 6.
Jesus, receive my spirit. j^/, into thy hands I commit my spirit.
Observe here, 1. The holy deportment of for thou hast redeemed it. And surely be
this humble saint at his death: he prays, that redeemed it, will not hurt it.
Learn thence, That good men should shut
up their lives with prayer, and die with 60 And he kneeled down, and
prayer in their mouths. Our Saviour did cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay
so : his first martyr here did so. St. Ste- not this sin to their charge ! And
I**? i"!^uthf ^ ? £ ^ *nd when he had said this, he fell asleep,
he imitated Christ m his death; turning r
from malicious men, to speak unto a mer- We had St Stephen's prayer in the fore-
ciful God in prayer: They stoned Ste- going verse for himself; here in this verse
phen, calling upon Ood. Observe, 2. The he prays for his murderers. Where note,
object of his prayer, or whom St. Stephen 1. His pious charity in forgiving his ene-
prays to ; Jesus Christ. He doth not say, roies and praying for them, that God would
" O blessed Virgin ! O St. Thomas ! O St. forgive them also : Lord, lay not this sin to
Bridget! intercede with my Saviour for their charge. How doth this holy martyr
me I" But he directs his supplications im- imitate his dying Saviour ! Luke xxiii.
mediately to Christ, saying, Lord Jesus ! 34. Father, forgive them. Note, 2. His
From whence we may strongly infer the regular charity. His charity began at
divinity of Christ. Prayer is an act of re- home : he prays first for himself, and then
ligious worship, and he that is the proper for his murderers; Gist, Lord Jesus, receive
object of religious worship must be God : my spirit ; next, Lord, lay not this sin
none must be the object of my prayer* but to their charge. Where remark, That
he that is the object of my faith. How Christ prayed first for his enemies, then for
shall I pray to him in whom I have not himself; Luke xxiii. 34,36. Father, for-
believed ? Observe, 3. The subject of this give them : Father, into thy hands /eons-
prayer, or what he prays for ; his soul : mit my spirit ; but St Stephen intercedes
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit; he doth for himself. The reason of the difference
not say, Lord Jesus save my life, which is is this : Christ needed no prayer for himself,
in so much danger of being taken away, but Stephen did. We are to love our ene-
O deliver me from the hands of my perse- roies as ourselves ; but Christ loved his eoe-
cutors, and bring me off safe ! Not a word mies above himself, and better than himself,
like this ; but let it go well with my soul j Christ's love to his enemies was the copy
Lord, receive my spirit. Learn hence, and pattern, St Stephen's but the transcript.
That the godly man's care, living and dy- Note, 3. His holy fervency in prayer: be
ing, is for his soul ; because this is the prin- cried out with a loud voice, endeavouring
cipal and immortal part, because this is the by the cry of his prayers to drown the
greatest talent that ever God put into our noise of the stones which rattled about his
hands, and because the happiness and eter- ears, and to divert that shower of vengeance
nal welfare of the body depends upon the1 from them which their shower of stones
blessed condition of the soul: if the soul upon-him deservedly called for from heaven,
be happy, the body cannot be miserable. Note, 4. The holy martyr prayed for bun-
Observe, 4. The sweet surrender, the willing self standing, but for his enemies kneeling,
and cheerful resignation, which the good ver. 59. He stood, when he said. Lord
man makes of his soul into the hands of Jesus, receive my spirit : but ver. 60.
Christ : Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, when he said, Lord, lay not this sin to
1. The godly man's spirit or soul is his own, their charge, lie kneeled down and cried.
•*
Chap. VIII. THE ACTS. 635
He was more importunate for his enemies, which was at Jerusalem ; and they
flian be was for himself. How near did were all scattered abroad through-
St. Stephen the first t martyr come to his 0(lt the re ionB of Judca amJ Sama.
blessed master Jesus Christ, in praying for ?.• . •
his enemies.!. Note, 5. The succesTand na' excePe the *V<>*t\es.
b?^? ?LhiL]?*ye* ; °?* S?1!? and *** Observe here, 1. How the spite and cru-
swered Stephens prayer in Paurs conver- clty ^ the church.8 ,&„£* was not
siod, recorded in the > ninth chapter. St quenched, but rather inflamed, by the
Stephanusnon or&sset, Ecclesia Paulum blood 0f Stephen; from whence arose a
non habuuset, saith one of the ancients ; bitter persecution against the church at
"V?1*™ *» <^ ^uStVSt,e" Jemsalem, upon which the multitude of
phens mtercession. Note, 6. The holy believers fled from thence. Persecution
man s entand happy condimon, He feU tCitten ^ profeaors of religion ; but God
**}**?> Where note, 1. The thing record- makes scattering the way to increasing, and
u - u T? f .? . tr ?i The ?*&*1 what was intended for the hindrance, God
which his death is set out by, and clothed overruled for the furtherance of the gospel :
with, and that is sleep. 3. The circum- M q^ over-powers the devil, so he outwits
stance o 'time when be fell asleep, gamely, him t00. tfhis scattering persecution at
after he had served Christ, and suffered for Jerusalem, which was designed to smother
him. L«am thence, That it ■ a blessed and suppress the gospel, did propagate and
thing when death calls us off the stage itf spread it more and more. OrWve^.How
this worW,aftera life of service ^and suffer- && ^ bounds and limiU to this sharp
rag ; When he had so said, he fell asleep, persecution ; though the believers were scat-
Happy b that christian who falls asleep with {^ yet the *tles continued at Jerusa-
ha Lord s work in bis hand. lem . They were all tcattmd% excfpt tne
p„Ap vnf apostles. The twelve stay there untouched
CHAT. Vlll. in the mkJst of the fiery f^aee 0f lpetK9
The histoiyofSauVs cruelty and conversion is next cution, to comfort and cherish the church
recorded; the former in this chapter, the tatter I q m that sad and doleful day, niaugre the
the next; the design of both is to excite us to " ^T^ uuiwmi wy, '"""p'J ""°
consider, what a great change the jrnce of God malice of angry men, and of enraged devils,
can make in turning Sauls into Pauls; perse- and those who were scattered, carried the
cutnrs into professors ; and the opposera of Christ i- l, ^* 4U„ _,„.««i nmAMM *%*A n««»;U
and his truth, into faithful servantTunto both, hght of the eospel among the Gentiles.
Thus out of the darkness of persecution,
AND Saul was consenting; unto God bringeth forth the light of the gospel,
his death.— providing at once for the safety of some by
their flight, and for the calling home of
That is, St. Stephen's, mentioned in the others by their dispersion : They were all
close of the last chapter; how far he con- scattered abroad throughout the region
sented to his death ; the text tells us, He ofjudea and Samaria,
kept the garments of them that stoned
htm; they laid down their clothes at his 2 And devout men carried Ste-
feett chap. vii. 58. His hand did not phen to his burial and made great
throw one stone at the holy martyr's head, jamentation over hini.
but his will concurred with others m that
bloody act; and this denominated him Observe here, 1. Though St. Stephen
guilty. Learn hence, That God chiefly was stoned to death by his bleody perse-
inspects the heart, and if the vote be passed cutors, yet are they not so inhuman as to
there, he looks upon the man as guilty, deny him burial. It is a mercy to have a
though he proceeds no farther. Tis easy grave, and decent burial is a blessing. The
to murder another by silent wish, or pas- body is the garment of the soul ; we lay
sionate desire. In all moral actions God up this garment in the wardrobe of the
values the will for the deed, and reckons grave, with assurance, that we shall put it
that man an actor that is an apphtuder. on again (when made spiritual and incor-
Consent unto the sins of others, makes ruptible) in the morning of the resurrection
their guilt our own : Saul was consenting and wear it to all eternity. Observe, 2.
unto his death. It follows : The persons described who carried Stephen
. to the bed of the grave: devout men.
—And at that time there was a That is, truly religious men, men of emi-
great persecution against the church nent piety, and holy courage also : Devoid
636 THE ACTS. Chap. VIII.
men carried Stephen to his burial A Damascus, some to Samaria, some to Phe-
noble instance of a generous and a chris- nice, Cyprus, and Antiocb. But God
tian courage, that they durst, among such a overruled this scattering for his church's in~
multitude of persecutors and furious zealots creasing ; he brought good out of evil, light
own their esteem of, and pay their last out of darkness, order out of confusion. It
respects unto, the name and memory of the is a great and certain truth, that the holy
holy martyr. Observe, 3. The doleful God would suffer no sort of evil to be, did
solemnity of his funeral : They made great he not know how to bring some excellent
lamentation over him ; and reason enough good out of that evil,
there was for it, because of the church's _, ..... . .
great loss at that time. When any of the .5 Then Phll,P went down to "«
ministersofGodare snatched away by death, city of Samaria, and preached
especially by a violent death, from the ser- Christ unto them. 6 And the peo-
vice of the church, there is just cause for pie with one accord gave heed on-
great and solemn lamentation : Devout to those things which Philip spake,
men carried Stephen to his burial, and hearing, and seeing the miracles
made great lamentation over him. ^^ \e dJd 7 For uwhm ^
3 And as for Saul, he made ha- *its, crying with loud voice, came
voc of the church, entering into out of many that were possessed
every house ; and haling men and with them : and many taken with
women, and committed them to palsies, and that were lame, were
prison. healed. 8 And there was great joy
" Bloody Saul ! was it not enough for
thee to see a single saint destroyed, but Observe here, 1. Amongst the dispersed
wilt thou seek to destroy the whole fraternity who went to Samaria, Philip was one ; not
and communion of saints ?'* Behold the Philip the apostle, (for all of them re-
fiery zeal of this furious persecutor : he mainedat Jerusalem) but Philip the deacon,
spares neither age nor sex, neither men nor who was the second in order after Ste-
women, neither young nor old, but with- phen, among the seven deacons; he comes
out respect he hales them to prison. O to Samaria, and preaches there. Observe,
fury, worse than inhuman ! not only to 2. The doctrines which he preached : he
draw men spitefully, but to hale women preached Christ unto them : that is, chris-
shamefully, to prison. Women in all ages tianity, or the christian religion ; namely,
have been exempted from the insults of ty- the doctrine of Christ's incarnation, holy
ranny, but not always freed from the per- life and death, resurrection and ascension,
secutor's fury. And blessed be God for that together with remission of sins through
masculine courage and constancy which faith in his name. Observe, 3. The suc-
the feebler sex have shown, when they have cess of Philip's doctrine at Samaria : the
been called forth to bear their testimony people with one accord embrace the gospel,
for Christ Out of weakness they have giving heed to the things which he spake.
been made strong. With what wisdom The presence of the Holy Spirit accompa-
and courage have they answered their ex- nying his ministry, united his hearers* hearts,
aminers, convicted their accusers, confuted as well as ears, to attend diligently to the
their opposcrs, kissing the stake, hugging doctrine of Christ delivered to them. This
the faggots, embracing the flame! Thus diligent attention was a blessed preparative
can God help the weak things of the world to the Samaritans* conversion, seeing fiuih
to confound the strong, and teach the comes by hearing : yea, they did not only
foolish to confute the wise. attend to, but acquiesce in all he snake.
, r Note thence, That were there a more neve-
4 Therefore they that were scat- rent attention to the word, there would be
tered abroad went every where more conversions by it than at this day
preaching the word. there are. Observe, 4. The external ground
and reason of Philip's success in his minis-
Tnis severe persecution at Jerusalem dis- try at Samaria: the miracles which he
pe^ttewolebodyofthechurch,d wrought. These were undeniable evidence*
s^ttered both members and teachers there- of the truth of what he spake, and by
of, except the apostles. Some went to which he showed God's authority for what
Chap. VIII. THE ACTS. 687
be did and said; he healed diseases, and greatest and vilest impostors, the most
cast out devils, (called unclean spirits, be- atheistical and diabolical sorcerers ; there
cause they delight in sin, that spiritual un- they lurk and lodge, there they seek to set
cleanness of the soul,) who cried out with up and play their prizes. Note, 2. That
a loud voice, as very loath to lose their the vilest impostors and worst seducers
lodgings, had they not been constrained to have yet many, very many followers : the
it The miracles which Christ and his silly multitude is soon deluded : To him
apostles wrought were heaven's broad seal they all gave heed, from the least to the
to confirm the truth of what they taught : greatest. Note, 3. That such vile deceiv-
The people gave heed to •what Philip ers have the confidence to brag, and the
spake, seeing the miracles which he did. deluded multitude have the weakness to
Observe, lastly, What joy and rejoicing believe, that they are very extraordinary
there was among the Samaritans at their persons, and can do extraordinary things,
receiving and entertaining of the gospel : Simon gave it out himself, that he *as
There was great joy in that, city, not some great one ; and the people cry him
only for the cures wrought upon their bo- up as the great power of God.
dies, but for the doctrine of reconciliation
and salvation preached to their souls. As 1 1 And to him they had regard,
the gospel is in itself a message of joy and because that of long time he had be-
glad tidings, so it fills that soul with joy witched them with sorceries. 12 But
unspeakable that cordially receives and en- when they believed Philip, preach-
^iM *L* JSL!n l^H?ly^h0st JV,0? in& the thinSs concerning the king-
of the sweet effects of the kingdom of God, A ® * r.A * j .* nt% J* c T *
that is, the gospel, Rom. &. 17. The ^oin of ^d, and the name of Jesug
kingdom of God is not meat and drink, Christ, they were baptized, both
hst righteousness, and peace, and joy in m*n and women. 13 Then Simon
the Holy Ghost. himself believed also : and when he
. was baptized, he continued with
9 But there was a certain man Philip, and wondered, beholding the
called Simon, which before-time in miracles and signs which were done.
the same city used sorcery, and be- " . . , T, . . .. .
witched the people of Samaria, „ P^l^ll' S^l ,0°S ' *in,e tb'«
a .• I i_« ir v"e sorcerer, by Gods permission, and
giving out that himself was some tg^., power§ wrought these lying wonders
great one : 10 To whom they all among the people : He had of a long time
gave heed, from the least to the bewitched them with sorceries, ver. 11.
greatest, saying, This man is the Deceivers are not always suddenly detected,
great power" of God. and drossy hypocrites are not presently
discovered ; but the vizor will drop off
An account is here given of one of Phi- sooner or later. Observe, 2. That where
lip's auditors at Samaria, Simon Magus by the true knowledge of God comes, and the
name, or Simon the Sorcerer, a vile man, clear light of the gospel shines, there gross
the blackest Ethiopian that ever baptismal impieties and impostures, there cheats and
water wet or washed ; notorious for sorcery, delusions, will be found out, detested, and
for hypocrisy, for final apostasy, and abhorred: When they believed Philip's
avowed impiety. Ecclesiastical history preaching, they were baptized, both men
informs us of the heresies he broached, of and women. Where the light shines, Sa-
the divine honours he assumed, of the stat- tan falls as lightning ; magic vanishes.
ties and images built to him and his strum- This Dacon cannot stand before the ark of
pet Helen, which lewdly companied with God: when the people of Ephesus received
him : of an altar erected to him with this the gospel, they soon made a bonfire of
blasphemous inscription, SimoniDto Sane- their magic books, Acts xix. 19. Observe,
to, " To Simon the Holy God ;" and of his 3. The success of the gospel preached by
tragical end ; by breaking his neck, when Philip : the people believed, and were
attempting to fly up to heaven, because the baptized, both men and women. Mark,
people would no longer be cheated with 1. Believed, and then baptized : these were
his impostures here below. From this ex- adult or grown persons, not infants, and
ample, note, 1. That into the most emi- they were heathenish idolaters, strangers to
nent and populous cities do often enter the the covenant j and therefore must believe
688 THE ACTS. Chap VIII.
the gospel, and profess their faith in Christ, were baptised in the name of the
before their baptism. Baptism is not to be Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they
administered to any that are out of the vi- ^^r hands on them, and they re-
sible church, till they profess their faith in - yed thc Hol Ghost-
Christ and obedience to him. Mark, 2. '
The persons baptized were women as well Observe here, 1. How the apostles at Je-
as men 5 When they believed Philip, they rusalem, hearing the glad tidings of Sama-
were baptized, both men and women, ria's conversion by Philip's ministry, thought
Women under the gospel are capable of fit to send down two of the twelve to con-
the seal of the covenant as well as men. firm the new converts in the faith, and to
Under the law they were not; then they constitute a church there by their apostolical
were circumcised in the men; now they authority. Observe, 2. The persons whom
are baptized for themselves; They were the college of the apostles at Jerusalem
baptized both men and women. Observe, thought fit to send to Samaria ; Peter and
4. A great and sudden change wrought in John. Where note, That Peter's being
Simon himself by the preaching of Philip ; deputed by the rest of the apostles to this
He believed also and was baptized. Be- service, b an argument that Peter had no
hold, the sorcerer is become a professor, primacy or superiority over the rest of the
a believer, a baptized person. The gos- apostles ; or, if in this employment there
pel preached may have a common opera- was any sign of primacy, John was sharer
tion upon a soul, where it never produced m that as well as Peter : The apostles sent
inward sanctification. All that are by the Peter and John. Observe, 3. What the
gospel proselyted, are not savingly con- apostles Peter and John did when they
verted. All are not good fish that are in- came to Samaria ; They prayed and had
closed in the gospel's net ; but some fish, fneir hands on them, and they recewed
some trash. As there will be wheat and the Holy Ghost. Where by the Holy
tares in the same field, chaff and corn in Ghost, is not to be understood the sancti-
the same floor ; so will there be some saints fying graces of the Holy Ghost, which the
and some sinners in the purest earthly apostles never did nor could dispense, but
church. Observe, lastly, Upon a bare pro- the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost,
Session of faith Simon Magus is baptized, the gift of tongues and prophecy, and a
l^arn thence, That outward profession just- power to work miracles. These were now
ly gains admission into the Christian con- conferred on such persons whom the Holy
gregation, and gives a person a right to ex- Ghost directed them to lay their hands upon
ternai ordinances ; De occultis non ju- as persons appointed and chosen to be
dicat Ecclesia. u The church's judgment preachers of the gospel. Where note,
is a judgment of charity, not of certainty ; That imposition or laying on of hands has
of the outward, not of the inward man ; been an ancient rite used by the officers of
of the fife, not of the heart. The faith of the church, in their solemn dedicating of
Simon Magus was no other than a tern- persons to the service of God and his church,
porary, historical, yea, hypocritical faith ;
however, Philip baptizes him upon his mak- 18 And when Simon saw, that
ing profession of it An heart-hypocrite through laying on of the apostles*
is no hypocrite (inforo Ecclaia) in the hands the Holy Ghost was given, he
sight of the church, though most aborai- 0ffere(j tnem m0ney, 19 Saying,
nable in the sight of God. Simon the Giye me alsQ tWg er> thj;t on
14 Now when the apostles which said unto him, Thy money penh
were at Jerusalem heard that Sa- with thee, because thou ha«t thought
maria had received thc word of that the gift of God may be pur-
God, they sent unto them Peter chased with money. 21 Thou hast
and John: 16. Who, when they neither part ;nor lot in this matter,
were come down, prayed for them, for thy heart is not right in the sight
that they might receive the Holy of God.
Ghost : 16 (For as yet he was fal- Here observe, 1. How infinitely mista-
len upon none of them ; only they ken this wretch was, in thinking that the
Chap. VIII. THE ACTS. G39
miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost could be be forgiven thee* 28 For 1 perceive
purchased with money. 2. In supposipg that thou art in the gall of bitterness,
that theaposUeshadapower to ^ dispense and in the ^^ 0f iniquity. 24
these gifts when, and where, and to whom, rpi ^ . j o*«~ .. j • j
they pleased. 3. And that they could enl Jhcn •™«ied Simon and said,
able others to impart this also : which were Fray ve to the ">«* for me» tnat
all very gross conceits. From this deed of none of these things which ye have
Simon'*, it is called Simony, to seek to spoken come upon me. 25 And
buy spiritual gifts or offices with money, they, when they had testified and
Observe, 2. What it was that put Simon preached the word of the Lord, re-
upon purchasing this power: doubtless it turned t0 Jerusalem, and preached
was covetousness and vain-glory. He hoped 4U~ „«ow%„i • :n r ^c *u
to make a penny of this privilege, and to *hc S°.8Pel m raany vllla&es of the
render himself famous among his fol- Samaritans.
lowers by this prerogative. Learn thence, Observe here, 1. The odious character
That cunning and close hypocrites, cor- wherewith sin in general, and hypocrisy in
rapt and hypocritical professors, do seek particular, is branded: it is bitterness and
to make a gain of godliness, and a mer- bondage ; it is the gall of bitterness, and
chandise of Christianity. Simon had never the bond of iniquity. Learn thence, 1.
bid so freely for the Holy Ghost, if he had That sin is an exceeding bitter thing ; it is
not expected to receive as freely of others bitter to God, it provokes him to bines
for the Holy Ghost : which he desired to anger. It was bitter to Christ, it laid him
buy, but not to keep ; and intended to sell, under the bitter wrath of God ; it was bit-.
not to give. Observe, 2. How St. Peter ter to the angels, it turned them out of
scorns the vile motion made by Simon, heaven, and banished them from the pre*
and rejects it with the greatest detestation : sence of God evermore. It is bitter to good
Thy money perish with thee. Learn men, it costs them bitter repentance, and it
thence, That wicked (though gainful) mo- occasions them bitter chastisements ; and it
tions, are to be scorned and refused by the will be bitter, eternally bitter, to the wicked
godly with the greatest detestation and ab- and impenitent world. Now the bitter-
borrence. Our nearts can never rise too ness of sin is not a medicinal and whole-
high in a just indignation against sin, and some bitterness, but an intoxicating and stui
against all temptations unto sin. Thy pifymg bitterness, a poisonous and a bane-
money perish with thee; thou and thy ful bitterness. Sin's bitter draught is a
money perish together. Observe, 4. How baneful draught. Learn, 2. That not only
plainly St Peter deals with him : he bitterness, but bondage, attends the service
searches him to the quick, to the heart, and servants of sin. As sin is the gall of
sounds the depths of sin; lays open the core bitterness, so it is the bond of iniquity,
of his hypocrisy before his face, and tells and the bondage of sin ; is a shameful and
him to his teeth that his heart was rotten ignominious bondage, a fruitless and un-
and unsound : Thy heart is not right in profitable bondage, a stupifying and insen-
the sight of God. The baptismal water sible bondage, a restless and unwearied
had washed his outside, but his inwards bondage, an endless and eternal bondage.
were unclean. The heart is the wont part Learn, 3. That every soul before conver*
of man till it be mended, and then it is the sion is in, and under, this deplorable bond-
best Where most evil lies, there we must age : Thou art in the bona of iniquity,
first begin to be good : all will be good, if Observe, 2. The means prescribed and (Ti-
the heart, which is theseat, the sink and seed- rected to, for the soul's delivery out of this
plot of all evil, be made good. The life would deplorable bondage; namely, repentance
not be so bad, if the heart were not worse, and prayer : Repent of thy wickedness,
All the obliquity of our lives proceeds from and pray to God, 1. Repent. Learn
the impurity of our hearts and nature, as thence, That timely and sincere repentance
the muddiness of the stream from the foul- is a special mean, prescribed and appointed
ness of the fountain. by God, for the recovery of the worst of
sinners out of this deplorable bondage. 2.
<w« w* A it * * xi_* Ai Pr*y« Here note, 1. A wicked man may
22 Repent therefore of this thy ' andoughtto pra„ AsbadasSiraon
wickedness ; and pray God, if per- Magi* was, St. Peter doth not drive him to
hapa the thought of thine heart may despair, but directs him to his duty : Pray
THE AClWt Chap. V1IL
to .God. Prayer is a part of natural wor- Understandest thou what thou read-
ship, which we owe to God; it is the souPs Cat ? 31 And he said, How can I,
motion Godward ; -therefore, to say a wick- cxcept gomc man 8nou|d jde me ?
ed man should not pray, is to say he should And he desire(| phUi fc » h |rf
not turn to God. Note, 2. That all the , ., .T •-
prayer in the world, without a man's own co.mc UP and s,t Wlth hinK
prayer to God for pardon and remission,
will be ineffectual, unavailable to salvation. Here we have recorded the remarkable
Simoo Magus desired the apostles to pray for conversion of the eunuch by the preaching
him, ver. 24. But St. Peter bids him to of Philip; concerning which several cir-
pray for himself, as ever he hopes forgive- oumstances are to be observed : I. The au-
ness with God : Repent of this thy wick- thor or instrument converting ; Philip, who
edness, and pray to God. Observe, 3. was commanded by the angel in a vision
The encouragement given to make use of to go to Gaza ; but not the common way,
the means prescribed; namely, a proba- or ordinary road, but by the way of* the
bility of forgiveness and acceptance with desert, a difficult (and perhaps a dangerous)
God : Repent and pray, if perhaps the way, over mountains and . through values.
thought of thy heaej, may he forgiven Philip knew not whither he was going :
thee. Learn thence, That the vilest and but God knew whither, and wherefore he
worst of sinners upon their repentance, ac- sent him. O Philip! it was worth thy go-
companied with prayer and -supplication ing many steps out of the way, to convert
unto God, have good ground of encourage- and save a soul : happy for the eunuch that
ment to hope for pardon of sin and accept- thou wentest out of the way, and that he as
ance with him. Observe, 4. tlow St. re- happily met with thee. Observe, 2. The
fer takes most notice of that, of vwhich Si- subject or person converted, 1. An Ethi-
mon MaguB took least ; and that was of opian, the most despised of all the Gentiles
the wickedness of his thoughts : That the in the sight of the Jews. Behold I the
thought of thy heart may oe forgiven thee, sanctifying grace of God washing a bfock-
Thence learn, That wicked «nd evil moor white, and making an Ethiopian
thoughts, lodged and entertained in the clean. 2. A nobleman, a courtier, a trea-
heart, ought in a special manner to be surer to the queen ; yet he concerns himself
repented of, and humbled for by all that ex- with religion, and, being a proselyte, tra-
pect forgiveness with God ; for sinful vels in his chariot as far as Jerusalem, to
thoughts are radical and seminal evils; worship God in a solemn manner. O
they were the root of the angels' apostasy, how will this example rise up in judgment
and of Adam's apostasy "also. A . world of against our great ones, who have more light
sin may be lodged in the thoughts. ' but less heat ; more knowledge, but less love!
3. A bookish man, one that delighted in
26 And the angel of the Lord «*Bfe «* » .«*^ of the scriptures
l, . * ou:r — • ~ a-:«« too, and this whilst be was nding in his
spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, chark)tf |0 ^ UQ ^ ^ ^g
and go toward the south, unto the knowledge of his duty. If our courtiers
way that goeth down from Jerusa- and great men read not at all in their
lem unto Gaza, which is desert, coaches, (or if so, plays or romances only,
27 And he arose and went: and, this ignorant Ethiopian lord did better,
behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eu- though he knew not so much as these : He
nuch of great authority under Can- ™rf tn A" E^"™' the P™&* *■«"•
• ,..."«, ^r+u« i?*i;:~~:„„« .„u^ Uoserve, 3. fne means which God sane-
dace queen of the Ethiopians, who tified and bleMfid for ^ eimuch.8 ^^
had the charge of all her treasure, 8ion . it wa8 tne 1&din ^ ^00,^™ ^
and had come to Jerusalem for to the holy scriptures. The word of God,
worship, 28 Was returning, and read and preached, is the great instrument
sitting in his chariot, read Esaias the in the hand of the Spirit for sinners' illumi-
prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said nation, conversion, and salvation; and
unto Philip, Go near, and join thy- b,es?d ™ they that hear and read the
self to this chariot. 30 And Philip ^J1^^00/ aS?,0D' 5^ ,*«*-
Mn fi u. ft„ 4 .. , , . ,.** cation. Observe, 4. The wonderful mo-
ran thither to Aim, and heard hirt, dert„ ^ humilfty of this peat »«n : he
read the prophet Esaias, and said, thankfully accepts Philip's oflet to uutpiU
CKsp: VIII. THE ACTS. 04!
and torch him ; some would have huffed at reading that portion ' of scripture which
it as a rude affront, but he condescends to most concerned him ; he wanted to be in-
learn of one beneath him. Such as are formed concerning Christ, and Philip is at
modest and thoroughly humble are also bis elbow at that very juncture, to instruct
truly docile and teachable, willing to learn him in a most fundamental truth, in order
knowledge, although from the mouth of an to his conversion and salvation. O the
inferior: He desired Philip to come up wonderful love and manifold wisdom of
and tit with him. God, in finding out ways and methods for
bringing home souls to himself! If his
82 The place of the scripture providence brings not' them under the
which he read was this, He was led ******> * *»U ^n* the means to them.
as a sheep to the slaughter, and like ?b* «much ™{*? the ordinary means of
a Iamb d/mb before L shearer so BJ*»<H 5? STJSSSi
opened he not his mouth : 33 Id ^ to °meet him, though an Ethiopian,
his humiliation his judgment was commonly esteemed the meanest of man-
taken away : and who shall declare kind : and thereby shows, that as there
his generation ? for his life is taken » no respect of persons, so no difference
from the earth. 34 And the eu- of nations, with him; but whoever feareth
nuch answered Philip, and said, I <^ and wortoh righteo^css, is accepted
pray thee, of whom speak eth the of b,m- In «*<*»• ^ P***?1 a
v Jl I A-- \ e i_- Br ,*"" "■« gospel sermon to him, displaying Jesus
prophet this ? of himself, or of Chrkt More him . ^d by the blessing of
some other man ? 36 Then Philip God upon the ordinance, savin* faith was
opened his mouth, and began at effectually wrought in the eunuch's soul.
the same scripture, and preached 0~ A , ., . ,. .
unto him Jesus! M *nd as the? wcnt «\ thetr
way, they came unto a certain wa-
Qbserve here, 1. The particular text of ter ; and the eunuch said, See,
holy scripture which God directed the here is water ; what doth hinder me
eunuch to read in order to his conversion, to be baptized ? 37 And Philip
14 ™J prophecy of Christ the pro- ga;d> if thou believest with all thine
rnwed Meatus, recorded in the 53d of heart, thou may est. And he answer-
Isaiah, He was tea as a sheep to the , '. -j t u r *u * t
slaughter, and as a lamb dumbtefore the «j and 8*ld' J *****. tha* J^8U8
shearer. Pointing out the innocency, the Chr,st w the Son of Go.d- 3& And
meekness, and patience, of the Lord Jesus be commanded the chariot to stand
Christ, in and under all his satisfactory still ; and they went down both
sufferings for our sins: In the day of his into the water, both Philip and the
humiliation, particularly in the day of his eunuch; and he baptized him. 39
trial and leotence: Ha judgment •was And when th were comc Q||t of
taken away; that is, the right was taken ,u 4 .• J - u e ., T ,
away by the unrighteous judgment of the the water' thDe *PIrl* of i_the **"?
Jewish sanhedrim, and no right or justice caught away Philip, that the eunuch
done him : and who can declare sufficiently saw him no more : and he went on
the wickedness of that generation, which his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip
cut off so innocent a person from the land was found at Azotus: and passing
of the living ?— This text, Philip informs through he preached in all the ci-
the eunuch, was truly applicable to the tieg tifi hc came toCesarea.
Meatus, who was certainly come into the
work), and both did and suffered all that was Observe here, 1. The eunuch is instructed
prophesied of him. Here note, How won- before baptized, and he desired baptism of
denully. the divine providence did work in a Philip; it was not forced upon trim by
concurring tendency towards the eunuch's Philip against his will ; The eunuch said,
conversion. God moves his heart to read, What hinders me to he baptised ? To
to read the scriptures, to read this scripture drive men to baptism, as tbey drive beasts
which informed him of the sufferings of the to watering, and force Christianity upon
Lord Jesus, and sends Philip out of his way them against their wills, to send forth boot-
toineet rum, and be meets him just as he was ed apostles with javelins in their hands,
2 T
042 THE ACTS. Chap. Vill.
and crosses on their breasts, as the Romish sored of the troth of those things which
church doth, to dragoon men into christi* were taught him by Philip's ministry } and
anity, is (he way to make hypocrites, but not that he was a pexaon sent of God to direct
proselytes ; for it is not whole armies that him in the way to true happiness. 2. The
can besiege my reason, nor cannons batter eunuch went on his way rejoicing* as welt
my will. It is conviction, not compulsion, he might ; it was the happiest journey be
that must induce assent. Observe, 2. The ever took* to meet with Christ and conver-
eunuch after instruction desired baptism : sfon in his way, and heaven and salvation
See, here is water, let me be baptized. As at his journey's end. A converted man
if he bad said, " O Philip ! as thou hast in- hath great cause of rejoicing; the gospel
structed me, I pray thee also baptize me. proclaimed, much more heartily embraced,
Now that I have received the benefit of thy is matter of great joy. Behold the fruit
doctrine, let me not want the comfort of the of faith, joy, and rejoicing ; the eunuch
sacrament." Where the heart is truly is instructed, believed, is baptized, and
touched by the ministry of the word, and goes home rejoicing. The kingdom of
the soul thoroughly converted onto God, God is not meat and drink, but right-
there is a desire to be partaker of the sa- eousness, and peace, and joy in the
eraments. Observe, 3. The condition re- Holy Ghost. Observe, lastly, Philip waa
quired of the eunuch before he was bap- found at Azotus, or Asbdod, thirty-four
tized, namely, a profession of his faith in miles from Gaza, so far had the mi-
the promised Messias : If thou bclievesU nistry of the angels carried him, and
thou mayest be baptized. There is a neces- there safely set him down. Learn, How
sity of faith, to render man a meet partaker good it is to obey God in the most
of the holy sacraments : if we come to any difficult command. Philip had a hard
of the sacraments without faith, we are sure and tiresome journey from Samaria to
to depart without fruit. Observe, 4. The Gaza, footing it through a desert, in
qualification of that faith which gives a untrodden paths, and running as fast aa
right to the holy sacrament : If thou be- the eunuch's chariot, to join himself
lievest vfitk all thine heart. Only that unto it at the command of God. But
faith gives a right to baptism, and entitles now from Gaza to Azotus be has a
to salvation, which is with all the heart, swifter and easier passage, be rides in
The eunuch believed with his whole heart, an angelical flying chariot. When we
that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. attend the execution of God's commands.
This gave him at once a right to baptism, the holy angels shall attend us, take
and a title to heaven. Observe, 5. The care of us, and administer necessary
manner of the administration of baptism to help unto us ; like tender nurses, they
the eunuch : he went down into the water, keep us safe whilst we live, and bring us
and was baptized by Philip. In those hot home in their arms to our Father's house
countries it was usual so to do ; and we when we die. Blessed be God for the
do not oppose the lawfulness of dipping in ministry of his holy angels,
some cases, but the necessity of dipping in
all cases. In sacraments, it is not the CHAP. IX.
quantity of the elements, but the sip nificancy ^-^ chaptCT route* to a* both Sanr. eradty and
Of them, that OUght tO be attended to : as conversion ; and acquaint* in with the
in circumcision, it was not the quantity of g tfg^&!££faftSttfr
the flesh CUt Off; and in the Lord's supper, persecution ; namely, by theeoawMoa (not eon-
it is not the quantity of the bread and J***) •/ ^fr/Sflg JE!TtttS; £5Z
A.i^ •%_..• r by the churches bad rest and peace. His cruelty
wine taken down; so in bapusm, a few is recorded, w. i and a.
drops of water poured upon me, doth sig- m ____ ~ . .....
nify and seal, and convey and confirm to AND Saul yet brcathin& out
me a right and interest in all the benefits threatening* and slaughter a~
of my Saviour's death and resurrection, as gainst the disciples of the Lord,
fully as if, with Jonah, I were plunged into went unto the high-priest, 2. And
the main ocean. Observe, 6. What fol- desired of htm letters to Damas-
c0nI1LTf^ft^eU^UCh,8 i^S* rJ «» to the synagogues, that if he
coming out of the water. 1. The Spirit of r , V *u- ' .„u~*i™
the Lord caught away Philip ; by the mi- found any of thls way, whether
nwtry of an angel he was carried out of his thcy were men or women, he might
Bight, that the eunuch might be the more as- bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Chap. IX. THE ACTS. H43
Observe here, 1. The lively character of took,) a journey most maliciously dun
a bloody persecutor: He breathes out posed by him, but most mercifully disposed
threatentngs and slaughter against the by God. Heaven had designed him for
members of Christ His very breath better service, and work of another nature j
smells of fire-, threatening* and slaughter, and accordingly he is stopped in bis way,
like lightnings and thunder, proceed out knocked off his horse, a sudden beam of
of his moutb. Whilst a persecutor hath in light beyond the brightness of the sun darts
him the breath of his own life, be breathes upon him, dazzles him, and he hears a voice
nothing but death against others : nothing saying, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou
will satisfy him but the death and destruc- me .* that is, me, in my members. What-
tioo of the members of Jesus Christ. An ever is done against christians for any thing
indiscreet and ungovernable zeal soon de- that Christ commandeth them, he takes it
generates into fury and madness. Observe, as done against himself. Such as persecute
2. How restless and unwearied persecutors the saints for their sanctity, persecute Christ
are in the prosecution of their bloody de- himself; and he can no more endure to sea
signs and purposes. Saul was now Inqui- them wronged, than himself. As the ho-
sttor heretica pravitatis ; away be trots nour of Christ the head redounds to the
to the high-priest for a commission to bind members, so the sorrows of the members
heretics, who believed on Jesus, and op- are resented by the head. " Christ said not
posed the traditions of the fathers ; and thus to his murderers on earth, Why bind
having, as he thought, swept Jerusalem of ye me } why buffet ye me ? why scourge
stints, he resolved next to ransack Damas- ye me, and why crucify ye me ? But here,
cus, though it was five or six days* jour- when the members suffer, he cries out from
aey from Jerusalem. However, he spurs heaven, Saul, why persecutest thou me *
oo ; away he goes through fire and water Lord ! thou art more tender of thy body
to revenge his malice on the poor mem- mystical, than thou wast of thy body natu-
bers of Jesus Christ. Learn hence, that ral : more sensible of thy members' sufier-
persecutors will spare neither purse nor ings, than thine own. Observe, 2. The
pains, they will stick at nothing, though wonderful power of the heart-changing
oever so toilsome and hazardous, so they grace of God. Saul cries out, Lord, what
may glut their malice, and satisfy their re- wilt thou have me to do f Saul is no
venge upon the poor disciples of Jesus longer a lion, but a lamb ; the wolf that
Christ. Toe high-priest needed not to hire hunted before for his prey, now gently
Saul to this black work ; he both offers couches like a sheep, hears and obeys the
himself, and sues for the office. No doubt voice of Christ the mat Shepherd ; and
the high-priest and council highly applaud- of a persecutor of the church, becomes
ed bis zeal and forwardness for extirpating the great doctor of the Gentiles. Be-
beretics, coramcndiDC the gallantry of his hold ! the tare is become wheat ; the child
resolution and the bravery of bis mind ; of wrath a chosen vessel ; the prodigy of
aad having sealed his commission, sent him nature, the miracle of grace. Lord, who
away with wishes of success, can enough admire and magnify the sove-
reignty and omnipotent prevalcncy of di-
3 And as he journeyed, he came vine f^* wbic.h could refine and did
r^n,Mr^?tsudrKt^^c t^j^^~<£&
shined round about him a light from ^on fe a work of wondcr in an roen> but
heaven : 4 And he fell to the a miracle in this man, and extraordinarily
earth, and heard a voice saying strange and instantaneously sudden ; and
unto him, Saul, Saul, why per- therefore is by no means to be made the
■ecutest thou me I 5 And he said, measure and standard of every man's con-
Who art thou, Lord? And the «*■• ^\j*l Jt^lJZ^T*
■ , ■ « » « , A. verted, unless he be struck down with a
Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou ,. ht and ^^ immediately from heaven,
persecutest : U is hard for thee to aod be taken with a fit of trembling, and
kick against the pricks. frighted almost out of his wits ? How
many by the benefit of a good education,
Saul was now onward of his journey to others by the blessing of God upon some
Damascus (the worst journey that ever he affliction, and upon calm consideration,
intended, but the best that ever he under- without any great terrors and amazement,
2t2
64* THE ACTS. Chap. IX:
•
have been visibly changed and converted? thai journeyed with him. It it probable
The effects and fruits of conversion are very that he had a considerable number of offi-
visible in all, but the manner of conversion cers with him* to bring both men and wo-
ts not alike in all. Things may be very men that professed Christianity bound to.
visible in their effects, which yet are not Jerusalem. These saw the light shining,
visible in their cause. If the fruits of our and heard a confused noise like thunder $
conversion be visible, the certainty of it but they saw not Christ himself, as he did,
is unquestionable, and the advantage of nor heard the articulate voice of Christ that
it will be unspeakable, although we cannot be heard, which spake so powerfully, so
tell the time when, or the manner how, convincingly, and so convertingly, to his
the Holy Spirit wrought it in us. soul. Lord, how maoy are there that come
under thine ordinances, who hear only
6 And he trembling and astonish- (like Saul's companions) a confused noise
ed, said, Lord, what wilt thou have and empty sound ? They do not hear the
me to do ? And the Lord said distinct voice of Chrtt speaking to thek
unto him, Arise, and go into the |£«jj* IttJ&J^VS
city, and it shall be told thee what of unW4f; m ^ unc0OTerted „.*.
thou must do.
8 And Saul arose from the earth ;
Observe here, 1. How easily God can and when his eyes were opened, he
make the fiercest rjersecutor to quake and gaw no man . but thcy j^ him by
tOT^L&U^^d7?V^rtwi« the hand, and brought him into
convert him: he trembles, but his trembling -^ • A A . T* _ ..
was in order'to rejoicing It was a favour*- Damascus. 9 And he was three
able, though an affrighting stroke, which ™ys without sight, and neither did
struck him down, but with design to raise eat nor drink.
him up again. Humiliation for sin, in
somo measure, always goes before a soul's Observe here, 1. The change °T SauTs
acceptance of Christ, and subjection to him. P0"1"??/- Hi «■*•/*"» t** «■**• "*
Observe, 2. How ready and desirous a that feU to "• eartn a persecutor, nses up
converted person is to know and do the a. *int- ° *» ***** 9od astonishing
mind and will of God : Lord, what wilt "<* P*** that the earth upon which he
thou have me to dot He is inquisitive [av» dld not °Pfn «* n^f0 *■» *"™o~
after his duty, and desirous of the know- him UP alive •' ,he l]»t bad run away from
ledge of it. We may sooner find fire CM, and employed ms feet m the service
without heat, than a true convert without of ™ «e™» M once more set upon ms feet
operative grace. It is not, Lord, what wilt af*!n- °)S?ve\2- H» NmdiieBi •** ***
thou have me to say } but, What wilt thou of wBht : When hu eyes were opened, he
have me to do ? It is not the talking, but ?"* ** fff- Chnstjaugnt mm, by ha
the walking and working person, that is the bodily blindness, the blindness of bw soul
true christian. Observe; 3. God's answer p spiritual things, which tiU now he was
to Saul's enquiry : Arhe, and go into the insensible of. As &ul was, so all men na-
city, and it shall be told thee what thou tura,,y «?• «P»ntually blind, before regene-
mustdo. Mark, He was going to Da- ■**» and conversion ; true, he was brought
mascus before on the devil's errand ; now UP * ,he f«* of ^"J*1^ M<* **» a great
God bids him go. He had better autho- P«>fkient m human learning, but after bis
rity for his going thither now, than what conversion he counted that knowledge i no
be had from the high-priest before. He h^Xet £■« i blindness, Phd. uu 7. 8. Ob-
went before for other's destruction ; he now 8frve» * ™ n^™**10* or /T1?? V
goes for his own instruction, in order to ™ ^nd, mto the city : ThcyUd him by
salvation : There it shall be told thee what *he ™nd **** Damascus. Who led him ?
thou must do. doubtless his companions that came along
with him upon his bloody design from Je-
7 And the men which journeyed rusalero. Here the blind led the blind;
with him stood speechless, hearing those very hands led him to Damascus,
a voice, but seeing no man. which should have haled the saints from
Damascus to Jerusalem. But, O Saul !
Observe here. The testimony or wit- thou hadst a better leader than all the*,
ncsses of Saul's conversion, to wit, the men even Christ himself: be led thee by the
Chap. IX. THE ACTS. fei&
hand into the city, in order to the com- lar favour to have the mind of God made
pietmf of thy conversion. Now happy known to us by men like ourselves ; and
Saul ! though formerly rebellious, who hast behold the honour that God puts upon the
thy Saviour for a leader, thou shall neither ministers, in using them as conduit pipes, for
wander nor miscarry. Observe, 4. The conveying the water of life to us, which
duration and continuance of Saul's blind- he is not pleased to communicate imme-
ness: He was three days without sight, diately from himself! Observe, 2. What
This was a loog night to him, who perse- an exact knowledge the Lord has of par-
cuted the children of the day ; a just time ticular persons and particular places : he
for him to be in darkness, who so implaca- tells Ananias in what city Saul was, in
bly attempted to blow out the light of the Damascus $ in what street he was, in the
gospel -, but perhaps no less time would -street called Straight \ in whose house he
have been sufficient to humble him for bis was, in the house of Judas. It is matter
rage and madness against Christ and his of consolation, yea of highest consolation
members. Besides, there are some that to the children of God, to know and re-
think, that in these three days of his con- member that God knows them, that God
tioued blindness be had that rapture into knows their persons, knows their purposes*
the third heaven, which is mentioned, 2 knows their performances, knows their
Cor. zii. 2. But however that be, doubt- place of abode ; that be knows who they
less in that time his mind was filled with are, what they do, and where they dwell,
divine contemplations ; and that glorious It assures them as to their persons, that they
gospel was taught him in three days, which shall be accepted ; as to their performances,
he taught to others all his days. Observe, that they shall be rewarded ; as to their
5. His abstinence from food : He did net" habitations, that they shall be loved, blessed,
ther cat nor drink. He spent those three and protected by him. So dear are the
days, we may believe, in fasting and pray- holy servants of God unto him, that he
er, and extraordinary humiliation before loves the very streets in which they lodge,
God, for his former wicked life, and par- the house in which they dwell ; the walls
ticular ly for his violent persecution of the of their habitation are always before him,
church of Christ : he fasted, to make him and he delights continually to look upon
more fervent in prayer ; for fasting pre- them. Let ' holiness to the Lord ' then be
pares for prayer, and gives wings to prayer, always written in fair and legible charac-
10 And there was a certain dis- •» uP?n SSLZS^tS. %T* ^k
^ • . »^. « . . xiv. 10. Observe, 3. The course which
ciple at Damascus .named Ananias: Almignly g^ ^^ t0 ^0^ aM fear
and to him said the Lord in a vi- fmm Ananias's mind, and to encourage
sion, Ananias. And he said, Be- him to go to Saul, according to the direc-
hold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the tion given him; although he had been
Lord said unto him, Arise, and go 8Uch a bloody persecutor, he tells him, that,
into the street which is called ***?**• ^myeth ; as if he had said,
Straight, and enquire in the house \™°.uSh * ******* "• he B not n<T
c i^j r it j o i * wnal he was, he is another man : nay, he
of Jodas for one called Saul of ^ a new man, he is truly and thoroughly
Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, converted ; and this is the undeniable evi-
12 And hath seen in a vision a man dence and testimony of it, That whereas
named Ananias, coming in, and put- before he persecuted, now he prayeth :
ting Am hand on him, that he might " Behold, he prayeth." L*arn thence,
receive his sight. That, 'P^1 breath ? * g* *$" of '&
° ritual birth : none of God s children are
Observe here,!. Though Christ con verted still-bom, they all come crying into the
Saul himself, yet Ananias his minister must world. The duty of prayer faithfully and
instruct him. By Christ is grace infused, persevering) y performed, is a good evidence
but by his ministers increased; such an that a soul is thoroughly converted and
honour doth Christ put upon the ministers brought home by repentance unto God :
of the gospel, that he makes use of their en- Behold, Saul prayeth ! But did he never
deavours ordinarily both for the production pray till now ? Yes, no doubt, many a
and augmentation of grace in the hearts of time ; when he was a strict Pharisee, he
his people. O, the necessity and useful- prayed after a loose and customary raan-
oess of a standing ministry ! It is a singu- ner ; but he never prayed so sensibly and
040 THE ACTS. Chap. IX.
feelingly, bo spiritually and affectionately, equal capacity, fotoe ate greater, others km :
so fervently and perseveringly before, as he all ministers have not like endoVments.
did after bis conversion. His prayer bo- nor are they equally fitted for the sacred
fore was the cry of the old, now of the employment Again, Vessels are receptive
new creature ; before, he prayed with cold- instruments : they must take in before they
new and indifferency, now, be prays with can give out What the ministers of the
warmth and fervency, as a person in ear- Kospel here received of the Lord, that they
nest for his soul's happiness and salvation ; deliver to tbeit people ; tbey give out what
therefore, Christ brings it in with a note of Qod gives in. Finally, Vessels are for ef-
attention and observation : Now, Behold, fusion, as well as for reception ; they let
he prayeth I out, as well as take in ; yea, therefore take
ml . * in, that they may let out : therefore have
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, the ministers of Christ a treasure of divine
I have heard by many of thin man, knowledge in themselves, that they may
bow much evil he hath done to thy communicate and impart it to others. And
saints at Jerusalem : 14 And here >* w not impaired by imparting, but, like
he hath authority from the chief to *}* *n the widow's veud, mesaxd bj
priests to bind aft that call on thy ^^^^^^^y^^
name. 15 But the Lord said unto ^n without impoverilhiD| himaeM:
him, Go thy way : for he is a chosen Note, 2. The term of ewellency. Be is a
vessel unto me, to bear my name be- chosen vessel; chosen to preach Christ,
fore the Gentiles, and Kings, and chosen to suffer for Christ ; a vessel chosen
the children of Israel : 16 For I to bear the divine treasure of the gospel
will shew him how great things he ^°th to Jews and Gentiles. Lord! what
must suffer for my name's sake. honour dost thou put upon thy mmisters,
J in making them vessels of honour, fit for
Observe here, 1. Ananias* reluctancy the Master's use and the family's service f
and fear to go to Saul, because of his former If I may not be a vessel of gold or silver,
violent persecution, and present commis- let me be a vessel of wood or stone, so I may
sion ; Lord, I have heard of this man, be a vessel unto honour, a socoesrful intru-
de. Learn, That such as are very ready ment in thy hand, for thy glory and the
and forward for Christ's service, may, upon church's good,
appearing difficulties, hang back, till they
be helped over those difficulties by the help- 17 And Ananias went his way, and
ing hand of Christ. Thus it was with entered into the house ; and putting
Ananias, Behold, says he, here am I, Lord, his hands on him, said, Brother
ver. 10. to show his readiness to run on any Saul the j^, even JcMIS that a-
errand that Christ would send him : but „^omj .._*- .l^ •. . #1^ _.„ _„ .lT.
when he came to understand his message, «*"«* u«to *hec » *hc w« * ■» £<*■
he was affrighted, and began to draw «»«•*. "*"* *ent me, that thou
back ; therefore the Lord graciously con- mightest receive thy sight, and be
descends to remove the stumbling-block that filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And
lay in the way of his servant's obedience, immediately there fell from his eves
Fear not ; as if Christ had said, tf Go thy as it had been scales ; and he re-
way ; he is not what he was, he is another ceiyed • ht fortnwitn and arose
man; yea, he is a new man." Observe, d baiitizad 1ft And when
2. The honourable title which Christ puts ?nd *as baPtl.zefl'- w 4ABJ when
upon Saul, He is a chosen vessel ; that is, ,,e ha(* reJcelv^ meat» 0he. was
a person chosen of God to convey the di- strengthened. Then was Saul cer-
vine treasure of the gospel, not only to tain days with the disciples which
Jews, but Gentiles also, even to the great* were at Dumascua.
est and highest amongst them : He is a
chosen vessel, to bear my name before the Observe here, I. Ananias, though no
Gentiles, end kings. Where note, 1. The apostle, no deacon, nor minister, that we
term of usefulness ; he is a vessel. Now read of, but an ordinary and private cbris-
a vessel is not a natural, but an artificial in- tian only, yet he has power to heal Saul
strument. No man is born, but made, a of his blindness, and to confer the Holy
minister of the gospel. Vessels are not of Ghost, Receive thy sight, and he JUicd
Chap. JX. THE ACTS. 647
with the Holy Gkost. If so, undoubt- whom he came to destroy, are now be-
ediy he had aa extraordinary warrant, for come his delight : He continued certain
this extraordinary work $ for none but the days with the disciples.
apqffi^ had power to confer the Holy Ghost.
Wo ordinary person ought to undertake 20 And straightway he preached
any part of the ministerial function, without Christ in the synagogues, that he
an extraordinary call and commission, is the Son of God. 21 But all
Observe, 2. The title riven by Ananias to that beard him were amazed, and
SmAi brother SauL They were now bre. 8aidf Is not tbis he that destroyed
three byfeith and profession, owning the thcm which w on this j .
same God, united to the same Saviour, ¥ , , ,. , r *"*
animated by the same Spirit, encouraged Jerusalem, and came hither for that
by the san* promises, partakers of tte same "tent, that he might bring them
hope, and heirs of the same glory. As the bound unto the chief priests ? 22
scripture speaks of brotherhood betwixt But Saul increased the more in
Christ and believers, He is not ashamed to strength, and confounded the Jews
call them brethren ; so it speaks of a bro- wnich dwelt at Damascus, proving
^^^T^^^^^Jl^ that this is very Christ. 23 And
the brotherhood; that is, the whole fra- „A .. . i t ,£n ,
tcrnity and society of christians, who are f^r that many days were fulfilled,
Sanguine Christi congtutinati, cemented the Jews took counsel to kill him.
by the blood of Christ, and united by the 24 But their laying await was known
bond of love. Observe, 3. How this con- of Saul, and they watched the gates
verted person, Saul, takes upon him the day and night to kill him. 26
badge of Christianity by baptism : He arose, Then the disciples took him by night,
and was baptized. Listing him thereby a and iet Jtfm down bv the wall in a
soldier under Christ's exalted banner, and f V , y '
entering himself a member of that church DasKel»
which heretofore he had made havock of. Here we have an account of St. Paul's
Observe, 4. The prudent care which Saul entrance upon his ministerial office in
takes of his health by giving nature its preaching the gospel : Straightway he
necessary refreshment : He received meat preached Christ in the synagogues.
and was strengthened. Doubtless his Where note, 1. The time of his preaching,
body was much weakened and enfeebled, straightway ; he fell presently to his
by his long journey partly, but by bis Master's work, not consulting flesh and
consternation, fear, ana grief, especially ; blood about the difficulties and dangers
aa also by his humiliation, watchings, fast- that might attend it ; but performs his
ing, and prayer ; it was therefore his duty duty with such zeal and immediate appli-
to refresh nature, and strengthen himself cation, as became a person of his holy
for the service of his great Master wherever character and profession. Note, 2. The
he should please to send biro. Whilst we place which he preached : in the Jewish
an in the body, there is a debt of care synagogues. He was afterwards indeed
which we owe to the body : meat and the apostle of the Gentiles, but, according
drink are the supports of life, under the to Christ's command, he first preached the
influence of the divine blessing $ and all word of life to the Jews, to convert some,
superstitious abstinence from food is no and to leave others without excuse ; after
better than will-worship. Observe, lastly, which he turned from them unto the
Saul is no sooner changed himself, but be Gentiles, according to Acts xiii. 46. // was
cttangeth his company and acquaintance, necessary that the word of God should
He no longer associates with the chief first be spoken to you : but because you
priests and rulers of the synagogues, but put it from you, and judge yourselves
with the followers of Jesus, ver. 19. Then unworthy of everlasting life, to, we turn
was Saul certain days with the disciples to the Gentiles. Note, 3. The doctrine
which were at Damascus. Men, who he preached : That Jesus was the Son of
cunningly conceal their inclinations, may God, the true, promised, and expected Mes-
yet be known by their constant compa- sias ; and that all the prophecies and pre-
niona. Saul was now a companion of dictions of the prophets concerning the
them that feared God, and kept his com- Messias, were exactly fulfilled in his person,
anandments. The disciples at Damascus, Note, 4. The effect of his preaching ; h
64Q THE ACTS- Chap. IX*
Some of his auditors were amated, admiring The conversion of a persecutor it to me
that so pestilent a persecutor was become a and seldom heard of, that it puts the larg-
powerful preacher : These glorified God est charity hard to it, to believe the verity
tn him. 2. Others were confuted, yea, and reality of such a person's con version
confounded, being unable to withstand the unto God. The disciples, who had for*
force and dint of his argument, by which merly felt the effects of Saul's persecuting
he proved, that this is the very Christ, rage and fury, might justly be afraid of
Note, 5. The hazard which the apostle ran taking him into intimate fellowship and
in preaching the gospel at Damascus: his communion with the church. Observe next;
enemies, who were not able to resist the How Barnabas was stirred up by the Spirit
wisdom and spirit by which he spake, took of God to present Saul to the church, and
counsel to kill him, and in order to it, watch- free their minds of all fears and jealousies
ed the gates of the city day and night, there which they had entertained coocernmghim ;
being in their apprehensions no possibility and this be doth by a threefold argument :
of his escaping. Note, 6. The manner 1. Because he had seen Jena Christ m
and means of his deliverance : some chris- the way, as he went to persecute the saints
tians who dwelt at Damascus let him at Damascus. 2. Because the Lord had
down in a basket by the wall, and so he spoken to him with a strong hand, and
escaped the hands of his bloody enemies, wrought a mighty change in him, and upon
The wisdom of God is never at a loss to him ; the persecutor being now become a
find out ways and means, either ordinary great professor. 3. Because he was not only
or extraordinary, for the deliverances of his become a professor, but a preacher of that
servants, when their deliverance makes most gospel be had persecuted, and this boldly and
for his own glory, and the gospel's ad- publicly, both at Damascus and in Arabia :
vantage. God had much work for Paul to proving undeniably that Jesus was Use Christ
do ; and till he had finished his work, his and the true Messiah. This testimony of
enemies could not take him off with all Barnabas was full and satisfactory, both to
their combined power and malice. the church at Jerusalem, and also to Peter,
26 And when Saul was come to James, and John, who gave Paul the right
Jerusalem, he assayed to join him- nan<* of fellowship, and be went with them
self to the disciples : but they were to *■» w°*' 0bTve» ^y. .**>**?
all afraid of him, and believed not f?^^^^1^^1!!!!*^^!
« . . »....«* ...., »«« «^« ww «*% i^ jjgpg gt jerU8ajenit M they <jid before
that he was a disciple. 27 But at Damascus, for pieachwg Christ, and dis-
Barnabas took him, and brought putins with the Greciam in defence of the
Aim to the apostles, and declared gospel of Christ: tncy lay siege for his
life. " ~
unto them, how he had seen the life. Learn
Lord in the way, and that he had "** o^0 penecution, is the evil ghost that
spoken to him, and how he had hauntf the preachers and preachmg of the
preached boldly at Damascus in the f^itSU.^^^
name of Jesus. 28 And he was ^ M worid £fidlibly upon the head of
with them, coming in and going the preacher.
out, at Jerusalem. 29 And he But why did these men rather seek to
spake boldly in the name of the kill Paul than Peter, James, or Barnabas ?
Lord Jesus, and disputed against Answer, Because he was formerly one of
the Grecians : but they went about *!*? 0WD» «f ,hcir 0WQ ^JP"1!- <*
to slay him. 30 Walk when the ^^^^^^ &SL
brethren knew, they brought him Thh enraged them v they looked not
down to Cesarea, and sent him forth up0n him as an apostle, but at an
to Tarsus. apostate ; one that had revolted from them,
Here we have an account of the second a renegado, and as such they meditate his
place which Paul exercised his ministry in, destruction night and day : insomuch, that
namely, Jerusalem. Having escaped with it is probable that never were so many
life at Damascus, he comes to Jerusalem, sufferings heaped upon the head of any
and attempts to join himself to the disciples minister of the gospel throughout the world
there, who were all afraid of him, know- as upon St. Paul, (see them reckoned up,
ing how bloody a persecutor he bad been. 2 Cor. xl 23, Jcc.) partly through the h%-
Chap. IX. .THE ACTS.
tred of the Jews, and partly through the Jesus Christ maketh thee whole ;
571^ b,ind °7®?* lV^ ^ »"«*» and make thy bed. And he
™£l "IS % HP' "L^TS a™* immediately. 35 And all
was done, and tin race mo, and be had *L * j i* • i j j i c
finished the course of his ministry, neither that dwelt in Lydda and Saron
the malice of men, nor the rage of devils, 8aw him, and turned to the Lord.
could take him off Blessed be God, our Tbe Ho, Ghost now leam ^ re,ation
tiroes are in his hands, not in our enemies , of St. p^J life and ^^ for the p^,
not yet in our own. woA retum l0 ^ a farther g^^ftf St
01 tl k j *u u l x Peter» WD*t he said, what he did, and
31 Then had the churches rest what ^ suffered, particularly at Lydda,
throughout all Judea and Galilee at Joppa, and Cesarea. At Lydda, be
and Samaria, and were edified ; healed Eneas, at Joppa he raised Dorcas,
and walking in the fear of the and at Cesarea he preached the gospel to
Lord, and in the comfort of the *■* Genii!*- Observe, 1. What this great
Holy Ghost, were multiplied. *P°£e St **? .did * Lydda : J* *h?re
J r tn the name, that is, by the power of Christ,
That is, M After Saul's miraculous con- healed Eneas, who lay sick of the palsy,
version, and after be was sent away, and and had kept his bed eight years. Where
departed from those parts, where the Jews, note, The difficulty of the cure, the man-
his old companions in persecution, could ner of the cure, and the effects of the cure,
not endure his presence, he having been Note, I. Tbe difficulty of the cure: the
just before as zealous a persecutor as them- disease was a dead palsy, which had taken
selves. Then the churches planted by away tbe use of ha limbs, and made him
Philip and others throughout Judea, Sa- bed-rid for eight years. All thb is record-
maria, and Galilee, had much rest and ed, to show the difficulty of the cure, and
peace, and were greatly edified in know- the greatness of the miracle : Qmnrpotcnti
ledge and faith, in holiness and love ; and Medico nullus insanabilis occurrit mor-
the graces and comforts of the Holy Spi- bus ; " To such an almighty physician
nt daily increasing in them, the number of as the great God is, no 'disease is found
believers daily multiplied." Leam thence, incurable." Note, 2„ The manner of
That after the persecution and wearisome the cure : St Peter acts in Christ's name,
troubles of the church, God has his times not his own ; and lets the lame man
for their peace and rest. God sends his know whom be should own for his bene-
cntircb sun-shine after showers, a calm after factor, Christ himself. The apostle was
a storm, health after an hectic,* and a Ca- but the instrument in Christ's hand : and
naan's rest after a wilderness* journey, that tbe cure was perfectly miraculous, ap-
Learn, 2. That it is the church's duty to pears by this ; the cripple was cured im-
improve her peace and rest for her spin- mediately, and cured perfectly ; it was a
tual edifying ; that is, for her settlement present cure, ver. 34. And he arose im-
and growth, for ner establishment and in- mediately. The instantaneous manner of
crease, in all the graces and comforts of the cure shows it to be miraculous, and by
the Holy Spirit. Learn, 3. That it is a a divine power ; for nature and art act in
very great blessing to have the churches time and by degrees, bringing nothing to
of God multiplied, and their multiplies- perfection on a sudden ; whereas this cure
tion is the happy fruit and consequent was wrought in a moment, his strength is
of their having peace : Then had the restored in an instant It was also a perfect
churches rest, were edified and multi- cure, and as an evidence of it he takes up
plied. bis bed ; this was to show that he was
, . fully recovered. Note, 3. The effects of
32 And it came to pass, as Pe- this cure: it had such an influence upon
ter passed throughout all quarters, the spectators of this miracle : that all that
he came down also to the saints dwelt at Lydda and Saron, when they
which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And saw it, turned to the Lord, vet. 35. That
there he found a certain man named *. xl*J embraced the faith, seeing the
Eoeas, »hich had kept his bed eight ?A?JS*** " *' "
years, and was sick of the palsy, v*"*1"*
84 And Peter said unto him, Eneas, 36 Now there was at Joppa a
est THE ACTS. Chap, X".
certain disciple named Tabitha, tioo made by the widows for the lost of
which by iaterpretation is called th»i^#°™^'Jrho £* *cJjf* <£f
i\~— «- . *u:. »^mA« ™» r..li «f naked with the labour of her hands. She
Dorcas : this woman was full of did not8^ ^ time in mkin rich
good works and alms-deeds which ^ for twrself, but in making garment
she did. 37 And it came to pass for the poor ; and it teemi she bad good
in those days, that she was sick, and itore of them ready made by her for the
died : whom when they had washed, poor's we, as their necessities did require:
they laid her in an upper chamber. They shewed the coats and garments
38 And forasmuch as Lydda was «{** Dorcas hrt made ; the uadwbted
ft!\to J;T'taPndt thc diTlea ttfit^
had heard that Peter was there, th#1 ^ ^^ ^ j,^,^^ ^ them whe||
they sent unto him two men, de- departed, are acts of piety towards God,
siring him that he would not de* and of charity to the poor. Note, 3. The
lay to come to them. 38 Then manner of St. Peter's working this miracle:
Peter arose, and went with them. 1- He puts tbem all out of the room where
When he was come, they brought the dead lap partly to prevent ostentation
him into the upper chamber: and ^7^^^
all the widows stood by him weep- ^, f0 ^^ interrupUon in tb? exer-
ing, and shewing the coats and cjje of prayer, which he was now about to
garments which Dorcas made whilst perform. 2. He kneeled down; which
she was with them. 40 But Peter recommends to us that reverential posture
put them all forth, and kneeled »«* our prayers to the great God, of knee),
down, and prayed, and turning him in* ***»• "«• 3; ?e P^ed ; thereby
to the body, said, Tabitha, arise. 7nl^aDd1^knowlfgI^!^l^p2^
A , . j u j u of raising her was from God, not from
And she opened her eyes : and when himac|f * NotGf w ^ efet ^ ^
she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And ^^^ . many believed in the Lord. She
he gave her his hand, and lifted was raised more for the good of others than
her up : and when he had called her own ; for her restoring to natural life
the saints and widows, he presented **» the occasion of raising many to a life
her alive. 42 And it was known of *»*: UP°? «* *&l «* m» fan*» "»;
throughout all Joppa ; and many «* igj*1 b* St Peter' «■»»*"*«■»
believed in the Lord. 43 And it
came to pass, that he tarried many CHAP. X.
days in Joppa with one Simon a
*o iia This chapter acquaint! m with the in* otcitmea
iunner. which the apoatlca made to preach the goapei to
thc Gentile*: according to Chritt**
Thi. chapter conclude, with a relation 3& teU^^aStJt^^iSfi?
of the second miracle wrought by St. Peter hut sow the time was coax for beating *»*■ aad*
at Joppa, in raising dead Dorcas to life, fc'?* aa\.*bI P*^1.00;^1 5"wi*t J«w •"*
••r. r~ . -, rrff _ i_ Gentile, which accordingly la done in thi* chap.
Where note, 1. The person^ upon whom ter.hj at Pete* preaching to c»»ehwa. -ho
tt irciu tmiw, *. *•«. pw""' Hr"* WUWUI ter, by M. feter-a preaching to Oaraettna, who
th» miracle was wrought: Dorcas, a WO- waathefireUfruitaofthtGeotilea* covveratoa to
man rich in good works, mil of alms-deeds ; d»ri*,"Hy .
yet neither her piety towards God, nor her rpHERE was a certain roan in Ce-
Jiberality to th€ i poor, could preserve her A sa cal|ed Cornelius, a cen-
either from death .or from diseases. A dear t j f h fc d ., d ^ ,
disciple may be diseased, and die : Behold ,. , , « ? j V"M *■««■»«
he, whom thou latest, is sick, John xi. 3. han °and> 2 A devout mati, and
yea, and dead too. Strength of grace, and one that feared God with all his
clearness of respect, even from Christ him- house, which gave much alms to the
self, cannot prevail against diseases. Good people, and prayed to God alway.
Dorcas here lies dead, with her body
washed, not only to fit her for burial, but Observe here, 1. The person described
especially to show their hope of the resur- to whom St. Ffeter is sent to preach the go*
ration. Note, 2. The doleful latnenta- pel: by his name, Cornelius-, by bisoc-
Chap. X. THE ACTS. «M
cupation, a soldier ; by his religion, a pro- Cornelius here ; He feared God with all
sdyts or converted Gentile, of which there his house, gave much alms to the people,
were two sorts ; some were proselytes of and prayed to God always,
the covenant, that is, such Gentiles as sub- . , ,
mittod themselves to circumcision, and the 3 He saw in a vision evidently,
whole Mosaical Pedagogy* These were about the ninth hour of the day,
counted as Jews, and freely conversed with an angel of God coming in to him,
as such. Others were caUed proselytes of and saying unt0 hjm> Cornelius. 4
the gate 5 these were not ciicumcisud, nor A nd when hc looked on h- he wag
did tbey conform to the Mosaic rites ; but ^.j „ * • _■ wk«>* ;- ;♦ !A^s
were obliged only to observe the seven pre- a/r*,d' and. *aid> * ^l '
cepts of Noah : namely, to worship the And he said unto him, Thy prayers
true God and not idols ; to abstain from And thine alms are come up for a
blood, from fornication, from robbery, to memorial before God.
administer justice impartially, and to do as , _ ,. _
fbey would be done unto. Such a prose- Observe here, 1 . The extraordinary fa-
lyte as this, the Jews would not converse vo™ afforded to Cornelius ; namely, the
with, but counted unclean, being a Gentile j vision of an holy angel. This devout man
and such an one was this Cornelius ; but did not seek the face of God in vain ; God
though a Gentile, though a soldier, though *■»& him first an angel to comfort him,
a commissioned officer, yet a pious, charita. «hen an apostle to instruct him : Jfc saw
ble, good man. In all nations, in all w« vision an angel of Goa\ Observe, 2.
places, of all employments, God has a num- The effect which this sight of the angel had
ber of holy and gracious persons, to honour «P<>n Cornelius : He was afraid. Learn
him in the world, according to their present hence, That whilst our souls inhabit these
measure of light received from him. Ob- ™>rtal and sinful bodies, the appearance of
serve, 2. The evidence which Cornelius angels is terrible and affrighting to them,
gave of his religious fearing of God : He ana cannot be otherwise 5 parti v upon a
ftared God with all his house ; he gave natural, and partly upon a moral account.
much alms, and prayed to God always. Upon a natural account, because the dread
Cornelius was therefore really, because re- of spirits strikes our natural spirits, they
lativety, religious ; be obligeth his family to *»"** and tremble at the approach of spi-
fear God as well as himself, and together with *** } hoth the spirits of men and of beasts
himself: like Abraham, hc commands his quake at it; witness the ass, Numb. xxu.
household after him to keep the way of the &>. that Balaam rode upon. And also
Lord, Gen. xviii. 19. And thus the blessing "P™ a moral account, because of our con-
of Abraham came upon this Gentile, Come- sciousoe» of guilt ; wherever there » guilt,
liua : He feared God with all his house, there will be a fear, upon an extraordinary
And his charity was as eminent as his appearance of God to us, though it be but
piety : He gave much alms to the people ; mediately by an angel. Observe, 3. The
that is, to the people of the Jews, to whom J°yM message ?!"cn the *"** bongs to
alms was not unclean, though given by an Cornelius : thai his prayers and his alms
heathen person. It is further added, that were come up for a meimnal before God.
hepraymdto God always: he prayed to Where note, That as God records all the
the true God, not to idols ; and he prayed P^y"* of his people, so he books all the
to God always, that is, at every fitting sea. acts of mercy which any of them at any
son, and convenient opportunity for the Jj»e <*o ««*• and show unto n» mem-
duty. We are said in Scripture to do a bers ; he takes notice of the person, of the
thi/g continually, when we do it season- ««*, of Uptime when, J* ^ -««r
keep the heart continually as much as may cold water, given m «™ ««™ ' •-
bein a praying frame and disposition, and, members, it shall not be forgotten, but r»
2dly, to embrace the proper seasons and ">***! and rewarded,
opportunities for prayer. The beauty of 5 And now gend men to joppi|>
formanoe of the duties of it ; when one . Lj«.-#k «.;«k
duty doth not interfere with another, but «*me » P«*er. 6 He lodge th with
we prudently find time for all. Thus did one Simon a tanner, whoae house is
«6fl THE ACTS. Chap. X.
t>y the sea aide : he shall tell thee a great sheet, knit at the four cor-
what thou oughtest to do. tiers, and let down to the earth ;
L ^ j 12 Wherein were all manner of four*
Observe here, 1. That although God sent footc<| beasU of lhc carth and wjM
an angel to Cornelius, to acquaint him with , . ^M«„:„« *u;~~a **a
bis wi" yet the angel was To direct him to feasts, and creeping things and
the apostle, who was to instruct him in the fowls of the air. 13 And there
faith. This, no doubt, God did to put came a voice to him, Rise, Peter ;
honour upon the ministers and ministry of kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said,
the gospel ; as also to let us understand and Not so, Lord; for I have never
know, that we are not to expect extraordi- eaten anv thinir that is common or
nary ways of teaching, when iGod affords us unclcan, 16 And the voice spake
thou ouihtest to do. Observe, 2. What What God hath cleansed, thai call
an exact knowledge Almighty God has of not thou common. 16 This was
particular persons, and particular places : done thrice : and the vessel was re-
he tells Cornelius, by the angel, in what ceived up again into heaven.
town Peter was, in Joppa ; in whose house
he lodged, in Simon's the tanner ; in what Observe here, 1. That as Cornelius had
part of the town the house stood, by the a vision from God to encourage him to
sea-side. It is matter of consolation, yea, ^^ for Peter, so the apostle had likewise
of great consolation, to the people of God, a y^^ to encourage him to go to Come-
to know and remember that (Sod knows w^ in wnich note, 1. the time when be
them ; he knows their persons, their pur- had this vision, it was at the sixth hour,
poses, their performances, their places of or high noon ; which was one of the three
abode ; he knows who they are, what they hours of prayer. When we are upon our
do, and where they dwell. So dear are the Knceg j„ prayer, then is the time for recehr-
holy servants of God unto him, that he jng gracious manifestations from God.
loves the very street in which they lodge, jyotef 2. The place where he had this vi-
the house in which they dwell ; the walls sjon when at prayer ; upon the house-top.
of their habitation are continually before The Jewish houses being flat-roofed, with
him, and he delights perpetually to look battlements upon them, Peter went up to
upon them. O let holiness to the Lord be the house-top to pray, as a place of privacy
writ in legible characters upon the walls of and retirement, free from noise and distrac-
our houses! Zcch. xiv. 20. Then will tk>n ; as also to take the advantage of the
God dwell where we dwell, and the be- place focdivine contemplation, and perhaps
loved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by to look towards the temple, which was for-
him. merry a type of Christ. It teaches us, that
..,.., 1 1 • 1 1 fitting places, as well as fitting seasons for
7 And when the angel which spake ** are t0 be sought out and improved
tinto Cornelius was departed, he call- |>v ,» ; pcier ww/ up upon the house to
ed two of his household servants, and pray. Note, 3. The frame wherein St.
a devout soldier of them that waited Peter was as to- his body, when be
on him continually ; 8 And when had this vision ; namely, exceeding bun-
lie had declared all these things un- &J- God ordered it so, to fit him the
to them, he sent them to Joppa. m^re ** *** v*»n °f *»*J «neat O
n Ji .. *u Jly teste and see how gracious the Lord n, in
9 On the morrow as they went on ^ down a d£h tf daintie8 f^ hea-
their journey, and drew nigh unto ven to his hungry children, that are praying
the city, Peter went up upon the to him here on earth ! Note, 4. Themaa-
ho use -top to pray, about the sixth ner how this vision was made to St Peter :
hour : 10 And he became very ft wa» » tnc **▼ of a divine rapture or
hungry, aud would have eaten : but ecstasy, he fiUinto a trance; his soul
while they made ready, he fell into W*J ^Tl^™,!!^ * **£?*
A *-«-,-« 1 1 4 « 1 J l and absent from it : that is, drawn off from
* a ' } And saw heaven ^ perception of all earthly and sensible
opened, and a certain vessel de- objects, and enabled unto a more entire
scending unto him, as it had been attendance upon spiritual and heavenly
Chap, X. THE ACTS, 669
mattes and mysteries. To be sure it made called, and asked, whether Simon,
famtesjrt fate diDiier. Hid ^ed him jmtta which was suroamed Peter, were
diyra ! consolation ; a soul fed and filled lod|red there. |9 Whii„ «.,._
with divine dainties, doth sometimes forget 1^ g ?* fu ■• !u c •!
bodily hunger : we read no more of St. *?«ght on the vision, the Spirit
Peer's sharp hunger after this divine en- 8aid unto him, Behold, three men
tertainment Note, 5. The vision itself, or seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and
what was represented to St. Peter, first to get thee down, and go with them,
bbeye, then to his ear. To his eye first, doubting nothing : for I have sent
he saw heaven opened, ver. 1 1. Teaching them,
that although heaven had been shut to the
children of men by the sin of the first Here note, 1. How St. Peter sets him-
Adam, yet now it was opened by the grace self to meditate what he had seen and
of the second Adam to all believers, both beard from God : He pondered with him-
Jews and Gentiles. Next he saw a great self what this vision, which he had seen,
vessel descending like a large sheet, with should mean. Whatever passes from God
all sorts of meats in it, both clean and un- to man, either by the eye, or through the
clean ; and he hears a voice from God, ear, ought to be the subject of our deepest
giving bim a commission, though he was meditation. We are to contemplate the.
ft Jew, to feed freely, without distinction excellences -and perfections which are in
of ctean and unclean ; signifying to him the word and works of God with an'
thereby that he might indifferently converse intellectual eye, and to dwell upon them in
with Gentiles as well as Jews, and preach our serious thoughts. Note, 2. The care
the gospel to one as well as the other, which the Holy Spirit took to resolve sa-
Note, lastly, How St Peter's Jewish prin- ttsfactorily the inward doubtings and reason-
ciples made him startle at this large com- ings of St. Peter's mind concerning this
mission, looking upon the command as un- matter. I have sent them, says the Hoty
awful and impious, ver. 14. Not so. Spirit; therefore arise, and go down, no-
*4rd,for I have never eaten any thing thing doubting. Where observe, both the
that is common or unclean : But mark the divinity and personality of the Holy Ghost :
divine correction : What God hath clean- he that knows the thoughts, the doubtings
sed, that call not thou common. His and reasonings, of man's heart, as the Holy
mistake was rectified by God, who gave Ghost here did St. Peter's, is truly and
him by this vision a clear intimation, that really God ; and he that commands and
the distinction of meats was now taken forbids, is really a person. So doth the
sway, and the difference between nation Holy Spirit here : he commands St. Peter
sod nation was now removed by the death to go to Cornelius, and forbids his doubting
of Christ ; and, consequently, that he might of the lawfulness or success of his journey :
g° and preach the gospel to Cornelius, a Go with them, doubting nothing, for I
Gentile, without scruple or doubtfulness ; have sent them,
the partition wall betwixt Jew and Gentile
heing now broken down. Learn hence, 21 Then Peter went down to the
That the doctrine of the conversion of men which were sent unto him from
the Gentiles, came first from heaven, Cornelius ; and said, Behold, I am
wasrevealed and made known by God he whom ye seek. What ti the cause
iWf ^ ^AgfWH?U8,y vf ^ GaK wherefore ye are come ? 22 And
"»• to. Thai there u neither Jew nor ., . , «U v ^i* _ +u~ - ~*..-:~
Greek, neither bord nor free, neither they -aid, Cornelius the centurion
**le nor female ; for we are all one in *Just man, and one that fearcth
Cbrist Jesus. Thanks be to God, that God, and of good report among all
if*e blessing of Abraham is come upon us, the nation of the Jews, was warned
through Jesus Christ. from God by an holy angel to send
17 Now while Peter doubted in for thee into his house, and to hear
himself what this vision which he words of thee. 23 Then called he
had seen should mean, behold, the them in, and lodged them. And on
men which were sent from Cornelius the morrow Peter went away with
had made inquiry for Simon's house, them, and certain brethren from
ftnd stood before the gate, 18 And Joppa accompanied him. 24 And
664 THE ACTS. Chap. X
the morrow after they entered into *■* but a road, and God's messengu sent
Cesarea. And Cornelius waited for unt0 him- . Whatever Ptete^a pretended
*t* and had called togejerhia — J cJ^s^£^^
kinsmen and near friends. 25 And not wflfer co^u, to h« at his feet, much
as Peter was coming in, Cornelius i^^ kigf nilfeel. the ambassador would
met him, and fell down at his feet, not run away with the honour which be-
and worshipped Aim. 26 But Pe- longed to the prince that sent him, Ob-
ter took him up, saying, Stand up ; serve, 5. How St. Peter acquaints Corne-
I mvself also am a man. 27 And Hus, that that partition-wall betwiat the Jews
as he talked with him, he went in, "^ QS^J^JmJ!!^ "ll SH
1 r j *i *. ^ — *~ up by Gods command, was now by the
and found many that were come to- ^authorUy ^M ^^ ^ «„£* .
gether. 28 And he said unto them, Md that no man is now unclean by any
Ye know how that it ia an unlawful ceremonial undeanneas, because he is not
thing for a man that is a Jew to circumcised ; and consequently, that Cor-
keep company, or come unto one of nelius, though of another nation, might
another nation ; butOod hath shew- converse with, and be conversed with, as
ed me, that 1 should not call any *ft « rfbcfn a Jew- Since theajning
1 AA mi J of Christ* no person or nation si KeaUv or
man common or unclean. 29 There- mm^f ££Z> ; but every nlto, or
fore came I unto you without gain- ^^y pmon9 by Mm m^y andean,
saying, as soon as 1 was sent for. ^ . , _ .. . , _ ..
I ask therefore, for what intent v. *> And Cornelius said, Four days
have sent for me. ' ago I was fasting untd this hour,
and at the ninth hour I prayed in
Observe here, 1. The messengers whom my house, and, behold, a man stood
Cornelius sent to St Peter: two of his ^f^ mc in bright clothing, SI
household servants, and a devout soldier. - j mmW* r^™Ai:... »h«, n.JL-» ;-
All soldiers are not rude; but some are And said, Cornelius thy prayer is
religious. Behold a devout soldier under heard» *nd th.inc *,ms Lare }™ ?
a devout captain, and two household ser* remembrance in the sight of God.
vants whom their master's example had 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and
rendered humble and modest Observe, call hither Simon whose surname is
2. The just and laudable, not false and Peter : he is lodged in the house of
flattering character, which they gave of „,„ Siroon a tanner> by thc ga-
ther Master CWius .That he was a gide wh when ^ co^eth Bna||
just man, one that feared God, and one of ,' . ' , os T \. . •
good report among ail the nation 0/ tic '\**\ untt° thec« » Immediately
Jews. It is both the duty and the com- therefore 1 sent to thee : and thoa
mendation of servants, to give to their mas- hast well done that thou art come,
ten due honour j and, when called to it, Now therefore are we all here pre*
their deserved character. Observe, 3. How »*,* before God, to hear all things
S\ r loubt! J*™* 7°lvedV he *»■ that are commanded thee of God.
putes no farther, delays no longer, but has-
tens immediately to Cornelius : when once Observe here, 1. Cornelius relates the
God's command is plain, we must not dis- occasion of his sending for St. Peter, and
pute, but despatch; we must no longer the warrant which he bad for so doing:
object, but obey. Observe, 4. The rever- he declares, that as he was fasting and
ence given by Cornelius to St. Peter : He praying in his family, he had a vision, in
fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. which an angel directed him to send for
It seems to be more than a civil reverence the apostle. Where note, That Cornelius
which he gave him ; it looks as if Corae- doth not talk of his fasting, praying and
litis took him for an angel in human shape, arms-giving, by way of ostentation, to boast
or a person sent immediately from heaven of himself, but only to give satisfaction to
to him, and accordingly he prostrates him* St. Peter, that be had certain advice from
self before the apostle ; but St. Peter would heaven for what he did in aaoding for him.
by no means receive any undue honour or Observe, 2. The readiness of Cornels* 1
respect from him, assuring him, That he obedience in sending for St Peter : Immc-
Chap. X. THE ACTS. 064
diatefy therefore 1 gent to thee. Joppa feareth God, and worketh righteousness,
from Cesarea is computed to be about forty shall find acceptance with him." Observe
miles ; but no sooner did Cornelius receive here, I. That no external qualifications,
the commandment, but without delay he personal privileges, and prerogatives, will
put it in execution, and sent men to Joppa* procure favour and acceptance with God,
When our call is clear, our obedience must who neither receives nor rejects men barely
be speedy. Observe, 3. The kind recep- for outward respects, I perceive that God
{ion which Cornelius gives St Peter : Thou is no respecter of persons* Observe, 2.
hast wetl done that thou art come. He The true character of a religious man : he
doth not only approve of the apostle's is one that feareth God and worketh right-
coming, but thanks him for it Observe, eousness ; that is, a strict observer of the
4. The preparation and readiness of Cor* duties of both tables, of piety towards God,
netius and his friends to hear and receive and of justice and charity towards man \
the word of God from St Peter's mouth : and the phrase of working righteousness
We are aU here present before God, to implies diligence, and delight, and penever*
hear all things that are commanded thee ance in the ways and works of righteous*
of God. Where note, L He desires the ness. Observe, & The privilege of such a
same holy doctrine, which the apostle came religious and truly righteous man ; He is
to preach, may be delivered to his family, accepted with God. Thence learn, That
his friends, and his kinsfolk, as well as him- both the person (earing God, and his works
self. A good man would not go to bea- of righteousness, are accepted with him, of
▼en alone j but is desirous of the instruction. *»y nation under heaven, of any calling,
conversion, and salvation ot others, as well sex, or condition whatsoever : In every
a* of himself; We are all here. Note, 2. nation, he that feareth him, and worketh
The place of God's pure worship is the righteousness, is accepted with him*
place of his special presence: We are
all here present he/ore God. Note, 3. 36 The word which God sent
The end for which they were now come unto the children of Israel, preach-
^^STilu ^?* * T 11 hin in* Peacc by JeflU8 Chris* 3 hc »
what God should speak, yea, to hear all » _j e n *« Tl * » w
things which God Vhoull command the LorcV>f aH * *7kThat WOfdLi^J
apostle to speak 5 intimating to us, that as ye know» which was published
St Peter himself was, so all the minis- throughout all Judea, and began
ten of Christ are, confined within their from Galilee, after the baptism which
commission, we must only speak what John preached : 38 How God
God commands ; neither are bearers bound anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the
to receive any thing else. Woe unto us, Ho, Ghogt and with ^^ . who
if when God sends us on hm errand, we -,'* „i„*..* «!,*;.._ ~~*a «^,i wa.i:_«
tell our own tale. The word is the counsel ™" **out do,n* *°°*' ™* h$aIln*
of God; Now it is the counsel of God a,! *^werc oppressed of the devil :
only, and the whole counsel of God also, for God was with him. 39 And we
that we are to declare, and our people are arc witnesses of all things which he
to hear : We are all present before God, did, both in the land of the Jews
to hear all things that are commanded and in Jerusalem ; whom they slew
us of God. and hanged on a tree. 40 Him God
34 Then Peter opened Aw mouth, raised up the third day, and shewed
and said, Of a truth I perceive him openly ; 41 Not to all the pco-
that God is no respecter of persons: pie, but unto witnesses chosen be-
36 But in every nation he that *>re of God, even to us, who did
feareth him, and worketh righteous- *** and drink with him after he
tiess, is accepted with him. ™«* from {■■« dcftd- 4? And J"*
commanded us to preach unto the
As i if the apostle had said, "I now very pcopie, and to testify that it is he
Siw^JKf which was ordained of God I to 6e
Uvea, or personal excellences, fincfnolc. £e J«dge of quick and dead. 43
ceptanee with God ; but that any roan, be To him give all the prophets witness,
be of what nation or family soever, if he that through his name whosoever
064 THE ACTS. Chap. X.
believed) in him shall receive remis- tunitiet of being useful and beneficial to
sion of sins. mankind. Observe, 3. The evidence and
testimony which the apostle produces for
Observe here, 1. The antiquity of the all that be affirmed concerning Christ : We
gospel, or of the doctrine of reconciliation, ere witnesses of all things which he did
by Jesus Christ : it was preached to the in the land ofjudea, and in Jerusalem.
patriarchs, and by the prophets to the an- Christ took the twelve apostles as it were
cient Israelites : The word which God into his family, that by their familiar con-
sent to the children of Israel, preaching verse, and constant conversation with him,
peace by Jesus Christ. Thence learn, they might be enabled to testify oi him: —
That there is but one way to salvation, 1. Touching his death, that be was slain,
namely, reconciliation with God through and hanged on a tree ; dying an ignomi-
the blood of Christ : and this was de- nious and shameful, as well as a dolorous
clared to the children of Israel, as well as and painful, death. 2. Concerning his
unto us : to them more darkly, to us more resurrection, that God raised him from the
clearly. They went to heaven then the dead : though he was laid, he was not lost,
same way that believers do now, namely, in the dust God would not sutler the
by faith in the Lamb of God, who was to beloved of his soul to rot in the grave, but
be slain ; we by faith in him as already raised him up, and showed him openly,
slain. Observe, 2. The dignifying title And, 3. As to the final judgment, the
Sven to Christ: He is Lord of all. 1. apostles were commanded to preach and
e is Lord of all, as God together with testify to the people, that Jesus Christ wss
the Father and the Holy Ghost ; the abso- ordained of God to be the judge both of
lute and supreme Lord of all the whole quick and dead ; that is, of all that are
creation, and unto whom all creatures are in their graves, and of all that shall be found
subject 2. He is Lord of all as Mediator, alive at his coming.
Lord of all men, whether Jews or Gentiles ;
he is Lord of his church, Lord over saints 44 While Peter yet spake these
and sinners. Hypocrites and sincere words, the Holy Ghost fell on all
christians, all are his subjects by obligation, them which heard the word. 45
some by voluntary consent, and by an ab- And thc of the circumcision which
solute obedience unto his command Ob- believed were astonished, as many
serve, 3. The argument by which the apos- WMCTC" .* «*«■•■■»««» •• ui«ij
tie proveth Christ to be Lord of al£Z as cLame w*h Pteter» because that
Mediator; namely, from his divine unction, °" «** Gentiles also was poured out
ver. 38. How Ood anointed Jesus of Na* the gift of the Holy Ghost : 46 For
xareth with the Holy Ghost : and with they heard them speak with tongues,
power: that is, endued the human nature and magnify God. Then answered
£ W tllK the ^,ne88 of ^ *?** ?f p<*<*, 4? Can ««y **« forbid
serve, 4. How Christ faithfully executed *Lzed» whlch ,Vavc reccl?ed «* HoIJ
this office which he was anointed to : he Ghost as well as we ? 48 And he
went about doing good all the time he was commanded them to be baptized
on earth, healing diseases, and casting out in the name of the Lord. Then
devils ; for God was with him, in the ml- pjayed they him to tarry certain
ness of his Deity, ss he was his eternal Son ; da vs.
and in power, grace, and favour, as he was
Man and Mediator. Here note, 1. The Observe here, 1. What a iriiiaculous
great work and business of our Saviour's power of the Holy Ghost did accompany
life ; it was to do good, namely, to the St. Peter's ministry at this time, thereby
souls and bodies of men, to promote the giving him an assurance of the future coo-
temporal happiness of the one, the spiritual version of the Gentiles, to thc great wonder
and eternal happiness of the other. Note, and astonishment of the Jews, who thought
2. Our Saviour's diligence and indefatigable the promise of sending down the Holy
industry in this work of doing good ; he Ghost belonged only to the house of Israel,
made it the great business and constant Accordingly, while Peter was thus preach-
employment of his life: He went about rag to Cornelius and his friends, the Holy
doing good; that is, seeking out all oppor- Ghost by his wonderful gift of tongues de-
ChaP- xr- THE ACTS. 057
scended on them, though Gentiles ; at eating and convening with the Gentiles,
which the Jews marvelled. Observe, 2. and especially for admitting them into gos-
Tne conclusion which toe apostle draws pel communion without circumcision,
fiom this : forasmuch as the Gentiles were Whereas although God forbade marriages
baptized with the Holy Ghost, he infers with the Gentiles, he never forbade com-
that they ought to be baptized with water : merce and conversation with them. No
and the argument runs thus; " They that conversation with the Gentiles, in order to
pave the grace signified by, and promised the gaining of the Gentiles unto God, was
m baptism, have an undoubted right to ever forbidden by God ; but only such as
baptism, the seal of the promise : but these might withdraw the Jews from God, and
Gentiles have the grace signified by, and corrupt them by idolatry,
promised in baptism ; they have the inward
part or thing signified; why then should 4 But Peter rehearsed the matter
the outward sign be denied them? He frftm tua ^ „•„• w J~Y j j
that has the Inheritance, may claim the ™" th« ^ginning and eipounded
writings, &e. the seals, belonging to the !' b? °™e* unt.° th!m» »aying, <*
inheritance." Observe, 3. The apostle J was ln ,the c,ty °« Joppa, pray-
without scruple baptized these Gentile con- mg : and in a trance I saw a vision,
verts: Then commanded he them to be A, certain vessel descend, as it had
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus; been a great sheet let down from
that is, he either baptized them himself, heaven by four corners ; and it
or gave commandment to others to do it; camp ' to m- . a it™1 *k*
anJ though only the name of the Lord Je! 3Sffc Ik i u J * > V}T *e
sib be mentioned, yet this does not imply whlch ¥when .} had fastened .mine
but that they were baptized according to e?es> * considered, and saw four-
our Saviour's prescription, Matt, zxviii. footed beasts of the earth, and wild
In the name of the Father, Son, and beasts, and creeping things, and
Bofy Ghost. This done, they desired him fowls of the air. 7 And I heard
n>«ht be farther instructed, confirmed, and -iftv oKj ',* « »„, \ -A '^j . *
comforted by his ministry/ ?* Jj and eat * But l 8aid' Not so'
J J i»rd : for nothing common or un-
CHAP. XI. c*ean natn at any time entered into
n. . 4 . ' . 4U .my mouth. 0 But the voice an-
■ «» chapter gi ret oa an account, how thepromiae ~..,AmAA ^^ «^.*:« c u w«
or the Je«» and Gcotiiet becoming: one n£k, and «wered me again from heaven, What
m.fnl4eUn ^^^.rweivcditaa^mpiiah- God hath cleansed, that call not
njeot : tbif was performed by the ministry of St . . ~ . . , .
Peter, who wee the flrat that opened the door of ttlOll common. 10 And this Was
&tth to the Geotilea s of which he rivca a aatie- done rhroo timA« • ami oil «,o-«
frctory account in this chapter, to the objections "one inrcc umes . ana all Were
*«<le by the Jewe against him for the tame. draw II up again into heaven. 11
AND the apostles and brethren And\ >**<*•. immediately, there
^ Uiat were in Judea heard that wereuthree m«n already come unto
the Gentiles had also received the J?e house wherc l was- Mnt fr0TO
word of God. 2 And when Peter Cesarea unto me. 12 And the Spi-
nas come up to Jerusalem, they that "* °ade mcmf° wlth ih*m> nothing
were of the circumcision contended «pubt,ng- Moreover, these six bre^
with hi*, 3 Saying, Thou wentest !nrc" accomoanied me ; and we en-
ia to men uncircurocised, and didst **** 'nto utllc ™n \ houfc : ™
eat with them. And he she^d ?? h™ hc had
seen an angel in his house, which
Observe here, 1. How the Jews, appre- stood and said unto him, Send men
tending that Christ and his grace had to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose
^only promised and confineSto them- surnamc i8 Peter ; 14 Who shall
■wves, the call and conversion of the Gen- »Aii *u-~» «^.^i. 'l^a *u j
tika became a dreadful stumbling-block * ! ** WOT *• ^^ *«" and
unto them, even to the believing as well a" }hy Tnouse 8na" *>e saved. 16
88 the unbelieving Jews. Hereupon ob- And as I began to speak, the Holy
We, 2. How they contended with Peter for Ghost fell on them, as on us at the
2 u
353 THE ACTS. Chap* **•
I the word of the Lord, how that he * ^^ ^ ^ to
said, John indeed baptized with wa- ^^d *& ^,1, Corneliai *•> j
ter ; but ye shall be baptised with ^ ^ j denie(i jj^ ctnucb-comnNiiioa
the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch fa. want of the ceremony <* drannct-
then as God gave them the like gift skm, H had certainly been a downrigbure-
M he did onto us who believed on sfctonceof.and ditobedieoce again*, God."
the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I Thence kjm, TOat it tea <k*E***JW°:
, *-*"*■ - \ n^» 9 -ft gtion to the will of God, to abut mem out
.that 1 could withstand God ? 18 ««™ ^ ^ io deba* them from the
.When they heard these things, they ^^^^ <* it, who Inure received die
held their peace, and glorified God, wearying graces of God's Hoty Spirit, but
saying. Then hath God also to the &ffa /rom ^ jn external -rite- and cereooc-
Gentiles granted repentance unto nfesonly.
life.
19 Now they which were scat-
Observe here, 1. How far St. Peter was tef€<j a|,roa(| Upon the persecution
^ff^^^Kv^lelnl that arose about Stcphe., travelled
dain to render an account of his actions Antioch, preaching the word to
to them, but with peat sincerity stod none but unto the Jews only. X*
humility rehearsed and related the whole And some of them were men of Cy-
roalter of fact, to their entire and joint prus aiMj Cyrene, which, when they
satisfaction. Observe, 2. How he ac- wcrc coinc to Antioch, spake unto
quaints the apostles with J^ ^ ^e GreciaIlgf preaching the Low.
bad seen, in which he was commanded *r. . .a* * ^
to make no distinction of clean and un- 3M ft I Andtbe hund at tee
clean-, because there was no natural tur- Lord was with them . ana *fre*1
pitude in any kind of meat, save only as number believed, and turned unto
it was prohibited by God ; and that the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these
God, who having made the law about things came unto the ears of the
difference of meats, had now abrogated it, Cnurch which was in Jerusalem :
and made all meats clean, and free lobe a rf . s^t -forth Barnabas, that
ttti£Z& * ?h7vlstongTnd^ he should go as far as Antioch. 23
quaints them with the end for which this Who, when he came, and had seen
vision was designed •, namely, not so much the grace of God, was glad, ana
to reveal to him the lawfulness of eating all exhorted them all, that with pur-
sorts of meats, as to acquaint him with his pOSC 0f heart they would cleave unto
liberty and duty to converse with and tj,e j^yj 04 por he was a good
preach the gospel to the Gentiles ; whom ^ f jj f lhe Hoty Ghost
he was no longer to look upon as unclean, m™> *1 "f " " " T, . ™jLl.* was
though they Were not circumcised ; but as and of faith : and much people was
.heirs and fello&citixens with the saints, added unto the Lord.
and of the household of God* Observe, ..«_■_
lastly, The conclusion which St. Peter drew Observe here, 1. That Antioch becomes
from the premises: "Seeing God hath the Jerusalem of the Gentile christians ; that
made the Gentiles equal in grace with the is, the chief place whither the Gentile eoo-
believing Jews ; seeing the Holy Ghost verts resorted •, as Jerusalem, hefore the
came down upon them in the same manner, dispersion by persecution, was resorted to
and with the same effects, as he did upon by the Jews, and made the principal seat
us apostles ; I could not reasonably deny of their residence. Observe, 2. How Ciod
them baptism, and by baptism admission overruled the persecution and dispersion
into the gospel-church : for having the occasioned by St Stephen's death, for dis-
grace signified by baptism, they ought to geminating and scatteringthe gWpel as w
have baptism, the seal of that grace ; they as Antioch, verse 19. They which were
that have the inward, are not to be denied scattered abroad upon the persecution tkat
Chap. Xh THE ACT*. *ft»
arose about Stephen, travelled of far at whatever iriJMalion or distress they might
Antioch, preaching the word. Thus has meet with. Young convert* need exbor-
the blood of the martyrs all along been the tation and counsel, to establish and con-
teed of the church ; and what the devil and firm them in the faith of the gospel, and to
his instruments have designed for the ex- encourage them to hold fast to Christ
tirpation, God has constantly overruled
for the propagation of the gospel. Oh- 26 Then departed Barnabas to
serve, 3. The great success which the min- Tarsus, for to seek Saul : 26 And
ister* and ministry of the gospel had at An- wneo he had found him, be brought
tioqh: The hand of the Lord was with him mto Antk>cli. And it came to
&KW«a^^ g,aT^marh^^scyrmh"
awl assistance .of jtoeJLord, which did ac- Wcd themselves with the church,
company tfrgm in dispensing of his word, And taught much people. And the
and enabled them to work miracles for the disciples were called christians first
confirmatiojA of it- The hand is the in Antioch.
organ or instrument of working in man :
whan it is attributed to God, it denotes Observe here, A further instance of the
his power and ndp ; the hand of God piety of that good man. Barnabas having
was manifested in the miracles which a great zeal and fervent desire that the gos-
they wrought, and in faith and conversion, pel might be more and more propagated, he
which the sight of those miracles produced, went to Tarsus to seek out Saul, that they
Learn hence, That faith and conversion am might join together in the work of Christ :
wrought by the hand of toe Lord; they and haying found him, he brought him to
are his work ; study and endeavour is the Antioch, where for a whole year they in-
minister's, the blessing and success is God's; structed the church in that city, and taught
when he takes the sword of the Spirit into much people. 0 how happy is it for the
the hand of the Spirit, then shall it work church of Christ, when her ministers, laying
wonders. Observe, 4. How the joyful aside all private interest, do unitedly apply
tidings of the success of the gospel at An- themselves to promote the common interest
tiocb, being heard and understood by the of Christianity, by propagating the gospel far
apostles that remained at Jerusalem, they and near ! Observe farther. How the be-
send Barnabas to confirm the new con- lie vera, both Jews and Gentiles, were united
verts at Antioch in the christian faith, io one common name at Antioch; the
Learn thence, That the news of any sinner's, Jews had hitherto called them Nasarites and
much more of many sinners*, conversion Galileans, and they called themselves disci-
unto God, by the preaching of the gospel, pics, believer*, brethren, and those of the
is matter of great delight and rejoicing to church ; but now in this place, Antioch,
the ministers of Christ. Observe, 5. The they were first called christians ; a very
holy and honourable character which the great honour conferred upon this Gentile
Spirit of God gives of Barnabas ; He was city, which exalted her now above Jerusa-
« good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, km itself. At Antioch, a Gentile city,
and of faith ; and much people were Christ sat up his standard for the Gentiles,
added unto the Lord, By a good man, and displayed his banner, and puts his own
» meant a kind and charitable man ; be name upon the despised Gentiles. They
having actually sold his estate, and laid it who before were counted dogs, and the off-
at the apostles' feet, for the benefit of the scouring of all things, have now the venera-
poor, as Acts v. 36, 87. informs us ; and We name of Christ imposed upon them :
nis .good works accompanying his good The disciples ware called christians first
preaching, his good life seconded his sound at Antioch. Note lastly, That the disci-
doctrine, was a great mean of the conver- pies did not call themselves christians first
won of so many, and that much people at Antioch, much less did their enemies
were added to the Lord. Observe lastly, give them that name; but they had it by
The holy exhortation which Barnabas gave divine authority imposed upon them. God
these new converts at Antioch : He exhort- would have Christ's disciples called enns-
ed them, that with purpose of heart they tians: 1. As scholars, who receive their
vould cleave unto the Lord; that is, with denomination from their master ; they are
a firm and fixed resolution of will to keep taught to learn of and imitate Christ, whose
dose to the profession of the truth of Christ, Dame they bear. 2. As the word enris-
r 2 u 2
000 THE ACTS. Chap. XlL
fans signifies anointed ones, it puts them God's omnipotence is exerted for his church's
in mind of their divine unction, which protection, so is his omniscience employed
they have received from the holy One, tor its sustentation and preservation; yea,
whereby they are made kings and priests all his attributes are engaged for her benefit
unto God. We are at this day called Ik- and ad vantage. Observe, 2. The full proof
formed christians. God grant that we and evidence which the new converts at
may not cheat ourselves with an empty Antioch gave of the truth of their coover-
and insignificant name ; but let us fill up sion to the christian religion ; namely,
that glorious title, and be reformed in our their charity and alms seasonably sent to
lives, as well as in our religion, beautifying the succour and relief of their felJow-mem-
our holy profession by an holy and be- bers in Christ which were in Judea, These
coming conversation ; otherwise an un- were become very poor, by reason of the
baptized Heathen, at the great day, will extraordinary malice and long persecution
not change estate with many baptized of the Jews against them. And the sea-
christians. sonable succour now sent them from An-
tioch, was a singular comfort to them, and
27 And in these days came pro- a sweet^melling sacrifice unto God. Ob-
bhets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. ■«■* "* Tbe wi* regulation of their
SB And thereat^ up one of them, JJ-g; feX«^*£
named Agabus, and signified by the rity . ^ m to ^ ^m # ^^ fc^ M
Spirit that there should be great we have, and according to what we
dearth throughout all the world : have,— Christian prudence must direct us in
which came to pass in the days of the exercise of christian charity ; that must
Claudius Cesar. 29 Then the dis- <*"** » m finding out fit and proper ob-
ciples, every man according to his J** for "* <*™*Y» that we may give
ability, determined to send relief m0it t0 t^ei?J lh* h*ve «f ^.^
. J!* • a. L» u j i* • dence must also direct us in timing of our
unto the brethren which dwelt in charit that wedo not t our ^ bre.
Judea: 30 Which also they did, thren off with frivolous excuses and tedious
and sent it to the elders by the delays. And it must direct us m the mea-
hands of Barnabas and Saul. sure of our charity, that it doth not exceed
the bounds of our estates. Few indeed are
Observe here, 1. That the wisdom of guilty of error on that hand : but it is mv-
God, at the first planting of the Christian possible but there • may be an error in the
church, did confer upon some of its mem- excess, as well as in the defect, of our
bers extraordinary gifts ; as the gift of christian charity. To prevent both evils,
tongues, the gift of miracles, the gift of let the practice of these primitive christians
prophecy, and the like. Accordingly, at be a pattern for our imitation, toko deter-
this time, certain persons who had the gift mined, every one according to his ability,
of prophecy, and did foretell things to to send relief unto the brethren, and send
come, being now at Antioch, by revelation it by the hands of Barnabas and SauL
from the Spirit of God, foretold that there
would shortly be a great famine over all CHAP. XII.
Judea. and several other parts of the world: Dt , . *. .* , 4. u.- u • t »~i
V. l Ti a r"- 7* ™ "w,;u i St Lake, the writer of this history, hands; related
Which exactly came tO pass in the reign what raccew the apostles had at AnUocb; be dow
Of the emperor Claudius. Where note, retmns to Judea, and declare* what persecution
rm A .A f n^j« 4* « e i_ the church net with at Jerusalem ; where St.
That as It B Uod S prerogative to foreknow jAmtm was beheaded, and St. Peter imprisoned,
future things, SO it is his prerogative to en- but by an angel miraculously dcUreivd; as Una
able others to foretell future things. This chapter inform, ua.
famine was here foretold, not by judicial TWTOW about that time, Herod the
astrology, but by divine revelation : that ±^ king gtretched forth his hands,
God, who provided for the patriarchs, by t certain of the church
means of Josephs foreseeing the famine in l0 vex ccrlain ol ine cnil*c11-
Egypt, provided now for the christians, by Observe here, 1. Satan, the grand enemy
Agabus's foretelling the famine which came of the church of God, never wants instru-
upon Judea : Agabus stood up, and sig- ments for carrying on his persecuting de-
nifiedby the Spirit, that there shtiu/dbe signs against the church; he had many
great dearth throughout all Judea. As Pharaohs in the Old-Testament times, bitter
Chap. Xlf. THE ACTS. sjrjt
oppressors of the Jewish church ; and ae- after Easter to bring him forth to
▼era! Herods under the New Testament, at the people.
Herod Antipas, and Herod Agrippa, who n . . . , .
were very warm in the worst w?rk; namely, Peter fbc,nS "^"oned, observe what an
that of persecution : He stretched forth e*"38? of «" a?d caut,0.n Herod •*>« f<*
hi* hand* to vex certain of the church : **unDS 5» Pri*>Per : wx**n M,?ie« are
that is, to kill some and to imprison others. "* *° &*** *»• four at * *** ™* «<> tak*
Satan's bloodhounds have such an insatiable heir turns * *** /our watches of the night,
thirst after the blood of the saints, that they J? relieve one another. Thence learn, That
can never be satiated with it, nor satisfied lhe ?*""* of tbe «*«<* make «> »«"»}
without it. A tyrannical persecutor is like wfJ*. ***? ^ W^D4 atf ™? *«» God
an hydropic person-, theVnore he drinks, {**?*? *• ""J"1* to fa" !nt0 an-v °f
themoiehethi«hL ff" ^ Jhu? J* dealt with the
Head, when they had apprehended him ;
2 And he killed James the bro- £? ™teh-word T2* ^u *™./a*'»s'-
ther of John with the sword. 3 ^\2Sh1£iJ^
4j. . •. i i.i tney nailed him fast to his cross : when they
And because he saw it pleased the buried hinif they made tne ' lchre '
Jews, he proceeded further to take sealing thestone, and setting a watch, and thus
Peter also. Then were the days of they deal with the members ; St Peter has
unleavened bread. guard upon guard set over him, some soldiers
chained to him, and others always stand-
Note here, 1. The person slain by tbe nig at tbe door to observe him. But all
sword of Herod j James the brother of this care, concern, and caution, to secure
John. We read in the gospel that he the prisoner, did illustrate the glory of the
was one of the sons of Zebedee, that desir- miracle in his wonderful deliverance,
ed of Christ the pre-eminence to sit at 5 Peter therefore was kept in
h? A im ?rf JS ^SSTli??* Dff°W Prison > but Pra?er wa* ™<te with-
ne n the first of the apostles that suffer- £iif «.«.:„« ncJ «u- -u. u
ed martyrdom, who draSTof Christ's cup, °Ut. « •"! n* of the church unto
and was baptized with his baptism. He Uod for him-
was called Boanerges, or a son of thunder, That is, fervent and importunate prayer
for bis zealous and earnest preaching : no was put .up to God by the church on
wonder then that Herod and the enraged Peter's behalf ; with the united strength
Jews hated him, and were stirred up by of their whole souls they stormed heaven,
Satan to destroy him. For such as are *nd look him by force out of Herod's
most useful to, and most eminent in, the hand. Learn, 1. That when the church is
church, are always the object of Satan's plunged into deep perplexities, the only
wrath and anger, and of the persecutor's help she can hope for, must come unto her
rage and fury : He killed James, the in tbe way of prayer. Learn, 2. That
brother of John, with the sword. Ob- "ben God suffers any of the ministers of
serve, 2. James being slain, Peter is to the church to fall under the rage of per-
follow: He proceeded farther to take secutors, it is the church's duty to wrestle
Peter also. The rage of persecutors is not witQ God by prayer in an extraordinary
easily satisfied, and the blood which they manner on their behalf: Prayer was made
•bed is but oil to feed the flames of their without ceasing of the church. Learn,
revenge. But mark the overruling power 3. That when God intends to bestow any
•nd goodness of God : though St. James extraordinary mercy upon his church, he
was murdered, St. Peter shall be but im- *«» up the hearts of his people to pray
prisoned. The husbandman doth not for it in a very extraordinary manner,
commit all his corn to the oven, but saves 6 And when Herod would have
J^ief?r^J;uPcraeCUure T1!?1 dVn brought him forth, the same night
ifi'S'SJSn y Pete? was sleeping between two sd-
^ diers, bound with two chains : and the
4 And when he had apprehend- keepers before the door kept the
cd him, he put him in prison, and prison.
delivered him to four quaternions Observe, Peter continued in prison till
Of soldiers to keep him; intending tbe very night before Herod intended to
m THE ACTS. Chap. XII.
bring him out to the people ; and if they timet made me of the ministry of anoeia
desired it, it is probable he Intended to to offset deliverance tor his people. Ob-
put him to death the next day. Learn serve, 2. The several good offices
thence, That God oft-times suffers his chil- the angel now did for Peter, in order to his
dren to come to (he pit's brink, and then enlargement : Pater is asleep, the angel
delivers them, that they may be the more awakes him ; be is laid, the angel raiaai
sensible of his mercy, and have the greater him $ he is amazed, the angel directs him,
cause to magnify his power. Peter was he is bound, the angel unties bus j he
now come to his last night ; the tyrant knows not where he is, the angel goes be-
Herod probably intended his execution fore him, and guides him j he is to
next morning. Now was the time for God through many difficulties, the angel oon-
.to step in 5 our extremity is his opportu- ducts him. Lord, how innumerable are
nity. Observe farther, That notwithstand- the good offices, which at thy command
mg Peter's imminent and impending* dan- the holy angels do for us! though they
ger, he sleeps very soundly, resigning up are not sensibly in this manner apprehend-
himself into the hands of Christ, and re- ed by us. What love and service do we
solving, if he may no longer live Christ's owe to thee ! what honour and respect
servant, that he will die his sacrifice. I should we pay to them, for their care over
question whether Herod that imprisoned us, and attendance upon us I Observe, 3.
him slept half so soundly. Lord ! how Peter must arise, gird himself, bind on his
soft and secure a pillow is a good consci- sandals, cast his garments about him, follow
ence, even on the confines of death, and the angel, and use his own endeavours in
in the very jaws of danger I Observe lastly, order to his own deliverance. God will
That God takes most care of Peter when have him use the means, even then when
he was able to take least care of himself: be was about to work a miracle for him.
when he was asleep, aod altogether in- What a tempting of God is it then to aeg*
sensible of his danger, God was awake and fact the means when we cannot expect
acting effectually in order to his deliver- miracles ! As to trust to means is to neg~
ance. Happy prisoners, who have God lect God, so to neglect the means si to
with them m prison ! Such are prisoners tempt God. We most always subserve me
of hope indeed, and shall certainly expert- providence of God in the use of such means
ence divine help. as his wisdom has appointed and directed
w a~a L~iw*u ii^ « i c il •* unto. Observe lastly, That this de*
7 And, behold, the angel of the livOTnce ^ w amath* ^ „*&-
Lord came upon him, and alight that Peter thought it a dream only,\er79L
shined in the prison : and he smote He wist not that it was true, but thtnght
Peter on the aide, and raised him he had teen a vision. Learn thence, That
up, saying. Arise up quickly. And sometimes the deliverances of the godly
his chains fell off from hu hands. fnm imminent and apparent dangers, are
8 And the angel said unto him, » ^/S^^sSi ^^f S5 2*
Gird thyself, anS bind on thy sa^ m^aT^ &
dais : and so he did. And he «* them with their eyes. When God
saitn unto him, Cast thy garment turned the captivity of Rater, he was like
about thee, and follow me. 0 And unto them that dream, P*aL txxvi. 1.
he went out, and followed him ; and u And whcn Peter was ^^ to
wist not that it was true which was himself, he said. Now I k«ow of a
done by the angel ; bot thought he ^ly tmU tb€ j^rf hatll ^ ^
saw a vision. 10 When they were angelf and hath delivered me out of
past the first and the second ward, the hand of Herod, and frvm all the
they came unto the iron gate that expectation of the people of the
leadeth unto the city, which opened jcws. 12 And ^^lii had con-
to them of his own accord : and gjdere<j the thing, he came to the
they went oat, and passed on house of Mary the mother of John,
through one street ; and forthwith ^.e Mrnaine ^ Mark where
theangel departed from him. m9My were gatnered together, ptmy-
Observe here, 1. That God hath some- ing. 18 And as Peter knocked at
J
Chap. XI!. THE ACTS, 06*
the door of the gate, a damsel came Kinte were praying for him. This is the
to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And nwre remarkable, bewse the angel having
when she knew Peter's voice, she d?ne h« w?* ^Jf"1 ™l h»" UP°«.
«... . - , .' ^M after he bad delivered Peter from bis
opened not the gate for gladness, chainsand impri80nmeDt, he left him to shift
but ran in, and told how Peter stood for tiituaclf. and totakecare of hisown safety }
before the gate, 16 And they said but though an angel left him, yet the pro-
unto her, Thou art mad. But she vidence of God conducted him to a place
constantly affirmed that it was even where he was both safe and welcome,
so. Then said they, it is his angel. Observe, 4. What an ancient opinion it
16 But Peter continued knocking: ™>. ^^SJPS^ T %L* FVt**
«ju *u u-i a sk~ j~L. "MS61 appointed him by God, to take a
and when they had opened the door, 9p£ia, «£ of hira t0 ^ ^ end
and saw bim, they were astonished. direct him in hi8 wayt t0 g^ him from
17 But he beckoning unto them with dangers, and to deliver him in his distresses :
the hand, to hold their peace, de- They say. It is his angel. For which
clared unto them how the Lord had saying there could be no reason, had there
brought htm out of the prison. And not been a current opinion amone them of
said, Go, shew these things unto guardian angels. Bfessed be GoJ his holy
> • * , . .. . x. ° A * angels are our keepers, our counsellors, our
James, and to the brethren. And defelldef8f our loving and friend, 9mxim
he departed, and went into another ates . ^d they shall never depart from us,
place. till they have conducted us safely to our
heavenly Father's house, where we shall
Observe here, 1. The wise and holy be as tie angels of God in heaven. Ob-
course which the church took for the apos- serve, 5. How Peter gives God, and not
tie's enlargement, and that was, keeping a the angel, the glory of his deliveranee, ver.
day of prayer. A number of christians 17. He declared how the Lord had brought
get together, and importune heaven : the him out of the prison. The angel was
enemies plot, the church prays ; they shut but the instrument, God was the principal
the prison doors, I he church opens hea- agent, ver 11. The Lord hath sent his
ven's doors ; and God gives Peter in, as angel, and delivered me out of the hand
an answer of prayer, before they rose off of Herod. All deliverances must be as-
from their knees. O how good is it to cribed to him, who commands deliverance
draw near to God ! What a prayer-heair for his people. Observe, 6. The pruden-
ing God is our God 1 How great is the tial care which St. Peter takes for his future
power and prevalency of the conjoined preservation: He departed, and went to
prayers of good men I God's praying poo- another place. He could not think him-
pie ever have been, and will be, a prevail- self safe whilst Herod was so near, no more
ing people. Whilst these pious souls were than a lamb could be safe near the lion's
in the very act of calling upon God for den. He knew he should be hunted for,
Peter's release, God gives in Peter released therefore escapes for his life. And besides
to them. God never wants means for his his own danger, be was not willing to
people's deliverance, when be is once set endanger his friends, who did not entertain
on work by the prayers of his people, and harbour him ; but, both for his own
Observe, 2. St. Peter being delivered, me- and their preservation, he departs to ano-
ditates whilst he was walking in the streets, ther place. Learn, That a prudential use
and going along by himself, on the great- of all lawful means for our own and others'
ness of his danger, and the graciousaess of preservation, in subserviency to divine Pro-
hisdetiverance. Holy and suitable thoughts, vidence, is our duty, our wisdom, and in-
pioia meditations and ejaculations, do well tenst, both as men and christians,
become us in any place, at all times, and
upon all occasions; but especially after i$ Now as soon as it was day,
signal deliverances from signal dangers. thcre was no small stir among the
We can never enough ruminate upon them, goldicrs what was become of Peter.
«r£fM oft « And when Herod had sought for
Divine Providence in directing Peter in the «>"?» *«« found bim not, he ex-
dead of the night to the house where the amined the keepers, and command-
664 THE ACTS; Chap. Xir.
ed that they should be put to death, yet how few by prayer do own their de-
And he went down from Judea to pendence upon him, or by praise and
Cesarea, and there abode. ^fTS* .£» f cknowUsd8e ** hand
' that supplies them !
Observe here, 1. How wicked perse- 2l And upon a set day, Herod,
enters are mightily enraged when their d in rova| appan5, Mt u-
bloody purposes are disappointed : Herod l* *u ' a a
having lost hiTpriie, is so incensed, that °.n hls throne' an<* "^ an on'
he caused the keepers first to be examined, t,on unto them- M And thc P«*-.
(and possibly by tortures,) and then to be pie gave a shout, saying, It is the
put to death. Observe, 2. The justice of voice of a god, and not of a man.
God, and the great injustice of Herod: it 23 And immediately the angel of
wasjurt in God to suffer the soldiers, who tne Lord smote him, because he
were Her^s inrtruments in nersecution, to „ot God ^ j and hc
die by the bloody hand of Herod, whose ° . _ t _ . j
tools they were. 'instrument, in persecu- "as «•*« of worm8« and «*** "P
lion God oft-times meets with in this world, the gnost.
and sometimes they fall by the band of v ^ . ^ ^ ^^ ^^
peraecutor. theiMdva; yet was .t noto- on h£own k,^, ^ wa, ,m^
now iiyust.ce ,n Herod to put to death , ^ to a cloak made of cfath of
those innocent solders, who coald not ^ g d ^ wWl ^ j^. y^
JLJ^ T ?n<!* *" Wele 0°"Way* •"• 2- which ^K >«•« "PO" «>y «he
accessary to tlie prisoners escape. iun.beams, did greatly datde the eyes of
all spectators, he makes an eloquent oration,
20 And Herod was highly dis- more gaudy than his apparel, unto the peo-
pleascd with them of Tyre and Si- pie, who cried out in approbation thereof,
don : but they came with one ac- The voice of a God, and not of a mam.
cord to him, and having made Blastus Herod, instead of repelling this their im-
the king's chamberlain their friend, Pious flattefy» graces and hues their
desired peace ; because their coun- P""*** ■*?» to h,m^;Jt£jbe!!;
«.«,.« |^»v*. , »«.v.Ua^ *..v.. v*#«i» u an angel and worms, the best and
try was nourished by the king's ttk rjasest of creatines, meet ra his pimish.
country. ment: the angel smiting him, and the
worms eating him up: and no wonder
Observe, Herod, upon St. Peter's escape that worms quickly devoured him, whom
out of his bauds, leaves Jerusalem, and those flesh-flies had blown upon before; no
goes to dwell at Cesarea ; where, being wonder that be is eaten up of worms, who
highly displeased with the rich citizens of forgot that he was a worm ! Surst. But
Tyre and Sidon, he designs to make war why were not the people punished as well
upon them. But they being sensible that as the prince, seeing they were equally
their cities lying upon the sea-coasts, and guilty of robbing God of his honour ? True,
having little land belonging to them, they Herod was the receiver, but they were the
must be beholden to Judea and Galilee, thieves! why then fell not the punishment
which were under Herod's jurisdiction, for on the whole multitude ? An*. Because
a great part of their provisions ; therefore more discretion is expected from a prince,
they prudently compound the matter with than from the rabble. Besides, what in
him, knowing that to fight with him who them was but a blasphemous compliment,
fed them, was the ready way to be famished, was by his acceptance of it made a reality,
And opening the breasts of Blastus the and was usurped by biro, and assumed to
king's chamberlain, with a golden key, him as due to his deserts. From the whole,
through that passage they made their ac- note, 1. That flattery, either given or taken,
cess to pacify the king. Interest leads us is a very dangerous sin, a God-provoking
to pay homage to them whom our depen- and a wrath-procuring sin. If we flatter
dency is upon. Yet, though men depend men, God will not flatter us ; but deal
upon God for all, for life, and for plainly, yet severely, with us. One of the
he comforts and supports of life, which ancients said, he was afraid of praise and
lifiLft ^y J.(°ur cou&try being nou- commendation as much as of the crack of
nsned by the King of heaven's country ;) thunder. When men give much glory to
Chap. XII I. THE ACTS. 66&
men, it is very hard for men to give that ptop«gited amount the Gcotijai brSt. P»u»t
-i lw^lr «**«;« *rt rs^l u«^ ..«*. «* ministry, to the end of the book. Now id thia
glory back again tO tiOd. Herod was SO chapter we hate the solemn mission of Saul and
pleated and tickled With the glory which Barnabas to the ministry among the Gentiles
the people gave him, that be could not part fu,,y wl*ted-
with it: but by keeping that he lost his lt+TOW there were in the church
life. Note, 2. That though God bears xl ,k . ,„^ ^ a„*:«^k «««*«: ^
i«««. —;»i, »«n» «~»« *t •£»*.. «,«• «^» ""»t w*8 at Antioch, certain
Jong witn many sorts ot sinners, yet not , . , . , n
with sinners of this sort ; Immediately the prophets and teachers ; as Barna-
angel of the Lord smote Aim. Agreeably has, and Simeon that was called N i-
to that of Job, chap, xxxii. 22. I know ger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Ma-
not how to give flattering titles, for in so' naen, which had been brought up
doing my Maker would soon take me wjth Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.-
away* The great God will admit of no
co-rivals ; he will not sutler his glory to be Observe here, That the city of Antioch
given to another ; he will be a swift witness being the first Gentile city which enter-
against the flatterer, as well as against the tained the gospel, there were at that time
false swearer. Mai, iii. 5. He can de- several prophets and teachers in that city,
stroy both flatterer and flattered with the to instruct the people, and to lay the foun-
twinkling of an eye, or with the turning of elation of a christian church amongst them ;
a hand ; and those that are cried up as and amongst others there was found one
gods to day, are as dung to-morrow. very eminent person named Manaen, who
<wi>««i.~ ~ a ~e n a was of that high rank and quality, that be
24 But the word of God grew ^ br0Ught up with Hercd\t court ; and,
and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas M the 1^,,^ jjghtfoot thinks, was con-
autl Saul returned from Jerusalem, verted there by the preaching of St. John
when they had fulfilled their minis- the Baptist Yet this man contemning
try, and took with them John, whose with Moses the pleasures of the court, did
surname was Mark. think it no disparagement to him to be a
teacher at Antioch. Learn thence, That
Observe, Herod the tyrant and persecutor ctod is pleased to manifest the freeness of his
being dead, the gospel prospered, and was grace in effectually calling some of all sorts
preached up and down with great success, and ranks of men to the knowledge and
Persecutors by their weak endeavours to pull obedience of the gospel, and to a participa-
down the church, do build it up the tion of the benefit offered in and by the
stronger. The church in Egypt never Lord Jesus Christ. Manaen, which had
grew so high as when Pharaoh laboured oeen brought up with Herod the tetrarch.
most to keep it low : the more he molested \
them, the more he multiplied them. Thus, 2 As they ministered to the Lord,
here, after Herod's death and Peter's de- and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,
liverance, the word of God grew and mul- Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for
tiplied } that is, the number of believers the work whereunto I have called
increased through the preaching of the word, (hem 3 Ancj wherl they bad fag ed
sown in the furrows of the field. The them» tncy sent them away-
ground was now harrowed by the hand of Observe here, How the Holy Ghost takes
the persecutors, and the seed grew the better; occasion, when the preachers of the church
and the fruits of faith and obedience did by» at Antioch were assembled together in
every shower of persecution more and more God's presence, and about his work, to give
abound. The truth of God may for a tnern particular instructions and directions
time be oppressed, but it shall never be fully concerning his will and their duty. Ob-
and finally suppressed : still the word of ^^q farther, The solemn charge given by
Cod grew and multiplied. tne Holy Ghost, to set apart Saul and Bar-
nabas, by solemn imposition of hands, for
CHAP. Xffl. preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. This
St Lose, the writer of thi. history, luting given was a great work, and not to be undertaken
m an account how the christian church mi first without a special call from God ; therefore
planted among the Jew. by St. Peter', ministry, g™ lne HQ|y Ghost, Separate me Barna-
in the first twelve cltapter. : he now applies his , * , -, J . . /. r ^ , ,. . r
pen in declaring how the gospel was planted and has and Saul to the WOrk whefcunto I
66* THE ACTS. Ckap. MIL
have called them. Which word, prove us, our watchmen have rjetrayed us, «sr
both the Deity and Personality of the Holy stewards have defrauded us, and the fol-
Gbost ; be who calls ministers to the office, lowing of their example baa undone us.
and unto whose service they are separated,
is both God, and a distinct Person in the 4 So they, bang sent forth by
Godhead ; but this the Holy Ghost did : the Holy Ghost, departed unto Se-
Separate me Barnabas and Saul. Here leacia ; and from thence they sailed
note, 1. That the work of the ministry is to Cypru9# 5 And when they were
a separate work. Ministers must be set S&m\s they preached the word
sufficient, without a separation by man, Jews: and they had also John to
Note, 2. That this separation ought to be their minister. 6 And when they
performed by the chief ministers of the had gone through the isle unto Pa-
church, who have authority from Christ to phos, they round a certain sorcerer,
separate and set others apart for the work a fa|se prophet, a Jew, whose name
of the ministry. The Holy Ghost said to Bar-Jesus : 7 Which was with
the teachers of the ^* «**^*; the deputy of the country, Scrgius
paraie me, Sfc. Note, 3. That this so- • * J • r J , ■'Y -J11--1
lemnact and ordinance ought to be per- Paulus, a prudent man ; who called
formed in a very solemn manner, by fast- for Barnabas and Saul, and desired
ing, prayer, and imposition of hands, to hear the word of God. 8 But
Note, 4. That when thus performed, it is Ely mas the sorcerer (for so is his
agreeable to the mind, and according to name j,y interpretation, withstood
Se, * ^u^^J^T*?U v S" them, seeking to turn away the de-
Holy Ghost s ™*^°*%«* f£ puty from the faith. 0 lien Saul.
parate, ere. Note, lastly, 1 hough the r , J \ ; », » o t /=ii-j --.J
office of the ministry be an honourable who also u wiled Paul, filled with
office, yet withal it is a laborious work, the Holy Ghost,- set his eyes on him.
Separate them for the work whereunto I 10 And said, O full of all subtilty
have called them. It is a work that re- and all mischief, thou child of the
quires attendance and zealous application* devil, thou enemy of all righteous-
both in season and out of season : praying, npM wilt thoil not ccasc to Mrvert
preaching* administering
ing and governing the
admonition, and public censure; ...«— _ , . , , , _•_ «A ■
are weighty works, found so now by those Lord it upon thee, and thou stialt tic
that perform them faithfully, and will be blind, not seeing the sun for a sea-
found so at the great day by the slothful 8on. And immediately there fell on
and negligent, flow can that be esteemed „,,„ a mist and a darkness ; and he
by any a slight and inconsiderable work. went about scck ing SOme to lead him
unto the faithful performance whereof so , .. . j 10 Tk«« Ik. J^«*«r
great a reward is promised, and to the ty the hand. 12 Then the deputy,
omission whereof so dreadful a woe is when be 8aw w«at was done, bc-
denomiced? If Satan destroy men's souls, lieved, being astonished at the doc-
he shall answer for them as a murderer trine of the Lord,
only, not as an officer entrusted with the
care of them ; but if the watchmen doth Observe here, 1. The apostles Barnabas
not warn, if the shepherd doth not feed, and Saul having received their commissions,
if the prophet doth not instruct, if the set forth for their world to which they were
steward doth not provide, he shall answer designed ; and their first journey was from
not only for the souls that have miscarried, Antioch to Cyprus, an island of the Gentiles,
but for an office neglected, for a talent lewd and wicked4; where Venus was woe-
hidden, and for a stewardship unfaith- shipped, and much filthiness was committed
fully administered. Lord! how unable by them in that abominable Pagan worship,
shall we be, at the making up of our ac- Yet the free grace of God cast a look of pity
counts, to endure the hideous outcries of and love upon simple Cyprus: the Holy
distressed souls, saying, Parentet semi" Ghost directs these apostles thither, to reclaim
™** parricufasi Our guides have misled them from sin, and reduce them to the obe-
eatous applicants, devil, thou enemy of all ngnteous-
>f season: praying, n wijt tnou not ccas€ to p«rvert
» censure. These And now, behold, the hand of the
Chap. XIII. THE ACTS. 6G7
dieoee of the gospeL Observe, 2. That with the Hgment, inflicting blindness
though Saul and Barnabas were sent forth apoa this vile wretch only for a season !
to preach die gospel to the Gentiles, yet even the very judgments of God ere medi-
they made the tat tender of it to the Jews dual and in mercy. Wraa God punishes,
wherever they came ; accordingly hoe in it it with a design not to rain, bat reform*
Cyprus, (here being a great number of Observe, tody, What success St Fault
Jews, the apostles went into the synagogue, ministry, together with the tight of thai
and preached to them. Christ was the miracle, had upon Sergios Panlus the
nuasaW of circumcision, who was rmnseftf governor: he was thereby converted to the
sent to the lost sheep of the house of frith: When he saw what was done, he
Israel; and accordingly sent his apostles believed; beimg astonished at the doe-
out first, to feed and gather these poor trine of the Lord. The word never works
scattered sheep ; these were accounted the more kindly, than when it is received with
children of the bouse, and the Gentiles admiration. Yet doth the word sometimes
reckoned as dogs; but when those wanton work admiration, where it doth not pro*
and fuU-fod children began to waste their duce frith: many marvelled who never
meat, and cast it under their table, then believed ; but this governor was astonished,
did the Gentile dogs gather up their leav- and believed also,
iogs; Acts xiii. 46. J* was necessary, 13 Now, when Paul and his coin-
both by virtue of OmsTs command and p™ loosed from Paphos, they came
^^9^s^thatthewordofGodskould {^pT m Paniphylia ; and John
fcK^ depart *"■ 'Vm. "*™* to
xsorthy of eternal life lo, we turn to the Jerusalem. 14 But when they de-
Gentiles. Observe, 3. What an early parted from Perga, they came to
opposition the devil made against the apos- Antioch in Pisidia, and went into
ties in their preaching the gospel to the the synagogue on the sabbath-day;
"-—--- he feared the battering down the and ^ down. 15 And after the
v^lbof his Kog0om, *£*«*« 5*» £ reading of the law and the prophets,
bis instrument Elvmas the sorcerer to with- .. y * r _I
atandmeT«J l^^laV^^mt Ser- th« "j» °f ll?c Tnagogue sent
gas Pauaa, who governed that island; irato tDem> •mJ,»e% " men •»•
from the fiaitb. Where note, The cba- brethren, if ye have any word of ex-
meter given of (hfa vile man by the hortation for the people, say on.
apostle, Ofull of all subtilty and mis- Here we have an account of another
chief/ a child of the devil, an enemy of journey which Paul and Barnabas took to
all righteousness. Intimating, 1. That preach, plant, and propagate the Eospel.
to be subtle to do mischief, is the genius Namely, to Perga in Pamphyha ; ana from
or disposition of the devil's children. 2. thence to Antioch in Pisidia, so called, to
That to be an opposer of good, is to be distinguish it from the other Antioch in
conformable to the devil : it it the height Syria, from whence they were sent forth,
of wickedness not only to do evil, but to ver. 1, 2, 3. where their colleague and
oppose good ; to be an enemy to, and op- companion, John Mark, withdrew from
poser of goodness, is the very character of them, and went no farther with them to
Satan and his children. So much as any the work. This, Paul took very ill, as he
man opposes goodness, so much he has of might, if he left them because of the diffi-
tbe deviPs disposition in him : The child culties and dangers which he saw did ac-
of the devil, thou enemy of all righteous- company and attend fbem in the planting
mess. Observe, 4. The judgment inflicted and propagating of the gospel : for be that
by God on this wicked instrument of the putteth his hand to the plough, and then
devil, and the suitableness of the judgment draweth back, justly deserveth censure and
inflicted on the sin committed : be wick- reproof. However, such was the zeal of
edly shut the eyes of his understanding the two apostles, that they travel on to
against the light of the gospel, and God Antioch without their companion ; where
deprives him of his bodily sight Thus entering into one of the synagogues of the
the wisdom of God doth oft-times so suit Jews on the sabbath-day, after the reading
his judgment to the sins committed, that a some sections in the law and the prophets,
person may even read his sin in his pun- as the manner was, the rulers of the svna-
shment ; yet how did God temper mercy gogue desired a word of exhortation from
608 THE ACTS. Chap. X1U»
than. Wherenote, How wonderfully God said, Whom think yc that I am?
overruled the hearts of these rulers of the I am not he : But, behold, there
synagogue not only to suffer, but to desire cometh one after me, whose shoes
the apostles to preach the sgspel to them. f ^ feet , am t worth to i^
XttJS^^ » Men u«rf brethren, cUen of
in the following verses. Where note. How the stock of Abraham, and whoso-
readily the blessed apostle embraces an ever among you feareth God, to you
opportunity to preach the gospel ; the is the word of this salvation sent.
rulers need not ask him twice : little ira- Thi8 jatter p^ of lhe chapter oontaineth
Dortunity will serve to posuade an holy ftn h^ncul and practical sermon, preached
heart to undertake the work of God. The b St Paul at the request of the rulers of
raithfu ministers of Christ are forward for, ^ 8ynagogue. Where observe* 1. His
as well as zealous in, their Masters work. -^1^ <J preface, in which he craves
No sooner did the rulers of the synagogue fneir canfvX attention ; withal intimating,
request a word of exhortation from the That none of them wouW attend but only
apostle, but immediately, though not un- ^ M ^y feared God: Men of Israel,
preparedly, he stands up, and preaches to and yt that fiar God% givc audience.
the people. That is the proper character of a right at-
16 Then Paul stood up, and beck* tentive hearer. Observe, 2. The narrative
oning with his hand, said, men of which the a|X)stle gives of the inany divine
Israel, and ye that fear God, give ?viu?Lbe^5,\^ Wcwms, which the
„..,i:„~_ ii tu. r»~j *t *ku J™ L°rd bestowed of old upon Israel his peo-
audience. 7 The God of this peo- ple . na^y, his to elSion and chooSg
pie of Israel chose our fathers, and {j^ before all nations j his wonderful de-
exalted the people when they dwelt liverance of them out of Egypt ; his great
as strangers in the land of Egypt, indulgence towards them for forty years
and with an high arm brought he in the wilderness, as a mother bean with
them out of it. 18 And about the * child's frowardness and stubbornness;
time of forty years suffered he their and1his conning a form j* government
when he had destroyed seven na- who n deacr|bed first by his conformity to
tions in the land of Chanaan, he the nature of God ; br was a man after
divided their land to them by lot. his own heart. Secondly, by his coo-
20 And after that, he gave unto them formity to the will of God : He shall fmijl
judges, about the space of four bun- m2t vtlL
died and fifty years, until Samuel Having thus ended the histork^ part, he
the prophet. 2L And afterward ^begins the practica 1 part of ha dis-
.. *\ K . , . irf- j course : and lays down this grand propo-
they desired a king : and God gave gitjoD> 'that Jes£ b tne Christ and Ssvio«
unto them Saul the son of Cis, a 0f lhe world. This assertion he defends
man of the tribe of Benjamin, by and proves, 1. From his stock and family
the space of forty years. 22 And according to the flesh, foretold by God.
when he had removed him, he raised 2. From the testimony of John the baptist
up unto them David to be their his forerunner, ver. 23, 24. Of David's
king; to whom also he gave testi- ** h?ih ,Go?> <"*°"!ing to his promts*,
a -jil e a r\ »j raised unto Israel a Saviour, when John
niony, and said, I have found David hadfirti preaeAed the bitptism ofrcpent_
the son of Jesse, a man alter mine ance. After this he makes a close appti-
own heart, which shall fulfil all my cation of the whole to them : Men and
will. 23 Of this man's seed hath brethren, to you is the word of this safoa-
God, according to his promise, raised **on *«**• Learn thence. That the gospel
unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus- 24 » the doctrine or word of salvation sent by
When John had first preached, before God unU>a ** T?rid- ™f Wli* *
iirs»^ wKhfg^
k£\ ^° a« ^e people of Israel. 25 tbe way anYmanner fcVw the gospel brings
/*na as John fulfilled his course, he salvation is threefold.—). By way of pate-
Chap. XIII. THE ACTS. #69
faction and discovery: the gospel makes a fore he saith also in another psalm,
discovery of salvation exclusively to any Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy
dared it in and by the gospel. 2. By Observe here, The apostle declares the
Way of tender and offer. O this joyful ignominious death, 2. The glorious resur-
of salvation is sent to every man's rection, of the Lord Jesus, whom he proves
door! free grace falls upon its knees, and to be the true and promised Messias. — 1.
begs of every sinner to accept it. 3. By For his ignominious death, the Jews
way of efficacy and power. The gospel hanged htm upon a tree. The Son of
briogs with it a convincing and convert- God was not only put to death, but to the
rag power to put men into a state of sal- worst of deaths, even the death of the cross,
vation, and hath also an establishing and by the wicked Jews : yet the apostle ac-
confirmine power to preserve them in that knowledges, that neither the Jewish rulers
estate. Blessed be God, that to us, even to nor people did understand him to be the
every one of us, is the word of this salva- Messias, as they might have done, had
lion tent. What monsters then are they they considered the predictions of the pro-
who are enemies to the preaching of the pbets j and therefore their ignorance would
-gospel ! They are enemies to our salva- not excuse them ; for the ignorance and
lion : the only way to heaven is by Christ, heedlessness of men enjoying the means
the only way to Christ is by faith, and the and opportunities of knowledge, will cer-
only way to faith is by the word j it cometh lainly bring destruction upon them. < To
by hearing. sin blindly without knowledge, or to sin
wilfully against knowledge, when we have
c%m i? *u *u * a ii • i the mean8 °f knowledge, is a damnablesin :
27 For they that dwell in Jerusa- The ruurJt hecauu ^ kncw him ^
lem, and their rulers, because they nor yet the voices of the prophets, have
knew him not, nor yet the voices of fulfiUed them in condemning him. Ob-
the prophets which are read every rave, 2. To take away the scandal of the
sabbath-day, they have fulfilled them crow» *• apostle shows, that our Saviour's
in condemning Asm. 28 And though reMr?«t,on. ™ M &?**•■■ his de?*h
they found no*cause of death inhil, ^STF* crT by^nTJ 5
yet desired they Pilate that he should Christ from the grave; and declared him
be slain. 29 And when they had to be his Son with power, by the resurrec-
fulfilled all that was written of him, tioo from the dead; and accordingly the
they took him down from the tree, apostle applies that prophecy to Christ,
and laid Asm in a sepulchre. 30 But ? ^ ? • 7- Thou art my Son, this day
God raised him from the dead : £T wW*" t'e\ ^ IS
qi a^a Uo .„— «^» a had said, " Now thou hast again recovered
l£ t Ta iee° ma"yu ^ tfay glory, and thy lesurrectUday is to
of them which came up with him thee as a new birth-day." Three ways is
from Galilee to Jerusalem, who Christ said to be begotten: 1. Of the es-
are his witnesses unto the people, jence of the Father before all worlds. 2.
32 And we declare unto you glad When his body was formed of the sub-
tidings, how that the promise which 8,ancf of tbe Virgin's flesh. 3. When God
was made unto the fathers, 33 God ff h™ f™m ***■* :d^a^, h™
hath fulfilled the same unto us their ^ £ ^SoTof QattJ^^tol
children, in that he hath raised up jjj eternity ; but whilst be was in a suffcr-
Jesus again ; as it is also written in fog condition, his divinity was veiled :
the second Psalm, Thou art my Son, whereas after his resurrection, it was more
this day have I begotten thee. 34 apparent, and he was then declared to be
And as concerning that he raised the Son of God 5 not then made the Son of
h;m ■»» f»Am *uZ a^a «^ »,* God, but then made manifest to be tbe
him up from the dead, now no ^^^ b the ^^Hon from ^
more to return to corruption, he said de8|cL j^/That the Lord Jesus Christ
on this wise, I will give you the was the Son of God antecedent to his re-
sure mercies of David. 35 Where- surrection, even from all eternity; he was
^ THE ACTS. Oh«|>. XIII.
d-Jued and mMifatod, but not made or « fcOows. be ««s ^^djto bi* faAans
^^n3rt^£«rofO«Sl kv the MMir- that i* he wm boned aaaoagst h» ance*.
taS^^toSSMSi conup^tbegn^likeothern-a-..
shut up under a dark and thick cloud. ^ But ^t wbom God raised again,
Christ was the eternal Son of God : but corruption,
bis resurrection was a declaration and full »w no wrupiiMu.
manifestation of it to the world. Rom. ^ ^ Tg^ Christ, whom God the
i. 4. Deetaredto be the Son ofGodwtth Father ^^ to ltfe tDe ltoj ^ . he
power, by the resurrection from the ww ft dilution, DUj D0 corruption. Sin
.tVo*/. had no inheritance in him. therefore death
«« f rm-~ 'j • ft« kA Ka/1 «*rvMl could have no dominion over him ; but be
36 F"1^*111^*** "Sft overcame d«th in its Qwn territories, toe
hu own generation by the will of ^ ^ a^e ^^ ^ ^^
God, fell on sleep, aiid was laid unto "^ homet ^ the foregoing words could
his fathers, and saw corruption ; not ^ meant of David's penon, but of tbe
The Holy Gbo- here give, . -_ '■-}* •*- David typified and repr*
dioui account of David's life and death. teom'
Of his life, fl« *erwrf his generation ao 38 Be it known unto yon there-
cordins to tke v>iU of God; Of bis death, f men md brethren, that through
Hefellodeep, and too g^kered to hu, preached unto you the
Sv«c/Svti^£^e,?£at forgiveness of sin, : 39 And by
^ffiSSr^W^-J!* him.allthaibelievearejustified/ro.n
as reigned. This serving implies not a sin- all things, from which ye could not
gle or individual act, but a series and sue he justified by the law of Moses,
cession of good actions throughout tbe 40 Beware therefore, lest that come
whole course of his life. Note, 2. The n which is spoken of in the
publicness of his activity; he served I not » hcts 41 Behold, ye despisers,
IrKtriv^r^ ^wonder, and perish^ forjwo*
will of God ; as he served his generation, a work 10 your days, a work in which
so he served God in his generation faith- ye shall in no wise believe, though a
fully according to his will. All our ear- man declare it unto you.
viceableness for God and our generation,
must be guided and directed by the word The apostle having proved b« point,
and will of God. David served his own that Jesus was tbe true, the promised and
generation by the will of God. This is expected Messias,by bis resuoeohpn from
the account of his life. Observe next, The the dead, be now applies it to his auditory $
relation of his death, He fell asleep, was and tells them. That by the meritorious sa-
ftatkered to his fathers, and saw corrup- tisfaction and prevailing intercession of this
tion. He fell asleep ; death to the servants Jesus, remission of sins is to be obtained,
of God is as a sleep, and but a sleep. As and deliverance from the wrath of God,
a sleep, it gives rest and cessation from la- from which the law of Moses couM not,
hour ; and as a sleep, it gives refreshment with all its ceremonial washings and sacri-
after labour ; and as they that sleep shall fices, cleanse and free them. Here note,
certainly awake, so those that sleep in Je- The impossibility of our being jwtsfied by
•us shall awake in the moraine of -the re- the law, and the certainty of our justifica-
Burrectioo, to see their glorified Redeemer tion by faith in Christ: By him, all that
face to face. Note, 2. No serviceableness Mieve are justified, Where observe,
to God in our generation can exempt from The procurer of our- justification, Christ;
death ; for David fell asleep. This is the the qualification of the subjects justified
lot of the faithful, as well as of the slothful by him, Them thai beiieoc ; and the ex-
servants. Note, 3. It is a blessed thing tent and measuia of our justiocauoo, (not
when we fall asleep with our work in our from some, but from aU things,) B# him
hands ; when death meets us after a life all that believe are justified from all
spent in the service of Christ. David after things. Next the apostle exhorts. his hear-
he had served his generation, fell asleep : ere to take heed, lest by their obstinate
Chap. Xill. THE ACTS. 691
rejecting and refusing this way of aalva- bat, and expelled them out of their
tioo now preached to them, they bring coasts. 61 But they shook off the
such a remarkable destruction upon them- <j|f8t ^ their fcet agai^ them, and
selves now, as God threatened to bring upon -.-. ' ..^ i^^«:««
their foreJalbers of old. The sense is?*' Ifye came unto Icomum.
reject this Jena, and the way to life and Observe here, 1. The apostle having
salvation by him, ye shall be destroyed by ended his sermon to the Jews, the Gentile
the Romans, as your ancestors were by the proselytes desired to hear more of this sub-
Chaldeans.** Sin is as odious to God at ject the next sabbath-day. Such to whom
one time as another, and in one people as *be word of God is savoury and sweet, are
another : particularly the sin of obstinate not soon cloyed with it, but hunger after
infidelity and unbelief, is a God-provoking ft. Neither do they loath the heavenly
and a wrath-procuring sin: Behold, ye manna, because it * rained down frequently
despisers, and wonder, and perish. about (heir tents. Observe, 2. The apos-
42 And when the Jews were mine **" mMf *»i*» with thelr desire ; be
42 Ana wnen we Jews were gone ^ . ^ ^ ^^ wheQ
out of the synagogue, the Gentiles JJ^ tbT whole city c^e toge\her to
besought that these words might be 1,^ lbe g^ b^ thit aiigered the de-
preached to tbem the next sabbath. <vil, and occasioned great envy and perse-
43 Now when the congregation waa cution to the apostles. Learn thence, That
broken up, many of the Jews and a crowd of hearers, but especially of young
religious proselytes followed Paul converts, is very hurtful to Satan, and doth
and Barnabas : who speaking to """J1 * * "P *£***. ,of lY *? .?
*u - ~j~j *u .» * *• • -servants against the ministers of Christ:
them, persuaded them to continue in When ^^ MV ihe muitiiudes, they
the grace of God. 44 And the we filled with envy. Observe, 3. The
next sabbath-day came almost the instruments Satan makes use of to carry on
whole city together, to hear the word his fierce persecution against the apostles :
of God. 45 But when the Jews He stirred up the devout and honourable
saw the multitudes, they were filled «•""* «»^ chief men of the city. Learn
with envy, and spake against those ****• ^^^P0^"1 "^ T**"
... l" i r l i -d l fnl preaching of the gospel usually stirs up
things which were spoken by Paul, ^g^ p^ion a|ainst the preachersof
contradicting and blaspheming. 46 tbe gogpel. 2. That devout women and
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed great men, nourished up in ignorance, are
bold, and said, It was necessary oftentimes great opposers of the truth, and
that the word of God should first instruments of persecution : The Jews stir-
have been spoken to you : but see- rcd«P M' dex>ou* ****** *£• Observe,
ing ye put it from vou, and judge '4. How the apostle with ^Mo^ess and
i l « _*u" J i *• courage acquaints them with their sin and
yourselves unworthy of everlasting dan££ £ jud yeurieivet unworthy
life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. # eternal life. But how so? Not d£
47 For so hath the Lord command- redly and formally, but interpretatively and
ed us, saying, I have set thee to be practically. They thought very well of
a light of the Gentiles, that thou themselves, no doubt, and judged them-
•houldest be for salvation unto the 8elve» worthy of eternal life, but their prac-
ends of the earth. 48 And when tke pronounced them unworthy,^ gave
the Gentile* heard thia thev were «wtence agaiiat thesm, whilst they acquitted
the trent les heard this, tney were lhemielvei fo, mig their contempt of the
glad, and glorified the word of the g^ of the g^pd, did dedare them
Lord : and as many as were ordain- unworthy of eternal life. Observe, 5. The
ed to eternal life, believed. 49 emblematical action performed by the
And the word of the Lord was apostles, to signify Goth rejection of this
published throughout all the region, misenble people ; Thev shook off the dust
50 But the Jew. sirred up the de- f &£«Ej£fe $&JEl
yout and honourable women, and .uchrefusenof ttepredousg^ldidinha-
the chief men of the city, and raised bitt amj wag therefore to be shaken off as a
persecution against Paul and Barna- filthy thing. 2. That they were a base peo-
C7« THE ACTS. Clrap. XIV.
pie, vile as the dusk ; and that, as such, promote the glory of God, and the interest
God bad now shaken them off. 3. That of souls! Observe, 2. As their unity, so
the dust of the apostles' feet there left, their great constancy in performing their
might be as a witness against them, that the duty, notwithstanding all their persecutors*
gospel had been preached to them. This fury and obstinacy. Though the un Ac-
action of shaking off the dust of their feet, lieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles
was a dismal signification of a forsaken against the apostles, yet they continue
people. Observe, 6. With what joy and preaching in the synagogues. Observe, 3.
gladness the poor Gentiles entertained the The great success with which it pleased
glac( tidings of the gospel : When the Gen- God to crown the endeavours of the holy
tiles heard this, they were glad ; and as apostles : a great multitude of both Jews
many as were ordained to eternal life, and Gentiles believed ; and that which
believed. That is, when the Gentiles doth constantly attend the success of the
Jieard the . good news,, and understood ministry of the word, namely, the envy and
their own interest in it, they rejoiced ex- opposition of wicked men: they exasperated,
cecdingly ; and as many as were by the or made the Gentiles' minds evil-affected
Holy Spirit of God prepared and disposed against the brethren,
to seek alter eternal life, believed.
52 And the disciples were filled 3 Long time therefore abode they,
with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. »peaking boldly in the Lord, which
That is, « The apostles and disciples in &av-c testimony unto the word of his
this city were nothing discouraged with the §**<*» and granted signs and won-
Jews* blasphemies, oppositions, and perse- ders to be done by their hands.
cutions, but were filled with spiritual joy
that they had embraced the gospel, and Note here, 1. The manner of the apos-
went on courageously in the profession of ties' preaching at Iconium : They spake
it." Learn thence, that God's grace, and boldly: that is, openly in. the syna-
the church's joy, may and doth increase gogues ; and there with great freedom and
under the greatest opposition and persecu- plainness of speech asserted truth, edi-
tions of men. Infinite wisdom and sove- declined error, reproved sin, and denounce
reign power knows how to overrule the ed judgments against impenitent sinners 5
contradiction of sinners, for glory to him- and this with a wise, but convincing
self, and good to his church. boldness; with a meek, but zealous bold.
ness 5 knowing, that if they had not now
CHAP. XIV. been bold for Christ, they could not at the
AND it came to pass in Iconium, 8»* *V *» "* ""• l*B- 'J****
*u~* *u T iw.*u *— *u~- nistertnatjs afraid to speak and plead for
that they went both together Chri8| now> wiU ceiia3^le JZ™1 to
into the synagogue of the Jews, look him in lhe face ^ A wehom
and so spake, that a great multi- thought of this, when we are going to
tude. both of the Jews and also of 'preach, will make us shut all base fear out of
the Greeks, believed. 2 But the the pulpit. Note, 2. The time of their
unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gen- preaching at Iconium j it was not a single
tiles, and made their minds evil-af- *rm0Dx°5 two* » 'n™**** *Jf '**f
fected against the brethren theV ahodt* ****** Mdl9 m iAe **T*
rectea against tne oretnren. A C0QStxDi ^^ ^ preaching is needful
Here we have an account of the fourth to root that word which one or two
journey which Paul and Barnabas under- sermons oft leaveth loose; the end of the
took in their travels, to plant and propagate ministry is to build up, as well as to bring
the christian faith, and that was to Iconium. in, and this is done by our constancy in
Where observe, 1. The unity of these two preaching, and ezemphurrocss m boly
great apostles, both amongst themselves living. Note, 3. How God honoured ha
and in the work of God : They went both word in the mouth of hk ministers, con-
together into the synagogue. O how firming their doctrine by miracles: He
happy is it for the ministers of Christ to gave testimony by the word of his grace,
walk and work together in unity ! to go and granted signs and wonders to be
hand in hand together in the service of done by their hands. The miracles,
">e gospel, nd with united endeavours which the apostles wrought were tk
Chap. XIV. THE ACTS. OW
ooraociDg eaase of tbe credibility of the gospel. Thousands had never heard of
apostles' testimony. Jesus Christ, if persecution had not driven
the ministers of the gospel unto them. The
4 Bat the multitude of the city wisdom of Ood well knows how to order
was divided: and part held with ^^T^^STf^!!^ f°Mwf
... , . r .A. ., prejudice, to tend to the furtherance, of the
the Jews, and part with the apos- {^ PkiL L 12,
ties. 5 And when there was an
assault made, both of the Gentiles, 8 And there sat a certain man at
and also of the Jews, with their Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a
rulers, to use them despitefully, and cripple from his mother's womb,
to stone them, 6 They were ware who never bad walked. 0 The
of it, and fled unto Lystra and same heard Paul speak : who sted-
Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto fastly beholding biro, and perceiv-
the region that lieth round about ; ing that he had faith to be healed,
7 And there they preached the 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand
gospel. upright on thy feet. And he leap*
^. ' ed and walked. 11 And when the
• °b?^h*e' AHow^P°p fopwach- people saw what Paul had done,
ZXtettZttlR W*" »P their voices saying,
that tbe gospel is the cause of division, ,n tne *P«*cn of Lycaonia, The gods
but the occasion only, and that by acci- arc <*>m« down to us, in the likeness
dent too. The sacred institutions and or- of men. 12 And they called Barna-
dinaDces of Christ, are not to be quar- bas, Jupiter ; and Paul, Mercurius,
relied with, or objected against, because because he was the chief speaker,
through mans corruption they breed dif-
farences, discords, and divisions. Observe, Here we have an account of the fifth
2. How thii division was the cause of per- journey which tbe apostles Barnabas and
secution: The city was divided, and an Paul undertook in their travels to plant and
attempt vat made to use the apostles propagate the christian faith ; and that was
despitefully, and to stone them. Lord ! at Lystra and Derbe. Here their first work
what ill usage have thine ambassadors was to preach the gospel $ which done,
met with from the first publication of the God honoured Paul to work a glorious
gospel ! The unkind world has treated miracle for the confirmation of what tbey
them as if they were not fit to live, driv- had preached. Where note, 1. Tbe sub-
mg them from place to place, and perse- ject whom this miraculous cure was wrought
cutiag them from city to city. But ob- upon : a man that was a cripple, not by
serve, 3. Tbe prudential care which the accident, but by nature, from his mother's
apostles use for their own preservation: womb, and consequently never had walked.
They were ware of it, and Jled to Lystra They that are lame by casualty, may pos-
and Derbe: according to Christ's com- sibly be relieved by art and industry: but
maud, When they persecute you in one to cure one that is born lame, nothing less
citytJtee unto another. Christ allows his is required than a divine power : such de-
mmisters a liberty of flight in time of per- fects as are from nature, can only be re-
sscution, that they mav preserve their lives lieved by the God of nafure. Note, 2.
for future service. We must not expect What an extraordinary spirit of discerning
safety by a miracle, when we may have was at some times,* and upon certain oc-
it in the use of means : yet probably it casiOns, found with the apostles : St. Paul
might not be fear, or desire to save their perceived that this poor cripple had faith
lives, which made the apostles flee ; but to be healed ; that is, by that extraordinary
because tbey were unwilling to lose time gift of discerning spirits, which at this time
there, when their ministry was obstructed, the apostle had. Tbe like had St. Peter
and when they saw the gospel was rejected, also upon a special occasion ; (for this gift
Accordingly they fled to Derbe and lystra, of discerning spirits, was not at all times
and there preached tbe gospel. From found with the apostles,) he discerned the
whence note. How greatly persecution, by hypocrisy and falsehood of Ananias and
scattering, tends to the increasing of the Simon Magus. The gift of working mira-
2 x
ffW THE ACTS Chap. XIV.
cles. and the gift of discerning tpirite. were 18 And with these saying* «»rce re-
fcTa time conferred upon the apostles, for strained they the people, that they
confirming their testimony, but are long na<i DOt done sacrifice unto them.
since ceased in the church ; the reaion of • .
tw^neis, the gospel being sufficiently Observe, 1. How far Paganish soper-
eSoS sWconCrf. Note, 3. The stition did transport and cany these menx
rSal of this miracle : it was not a lying they come to the gatesof the bouse where.
wMdWbut a real miracle; the man not (be apostles had fcdged, and bring oxen
™w wdked but leaped for joy, to show with them, trimmed with garlands of flow-
Syb?wrpKWed,andtlK,roughly era, acceding to their fie-benW» rita,
recoveted^ All the" works of God, especi- verily intending to onei ^sacrifice onto them.
«JW b? miraculous works, are perfect. I*a™. H°w forward the dev.1 » top*
WWn God cures, he cures effectually, honour, much honour, yc^ ovmMichhoo-
No«e 4 What influence the sight of this our, upon the ministers of Christ, when it
tl?«frleliad uoon the minds of the people is to contradict their doctrine, and gain,
oTu^tKcri^the honour ofuS» advantage to himself by it. The devrf.
rfortow mincte to their dunghill deities, laughed to see the blind wpMsWwus Us-
E?£toefcueGod ; they pay their rent to trians adore the apostles, and adorn them,
a wwn^tendtari. SochSL the blind with the name, of their b«*en gods,
Lratition of these poor Pagans, that be- hoping to make advantage thereby to lum-
Srirl^eTcome^owntothem J. Wve, 2. With what .nd.gn.bon
tetta?) nU of men, tbey called Barna- and disdain, detestohon and abhorrence,
L T/Srwho was their chief god ; and the apostles reject this vile idolatry : telling
Paul Mrrcuriut, whom they accounted them tbey were men of like passions, and
ttemewnwr and interpreter of the god* in the same condition of mortality with
Lori! how blind are the principles of themselves, and that the.rbus.ne- ; waste
corrupt reason in fallen mankind! And turn them from then: idols, which were
how forcible is an evil custom and a vain mere vanities and nothing, compared wKft
conversation received by tradition from the living and true God, who made them
weir forefathers! And how hard a matter and all the world. Learn hence, 1. That
is it to rectify such mistakes in religion, the worshipping of idols » the nwtt sense-
as time and ceneral consent have rooted less and irrational vanity that ever the devil
and riveted in the mindsof men ! put into the stupified heart of man. 2.
ww That all good men hate idolatry in others,
13 Then the priest of Jupiter, and abhor to be jdohied themselves. Ob-
„h.ch T **^™?\^ rays ffitoSS tit
oxen and garlands unto the gates W^*^ WOIShippiDg idol,: be
and would have done sacrifice with WyJ^^W^ (^gat made the
the people. 14 Which when the glorious febric of heaven and earth, the «a,
apostles. Barnabas and Paul, heard and au things therein. A good God, thy
of, they rent their clothes, and ran piveth rain, and fruitful seasons, filling his
in among the people, crying out. creatures' hearts with food and gladness.
15 And saving, Sirs, why do ye Intimating. 1. ™"tet^«<x»^
iu~~* tk;ncr«"> Wp alfio are men of the happiness and felicity of man n tea
these things ? We also are men oi 9l£nolly derived from God. 2. That
like passions with you and preach !^hJJ^flMVtmm^Vmm9
unto you, that ye should turn from to whom q^ e5roibits not the evident
these vanities, unto the living God, tokens ^ nis goodness: The Lord it good .
which made heaven and earth, and to all, and his tender mercies are over ill
the sea, and all things that are hit xnrkt. Observe, 4. The chancier
therein: 16 Who in times past ^V^^^^"^^^
suffered all nations to walk in their «J which £e heathex iworid JJ^J
own ways 17 Nevertheless, he left feEQ*%gg££t£
not himself without witness, in that fered aU ^.^ except the Jewish nation,
he did good, and gave us rain from to wa|k in their own ways: the meaning is,
heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling he did not check tbem in their sinful way*
our hearts with food and gladness, and courses, as be did his own people tbs
Chap. XIV: THE ACTS. 075
Jews. Yet we rout not understand the covery of the apottle, after his persecutors
apostle absolutely, but comparatively only ; had stoned him : He rose up, and came
there never was any roan, much less any into the city. His recovery seems to be
nation, whom God suffered to go on in a miraculous, else his stoning would have dis-
course of sin without any stop. Every abled him from walking. God had far-
person, and every nation, has had the stop ther work for this great apostle to do ;
of the light of nature at least ; but every and therefore neither the wrath of men,
nation has not had the stop of the nor the rage of the devil, could at that
light of the gospel, the stop of ordi- time cut him off.
ZOF* %?£?¥<? %* "TV1" 2l And whcn they had Preached
motions of the Holy Spirit : these the Jews -• «.™_i * »u~* •* 1 u j
had, but the GentilesFhad not. In this *he S08**1 to *hat «■*» a"d had
sense God suffered all nations to walk tauSht many» w«J returned again
m their own ways j he did not give them to Lystra, and to Iconium, and
his word, his statutes, or his judgments, to Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls
show them bis ways, or to hinder them in of the disciples, and exhorting them
walking m their own ways ; and this was to continue in the faith, and that we
a sore judgment. To suflfer either nation must tnr0ugh much tribulation enter
or person to walk without control or check, ;,. 4la \,;°a~~ ~fn~A
fronTword or rod, from ordinances of '"to the kingdom of God.
providences, in the ways of sin and wick- Observe here, The great and good use
edness, is a very dreadful and tremendous which the apostle makes of his miraculous
judgment : In times past he suffered ail recovery : he is no sooner upon his legs*
nations to walk in their own ways. but be travels to Derbe, to preach the gos«.
-■ ** a j»v. 4i-,i . . pel. Nothing do the faithful ministers of
19 And there icame thither certain 6hrist more teVvenlly desire, and more dilU
Jews from Antioch and Iconium, gently endeavour, than to lay out their lives,
who persuaded the people, and their strength, their time, their all, for God,
having stoned Paul, drew him out in his service, and to his glory. Yet ob-
of the city, supposing he had been serve farther. That notwithstanding the
dead. 20 Howbcit, as the disciples aP°*le» were persecuted at Lystra and
stood round about him, he rose up, *con,um' 7et ** K^uKmcd '^ther again *
j . . ,. ' j .i having planted churches there, they go
and came into the city : and the ^ * Water their own plantations. Per-
next day he departed with Barnabas aecutions did not, could not, make them
to Derbe. forsake the plantations which they had
Note here, 1. The ill requital St. Paul newly made. It is not enough that the
had for his excellent discourse to these Was- seed of the word be sown, it must be wa-
phemous idolaters : They stoned him to tered also, otherwise it will fade and
death , in their own apprehension. The. wither, languish and die. But what did
sharpest and keenest edge of persecution is the apostles do, when they returned to visit
usually turned against the ministers of their new-planted churches } Ans. 1. They
Christ, and falls heaviest on the prophets confirmed and established them in the doc-
of God. The devil will do his utmost to trine of the gospel ; they exhorted them to
take away their lives, who are continually stedfastness and perseverance in tbeir holy
endeavouring the destruction of him and religion, and armed them against the fears
.bis kingdom. Note, 2. The great incon- of affliction and persecution, for the sake of
stancy and incredible fickleness of the com- Christ and his holy religion ; acquainting
mon people ; who one day would sacri- them, that they must through much tri-
fyx to the apostles as gods, and the next buiation enter into the kingdom of heaven.
day atone them to death as malefactors. Afflictions, like the waters of Marah, must
What wise man will value himself by the be met with in our way to the heavenly
applause of the multitude, and live upon the Canaan : there is no coming at the crown
breath of the people, (that contingent judge but by the cross: the Head having been
of good and evil,) which rather attend the crowned with thorns, H is unsuitable that
vain than the virtuous } But thus the com- the feet should tread on roses. Christ i~
moo people dealt with Christ himself, cry- anity is the doctrine of the cross, which the
iog one day, Hosanna! and the next day, ministers of Christ ought to let tbeir people
Crucify ! Note, 3. The miaculous re- understand and know, that they may not
2x2
070 THE ACTS. Chap. XIV.
•• think strange of the fiery trial, as if some they were come, and had gathered
strange thing had befallen them; but rather the church together, they rehearsed
rejoice, inasmuch as they are partakers of ajj tnftt (jod had done with them,
the sufferings of Christ ; that when his ftnd how hc had opcnecj thc door of
glory shall be irevealed, they roaj r be , glad f . h ^ Gentiles. 28 And
atao w,th exceeding joy, 1 I cter iv. ^ ab(>de long ^ ^ ^
disciples.
23 And when they had ordained
them elders in every church, and Thi« last paragraph of the chapter ac-
had proved with fasting, they com- q°wo«» «**•* thereton of Paul and Bar-
iKj .l , »u c -a „„ —i.«™ nabasto Anlioch in Syna, from whence
mended them to the Lord, on whom -» ^ tw<> yeKj £-^ ^ whefe
they believed. ^y „„, by thc prayer* of die church
. Here we have two farther instance* and most anectionatdy lecommended to the
evktoce. of the aportle.' care of these new- P** and ■«*»**<* <** «*<*%£
planted churches^*""* the first was, to on 0't^f?*'1W0,k' J° wfeJ?f S""*
srttkHhem in church order, ordaining elder* "on of «beGen«de* ; which God had •bun.
£wer7church, to be the guide, and d»»tly weeeeded hem ■. Learn thence,
IsacKfTwt. and this with fasting that the best provision and preparation for
Sd pSyer. in regard of the great solemnity »»Y business. «P?ca«y «r bwu*. of
aodtap^i«T»ework.nience learn, importance, wherem the glory of God »
T^ ordination of ministers is a ministerial concerned, is fervent prayer. Thus the
a™ te officer, of the church, and not of »P°«"« here, bejng £*. out from AnUoch
the people, must separate and set apart, •"* P»y«j *V •*■» **h l»"S ,he
conse«ate and ordain, the persons whoTre Lorf granted them both safety and success
to attend upon God and his church in holy «f**y« •*» ^'J?^™**"™"'*10'
ftiogs. #ben they, that is, Paul ana tbeirjabouf*. Observe farther, Being re-
BarnYbas, had ordained them elders in turned *» Antwch, hey call tte church to-
everyebnrch. Leam. 2. That this solemn &**,u* declare «?e8^"W»rh«*
action ought to be very solemnly performed £*» h*1.done .w' k.^ ?* £' ^ '
by faiini and prayer: They ordained the intent, no doubt, the church might jo.n
elder, in every church, and frayed with ».<«• them inthar praise* and Jtaaks-
faitwg. TbTsecond instance rfthisapos. g^mgs. w!k> had before ass^ tb«. w..h
"tolicarcare was. their commending them ««r IW^>^"^
r, Me Lorrf, en whom they had faicved. *«™«< M.J^^ £121 !fLi £i
That i* they committed them as young «bat «e imghthave ttaenbre prase and
convert, to tie power of Christ, to strength- ^gj™!,^ ,£££ J£& EZ
en and confirm them, and they committed f bject matter of tbat_ report wok* ithey
them a. their treasure to the can of Chrnt, Joyfully *»* ^^^ !a»*^f
to preserve and keep them. The greatest ■""£•'"» ^^.kT^^L^L!!
anobett thing that the ministers of God *»* *> *• G""1*' ,hal + PT" *■■
can do, eithe? present with or absent from " opportunity to know, and abdrty to be-
their people, is to commit and commend '«»* *• fft**** ** ' door tT
them tothe power and care of Christ, »Ao formerly shut to mem, but now nsetcmilly
is able to keep them from falling, and to opened ; and wtach was the ftrgreate
preeent them faultlei* iefore the presence ««* J^fJ^S ^L^ H^J
^ hi, glory iith ending joy gjdj ^ J^gJ- JJ^ g
24 And after they had passed opened the door of their hearts to receive
throughout Pisidia, they came to it, and entertain it when brought The
Pamphylia. 26 And when they had opening the heart and mind of sinoert
preached the word in Perga, they effectually to receive the truths of the
went down into Attalia : 26 And rt\* *f V"* "ork :° fl£t*0,y
A. .1 j . a *• u <•- _ Spirit of God. Lord! how lnsunicient are
thence sailed to Antioch, from ^ ^^^^^ ^ ^vAUnt soever in
whence they had been recommended lhcraaelve9, to operate savingly upon mens
to the grace of God, for the work min<j8f unless the Holy Spirit opens the uo-
which they fulfilled. 27 And when dentanding, as well as the ramblers opea
Chip. XV. THE ACTS; 0T»
the scripture I He that opened the door of ciston into the christian church : Paul and
faith to the Gentiles, opened the Gentiles* Barnabas had no small disputation witk
hearts to receive the doctrine of faith, and them ; he that could become all things to.
inclined their wills to the obedience of all men* could not become sin to any man 9
faith. Eternally praised be God for the he therefore enters into the lists with them,,
gracious illuminations, the sanctifying im- and earnestly contends for the faith of the
pressions, the powerful assistances, and the gospel, urging, that by the death of Christ
quickening influences, of the Holy Ghost, we are freed from the whole ceremonial
which: worketh in us both to will and to do law : and that if circumcision were retained,
of his good pleasure. for the same reason all the other ceremonies
ought to be restored ; for the circumcised
CHAP. XV. person was obliged to observe the whole
-. -1m.^_ , 4 .. . . , e» ™- , ceremonial law. Observe, 4. The pruden-
Tn» chapter relates Ui« second journey of St. Paul ... i_- v *u j- • 1 * * ^ i_
and Barnabas from Antioeh to Jerusalem, where *ial COWSe which the dlSCiples at Antioch
5?^*?* *»nd BM"1 ****>** general council wae took for the deciding of this controversy 1
&&£ £',t& t" SSSS^StVH ^ ^P* *> *nd Paul and Bamata.
amofff the Jew*, ahonid be compelled to be cir- up to Jerusalem, where, in a full and free
3SSTi.*5i^l?r!5 •tba. lfer*iao»l*1 *wJr ty™* of the »postles, the matter is debated,
which was determined in the negative, as the * . - ,, j^Tjj * u 0*1-!
chapter inform* us. and finally decided. Learn hence, That
A . . the use of synods, or general assemblies of
ND certain men which came the bishops and pastors of the church, for
down from Judea, taught the deciding of controversies, for determining
brethren, and said, Except ye be matters of faith, and directing to matters of
circumcised after the manner of practice, as it has been of ancient authority
Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 £ ihf Achu'ch 'of ?"■■• *> * ■ ?f ! f^lar
When therefore Paul and Barnabas ^L^^^
had no small dissension and dispu- the fint 8ynodt or gencnil councii at Jeru.
tation with them, they determined talem, to consult the apostles and ciders
that Paul and Barnabas, and certain about this question.
other of them, should go up to Je- « . , . . , . ...
rasalem, onto the apostles and elders, 3 And being brought on their
about this question. *»J ty £* .«*»«*• 0theJ P**?d
^ through Phenice and Samana, de-
Observe here, 1. How very forward Satan daring the conversion of the Gen-
and bis instruments were to sow the seeds t;|cs . ana they caused great joy
tf^StS^ dl^muTFi *£ T: ""to all the brethren. 4 And when
verted christians at Antioch: be takes the first 4. *n f ... . ,.
opportunity to break the church m piece,, be- they were comc to ierT e u' they
fore it is well settled. O the restless malice *ere received of the church, and
of an envious devil against the gospel and of the apostles and elders ; and
kingdom of Jesus Christ I Certain men they declared all things that God
come down from Judea, no doubt of the had done with them,
devil's sending, to disquiet the brethren,
and distress the church. Observe, 2. The Here note, 1. How that great but humble
bone of contention thrown in by the false apostle, St. Paul, who had learned of his
apostles, to disturb the disciples of Christ ; Master to be meek and lowly in spirit, was
and that was, the urging the necessity of willing and content to be a servant and
circumcision, and imposing that part of messenger of the church to the apostles,
the Mosaic yoke upon the neck of the con- though he was nothing inferior to the chief-
verted Gentiles, excluding them from all est apostle : Paul and Barnabas went up
hopes of salvation, unless they werccircura- to the apostles that were at Jerusalem*
cised ; although circumcision was not The more holiness a christian has, the more
commanded but ooly . to the posterity of humility he has. Humility is a great part
Abraham j and as to them also, had re- of our holiness, it is an argument of our
ceived its abolishment at the death of Christ, sincerity, and an ornament to our profes-
Observe, 3. With what warmth of zeal sioo ; it is the great design of the gospel to
the meek apostle, St Paul, opposes this make us humble, and keep us humble.
design of mrrodoctng circura- Note, 1. With what great pleasure ancr
m THE ACTS. C^P- XV-
of the mooM of their mroatry, both at 3^3b£hia <* the church, and
Pbenice, Samarm, and Jer»al«». ■ SSLrtf^ rf-rtiw--* «^ *»
the oonvereiou of the poor Gentil*. and an uoerrmg J^ ^ ^ ^
with wto jo, the report -« ^^»nd ^^^-^ a ^ « not a
entertained : They declared *<c™*r; SSdeotwanLt to fomke the communion
mm oftheGeMetand tt %»***»£ ^T^^ST We find bere, thai in the
Joy B»to «///A« *«/W Tb"***"^ mo* primfove and pure* churches even
that nothing more rejoice* the heart, of "^P^1"^, tbVm»elvei -ere upon
MmW than the hearing of tool, brought ^'^^o^m *«« crept into the
home to God by converting grace, and ta >W*. <** W££ ofauch CaUl and per-
thereby of the inching and starring ^^^^tbe »p«tVe w^s
of the kingdom of Jem. Cbn^ The Gen- oino»coonio^ CJ offthat tku$ troubled
tilea' convenkm wa» joyful I new. to the "^L^Qd ^v 12 Separation then from
Mint, at Jeniaalem. Note, 3. W.th wbrt ^*™- £• »• ^^ upon any
great and due reverence and wpect the 1*?*£*^** which'make, a
church at Jermalem received and enter- «^^Mgween orf and that churcb.
^M2ZLTvttS£L wlKXtbeapoetuyoftWdjurcb
Baroabai, who were now mm vmo inem idolatry, or in po ut of doctnne
by the church at Antwch: ***»« ^SCnatolSew. Hi,, ii. we rend of
• vert come to JtrutaUn>,Oiey were re. ^^"*5~_Tjrooog fl* .even golden
„£. of the church; «**£<£ c^^WSblgb »me oTtbem
with great veneration and regard, tor their «"""■ . KeMne^d, yet were they
indef«ig.btel»taur.morierto^GenJ. ££u^ ™S^L. pnW
sets* ^AS^it\ s^KffJLSA'SSi
in the word and doctrine, and perform their «Jg «* . «■ « ouawhinir of this
duty to God and their people, with «*h ^* P™&£E whicH£«2oed the
leaf and application a. become. rpenon. of £h™*^!7rtml) .^rfAer
their holy character and profesnon. O church, peace . ^^""VJ? */<er .
how be.nL ahould the fee. be of them **««££ JSt i «S5-
,lriiprch i?iai£Ks, to 58 * $£££* i. Thi thought ^«-
glad tiding, of good thing*, even the joyiui imoired by the Holy Ghort, yet
tiding, of aaWatioo. to the ear. of a lort jto w^«pw* b^ ^J ^ ^
world. judgment for the decisioa of this eontro-
5 But there rose, up certain of tf^JSgg «£ £
the sect of the Pharisees which be- £^g» Selves, or fencing gain-
lieved, saying, That it was needful J"£"iyin* lw^ ^
to circumcise them, and to command y
Mem to keep the law of Moses. 7 ^n(i whcn there had been much
6 And the apostles and elders came disputing, Peter rose up, and said
together for to consider of this |into them, Men and brethren, ye
matter. know how that a good while ago
* * *u God made choice among as, that
That is, some Jews of the ?«t °f the the Gentiles by my mouth should
Pharisees, converted to cbnitianity, Uiought {," the word Jcf the gospel, and
and taught, thit circumcision, and keepmg £'ar*ne *<mi ■ m% * £y
of the law of Moses, was necessary to sal- believe. 8 And l**,j **lc° ™"
vation, both to Jew and Gentile christians, etb the hearts, bare them witness,
Where observe, 1. How early the sound giving them the Holy Gnoet, even
doctrine of Christianity was corrupted by as fa <ft7f unto us ; 9 Aud pat
erring teachers. Observe, 2. That the nQ difference between us and thero,
spirit of infallibility with which the apos. ifYinK tnc5r hearts by faith. 10
ties were at that time certainly endued, P? ' r Jtbe8refore whv tempt ye God,
did not prevent the rise of controversies and *w -nereiore wuy *?■"!'-? f .
disputes in the first ages of the church ; to put a yoke upon the neck ol w<
Ch&p. XV. THE ACTS. tm
disciples, which neither our fathers false principles, the hands from falie practices*
nor we were able to bear ? 11 But and vel the heart remain unpurified, and
wc believe that through the grace continueasink of pollution and uncleanness;
of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall lhe*,0are w? mus1 -***? «» hearts' »
, , ., well as cleanse our hands ; yea, first
be saved, even as they. be^n with our heAxU. Hmi'g puHm
Observe here, 1. The council assembled, fed their hearts by faith. Note, 2. That
the first and most famous council of Jem* as purifying begins at the heart, but must
salem, the council of councils. In other not end there ; so faith is the instrumental
councils were holy bishops : in this, inspired cause of our purification. The blood of
apostles, who could not err in matters of Christ cleanses from all sin meritoriously,
faith. Observe, 2. The grand debate, or the Spirit of Christ efficiently ; but faith is
matter in controversy ; namely, whether the instrument in the hand of the Spirit*
faith in Christ were not sufficient to justi- which apprehends and applies the merit of
fication, unless circumcision, and an ob- that blood for pardon and purification,
servation of the ceremonial law, were joined Observe, 6. The character given by St
with it? Observe, 3. The persons managing Peter of the ceremonial law : he calls it a
this debate : the three great apostles, St. yoke, an intolerable yoke, too heavy to be
Peter, St. Paul, and St. James. The first borne by the Jews themselves, much more
that speaks in the council is St. Peter; the Gentiles, whose neck God never de-
from whence the papists would infer, that signed this yoke for, but for the seed of
he, as head of the church, spake first ; and Abraham only. Now the law of cere-
consequently that the pope, whom they monies, imposed upon the Jews, might well
will have to be St. Peter's successor, ought be called a yoke, if we consider, 1. Their
fo have the first and chief voice in all number and variety : they were a multitude
general councils. But all this is but pre- of legal observations. 2. Their burden and
sumption : for we shall find at ver. 13. St. difficulty; the ceremonial law was a most
James, who was then bishop of Jerusalem, laborious administration of a very painful
says, Hearken unto me ; and at ver. 19. service. 3. They were very costly and
gives the definitive sentence, saying, My chargeable; so many bullocks, rams, and
sentence is ; or, thus I judge and determine, lambs for sacrifice* that the misers of this
Had St. Peter said this, it had been a better age would think themselves undone with
part of his pre-eminency, and made a the expense. 4. Their insufficiency : they
louder noise, than Pasrc Ovcs. Observe, were only shadows of good things to come,
4. St. Peter's argument to prove that the and could not make the observers of them
believing Gentiles might be justified and perfect. Thus was the ceremonial law in
saved without circumcision, and the ob- itself a yoke and burden; and the imposing
servation of the ceremonial law. The ar- of it upon the Gentiles is called a tempting
gument runs thus: " The way of justifies- of God; that is,, a dangerous provoking of
tion for all men, both Jew and Gentile, is him, because it never belonged to them, but
one and the same : but Cornelius, a Gen- to the Jews only, which yet were never
tile, with his whole family, by the blessing able to bear it ; that is, so to observe it, as
of God upon my ministry, was converted to be justified and saved by it. Learn
and justified, without being circumcised ; thence, That it was never the intent or de-
thercfore circumcision, and the observation sign of God, that his people should be jus-
of the ceremonial law, 'ought not to be im- titled by their obedience to the ceremonial
posed as necessary to justification and sal- law : but that, being pressed with the weight
vat ion." Observe, 5. How St. Peter and pinched with the uneasiness of the
strengthens his argument, by declaring that yoke, they should seek unto Christ for
what was done to Cornelius and his family, righteousness and life, who alone was the
was by the special command of God ; that fulfiller of it. There was this difference
God gave testimony of his approbation of between the ceremonial and moral law :
Cornelius, as the first-fruits of the Gentiles, the ceremonial law was therefore good, be-
by sending down the Holy Ghost upon cause God commanded it ; the moral law
him and his, as well as upon us and ours, was therefore commanded, because good.
by purifying their hearts by faith. Where Christ, by his death, abrogated the former ;
note, 1. That purifying begins at the heart ; but, by the obedience of his life, fulfilled
not at the head, not at the hands, but at the the latter.
heart The head may be purified from 12 Then all the multitude kept
08* THE ACTS. Chap. XV*
arleoce, and gave audience to Bar- to full of themselves that they could not
nabas and Paul, declaring what hew one another speak; but whue one
miracles and wonders God had fl*** *" the rest au^dy and *"^vdy
wrought among the Gentile, by ^Z^^SESt
them. their peace, James answered. Observe,
The second speech made in this council, 2- The third and last speech uttered at this
was that of IWbas and Paul, who de- f°°°cl1 * Jerasalem, was by St. James the
clared what miracles God had enabled *>"***• and w^Uary aoostle of toe
them to work among the Gentiles, which V**' Jamei _ «"■• Hearten unto me.
was an evidence of God's approbation of *}"** ?<** *• He puts the council in
the Gentiles, though uncircunicised, and that J™. « thf. H*?*1 »*«* «» P** «
he was pleased with their administration «d in tending the goapel amoog the ^Gen-
among thein. Hence they conclude very tllcf» "*«*> *» calls his w«*i*g of them j
well, that the miracles wrought among the aod "» dcwBn ,<* God, m "»* P*?0"1
Gentiles, and the Holy Ghost descending visitation, namely, to take omI of the Gen-
upon the Gentiles, was God's approving },,e ™w ■ « People for ha name. Hence
testimony, in the case that the believing ,eam' L That 'I*11 ^ S1*? b* fW}
Gentiles, without circumcision, should find l0 ■ **>?** he gives that peoplea merciful
no less acceptance with God than the be- aiM* gracious visitation. 2. That Gods
lieving Jews, who were of the circumcision. «■*» ■, vl8,tl0S * ""J10? J'110 » DJ
the gospel, is to take out of them, and from
13 And after they had held their J™00** ***** a P"** ■*.!■"««
«-»„« i « - j ~ • that n, a people to call upon his name, a
peace, James answered, saying, -„£* te called by h*i name, and a
Men and brethren, hearken unto ^te to honour ^a 'glorifYt to ^y^ce
me ; 14 Simeon hath declared and magnify, his holy name. Note, 2.
how God at the first did visit the With what wisdom and caution St James,
Gentiles, to take out of them a the president of the council, proceeds in
people for his name. 15 And to thc fioal deciding of this controversy : he
this agree the words of the pro- P"00** a1uinean^wUl *!? tw.° ttl!fn!?f
«*»«*»»« . — u ;« „,.:•*__ 1A aa between those that would have all the
phets; as it is written, 16 After Mosaic rites imposed, sad ux» that would
this I will return, and will build have none at all Tdeaigning by this wc^ii*
again the tabernacle of David, which that neither thc Jews should be too much
is fallen down ; and I will build offended, nor the Gentiles too heavily bur-
again the ruins thereof, and I will dened ; but brotherly love between both be
set it up : 17 That the residue of maintained and preserved. Note, a How SL
men might seek after.the Lord, and James in aeciding °f th» controversy, ap-
all the Gentiles, upon whom my &* toJcnRP "^ , /*" T"
..._*«- I. j CL .l w I the words of the prophets, as it is written.
name is called, saith the Lord, Not to the authority of the council: theholy
who doeth all these things. 18 canon of the scriptures ought to overrule
Known unto God are all his works, all debates; this is the infallible judge,
from the beginning of the world. 19 which all the councils are to appeal to,
Wherefore my sentence is, that we and DOne must presume to appeal from,
trouble not them, which from among; ?ote» lasUv» That ** ***** the coaaaTs
the Gentiles are turned to God* f^^w S^H Hmt t>
an d * .u * -. * .i cumcwion should not be imposed upon the
20 But that we write unto them (fc^. that the GenUleTneerthdesi
that they abstain from pollutions of should so far judaize, or comply with the
idols, and from fornication, and Jews, as to abstain from meats offered to
from things strangled, and from idols, from things strangled, and from blood,
blood. and from fornication.'* All which are
01 , , _, „ called indifferent things, because the three
• U?erueu.here' l: 7** excel,ent ord« first were made so by the- death of Christ,
in which this grand debate was managed (after which there was to be no more dit-
oL SlS011^ : lhey ?° not break m "P011 tinction, either of meats or nation*,) and
one another like proud magisterial talkers, the fourth, namely, fornication, « reckoned
£hap. XVs. THE ACTS. 684
amongst the indifferent things; became blood, and from things strangled,
the Gentiles, though ftilsriy, did think aod and from fornication: from which
speakHtobeso:^»«//^i/i«w a^ if yc kecp yourselves, ye shall do
Ivscentem scortart. To prevent therefore i , F -V, * ., '
giving offence to the Jews, the Gentiles are weIL r are *c wel1,
required to abstain from there things, till Observe here, 1. That though the apos-
time and fuller acquaintance with the gos- ties were the infallible deciders, yet the
pel did better inform them concerning their elders, and the whole church, were una-
christian liberty. From this example learn, nimous consented ; for no contradiction to
That whenever difference! do arise in a the determination of this controversy did
church about tolerable matters, and indiffer- arias from any hand, but there was a happy
eot things, the nearest course to unity, and acquiescence in this apostolical decision :
a charitable compliance, is for both parties ** pleased the ciders, and the whole
to step towards, and meet one another ; church. Observe, 2. The decrees of this
and what may be left at liberty without synod, and the determination of this coun-
apparent prejudice to purity, to be left for «1 at Jerusalem, are committed to writing,
peace sake. and despatched by unprejudiced messen-
•^ " gers of their own to the church of the
«%, r. m* c i j *• t it Gentiles, which was at Antioch. In which
21 For Moses of old time hath decretal epistle> K The false apostles who
in every city them that preach him, 8tartcd this controversy, are sharply re-
being read in the synagogues every proved. 2. Paul aod Barnabas, for their
sabbath-day. 22 Then pleased it courage, and constancy, are highly com-
the apostles and elders, with the mended. 3. Judas and Silas are men-
whole church, to send chosen men tioned, to testify that there decrees were iiot
of their own company to Antioch, forced nor counterfeited. 4. That it would
..to, j t> 1 _ i conduce much to their advantage to have
with Paul and Barnabas ; namely, thc8C decrecg du| obierVed Observe,
Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Si- 3# The divine authority of these decrees :
las, chief men among the brethren, they were dictated and directed by the
23 And they wrote letters by them Holy Ghost: It seemed good to the Holy
after this manner, The apostles, Ghost, and to us. That is, it seemed
and elders, and brethren, send greet- P00^^0, ***** ***** and4. "***
ing unto the brethren which are of *^J^^tTAwV^ ***
...g "w *• , conduct we have followed, not to impose
the Gentiles in Antioch, and Sy- unnecessary things upon you. Where
na, and Cilicia : 24 Forasmuch as note> That the Holy Ghost is against im-
we have heard, that certain which posing unnecessary things as necessary, and
went out from us have troubled you making them the terms of churcb-comrau-
with words, subverting your souls, *"on« Here are four things imposed ;
saying, Ye must be circumcised, and M»«ty abstaining from meats offered to
keep the law : to whom we gave j^ols, from blood, from fornication, and
r * f from things strangled : but they are called
do such commandment : 26 It necasar£thi* Two of ^ to wit,
seemed good unto us, being assem- abstaining from fornication and from things
bled with one accord, to send chosen offered to idols, were of a simple and so-
men unto you, with our beloved solute necessity; the other two, namely,
Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that abstaining from things strangled, and from
have hazarded their lives for the Wood- *» of ■? accidental, and tem-
name of our Lord Jesus Christ. fonny necessity for tteprerent time, and
"*,.,. * *u t j a to avoid giving scandal to the weak Jews,
27 We have sent therefore Judas m ibey^^d be better informed, and
and Silas, who shall also tell you better understand their liberty in Christ ;
the same things by mouth. 28 for afterwards St. Paul showeth that no
For it seemed good to the Holy creature of God is unclean, but that unto
Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no the pure all things are pure, 1 Tim. iv. 4.
greater burden than these necessary ^- '• 15#
things ; 29 That ye abstain from 30 So when they were dismissed,
meats offered to idols, and from they came to Antioch : and when
082 THE ACTS. Chap. XV.
they had gathered the multitude to- confirmed I htm. 33 And after they
gether, they delivered the epistle : had tarried there a space, they were
31 Which when they had read, they let go in peace from the brethren
rejoiced for the consolation. unto the apostles. 34 Notwith-
standing, it pleased Silas to abide
Observe here, 1. With what fidelity and there still. 36 Paul also and Bar-
care Paul and Barnabas, and Judas and nabas continued in Aotioch, teaching
Silas, delivered this decretal epistle to the an<| preacomg th« word of the U*d9
church at Antioch : that is, to the whole .,k\-MaiM. ^*u— -i-^
body of chrisliani believing Jew. and *lth many othcrs ali°-
Gentiles, then and there assembled : When JudaM and stia* bring prophet* ; that is.
they had gathered the multitude together, persons extraordinarily inspired, and endued
they delivered the epistle ; that is, they witn eminent gifts for teaching and inter-
called the whole church together, and ^fa tne ^jy .criptures . they employed
presented the epistle to them. Observe, 2. themselves at Anuocfa, confirming and
How this decree was received ; namely, building up their brethren in the faith of
with universal joy and satisfaction : Hhen Cnri8t. And after they had stayed at An-
they had rtad, they rejoiced. Every one liocn ^me tiroe, they were with all kind-
in this christian council was a stor devoted ^dismissed of the church there; and Judas
by his office to lead men to Christ : but returned to Jerusalem, to acquaint theapos-
now being gathered together, and conden- u^ witn the reception which their letter had
sed into a counsel, they become a most ^t with, and what obedience was readily
bright and glorious constellation, every given to their decrees.
way prepared, by the emanations of hea-
venly liu:ht, to guide the church in ihis ob- 36 And some days after, Paul
scure affair ; and accordingly, their autho- said urto Barnabas, Let us go again
rity being so illustrious and commanding and ?Wt our brethren, in evcr- Cltv
and the decrees so pious and prudential, h fc preached the word
their determination was received with uni- /.r.»»j i_ **. j
versal satisfaction: They delivered the of the ">™> and *ee how thc? do-
epistle: which when they had read, they Qbmgve ^ the jom and p^^^,
rejoiced. Observe, 3. What was the sub- cm which a p^ WQO jjf ^^
ject matter of their joy, and the special churche% takei to visit and inspect them ;
occasion of their rejoicing : They rejoiced that |ie mi ht ^ ftD(J understMKihow thev
for the consolation ; that is, for the great did lnrive Md in lhc knowIedge tf
consolation winch thev had, in being freed Chrigt and fa ^ ^mxn obedieiice to
from the burden of the legal ceremonies, him# ^ t a^lc ^ heea Mmia
though originaUyot divine institution, and thegcod serfof the^iordofGod: hisneit
appointed by God himself. From whence ^^ to mmmt ^ ^ whe|her ihe
we learn, That liberty from toilsome cere- ^^ 0^ had not sowed tares in his ab-
momes, though onginaUv of divine institu. ^^ A minifter.g work, aod a husband,
ion, much more a freedom from supersti- ^ ^ m never lt an end, but
tious ceremonies of human invention, is round in acircle. && ifthor actus
matter of great joy to the church of Christ in orbem afler ,owi aod „„ therc
Lord! what numerous and burdensome mU8t be weeing and witering, before raitK.
ceremonies has the church of Romeim- - ^ iDgatheTing. Accorlmgly St. Paul
posed upon her blind votaries ! When in ^^ u£n the ^ lierelientioned .
their worship they would be thought truly u% „ g , and vM Qur hrHkr^
zealoui, they are really ridiculous. They |fl ^^Uy where we have preached the
please theinselves perhaps, but cannot vord 0jr the Lord, and see Lo thef do.
please their Maker : all the acc*p^c* ttey Herc ^ j Tnc ^ ^ and ^^
^l]]J?d^ G0d V!,llbeMS,S?Kfifidu(!ulbein bas. 2. The visited, our brethren, both
m that chiding ques ion, « Who hath re- the elders and members of the church, 3.
quired these things at your hands ? The td|o|| ifafoimtd$ vMhg , the word
oo a a t a a at u • imports a strict view, a most diligent and
32 And Judas and Silas being ^JclJous Krutiny, lest some errc£ in thek
prophets also themselves, exhorted ab8ence might be crept into the doctrine
the brethren with many words, and and conversation of thess new-planted
Chap. XV. THE ACTS. 6W
churches. 4. The place where the visit*- superiors must frequently visit, and nar-
tion is to be held : in every city where rowly inspect the doctrine, the lives, and
they have preached the word of the Lord, manners, both of the ministers and mcm-
Where they had planted, they were obliged bers of the church, according to the prac-
to water ; and where they had begotten any tice, and example of these two great apos-
to the christian faith, they thought it their ties, Paul and Barnabas ; who said. Let us
doty to nurture and nourish them : and go again and visit our brethren in every
therefore, though there were presbyters no city where we have preached the word, and
doubt m every city, yet Paul and Barnabas see how they do.
challenged to themselves a power of visita-
tion, where they had personally preached. 37 And Barnabas determined to
The apostles who first converted them, had take with them John, whose surname
a peculiar right to inspect and govern them, was Mark. 38 But Paul thought
Converted souls, and planted churches, must not good to take him with them,
be farther visited, observed, ^ and watered. who ^cpartcc, from thcm from Pam.
5. The end and design of the visitation ; . .. r • , . . -#k .» .
to see how they do, and what they do ; to PWia- ,and ™* n?\ wlth *era. to
take an account of their faith and practice. the wo™- 30 And the contention
From the whole observe, 1. A disease which was so sharp between them, that
the churches of the apostles* own planting they departed asunder one from
were supposed to be liable and obnoxious the other : and so Barnabas took
to : the purest of churches and best of men Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus : 40
ftp1! listen "wSel^lW "cKr0 A nd Paul chotC SUaS» and deParted'
Whe^we'findT Averted JeVna» being recommended by the brethren
ating the bread of life, and making it their unl° the Srace of God* 4l And hc
choice to pick and eat the rubbish off the went through Syria and Cilicia con-
rirtition-wall which Christ had demolished ; firming the churches,
mean circumcision, and the legal cere-
monies, which, though expired at the death St. Paul having made a motion to Bar-
of Christ, and by this time bad an hon- nabas, in the foregoing verses, to visit and
ourable burial, yet they attempt to pull out inspect the new-planted churches, Barnabas
of their graves, and give a resurrection to very readily complied with the motion ;
them. Such distempers will be in the but desired that he might take his nephew
purest churches, if we consider the heredi- John Mark along with him. This St. Paul
tary corruption which is in all by nature ; consented not unto ; because he left them
the remains of it in those who are renewed at Pamphylia, and did not accompany
by grace, and the endeavours of Satan to them constantly in preaching the gospel to
solicit these remains, and invite them forth the Gentiles. St. Paul was in the right ;
into act and exercise. Observe, 2. The Mark's cowardice in leaving them when
remedy resolved upon for preventing and they undertook a tedious and hazardous
healing of this disease ; namely, apostolical journey to preach the gospel to the Gentiles,
visitation, and episcopal inspection, as the was a considerable objection against his
word signifies. The constitution of the present going with them, and weighed more
church is such, that it cannot continue than his consanguinity, or nearness of blood
long in repair, without inspection and go- to Barnabas. Accordingly, St. Paul insisted
vernrnent : for though the universal church upon it, that he should not go now along with
is secure, being built upon a rock, yet par- tbem : but this occasioned a very sharp and
ticular churches are liable to dilapidations : unhappy contention between them : in-
and accordingly it is the duty of the go- somucb, that these two great and good men
vernors of the church frequently to inspect parted asunder, Barnabas going to Cyprus,
the authority of those who preach, to exam- and St. Paul to Cilicia ; but God overruled
ine their doctrines, to enquire into their this evil for good, causing their separation
lives, to gives rules for preserving order, to tend to the publication and farther
and to censure those who neglect those spreading of the gospel. Hence learn, 1
rules, and disturb that order. In fine, we How industrious, yea, ambitious, the devil
see the church of Christ must be governed ; is to sow the seeds of discord and dissen-
in that government there must be a superi- sion amongst the members, but especially
ority in some, and subordination in others j amongst the ministers, of Jesus Christ ; and
to* the acts: Chap. xvr.
bow ready be is to take all occasions to was a Jewess, and believed: bat
divide them. These holy men of God, bis father was a Greek : 2 Which
these great apostles, whose hearts were was we]| reported of by the brethren
united in the work of God, and went hand fa&t were at Lystra and Iconiutn.
in hand together to plant and propagate 3 H- wou|d Paul have to go forth
and their own passions. Learn, 2. That him, because of the Jews wbicb were
the holiest and wisest of men are but men ; in those quarters : for they knew
men of like passions with other men ; and, all that his father was a Greek.
Whilst, on this side of heaven, not wholly
free from passionate infirmities. These two The latter end of the foregoing chapter
great apostles verified here by their actions, cave us a sad account of a dissension and
what they affirmed before in their words, difference arising between Paul and Bar-
Acts xiv. 15. We are men of like pas- nabas, upon which they parted ; Barnabas
sions unto you. Learn, 3. l"hat natural sails for Cyprus, but what success be had
affections are apt to oversway the wisest there the scripture says not. St Paul goes
and best of men. Barnabas's great love to through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the
bis kinsman here prevailed contrary to his churches, and doing good service for God
judgment Learn, 4. That such is the in his peregrinations and travels. Here ob-
wisdom, power, and goodness of God, that serve, That St. Paul and Silas, before
he knows how to bring good out of the they act forth to their work, were in a so-
greatest evil, and to overrule sin itself, and leran manner (by prayer) recommended
make it subservient to his own glory and by the brethren to the grace of God,
his church's good. The Lord was pleased chap. xv. 40. And accordingly their fat-
to overrule these divisions and dissensions hours are succeeded and blessed. Barna-
betwixt Paul and Barnabas, for enlarging bas and Mark set forth for Cyprus ; but we
the kingdom of Christ, and for spreading read not of any solemn recommendation of
the gospel farther into several nations, them by the brethren to the grace of God ;
Observe, lastly, How this reflection upon nor a word of any success they had in their
John Mark's faint- heartedness in declining work : teaching us the great necessity of
the hardships and the hazards of the min- fervent prayer to precede, accompany, and
istry, made him for the future more vigilant follow the preaching of the gospel. Let
and valiant ra the cause of the gospel, ministers pray, and people pray, and eo-
which occasioned that kind salutation gage all the prayers they can for the success
which St. Paul gives him, Coios. iv. 10. of their ministry. Lord, let me steep that
Though sin be only evil, absolutely evil, seed I sow amongst the people m tears and
and infinitely evil, yet the wisdom and prayers before I scatter it ! O pour out
goodness of God sanctifies the miscarriages thy Spirit with thy word, that it may be
of his saints, rendering them more humble mighty through God for pulling down the
for the time passed, and more watchful strong holds ! Verily there is so little ef-
and vigilant for time to come. Thus it ficacy in ordinances, for want of fervent
was with Mark here : be was humbled for wrestlings with God in prayer. Observe
his sin, and afterwards became profitable next, The places which Paul and Silas in
to St Paul for the ministry, was his fellow- their travels first came unto ; namely,
labourer, and the apostle gives a special Derbe and Lystra, where he finds young
charge to the Colossians to entertain him Timothy, whom he takes aloog with him,
kindly whenever he should come unto and breeds him up for a gospel-minister,
them, Colos. iv. 10. Marcus, sister's son calls him his fellow-worker and companion
to Barnabas, when he comes unto you, in his travels. Note farther, The account
receive him, here given of Timothy's birth and parent-
age *, his mother Eunice was a believing
CHAP XVI Jewess ; his father was a Greek, a Gentile \
for which reason Timothy was not cir-
np HEN came he to Derbe and Lvs- cumciaed» because it was not lawful for the
* tra ; and, behold, a certain dis- mot.he! * J"*1? «h« ctamwrf
oSni* «,«- *u™ jm. aL against her husband s consent. Now St,
Z \Z t KL n*med Tl,noth15.U8' Si. in.end.ng to take Timothy along with
tne son of a certain woman, which hhn as his companion in preaching the
Chap. XVI. THE ACTS. 48*
•
gospel, that hit ministry might be the more these decrees were delivered ; namely, lo
acceptable to the Jews, who knew him the churches, as they passed along through
to be uncircumcised, because the son of an the several cities ; so many cities, so many
uncircumcised father, he takes him and cir- churches : the whole company of chris*
cumcises him ; but at the same time Titus, tians within a city and the adjacent terri-
who was a Gentile, both by father and tory, were wont to be framed into a chris*
mother, him he would not circumcise; net- tian society or church, and several con*
ther suffering the yoke of circumcision to gregations made but one church* To set
be laid upon the Gentiles, which God had up churches against churches, to set up
never imposed, nor would be seen to coun- churches in churches, and to gather churches
tenance those who held circumcision neces- out of churches, has no precedent, no war*
sary to salvation. O what an .admirable rant, no countenance from any phrase of
pattern has this great and humble apostle scripture, or practice of the apostles* times*
left to posterity ! he became all things to Note, 4. The end for which these decrees
all men, and either used or refused indif- were delivered ; namely, to bring all the
(brent things, according as the use or disuse churches to unity and uniformity ; to unity
of them tended to the church's education, in judgment, and uniformity in practice,
and men's salvation. From whence learn, that they might be all of one heart, and one
That in things not absolutely necessary to way. Learn hence, That unity and unt-
salvation, christians ought to act pruden- formity among the churches of Christ is a
rially, and either do, or not do, some things thing to be earnestly desired and endea-
of lesser moment, according as it may pro- voured ; their unity is their strength and
mote, and best conduce to the church's beauty both. Note, lastly, The success and
peace and edification. fruit of the delivery of these decrees to the
. jk a - i *i. au j *i l lL churches, ver. 5. So were the churches
4 Ami as they went through the established in the faith, and increased in
cities, they delivered them the de- number daily. Where observe, A double
crees for to keep, that were or- blessing accruing to the churches: the one
dained of the apostles and elders of confirmation, So were the churches
which were at Jerusalem. 5 And **tablished: the other of augmentation.
so were the churches established in ?*2 ™cr**"*}n number daily. Learn,
the faith, and increased in number I *? "jj fwm?m df° 8^e ™J T**5
j i so unity and uniformity do establish, and
aally • confirm, the church of Christ : So were the
The sense is this, That as Paul and Si- churches established. 2. That it is a
las passed through the cities in Syria and blessed thing to hear of the church's increas-
Cilicia, they delivered to the several churches, ing, provided it be by way of addition,
as they passed along, the decrees to observe, not division : to hear of churches multiply-
which were ordained by the apostles and ing, by the number of converts increasing,
eiders met in council at Jerusalem, whereby is happy; but to multiply churches by
those churches were established in the faith, breaking churches in pieces, is a sad muf-
and many more every day converted unto tiplication. The Lord keep his churches
Christ. Here note, 1. The messengers from such increases ! and the Lord pardon
which delivered these decrees, Paul and those who for private interest have so in-
Silaa, with a special regard unto the church's creased churches by gathering churches out
unity and peace. Behold here an excellent of churches, pretended I y for greater purity-
pattern for christians in general, and the sake, but really for advantage-sake! Doc-
ministers of the gospel in particular; as to trines crying up purity to the ruin of unity,
maintain truth, so to procure, promote, and reject ; for the gospel calls for unity as wejl
preserve the church's peace. Truth and as for purity.
peace, which God hath joined together, 6 Now when they had gone
Zech. viii. 19. let none dare to put asunder, throughout Phrvgia and the region
Note, 2. What it was that St. Paul here 0f Galatia, and" were forbidden of
U^!^iie a'u : lhefdfcree>1madc fey the Holy Ghost to preach the word
the apostles and elders at Jerusalem : not • A • J m aa. A.
the decrees made by the whole church, » *"*• 7LAftcr ihel were c?me
but by the ministers of the church only : to Mysia, *ney assayed to go into
none so fit to determine church-differences Bithynia : but the Spirit suffered
as church-officers. Note, 3, To whom them not.
GB6 THE ACTS, Chap. XVL
Observe here, How the apostle and his comforts and refreshments of ordinances*
companions had a desire and design to pro- and they will at last want heaven and saU
pagate the gospel in several provinces, but vation. But that which is moat deplorable
were forbidden by a secret impulse of the is this: Those that want the gospel, though
Holy Spirit. Learn thence. That the fras- they want all these things, yet are they
trating our attempts, and disappointing our not sensible that they want any thing.
designs to preach the gospel to particular Learn, 2. That the sending of the gospel
places, which we were purposed to go unto, to one nation, place, or people, and not to
doth sometimes arise from the Holy Ghost : another, proceeds from the determinate
the apostle intended to go into Bithynia, will and pleasure of Almighty God, and
but the Spirit suffered him not. The very is the eflect of his own free grace and good
journeyingsofthe apostles, and first preach- pleasure; Stay not m Asia, go not mto
ers of the gospel, as well as their divine ex- Bithynia, but come over into Macedoma ;
ercises, were all ordered by the wisdom and Even so, Father, for thus tt seemed good
will of God ; they might neither speak, nor in thy sight
act, nor walk, but according to divine direc-
tions : They -were forbidden by the Holy 11 Therefore loosing from Troas,
Ghost to preach the word in Asia. Thus Wc came with a straight course to
Almighty God at pleasure orders the candle Samothracia, and the next day to
of the gospel to be removed out of one N Hs 12 And from thencc to
room into another, sends it from one place ol ..f . * ,. . . . »_• * •,„ ^c
and people to another, and accordingly Plulippi.which rs the chief city of
ought all places and persons to prize it that part of Macedonia, and a
highly, and improve it faithfully. colony. And we were in that city
abiding certain days. 13 And on
8 And they passing by Mysia, the sabbath we went out of the city
came down to Troas. 9 And a by a river side, where prayer was
vision appeared to Paul in the wont to be made : and we sat down,
night ; There stood a man of Ma- and spake unto the women which,
cedonia, and prayed him, saying, resorted thither. 14 And a certain.
Come over into Macedonia, and woman named Lydia, a seller ot
help us. 10 And after he had seen purple, of the city of Tbyatira, which
the vision, immediately we endea- worshipped God, heard us : whose
voured to go into Macedonia, as- heart the Lord opened, that she
suredly gathering that the Lord had attended unto the things which were
called us for to preach the gospel spoken of Paul. 15 And when she
unto them. was baptized, and her household,
she besought ti*, saying, If ye hare
These words are a relation of a message judged me to be faithful to the
ftom heaven unto St. Paul, to direct him in Lord, come into my house, and abide
his preaching and publishing of the gospel, thcrt. And 8ne constrained us.
both as to the place where, and as to the per-
sons to whom, be was to deliver it. Where A farther account is here given of St.
note, The manner of it: it was by a vision, Paul's travels to preach the gospel; he
A vision appeared. The time of it, it was departs from Troas to Samothracia, from
in the night, the bringer of it, a man of thence to Neapolis, and thence to Pbilippi,
Macedonia : the matter of it, help for the the chief city of Macedonia. Here on the
Macedonians, interpreted (ver. 10.) to be sabbath-day he went out of the city to the
by the preaching of the gospel. Learn river's side, where a meeting place lor
hence, 1. That no men in the world want prayer, say some, was built, and made use
help, like them that want the gospel. Of of, as being remote from the noise and ob-
all distresses, want of the gospel cries loudest servation of the multitude. In this oratory,
for relief and help ; for by want of the St. Paul preached to the women, they be-
gospel, they want every thing that is worth ing both most numerous and most zealous ;
having ; they want Jesus Christ, who is and God gives him the seal of his ministry
revealed only by the gospel ; they want in the conversion of Lydia. In which fa-
communion with God, they want the mous conversion observe how particularly
Chap. XVI. THE ACTS. G8J
the Holy Ghost is in relating the several house. Converted persons have so much
circumstances belonging to it ; she is de- love to Christ's ministers, who were the
by her person and sex, a certain instruments of their conversion, that they
woman ; by her name, Lydia ; by her call- greatly desire to express it by all acts of
ing and employment, a seller of purple ; possible kindness : If ye have judged me
by her city, Thyatira ; by her pious dispo- faithful, come into my house, and abide
sition, she worshipped God. Her conver- there ; and she constrained us,
sion is described, 1. By the efficient cause
of it; the Lord opened her heart 2. By 16 And it came to pass, as we
the instrumental cause of it; her attending went to prayer, a certain damsel
to the things that were spoken of Paul, possessed with a spirit of divination
Learn, 1. That the hearts of persons are met us, which brought her masters
naturally shut up and fast barred against much gain b- soothsaying: 17
££ P^ 2V ThVn^ *T* °f ^ The same followed Paul and us, and
heart to receive Jesus Chnsf, is the peculiar V . «, ' .
effect of the sovereign power and omni- cned» saying, These men are the
potent grace of God. 3. That till God servants of the most high God,
opens the heart of a sinner, the preaching which shew unto us the way of sal-
of the gospel little aflecteth, though never vation. 18 And this did she many
so plainly and persuasively preached, days. But Paul, being grieved,
That when once the heart is opened, the tnrned and sajd to thc 8pirit> i com.
Z<7l ?£?£ 8^V^f!?V» ^t ™and thee in the name of Jesus
tentivc to the preaching of the gospel : OL . . . . * • * _ *
The Lord opened Lydia* heart, and she phnst' to come, out of *er" And
attended. Observe next. The seal of her he <*me out the »ame hour- 19
conversion and salvation received by her : And when her masters saw that the
She wes baptized, and her whole house, hope of their gains was gone, they
It was the ordinary way of the apostles to caught Paul and Silas, and drew
baptize households; not that they were them into the market-place, unto
sure that they were all Wievers, or that the k 20 And br£ ht thcm
the Family governors could make them so ; . .\ ' .. . ..„:»? Tu -
but it was their duty to devote all their * the magistrates saying, These
power to God, and to do their utmost to mcn» beln& Jews> do exceedingly
persuade ; and God usually succeeded their trouble our city, 21 And teach
endeavours. Note here, That thc church customs which are not lawful for
of God for near seventeen hundred years, us to receive, neither to observe, he*
never refused the baptizing of infants of be- j„g Romans. 22 And the multi-
heving parents^as being taken into cove- tud together against them :
rtant with themselves. Having then for • .. Jl„.:jLtt*M JL * ^ip *u •
so many ages been in the possession of this a"d. the magistrates rent off their
privilege, we may more reasonably require clothes, and commanded to beat
the Anabaptists to prove by express scripture, thcm. 23 And when they had laid
that children were not baptized by the many stripes upon them, they cast
apostles, (when they baptized whole fami- them into prison, charging the gaoler
lies, yea, whole nations, according to their to keep them safely : 24 Who
commission, Matt, wviii. 19.) than they having received such a charge,
can require us to prove that they were. .• * . • .^ ,u ;«__. «-:J«.
Lydia and her housTwere baptized, says thrust them into the Hiner prison,
the text ; that is, says the Syriac, Lycfia ttnd made the,r feet fast m the
and her children. Lydia, by reason of stocks,
her faith in Christ* having a right to bap-
tism, all her family, upon her undertaking As we vent to prayer, a damsel pot*
to bring them up in the knowledge of sessed met us. That is, As the apostles
Christ, were admitted to the ordinance went towards the forementioned place of
with her. Observe, lastly, A special fruit prayer, a damsel possessed with the devil,
and evidence of Lydta's conversion : she oy whose inspiration she foretold future
constrained the apostles with an amicable things, and revealed many secrets to them
violence, by fervent entreaties and passionate that consulted her, followed them, crying
importunities, to receive the civilities of her out, These are the servants of the most
<m THE ACTS. Chap. XVI
high God, who declare unto us the way God : and the prisoners beard then*
of salvation. Where observe, 1. That the 26 And suddenly there was a great
father of lies sometimes speaks the truth, earthquake, so that the foundations
though never for truth's sake, but for his of |||e . n were shakcn . and -
own advantage: here what the devil said, ,. r. .. . .
was truth, but it was for devilish ends; he mediately all the doors were open-
transforms himself now into an angel of ed» and CTery ont s bands were
light, to draw men on to believe him the loosed. 27 And the keeper of the
prince of darkness. Observe, 2. How St prison awaking out of his sleep, and
Paul refuses the devil's testimony concerning seeing the prison doors open, he
himself, even when be spake the truth. The drew out hiB sword, and would have
t^iiiiooy of troth from th« father of lies, is ka|ed himgclf supposing that the
enough to render truth itself suspected. Ob- •„„,._. u ^(u8 ao »..«.
serve? 3. The authority whkhSt. Paul pnsoners had been fled. 28 But
takes upon him in the name of Christ to £«"* cried with a loud voice, saying,
dispossess the devil, and cist him out of the Do thyself no harm ; for we are
damsel : Paul said, I command thee in all here.
the name of Jesus to come out of her : The apostles are here, by Satan and his
and he came out the same hour. These instruments, cast into prison ; but observe,
words St. Paul uttered by the motion of they had their prison-comforts. 1. The
the Holy Spirit, and relying by faith on joy of their hearts runs out at their lips:
the promise of Christ made by himself to his they sang praises unto God, when their
apostles, Mark xvi. 17. That in his name bodies were in prison, and their feet were
they should cast out devils ; accordingly in the stocks ; these holy servants of God
be received power from on high to cast out were not only meek and patient, but joyous
this daring devil. Observe, 4. How and cheerful under persecution, rejoicing
Satan seeks to be revenged on Paul for that they were counted worthy to suffer
dispossessing of him : he raises up an hot shame for him who had undergone so much
persecution, and soon casts him into prison, indignity and shame for them. 2. They
who had cast the devil out of the damsel, enjoy sweet communion with God in prav-
If we disturb and trouble Satan, he will be er : At midnight they prayed, and tie
sure to trouble and disturb us. Such mi- prisoners heard them. No place can be
nistcrs as make the greatest opposition improper, no time unseasonable, for prayer,
against Satan, must expect to meet with No prison can bolt out God, nor deprive
the greatest opposition from him. Ob- us of our communion with bun : prayer
serve, 5. Who were the instruments which will get up to heaven in spite of all op-
Satan stirs up to raise this persecution position either of hell or earth. Observe, 3*
against the apostles : they were the rulers How sudden the answer, and how sensible
and the rabble : The multitude rose up, the return of prayer was which the Lord
and the magistrates rent their clothes, graciously gave his suffering servants :
cast them into the inner prison, and made Suddenly there was a great earthquake,
their feet fast in the stocks. Thus were This earthquake was an infallible sign of
the holy apostles, and innocent servants of God's audience ; that he heard them, and
Jesus Christ, imprisoned, and treated as the would stand by them. Observe, 4. The
vilest malefactors, only for opposing Satan, powerful efficacy of St Paul's prayer : his
and seeking the welfare of mankind. Ob- prayer shook the heavens, the heavens
serve, lastly, That love of money was the shook the earth, the earth shook the prison,
root of all this persecution. The damsel's even to the very foundations of it. Prayer
masters perceiving that their gain was gone, has a divine kind of omnipotency in it :
and that she could help them to no more Vincitmvincibihmet ligaicmnipoUntem?
money by telling people their fortunes, "It overcomes God with his own strength,'*
the devil of discontent possessed them. Observe, 5. What influence mis earthquake
They stir up persecution against the apos- had upon the gaoler: it occasioned such an
ties, they cast them into prison, into the beartquake in him, that to give himself
inward prison, and to make all sure, set ease, silly soul, be resolves to murder him*
them in the stocks. self. Lord ! bow miserable are the con-
9ft An/1 *»«.:i • u* n i i a* solations which the carnal sod unregene*
Jlii fWght Pau.! and Sl" rate "<*W «*** recourse and fly Sato,
ia* prayed, and sang praises unto when trouble and distrw take bold
Chap. XVI. THE ACTS. 689
them ! They run to an baiter, to rid tbera soul enquires after, is the business of satva-
of their trouble, having no God to go unto, tioa : What shall I do to be saved .*
and theceby plunge themselves into endless Note, 4. That trembling sinners, and trou-
troubles, yea, eternal torments. Observe, bled souls, must be directed to Jesus Christ,
lastly. How kind the apostle was to his and to faith in him, as the only way to
cruel keeper : he that hurt the apostles' feet obtain salvation by him j Believe on the
with the stocks, bears the apostles crying Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shaft be
unto him in the midst of the earthquake, saved.
Do thyself no harm. Good men ever
have been, and are, men of tender and 33 And he took them the same
compassionate dispositions-, not so solid- hour of the night, and washed their
torn for their own liberties, as for others' strjpe8 . anrf was baptized, he and
lives. The aposUes might have held their all his, straightway.
peace, and suffered the gaoler to have slam 9 J
himself, and thereby made their own es- Behold how sudden and strange a change
3pe; but they preferred the gaoler's eternal was wrought in this gaoler. Before his
vation before their own temporal liberty conversion he was cruel, barbarous, and
and happiness : Paul cried with a loud hard-hearted ; now he is meek, merciful,
voice, saying, Do thyself no harm* and compassionate. He that before had
• _. . beaten, imprisoned, and hurt the holy apos-
29 Then he called for a light, and tieV feet in the stocks, now pities them,
sprang in, and came trembling, and mourns over them, and washes their stripes.
fell down before Paul and Silas ; Learn thence, That religion, and the grace
30 And brought them out, and said, of God, softens and mollifies the hardest
Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? n?™* ■*«*"■ the sourest natures, and
31 And they said, Believe on the C*™S" the ™* 5\*?rous , ant?lo°^
t j w Vi. . .' • A. i w dispositions. Behold this gaoler, before his
Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall conversion, a savage persecutor, a tiger, and
be saved, and thy house. 32 And. » vulture, like the demoniac in the gospel,
they spake unto him the word of the exceeding fierce : but now dispossessed of
Lord, and to all that were in his his fury, and by grace turned into a lamb
house. f°r meekness, and a dove for innocency.
Observe, 2. How the gaoler believing, he
As if the gaoler had said, " Sirs, now I and all his house were baptized. The
sec and acknowledge that the doctrine apostle denied not baptism to the gaoler's
taught by you is the truth of the eternal household, upon the gaoler's sincere pro-
God ; and be hath by this miraculous earth- fession of the christian faith ; yet no doubt
quake testified to me, that you are his true he promised to use his utmost endeavours
and faithful servants : tell me therefore, I to bring them to the knowledge and obe-
bescech you, what I must do to attain dience of Jesus Christ. Observe, lastly,
salvation ?" They answer. Believe on the How improbable it is that the gaoler and
Lord Jesus Christ, fyc. That is, " If you his household were baptized by dipping.
and your family receive the doctrine of We do not deny the lawfulness of baptiz-
Jesos Christ, and regulate your lives ac- ing by immersion; but we cannot assert
cording to it, you shall be saved. Here the absolute and indispensable necessity of
nose, 1. That scomers and persecutors will it. St. Paul, who was newly washed, and
become tremblers, when once God hath his sores dressed, occasioned by stripes, can-
touched their hearts, and wounded their not be supposed either to go out himself,
consciences with remorse for sin. The or to carry the gaoler and all his family, in
gaoler here came trembling, and fell down the dead of the night, to the river or a pond
before Paul and Silas ; trembling under a to baptize them ; neither is it in the least
sense of his guiltiness, and falling down probable, that St Paul himself was baptiz-
upon his knees to ask tbem forgiveness, ed by dipping. See Acts ix. IS, 19. He
Note, 2. That trembling sinners are al- arose% and was baptized ; and when he
ways inquisitive, yea, very inquisitive, per- had received meat, he was strengthened.
sons. An awakened conscience will put a The context may convince us, that he was
man upon enquiry, upon great and much baptized in his lodgings, being sick and
enquiry, what he should do. Note, 3. weak, having fasted three days, and being
That the chief thing which the trembling in a very low condition, partly by his raira- *
2 Y
490 THE ACTS. Chap. XVL
culous vision, and partly by bis extraordi- soncrs, the holy apostles, and what mizftt
nary fasting : it was no ways probable that be the probable occasion of it ; namely,
Ananias should carry him out to a river in 1. The terror of the earthquake, which
that condition, to plunge him in cold aflfected them with fear. 2. The eonew-
water. Dipping then, surely, cannot be ousness of their own guilt, for their mjunous
so essential unto baptism, as for want of it dealing with the apostles, scourging then,
to pronounce the baptism of all the re- and casting them into pnson^ only for
formed churches throughout the world to casting a devil out of a possessed servant
be null and void, as some amongst us do. The consciences of the vilest and worst of
men, at one time or other, do make furious
34 And when he had brought reflections upon them for their cruelty and
them into hi. house, j- set meat be- j^J—? SKit^
fore them, and rejoiced, believing mnocent ap0Bt|eB ^^ w ^ ihm ^^
in God, with all his house. destinely released, and privately brought
. . ., , 4 out of prison: they were unjustly laid m
See here a special evidence and sweet • n> ^ wimout my legal trial scourged
fruit of the gaoler's conversion ; he brings and boundf contrmry to the bw and pri-
the apostles, who were the instruments of his ^w^of tne Romans; and therefore the
conversion, into his house ; and having 9L?08i\a in8ijt upon their privilege, and
washed their stripes, refreshes their bowels : would not ^ ^^ witn a sneaking dan-
he set meat before them. The truth of ^^ jamigjion, after such a public igno-
conversion will manifest itself in a thank- mmiom punishment, injuriously inflicted
fulness, and other tokens of respect, towards on tbm l^ thenoB| Tnat it ^ taw.
those whom God has made the instruments ful to 1ead ^ rignt by ^w ^msi
of our conversion. True conversion u • t magistrates ; and thougb we must
changes men's thoughts of God s ministers, not re(urn cvil for evi|f yet re may use all
and causes men to love and honour those ^^^ meant for redressing and removing
whom before they did disdain and scorn, our own grievances. Thus did St Paul
persecute and hate. Observe, 2. How full ^ yet mow for the gospel's sake than
of joy and spiritual rejoicing this new con- hi$ own# ^ tae word of Qod shooVd be
vert was : he rejoiced. O the sweet fruit fam^ with their persons,
of faith in Christ! namely, peace with
rejoicing, spiritual rejoicing, is the portion, words unto the magistrates : and
the proper portion, and the peculiar portion, they feared, when they beard that
of converted persons: as it is sometimes they were Romans. 39 And tbey
their present portion. The gaoler, upon came and besought them, and
his believing in God, instantly rejoiced. brought tkem out, and desired them
36 And when it was day, the \? *P"* "**£*£. «j *"?
A a. Au a — . thev went out of the prison, and en-
^tlTSlJt^A^lll S2d intone kouJof Lydia: a«d
ing, Let those men go. 30 And the , . , *iWk u— >*i.M n
keeper of the prison told this say- *J» *«? h** »een th« *re*!^'
ing to Paul, The magistrates have ^ comforted them, and departed.
sent to let you go : now therefore -. »_
depart, and go in peace. 37 But Observe here, 1. Wbatan awe God has
0J1 -1:^ ..r*A #kJr« Tli-v haV« ov« the consciences of men in general, and
Paul said unto them They have rf ^r** in particular : t&y stoop to
beaten us openly uncondemned, be- lhcir ^^^ artd be^ech them to come
ing Romans, and have cast us into out of prison, and to depart from the city,
prison ; and now do they tlf rust us The same can God do for all his servants
out privily? nay verily; but let who have been disgracefully and despite-
them come themselves, and fetch us folly used. He can make their enemies
onia become their benefactors at his pleasure,
and their very persecutors shall be tbeir
Observe here, 1. The willingness of the deliverers. Observe, 2. That as desirable
magistrates to release those innocent pri- as liberty was, those honest hearts chose
Chap. XVII. THE ACTS. 091
rather to go without K, than to accept it dead ; and that this Jesus, whom I
upon dishonourable terms, either to the preach unto you, is Christ,
blemishing of their lnnocency, or to the
aspersion of the gospel. Had they been Tnis cbapter w^ witn SL p^ft ltwek
privately released, they might have been to Theasaionica, the chief city of Maccdo-
publicly slandered for making their escape nia> whcre this apostie gathered a famous
by compact with the gaoler, whom they church, unto which he wrote two excellent
bad now made their own ; therefore they epistles. Coining to Thessalonica at this
stay in prison, till publicly discharged, and time, he went, (as his manner was,) into the
then they go forth : Ihe magistrate; be- synagogue, not into a private house. "As
sought tk^m^mnd brought them forth, fjnrW fc^ daiiy m the temple, so did his
Observe, 3. The holy use which these good apostles teach in the synagogues : it was the
men made of their restored liberty : they false apostles that crept into houses, and led
visit the brethren and comfort them, and captive silly women, as St. Paul complains,
confirm them and strengthen them in the 2 Tim. iii. 6. Truth seeks no corners, but
feith of Christ. rejoices to be publicly seen; besides, the
Thus this chapter concludes with an ac- gospel was first to be preached to the Jews,
count of what St Paul did and suffered at a^j, upon their rejection, to the Gentiles.
Philippi, where he laid the foundation of that Accordingly the apostle takes the advantage
eminent church, to which he wrote his ofthe synagogue, where all the Jews were
epistle, which bears the title of his Epis- gathered together, and preaches to them
tie to the Philtppians ; wherein he men- je^, and the resurrection- Where observe,
tions many fellow-labourers that he had The first grand point which the apostle in-
there, in the work of the gospel, Phil. iv. 8is,ed upon, was to demonstrate, that this
3. Help those which laboured with me Je8lBf whom be preached, was the long-
tn the gospel, with Clement, and other mv «xpected Memo*. Now to prove this,
fellow-labourers, whou names are in the ^ produces the prophecies of the Old Tes-
book of life. It is a happy encouragement tament, and compares them with what was
to the ministers of Christ, when they are both done and suffered by Christ, making
all found helping, and not hindering one all things as plain and obvious to the eye of
another ; strengthening each other's hands, their understanding, as if they had been seen
and not saddening one another's hearts ; but, wjtn bodily eyes $ satisfactorily demonstrat-
by united endeavours, in public preaching, jng to their judgments, that Jesus b the
and private inspection, promoting the Christ. Observe, lastly, How the gospel b
grand design ofthe gospel, namely, to fear like the sea: what is lost in one place, is
God, honour their superiors, love one ano- gained in another ; St. Paul is sent away
tber. So be it from Philippi, but by that means the gospel
was preached at Thessalonica. God over-
CHAP. XVII. rules the motions of his ministers, and the
madness and malice of their persecutors.
The forespio* chapter acquaint* ut with the travels for the furtherance and spreading of the
of St PaoTto Lystra and Philippi, and ah» with gospel,
the hard usage which he met with at both places; & *^ *
at Lyatra he cured a cripple, and was stoned for
it ; at Philippi he cast out a devil, and was 4 And some of them believed, and
acoonred and imprisoned for it. Thus bonds and . ... x% . m o:i^« „„a
afflict!™ did abide htm wherever he went To consorted with Paul and Silas, and
dofrorfd «nd to suffer evil, is the portion of the 0f tn€ devout Greeks a great multi-
ministers and members or Christ, . • - ■ ■ • *» *
tude, and of the chief women not a
TVOW when* they had pawed few. 5 But the Jews which believed
X through Amphipolis and Apol- not, moved with envy, took unto
Ionia, they came to Thessalonica, them certain lewd fellows of the
where was a synagogue of the Jews : baser sort, and gathered a company,
2 And Paul, as his manner was, and set all the city on an uproar, and
went in unto them, and three sab- assaulted the house of Jason, and
bath-days reasoned with them out sought to bring them out to the peo-
of the scriptures, 3 Opening and pie. 6 And when they found them
alleging, that Christ must needs have not, they drew Jason and certain
suffered, and risen again from the brethren unto the rulers ofthe city,
2 y 2
U02 THE ACTS. Chap. XVI L
crjing, These that have turned the sort, and assaulted, 8rc. Note, a That
world upside down, are come hither the deviPi old method for raising penecu-
also ; 7 Whom Jason hath received ; Von 9RFaZ H" J"0*** 5* m€m,f» °f
and these all do contrarv to the de- fZ^!^^a^ii!^l^
- ~, • . A .« mott grievous crimes falsely to the christian s
crees of Caesar, saying that there ^^ Here the apottlei are charged with
is another king, one Jesos. 8 And innovation and sedition, with turning the
they troubled the people, and the world upside down. That afterwards, in
rulers of the city, when they heard the primitive tiroes, whatever calamities
these things. 0 And when they came upon the state and kingdom, what-
had taken security of Jason, and of •« comnaotions <* tumults did « »
the other, they let them go. ^T^STSl tT"^ "" ?TS'
' J ° and instantly the christians were cast to the
The foregoing verses acquaint us with Moos ; whereas it is not the gospel, but
SL Paul's preaching at Thessalonica in the ^ corruption, which breeds disturb-
Jewish synagogue, as also witb the argument ances : as it is not theses, but the foulness of
he insisted upon ; namely, that the Messiah, the stomach, that makes the man sea- sick,
according to the scriptures, was to die, and Note, 4. How mercifully and marvellously
rise again from the dead ; and that Jesus, the Lord delivered the apostles, Paul and
whom he preached, was that Messiah. Silas, at this time, out of the hands of their
Now these verses before us, acquaint us persecutors: T*ry*wr^/ them in the house
with the different success which this ser. of Jason, but found them not. The devil
mon had upon the hearers ; some believed, now missed of his prev, for the Lord hid
others were blinded ; some were converted, the apostles here, as he did the prophets
others enraged. O the different and con- before, Jeremiah and Baroch, Jer. xxxvi.
trary eflects which the woid has upon 26. having more work and ferther service
its hearers ! opening the eyes of some, for them to do. The wise husbandman
closing the eyes of others ; to some it is a doth not commit all his com to the oven,
savour of life unto life, to others the savour hut reserves some for seed. Note, lastly,
of death unto death. Those to whom the That as the panther, when it cannot come
clearest light is afforded, who sinfully shut »t the person, will fly upon and tear the
their eyes against it, and say they will not picture in pieces ; so these enraged persecu-
see ; how just is it with God to close their tors, finding that the apostles were escaped
eyes judicially, and say they shall not see ! their hands, fall foul upon Jason who had
Observe, 2. How the apostle specifies, and entertained them, and drag him before the
particularly declares, the success which the ***** ft°d magistrates, charging him as an
preaching of the gospel had upon the people abettor of treason; j'et observe, bow God
of Thessalonica, both good and bad. The overruled the hearts of these rulers, that
good success in the fourth verse: some they did offer no violence to Jason, but
(though few) of the Jews were converted ; only took security of him, for his own and
but many proselytes, and not a few of the othefs* appearance before them when called
Gentiles, and a considerable number of the (<*'• Thus the Lord knows how to dclhc
devout women, and honourable matrons of ifte godly out oj tribulation, and to make
the city. The bad event and success is a way fir escape.
recorded, yer. 5. The unbelieving Jews 10 And the brethren immediately
ca led the lewd fellows of the city together gent paul and Silag b oi ht
into a confederacy with them, and raised 4 n ~ u~ -~ • A ^r
a persecution against the apostles. Thence ««to Berea : who coming tft/Aer,
note, 1. That the progress and prosperous wcnt lflto the »yn»S°gue of the Jews.
success of the gospel ever was, is, and will U These were more noble than
be, a grievous eye-sore to the devil and his those in Thessalonica, in that they
instruments. Note, 2. That the worst ene- received the word with all readiness
raies which the gospel ever met witb in the 0f roind, and searched the scriptures
7£ f-f ju% ?r*7*s JeW1, J?^ daily, whether those things were so.
the Jews whtch believed not, engaged the ,0 Ail-—. ju_ «*— ^e *£._ sc-
rabble on their sides, who are thTfitte t 1? Th«refor« *™J of *«■ ***iev-
tools to raise persecution against the m - e" : a'8° °* honourable women
nistert of Christ: The Jews which believed which Were Greeks, and of men,
not, took certain lewd fellows of the baser not a few. 13 But when the Jews
Chap. XVII. THE ACTS. 003.
of Thessalonica had knowledge that from God himself. From the whole note*
the word of God was preached of Tnat » diligent reading of, and daily search-
Paul at Berea, they came thither »■« into, tte holy wiptaiw, is a duty in-
, j *• 'j *u i cumbent upon all those in whose hands the
also, and stirred up the people. msg^mm £ or nmy ^ found Tbfae
Observe here. 1. The pious and pruden-' christians at Berea searching the scriptures,
tial care which the brethren took of the were a noble - pattern for ail succeeding
holy apostles, and the means which they christians to imitate and follow. Observe,
wed for their preservation : They present- !*«">» How the inveterate malice of the
/* sent them away unto Berea. The unbelieving Jews at Thessalonica pursues
devil seeks nothing so industriously as the the apostles as far as Berea. ver. 13. When
lives of the ministers of the gospel ; (they tfte **** at Thessalonica had knowledge
making the greatest opposition to him and ihat th* word o/Qod was preached oj
his kingdom;) but God finds out ways Paul at Berea, they came thither also9and
and means for their preservation, to reserve birred up the people. As Christ sends his
them for farther work and future service : ministers, so the devil sends his messengers
The apostles came by night unto Berea. f">m place to place ; and as the ministers of
Observe, 2. St Paul makes again the Jews' Christ are never weary of his service for the
synagogues his preaching-place here at g°°d of souls, so persecutors are restless,
Berea, as he had done before at Thessalonica, they will compass sea and land to harass
ver. 2. and did afterwards at Athens, and drive the faithful ambassadors of Christ
Ter. 17. O how close did the apostle keep from city to city, and, if it were in their
to bis commission, to preach Jesus Christ power, to banish tnem out of the world,
first to the Jews, and to wait upon them kwd ! help all tby faithful ministers to ex-
with the repeated tender of the gospel, till ***** this piece of holy revenge upon Satan,
they put it tar from them, and judged that we may be even with him for all his
themselves unworthy of eternal life, before m*!"* «>d "P*"* W«* «*• ° let «* en-
he turned to the Gentiles. Observe, a deavour to do all the possible service, and
The honourable character which the Holy the utmost good we can, wherever we come.
2?JSffi^ " And then immediately the bre;
lonica; that is, of a more ingenuous, mild, thren ■"* awa> fau,» .fto &° a* !'
and pliable temper of mind ; they were not were to the *** : but s,Ias and Tl"
so possessed with prejudice and obstinacy motheus abode there still. 15 And
against the gospel ; they did not meet it they that conducted Paul brought
with rage, but thought it worthy their him unto Athens : and receiving a
search and serious enquiry ; for which they commandment unto Silas and Timo-
aie*yledma~»o*/e; Thence learn. That theus, for to come to him with all
to be of a teachable temper, and tractable .' . , . . -,*, xt ui
towards the gospel of Jest. Christ, is the speed, they departed. 16 Now while
best sort of gentility and nobleness. The Paul wa,ted for thcm at Athens, his
Bereans were better bred, and better de- spirit was stirred in him, when he
scended than the Thessalonians, yet not by . saw the city wholly given to idolatry,
civil human dignity, but by spiritual and 17 Therefore disputed he in the
divine dignation ; God gave them this synagogue with the Jews, and with
KPa7^l!tor^an<iS3!dethem the devout persons, and in the
differ from their neighbours: These were „ . * j -i :*u *u™ 4.k„* ™«.
more noble than ttose of Thessalonica. market daily with them that met
Observe, 4. What it is these Bereans are so wlth nlD1- 18 Th^n certain phi-
highly commended for; namely, for losophers of the Epicureans, and of
searching the scriptures. Where note, the Stoics, encountered him. And
1. That the scriptures then were in the gome said, What will .this babbler
Tulgar tongue. 2. That as they were gay > other some, Heseemeth to be a
in their own tongue, so the laity had ^^ forth of gtrange gods: be-
them in their own hands. 3. That the M„M u- ^anLAj „JJ^ *LA« ¥«.„„
common people did read them, and beard cau*he Preach«l unto £™ Jf™*>
them readTIiearcoed. and examined them; *ndLth« 'esurrect.od. 19 And they
and yet were w far from censure and blame, took him, and brought him unto
that they met with commendation for it Areopagus, saying, May we know
694 THE ACTS. Chap. XVf L
what this new doctrine, whereof thou The temper of the men of Athens described
speakest, is P 20 For thou bringest to us: they were great sod greedy news-
certain strange things to our ears : "ongen, they spent then rtmst m teUing
1 1 l. B il r — u * *i™ and hearing news of any sort. AH which
we would know therefore what these ^ the J^ of M &h- ^^^^ a
things mean. 21 For all the Athe- diMMe which bM descended from age lo
nians and strangers which were tge, from place to place, from person to
there, spent their time in nothing eke, person, occasioning a sinful expense of time,
but either to tell or to hear some which can never be recalled; the neglect
new thing. of oar necessary affairs, which can never
*" be redeemed; spreading fans stories of
The prudential care which the believing others, and nrovoking displeasure against
brethren took of the holy apostle, was ob- ourselves. O how wise and happy were
served before, ver. 10. His life being in it, if we enquired after news, not as Alhe-
danger at Thessalonica, they sent him to nians, but as christians; that we might
Berea ; being pursued to Berea, they sent know the better how to manage our pray*
him to Athens, and detain Silas and Time- en and praises for the church and nation,
theus ; not that St Paul was more fearful Observe, 4. How the wickedness and idol-
than the other two ; but more useful, and atry of this place did vehemently affect tan
consequently more hateful to the unbe- great apostle : His spirit was stirred* when
lieving Jews, and his life more sought he saw the city full of idols, and wholly
after. To preserve which, his friends use given to idolatry. Their idolatry put him
an innocent policy : they make as if they into * paroxysm* as the word signifies; bis
sent him away to sea, but really he goes on mind was in a concussion by contrary pas-
mot to Athens : Immediately the brethren lions : he was affected first with sorrow
sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea, and grief, that a city should be so learned.
Hence learn, That human policy and pru- and yet so blind ; next with indignation
dence may lawfully be made use of, in and anger, at the surjerabounding idoJatry
subserviency to divine providence. It was of that knowing people ; and lastly, with
good policy and great providence in the fervent seal, and an ardent desire to undeceive
apostle and his friends to look one way them, and better inform them. In order to
and go another ; to look towards the sea, which, he takes all opportunities, both
and to go to Athens by land. There is a in the city, in the synagogue, and in the
wise and holy subtilty m foreseeing the market-place, to preach to the people, to dis-
evil, and hiding ourselves : a serpent's eye pute with the philosophers, psrtkxdarly the
is a singular ornament in a dove's head. Epicureans, who denied the providence of
Piety without policy, is too simple to be God, and the immortality of the soul ; who
safe ; and policy without piety, is too sub- placed all their happiness in pleasure, and
tic to be good. The sagacity of the ser- held nothing to be desirable but what de-
pent, and the innocency of the dove, both lighted their senses : a doctrine which made
may and ought to go together. Observe, thein rather swine than men. And abo
2. The place which the apostle comes to : with the Stoics, who placed all happiness
Athens, a sovereign city, a famous univer- in want of passion, denied all freedom of
sity ; the eye of Greece, ae Greece was re- will, and ascribed all events to an absolute
puted the eye of the world. Yet, notwith- and irrevocable/a/e. And having disputed
standing all their scholarship, they were ig- with them, he preaches Christ enstmed,
norant of God in Christ ; all their learning risen, and glorified to them : but heseemeth
could not teach them to attain any saving a babbler to them, and a setter forth of
knowledge, but both city and university strange gods. Whence learn, That Christ
are wholly given to idolatry. Learn hence, and his doctrine, the gospel, was the grand
That human learning alone can never teach stumbling-block both to Jew and Gentile,
any place or people the divine truths of learned and unlearned. St. Paul took most
Christ and his gospel. Tis a good hand- pains to convert Athens, yet here his suc-
maid, but a bad mistress; 'tis good in itself, cess was least $ though it was a learned
but when corrupted by a busy devil and a university, where, no doubt, were msay
base heart, it degenerates into the worst men of excellent natural accon^ishnieoa
instrument in the world : for Corrupt to From whence we may infer, that if moisf
fipttmi est pessima ; «• The sweetest wine dispositions and improvement of natunl
makes the sourest vinegar." Observe, 3. abilities had fitted men for grace, we »#■
€hap. XV1L THE ACTS.
. have expected the greatest number of con- THE UNKNOWN GOD." Here observe,
.verts at Athens* where many, were mocking 1. The light of nature discovered : the altar
but very few believing. Surely the apot- is inscribed, TO A GOD. The true God
lie's plantations these were different, not so of the Jews was an unknown and uncertain
much from the nature of the soil, as from God to the wisest of the Gentiles. Learn,
the different influences of the Spirit. Ob- That some discoveries of God may be made
.serve, 5. How wonderfully the overruling even by the light of nature: these heathens
providence of God concerned itself for the who bad nothing but the dim light of na-
apostle's preservation here at Athens : they ture to guide and direct them, do yet own
hauled him away to their high court of judi- a God, and acknowledge a worship due
cature, which sat upon Mars'-hill, (so called unto him, by the erection of an altar. Ob-
because the temple of Mars stood upon it,) serve, 2, The darkness of nature declared :
where the most learned men assembled, and the altar, though erected to a God, yet k
•hear and determine what new god was to is to a God unknown. Thence learn. That
be worshipped, Here note, 1. How the . natural light, jn its most elevated and raised
providence of God brought St Paul to a improvements, can make no full and saving
public place to preach in. Mars' -hill, where discoveries of God. The true God was but
was a confluence of all the people, and a an unknown God, even to the wisest of
congregation of the most learned Gentile the heathens, to the men of Athens, who
-philosophers. This gave the apostle a were the most famous, in their day, for the
•mighty opportunity for the service of severest wisdom and gravity,
preaching. And, 2. note, How tenderly
the apostle was treated in this cruel court ; 24 God that made the world, and
although this court had condemned Dia- a)| things therein, seeiug that he is
tores, ftotogc^and&K^ates himself, for j^j of heaven and earth, tlwelleth
^3& ^tS^^fo8bgnS "«* in temples made with hands,
new deities; yet the apostles lite n not Am «T . . r ,. « .aL *
only spared by these judges, but they speak 25 Neither is worshipped with men s
candidly and kindly to the apostle, and hands, as though he needed any
court him to gratify their curiosity, by thing, seeing he giveth to all, life,
informing them of this novelty, which they and breath, and all things ; 26 And
were so inquisitive after, and desired to hear hath made of one Wood all nations
more of his divine discourse. Thus the of men> for to dwe|| on M the facc
l^^^K^^^Li I^k of the earth; and hath determined
men are in his hand, and that without his . . , 1 . . , . ..
permission all the bitter enemies of his the t,mes before apP0,«ted, and the
ehurch shall not move a tongue, nor lift up bounds of their habitation ; 27
a finger, against any of his ministers and That they should seek the Lord,
members. if haply they might feel after him,
22 Then Paul stood in the midst and find hini, tjioogh he be. not far
of Mars'-hill, and said, Ye men of from every one of us : 28 For in
Athens, I perceive that in all things him wc live, and move, and have
ye are too superstitious. 23 For as our being ; as certain also of your
I passed by, and beheld your devo- own poets have said, For we are also
tioiis, I found an altar with this in. bis offspring,
•cription, TO THE UNKNOWN _ , r
GOD. Whom therefore ve igno- u Here begins St . Paul s lainous sermon ito
-*■.♦!„ «,^~,k;~ u*m a»~u^ i ..„*,* the men of Athens; in which the first thing
rantly worship, him declare I unto that ^„ t0 our observation is, how thl
y011* preacher doth adapt and accommodate his
As if the apostle had said, M Ye men of discourse to the capacity of his hearers, as
Athens have a great number of Rods, whom also to their sentiments and opinions. His
ye ignorantly worship: the God, therefore, auditory consisted of philosophers, particu-
whom ye acknowledge not to know, and larly of Epicureans and Stoics ; the former
yet profess to worship, is he that 1 preach instead of a God and a wise Providence to
unto you ; for as I passed up and down in make and govern the world, brought in
? our city, beholding your altars and images, Fortune or blind Chance, to bear all the
found an aliar with this inscription, TO sway. The latter though they acknpw-
THE ACTS; Chap. XVII.
ledged a God, yet introduced a rigid fatality, the special providence of God, in uphold-
as superior to the Deity, denying to man ing, disposing, and governing the world*
alf freedom and liberty of choice. Accord- doth as much prove the being of a God, as
ingly, St. Paul addresses himself, first to the general creation of it Every boar's
prove a God and a Providence, to the ex- preservation is virtually a new creation, and
elusion both of Fate and Fortune; and both of them sufficient'demonstrations of the
then, secondly, from the very nature and divine being and bounty. Observe, lastly,
notion of God, he infers the folly and ab- The duty which the apostle inkers on man's
surdity of their Pagan superstition. Ob- part, from all this goodness and bounty de-
serve next, The apostle's arguments to prove monstrated on God's part ; That they shall
the being of a God, and a Providence : 1. nek the Lordt*who shall find him, v4o is
From the work of creation : He made the not far from every one of us. It is the
world and ail things therein; he giveth duty of all men to follow after God; that
life, and breath, and all things. The God hath made man, should draw men after
whole universe is his work, apd he planted God ; inasmuch as we an his oflspring,
the earth, and replenished it with inhabitants, (ver. 29.) our hearts should spring and rise
The invisible God is more visible in his up to him in love and thankfulness ; as
creatures, and the being of God demon- the rivers, because they come from the sea,
strated from the formation of a world of go back thither, so we being the offtpring of
creatures. From the formation of man in God, and derived from him, should be al-
particular : In him toe the, and move, ways returning to him. And if it be the
Src Here are three great benefits enjoyed duty of all men to follow after God, be-
by human nature ; life, motion, and being, cause they have natural life, breath, and mo-
all derived from God, and demonstrating the tion from him, how much more should the
being of God. 1. Life: this is valuable new creature, who has a spiritual life
above all blessings, because it renders us breathed into him and bestowed upon him,
capable of enjoying all blessings. 2. Mo- follow hard after God, in the enjoyment of
tion : a great mercy, but little considered, whom his present happiness and fatuce fe-
How uncomfortable would life be without it ! licity doth consist ? To follow God in bis
Were we staked down to the earth as trees, way, and to propose God as oar end, coo>
or did we move by a constant law of na- tains the sum of all duty,
ture, as tlie sun and moon do move, it had
been a favour beyond our desert; but to 2» Forasmuch then as we are the
move as we do at pleasure, with choice and offspring of God, we ought not to
ease, to help ourselves, and to assist others, think that the Godhead is like unto
is at once a demonstration of God's being, gold, or silver, or stone, graven by
and an evidence of his bounty. 3. Being : art an(| man*8 dcvice#
this is essential and necessary to none but
God. ' To us it is an act of divine favour, Observe here, 1. Mow our apostle Quotes
and this being is a mercy ; then being what one of the heathen poets in this his divine
we are, is a double mercy, that we do not discourse. This poet was Aratus; what he
creep and crawl upon the earth, as worms attributes to Jupiter, St. Paul applies to the
and toads, but are built high upon the earth, true God ; We are his offspring. Where
with wonderful wisdom and care ; and that note, For the honour of human learning,
a soul, which is an immortal and an eter- and the lawfulness of making use of it in
nal being, inhabits within us; a being our sermons, the Holy Ghost is pleased
which shall continue when heaven and earth three several times in the New Testament to
shall be consumed. Observe next, The make mention of the heathen poets; of
apostle having proved the being of a God, Aratus here, Acts xvii. 23. of Menaoder,
next demonstrates the certainty of a divine 1 Cor. xv. 33. of Epimeoides, Tit. i. 12.
Providence : He hath determined the times Truth is God's wherever it is found ; as a
that are fore-appointed, and the bounds mine of gold is the king's, in whose ground
of their habitation. That is, God has, as it soever it is discovered. Observe, 2. The
were, chalked out, and drawn a line, where force of the apostle's argument : seeing we
the bounds and habitations, whither the do- are God's offspring : that is, seeing God b
minions or possessions of men should be ex- our Creator, we cannot suppose him to be
tended, and where they shall be confined, the workmanship of our hands, as an image
TheJ*Hn!non WesBin6* °f G(X* are not dis- of gold, silver, or stone is ; and consequently
pensed without a special providence j and how irrational it is for a man to adore an
Chap. XVII. THE ACTS.' «97
image made by his own hands, for aod hi- raising him from the dead. Where note,
stead of God. Learn, That there is a strong L A judgment to come asserted : He (that
propensity and inclination in the heart of is, God) will judge the world ; he that hath
man to the sin of idolatry. 2. That the now an observing eye, will hereafter have
sin of idolatry is not only a very great sin, a rewarding hand. Note, 2. That there
but a very unreasonable and absurd sin ; not only is a judgment to come, but the day
it is not only sacrilegious but silly, for a or time of it is determined and fixed : He
man to worship bis own workmanship, and hath appointed a day. As the precise
to fall down upon his knees to the work of time of Christ's first coming was fixed by
his own hands. an unalterable, though unknown, decree,
30 And the times of this ignorance so is also the time of his second coming;
God winked at, but now command- that not tawing the hour, we may be
«thall men every where to repent. "P°n Tu.^fT ^^^J'
That is, "Though God of his infinite T^MJ^Jf°J \V*f^?*^2&
ptiencehath long*borne with the world ^^^^S6^^^1^
lying in darkness !nd ignorance; yetnow, *** ordained: HcwMju^cthcxoorld
by fusing his gospel to be preached to at 5? that ma" ?h™ h? Aa'i ^'"Sfl
rations, hi callfand invitesmem to repent- llm»™ ^offfi^.t0^U/?avlT',hat
ance, to forsake their idol* and to servVthe be! *"-* *~ *^' °h *£e T
tZZTa^A » ii„.„ ^i„„„ i wk. ™. nature, would, a* the reward of hi* humilk-
tnie uod. Hera observe, 1. The censure ... ;.„,__ ,£,, „^ja ~i.^k w. j:«j .«
of the part time* : they were times of igno- a,l0n' *?*>? ^JTrtS?^ ^ *"? t0
•auce. W God whS* at then, or over- ™*J"± Zt* ***?* "T^ "t
looked tbem; not that God dri allow or that \ Ao"ld tef oor *fti,wbo "±
•nnM«o rvr i\L»* 0,1.^ u.^ am ««» a- uP°n nun our nature, and had so much
approveof ^fjdolatrv, but did not de- , ^ { die fb7 us. Had we leave
atroy and cut them off for the same ; nor *"*V »-»•** «» iw. w. ««• ▼»« j«»w
•Jbrd them such help, and means as'now * cta?,SJ TL ^ wta' cho'«could
he did. having brought his gospel among SZZS&Z!? £&& "?!^tma?
tbem. ObKrVe.2. The djyof the pre! ^m God hath ordained? Observe. 4.
sent time declared . to repent. This is ^'TT'I 7 "* ^ * g'Ve? "k*
• -^-..oj j ,«j £1 .mu™.n. having Christ for our judge} namely, ha
L^XftLt %% aZ,J?^F I ™»in| hta> from the dead? But how'doth
^T^ifJ' m 1 .? mZ""t\f that aureus of Christ being our judge?
Z^Z?%L,JT2L Fr°m thC ^»~^, Our blessed SaviouT, when he was
i^rfEJLJS* ,'^P9fnBmwere in the world, often declared that be was
^ZS&ZSE?'* t S? L" £™M aPP°inted «* G*1 to i^B8 the quick
!E?£^S * t£JVF ^* andthe dead, and appealed to bis resuVrec-
E.E^t^ vLS^i'? ""T; ««> « ,be P«t Pfoof of what he said.
™yJai i^°f«5£r1"fr& .? * TtS* Now when JbrnigntTood <*» accordingly
2?lZ? ^L^V L *" ^ «*« W"> ™ ■«» wonderful manner, (a.
2££2LT5^ iS fST ° ^L *?*? ™ know he did,) what a it las than God's
23^ffl!?!!S?! i "7 T openly proclaiming him to be the judge of
mandeth *U mm every vhere to repent. Xtbe world ? OWe, 5. The mfnner
31 Because he bath appointed a of this judgment, or the measures which
day in the which he will judge the this judge will proceed by, at the great day;
world in righteousness, by that man and 'hat is, according to righteousness .
whom he hath ordained: whereof »' vill judge the xbotU in rifthteotuneu.
he hath given assurance unto all *? » "^!i f- '™*Ay' • "? M the
„ • ,l8, i r .. 1 1_> * advantages that power can give him: nor
men m that he hath raised him from yet arbitrarily and upon prerogative, but
the dead. according to known laws j nor yet partially
These words are an argument or motive with respect of persons ; but every man's
to enforce the foregoing duty of repentance; doom shall depend upon the holiness or
God requires every man, every where, and unholiness of bis heart and life. Farther,
that now immediately, to forsake their idols our Judge will candidly interpret men's ac-
andsinful ways ; because he bath appointed lions, and make the very best of things
a day wherein he will judge the world in that the case will bear; principally looking
righteousness by his Son Christ Jesus, of at the sincerity of men's intentions, and
which he hath already given assurance, by making all favourable allowances for their
096 THE ACTS. Chap, XVllf .
failings and Infirmities that can consist with ver. 19. whose conversion probably might
justice ; and will distribute bis rewards and afterwards bave a great influence upon
happiness and glory to good men in the many others ; and it was no small honour
other world, in proportion to the measure and advantage to the gospel to be owned
of their difficulties and sufferings, which by such an honourable person as this Dio-
they meet with here in this world. Now nvstus was : not many wise, not many no-
having this high and full assurance of a ble, were called. Blessed be God that any
judgment to come, let us seriously believe were, that any are, that any of toe great ones
it, daily expect it, and duly prepare for it ; of the world stoop to the sceptre of Jesus
let neither profit tempt us, nor pleasure Christ, and pay their homage and subjec-
allure us, nor power embolden us, nor pri- tkn to him.
vacy encourage us, to do that thing which Thus ends the apostle's divine sermon at
we cannot answer at the great tribunal the famous university of Athens, which
When St Paul preached of judgment, yielded few, very few converts, to St Paul :
Felix, though a Pagan, trembled at the for we read of no church founded here, aa we
sermon. Lord ! what shall we say to those did before at Philippi, and in the next chapter
worse than Pagan infidels amongst our- at Corinth. What reason can be assigned
selves, who ridicule a judgment to come, but this, That these grave pmloaophers,
and cry before-hand, God judge me ! yea, profound scholars, venerable senators and
God damn me ! Alas, unhappy men, he citizens, who had a name for wisdom
will judge you sure enough ; and damn you throughout the world, were too wise to be
soon enough, if a serious repentance prevent saved by the foolishness of preaching ! As
it not. the wisdom of the world is foolishness with
32 And when they heard of the <** "Jll**001 ^^j" the #"**"
reaurrectionofthedefd ,-me mock- ^f^ttX^
ed : and others said, We will hear j Cor. i. 21. - Vr^en the world bvsrav
thee again of this matter. 33 So dom knew not God, it pleased God, by the
Paul departed from among them, foolishness of preaching, to save them that
34 Howbeit certain men clave unto believe. We preach Christ crucified, to
him, and believed : among the which %* Jews a stumbUng-block, and unto the
was Dionysius the Areopagite, and G^ to^nem, bul "J^ them which
- ,.^m«» «™^ n*™.* mim ZSa J#h~~. are called, both Jews and Greeks, Chnst
a woman named Damans, and others the of Godf ^ lhe wJ£.of ^
with them. because the foolishness of God is wiser
Here we have the success of Paul's ear- than men, and the weakness of God is
moo d* dared ; it was various and different : stronger than men."
some of his hearers derided, others doubted, r(U vt7Trr
and a lew believed. Those that derided CHA^' XVUL
and mocked, it is very probable, were Epi- a pter ^ thin pau! depart.
cureans, who denied that the world was xm. * a^^ A*k-Jr. «-w* «™- #~
either created or governed by God ; as also r . «£ ;rom Athen8' and «*■« to
that there were any rewinds or punisbments Corinth :
for men after death: therefore they ridiculed The foregoing chapter acquainted us
St. Paul's doctrine of the resurrection of the with the small success which St Paul found
dead. The aublimcst doctrines, and most of his ministry at Athens : upon his preach-
comfortable truths of the gospel are matter ing Jesus and the resurrection there, the
of derision and mockery to sensual minds, philosophers and wise men mocked and
Those that doubted, probably were the derided him. If natural dispositions and
Stoics, who did own the resurrection and abilities had fitted men for grace, we might
a state of rewards and punishments in ano> bave expected the greatest number of cen-
tner world ; and therefore for obtaining verts at Athens, where many were mocker*,
better satisfaction to their doubts, desired to but very few believers. Hereupon St. Paul
hear the apostle again discoursing farther leaves Athens, and goes to Corinth, a famous
of that matter. Those that believed are city in Achaia ; where he meets with more
few indeed, if no more than are here men- encouragement and better success ; for here
tioned, which are Dionysius and Damans, he gathers a famous church, unto which he
with some others. Dionysius was a famous wrote two epistles, under the title of the First
person, one of the great council, mentioned and Second Epistle to the Corinthians.
Chap. XVIII. THE ACTS. 0»
2 And found a certain Jew named «on that be sought not tbeu> butthem,
a „:i. .k^m \n P*ntu« Ifttplv come He demands therefore do maintenance, lot
Aquila, born in ™ta»! b™JJ ">.m* jt 8nouW hinder the success of his ministry *
from Italy, with bis wife Pnscilla ; ^ of ^ ^ tode with Aquija
because that Claudius had command- and p^n^ he takes up his lodging with
cd all Jews to depart from Rome ; tDem at Corinth, and works at their trade.
and came unto them. 3 And be- ...
cause he was of the same craft, he 4 And he reasoned in the syna-
abode with them, and wrought : for gogue every sabbath, and persuaded
by their occupation they were tent- the Jews and the Greeks. 6 And
makers when Silas and Timotheus were come
n • u fr°m Macedonia, Paul was pressed
The apostle being now come ilo Corinth, m |he irH and te8tifie(i to the
where he was altog«ber »*»£. ™* Jewg /Afl^jegus was Christ. 6 And
£3L^^ when they opposed themselves, and
of Aquila and Priscilla ; who beiMt of the blasphemed, he shook Am raiment,
same trade with himself, tent-makers, he and said unto them, Your blood be
works with his own hands to maintain upon your own heads : I am clean :
himself, that he might not be burthensorne from henceforth I will go unto the
to others. Here observe, 1. The occasion Q€ntflC9-
of AquuVs and Priscilla's coming to Co-
rinth, with whom St. Paul lodged. The Observe here, How vehemently desirous
Roman emperor Claudius had banished the bojv apogUe was to plant a christian
them from Italy and Rome, ver. 2. Ctau- church at Corinth, and to bring the Jews of
dims commanded all the Jews to depart Corinth to embrace the gospel : He was
from Rome. Thence note, That a w»cked pre nea* In spirit, anti testified, that is, rea-
worid is soon weary of the saints of God, ^^1 wjln them with great vehemency
and longs to worm them out of their cities aD(j earnestness of affection, as well as with
and societies, never considering that their ^^ judgment, concerning the Messias.
own preservation from ruin is for the saints' Observe, 2. That the Jewish synagogue
sake ; as the alleys in a garden are watered at Corinth was the preaching place that St.
for the sake of the flowers, which otherwise p^i ma(je choice of, hoping to gather the
would lie dry. Observe, 2. That the apos- beginnings of his christian church out of
tie had learned a trade, tent-making, before the converted Jews : He reasoned in the
he was called to the ministry, and he synagogue every sabhath-day. Still the
wrought upon it occasionally alter he was apost?e kept to his commission, to preach the
a minister. The most learned among the ^^ fi^ to the Jews, and afterwards,
Jews did always learn some handicraft trade, u^qQ their rejection, to the Gentiles. Ob-
it being a tradition amongst them, " That ^^^ 3. Xhe blasphemous opposition
he that doth not learn his child a trade, wDich the Jews made to the doctrine of
teaches him to be a thief." So that although tne gapel*. They opposed themselves,
their children were designed for students, anj liasphemrd ; that is, they opposed his
yet they did learn some trade. According- doctrine, reviled his person, and biasphem-
ly St. Paul having learned to make tents, ^ Christ, whom that apostle preached,
(much used in those hot countries, by Observe, 4. How the holy apostle clears
soldiers and others, to keep off the violence himself of the blood of those Jews, whom
of the weather,) he works at Corinth, upon ^ y^ now preached the gospel unto : He
his trade for bis own subsistence. Men sa^t Your Stood be upon your own heads ;
separated to the ministry of the gospel, may j am ciean. The faithful ministers of
upon an exigency labour for their living; Christ shall never have the blood of a pe-
not but that the apostle Jnd power and rjshing people laid to their charge ; they
sufficient warrant to challenge maintenance having warned them of their damnable
for his preaching, as he often intimates in g^e, and discovered the way of life and sal-
h» epistles ; but there was not yet any vation to them, deliver their own souls ;
church at Corinth to maintain him* and whilst the people which they preached to,
when there was, they were mostly of the j^ m their sins, and for their sins.
S % SH StSCte2£ 1 And he departed thence and en-
700 THE ACTS. Chap.XVUL:
tered into' a certain' maiCs house; not afraid, for I am with thee, and note
named Justus, one that worshipped **«U *«* ****: V}3*™* 4- * farther
God, whose house joined hard to the encouragement given by God ito thei apoatie,
o a„ a n.:™.. *u- to continue his ministry still at Corinth .
synagogue. 8 And Cnspus, the j haoe much peopU in this city. That is,
chief ruler of the synagogue, be- Here are many souls whom I design enect.
lieved on the Lord, with all his house : ually to call and bring borne by thy minis-
and many of the Corinthians hear- try : accordingly the apostle cautioned bis
ingt believed, and were baptized, ministry among them a year and sue
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in months. Learn hence, That although toe
the night by a vision, Be not afraid, ingratitude and perverscness of a people
but s£ak, and hold I not thv peace : J^*^£^ £}
10 For I am with thee, and no man encourages them to their duty ; that for the
shall set on thee, to hurt thee : for I malice of some, the salvation of others may
have much people in this city. 11 not be neglected. 2. That no opposition
And he continued there a year and must discourage the ministers of God in the
six months, teaching the word of **y of their duty ; Gods servants must
God among them. not iu*r tnemselves to *» outdone by the
* devil's slaves, but bear down all opposition
Observe here, 1. That the opposition made against them, with patience and joy-
which St. Paul met with while he lodged in fulness. And notwithstanding all the
the house of Aquila and Priscilla, moved malicious opposition made by the Jews
him to change his quarters, and betake against the apostle, yet did he continue a
himself to a new lodging : he goes into the year and six months to preach at Corinth,
house of Justus, by birth a Gentile, but a Christ had a great harvest a-ripening in that
Jewish proselyte, whose house joined nigh city, to be reaped by the apostle's ministry ;
to the synagogue where St. Paul's preaching- and being encouraged with the promise of
work lay, to such as would be willing to his protecting presence, he committed him-
hear him. Observe, 2. The good success «elf to the divine care, and the Lord both
which the apostle had in his preaching at preserved and succeeded him.
Corinth s Crispus the chief ruler of the sy- l2 And when Ga|Uo was thc dc_
naecjue, and his household, were brought f A h j h j d .
to believe, and were baptized ; after whose F J v,.*w,*1»» ",c •"■*** •■•««« •»
example, many of the people in Corinth ■uwection with one accord against
believed also. Rulers and great men are paul, and brought him to the judg.
looking-glasses, in the places where they ment-seat, 13 Saying, This fellow
live, by which many dress themselves, persuadeth men " to worship God
Observe, 3. That notwithstanding this good contrary to the law. 14 And when
success which St. Paul had at Corinth, he Paul wag now about to opcn A£s
a:xxrra^ ■«■*. <"■• •« »* tbe ^
sion of danger from the Jews, and accord- If lt werc a matter of wron&» or wlck"
ingly has thoughts of leaving thc city ; *d lewdness, O ye Jews, reason
against which fears God antidotes him with would that I should bear with you.
a gracious promise of his presence with him : 15 But if it be a question of words
Be not afraid, for I am with thee, and and names, and of your law, look
no man shall set on thee to hurt thee. ye to u fori wiU bc no :udge of
Hence learn, 1. That the best and holiest ;„ . ~Mmmm ia k„a iL 3— „A
of God's saints and servante are sometimes f"ch ?""'£ ™ And "e d rave
under sad and slavish fears, and prone to be J™5111 f'on; thc judgment-seat. 1 7
discouraged, when they meet with difficul- T"en »W the Greeks took Sostheoes,
ties in the way of their duty. 2. That the the chief ruler of the synagogue,
promise and assurance of Gods gracious and beat Aim before the judgment-
presence with them, will raise them up 8€at. And Gallio cared for none of
above their fears, and be a sufficient encou- those things
rageraent to them, for their abiding in any *
El2£e\ and amongst any people, let the Observe here, 1. How St. Paul, taking
djmcuny or danger be what it will : Be heart from the foregoing promise made by
.Chap. XVIII. THE ACTS. 701
God onto him, goes on courageously in God performed bis promise to Paul, suf
the work of his ministry at Corinth ; but firing no man to hurt him ; but causing
the unbelieving Jews were so enraged Gallio the governor to defend him, who
against him, that they combined together his enemies were in hopes would have de-
al one man, and with one accord made strayed him. Lord, how happy and wise
insurrection against Paul. Where note, is it for thy servants to commit the care of
What great unity and unanimity there is themselves to thee in veil-doing ! If we,
among wicked men, the devil's friends j he with a purity of intention, concern our-
well knows that his kingdom could not selves for thy glory, thou wilt certainly take
long stand if it were divided. The unity care of our safety ; or if any danger
of all society is their strength. Observe, should come, danger itself shall do us np
2. They accuse the apostle before Gallio harm.
the deputy, for persuading men to worship
God contrary to the law of Moses. Who 18 And Paul after this tarried
would not think but these men were truly there yet a good while, and then
pious, virtuous, and good, who were so took his leave of the brethren, and
zealous for the worship of God according sailed thence into Syria : and with
to the law ? and yet were they wicked him PrjscjHa and Aqujla . having
men, and fiery persecutors. There is a 8n h{ h d . CenMchrea . for h%
notsy religion in the world : some men r . " . ". ' '
think, by crying the Church /the Church! °a<J a vow- , \9, And he came to
and by pleading loud for the worship of Epbesus, and left them there ; but
God, as established by law, to atone for all he himself entered into the syna-
their immoralities. Praying is good, hear- gogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
rag aid receiving the sacrament are good, 20 When they desired him to tarry
iftheybejoined with holy walking j but longer timc with them he consent-
if otherwise, the howling of wolves is as ^ j ° * A« o * i j 4l _ r
acceptable* Almighty God, as the prayers cd11not: 21 ,But ***£ ""J1 hxt'
of those men who call Christ Master, and *el1' sa>in^ l Inust by a11 mean»
the church mother, but do not the things ke*p this feast that cometh in Jeru-
whicb they have commanded ; yea, the salem : but I will return again unto
very dogs which follow them to the public you, if God will. And he sailed
assemblies, shall as soon find acceptance as from Ephesus. 22 And when he
themselves, if they do not obey him whom had ,allded at Cesarea, and gone up
they ^ pretend to adore. It is no matter and sa,uted the h h £ 't
what church a wicked man b of, for it is , . . A. , «• * j a i_
certain he can be saved in none. Observe, down to Antioch. 23 And after he
3. What low and mean thoughts Gallio "«<* »P«n* »°me t,n|c ™*r«. he ««-
bad, and all persons prejudiced against parted, and went over all the coun-
rcligion and the power of godliness have, try of Galatia and Phrygfa in order,
of sincere Christianity: If it be a question strengthening all his disciples.
of words and names, says Gallio. As if
he had said, " Do not trouble me about A farther account is here given of the la-
the niceties of your religion, decide such borious travels of the great apostle St. Paul ;
questions among yourselves j for I will be namely, from Corinth to Ephesus, from
no judge in such matters.'* The great men Epbesus to Cesarea, from Cesarea to An-
of the world little care to trouble their heads tioch, &c. Where observe, J. That St.
about the matters of religion ; they look Paul having continued a year and a half at
upon it only as a matter of notion and Corinth, and planted a church there, which
speculation ; whereas it is not a specula- yet soon after sadly degenerated ; he deter-
the science, but a practical art of holy mines now to sail to Ephesus ; and accord*
living : and accordingly, like Gallio, they ingly at Cenchrea, a haven near to that
care for none of these things. Observe, city, he shaved his head, for he had a vow;
lastly. That although this Gallio had no that is, the vow of a Nazarite, which he
kindness for Christianity, yet God made use (that is, Aquila, say some j St. Paul, say
of him as an instrument, at this time, to others) had before taken upon him for a
preserve and screen St. Paul from the rage time, whereby he was obliged to abstain
of his enemies, insomuch, that he drove his from wine, and shaving his head, and
accusers from the judgment-scat* -Thus touching of the dead. But having now oc-
702 THE ACTS. Chap. XVHL
complishedhbvow, be shore his bead, and of this gnat apostle, in travelling" from
returned to the common way of living ; place to place, and at auch great distances,
where the wisdom and moderation of this to preach the everlasting gospel to lost
great apostle, in complying in indifferent sinners. From Ephesus he sails toCesarea,
things, is to be noted and imitated : To the from Cesarea to Jerusalem, from Jerusalem
Jews he became a Jew9 that he might to Antioch, from Antiocb to Galatia and
gain the Jews, He willingly complied Pbrygia. See how the cane of ait the
with their weakness, to show that he was no churches was upon himt and ham Ac la-
contemner of their law ; for which reason boured more abundantly than they ait,
he caused Timothy to be circumcised, and Lord, what a pattern is here of ministerial
purified himself in the temple at Jerusalem : diligence and faithfulness ! What pains
and behold the success of this his com- did St. Paul take ! What haxards did he
pliance ; for, by gratifying the Jews in this run, in planting and propagating the gospel
condescension to the prescription of the law, of Christ! In labours more abundant, in
he brought over very many of them to the sufferings above measure ! Well might be
faith of Christ. Let not any suspect this say, I am able to do alt things through
for a sinful compliance with the Jews, in Christ that strengthens me. And blessed
observing a ceremony which the gospel bad be God, the same power that assisted trim,
abolished, nor censure it for a low and stands ready to succour us ; and if ever he
mean stoop in so great a man to the humour calls us to extraordinary service, he will
of the people ; for though the ceremonial come in with more than ordinary strength.
rites died with Christ, yet they were a long
time in burying, and the Jews were indulged 24 And a certain Jew named
in the observation of them till they came to A polios, born at Alexandria, an clo-
a clearer sight of their christian liberty; ac- quent man, and mighty in the scrip-
cordmgly the *r"^>*U«> them for tf came to E*hcsus. ^ jfc
the present in indifferent things, without „_ . A A K . 4. ^
dissimulation or blame. Observe, 2. The "?an¥w*5 »*™-tod » the "aJ* of
apostle being now come to Ephesus, he the f-0"* 5 and being fervent in the
taught in the synagogue of the Jews, and spirit, he spake and taught dili- .
reasoned with them. Where we may note, gently the things of the Lord,
both how close the apostle kept to his com- knowing only the baptism of John.
mission, in first preaching the word of life 26 And he began to speak boldly
li1^ ^v atothefen[entl0VeW^ch in the synagogue. Whom when
he bare to his own countrymen, whom A«..;u ««ii d.:.~:ii. u~a u i *u
though he had suffered all manner of in- 4A<*"l,a. and P/lsc»,la hadheard, they
dignities from, yet doth he give them pre- took n!m unto ****> and expounded
cept upon precept, line upon line; and, u»to n»™ the way of God more per-
with an unwearied diligence, dispenses the fectly. 27 And when he was dis-
word of life and salvation to them. Ob- posed to pass into Achaia, the bre-
5TL3" u0uru ap0*le I**1 ,DOt ,0DP at thrcn wrot«. exhorting the disciples
K£ ^^2l£j^^J?& t0 w*i™ him • "h°, **« ^ was
toe feast there, namely, the feast of the _ i i j *• • • . • . ,
passover; not that he look himself obliged fome» Tf*d th1era much whlch had
to observe the feasts, or any of the anti. believed through grace : 28 For be
quated ceremonies : but because of the vast mightily convinced the Jews, amd
concourse which he knew would be at Jeru- that publicly, shewing by the scrip-
salem' at the time of the feast from all quar- tures that Jesus was Christ,
ten, and which would give him an oppor-
tunity to make Christ known to a great The first thine here observable, h. How
multitude. The ministers of the gospel, the wisdom of God provided for the several
without the imputation of vain-glory, or churches, that in the absence of one power-
seeking popular applause, may warrantably ful preacher tney were supplied with aao-
desire, and occasionally lay hold upon, an tber ; when the providence of God called
opportunity of dispensing the word to a St Paul from Ephesus and Corinth, it
numerous auditory, in hope that casting the brought Apollos thither : so that what Piul
netamong many, they may inclose some, planted, Apollos watered. The judkioui
fiSSE r?1* The iooe«int <**> inde- Calvin, upon the place, piously admires the
iwigable diligence, and unwearied pains, providence of Godover Ws church, m not
Chap. XVI It. THE ACTS. 709
•ufleriog it to be without a settled minister j Dent, that he proved the head Of a sect and
but upon the removal of one, to raise up faction : One saith9 J am of Paul, and
another. Observe, 2.. How admirably I of Apollos. And here at Ephesus he
qualified Apotlos was for the work of the mightily convinced the Jews, showing by
gospel, and excellently fitted and furnished the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
for the places he was called to, Ephe-
sut and Corinth, famous for philosophers CHAP. XIX.
and orators ; accordingly he is a man of .
ravishing eloquence, who, by his profound A lt came to P**8* 'hat while
knowledge in the sacred scriptures, was A polios was at Corinth, Paul
both apt to teach the truth, and able to having passed through the upper
maintain it. Hence learn, That scripture coasts, came to Ephesus ; and find-
knowledge «fjhe choicest qualification and in certaio dj8CjpiCi 2 He Baid
bsgnest commendation of a gospel minister. „,?.«..., xi .* ^~JL: -i*u u i
Jjvtlos, an eloquent man\Tnd mighty «»to them, Have >e received the Holy
in the scriptures: without this, he can Ghost since ye believed? And they
never truly and savingly make known and 8a*d unto him, We have not so much
discover Jesus Christ : without this, he can as heard whether there be any Holy
never rightly divide the word of truth; Ghost. 3 And he said unto them,
without this, he can never convince gain- Unto what then were ye baptized *
savers, eit***- — «— — — J~ ~~;-:~- . . .... -.*_.■.
gainsayers
never
nor dt ..._ _.
God. Observe, a The great humility of ance, saying unto the people, Tha.fc
Apollos: although be was an eloquent man, they should believe on him which
and mighty in the scriptures, yet he did should come after him, that is, on
not disdain farther instruction. Those that Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard
are most knowing, if humble, are most sen- ikis th were baptjzcd m the name
ff£^^ %< ft J"-'-* • ^ wtai
is capable of improvements. Apollos knew Paul had laid Am hands upon them,
much, yet Aquila and Priscilla farther en- thc Holy Ghost came on them ; and
lightened him, so that he knew more. An they spake with tongues, and pro-
humble man will be content to learn of the phesied. 7 And all the men were
meanest woman. These poor tent-makers, about twelve.
Aquila and his wife Priscilla, catechize the
great Apollos, and add something to the The latter end of the foregoing chapter
treasure of bis knowledge. Observe, 4. The informed us how Apollos was employed at
place where Apollos preached : in the Jew- Corinth : the beginning of this acquaints us
ish synagogue, ver. 26. He began to speak How St. Paul spent his time at Ephesus. He
boldly in the synagogue. It was a custom finds there twelve disciples, be catechises
among the Jews to allow a liberty for them, lays his hand upon them, and God
learned men, though no priests, to teach in confers the gift of the Holy Ghost Here
the synagogues. Thus Paul, though of the observe, 1. The question put by St Paul
tribe of Benjamin, and not of the tribe of to the twelve disciples : Have ye received
Levi, was permitted to preach in their sy- the Holy Qhost since ye believed 9 He
nagogues, as we read throughout this book doth not mean in its sanctifying operations,
rftbeAcis. In like manner we find Apol- but in its miraculous gifts; as speaking
los here preaching in the synagogue : Non with tongues, the gift of prophecy, and the
ut habens aucloritatem sea scientiam, gift of healing. Observe, 2. The disciples*
says Estius ; taking the advantage of that answer, We have not so much as heard
indulgence which the Jews gave him in their whether there be any Holy Qhost ; not
synagogues, to preach and spread the doc- that they were ignorant of the essence or
trine of Christ. Observe, lastly, That this person of the Holy Ghost ; but had not
Apollos afterwards became an eminent aii- heard of the effusion of the extraordinary
thorired preacher in the church of Corinth, and miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost ;
and b called St. Paul's helper and brother j for it was a received opinion among the
and when he came to Corinth, was so emi- Jews, that after the death of Haggai, Zecha-
«704 THE ACTS. Chap. XIX.
riah, and Malachi, the Holy Ghost, or the ed from them, and separated the
spirit of prophecy, departed from Israel, disciples, disputing daily in the
And they never heard that be was returned, school of one Tyrannus. 10 And
or of his being given anew with hismiracu- thig contjnuc<l by the space of two
lous gifts. Observe, 3. How the apostle h ^ th £j£h d j
sets them right j they tell him they were 7 ' . , ... i , 4. T ,
baptized into John's bapfe"- The apostle m Asia heanl the word of the Lord
tells them, that John's baptism and Christ's Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 1 1
were the same for substance, and had both And God wrought special miracles
the same end, though they differed in some by the hands of Paul ; 12 So that
circumstances. The disciples of John be- from bis body were brought unto
lieved in Christ to come, the disciples of the 8ick handkerchiefs and aprons,
Jesus believed ia Christ as a ready come, d h diaeaaei departed from
and were baptized in that faith ; and the ™ "' * ., ., m .5? „.A . ,.
ordinance sealed unto both the remission of *\™> and thc cvd 8Pinte weBt out
sins. Yet it being essential to christian of them,
baptism, to baptize in the name of the Fa-
ther, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, (thereby st Paul being now come to Epbesua
professing ourselves to be buried and risen with a design to stay there for some coa-
witb Christ,) and John's baptism having siderable time ; as the manner was, be
not this ; when the disciples heard that, enters into the synagogue, and preaches the
they were baptized in the name of the Lord gospel first to the Jews, and this for the
Jesus, that is, in the name of the Father, space of three months ; but when, instead
Son, and Holy Ghost, which is the essence of embracing of the gospel, they opposed
of christian baptism. Observe, 4. How it, blaspheming Christ the author, and the
the apostle lavs his hands upon these dis- apostle the dispenser of it, and vehemently
ciptes, to confirm them in the faith they contending with him for preaching the
were baptized into ; whereupon the mira- gospel, (which some conceive he calls his
culous gifts of the Holy Ghost were irorae- fighting with beasts at Ephesus, 1 Cor.
diately conferred on them, and they spake Xv. 32.) he left the Jews and their syna-
divers tongues, which before they under- gogue, separating the christians that were
stood not, and were endued with the gift of jn Ephesus from them, whom he daily in*
prophesying ; that is, of declaring things to strucled in a certain place, called the school
come, and interpreting the writings of the <f Tyrannus. Here note, 1. The vene-
prophets, that they may be fit to teach and mency of St Paul's affection to his own
instruct others. Hence learn, That at the countrymen the people of the Jews, not-
first planting and propagating of the gospel, withstanding all the opposition they made
the wisdom of God thought fit to furnish against his doctrine, and the virulent re*
the preachers and dispensers of it with ex- preaches which they cast upon his person :
traordinary gifts and miraculous powers, he continues to preach in their synagogue
to qualify them for, and to give them at Ephesus for three months without ceas-
assurance of, the success of their ministry ; jDg ; thereby keeping dose to bis comrats-
andalso to assure those whom they preached 8ion, which was to preach the gospel first
unto, that their doctrine was from heaven, to the Jews, and, upon their rejection of it.
Almighty God never setting the seal of his to tender the word of life unto the Ge*-
omnipotence to a lie. Such miraculous tiks. Note, 2. As great an apostle and as
gifts are lone since ceased in the church, faithful a minister as St Paul was, yet he
the cause of them, and the occasion for tbetn, wanted to see the success of bis labours*
being long since ceased. Many of his hearers at Ephesus believed not
his word, but were hardened under it The
8 And he went into the syna- same sun that softens the wax, hardens the
gogue, and spake boldly for the clay : the same doctrine of the gospel be-
space of three months, disputing comes the savour of death unto some, which
and persuading the things concern- * the »vour of Jtfe unt0 ***»*. ^oe be
ing thc kingdom of God. 9 But "Jj ^at people, who by ^J^tual
when divers were hardened, and be- ^^n!h07cfSw^ T^n^Sbf t£
i:~...~.i * i_ a. 1 -i a- Ai_ impressions ot Uoa s word, ao provoke cue
Itemed not, but .pake evil ot that Almighty to superadd judicial hatdn« of
way before the multitude, he depart- heart unto them, making their sin to be.
Chap. XIX- THE ACTS. 70S
come tbeir punishment Note, 3, How handkerchiefs, but God by his hand. • 1 he
upon this opposition, which Si. Paul met miracles in the church of Rome, pretended
with in the Jewish synagogue, he leaves it, to be wrought by the relics of saints and
and retires to a more private place* the martyrs, are no better than lying wonders,
school of TymODus, where be bad more
freedom, and less opposition. Learn hence, 13 Then certain of the vagabond
That such places of public worship, where Jews, exorcists, took upon them to
nothing but contradiction to the pure call over them which had evil spirits,
chrtttan doctrine can be met with, may the namc of the r^^ Jes sayimr.
a^aftt^^ W* t ™ ^U b J Ho./p^,
Jews' synagogue, where he bad preached P^cheth. 14 And there were
three months, meeting only with contra- s*™11 sons of ™* Sceva, a Jew, and
diction to bis doctrine, and blasphemy chief of the priests, which did so.
against his dear Redeemer. Note, 4. How 15 And the evil spirit answered and
it pleased God to confirm St Paul's minis- said, Jesus I know, and Paul I
try at Ephesus by his working miracles : know . but wno are ye ? 16 And
and the miracles be wrought were special. |he man ■ whom the evU irU
that b, very extraordinary, insomuch that , , .. , *•
even handkerchief, or aprons having but ^P"1 on them, and overcame them,
touched St. Paurs body, and being brought and prevailed against them, so that
unto the diseased, became a miraculous they fled out of that house naked and
means both to cure diseases and to cast out wounded. 17 And this was known
devils. Thus, according to our Saviour's to all the Jews and Greeks also
promise, h» apostles did greater miracles dwelling at Ephesus ; and fear fell
thanJ? W *** Xl k ?= n0t ^T"?*,"1 °n them all, and the name of the
regard of the manner, but in regard of the T « . .£ , , „
mauer of them : Christ wrought his mira- *fr* Jesus was magnified. 18
cles in his own name, and by his own pow- Aml manv that believed came, and
er; but the apostles wrought theirs in the confessed, and shewed their deeds.
name and by the power of Christ ; yet it 19 Many of them also which used
ought to be observed and considered," that curious arts, brought their books
although it pleased God, at the first plan- together, and burned them before
tatkm of the gospel by the apostles, to con- a„ mm . and they C0llnted the
they have taken fast rooting,) yet that thousand pieces of silver. 20 So
church which wants miracles may be a true mightily grew the word of God, and
church : because, 1. There is no promise prevailed,
made in the scriptures to the church for her
perpetual enjoying the gift or miracles. Here observe, 1. That we read not of
That promise, Mark xvi. 17, These signs any in the Old Testament that were bodily
•hail follow them that believe. $c was possessed with devils and evil spirits : but,
only a temporary promise. 2. We are in the New Testament, we meet with man v
forbidden to expect miracles, John iv. 48. both in our Saviour's time and also in the
and forbidden to trust to miracles without apostles*, to the intent that the power of
scripture, or to regard such miracles as are Christ might more signally appear in their
wrought to confirm any doctrine that is ejection' and casting out Observe, 2.
contrary to scripture, Deut. xiii. 3. because How some of the Jewish exorcists, like our
the miracles of the last times are declared to jugglers, who make it their trade to wander
lie the signs of Antichrist, 2 Thcss. ii. 9, up and down, to get a livelihood by pre-
10. From all which it follows, that miracles tending to cure diseases, and oast out de-
are no infallible note of the true church, vib, seeing what great miracles Paul had
as the Papists would make it ; who also wrought in the name of Jesus, attempted to
produce St. Paul's handkerchiefs here, and cast a devil out of a possessed man, by using
Si. Peter's shadow, Acts v. 15. as a warrant the same name, though in Jesus they be-
for their superstitious relics; but the text, lieved not. But Satan was so far from
assures us, it was God that wrought the obeying them, that he made the possessed
special miracles, not St. Paul, nor his man fall violently upon them and wound
2 z
7oa THE ACTS. Chap. XIX.
than. Thence learn, 1. That Satan scorn, named Demetrius, a silversmith,
all human attempts, at weak and impo- which made silver shrines tor Uiana,
tent, and is conquered only bv a divine brought no small gain unto the
power ; Jesus I know ; but vho «"* J** * craftsmen ; 25 Whom he called
Learn, 2. That the devil would gladly be t ther wjth the workmen of like
God's ape. The Jewish jugglers would * Uon and ^ Sire, ye know
by all means imitate the apostles in casting ™"pa"u- * «ft «,- h*** ™r wealth •
oit devils : accordingly they** the name that by this craft wehave our wealth .
of Jetus as a charmVbut laying the same 26 Moreover, ye see and hear that
word with the apostles signified nothing, not alone at Ephesus, but almost
without exercising the same faith and throughout all Asia, this Paul hath
grace. These exorcists soon found that persua(Jc(i and turned away much
words without faith would not work to . - th t ^cy be no gods,
cast out devil* and that Christ would not f^^J m\de with hands 7 27
give power to his name when used as a ^nic" are ™ "Jr #.. nii_ orftft u in
SharT Learn, 3. That the devil by f^^^^^^S^^^
God's permission, has power over those danger to he set at nought; but also
who profane the name of Christ. Satan that the temple of the great goddess
here was too hard for these conjurers j Diana should be despised, and her
he rushes upon them, and masters them, magnificence should be destroyed,
tears their clothes, wounds their bodies, and, wnom al| Asia and the world wor-
had not God restrained him, had unayoida, fa. fc 28 A d fc ^ heard
Wy destroyed them. Satan's malice is infi- ^"PP*"1; f\/\^mwmfLMnfmwmaM
nil* but his power is limited and bounded. <^W *taj ^^£^Z
Lord! abate his power, since his malice can- and cried out, saying, w»* •?
not be abated. Observe, lastly, How this Diana of the Ephesians ! 29 And
execution of divine vengeance wrought the whole city was filled with £on-
wonderfully for the conviction and conver- fU8i0D . and having caught Gaius
sion both of Jews and Greeks, ver. 18. and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia,
*&h*&/*™^™£& Paul's companions in travel, they
their sinful deeds. And as an evidence mr --MMM-i :n*^ *h»
of their detestation of their former faults and rushed with one accord into the
follies, they make a bonfire of all their ma- theatre.
gical books: burning so many of them, as
jhe learned say, the price amounted to eight Observe here, 1- How angry the dewl
hundred pounds. Thus these conjurers grows at the success of the gotpeVmen-
evidenced themselves to be real converts, by tioned in the foregoing verses ; taw
plucking out their righteye, and cutting off read how the whole college of diabolical
their right hand ; that is, sacri6cing their conjurers were brought over, by the apos-
bosomand best beloved lust and corruption, ties' preaching at Epncsus,to bum the*
Thence learn, That there is no better evi- books, and leave their wicked course ©flife.
dence of the truth of a person's conversion, Hereupon the devil bestirs him, and raws
than cheerfully to part with a very profitable a persecution against the apostle. Those
* and pleasing lust. tbat "ffl disturb Satan in the qwet and
peaceable possession of his kingdom, snail
21 After these things were ended, * sure to meet with ' ^e and dUsquiet
n i j • xL • «a. u from him. Let not any of the saints of
Paul purposed in the spirit, when «J — ^ ^ * rf ^ Mbwl ^
he had passed through Macedonia ^^ ^tom of Christ in particular,
and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, say- expect any long continuance of their out-
ing, After I have been there, I must ward tranquillity and peace in this world,
also see Rome. 22 So he sent into where they are every day up in arms against
Macedonia two of them that minis- Satan, and meditating the ruin of him and
tered unto him, Timotheus and Eras- his kingdom; ^^l**«J**£
tus ; but he himself staved 1 in Asia ^t^
for a season. 23 And the same of persecution against the apostle, namely,
time there arose no small stir about Demetrius the silversmith, and his crafts-
that way. 24 For a certain man men ; they looking upon St. Paul as one
Chap. XIX. THE ACTS. 707
that impaired their profit, and spoiled theft honoured by the oblations of the Asiatic
trade of making silver shrines for Diana's potentates, and crowded with the devotions
terople9 by his crying down the worship of the Ephesians, and admired throughout
of idols. " But what were their silver the whole world?" Lord! what danger
shrines, made for Diana's temple ?" An- was the life of the great apostle now in (
sver, The temple of Diana was at that time how did this popular tumult threaten the
one of the seven famous structures of the present destruction of him and his compan-
workl ; and the silver shrines made by these ions, Gaius and Aristarchus ? Now is sup-
silversmiths, were certain models or images Ppsed to be the time when the apostle says,
of this temple, wherein their idol goddess That after the manner of men he had
Diana was set forth ; which shrines, or por- fought with beasts at Ephesus : and this
table temples, all the people of Asia carried is probably the deliverance which he gnte-
about with them, to stir up the more their fully commemorates in 2 Cor. i. 10. Who
own devotions towards this idol. So that hath delivered us from so great a death*
this shrine-making must needs be a very and doth deliver ; in whom we trust that
gainful trade, when all Asia was addicted he will yet deliver us,
to this superstition. No wonder then that
Demetrius, upon the sight of the loss of his 30 And when Paul would have
gain, made an horrible outcry, and set the entered in unto the people, the d;*-
city in an uproar: for carnal ^men, whose ci ,es 8uffered him not. 31 And
gam is their god and their godliness, account *\ • ^r .* »• r r a • u- u
themselves Jbdone when their ^od Mam- certain of the chief of Asia, which
mon is in danger. If you take away their ™ere h,s friends, sent unto him, de-
gods, wbat have they more ? Learn hence, wring him that he would not ad-
That gain-getting, and maintaining of men's venture himself into the theatre,
livelihood, are mighty temptations to carnal 32 Some therefore cried one thing,
men, to use impioua i means for supporting and some another: for the assem-
superttiuon and idolatry. Observe, 3. The b, was C0I1fU8ed> ami themore part
arguments which Deraetnus used to stir up i.jl , * u r *k
thl people against the apostle; and they knewnc^ wherefore they were come
are thre£ l?The plea orprofit, By this together. 33 Bat they drew Alex*
craft we get our gain : Jf this man's doc- ander out of the multitude, the Jews
trine obtain, our trade will quickly fall un- putting him forward. And Alexan-
der disgrace, and die. This was the most der beckoned with the hand, and
cogent, the most pungent argument, that would have made his defence unto
could be used ; for, though an argument the people. 34 But when they
drawn from our own interest is not the - r t,T , h j ,. J
most weighty, yet usually it is the most Knew *"" *e wa* a Jew' *" *,Ul
persuasive 2. The pretence of piety : not °ne v0,ce> about *n€ spaceof two
only are we like to lose our livelihood, n°ursf cned out, Great u Diana of
but our religion too ; Our goddess Diana the Ephesians.
will be despised, ber temple profaned, and
her worshippers scorned. This easily Observe here, 1. The undaunted courage
heated the rabble's blood, put the multitude of St. Paul in the cause of Christ : he re-
info a ferment, and caused an hideous solves to adventure bis life, by going into
outcry for two hours together, Great the theatre, there to make an apology for
is Diana of the Ephesians. 3. The plea himself and his companions, and in defence
of the antiquity and universality, and of the christian religion. He did not ao-
tbe common consent of all worshippers : count his life dear unto him, but was wil-
Diana, whom all Asia, and the world ling not only to be bound, but to die for
worshipped As if Demetrius had said, the name of Jesus. Observe, 2. How the
"What! shall we suffer the temple of divine Providence is to be admired, and
Diana to be set at nought by the preach- awfully adored, in directing to ways and
menu of this babbler Paul ; a place so means for the apostle's preservation in this
magnificent for structure, being some say time of imminent danger. God now made
one hundred, others two hundred and use of the advice, not only of the apostle's
twenty years, a building j so renowned for fast friends, the disciples, but of his foes,
the oracles of the gods, so magnified for that is, certain of the people at Asia, who
the image that fell down from Jupiter, so were now become his friends, to dissuade
2 z 2
70a THE ACTS. Chap, XIXr
him from going into the theatre, lest he men of Ephesus, what man is there
should have been torn in pieces by an out- that knoweth not how that the city
rageous rabble of insolent idolaters in this 0f the Ephesians is a worshipper of
unaccountable uproar. • It is all one with ^ great goddess Diana, and of
God to save by many or by few, by friends fc 9 which fcU down from
or by foes: for he can ^enemies 9 g . , ^
become benefactors at his pleasure, and '«p"c« * . J ■ _ ,
c^mand deliverance for his people, some- these things cannot be spoken
times without means, sometimes by weak against, ye ought to he quiet, and
and contemptible means, sometimes by to do nothing rashly. 37 For ye
improbable and unlikely means, some- have brought hither these men,
times by opposite and contrary means. wnic|, are neither robbers of church-
Lord ! who would not trust thee in a time nor % bia8phemers of your
of imminent or N^"gJ^> J™ goddess. 38 Wherefore if Detoe-
hast all created nature at thy beck, the beans b^*"*-^-
o^llin% hands, the tongues and band, trio., and the craftsmen which are
of the most unruly and outrageous in thy with him, have a matter against
power ; and wilt deliver thine in six trou- any man, the law is open, and there
bles, and in seven, and there shall no evil are deputies : let them implead one
touch them! Thou canst and wilt deliver another. 39 But if ye inquire any
as often as thy children need deliverance, thj conc€rni„K other matters, it
£r«?^ 8ha£bc ^termined inalawfulas-
T How the rabble at Ephesus treated sembly. 40 For we are m danger
Alexander being in the theatre, (the place to be called in question for tnia
where they judged offenders, and cast them day's uproar, there being no cause
to the wild beasts :) they would not suffer thereby we may give an account
him to make any defence for himself, or Qf tnjs concourse. 41 And when
the people of the Jews. This Alexander is he ha(J thu8 gpofc€ll he dismissed
supposed by many to be that Alexander, , ..„„„,«„
whoSL Paul afterwards told Timothy did the assembly.
him much evil : if so, we find here he was Observe here, 1. The instrument which
first a proselyte, then a professor, next aeon- God stirs up to stem the tide, and to stop
feasor, almost a martyr ; yet, after all, an the stream, of this hair-brained assembly ;
apostate ; making shipwreck of the faith, and that is, the town-clerk, who was al-
for which he was excommunicated by the ways present at their public meetings, and
apostle, 1 Tim. i. 19, 20. Of whom » registered all their city acts. His presence
Hymenaus and Alexander, whom I have and eloquence God made use of, to appease
delivered unto Satan. This exeommuni- this tumult, to preserve the apostle, and to
cation of the apostle probably was the pro- dismiss the assembly. Observe, 2. The
vocation that occasioned him to do so much town-clerk's oration was full of craft and
mischief to the apostle, of which he com- policy, of fraud and fallacy ; for be tells the
plains, 2 Tim. 14. Alexander the cop- multitude, that St. Paul and his friends are
pertmith did me much evil; of whom be against images only that are made with
thou ware alto. Learn thence, 1. That it hands; whereas theirs was not such, but
was possible for a glorious professor to turn one that fell down from Jupiter. It was
a furious persecutor. This Alexander did his duty, by office, to appease the rabble's
not only withstand the apostle's person, but rage, with reason and authority ; he ought
hia doctrine also ; for which being excom- not to have done it fallaciously. But we
muRicated, he sought revenge. Learn, 2. must consider he was a Pagan, and his
That excommunication not only angers, design was only to still the people ; ac-
but enrages wicked aud impenitent men *, cordingly, be encourages the credulous
so that, instead of being reformed, they seek multitude to believe what the crafty priests
revenge : yet must the censures of the had insinuated into them, that the image
church be executed and inflicted, without which they worshipped was not made with
either fear or favour. hands; but fell immediately down from
• - . . , • heaven ; hoping thereby to gain more ve-
35 And when the town-clerk had neration to their idols, and get more pounds
appeased the people, he said, Ye frio their own purses. Tim God made
Chap. XX. THE ACTS. 700
ofthe worldly and (somewhat) wicked donia. 4 And there accompanied
eloquence of this heathen to preserve St. him into Asia, Sopater of Berea ;
Pad. Observe, 3. How God opens the and of the Thessalonians, Aristar-
moolhoftb.inantovindicatethcapostles fc d Secund and Gains of
mnocency and his companions' also ; These ~ , ,^T. " ' " j * * •
men, saith he, are wither robbers of Derbe, and Timotheus ; and of Asia,
churches, nor yet blasphemers of your Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These
goddess. It is very likely, that the apostle going before, tarried for us at Troas.
and the christians in Epbesus bad in wis- The foregoing chapter acquaints us with
doro asserted Christianity, without saying a very great and imminent danger which
much against Diana, which would have the apostle escaped at Ephesus, where he
but enraged the multitude; much less did had like to have been torn in pieces by
they offer any violence either to her temple those heathenish idolaters ; which gave him
or her image. Here note, That although occasion to say, 1 Cor. xv. 32. That of.
the apostles were great enemies to these ter the manner of men he had fought
men's idolatry, yet did they offer no out- with beasts at Ephesus. In this chapter
ward violence to their idol-temples, neither we find, that the apostle, yielding to the
to demolish them, or deface any image in fury of his persecutors, prudently whh-
them : they well knew, that such a work draws from Ephesus into Macedonia : yet
of public reformation was not their' busi- not so much for his own safety, (for he
nets, but the magistrates* ; therefore they was willing to die Christ's sacrifice, if he
endeavoured by preaching to cast idols might live no longer Christ's servant,) as
out of the people's hearts, but not by vio- for the church's future advantage, that the
fence to throw them out of the temple, disciples in Ephesus might be no farther
Thus ends this chapter, with the account persecuted upon his account. Hence learn,
of St. Paul's marvellous, if not miraculous That the ministers of the gospel may depart
preservation at the city of Ephesus ; where from a place and people, where their min-
Deing surrounded with difficulties and dan- istry has been very successful, when driven
gers on all hands, yet being found in the from thence by the fury of persecution*
way of his duty, and in the work of Thus St. Paul here obeyed the command of
his master, he escapes all perils. Safety Christ elsewhere: When they persecute
evermore accompanies duty : when we are you in one city, Jiee to another, Matt.
in God's way, we are under God's wing : x. 23. Observe, 2. Though St. Paul with-
preservation and protection we shall have, drew from Ephesus, to allay the fury of
if God may thereby be more glorified ; but persecution there ; yet he left Timothy be-
sometimes danger is better than safety, a hind, to confirm and comfort the disciples,
storm more useful than a calm. And as his substitute, and to strengthen them in
blessed be God for the assurance or his the faith of the gospel, 1 Tim. t. 3. I be-
promise, that all things, be they mercies or sought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when
afflictions, comforts or corrections, dangers J went into Macedonia, Sfc. Observe*
or deliverances, life or death, all shall work 3. The apostle no sooner escapes the fury
together for good to them that love God, of the Heathens at Ephesus, but he is in
and are found stedfastin their obedience to danger of his life at Macedonia, by his
him. Rom. viii. 28. own countrymen the Jews, ver. 3. The
Jews laid wait for him. Well might the
CHAP. XX. apostle say, he was in deaths often, in
AND after the uproar was ceased, **rif? 0f™°*™> in P™* in th< «fr. ?*
n i ji j r \ ■ • tL j* • perils by my own countrymen, in perils
Paul called unto htm the disci- Famonf,}ais? brethren, 2 Sbr. ] 1, 26 The
pies, and embraced them, and depart- wicked Jews> when they cou|d not prevaiI
ed for to go into Macedonia. 2 And against St. Paul by open force, contrive his
when he had gone over those parts, ruin by secret treachery ; but God gave
and had given them much exhorta- him knowledge of their designs, and he
tion, he came into Greece, 3 And anvlokJedlthem^ turning another way.
there abode three months. And TtT<?,l??' ™.at ll l\W P^mption,
. .• t i*i •* r i • and a bold tempting of God, to run head-
when the Jews laid wait for him, as |oog upoa evid^t |nd immiaeDt d
he was about to sail into Syria, he aiKi not to improve all lawful means we can
purposed to return through Mace- to prevent and decline them. To trust to
710 THE ACTS. Cbap. XX.
means, is to neglect God ; but to neglect for he stayed his journey all the seven days
the means for our own preservation, is to of the Jewish Passover solemnity, and
tempt God. . St. Paul would not tempt would not set forth to travel that time, be-
Godby running into dangers, though his cause be would not offend the weak Jews;
cause was never so good. Observe, 4. The accordingly be sailed not from Pbilippt till
persons are mentioned by name who ac- after the days of unleavened bread. Thus
companied the apostle, and administered did St. Paul comply with the Jewish rites,
unto him ; to wit, Sopater, Aristarchua which, though dead by the death of Christ,
and Secundus, Gaius and Timotheus, Ty- yet were not buried ; and therefore fail
chicusandTrophimus; these accompanied compliance was not sinful, but managed
the apostle, not out of state, but for neoes- with design to gain the Jews. Observe,
sary service : to which may be added St 2. That the change of the sabbath from
Luke ; but, being the penman of this book, the seventh to the first day of the week,
he declines mentioning of himself by name, was of apostolical observation now, as it
though his praise will for ever be in the was before of Christ's institution ; on thia
gospel, and ecclesiastical story. day the Lord arose, on this day the disci-
ples met, and Christ honoured them with
6 And we sailed away from Phi- hisvresence, John xx. on this day the
lippi after the days of unleavened collect ion for poor saints was made, ICcc.
bread, and came unto them to Troas ™- \ Now4 *■* wearily infers the
inflvedava where we abode seven abrogation of the Saturday sabbath: for
in rive days, wnere we aooae seven g.|x p ^ ^ command^ to labour,
days. 7 And upon the first day of ^jf 'thty „*£ the .evenm day, and first
the week, when the disciples came too, they violated the law of God, which
together to break bread, Paul we cannot suppose they did} and conse-
preached unto them, ready to depart quently the apostles and primitive Christiana
on the morrow ; and continued his observed the first day of the week in re-
speech until midnight. 8 And there merabrance of the work of redemption, as
w.MM.H«. l^kf.Tn *tw> ..n^-^o.*, the Jews of old observed the seventh in
^ere many hghts in the upper cham- MBtmblf^oftbeilrtorcngBoil. Qb-
ber, where they were gathered toge- mn^ 3 The fervent ^ ^ unw^ried
ther. 9 And there sat in a win- diligence of the great apostle for the sows
dow a certain young man named of men ; and also the patience and com-
Eutychus, being fallen into a deep ptacency with which his auditors attended
sleep : and as Paul was long preach- upon his sermon at this time *. Paul
ing, he sunk down with sleep, and Poached tilt midnight, ver. 7. A very
fell down from the third loft, and ^Ijermon upon a partici^c^asio^
_ 4 1 ■ , i/iaVdi neither unscnptural nor unapostolical. We
was taken up dead. 10 And Pan do not find7hat either tnTaposUe ^
went down, and fell on nun, and weary, or the auditory drowsy, at the dead
embracing him, said, Trouble not time of the night; their wakefulness at
yourselves : for his life is in him. midnight under a sermon, condemns our
11 When he therefore was come up sleepiness at mid-day. Observe, 4. The
again, and had broken bread, and Pious and prudential care which the apos-
eaten, and talked a long while, even tle a?d hi* "^ *** *■* their night-
12 And thev brought the young thing indecently in the dead of the night >
man alive, and were not a little com- to prevent this, the 8th verse informs us,
forted. that there were many lights in the upper
chamber, where they were gathered to-
The next journey of St. Paul is from gether ; exposing themselves, and what
Macedonia in Greece, to Troas in Asia, they did, to the view of all. Religious
where he abode seven days. During his meetings in the night season are not only
stay here, several thiogs are to be remarked lawful in times of persecution, but neces-
and observed. Observe here, I. How this sary ; yet a special care ought to be taken
great apostle became all things to all men. to avoid all occasion of calumny, that the
though he would not become sin to any least suspicion may not arise, concerning
*n*n : To the Jews he became as a Jew, the honesty and holiness of those that do
Chap. XX. THE ACTS. 711
amble at such unseasonable tin** Ob- Assos, from thence to Mitylene, next day to
serve* 5. What a warning the Holy Ghost Samoa* then to Trogylliura, and the day
here leaves upon record for such as sleep following to Miletus, passing by and not
under the preaching of the word : Eutychus, touching at Ephesus ; for the apostle having
when asleep under St. Paul's long sermon, an earnest desire to be at Jerusalem at the
falls down from the third loft, and is taken feast of Pentecost, so that he might in that
up dead. Here note, The time when he was concourse have a larger opportunity of
overtaken with sleep: not at noon-day, spreading the gospel, he would not now
but at midoight ; and it was not a sermon call at Ephesus, lest be should be detained
of an hour long that he was asleep under, too long by the brethren there. From the
but after St. Paul had preached several whole note, 1. The indefatigable diligence
hours. This is not the case of our common of this great apostle, and his unwearied in-
sennon sleepers, who at noon-day sleep dustry in the service of the gospel j how he
under the word ; nay, settle and compose travels from place to place, and here from
themselves to sleep, and do what tbey can Troas to Assos, on foot all alone by land ;
to invite sleep to them! What if with he did not affect to ride with a pompous
Eutychus any of them fall down dead ! train and retinue, but be goes on foot, ex-
here is no Paul to raise them up j or, what pectiog to meet with more opportunity of
if this wretched contempt of the word pro- sowing the seed of the gospel as he passed
voke God to say, Steep on, and be so stu- through towns and villages by land, among
pined that no ordinances shall awake you ! those he conversed with ; so intent was
Sleep on, till bell flames awake you ! Ob- this holy man upon the work of winning
serve, 6. Eutychus is raised to life by a mi- souls; whereas had be travelled by sea,
raculous power communicated to St. Paul, this opportunity had been lost An happy
which was matter of great consolation to example for all the ministers of Christ, to
the spirits, and great confirmation to the prefer an opportunity of doing good to the
faith, of the disciples, ver. 12. They souls of others, before their own ease or
brought the young man alive, and were profit. Note, 2. The true reason why St.
not a little comforted ; not only for the Paul was so very desirous to be at Jerusa-
yotmg man's sake* but especially for their lem at the feast of Pentecost : not that he
own sakes : for hereby God gave a con- placed any religion in observing this ab-
vincing testimony to the word of his grace, rogated feast, but because that vast con-
— God did hereby bear witness to it, and course of people at such times would give
many were thereby confirmed in the belief him a fairer opportunity to glorify Christ,
of it. and to propagate the gospel. This made
him so desirous to get to Jerusalem by the
13 And we went before to ship, feast of Pentecost. Leam thence, that the
and sailed unto Assos, there intend- ministers of Christ, without the imputation
ing to take in Paul : for so had he of vain-glory, or seeking popular applause,
appointed, minding himself to go may warrantably desire, and occasionally
afoot. 14 And when he met with **y hold upon, an opportunity of dispen-
..- «« a—,w. —~ *«^b k:~* :« ~~a M°g a word to a numerous auditory, in
* S?'. C *?« i,m. ' ^ ho^s that, casting the net of the gospel
came to Mitykae. 15 And we sail- maDZ mtnv> they ^y mciosesome!
ed thence, and came the next day „ Arf from Mi|^ hc
over against Chios. And the next EpllCsu8, and called the elders of the
day wt ^ arrived I at Samos and tar- ^^ 18 And whe|| th werc
ried at Trogyl hum ; and the next come to w hc gaid unt0 ^ Ye
day we came to Miletus. 16 For kn0Wf from the fi>st day that I came
Paal had determined to sail by 5nto Agi after what manner x have
Ephesus, because he would not been wW| at al, ieM01 19
tPVIZi v-* l0 ?»a;r I- Sc™n* the Lord with all humility
hasted if it were possible for him, of ^ and with roa tears ^
to be at Jerusalem the day of Pen- tcmptation8> which befe} roc by thc
Ceco8t# lying in wait of the Jews : 20 And
Here an account is given of several tra- how I kept back nothing that was
vel of the apostle ; namely, from Troas to profitable unto you, but have shewed
712 THE ACTS- Chap. XX.
you and have taught you publicly. ^^ j*J^ *££
and from house to house, 21 Tes- P^ t)^an<^Ki,yr with thc oainoer,
tifying both to the Jews, and also JfJJ^ with ^ matte, ^ h« pnachmg .
to the Greeks, repentance toward namejy> Repentance towards God, and
God, and faith toward our Lord yj,,^ jn our Lord Jesus Christ; which
Jesus Christ. two graces comprehend the sum of a chris-
tian's duty. Ministers mat join these two
The foregoing versa acquainted us how together in ^^^*a^J**^
very intent StPaul waslpon his journey must n0* •eparate them m tejgKtme.
to Jerusalem at the feast cf Ptatecost, he Tbey who *^ ™*»ut W**mg, or
hoping then and there to have a precious believe without repenting, do indeed do
opportunity for preaching Jesus Christ, and neither,
him crucified, to his countrymen the Jews :
now, lest he should be hindered in bis ex- 22 And now, behold, I go bound
peditioo, he determines Jp dip by Ephesus, in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not
without touching there; but could not sa- knowing the things that shall befal
tisfy himself without seeing of, and speak- me tJiere . 23 Save that the Holy
ing to, the ministers of Ephesus, whom ^for Ghogt witnCMeth in e?ery cityt ^y.
r^^^ »* «- *st -d ? sior so*
warmed their hearts, and melted them into tne. 24 But none of these things
tears, he takes his farewell of them. Here move me, neither count I my life
note, 1. That St. Paul speaks much in his dear unto myself, so that 1 might
own vindication, but nothing by way of finish my course with joy, and the
ostentation. A minister, when he is leav- ministry, which I have received of the
"g^.P^^y JSP^s.SS^S Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of
something in his own vindication j tor . * - *** -u- A° _i nnwaF
there areenough, as soon as his back is *« g*<* ?f °<*: ** *%™ ["»"•
turned, will saymon than is true by way behold, I know that ye all, among
of accusation. Note, 2. That when the whom I have gone preaching thc
apostle here speaks much that looks like kingdom of God, shall see my face
self-commendation, it is rather to propound no more. 26 Wherefore I take you
himself as a mirror for gospel-ministers, and to record this day, that I am pure
a pattern for all pious pastors ; that when- from the blood Q{M men. 27 For
ever they leave their people theymay go fc shunned to declare unto
off with a clear conscience, and be able to * „ "? , ^r n^i
appeal to the consciences of their people as you all the counsel of God.
touching their carriage and conversation
amongst them. Note, a The several parti- Here the apostle proceeds not to boast of
cular instances of his ministerial faithfulness : himself, but to clear himself of any charge
1. He instances in his own humility; or surmise of ministerial miscarriages, and
though he was lofty in his ministry, yet also to propound himself as a pattern of
was he lowly in his mind ; He served ministerial faithfulness to the elders of the
the Lord with aU humility of mind, church at Ephesus. And here again, 1.
The better any man is, the lower thoughts Our apostle instances in bis holy and heroic
lie has of himself. Almighty God renders resolution and activity for God : I knot?
that man most honourable, that minister that bonds and afflictions abide me : nc-
most serviceable, whom he finds most vertheless I go Sound in the spirit to Je-
humble. 2. In his afiectionateness in rusalem, and nothing moves me. As if
preaching the gospel , he mingles tears with he had said, " I am fully resolved, by the
his exhortation, Serving the Lord with ait grace of God enabling, that nothing shall
humility of mind, and with many tears, divert me from my duty -% neither deterring
3. In his constancy in preaching, and pri- fear nor deluding favour of men shall ever
.vate inspection: publicly in the syna- affect me; but I will go out and go on in
gogues, and privately from house to house, the strength of Christ, running my race
like a good shepherd, labouring to under- with patience, and finishing my course
stand the state of his whole flock, and of with joy/* Hence learn, 1. That the ap-
every lamb in it, that no soul might mis- prehension of sufferings must not shake the
Chap. XX. THE ACTS. 713
resolution of ■ christian, much less daunt 28 Take heed therefore onto your-
the courage of a gospel minister, ver. 24. selves, and to all the flock over the
None of these things move me. True which thc Hol Ghost halh madc
nuontcrial courage delights in the air of „^n «.„A,™ jL c^a «i,_ „k..Mu *c
that danger whire duty dwells, and will J™. ove™c5r*' l? *ed th* <*««*<*
neither be beaten ofFfrom doing an incura- Ood» wnlch nc nath purchased with
bent duty, nor be beaten on to a compli- *»s °wn blood. 29 For I know this,
ance with any known sin. Learn, 2. That that after my departing shall grievous
the minirten of Christ should endeavour not wolves enter in among you, not
only to finish their ministry and course of sparing the flock. 30 Also of your
constamly with faithfulness, but with joy ; own 8ejveg sha|| mcn ari speak_
lSft^Zl^wa?5S!2 J^.P-verse things, to draw Pftway
vice & Christ without restriction or reserve, demies •*» them. 31 1 hcrefore
and live daily by faith on tbe mediation of watch, and remember, that by the
tbe Lord Jesus Christ. Here was such a space of three years 1 ceased not to
masculine spirit in our apostle, as bid de- warn every one night and day with
fiance to death and danger ; and the argu- tears,
ment that excited him was, that he might
finish bis course with joy. Next, tbe The blessed apostle having, in the former
apostle declares his impartiality in preach- part of his farewell sermon to the elders of
ing the gospel, ver. 27, I have not Ephesus, vindicated bis own sincerity
shunned to declare unto you all the conn- among them, both as to his doctrine and
set of God. Where observe, He doth not practice, and cleared himself by close ad-
say he had declared the whole counsel of dresses and smart appeals to their con-
God, (for who but God himself can do sciences ; be now urges them in a rousing
that ?) but he bad not shunned to declare and heart-melting exhortation to the utmost
tbe whole counsel of God ; that is, be bad care and diligence in the exercise of their
not concealed from them any truth neces- pastoral charge ; and to take heed to tliem-
sary to salvation. And this freed him from selves and the flock, to the whole flock
tbe blood of souls ; if any perished, it was which Christ had purchased with his blood,
not long of biro, but their blood was upon and the Holy Ghost had committed to his
themselves : I take you to record this aay, care, ver. 28. Take heed to yourselves,
that I am pure from the blood of alt men, and to all the flock over which the Holy
It is happy when the ministers of God can Ghost hath made you overseers. Here
appeal to the consciences of their people, observe, A two-fold duty, and a three-fold
and summon them in as witnesses to bear motive to enforce that duty : tbe first duty
record for them at the bar of Christ.— is to take heed to themselves : the second
Lastly, The apostle tells them, they were is to take heed to all the flock. The first
never like to see his face again ; a cutting, part of a minister's duty is to take heed to
killing word. How would it fire the zeal himself: Committe animam diligentibus
of ministers, and inflame the affections of suam, says St. Bernard : He that neglects
a people, did they remember, that in a short his own soul, will never take a faithful care
time they must see tbe faces and hear tbe of the souls of others. We must first look
voices of each other upon earth no more ! to ourselves, that our judgments be sound,
Lord, what fervent prayer for, what yearn- our hearts holy, and our lives exemplary :
ing of bowels towards, perishing sinners, we must take heed to ourselves, that we be
would be found with us ; what zeal for their fit for the employment which wc undertake,
conversion, what endeavours for their sal va- This is not a burden for a child's shoulder ;
tioo, did we believe that the wave was making he that is himself a babe in knowledge, is
ready to receive us ! how should we louden altogether unfit to teach men the mysteries
our cry to God, and how fulfil our trust to of salvation. Take we heed that our ex-
man, did we consider our grave and coffin ample doth not contradict our doctrine,
are at hand! our glass has but a little sand; that our practice doth not give our pro-
now we are preaching, but anon it will be fession the lie ; that we do as well as teach;
said of us, we are gone : And now, be- not preach angelical sermons, and lead
hold, I know that ye all, among whom I diabolical lives; but securing that grace
have gone preaching, shall see my face no to ourselves which we offer unto others,
more. and shunning that sin ourselves which wc
714 THE ACTS. Chap. XX.
condemn in others ; and this, because we flock: Feed the church of Ooa\ which kc
have a depraved nature and vicious incli- hath purchased with his Mood. Where
nations in us, as well as others j because we observe, The divinity of Christ asserted -.
have a heaven to win, and a soul to save, he is expressly called God, in opposition
as well as others ; yea, when others have to the Arians, and their unhappy spawn
only their own souls to account for, we the Socinians, who will allow him to be
have not only our own, but others* too ; only man \ but then bis blood could never
in a word, because our sins do more dis» have purchased the church, which it is here
honour God, discredit religion, more gra- said to do, being God and Man in one
tify the devil, more harden sinners, and person : Man, that he might have blood to
have more of wilfulness in them, more shed ; and God, that his blood might be
perfidiousness in them, and more hypocrisy of infinite value, and inestimable precious-,
in them, than other men's ; and we shall ness 'when shed. Observe also the force
certainly be adjudged by God to a double of the apostle's argument : " If the church
damnation for them. Well therefore might be thus dear to Christ, the chief Shepherd,
the apostle say to the Ephesian elders, Take she ought to be very dear to all under-
heed unto yourselves ; next he adds, and to shepherds} if Christ judged her salvation
all the flock. That is, with a constant care worth bis blood, well may bis ministers
and laborious diligence acquaint them with judge it worth their sweat/* 4. From the
their duty, inform them of their danger, danger which the church is in by seducers
show them where their happiness lies, and and false teachers, ver. 20. Grievous
the way and means for attaining of it ; wolves will enter, not sparing the flock ;
and, in order to this, all the flock must be and even from among yourselves shall arise
known, that it may be heeded, and we heretics, who will vent their unsound doc-
must labour to be acquainted with the state trines to debauch men, first in their princi*
of all our people as fully as ws can ; we pies, and then in their practices: therefore
must, as the apostle before us did, visit our take heed to all the flock.
people from house to house, that we may Now, from the whole, note, 1. Thechurch
know their persons, know their inclinations, is Christ's flock, consisting of sheep and
and know the manner of their conversa- lambs : Christ himself is the great and
tion ; what sins they are most in danger of, good Shepherd : his ministers, under-shep^
what temptations they are most liable to, herds and overseers : bloody persecutors,
and what duties they neglect, either for the heretical seducers, and raise teachers, are
matter or manner of them ; and give them wolves which worry and divide the flock,
the best encouragement, directions, and as- Note, 2. That every flock should have its
sistance, we are able. This is the sum of own pastor, and every pastor his own flock,
the apostle's exhortation to the elders of Note, 3. That the flock should be no greater
Ephesus ; Take heed unto yourselves, and ordinarily, than the overseers are capable of
unto ait the flock. The motives to enforce taking heed of. Note, 4. That every over-
the duty follow j and they are, 1. Drawn seer of Christ's flock ought to take great
from their office ; they are overseers of the heed, both to himself arid to the whole
flock, that is, officers appointed by solemn flock, in all the parts of his pastoral work,
ordination to teach, to guide, to govern the particularly public preaching and private
churches committed to their care, and under inspection,
their charge. 2. From the authority and _ _ . , . . _
excellency of him that called them to their 32 And now» brethren, I com-
office, the Holy Ghost. We read of some mend you to God, and to the word
that were nominated by the special and of his grace, which is able to build
immediate instinct of the Holy Ghost, as you up, and to give yon an inherit-
Acts i. 24- and xiii. 2. Others were or- aoce a»onff all them which are
^ ^L!hVav£? ? Wh° ?*1 guide? sanctified,
by the Holy Ghost then : and whoever is
set apart to that office now, according to Here the apostle takes a very solemn tare-
the rule of God's word, may truly be said well of the elders of the church at Ephesus,
to be made an overseer by the Holy Ghost ; commending them to the guidance and pro*
Almighty God concurring to own and taction of the grace of God, which was able
bless his own institution. 3. From the to build tbem up in holiness here, and bring
dear purchase which Christ paid for, and them to heaven hereafter. Where observe,
the tender regard he bears to, this his 1. His courteous compelhtion, and thesem
Chap. XX. THE ACTS. 715
bit great condescension. Although he was you to God, and to the light within ; or, I
an apostle of the highest eminency, yet he commend you to God, and to the traditions
disdains not to call these elders, who were of the church; but, I commend you to God,
both in office, and also in gifts, and graces, and to the word of his grace, -which is able
much inferior to him, by the name of bre- to build you up. Observe, 4. A superadded
thren: And now, brethren, says the apostle commendation, which is here given of the
to the elders of Ephesus, But probably to- word of God's grace ; it is not only able to
gether with the elders of Ephesus here build us up, but to give us an inheritance
were some of the church and people of Epbe- amongst them that are sanctified; that is,
sua, who came to take their last leave of their the word of God, if we follow the dictates
departing apostle ; and then we may remark and directions of it, will infallibly bring us
that there » a near relation, even that of to the glorious inheritance which God
brethren, between ministers and people, as hath provided for all his saints, or sancti-
well as between the ministers themselves* fied ones. Here note, 1. That heaven is
and this founded upon the account of relt- an inheritance, not like an inheritance on
gioo and grace. Observe, 2.. The apostle earth ; but it is the most sure, the most sa-
beiog now to take his last leave and tisfying, the most durable, and the most
farewell of the ministers and people at delightful inheritance, an inheritance in-
Ephesus, be commends tliem to God. It corruptible and undefiled, and thatfadeth
well becomes the faithful ministers of Christ not away. Note, 2. That heaven is the
at all times when they are with their people, inheritance of saint*, of all sanctified or
but especially then when they are about to holy persons, and only of such ; it is pur-
leave their people, to commit and commend chased for them, it is promised to them, it
them unto God ; that is, to recommend them is taken up in their names, and possession
to God's care and keeping, and to com- of it kept for them by their forerunner ; in a
mit them to his conduct and guidance ; word, heaven is prepared for tbem, and
and this as a testimony of our faithfulness to they are daily preparing for it ; and it shall
God, whose our people are, and for whom be adjudged to them at the great day.
we must become accountable to him ; and Note, 3. That this inheritance of heaven
also as a testimony of our love to our peo- is a gift, and free gift : Luke xii. 32. It is
pie, and of our fervent desires for their sal- your Father's pleasure to give you the
vation. Observe, 3. As the apostle com- kingdom. This inheritance is all of grace,
mends tbem to God, so likewise to the our right and title to it is of grace,
word of his grace. To God as the efficient our fitting and preparing for it is of grace ;
cause, and to the word of his grace as the all of grace, nothing of merit ; all of God,
instrumental cause, of their building up; nothing of ourselves; nothing in a way of
I commend you to God, and to the word meritorious causality, but only in the way
of his grace, which is able to build you up. of ministerial endeavour. Note, lastly, That
Here note, 1. That the gospel is the word God gives this inheritance by his word :
of God's grace ; so called, because it is the To the word of his grace, which is able to
effect, the fruit, and product of rich mercy build you up, and to give you an inherit
and free grace ; because it reveals the free tance. The word reveals to us the notice
grace of God in Christ to poor sinners; and knowledge of this inheritance; the
because it works inherent grace and noli- word makes an offer of this inheritance to
ness in toe hearts of sinners ; and because every one of us, yea, it calls us to the ac-
it carrieth on and perfecteth the work of ceptatton, and invites us to the participation
grace unto glory. Note, 2. That believers, of it. Finally, God by his word begets his
who are in a state of grace, have need of people to a lively hope of this inheritance,
the word of God for their edification and 1 Pet. i. 3, 4. And also prepares and fits
building up. Note, 3. That the word of them by the word for the participation and
God is able to-build up believers ; it is able possession of it ; Col. I. 12. Giving
to preserve them and keep them from decay- thanks to the Father, who has made us
ing in grace and holiness, and it is able to meet to be partakers of the inheritance
further their growth in grace, and to bring of the saints in tight. And how doth
it to perfection. Well and wisely therefore our Father make us meet for this inheritance
doth the apostle say, I commend you to in glory, but by the word of bis grace ?
God, and to the word of his grace ; he / commend you therefore, brethren, says
doth not say, T commend you to God, and the apostle, to God, and to the word of
the impulse of his Spirit : or, I commend his grace, which is able to give you an
716
THE ACTS. Chap. XX.
inheritance among them that are sane receiving implies wwt and weakness,
ti*ed ^ emptiness, and unsatisfied desires. 2. Be-
33 I have coveted no man's ail- cause giving includes choice ; for what a
i,i *v» .^•>o«>Ai <\a Vim man parts with 4o another, he has a tree-
ver, or gold, or W«; f4 Jea, dom£k hirae!f. ^ the receiver is
ye yourselves know, that these hands M %Q ^ h£ owQ ^^ ^ m|jst depeDd
have ministered unto my necessities, upon- lbc courtesy Qf his neighbours. 3
and to them that were with me; Because the condition of the giver implkf
35 1 have shewed you all things, an honourable trust committed to him by
how that so labouring ye ought to God Almighty. Givers are God's almoners
support the weak; and to remember and stewards, the poor's gi^ians and pa-
rk PFLwio^*lw» TnrdJpfltia how he Hot*. An honourable trust this is, by
the words of the Lord J ea ^s, how he and j .^.^ ^ ^
said, It is more blessed to give than are m R muun commined to „. By all
to receive. which it appears, that the condition of the
In the conclusion of St. Paul's discourse giver is more desirable than that of the re-
to the elders of the church at Ephesus, he ceiver. Note, 2. That giving is more
vindicates himself from the sordid sin of commendable than receiving *, it is a clear-
covetousness, affirming, that he had covet- er evidence of a noble and virtuous dispo-
ed no man's silver or gold ; but by the sition of mind : for, 1. It is a sign of our
labour of his hands had maintained himself, victory over the world, and that our con-
and them that were with him. Where venation is in heaven ; that we have wor-
note, That it is not simply unlawful for a thy apprehensions of God, and honourable
minister of the gospel to labour with his thoughts of his providence; and that we
bands, for his own and his family's support, can trust him, and give him a part of his
when the poverty of the members of the own whenever he calls for it. 2. Giving
church is such that they cannot maintain is better than receiving, because there is a
him without it. Observe farther. He directs more lasting pleasure in giving than in re-
these elders to labour as he did, if the case ceiving : an alms taken is soon spent
required it with them, as it did with him, and forgotten, and the pleasure of it is
that they might, by labouring as he, be in over in two or three moments ; but the
a capacity to support the weak, and relieve pleasure of giving bears us company aH
the poor. Yet note, He doth not propose along in this world, and will keep us com-
this his practice as a precept, or precedent, pany in the next : there is no such satis-
or rule, to all ministers ; for though St. Paul factory pleasure as in doing good. I^t us
laboured with his bands in a case of neces- then often remember, and always put in
sity, and because false teachers were watch- practice, the words of our Lord Jesus,
ing all advantages against him, yet he often which he said, It is more blessed to give
declares a right and privilege which he had than to receive.
to be maintained by the church, without ^ An<j when he ha<| tjlt|S 8poken,
labouring with his hands for his own d d d , - h
lveihood and subsistence; nay, asserts it ""»"= J™ • r J
to be the ordination and appointment of them all. 37 And they all wept
God himself, That they which preach the sore, and fell on Paul s neck, and
gospel, should live of the gospel. Observe, kissed him ; 38 Sorrowing most of
lastly, A remarkable saying of our blessed all for the words which he spake,
Saviour, not recorded by the evangelists, triat triey should see his face no more.
but undoubtedly spoken by him ; namely, An(j th accompanied him unto the
That it is more blessed to give than to , . J r
receive. That is, the condition of the 8niP'
giver is more desirable than that of the re- Observe here, 1. What a solemn and
ceiver, and giving is more commendable sacred farewell St. Paul and the elders of
than receiving. 1. The condition of the Ephesus take of each other : They kneeied
giver is more desirable than that of the down and prayed together; instead of a
receiver; because, 1. Giving is a sign of parting cup, here is a parting prayer, and
sufficiency and power. He that gives to this accompanied with tears: They all
another, is supposed to be well provided wept sore. There is a sufficient occasion
himself; he that gives, looks like a full for sorrow and weeping, when the church
being, and like a swelling river ; whereas, loses a faithful pastor ; it is a public loss,
Chap. XXI. THE ACTS. 717
and many are concerned in it. Observe, not less sorrowful on the apostles and his
2. How loth, how very loth, they were t* companions' part. So much the word
part with the apostle, who had so exceed* here imports, After we vert gotten from
ingly endeared himself unto them, by his thcmf avwnraodtvTac. air' avruv : " After
holiness, humility, and universal usefulness, we were torn from, and pulled as it were
Accordingly they accompany him unto limb from limb from each other ;" intiroat-
the ship, and when gone off to sea, send a ing the mutual endearments which were
long look after him ; being more especi- between them whilst together, and that
ally grieved at these words, That they inexpressible sorrow which was found
should see his face no more. Learn thence, amongst them at their parting. Verily,
That a faithful minister of Christ is enjoyed there is no stronger love, nor more endear-
with much love, and finally parted from ed affections, betwixt any relations upon
with much sorrow, by those who believe the earth, than betwixt the ministers. of
and obey the gospel. Parting work is Christ and such of their people, as they
hard work : how bard is it for a husband have been instrumental to bring home to
and wife, for parents and children, to part ! God. Spiritual affections are stronger than
and perhaps it is as hard sometimes for natural ; the removing of a spiritual father
ministers and people, who have lived in by death, or otherwise, is like tearing limb
mutual endearments, to the glory of God, from limb ; yea, like rending the head
and singular comfort of each other, when from the body. Lord, with what great
tbey are pulled one from another alive by difficulty and deep reluctancy did the holy
cruel persecutors, or when dying by the apostle and the church of Ephesus here part
king of tenors. The parting is sad ; but, from one another ! They were pulled
blessed be God, the next meeting will know and torn one from another, aa the word
no parting. When ministers and people imports,
meet together at the right hand of God in 3 Now when we had discovered
Satt tliKta^ but cT,9i 7- W on W?!
and sailed into Syria, and landed at
CHAP. XXI. Tyre : for there the ship was to
The chapter befor. a. »cqa.ints a* with st PauI's unlade her burden. 4 And finding
through many parts of Europe
at last arrives safely at Jerusalem. O blessed Jerusalem*
apostle ! what tongue can declare, what pen can
set forth, the pains which thou tookest, and the The divine Providence is not more sig-
baxards which thou didst run, in preaching the „aii„ J;«*w*«*»«4 ;n «„«.;.. »u „>«•;,*«.
glad tidings of the gospel u> the heathen world t »•% discovered in governing the motions
And who can sufficiently magnify and holily ad. of the clouds, than it IS in Ordering the
™i^KthcTd/c^0^ilv,n^pTiien^n•?^^y"r 8P»ritB and motions of his ministers. The
tng thee cheerfully through all the difficulties of ~ . '
life, and enabling thee to finish thy course with motion Of the ClOUd8 IS DOt spontaneous and
joy !Lord! who would .not be found faithful in thy from themselves, but they move as they
service, who takest such an uninterrupted and uu- -,*»„*j l„ (u n,;„ j. „«;.u«. -«« «k«
remitting care of thy servants, that safety ever- are moved DY lh* winds; neither Can the
more accompanies duty. ministers of Christ choose their own stations,
ANDitcaMe to pa*, that after jfSrJtfi^SK
we were gotten from them, and videnceof God directs and guides them ;
had launched, we came with a as evidently appears by St. Paul's present
straight course unto Coos, and the voyage to Jerusalem : though the journey
day following unto Rhodes, and from was full of danger, yet his spirit was fully
thence unto Patara. 2 And finding bent and set upon it : I go hound in the
a ship sailing over unto Phenicia! V"**^ ''Tv™' ? T ^mJ^[
* u j j « r a. the apostle, and his great advantage, that
we went aboard, and set forth. thc Xof God was £> plainly reveVed to
The latter end of the foregoing chapter him, touching this his journey to Jerusalem ;
acquainted us with the sorrowful and heavy for no sooner did be prepare himself to obey
parting of the elders and church of Ephe- the call of God, and to undertake the jour-
sus from the holy apostle. Now, the first ney, but he is presently assaulted by many
verse of this chapter informs us, that it was strong temptations to decline it. The first
718 THE ACTS. Chap. XXf.
rub be met with in his way, was from the was no discouragement to him, nor could
disciples at Tyre, who spake by the Spirit, the persuasive intreaties of bis friends pre-
that he should not go up to Jerusalem, vail with him. Seeing therefore he was
But did not the Spirit of God then contradict resolved to go on, they all of them with
itself, in bidding toe apostle go, and then their wives and children, to testify their
speaking to him by those disciples not to go ? great respect and affection to him, accom-
Not at all; St. Paul by extraordinary pany him out of the city; and he and
revelation was commanded to go to Jeru- they kneeling down on the shore, pray
salem ; these disciples, by a spirit of pro- together, and take their farewell of each
pbecy, only foretold the difficulties and other. The loving communion of saints,
dangers that would attend him in his jour- and prayer, are the marks of Christ's true
ney ; and so, through kindness and human disciples. Observe, 2. The apostle's next
affection, they dissuaded him from under- remove towards Jerusalem was from Tyre
taking it. We must distinguish between to Cesarea, where be lodges with Philip the
the prediction of trouble, and the counsel evangelist \ that is, one of them who were
of safety. The prediction of trouble ; so sent fortb as itinerary preachers, here and
they said through the Spirit, that it would there to dispense the gospel, and to confirm
be dangerous for Paul to go to- Jerusalem, the churches. And one of the seven ; that
The counsel of safety proceeded from their is, one of the seven deacons. Act* vi Here
private love and affection to him ; whereby note. That this Philip, in whose bouse St.
they dissuaded him from going to Jerusa- Paul now lodged, was before driven ouf
lem. Learn from hence, 1. That divine of his house by Paul's persecution. See
precept, and not providence, is to rule oar Acts viii. 1, &c. There was a great per-
way to duty. Lean, 2. That no discou* secutior* against the church, and they
ragements or hinderances whatsoever will were all scattered abroad; and Phiitp
justify our neglect of a commanded duty, went down to Samaria. This Philip, who
Whatever difficulties or discouragements was driven out of his house by Paul, when
lay in the way of the apostle's duty, he a persecutor, gladly received mot into his
overcame them all with an heroic and truly house, being now Paul a convert ; and this
christian resolution, saving, ver. 13. I am without any upbraiding, yea, without the
ready not only to be' bound, but also to least mention of what he had formerly been
die at Jerusalem for the name of Jesus* or done. It is an ill office to rake in the
6 And when we had accomplish- filth which God has covered, and to re-
ed those days, we departed, and proach men with or for the sins whfchGod
went our way : and they all brought Ym I*"*0™*1* ft *£** »me demee of
us on our way, with wives and cbiL ^^^
dren, till we were out of the city : Fornief m^n^ges and injuries should he
and we kneeled down on the shore, forgiven and forgotten upon true repent-
and prayed, 6 And when we had ance, and we should receive them into our
taken our leave one of another, we embraces whom Christ has taken into his
took ship ; and they returned home bosom: Paul went into the house of PM-
again. 7 And when we had finish- ^ ihe «"»£***<•
ed our course from Tyre, we came 10 And as we tarried there many
to Ptolemais, and saluted the bre- days, there came down from Judea
thren, and abode with them one day. a certain prophet, named Agahus.
8 And the next day, we that were of 11 And when he was come onto us,
Paul's company departed, and caine ne took Paul's girdle, and bownd his
to Cesarea : and we entered into the °w* hands and feet, and said, Thus
house of Philip the Evangelist, which s*>th the Holy Ghost, So shall the
was one of the seven; and abode with Jews at Jerusalem bind the man
him. 9 And the same man had four that owneth this girdle, and shall
daughters, virgins, which did pro- deliver him into the hands of the
phesy. Gentiles.
Observe here, 1. That nothing could Observe here, 1. That during Ihe apos-
divert the apostle from his intended jour- tie's stay at Cesarea in Philip's house, a cer-
»ey to Jerusalem : the report of sufferings tain prophet named Agabus comes thither.
Chap. XXI. THE ACTS. 719
and propbesieth of St. Paul's bonds at Je- 12 And when we heard these
rusakm. Where note, That though Aga- things, both we, and they of that
bus was a prophet, yet by what appeareth ,ace> be80Ught him not to go up to
of bim in scripture he was always a pro- 'i llfl0iflm °1Q m. „ i>0iii" »<„™
phet of evil things, and bad things; he T^T* Then Paul answer-
tdretold the famine before, Acts xi. and *d> What mean ye to weep, and to
Paul's bonds now. Such messengers of. break mine heart ? for I am ready
God, as give warnings of judgments to not to be bound only, but also to die
come, should and ought to be accepted, as at Jerusalem for the name of the
well as they that bring us hopes of mercy Lord Jesus. 14 And when he would
and deliverance; that menage may be not be persuaded, wc ceased, say-
&£? J?h : sift gihe°i£ ■»>*> Th« -» of the Ix>rd be done/
of the old prophets, who often prophesied Observe here, 1. The entire affection of
by symbols and significant expressions, the disciples to the holy apostle ; Both we
that they might the better imprint their and they of that place btsought him, that
predictions on the hearts of men. Thus he would not go up to Jerusalem. Learn,
Isaiah went naked and bare-foot, to show That the lives and liberties of those who
what the people of Israel should meet with are eminent instruments of God's glory,
under the king of Assyria, ha. xx. And are very dear and precious to the faithful
Esekiel was to pack up his stuff, and rr- servants of God. Who can blame St. Paul's
move, to signify the people's removal into companions or the disciples here, for desir-
capthity, Ezek. xii. It pleased God to iog and endeavouring the preservation of
teach his people by visible signs, as well as so precious an instrument as the apostle
by word of mouth ; that what was receiv- was ? and yet it is not improbable but
ed by both senses, seeing and hearing, Satan might have a hand in this matter,
might make the deeper impression upon and endeavour by the apostle's friends*
their minds. In like manner here Agabus persuasion to weaken his resolution j for
uses a sign ; he takes St. Paul's girdle, and the devil oft endeavoureth to take us off
binds his own hands and feet with it, sig- from our duty by the entreaties of our friends,
nifying, that after that manner the Jews who mean well in what they say. Thus
at Jerusalem would bind the apostle, and when St. Peter lovingly advised our Savi-
deliver him to the Gentiles ; first to the our against his sufferings, Be it far from
Roman governor of Judea, and afterwards thee, Lord : this shall not he unto thee,
to Nero the Roman emperor. From Matt. xvi. Get thee behind me, Satan,
whence we may remark. The great good- says Christ. It was Peter's tongue, but Sa-
ness and condescension of God, in giving tan tuned it Who would have thought
the apostle so many warnings of his bonds 5 that Christ's disciples should have been
the Holy Ghost first made it known to him, Satan's instruments ? We must not measure
Acts xx. That bands and afflictions did our friends* counsel by their good meaning,
abide him. The disciples at Tyre pro- but by God's word j we must be deaf to all
phesied the same, Acts xxi. 5. And here relations, that we may discharge our duty
Agabus, by a sensible sign, makes it known to God. Thus we find the apostle here,
to him ; and all this, that he might tho- Ho would not be persuaded, but expos-
roue Wy be rjrepared for a suffering condition, tulates with them, What mean ye to
God doth not love to take bis children un- weep, and to break mine heart 9 Ob-
provided ; St. Paul therefore was not sur- serve, 2. St Paul's entire affection to God,
prised, but had warning upon warning and his firm resolution for his duty : He
of his present danger. If a sudden and would not be persuaded. But did the
unexpected flood of miseries and calami- apostle do well in this, to withstand all the
ties break in upon us, for afflictions seldom importunities and reject the unanimous
go single, it is not because we want warn- advice, of all his friends ? How doth this
rng, but because we are not so wise as to carriage agree with that character of hea-
take warning. When we are well and at venly wisdom, Jam. hi. 17. That it is
ease, we will not think of death and the easy to be entreated ? I answer, To the
cross ; and therefore, if we be surprised and practice of our duty, it is praise-worthy to
unprovided, we may thank our own se- be easy to be entreated ; but not from our
eurity. Our apostle here being fore- warned, duty. St. Paul knew his duty, and under-
was fore-armed stood the will of God : and therefore his
720 THE ACTS. „ Chap. XXJ*
friends might sooner break his heart, than vanU of God are prepared and ready for the
break his purpose. Learn hence, That no hardest services and sharpest sufferings, to
persuasions of friends, no apprehensions of which the Lord may at any time call them :
danger, should ever be able to turn us I am ready not only to be bound, but
out of the way of our duty. When Peter also to die at Jerusalem for the name
dissuaded Christ from suffering, our Savi- of the Lord Jesus. Observe, 5. The dis-
our rebuked him with the same indignation ciples' discretion : When he would not be
as he did the devil tempting him to idola- persuaded, they ceased: that is, they gave
try. Observe, 3. How the apostle lov- over their importunities, and urged him no
ingly and gently rebukes their fond and farther beyond his own inclinations and
inordinate sorrow for his departure : What resolutions. It is the disposition of humble
mean ye to weep, and to break mine spirits to submit to those that are wiser
heart .* As if he had said, " What mean than themselves, and not to be too stiff
these passionate tears and entreaties ? Alas ! and peremptory in their own opinions and
whether you think it so or not, they are conceits; a lesson which roost men have
but so many snares and temptations of Sa- great need to learn. Observe, G. The
tan, to turn my feet out of the way of obe- pious ground of this their discretion ; name-
dience : you do as much as in you lies to ly, acquiescence in the divine will : The
break my heart ; but, by the grace of God, will of the Lord be done. They refer the
nothing shall break me off from my pur- event to God's determination, and submit
pose, nor weaken my courage and resolu- all to his sovereign pleasure. Thence
tion for God/' When a saint is once sa- learn. That it is the duty and desire, and
tisfied in the call and command of God to ought to be the care and endeavour, of all
any duty, he fears neither impending nor the children of God, to be willing to sub-
approaching dangers in the way of duty, mit themselves and theirs to the dispensa-
Observe, 4. The apostle's quieting and tion of God's providence, in whatever be-
calming arguments, with which he labours falls either them or theirs. For this we
to charm their unruly passions : I am have Christ's example, Matt. xxvi. 39,
ready both to be bound, and to die for Father, not as I will, but as thou wUt.
Christ. I am ready, 1. That is, God The example of David, 2 Sam. xv. 26,
hath fitted me for suffering- work : flesh and Here am I, let him do what scemeth good
blood is overruled in me by the Spirit of in his sight. The example of Eli, I Sam.
God ; I am prepared for whatever God i. 18, It is the Lord, let him do what-
pleaseth j be it a prison, be it a scaffold, be soever he pleaseth. Such is his justice
it life, be it death, I am provided for both, and righteousness, that he can do his chil-
Liberty is dear, and life is dear, but Christ dren no wrong ; and such is his tender
is dearer than either : therefore what mean mercy and loving kindness, that lie will
you to work against the design of God, do them no harm. The absolute sove-
who hath fitted and prepared my heart for reignty of God over us, and the sight of
suffering-service? f am ready, 2. That God in all his providential dispensations
is, my will and resolution stands in a full towards us, influences at once, our judg-
bent : my heart is fixed,— my friends, my ments, our wills, and our affections, our
heart is fixed; do not therefore disorder expressions and actions, that we neither
and discompose my spirits, by casting such dare to think, speak, or act any thing in
temptations and stumbling-blocks in my contradiction to, or in opposition against,
way ; for I am come to a point, nothing the wisdom and will of God. That which
shall divert me from this noble enterprise is off against our will, is not always against
for God. I am ready, 3. That is, fully our interest ; but if we belong to God, ail
determined to comply with the call and afflictions upon us are federal dispensatioos
command of God ; whatever befalls me, I and covenant blessings to us, and either are
am not so solicitous about that : my Cap- good or shall work for good ; therefore it
tain that leads me on, I am sure, will bring is both our duty and interest to submit to
me off safe, either dead or alive. There- the wisdom of Providence, and say with
fore all your tears and entreaties are but cast these disciples, The will of the Lard he
away upon me ; ye had bettet be quiet, and done.
cheerfully resign me up to the will of God ;„.... ,
for I am ready both to be bound and to die. U And after tnose days wc look
From whence learn, That it is a blessed up oiir carriages, and went up to
»nd excellent frame of spirit, when the ser- Jerusalem. 10 There went with ua
Chap. XXL THE ACTS. 721
also certain of the disciples of Ce- Gentiles into thefeithand fellowship of the
sarea, and brought with them one g<*peL
Mnason of Cyprus an old disciple _And ^ unto ^ ^ ^
with whom we should lodge. 17 . A, . V . ~
And when we were come to Jerusa- *Ioth% how ma»y. thousands of
lem, the brethren received us gladly. J«» there are which behejre ; and
18 And the day following* Paul ^•"•M'e.ta.ftheUw: J
* •.. ...:*u . - ..-#~ t™Jl . ««j And they are informed of thcc, that
went in with us unto James ; and ., . Jt . „ .. , . . \
all the elders were present. 10 And thou te,a1fh!?t a" tb#e J,ew8 "h£h ar«
when he had saluted them, he de- «^to<^til«tofcwatelloiei.
dared particularly what things God "J"1?' ™at.the? .I°,Ught n°U° T
a j r . A J ,. r»—f:i~ u cumcisc their children, neither to
had wrought among the Gentiles by ,. A A, . 00 w. A
,. • •?. «/> a«^ «,!,«„ #k«., walk after the customs. 22 What
his ministry. 20 And when they . .. .. c _ .. i»:*„j
beard *, the, glorified the U>rd ; 1 ^^ i^-.j^—
The apostle having boldly resolved, that #h.ear *m\ J?0" ** conie- t * D°
come lifeVor come dkth, he would be obe- therefore this that we say to thee :
dient to the call of God by his Spirit, and w* »*ve four men which have a vow
that nothing should divert him from his on them ; 24 Them take, and pu-
intended journey to Jerusalem, sets forward rify thyself with them, and be at
from Cesarea to Jerusalem, accompanied charges with them, that they may
with certain disciples of Cesarea, who shave iheir heads . am| aU may
brought him to the house of one Mnason, k ^ t those M whereof they
an old disciple, who had long ago re- '. - , B . ., J
ceived the faith, and now lived St Jcrusa- werc. informed concerning thee, are
lem, in whose house the apostle lodged, nothing, but Ma* thyself also walkest
Here note, What a badge of honour is put orderly, and keepest the law. 25
upon Mnason, even that of being an old As touching the Gentiles which be-
disciple ; to be an old man is an honour, lieve, we have written, and concluded
but to be an old disciple is a double ho- that they observe no such thing,
nour: it has a i^bUnce ofhim who is 8aye onl/thatthev keep themselves
the Ancient of Da vs. Where antiquity c A^, & J x . ' . , , ,
and piety, where agedness and holiness^ do {/om *hin?* offered to idols, and
concur, it renders a person as like the Di- from blood, and from strangled, and
vine Majesty as can be expected on this from fornication,
side glory. To be an old disciple is a
greater honour than to be a king or em- We had Paul's report to the church at
peror. Observe next, The apostle being Jerusalem, of the success which God bad
come to Jerusalem, is kindly received of given him in his ministry amongst the Gen-
the church there : he enters the house of tiles ; this is related in the foregoing para-
St. James, the bishop of Jerusalem, where graph of the chapter. In these verses be-
the elders that were present congratulate fore us, we have the church's reply to the
his arrival, and he relates to them what apostle's relation, They glorified God ; first,
great things God had wrought by his mi- for the great success given to the word of
nistry, and they all gave praise to God for his grace amongst the Gentiles ; and withal
the great and glorious success of the gospel, they acquaint him with the like success,
Learn hence, That all christians in general, which the preaching of the gospel had
but the ministers of Christ in special, ought amongst the Jews : Thou seest, brother,
to make a particular declaration of the great how many thousands of Jews there are,
and marvellous works which the Lord hath which do believe ; the original runs, how
wrought for them, and by them. Thus many tens of thousands do believe; which
did St. Paul here ; he was very particular, intimates the great and wonderful success of
no doubt, in relating the mighty works of the gospel. Well might our Saviour com-
God in the conversion of the Gentiles by pare it to a grain of mustard-seed, seeing it
his ministry from time to time, and from had spread itself far and near in so short a
place to place ; and all this, not to extol lime. If we consider the smallness of its
himself, but to exalt God for receiving the beginning, the despicableness of the instru-
3 a
7S9 THE ACTS. Chap. XXL
ments, tbe shortness of the lime, the ohsti- dost thyself keep the law." Here we may
nacy and prejudices of the Jews against observe tbe truth of what St Paul elsewhere
the gospel, and yet remark tbe vast number declared, that to the Jews he became as a
of thousands and ten thousands of tbe Jews Jew, that he might gam the Jews, yea,
that did already believe, embrace, and en* became all things to all men, that he might
tertain it ; we need not wonder that St gain some. A noble pattern for the mi-
Paul, 1 Tim. iiu 16. reckons it as one of ntsten of tbe gospel to write after, in yield-
the greatest mysteries of godliness, that ing, so far as we may without sin or scan*
Jesus Christ was preached to the Gentiles, dal, to the weakness of others, in order to
and believed on in the world. That is, the furtherance of the great cods of our
that so many thousands both of Jews and ministry among our people : To the Jews
Gentiles were brought to own him, and I became as a Jew.
submit to him as Lord and Saviour. Ob- _ _ _,, n . . . ,
serve next, The advice given by the church t 20 Tnen Paul **« the men ; and
at Jerusalem to St Paul, concerning the the next day purifying himself with
Jews which did believe in that place. It them, entered into the temple, to
seems the Jews, though they had received signify the accomplishment of the
the gospel, yet thought that the ceremonial <jay8 0f purification, until that an
tow must still be observed ; therefore, in offeri 8nouid be offered for
condescension to their weakness, and to ? *■_ «*■» * j t- *i_
prevent their taking offence, they advise one «» »«• « And when the
the apostle, not as a thing necessary in ;cvcn days were ^raost ended, the
itself, but as an expediency in reference to Jews which were of Asm, when they
their weakness, to conform himself to some saw him in the temple, stirred up
of the Jewish ceremonies and purifications; all the people, and laid hands on
for though they were not then needful, him, 28 Crying out, Men of Israel,
y*^LT?! ^ ^'£nM**2!*f he,P : thi* is the man tnat leiM?n-
might then be used, when the use of them ... r n ■ • * 4±
wolld any ways conduce to the gaining eth a,U ""* «!«7 where,!ffII,!t the
and bringing over tbe Jews to a love of People, and the law, and this place :
Christianity. The synagogue was not has- *"d further, brought Greeks also
tily to be cast out of the church, like the into the temple, and hath polluted
Heathenish superstitions ; but to die by this holy place. 29 (For they had
degrees, and be decently interred. Here seen before with him, in tbe city,
^£!2** I* w^f Mo** M t0 * mon] Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they
CaTOTW suppled that a«lhadb7Jt
ceremonies, signifying him that was to come, lnto tne temple.) 30 And all the
this was abtogated at Christ's coming ; and ™ty was moved, and the people ran
the political part ceased, when tbe Jewish together : and they took Paul, and
polity was dissolved: but the abrogation drew him out of the temple. And
of the whole was not fully made known at forthwith the doors were shut.
the first, but by degrees ; and the exercise
of it long tolerated to tbe Jews. Observe, Observe here, 1. That at the instance
lastly, The particular advice which they and importunity of his friends, St Paul b
give the apostle, to go into tbe temple, and persuaded to purify himself in the temple j
perform the legal ceremony of purification : partly to gain upon tbe affections of the be-
We have four men which have a vow ; Jieving Jews, who were still zealous of tbe
them take, and purify thyself, that ail law j and partly to confute tbe fake asper-
may know that thou walkest orderly, and sions of them that reported him to be
keepest the law. That is, " Seeing we against all ceremonial observances. If any
have four men here which have a Nazarite's had grudged that, after tbe coming of the
vow upon them, tbe time of which vow is gospel, so much cost should be bestowed
now expired, and they are to shave them- on the law, and say, with murmuring Judas,
selves ceremoniously in the temple; go To what purpose was this waste ? the law
thou with them, and perform the legal might truly answer with our Saviour, and
ceremony of purification there, that the say, " He did it for my burial, and for the
people may know that the report of thee more solemn interment of me," . Observe,
is not trae 5 but that thou, being a Jew, 2. How blind was tbe sea), and how
Chap. XXL THE ACTS. 723
the rage, of the unbelieving Jews, festivals without a strong garrison to be a
against the apostle ! They seek, and be- check upon them ; accordingly the gover-
eause they could not find, they take an nor, having tidings of the tumult, brings
occasion to vent their malice upon him j down a band of soldiers, to see the peace
accordingly they put the whole city of Je- kept ; be rescues the injured apostle out of
rusalem into an uproar, upon a pretence their hands, commands him to be bound
that he had brought Trophimus, a Gentile, with two chains, as Agabus had foretold,
into the temple, to profane and pollute it ; and the soldiers bear him up in their arms
and in their blind rage they dragged the from the violence of the people. Hence
apostle out of the temple, as a profaner of we learn, 1. That a bad government, even
it. Well might the apostle say he was in an heathen government, is better than
deaths often, 2 Cor. xi. 23. He was now in anarchy. Under a tyrannical government
danger to be pulled in pieces by this tumult, many may be uneasy, but under popular
and of being made a sacrifice to the fury of rage none can be long at rest. Learnt 2.
the rabble ; but God, who never wants That heathens are oftentimes the protectors
ways and means for the seasonable succour of christians against the blind rage of those
and relief of his faithful servants, in an un- that profess to worship the same God. St.
expected manner, and by unthought-of Paul and these unbelieving Jews worship-
means, rescued the apostle from the jaws ped the same God, and yet the heathen
of death and danger, as the next verses soldiers were rain by force to carry and
inform us. guard the apostle from the fury of the bloody
unbelieving Jews. Thus God raiseth up
31 And as they went about to what instruments he pleaseth to subserve
kill him, tidings came unto the his own gracious ends and designs in the
chief captain of the band, that all preservation of his people. The barbarous
Jerusalem was in an uproar ; 32 heathen soldiers protect St. Paul, and keep
Who immediately took soldiers and him from being torn in pieces by the Jews,
centurions, and ran down unto them : who *<*■*"!¥«* ** «*e <** **° him-
And when they saw the chief cap- 37 And as Paul was to be led into
tain and the soldiers, they left beat- the castle, he said unto the chief
ing of Paul. 33 Then the chief captain, May I speak unto thee ?
captain came near, and took him, Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?
and commanded him to he bound 38 A rt not thqu that Egyptian, which
with two chains ; and demanded before these days madest an uproar,
wbo he was, and what he bad done. and leddest out into the wilderness
34 And some cried one thing, some four thousand men that were mur-
another, among the multitude : and dercrs ? 30 But Paul said, I am a
tfhen he could not know the cer- man which am a Jew of Tarsus,
tainty for the tumult, he commanded a dty in Cilicia, a citizen of no
him to be carried into the castle, mean city : and I beseech thee, suf-
35 And when he came upon the fer rae to speak unto the people,
stairs, so it was, that he was borne 40 And when he had given him li-
of the soldiers, for the violence of cence# Paul st0od on the stairs, and
the people. 36 For the multitude beckoned with the hand unto the
of the people followed after, crying, people : and when there was made
Away with him ! a great silence, he spake unto thtth.
Note b«. ]. How the great wd gr.- in the HebreW t0n*Ue' sayin*»
cioos God provideth seasonable rescues for Observe, 1. The justice which the chief
his persecuted and perplexed saints and captain, though an heathen soldier, doth
servants : When they went about to kill St-. Paul : he demands what he had done,
Paul, God raises him up a deliverer, before he punishes him. An heathen would
Note, 2. The unexpected instrument of hear the cause before ne condemns the per-
the apostle's deliverance, and that was an son ; a piece of justice which the law of
heathen governor. The Romans never nature requires and obliges to. Observe,
durst trust such vast multitudes at Jewish 2. The unjust suspicion which the chief
724 THE ACTS. Chap. XXII.
captain had of St. Paul's being a very bad lastly, That though the forementioned pri-
man ; Art not thou that Egyptian which vileges are considerable privileges, namely,
madest an uproar, and leddest out Jour to be descended from noble ancestors, to
thousand men that were murderers ? Here be born in a famous country, and in a free
St Paul without cause is suspected for a city, (passages of divine Providence not to
rebel, a seducer, and a murderer, by the be overlooked or disregarded, but very
chief captain. It is not in the power of the highly valued and thankfully ackoow-
most unspotted innocency to protect from ledged ;) yet must it be remembered, that
jealousies and suspicion, from censure and all these are but outward and temporal
calumny, from slander and false accusation, privileges, common to the worst, as well
The peaceable apostle is suspected for a as the best of men \ such privileges as a
turbulent incendiary, Art not thou the man may enjoy, and yet be under the
Egyptian that madest an uproar ? Ob- wrath of God, and the guilt of eternal
serif, 3. The just and necessary apology damnation. Let us labour to be nobly
which St. Paul makes for himself: I am a minded, as well as nobly descended*— by
Jew of Tarsus, a citizen of no mean city, regeneration born from above ; otherwise
Where note, 1. He describes his original ; we are low born, mean born, be our pa-
I am a Jew, not that wicked Egyptian which rents never so high. Thus the chapter
you expected me to be, but a Jew of a concludes with an account of the apostle's,
religious and noble extraction. Learn eminent preservation in a time of imminent
thence, That to be descended from religious danger : when likely to have been torn in
and noble ancestors, is a desirable privilege pieces by the riotous rabble, God stirs up
and singular prerogative. St. Paul was a the chief captain, an heathen, belonging to
Jew, descended from Abraham, Isaac, and the bloody trade of war, to rescue oppressed
Jacob, and the holy patriarchs. Note, 2. innocency j and the guard of soldiers, who
He describes the country where he was had no manner of affection for Paul, God
born : be was born in Cilicia, a rich and *ets as a life-guard about his person, they
fruitful country in Asia. Learn thence, bear bim up in their arms, give htm Ji-
That to be born in a rich and fruitful -oun- terty to speak for himself; and his apology ,
try (if godly and religious) is a very con- or defensative plea, we have recorded in the
siderable favour and privilege ; it was not following chapter,
blind chance and fortune, but a wise and
merciful providence of God, which appoint- CHAP. XXII.
ed both the place of our birth, and deter- Liv , * ^ * " .
mined the bound, of our habitation. What *£&"«££ ISE'Sr ^"MJ&S.^
mercy is it that we were born, not in Spain, *(*** unto tbe people, who, without uy joet
not in Turkey, not in a land of darknas, T^i^^ J&^T* '«<££
but in a valley Of Vision i If the Spaniards of »peech being granted bin, he etUMb apoa
have the golden mines, we have the eolden ?• •***"* near tb* **.u of *■' e**Ue iu *hi«fc
treasure of the scriptures, more to leLired & hTd \S7Si^Si l& &,%£"&
than gold, yea, than much fine gold, Psal. d!ience, in the Hebrew tongue he thus bespeaks
xix. Note, 3. He describes, not only his thtm'
iT^nf: hp^^Tf1"6 CU£ Mld the ^ni- MEN' brethren, and fathers, hear
tyofit: he was horn t n Tarsus, a citizen 1TJ- ve mv dpfpnrp MA.VJk T S~
of no mean city, it being the metropolis _ y ! y det*nc,e' ^AtcA Z make
or chief city of all Cilicia: in this famlul "0W "nt? *T 2 <AVd when **7
city was the apostle born. Learn thence, heard that he 8Pakc In the Hebrew
That to be born in a noble, free, and famous tongue to them, they kept the more
city, especially if religious, is a desirable silence : and he sailh,) 3 I an
favour and privilege. St. Paul was born verily a man which am a Jew, born
in the noble city of Tarsus; but how in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, vet
Z ietahe- pMy aSahe ?• ^' »H. brought up in this city, at the feet
that be was a Roman ? Answer, So he ^r n ■• i j * v. *.
wm, but not by birth, but by imn^ni? « £am *'"'• «*d teu8b' •«»•*■*
and privilege. Tarsus was invested with e Perfect manner of the law of
the Roman privileges, and made free of tne fathers, and was zealous toward
Rome by M. Antonius: thus Paul was God. a» ye all are this day. 4 And
no? to ™..?!!? dec»aied "iat ** ou8ht ' Persecuted this way unto the death,
not to .courgc a Roman crtizen. Note, binding and delivering into prisons
Chap. XXII. THE ACTS. 725
both men and women. 5 As also when a persecutor, sticks not at it, but
the high priest doth bear me witness, »pws on through fire and water to glul»his
and all the estate of the elders : m*iice ™? reveDfe °° J** poor members
from whom also I received letters °™f« Christ. Learn thence, That per-
*w " " " T ; . wZ secutors will spare neither purse nor pains,
unto the brethren, and went to Da- they wi„ stick and glop ^ nolhin&> though
mascus, to bring them which were never ^ toilsome and hazardous, so they
there, bound unto Jerusalem, for to may but satisfy their revenge upon the poor
be punished. disciples of Jesus Christ: I persecuted this
way unto the death , binding and deliver-
Here begins the apostle's apology, or ing into prison both men and women.
defensative plea, which he makes for him-
self before the people at Jerusalem, who, 6 And it came to pass, that as I
in the foregoing chapter, had so injuriously ma(jc mY journey, and was come
treated him. In which apologetical nar- ni h ^ Dama9CU8 about noon
ration, we nave these particulars observable: j i i Au u c u
First, observe, With what lenity and mild- suddenly there shone from heaven a
ness he bespeaks his cruel and pestilent great light round about me. 7 And
persecutors, the people of the Jews ; he 1 fell unto the ground, and heard a
accosts them with titles of respect and hon- voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul,
our, Men, brethren, and fathers ; not why persecu test thou me ? 8 And
wiih opprobrious invectives; he doth not I answered, Who art thou, Lord ?
render evil for evil, or railing for railing ; And hc said unto , am Jesu8 of
he had not so learned Christ, he knew how vr aU , .• ^ . .
to suffer reproach for the gospel; but to *af ^ W^T th°U P'rsecutcst-
prosecute his persecutors with hard names ? A»<| they that were with me saw
and characters of reproach, was a piece of indeed the light, and were afraid;
zeal, which St. Paul and the holy sufferers but they heard not the voice of him
of those times were little acquainted with, that spake to me.
Observe, 2. How the apostle insinuates
himself unto his auditors, that so he might Our apostle having related what he was
gain their attention to what was spoken : before his conversion in the foregoing verses,
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye, I in these and the following verses he declares
pray, my defence which I make unto you. the manner of his conversion, namely, That
There is a lawful and pious insinuation for when he was travelling to Damascus to pur-
gaining the attention of our auditors, which sue his persecuting design, a great light
the ministers of Christ may and ought to shined round about him, upon which he
make use of ; as the workman that would fell to the ground, and heard these words
drive his nail, dips it in oil. We gain our articulately spoken to him : Saul, Saul,
auditors* attention by courteous and loving why persecutest thou me ? Where ob-
compellations : Men, brethren, and fathers, serve, That Christ takes the opposition made
hearken. Observe, 3. The apology or against his gospel, and the persecution car-
plea itself, in which he sets before them, ried on against his members, as done unto
1 . His extraction, I am a Jew, born in himself ; it being against his friends, his
Tarsus. 2. His education, brought up cause, and interest: as the honour done
at the feet of Gamaliel. 3. His profession, unto the Head redounds unto the members,
he was zealous towards God ; that is, he so the wrongs and injuries offered to the
was one of the sect among the Jews which members, are resented by the Head. Christ
were called Zealots, and v*as very strict said not thus (when upon earth) unto his
and exact in the observation of the law, murderers, Why bind ye me ? Why buffet
a bitter enemy to Christianity, and a bloody ye me ? Why scourge ye me, and crucify
persecutor of all that owned themselves me f But now, when his members sufter-
tne disciples of Jesus, as the high-priest ed, he cries out from heaven, Saul, Saul,
very well knows, says he, from whom I why persecutest thou me .* Lord, thou
received a commission, that if J found any art more tender of thy body mystical, than
of this way, whether men or women, I thou wast of thy body natural ; more sen-
should bring them bound unto Jerusalem, sible of thy members' sufferings, than of
Here note, That Damascus was five or six thine own ! Observe next, How ready the
days* journey from Jerusalem j yet Paul, apostle was to understand and know, and
726 THE ACTS. Cbap. XXH.
how desirous to execute and do, the will thers hath chosen thee, that thon
of God: Who art thou, Lord .« and whet should est know his will, and see
wilt thou have me to do .* We may tnat just One, and shouldcst hear
sooner find fire without beat, than a true the voJcc of his mouth. 15 For
scsss* is £& thou **•" ^ Tr MBto 2
Who art thoufLord; says Paul; I am men, of what thou hast seen and
Jesus of Nazareth* whom thou persecute heard. 16 And now, why tamest
est, saith Christ. Where note. That con- thon ? arise, and be baptised, and
temned, though not contemptible, name, wash away thy sins, calling on the
Jesus of Nazareth, is owned by Christ name 0f the Lord.
from heaven. Mark, he said not, I am
Jesus the Son of God, I am Jesus the heir Here observe, 1. That although Christ
of the world, and Lord of all ; but, I am converted Paul himself, yet Ananias, as his
Jesus of Nazareth* He glorieth in that minister, must instruct him : by Christ is
reproach which his enemies cast upon him, grace infused, but by bis ministers increas-
Jesus of Nazareth ; he owned his name ed. Such an honour doth Christ put upon
from heaven, to teach his members not to the ministers of the gospel, that he makes
be ashamed of it when reproached by it use of their endeavours, ordinarily, both
here on earth. Observe lastly, The wit* for the protection and augmentation of
nesses of Paul's conversion : The men that grace in the hearts of bis people. O the
•were with him, who saw the light, hut necessity and usefulness of a standing mi-
heard not the voice. It is very probable nistry ! It is a singular favour to have the
that he had a considerable number of offi- mind of God made known to us by men
cere with him, to bring both men and like unto ourselves. And behold the hon^
women that professed Christianity bound to our which God puts upon his minister*, in
Jerusalem. These saw the light shining, using them as conduit-pipes for conveying
and heard a confused noise like thunder, the water of life unto us, which is not or-
butthey heard not the articulate, much less dinarily communicated immediately from
the efficacious, voice of Christ, which himself, nor immediately received by us 9
spake so convincingly to his soul. Lord, Observe, 2. The title given by Ananias
how many are mere who come under the to Saul, Brother Saul. They were now
preaching of the gospel, that, with Paul's brethren by faith and profession, owning
companions, hear only a confused noise, the same God, united to the tame Saviour,
an empty sound f They do not hear the animated by the same Spirit, encouraged
efficacious voice of Christ, speaking to their by the same promises, partakers of the same
hearts with a strong hand, and so remain hope, and heirs of the same glory. M the
shut up under the power of unbelief. scripture speaks of a brotherhood betwixt
Christ and believers, He u not ashamed to
t ^^Jfu"*/ VVlat.fhaU Ido' SferhooT beL£t; b^^i^^
Lord ? And the Lord said unto me, jjOVC the brotherhood ; that is, the whole
Arise, and go into Damascus ; and fraternity and society of christians, who are
there it shall be told thee of all Sanguine Christi conglutinati ; cemented
things which are appointed for thee by the blood of Christ, and united by
to do. 11 And when I could not lhe ^nd of love. Observe, 3. Anaaissj
see for the glory of that light, be- 9e3T!SJ^ Tf?# **?. H^t ^"Ti
ing led by the 'hand of them that ^J^
were with me, I came into Damascus. iheeJhy the haod? » the word signifies,
12 And one Ananias, a devout man that thon sbouldst know his wiU9snd see
according to the law, having a good that just one. So he calls the blessed
report of all the Jews which dwelt J<*us, to convince them of their sin in put*
there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, faR nkn t0 de8th ? And &* • «•*■*» «»*•
and said unto me, Brother Saul, £jmen of what thou hast seen xend heard.
receive thy sight. And the same if w wkj"? T"?l£ ♦ **£*!!
hftn. i i,Jj,-wi ~ u- -.T now to wrtness for, hereafter to witness
a„h 1? >a f ^ "P?" J?101' }* "gainst: now they witness for God and
And he said, The God of our fa- his truth, and persuade sinners to believe
Chap. XXII. THE ACTS. 727
it ; hereafter they will witness against sin- proceeds next to acquaint them how de-
Den for not believing and obeying toe truth sirous be was to have preached to the Jews
of God. Lord, what a sad consideration ratlier than to the Gentiles, if the will of
is this, that the ministers of Christ must be God had seen fit : but it proved otherwise ;
brought in as witnesses against the souls for, as he was praying in the temple, be
of their neighbours and friends, and be had a vision, in which he was commanded
forced to testify to their faces for their con* to hasten out of the city, because his for*
dennation ! Ah, Lord, with what an mer seal in opposing the gospel would bin-
heart must a poor minister study when be der his present preaching of it from being
consideretb, that every sermon that he successful. Against this ne humbly argued,
pleaches must be brought in for a witness that his former zeal against Christianity
against many, if not most, of his hearers I might, he hoped, be an argument to per-
Eoubtless this sad reflection makes every suade the Jews, his countrymen, to embrace
faithful minister of Christ study hard, pray Christianity. But this argument did not
bard, entreat hard, be earnest and instant prevail for his staying at Jerusalem ; but he
in season and out of season, that tbey may was commanded to depart from thence, to
not be condemners of their people's souls, preach the gospel to the despised Gentiles,
Observe, 4. The advice which Ananias who had not such strong expectations
gives to this new convert, to take upon against him, but would with more readi-
hka the badge of Christianity, to wit, Bap- ness embrace his doctrine. Learn hence,
tism: Arise, and be baptized, and wash 1. That carnal reasonings are very apt to
away thy sins. Here note, That sacraments arise in the hearts of God's own servants,
are not empty insignificant signs ; but God, and cause them to object sometbang against
by his grace and Messing, renders his own their obedience to the divine commands,
ordinances effectual for these great ends for Here the apostle objects, that according to
which his wisdom has appointed them : his reason he saw greater probability of do-
Be baptized, and wash away thy sins, ing good by his ministry among the Jews
As water cleanseth the body, so the blood than be could hope for among the Gentiles,
of Christ, signified by water, washes away who would be afraid of him, as Ananias
the guilt of the soul. Where true faith is, was ; but Christ repeats his command,
together with the profession of it by bap- Depart, and get thee hence, for I will send
tism, there is salvation promised, Mark xvi. thee to the Qentiks. And now the apos-
16. He that believeth, and is baptized, tie doth no longer dispute, but despatch.
shall be saved. This teaches us, 2. To lay by all our car*
nal reasonings and vain pretences, when
17 And it came to pass, that once the call and command of God is clear,
when 1 was come again to Jerusa* and no longer cavil, but comply , no
km, even while I prayed in the longer <*]**» but instantly obey. We
temple, I was in a trance ; 18 And «»* ■*[* fo,low God NMfald. when
=«.,„ !,:«» .»«,:«*, ..„♦,* ^^ \Mnir* once we have assurance that he goes before
saw him say ng unto me, Make ^ ^ ^.^ J^ ^
haste and get thee quickly out of tation or limitation.
Jerusalem : for they will not receive
thy testimony concerning me. 19 22 And they rave htm audience
And I said, Lord, they know that I unt0 this wordf and ihm Kfted up
imprisoned and beat in every syna- their Toiceg> and gaidf Away wjth
gogue them that believed on thee : 8uch a jeUow from the earth : for
20 And when the blood of thy mar- it is not fit that nc ,hould live. 2d
tyr Stephen was shed, I also was And as they cricd out, and cast off
standing by, and consenting unto |^> clothes, and threw dust into
his death, and kept the raiment of the air, 24 The chief captain com-
them that slew him, 21 And he manded him to be brought into the
said unto me, Depart : for I will ca8tic, and bade that he should be
send thee far hence, nnto the Gen- examined* by scourging ; that he
t"es* might know wherefore they cried so
St. Paul, having thus declared to the against him. 25 And as they bound
Jews his wonderful manner of conversion, him with thongs, Paul said unto the
798 THE ACTS. Chap. XXIf.
centurion that .toed by, Is it lawful ^^g^VS^
for you to scourge a man that is a J*/™?* fei/aw j^ tke efl^
Roman, and uncondemned ? 26 lt IS ^t meet that he should Itve. Ob-
Whcn the centurion heard that, he wa^9 3 ^he ^m prudence and inno-
went and told the chief captain, ^t policy which the apostle uses for hit
saving, Take heed what thou doest: 0wn preservation: when Ihey were about
for this man is a Roman. 27 Then to bind him to a post, in order to the scourg-
the chief captain came, and said ing of him, the apostle declares himself a
!»t*l.im TV1I 1 art thou a Ro- free denizen of Rome, by bang born in one
unto him Tell me, art thou a Ko which ^ ^^ empeor ^
man ? He said, Yea. 28 And the raade ^ . tfieoriingiy St Paul pleads for
chief captain answered, With a great nim9ejf tDe privilege of a Roman citizen,
sum obtained I this freedom. And wno neither ought to be bound or beaten.
Paul said, But I was^/ree born. 29 Though we may not render evil for evil,
Then straightway they departed yet we may right ourselves by all lawful
from him which should have ex- means .c^^"«^ nr^ided
amined him : and the chief captain g-- J- ■*■■« £«^E«
also was afraid, after he knew that ^ ^fcity of the otber. The head of
he was a Roman, and because he me serpent and the heart of the dove do
had bound him. 30 On the mor- ^ together • for as policy without piety
row, because he would have known is too subtle to be good, so piety without
the certainty wherefore he was ac- policy is too simple to be safe. Observe,
cused of the Jews, he loosed him 4. How tin chief captain, fearing he had
from Aw bands, and commanded done more than heco uld w^ta»
the chief priests and all their coun- *~ *£ *£* J^S^
cil to appear, and brought faul raQre out of fear than i0VCf or n,ore Dut of
down, and set him before them. love to himself than the apostle, he looses
St. Paul's bonds. Thence note, That when
Observe here, 1. With what patience the at any time the persecutors of the saints
Jews heard the apostle's discourse until he do desist from their bloody purposes, it is
made mention of the Gentiles, and that he not out of love to them, but love to thenv
was appointed to preach to them. Upon selves. Observe lastly, The saints deh-
which they brake forth into fury and pas- verances from affliction and persecution,
sioo, and expressed their fury by throwing whilst on this side heaven, are not total W
dust into the air, and casting off their final, but momentary and partial. The
clothes, as if they would presently stone him, apostle was delivered from his chains, not
whom they looked upon as the worst of vil- from his confinement; though unbound,
lain*, and unworthy to live : where we not set at liberty. Next day. wefind him
may remark at once both what a vile opi- before the great council, or Sanhedrim, and
nion the Jews had of the Gentiles, whom fresh bonds and afflictions abide tarn,
they called and accounted dogs, and what Little rest is to be expected by the members
an high esteem they had of themselves, and and less re* by the faithful j^**f*»<*
a proud conceit of their own deserving*, as Jesus Christ in this world : blessed be God
if the favours of heaven belonged to none for the believing hopes of an ******* ?**-
but themselves, who yet trampled upon where the fury of the persecutor, the tnju-
tnem, when they were tendered to them, ries of the oppressor, shall cease tor ever;
Observe, 2. What a vile esteem these wicked where no sin shall affect us, no sorrow
Jews had of the holy and innocent apostle, afflict us, no danger affright us ; but we
who desired above all things to preach shall be perfectly like unto God, as well in
the glad tidings of the gospel to them, purity as immortality. Inthe mean time,
and longed most affectionately for the con- may we, the ministers of God, who are set
version and salvation of them. They ac- for the defence of the gospel, bear the bur-
count him the greatest villain upon earth, and den and heat of the day with patience and
unworthy to live upon it ; but the good man courage, resolution and constancy; may
had learnt (and let all the faithful ministers we gird up the loins of our minds, not
of Christ learn it after him) to take pleasure accounting either our labours or our lives
Chap. XXIII. THE ACTS. 729
dear unto us, so tliat we finish our course it is to follow it ; I have lived in all good
with joy, and fulfil the ministry which we conscience until this day. Here note,
have received of the Lord, glorying in our The apostle sets forth the goodness of his
reproaches for well-doing; yea, though we conscience these four ways. 1. From the
be accounted the filth of the world, and goodness of his conversation : I have lived.
the ofiscouring of all things : for when the A good conversation is the best evidence of
chief Shepherd shall appear, we shall a good conscience. God doth not measure
receive a crown of glory which fadeth not men's sincerity by the tides of their affec-
away. tions, but by the constant bent of their
resolutions, and the general course and
CHAP. XXIII. tenor of their conversations. Every man's
„ . . . * . A. ... - conscience is as his life is. 2. From the
^^nSsC^rKr,lXXhSS^X. general'* of ba # care and obedience: I
fence; which accordingly he did. but little to the have lived in all good conscience: if it
pit council at Jerusalem, profewing his own conscience at all. Herod had some good
ioDocency ; but instead of setting him at liberty, conscience, he did many things ; but tile
the cursed Jews conspire his destruction, but the ^^^,1^ ___» r«,.k«- k« i;..^l «,*♦ ;«. MMA
providence of God wonderfully interpose, for hi. apostle went farther, he lived not m some,
deliverance, as the chapter before u. fully in. but in all good conscience, 3. The apOB-
form. us. Ue gg^ form me goodness of bis conscience
AND Paul, earnestly beholding the 'rom *? »*•% of jf l0Wai* Go*'- *
•i .i \m ; i nave uvea in all good conscience before
council, said Men and bre- Qod M a J^ conscience ^th
thren, I have lived in all good con- for a good conscience before men, and per.
science before God until this day. haps before himself, which yet are not good
2 And the high-priest Ananias com- before God, the judge of conscience. 4.
manded them that stood by him to From his continuance and constancy,
smite him on the mouth. 3 Then Until this Jay ; I have lived in all good
said Paul unto him, God shall smite conseienee before God until this day. It
the* thnu whited wall • for sittest ,s n0t 8uffic,ent t0 be6,n a K00* ,,fe» and to
thee, Mo* wmted wail . K>r sittest have ft . conscience: but we must
thou to judge me after the law, and keep it t00f ^a that ail our days, eve.i to
commandest me to be smitten con- 0ur last day. Happy man ! that can truly
trary to the law ? say at his dying day, I have lived in all
good conscience until this day. Observe,
Here we have observable the apostle's 2. As the apostles solemn protestation, so
sober and ingenuous profession and pro- the high-priest's injurious injunction :
testation, Ananias's insolent and injurious Ananias commanded them that stood by
injunction, St. Paul's zealous answer and him to smite him on the mouth. Here
contestation. Observe, 1. The apostle's note, What is the reward and portion of a
sober and. ingenuous profession and pro- good conscience from the world : to be
testation, ver. 1. I have lived in all good smitten either on the mouth, or with the
conscience unto this day ; that is, during mouth ; either with the fist, or with the
his continuance in the Jewish religion, and tongue. There is nothing so enrages men
since his conversion to the christian reli- of wicked consciences, as the profession and
gion, he had walked uprightly, and accord- practice of a good conscience doth : but
ing to his knowledge, and the light of his better ten blows on the face than one on
conscience. But had Paul a good con- the heart; better a thousand blows for a
science when he persecuted the christians ? good conscience, than one from it. Ob-
Anra. He went according to his consci- serve, 3. St. Paul's zealous answer and
ence when he persecuted: he verily thought contestation, God shall smite thee, thou
he did God service in so doing, and it was whited wall. Where note, 1. That al-
not any selfish end or sinister design he though the apostle doth not smite again
propounded to himself, but zeal for his re- as he was smitten, though be did not smite
ligion provoked him to persecution, Phil. Ananias on the cheek, as he smote him on
hi. 6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the the mouth, yet he gives him a check and
church. It is certainly a man's duty to sharp reproof for his violence and injustice.
follow his conscience; but then it is as Thence learn, That christian patience,
much his duty to inform his conscience, as though it binds a man's hands, yet it doth
730 THE ACTS. Chap. XXIII.
not always bind bis tongue ; though it lays bog from Jerusalem ; and the high-priest
a law upon a man to forbear violence, yet it being made yearly. Others say, 2. That
lays not a law upon him to enjoin him there being a great throng about him, the
silence. St Paul though he did not strike apostle could not distinctly bear who it wee
yet durst speak j though he held his hands, that spake to him. 3. Some understand it
yet he did not hold his peace. Though of absolute denial, that any such office as
religion pinions a man's arms from striking, that of high-priest ought then to be in
yet it doth not seal up a man's lips from being: As it the apostle bad said," I do
speaking ; but we may declare both our not own any man to be a lawful high-
own innocency, and others' injustice, priest now, that function being abolished
Note, 2. St. Paul doth not say, God shall and disannulled at the coming of the Mes-
judge thee : or God shall plague thee ; but rias." Again, 4. Others understand the
God shall smite thee : denoting, that as there words, as if the apostle denied him to be the
is always equity, so sometimes a retaliation lawful high-priest, one of God's appointing,
in the executions of divine justice, or a he being one of man's making, having
recompensing like for like. God sometimes purchased the place with money j for the
returns smiting for smiting, so that the power and covetousness of the Romans put
sinner is forced to cry out, As I have done, a new high-priest every year to officiate :
so God hath requited me. God punishes accordingly, St. Paul, knowing this man to
sometimes in the same kind, sometimes in be none of the posterity of Aaron, but
the same manner, sometimes in the same brought in by sordid gain, might justly dis-
place j that sinners are forced to cry out, own him to be the high-priest Lastly,
Righteous art thou, O Lord ! and just are there are who affirm, That the apostle did
thy judgments ! certainly see and know the high pri
and that his meaning is, " That ha
4 And they that stood by said, received such unjust usage in the court
Revilest thou God's high-priest ? to be openly smitten in the time of bearing,
rvL u r«. A A . .. .. , he did not know, that is, he did not coo-
Observe here, That Ananias the high- sidCTf wno it was that ^> to fc^ ^^
priest having commanded the apostle un- therefore spake hastily and unadvisedly/*
heard and uncondemnned to be smitten, the The scripture will not bear us out to use ill
apostle denounces the just judgments of words t0 magistrates, should we be, aa St.
God upon him for the same ; yet not in a pau| here was, ill used by them ; yet
way of imprecation, but prediction; rather magistrates no more to be flattered
foretelling what would come, than wishing tney are t0 ^ reproached. The gi
or desiring that it should come; not in a may ^ reproved, and with a gracious
wav of revenge, or recompensing evil for severity told 0f their faults; and St Paul
evil, but in a way of ministerial reproof, did no more. It is no sin to tell the jodg-
which the standers by call reviling. ments of God, which will certainly
RevtUst thou God's high-prust f Thence opoil injurious and unjust oppressor*,
learn, that profane sinners look upon the
faithful reproofs which the ministers of God 6 fiut wh p , perccived that
give them for their lewdness, to be no better . „ ..K - "
than revilings ; they think we revile them, one P^J w.ere Saddu?ecs» •»? the
if we do but rebuke them ; whereas, though olner Pharisees, he cried out in the
we chasten sinners with the rod of reproof, council, Men and brethren, I am
wc dare not sting them with the scorpion a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee :
of reproach. of the hope and resurrection of the
„,, . . _ . _ . , dead I am called in question.
5 Then said Paul, I wist not, bre-
thren, that he was the high-priest : Observe here, The innocent policy whsch
for it is written, Thou shalt not the apostle uses for his own preservation:
speak evil of the ruler of thy people. J* percewng that the council before whom
' r r he stood were not all of a piece, but patch-
Several interpretations are given by ex- ed up of Pharisees and Sadducees, he puto-
positors of these words, I wist not9 bre- Hcly professes himself a Pharisee by
thren, thai he was the high-priest. 1. cation, and of that persuasion now in point
Some think that St. Paul did not really of the resurrection. Thus at once be casi
know the high-priest, having been gone so in a bone of contention between the Sad-
Chap. XXIII. THE ACTS. 731
duces who denied the resurrection, and sharpest feuds ; men are more fond of the
the Pharisees who owned it; and obliged notions of their brains, than they are of
the Pharisees, at least as to that opinion, the issue of their bodies. Odia Religioso-
to take his part, and so by pious prudence rum sunt acerbissima / " Religious bates
be turned their opposition against him are hottest." Observe, 3. How the dissen-
upon one another : that by setting them at sions of God's adversaries oft-times become
variance be might the better escape. Learn the deliverance of God's servants. Thus
hence, That an innocent and prudent policy here the Pharisees and Sadducees quarrel
may warranrably be made use of by the about the resurrection : the Pharisees justify
members and ministers of Jesus Christ, St Paul, and tell tbem that oppose him,
without any blemish to their holy profes* "They are in clanger offlghting against God."
sioo, in order to our preservation from the Thus God, when he pleasetb, can find or
hands of persecutors ; a serpentine subtilty make patrons of his people, and raise up
may be made use of, together with a dove- friends from amongst his very enemies, to
like innocency. Thus did St. Paul here : defend his cause,
when he perceived that one part were .
Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he .10 And when there arose a great
cried out, Sec » dissension, the chief captain, fear*
« a j l l u j • j .i ing lest Paul should have been pull-
7 And when he had .osa.d. there J -m iece, of A comniaJded
arose a diswnsion between the Pha- tbe Jfoim to go down, and to
nsees and the Sadducee. ; and the take him . force8fro(n &mong thero>
multitude was divided. 8 For the and to bri„J him int0 the ca9tB,e. n
Sadducees say that there is no resur- And the „? bt fol|owjng> ^ j^
rection. neither an*el nor spirit ; but 8tood b hj^ ft0<, nid ^ of ^
he Pharisees confess both. 9 And ch pau| for ^ hagt ^
there arose a great cry : and the fied of me . JeTUsa, „ mu8t
senbes that vnre of the Pharisees A bcar witlleM aUo at Rome.
part arose, and strove, saying, We
find no evil in this man : but if a St. Paul was now in the midst of diffi-
sptritor an angel hath spoken to him, culty and danger ; but observe how sea-
let us not fight against God. ™My God "*l» in foF h» 8UCC0Iur »nd
° ° deliverance : First, he stirs up that heathen
Observe here, 1. How sad a state, and tribune, the chief captain Lysias, who was
how bad a condition, was the Jewish church present at the trial, to see his prisoner have
now in, when in the Sanhedrim, or great fair play ; the Lord stirs up this man to
council, men had power and authority, rescue the apostle from the hands of vio-
wbo believed in no life but this ; and what lence, by which he was in danger of being
hypocrites were the Pharisees, who could pulled in pieces, and he is returned safe
thus incorporate and embody with damna- unto the castle again. O how God's en-
ble heretics, the Sadducees, and yet at the couragements evermore accompany his
same time hated and persecuted the chris- commands ! His faithful servants, when
tians. The Sadducees were so far from be- they suffer for him, shall certainly be de-
lieving that there was any spirit, that they livered by him, either in trouble or out of
blasphemously maintained, that God him- trouble. Secondly, God comforts the suf-
self was no spiritual, but only a corporeal fering apostle with his own presence, and
being. When men sm with obstinacy with the gracious manifestations of his spe-
against supernatural light, God justly with- cial favour ; The Lord stood by him, and
draws from them even natural light, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul. — Where
suffers them to fall from one degree of error note. That if the Lord stand by, and be
to another. Observe, 2. How partiality graciously present with his servants, in a
will change men's judgments, according to suffering hour, it is no matter how many
the interest of a party or faction. The and how mighty tbey be that do withstand
Pharisees were bitter enemies to the apostle ; them, and appear against them. No doubt
but, because he owned himself of their these words, Be of good cheer, Paul,
sect, they instantly take part with him, turned the apostle's prison into a palace, yea,
and cry, Wefimdnofault with htm. Tbe into a paradise, and enabled him to bid a
feuds about religion are commonly the bold defiance to all the devilish designs of
783 THE ACTS. Chap. XXI IT.
the Jews in Jerusalem against him ; having against Christ, and not for him ; and they
got such good security for his safety, even were resolute and outrageous. They boujai
from God himself, in the faith of which our themselves under a curse, under a bloody
apostle holily triumphs, saying, If God be vow, to pursue their purpose of murdering
for usp who can be against us : Rom. viii. the apostle. It has been the old policy of
31. That is, none can be against us, either the enemies of the church to oblige and
safely or successfully. The presence of bind themselves by oaths and execrations,
God with his suffering servants outweighs by leagues and associations, to carry on
all their discouragements. their wicked and bloody designs against the
church. They were more than forty
12 And when it was day, certain which made this conspiracy. Observe, 3.
of the Jews banded together, and The quality of the persons which were en-
bound themselves under a curse, Bf^j0, lh» "^J ^ P"^0? : .^ *«*
nor drink till they bad killed Paul. the , themselves to the high-priest,
13 And they were more than forty ana Sanhedrim or great council, not doubt-
which had made this conspiracy, ing of his and their readiness to join with
14 And they came to the chief them. O what a low ebb was the Jewish
priests and elders, and said, We religion now at ! What an high-priest and
have bound ourselves under a great priesthood" was there, that must head a
curse, that we will eat nothing until J"9*?** T^Z^ST i -° Z
,' i • n i <■ * xi °*l Era&t was the degeneracy of the Jewish
we have slain Paul. 16 Now there- *hurehf when the£ chief ^pnests were thus
fore, ye, with the council, signify to ready to comply with, and contribute their
the chief captain, that he bring him best assistance to, such a cruel crew of cut-
down unto you to-morrow, as though throats and bloody assassins! But they bad
ye would enquire something more almost filled up the measure of their sins, and
perfectly concerning him; and we, their final destmction was nearapprc«ching.
or ever he come near, are ready to Observe, lastlv, What craftand cruelly,
■ ... . . J what fraud and force, are here found and
Km lnm' combined together in the church's enemies.
Observe here, 1. A barbarous and bloody ^ ****& mu* «>urt the <*&* in» that he
plot, a cursed combination and conspiracy, br,nS down .n» prisoner, as though they
against the life of the innocent and useful «*«'<* enquire something more perfectly
apostle : no sooner was it daylight, but the concerning him. Thus was the plot
wicked Jews bind themselves by an oath, "gainst the apostle's life laid craftily as well
never to eat or drink more, until they eat •* cruel,y ; UDaer a pretence of having the
the apostle's flesh, and drink his blood, prisoner re-examined, they contrive to have
Thus the wicked ptotteth against the just, him brought down from the castle, and in
and gnasheth upon him with his teeth, h» waY to the council tbey combined toge-
Psal. xxxvii. 12. Observe, 2. The num- tber for hl8 destruction. I/>rd, abate the
bers which were engaged in this conspi- P0™? of the church's enemies, since their
racy : more than forty, they all agreed as malice cannot be abated! •
one man. Lord, how numerous, how iq And when Paul's sister's son
unanimous, how resolute and outrageous, heard of their u- in waU he went
extirpation of it! Thus was it here; these ™"- 17 ,Then Paul ?a,lcd °n«.of
enemies were numerous, more than forty, the centurions unto him, and said,
The devil's designs never miscarry for want Bring this young man unto the chief
of fit instruments : he has a party ever captain ; for he hath a certain thing
ready to oppose the gospel in everyplace, to tell him. 18 So he took him,
And as tbey were unanimous, as well as and brought him to the chief cap-
numerous, they combined together in one * • ? j » i .l . ^
cursed bond: here was unity, but not an *'"'. and said Paul the prisoner
unity in the truth, but a conspiracy against cal|e« me unto him, and prayed me
it ; here was the agreement and friendship, to bring this young man onto thee,
but it was like that of Herod and Pilate who hath something to say unto
Chap. XXIII. THE ACTS. 733
thee. 19 Then the chief captain provide them beasts, that they may
took him by the hand, and went set Paul on, and bring him safe un-
with him aside privately, and asked to Felix the governor.
him, What is that thou hast to tell
me ? 20 And he said, The Jews Observe tore, 1. How wonderfully God
have agreed to desire thee, that °™ul«> '* hca* J* ^^J&wi
.■ b , . . , . . « i » that he took care both of St Paul, and the
thou wouldest bring down Paul to- young man ^ . he bids the youne roan
morrow into the council, as though depart; for had it been known that he had
they would enquire somewhat of him discovered the conspiracy, they had con-
more perfectly. 21 But do not spired against bis life; and had not the
thou field unto them : for there lay chief captain conveyed away the apostle,
in wait for him of them more than !>» enemies, «rh0 had been disappointed
£*■-*» »w»n aink u«.,A k«..„^ *k-« w this, would have made further attempts
forty men, which have bound them- ^ hia Jjfo Thu8 wonderfully d5h
selves with an oath, that they will t£e ood providence of God work for bis
neither eat nor drink till they have servants' preservation. Observe, 2. What
killed him : and now are they ready, a strong guard does God raise and set round
looking for a promise from thee. the apostle for his defence and safety, even a
guard of heathen soldiers, to secure him
■fcr- . i rru * from the Jewish rage ; two hundred sol-
Note here, I. That no conspiracies are or \. 'ZJH L JS L« uMmM1 «nA
can be kept secret from God, who can both ^ th~ re. ""M60 wET?'™,!
detect then,, and defeat the^n at his plea- H"™ tW0J^nd„t^1 JfK'iiSBl
-.,«» TV*** tk« Mm«.ir«ku ~.,«.;^™ ~r life-guard was here raised for the apostle s
S in taJ^T^JE^Ti^ afe-conducttoCesarea! None of allUhe*
£?.&- Ts? «3TL h» soldiers intended him any good ; but God
SrSCnf hi' ^L iKJSSi.JS made use of them as effectually a. if they
them. It is fiappy for the innocent, that ?n ""*» ^ P"0?,,*?? JmSTiJS
the malicious cannot keep thcirown counsel. h» ^ ■"T&^hh IS V% ^
#-. j _<v 4 .« \t , r . who know nothing of nis mind ana win.
God oftenumes cause* the tongues of ha wh ^ ^ W|A d ^ wiH flnd
people, enem.es to fall upon themselves, iMtrumento to do it by. And ^^
and tbey d«cover the wicked purpose, of ^ , ' tbe never "&,
their hearts, which none but themselves fJLuZna' J
were privy to. Note, 3. How the hearts of lartner on*
all men are in the hand of the Lord, and rt„ A i . . • 44 „a
how he turneth^hem as he pleaseth. This J° An(l he w™te * '*"" af*er
is evident from the chief captain's great bu- tn,s manner : 26 Claudius Lysias
manity towards St Paul, and his courteous «nto the most excellent governor
humility towards his sister's son, taking the Felix sendeth greeting. 27 This
youth by the hand, and as readily giving man was taken of the Jews, and
him both audience and despatch ; such a should have been killed of them :
sovereignty and dominion has God over the then came , with an am,
hearts of men, that he can instantly incline j . . • » . J \ Ai%-kA
them as he pleaseth, and make even ene- r€8CUed "l"1' having understood that
mies become benefactors at his pleasure. he was a Koman. 28 And when I
would have known the cause where-
22 So the chief captain then let fore they accused him, I brought
the young man depart, and charged him forth into their council : 29
him, See thou tell no man that thou Whom I perceived to be accused
hast shewed these things to me. of questions of their law, but to have
23 And he called unto him two cen- nothing laid to his charge worthy of
turions, saying. Make ready two death or of bonds. 30 And when
hundred soldiers to go to Cesarea, it was told me, how that the Jews
and horsemen threescore and ten, laid wait for the man, I sent straight-
and spearmen two hundred, at the way to thee, and gave command-
third hour of the night ; 24 And ment to his accusers also to lay be*
734 THE ACTS. Chap. XX1I1.
fore thee what Mey Aarf against him. designed us, neither men nor devils can
Farewell. ^ °» °*
The chief captain Lysias having sent St 31 Then the soldiers, as it was
Paul under a strong guard to Cesaiea by commanded them, took Paul, and
night, where Felix the Roman governor brought Aim by night to Antipatris.
raided, he write, a letter to acquaint Felix 32 Qn thc morrow they left the
with the accusation aid to the prisoner . hon|Cmen to with himf ^ re_
charge. In which letter observe, 1. The "w~: . 4. * . . QQ w\ „,.
utleriven to the Roman governor, Most tj^ned to the castle, 38 Who when
excellent ; Claudius Lysias to the most they came to Cesarea, and delivered
excellent governor Felix, sendeth greeting, the epistle to the governor, presented
Titles of civil honour and respect given Paul also before him. 34 And
to persons in place and power aje agree- wnen the governor had read Me
able to the mind and will of God. There ktt hc agkcd of whai province
k an toiourwhicb ^bclonw to ud^ hc wag- And when he understood
respect to their external degree and place, .... m - nil. • . OJ. , .«
wbeTnone is due to therewith respect to Jhat he was of Cilicia : 35 1 will
their internal qualifications. He that is hear thee, said be, when thine
very honourable as to his place, may not accusers are also come. And hc
deserve any honour as to bis worth ; yet commanded him to be kept in
ought be to be honoured so far as his place Herod's judgment-hall,
requireth. Observe, 2. How God over-
ruled the heart and pen of this captain, The apostle being brought before Felix
Lysias, to do the apostle right, in repre- the Roman governor, although he was an
seating his case fairly and indifferently; heathen, yet he showed the apostle far
that he found nothing brought against him more favour than his own countrymen the
that was punishable, either with death or Jews : for, observe, 1. His affability to St.
bonds, by the Roman law. Observe, 3. Paul, in asking him of his country. 2.
How trifiingly he speaks of the great things His justice ; he would not judge him till
in question concerning our blessed Re- he had his accusers face to face, I will hear
deemer's death and resurrection, as also of thee when thine accusers are come. If it
the whole gospel : he calls them, under- be enough to accuse, who can be inno-
valuingly, questions of their law. As the cent ? and if it be sufficient to deny, who
wisdom of the world is foolishness with would be found guilty ? Magistrates must
God, so the manifold wisdom of God is know a cause, before they give sentence or
accounted and esteemed folly by the igno- judgment about it ; otherwise, though they
rant and blind world. Yet observe, 4. pronounce a right sentence, 1t is not in judg-
How God overruled his very slighting of ment, but by accident Magistrates must be
these controversies in dispute for the apos- stars, as well as ministers ; they must do nc-
tle's advantage: be being by that means thing blindfold, or blindly. Observe, 3.
preserved from the rage of the Jews. When His great favour towards the apostle, in con>
this man was taken of the Jews, and mining him a prisoner, not to the common
should have Seen killed by them, I came gaol, but to Herod's palace ; a fair prison,
with an army and rescued him. Behold if a place of confinement may be so called,
how God accomplishes bis own designs for The Sanhedrim at Jerusalem, though of his
the preservation of his servants, by the own country, and of his own religion, yet
hands of those from whom destruction were not so kind to him as Felix the lies-
could rather have been expected. Thus then governor.
here, God made use of an heathen captain Thus tbe chapter concludes with an ac-
to rescue and defend the apostle from the count of the apostle's wonderful deliverance
enraged Jews, who send him under a strong from the Jews at Jerusalem, who conspired
guard, with a friendly letter m favour of his destruction ; together with the rostra-
him, to Felix the governor at Cesarea, mental means and manner of it. Io the
where he gives notice to bis accusers to next chapter we find him brought to Cese-
implead him face to face. Blessed be God, rea, tried before Felix, making a defence for
that our times are in his hands, not in our himself, and so reasoning that Felix tiem-
enemtas' hands, nor yet in our own ; until bled. Behold a prisoner at liberty, and hii
we have finished the work which God judge in bonds !
Chap. XXIV. THE ACTS. 735
CHAP. XXIV. and corrupt mhids. There it no cause so
. .. . . . , *u- u » * a B » . *°ul a00* had, Du* 80ine wiU be found to
Id the beginning of this chapter we find St. Paul ^u- j :«, m.M 4_ ;.M»:r . i j^u- j •* a j
broaght to his trial before felix, the Roman go. Plead ? 5 *»» to J^ty ftnd d*fena it And
vernor ; * famous trial, at which the plaintiff was if so, judges had need be wise, as the angels
Ananiaa the high- priest, and several members of 0f qZi Hisrprnintr tv>twM>n truth and f»l«e-
the Sanhedrim ; the defendant, St Paul; the ?f ™» ^r00™ ¥ oeiween ITUin ana laise-
jodge, Felix: the emperor'* attorney general, riOOd. Observe farther, HOW TertulrUS Seeks
Tertailos ; and the indictment drawn up against togain the judge's favour by flattery andfelse-
the prisoner, heresy and sedition. From which u^La »~ -.;„ :..j u n «* u .u
imputation the apostle clears himself, ; and in Rood : to win judges by flattery hath ever
the eod of the chapter makes a declaration of by false accutersbeen taken for the surest way
i£d £&£& STw.*iifccc0"nt "' ,he MiMm <* »***» i »«* ■«" •«. fl«"«y » » *«y
provoking and wrath-procuring sin ; and it
AND after five days, Ananias the f hard. t0 "J? which * ■»* *■»""*
l:-u : 4 j j j ••!. m.l to receive nailery or to give it. When
high-priest descended, with the men give muchyglory t* roan, >th ^^
elders, end wtfA a certain orator for man to give that glory back again to
named Tertullus, who informed the God. Tis hell and death to flatter sinners,
governor against Paul. or suffer ourselves to be flattered by them.
Observe lastly, That bad government is
Observe here, How Ananias the high- better than no government ; tyranny itself
priest, with the elders or heads of the Jewish » better than anarchy. The Jews were
council at Jerusalem, travel from thence to not now their own masters, but tributaries
Cesarea, a great many miles, to inform the to the Romans. Yet Tertullus acknow-
governrnent against St. Paul ; After five ledges, many worthy deeds were done unto
days Ananias descended, 4*c. The devil's their nation by the prudence of the Roman
drudges stick at no pains, spare for no cost, governor : " Seeing that by tbee we enjoy
in doing his drudgery. A persecuting great quietness, and that very worthy deads
spirit claps wings to a person, it makes are done unto this nation by thy provid/jner,
him swift in his motion, and zealous in his we accept it always, and in all places, mo»
application and endeavours. Observe, 2. "noble Felix/'
How the high-priest carrieth with him one of
their most eminent and eloquent advocates, * For we have found this man a
to implead the innocent apostle. Satan ne- pestilent fellow, and a mover of se-
ver miscarries in any of his enterprises and dition among all the Jews through-
wicked designs for want of fit tools to carry out the world, and a ringleader of
them on. He hath his Tertullus, an elo- lhe 8Cct of the Nazarenes : 6 Who
quent orator, ready, who could tune h» , , h b f h
tongue any way for a large fee. Ananias " . v . V rIul£*uc l"<*
descended, vtth a certain orator named femPle :, wh1om we }?ok> and W0UW
Tertullus, #c. nave judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came
2 And when he was called forth, «P°* ***» anc* w»th great violence
Tertullus began to accuse him, say- took *** away out of our hands,
ing, that by thee we enjoy great 8 Commanding his accusers to come
Quietness, and that very worthy unto thee : by examining of whom,
eeds are done unto this nation by thyself mayest take knowledge of
thy providence, 8 We accept it a" these things whereof we accuse
always, and in all places, most no- him. 9 And the Jews also assented,
ble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 saying that these things were so.
Notwithstanding, that I be not fur- Te(t|lllus havi ^ lhe • ,
ther tedious unto thee, I pray thee presently falls upou the matter, and charges
that thou wouldest hear us of thy St. Paul with being a pestilent fellow, a
clemency a few words. seditious person, a disturber of the nation,
a profaner of the temple, a ringleader of
Observe here, St. Paul the prisoner being the sect of the Nazarenes. And adds,
called forth, Tertullus, the orator, began to that out of mere zeal to the Jewish religion,
show his art by a flattering insinuation, they had themselves before now despatched
which mightily prevails with men of mean him cut of the way, but that he was vio-
736 THE ACTS. Chap. XXIV.
lently rescued out of their hands by Lysias speak, answered, Forasmuch as I
the chief captain, and brought thither to know that thou hast been of many
**?*; C^wKng. that these things yearsajudge unto this nation, 1 do
which he had spoken, were the sense of all ;. ^ „.* ^k^^.,11- ~ «»..,-.. r~I
those that camidown with him as wit. ihf raor* cheerfully answer for my-
nesses,ver. 9. The Jews also assented, 9eV 1 1 Because that thou mayest
and said that these things mere so. Here understand, that there are yet but
note, 1. What an heavy load of reproaches twelve days since 1 went up to Je-
and false accusations our innocent apostle rusalem ror to worship. 12 And
laboured under; he is accounted, and called, they neither found me in the temple
a walking pestilence. Thus the holy and disputing with any man, neither
faithful servants of God are esteemed by the -.:.:„-» " *u« w^^^il «A:*k„- :« *u
world, the plague and bane of the place ra,sln& UP thc People, neither tn the
and nation where they live : although it is Sn. W1^ n1or ln the «?J : 13
really for their sakes that God staves off Neither can they prove the things
plagues and judgments from falling upon whereof they now accuse me.
the world j We have found this man a
pestilent fellow. It is not the greatest Our apostle, being accused of three no-
holiness towards God, nor righteousness torious crimes, namely, sedition, heresy,
towards men, that can sufficiently shield and profanation of the temple, answers
and defend a saint from censure and slan- distinctly to every one of them. Where
der, from calumny and false accusation, observe, 1. How undaunted innocency
Note, 2. Besides the general charge, that is in a good person, and in a good cause ;
the apostle was the very pest and plague of St. Paul was so far from being daunted by
mankind ; we have a threefold accusation the greatness of his enemies, or by the ve-
brought against him, That he was a mover hemency of their accusation, that be tells
of sedition, a profaner of the temple, and a the governor, be did with all cheerfulness
ringleader of the sect of the Nazareocs. undertake his defence. Observe, 2. How
Lord, how should thy faithful ministers and the apostle answers distinctly to the parti-
ambassadors prepare themselves for, and culars of his accusation. And first, As to
comfort themselves under, the most hellish the crime of sedition, charged upon his
reproaches, when we rind the great apos- person. Secondly, As to the crime of
tie, (whom St. Chrysostom honours with heresy, charged upon his religion. As to
this character, " That the earth never the former, the crime of sedition, this is a
hare a Setter man since it bare our Re- very infamous charge : what schism is in
dcemcr") yet thus miscalled and accounted matters ecclesiastical, that is sedition in
a pest, a plague, the filth of the world, and matters temporal and civil. As the one
the offscouring of all things ! O why violates the peace of the church, so doth
should such worthless worms as we murmur, the other the peace of the commonwealth,
when we meet with much less reproaches ! Sedition is committed three ways ; by the
Lord! help us in imitation of thy example, head, by the tongue, and by the hand.
for the joy that is set before us, to despise A seditious head plots and contrives mis-
the shame, as well as to endure the cross, chief, a seditious tongue vents it, and a
The best men that ever the world had, have seditious hand executes it. None of these
fallen under the lashes of envenomed tongues, ways was the apostle guilty of sedition, he
What foul aspersions hath malice cast never employed his head to contrive, nor
upon innocency itself! Our blessed Savi- his tongue to utter, nor his band to practise,
our, in the clearest act of innocency, his any thing that tended that way •, yet be
casting out of devils, suffered the most lior- is charged with it, We have found this
rid imputation, even of casting out devils fellow a mover of sedition. Learn thence,
through Beelzebub the prince of devils. It is no new stratagem to represent the
Matt. ix. 34. Now the servant roust not faithful servants of God as enemies to states
expect to be above his master : if Christ and kingdoms, as disturbers of the peace,
thus suffered, needs must Christianity, needs as troublcrs of Israel, as trumpets of rebel-
roust christians, needs must ministers and lion, as movers of sedition, on purpose to
ambassadors. hring them into hatred with princes, that
they may fall under the sword of the
10 Then Paul, after that the go- gj8lrate as malefactors, and be looked upon
vcrnor had beckoned unto him to as persons unworthy to live. But how
Chap. XXIV. THE ACTS. W
doeiSt Paul freehinwelf from thcchargeand the God of my fathers, Observe, 3,
imputation of sedition ? Thus, 1. By de- The freedom and courage of the apostle in
raoostrating the improbability of it; how owning hit religion, notwithstanding these
unlikely it was, that he who came up to the false imputations, even in the presence of
temple to worship God, and to bring alms his greatest enemies, and when they were
to the poor, and was in Jerusalem but a very in hopes to destroy him for it; This J
few days, and did not so much as dispute confess unto thee. The apostles abhorred
either in the temple qr in the synagogues, that mean and base-spirited principle, which
should yet stir up the people to sedition, makes it lawful for men to deny their reli-
3. He puts his adversaries upon proof of gion when it brings them into danger :
their articles, vex. 13. Neither can they no, be valued his above, and preferred it
prwe the things whereof they now accuse before, his personal safety. God Almighty
me. From the apostle's practice in clearing inspire us with the same courage and holy
his own innocency, we learn, That it is a resolution, that when our adversaries of
piece of justice which every roan owes the church at Rome pronounce us heretics,
to himself, to vindicate and clear his re- and call our religion heresy, we may an*
putation from all guilt falsely imputed swerthem as our apostle answered their
to him, and especially from that of sedition, forefathers, the subtle Pharisees, After the
way which you call heresy, so worship we
-*..,- A% the God of our fathers, believing all things
14 But this I confess unto thee, wkiek are writt€n in the ^ md t%
that after the way which they call he- prophets.
resv, so worship I the God of my
fathers, believing all things which lfi And havc h towar(J q^
are written in the law and in the wWch they themae{ves ^so allow,
prophets : tnat there shaji be a res„rrectiOI1 0f
the dead, both of the just and un-
Here the apostle answers the second part just 16 Ancj nercjn (|0 i exercise
of the charge brought against him ; name- lf ^ havc a, a con8cience
Sd^ta iT of tf r2£ -id/ offence towa/d God and |*>
Where note, That although the apostle ward men.
would not, out of his great modesty, take
upon himself to be one of the heads or Our apostle had made a free and open
chiefs among them, a ringleader, as they profession of his religion in the foregoing
styled him ; yet as to the owning of that verse, After the way called heresy do i
way, notwithstanding all the imputations worship the God ojf my fathers. Here at
they had cast upon it, he doth it with the the 15th verse he asserts the doctrine of the
greatest freedom and courage, in the pre- resurrection, which was a principal article
sence of his judge and accusers ; This I both of the Jewish and the christian reli-
confess, that after the way which they call gion ; I have hope toward God, that there
heresy, so worship I, &c. Here observe, I. shall be a resurrection both of the just and
The wise imputation which Christianity suf- unjust And having made a declaration
fined under in its first appearance; After of his faith, ver. 14, 15. he next gives an
the way which they call heresy. It is no account of his life, at verse 16. Herein do
new thing to nickname the worshippers of I exercise myself, to have always a con-
the true God, to call them heretics, and science void of offence toward God and
their way to worship heresy. Observe, 2. toward men. Observe here, 1. What
The way taken by St. Paul to remove this is the principle and guide of a good man's
fabe imputation ; namely, by an appeal to actions ; and that is, conscience. The
scripture and antiquity : So worship I the word and law of God is the rule of our ac-
God of my fathers, believing all things tions, but conscience is the immediate guide
that are written in the law and the pro- and director of them. Observe, 2. The
phets. Where note, how he appeals to extent of a good man's pious practice : To
scripture as the ground and rule of his faith, keep a conscience void of offence toward
the raw and the prophets ; and then he God and man. To exercise a faithful care
appeals to the best and purest antiquity for in performing the duties of both tables, is
the object of his worship ; So worship I both an argument of our sincerity, and an
3 B
738 THE ACTS. CkajK XXIVs.
argttiDcntof ouriiocerlty, andanonjaaieot them, Touching the resorrectioa of
to oar profession. Observe, 3. The apos- the dead, I am called io question by
tie** constancy and perseverance in this „ou fa\s j^
course ; to have always a conscience void
of offence. We most not make conscience The apostle had vindicated himself from
of our duty by fits and starts ; but in the the charge and imputation of sedition and
whole course and tenor of our lives and heresy before; he comes now to dear
actions. Religion should be a constant himself of the third charge, namely, the
frame and temper of mind. Observe, 4. profanation of the temple; in order wbere-
The apostle's earnest care and endeavour unto he declares, that he had not been a
to this purpose, Herein do I exercise myself, long time at Jerusalem before this journey :
The original word is of an intense signi- and that he now came to bring alma to the
ficatioo, and denotes the apostle's applying poor Jews that were converted to christt-
bis mmd, in good earnest, to be thoroughly anity : he acknowledges that at this time
instructed in all the parts and points of his he went into the temple, yet not to profane
duty, and his being very careful and con- it, but to perform those rites in it which
acientious in the discharge and performance the law of the Jews required of such as had
of it Observe, 5. What was the apostle's the vow of Nazarites upon tlieoa. Thus
great motive and encouragement to do aH the apostle cleared himself of all that was
this ; namely, the belief of the resurrection, objected against him, and made it evidently
and the future state of rewards and punish- appear to the face of his enemies, that all
meots consequent upon it. Because JAflpe the accusations brought against him were
for a resurrection doth of the just and false and clamorous. Leam thence, That
unjust ; therefore, do jf exercise myself to generally the accusations laid by the oasli-
have always a conscience void of offence* cious to the charge of the innocent, are no*
If we believe the resurrection of the dead, thing but empty noise and clamour. Having
and the judgment to come, we shaH thus vindicated himself to their faces, he
be very careful to discharge a good con- next makes an appeal to the consciences of
science now, in order to. the rendering a his accusers ; whether there was any thing
food account of ourselves then. Happy of moment charged upon him more than
man, who, when he goes into another this, That he professed and believed the
world, carries with him thither a conscience resurrection of the dead. Thus bravely
clear of all guilt, either by ihnocency or did the apostle plead his own cause here, or
by repentance ! For verily at the hour of rather the Spirit of God that spake in hhn,
death, to be free from stings and upbraid- though Satan had got the high priest Ana-
logs, from the terrors and tortures, from the nias, and his eloquent orator Tertulhn, to
confusion and amasement, of a guilty con- implead and impeach St Paul; yet be-
tcience, is a happiness so desirable, that hold with what a flood of truth and do-
it is well worth the care and best endea- quence doth the apostle vindicate bis own
▼ours of our whole life. May the apostle's innocence. Magna est Veritas Srprarva-
exercise be our daily practice, namely, lebit : " Great is the truth, and will finally
To keep a conscience void of offenee to- prevail."
ward God, and toward all men ! *..«.....
22 And when Felix heard these
17 Now after many years, I came things, having more perfect know-
to bring alms to ray nation, and of- l^ge of t hat way, he deterred them,
ferings. 18 Whereupon certain »nd 8*id» When Ly*** the chief
Jews from Asia found me purified in <»ptain shall come down, I will know
the temple, neither with multitude, the uttermost of your matter. 28
nor with tumult : 19 Who ought to And he commanded a centurion to
have been here before thee, and ob- k«cP Pau*» afld to let *«■ h**« **
ject, if they had aught against me. forty* *nd that he should forbid
20 Or else let these same here say, none of his acquaintance to minister
if they have found any evil-doing °* to come unto h5m-
in me, while I stood before the couo- The sense of this is, « When Felix under-
tfil ; 21 Except it be for this one «tood and discerned how things went, he
*oice, that I cried standing among would not pass any sentence in the case st
Chap. XXIV. THE ACTS. 789
present; but pot them off, laying, When I Paul boggles not to preach to them, a* lad
have get a more perfect knowledge of as they were, hoping to make them better.
tAii way of Christianity, and when I have Learn thence, That the gospel most be
spoken with Lysias,and understand the truth preached by us, when we are lawfully
ooneerning the tumuH, I will then deter* called thereunto, whatever the persons be
mine the difference between you : in the that make up the auditory ; we know not
mean time the captain of the guard shall what persons, or in what hour, God may
have the prisoner in custody, to gratify the call. Observe, 3. The text or subject-
Jews." Where observe, both the equity matter preached upon : righteousness, tem-
and clemency of Felix the judge : ha perance, and judgment to come. Where
equity, in that he would not pronounce sen- the wisdom of the preacher appears by the
fence before be had thoroughly and fully suitableness of the subject ; the apostle
understood the matter of fact ; his clemency, chose a very proper subject for them both,
in suffering the apostle to be a prisoner at Felix was guilty of bribery, or at least was
large, and allowing his friends and ac- ready to commit it ; for the next verse talk
Sintance liberty to come and visit him. us, That he hoped to have money given
old the former rigour towards the apes* him by Paul to release him : therefore to
ue mercifully relaxed ; he is no more con* him he preaches of righteousness. Drusiila
fined to a close dungeon, but goes abroad was guilty of incontinence and adultery ;
with a chain and a keeper, and none of his to her he preaches of temperance, and to
friends are forbidden either to visit him or both of a judgment to come. Happy were
relieve him. Thus God, in an unexpected it, if great offenders had such wise admo-
hour, casts such outward comforts to his oishers near them ; but too often they meet
suffering saints and servants, as be sees will with flattering parasites, irstead of faithful
do them most good ; yea, and can cause his preachers. Observe, 4. The success or
and their enemies to become contributors effect of the sermon : Felix trembled. He
thereunto, trembled, but not believed ; he trembled
24 And after certain days, when at the guilt of sin, and at trie apprehensions
i\»i;<r Mm* «,;*k k;. «uv* qrh...a:n« of the wrath of God due unto sin: but his
Felix came with his wife Drusiila ixmbliD did not ^ ftom a no^ dread
which wasa Jewess, he sent for Paul, god reverence of the majesty of God s^ing
and heard him concerning the faith to him in and by his word : the word of God
in Christ. 36 And as he reasoned can make the proudest and stoutest sinner in
of righteousness, temperance, and the world to quake and tremble. Observe,
judgment to come, Felix trembled, !»■*>• How ™ix's trembling fit, or sick
<md answered, Go thy way for this J"1" of conscience, soon went over; he
*:..»_ . Mk^M ru„„ m A«„^«:^„* .^ dismisses the preacher for that time, and
time when I have a convenient sea- ^ls him te w&, ** hiro at * more
son, I will call tor tnee. convenient season. But we never read of
This chapter now concludes with the any such opportunity taken afterwards for
apostle's famous sermon before Felix his that purpose; so dangerous is it to stop
judge, in which we have considerable, the our ear at the present call and command of
preacher, the hearers, the text or subject God ; if to-day we wHl not, to-morrow
preached upon, and the successful effect of God may say, ye shall not, hear my voice,
^sermon. Observe. 1. The prewhejvSt. M Hc h d aU>0 that m
Paul; At Paul reasoned. The apostle . ,. . . r. A _ _• „, ui-* J*
iiowwasmboiids.yethadlibartytoprWh, *houW J*avcu bce« ' &™n h,m. of
and he preached with liberty, with great Pau1» that ne ""K"* ,oosc n,m :
boldness and freedom of speech, though wherefore he sent for him the oftener,
under great disadvantages; ws person im- and communed with him. 27 But
prisoned, his reputation blotted and defamed, after two years, Porcius Festns came
loaded with calumnies and odious iniputa- jnto Felix' room : and Felix, willing
tions; yet under alji these disad vantages the to shew thc j€ws a pleasure, left
apostle preaches. Observe, 2. His hearers, pB11i i^,,^ r
Felix and his wife Drusiila ; Felix, a bad raul DOUIML
man, guilty of bribery, &c Drusiila, a vile Observe here, What small success the
woman, forsook her own husband, and lived apostle's preaching had, it found and left
in adultery with Felix, as Josephus says. Felix a bad man : covetousness and bri-
Here were a pair of hopeful bearers \ yet SL bery were his sins before, and they are so
3 b 2
740 THE ACTS. Chap. XXV.
Hill; He hoped that money should be given not consent to it, but ordered hit
him of Paul. That is, he expected a bribe to come to Cesarea, and implead him there.
for setting the apostle at liberty, contrary Here note, 1. How restless is the rage, and
to the law both of God and man. To unwearied the malice and enmity, which
this covetousness be added cruelty; for the persecutors of the truth nave against the
though he had nothing to charge Paul with, professors and preachers of it The high-
yet to gratify the Jews he left Paul bound ; priest, and chief of the Sanhedrim or eocle-
raioding the pleasing of men more than the siastical court, continue their murderous
displeasing of God. An hypocrite can be- designs against the innocent apostle ; and
come all things to all men, that he may gain are sorry they could not get an heathen
by all : but behold the hand of God upon governor as cruel as themselves to join with
Felix 1 he that bad so unjustly kept Paul tbem. Heathens have sometimes blushed
for two years, and cruelly left him bound at the mention of those crimes, which the
at last, to please and gratify the Jews, is professors of religion have committed with-
sent a prisoner in bonds himself to Rome, out either shame or remorse. Note, 2.
to answer before Nero for his misdemeanors How deplorably corrupt and degenerate the
in the managing of his government A Jewish church at this time was! Lord,
just reward for him who regards the what priests and church-governors were
pleasing of men more than the displeasure here, who call it a favour to have an op-
of God. portunity granted them to murder an in-
nocent man in cold blood, contrary to the
CHAP. XXV. law of nature and of nations ! But behold
SLPanVa trial before the Roman governor Felix, the justice of God UDOO them; they were
wm recorded at large in the foregoing; chapter, now given up to a reprobate sense, and are
In thie we find him brought upon his trial before u.,—1,3 k^jT^-w. u„ « J^U^li-^l ~^*u -.
Feetue. who rocceeded Felix in the adminietra- hurried headlong by a dSaOOllCU spirit, a
tiou of the government And although Featua little before their final destruction. O Je>
s&ttt»?g: si'&'-s Kfers *?*-• *»«•*■«. •*• ***** **• r»-
bin at liberty, but Bends him bound from Ceaa- phets, and Stontdst them that were sent
rea to Rome, aa St. Lake relates in tbia and the unto thee ! Note, 3. What an oremihog
following chapters. r» -j i7 • *l » r» .. °
r Providence was here seen, in that Festus,
'OW when Festus was come into by no flatteries nor persuasions, would be
the province, after three days, prevailed with to remove the apostle from
N«
he ascended from Ccsarea to Jeru- &****. l0 Jerusalem. This broke the
salera. 2 Then the high priest and ^h mti£*\ ."TS 2"$°*^ £
♦u~ ~i.--r ~r *u i - e j i« have killed him by the way. «• No, smith
the chief of the Jews informed him Fe8tU9f the ^^ ^ ntf ccme to yoo,
against Paul, and besought him, but you shall go to him." This was a
3 And desired favour against him, marvellous providence for the apostle's
that he would send for him to Je- preservation. O bow easy is it for the
rusalem, laying wait in the way to most wise God to baffle and blast the most
kill him. 4 But Festus answered, cunning contrivances of the devil ; to be-
that Paul should he kept at Cesarea, [°°l ^.^^ <* ha church awl peojie,
shortly thtther. ©Let them there- an the plots of wicked men against the
fore, said he, which among you are righteous : frustration and disappointment
able, go down with me, and accuse attend all their designs, and perdition and
this man, if there be any wickedness destruction doth awe their persons, Psal. ii,
in him. 5- &* *hat sitteth in heaven Uughs them
to scorn, the Lord has them in derision*
St. Luke here informs us, that Festus
being come to the government, and going Q And when he had tarried amour
up to Jerusalem, the high-priest and rulers them more than ten days, he went
i^Tnr^i^i^h^.^ down unto Cesarea; and the next
against Paul, and besought him that he • .... A. . . * ««*»
would send for him to Jerusalem, resolving daJ 8lU,»g on the judgment-seat*
to lay some villains by the way to kill him commanded Paul to be brought.
as he came ; but the Divine Providence so 7 And when he was came, the Jews
overrultl the matter, that Festus would which came down from Jerusalem
Chap. XXV. TOE ACTS. 741
stood round about, and laid many thou very well knowest. 11 For
and grievous complaints against if 1 be an offender, or have com*
Paul, which they could not prove : mitted any thing worthy of death,
8 While be answered for himself, I refuse not to die ; but if there be
Neither against the law of the Jews, none of these things whereof these
neither against the temple, nor yet accuse me, no man may deliver me
against Cesar, have I offended any unto them. 1 appeal unto Cesar,
thing at all. 12 Then Festus, when he had con-
ferred with the counsel, answered,
Observe here, 1. The equity and justice Hast thou appealed unto Cesar *
of Festus, an heathen judge, in his proceed- unto Cesar shalt thou go.
ings at St Paul's trial : he will have the
high-priest and elders that accused him Observe here, How Festus, being willing
speak to his face ; he will have the prison- to gratify the Jews, asks St. Paul if he would
er brought forth ; and he will have the go to Jerusalem, and be tried there, in the
matter examined by and before himself. Jewish court, about those matters? The
When the malicious bring the innocent apostle replied, that he was his proper
upon their trial, God will provide a judge judge, under the Roman emperor, and not
lor their turn. Observe, 2. The indictment the Jews ; and that being a Roman, be
or charge which the Jews brought in against might claim the privilege of a Roman,
the apostle, That he had offended against which accordingly he did by appealing unto
the law, profaned the temple, and raised Cesar. Festus, hearing that, not only ad-
sedition against the Roman government mitted his appeal, but was glad of it, to
Here we nod the devil at bis own trade j get rid of him without peril on the one hand,
namely, stirring up the rage and malice of or ill will on the other. Here we may
the world against the saints of God, under remark, 1. That carnal politicians do not
a pretence of their being enemies to the so much consider what is just and righteous
state, and subverters of civil government, in its own nature, as what is of use and
Observe, 3. That to be loaded with calum- advantage to themselves* be it right or
nies and reproaches has been the common wrong. The apostle had cleared himself
lot and constant portion of the friends and from all slanderous accusations ; and yet
servants of Christ, from the first beginning Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure,
of Christianity ; The Jews laid many and would not set him at liberty. It is too
grievous things against Paul, which they often the practice of corrupt judges, that
could not prove. Reproach has been the they may please the people, to deliver up
reward of religion and righteousness: but truth to be injuriously crucified; consider-
St. Paul easily wipes on the several re- ing more their own interest, than the pri-
proaches cast upon him, affirming himself soner's innocency. Note, 2. How the
to nave been always a religious observer of apostle appeals from Jerusalem to Rome,
the law, that he went into the temple upon from his own countrymen to heathens ;
a religious account, that he had never taught from the high priest to the emperor Nero ;
nor practised any rebellion against Cesar, expecting to mid more justice at the hands
The servants of Christ are happy in their of infidels, than from the Jewish San he-
own innocency, and their adversaries render drim. And to this the apostle was in some
themselves odious by belying them, and sort divinely admonished by Christ himself,
kym$ that to their charge which every one to make his appeal. Acts xxiii. 11. Be
can disprove* of good cheer, Paul, thou shalt bear wit-
ness to me at Rome. Doubtless, this was
9 But Festus, willing to do the f ™p** T^^t^^x ™«*f?*
T , ' * , „ , . to him, to know that he appealed and dc-
j€^8 ^J?,,CTrC' a09™^™1^1"1 sired to go to Rome, where <3od had ap-
satd, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, pointed to have him go.
and there be judged of these things
before me ? 10 Then said Paul, I 13 And after certain days, king
stand at Cesar's judgment-seat, Agrippa and Bernicc came unto Ce-
where I ought to be judged. To sarea to salute Festus. 14 And
the Jews have I done no wrong, as when they had been there many
J48 THE ACTS* Clapk'XXT.
days, Festus declared Paul's cause hmtry whilst Patens ; Festal demands the
rusalem, the chief priests aad the ^ nation*, they would have bad St Pfcul
elders of the Jews informed me, de- here condemned, without knowing fee
siring Co Aaoe judgment against him. cause, and hearing hit defence. Observe* 3.
16 To whom I answered, It t» not What base and vile, what low and under-
the manner of the Romans to de- valuing thought, and apprehension* have
liver any man to die, before that he -- ^^^^^^^
which is accused have the accusers Wonhjpi which W1B ^ Qof% ow0 j,^.
face to face, and have licence to tjon> mort profaocly and contemptuotaly
answer for himself concerning; the by the name of superstition : They had
crime laid against him. 17 There- certain qteitions agamsi Aim of tkdr
fore, when they were come hither, «w» iwperttition. And bow ihghtmgty
without any delay, on the morrow I **h **&<> speak of our.glorined Redeemer.
_. __ •£.. :..A~m~~t ...» *~A styling bin one Jena : But no wonder
* j^.uJ S . "i^w t! tit tie dunghUl cocks of the worM know
commanded the man to be brought nQt ^ wortf; of ^ ^ ^ _t -^
forth : 18 Against whom, when the ^ rf ^ unto Fef.
accusers stood up, they brought „ J^ar ^ ,„„
none accusation of such things as I ,f To.roortow, .aid fee, Thou
supposed s lOButhadcertamque.- ^ fc ^ '» AM o. *•
tions against him of their own super- ^ Agrippa was come,
stition, and of one Jesus, which was . „ * . „itW~llL* ^m. .„ a
dead, whom Paul affirmed to be and Ber",ce: /T* f £ Til 'nd
alive. 20 And because ! doubted of "M «T * '°?h5f fe». W
such manner of questions, I asked ,n?» *U* tbe **f "f^S - •
:. " " , * , j / f principal men of the city, at restus
A,m whether he would £toJeru.a- ^J^,, Pa(|1 ^ b ht
1cm and there be judg^ of these fo a4 , p ^ £?
m*tUr.!U ?l k? Zt ! * Agrippa. and aft men which are her!
appealed to be reserved unto he «*Jg • fc
hearing of Augurtus, I «"""-** lhout wnom aI, 'the multu„de «f the
hm, ,h. be kept till I might send h,m Jewg ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
to Cesar. Jerusalemp and also here, crying that
Observe here, 1. How God will not be J* °uSht not to live any longer. 25
wanting to his servants in their greatest But when I found that he had coin-
straits and sufferings, but will providentially mitted nothing worthy of death,
dispose of all matters m order to their deli- and that he himself bath appealed
verance, when it may most conduce to his j0 Augustus, I have determined to
own glory and their good. Thus here, mA ^ M Q( whom , have no
restus declares the cause of Orod s oppressed ..,, c ¥&, , . ,. ^ - .
servant to the king, and God makes use both Wherefore I have brought torn forth
ofFestusand Agrippa to screen the apostle before you, and especially before
from the violence of his enemies: In the thee, O king Agrippa, that after ex -
mount will the Lord be seen t the people's ami nation bad, I might have some-
extremities are the seasons of his succour. wliatta> write. 27 For it aeemeth to
Observe, 2. How the very light of nature ^ ^reagoBable, twsend a prisoner,
in and among the heathens condemns it as . ^ withal to sisnifv the crimen
an act of manifest and notorious injustice in JJ™ ** .Wl^f ** ^S"11? in€ c""««
a judge to pass sentence upon a person unf- "a** a8WBS^ DIBI«
heaid, and unaHowed to make his defence. Observe here, I. King Agrippa's curiosity
This bawoesa was below the Roman gaU to see and bear St Paul • he was born and
Ch*p. XXVI. THE ACTS. t4tf
bred op anjoiirst the Jews, and arobably . *»• r»s*i ***** oiimw lud ' pr«*cn«d > afar
» r i mjTr'*i.! -r aw-, j^L^^ ' bit conversion he preached the gospel which he
onOmVteod SOnkSmBBg Of the Cbratnor re- himtelf tad pedaled ; and the great charge
hgioa J and pOSlbly had hiaid much Of brought against him was this, That of a great
Herod desired to see Christ, and to hear the following chapter.
John the baptist, ooly to gratify his curi- _..._.»- . . .. «^ ,
osity, not to be advantaged by his ministry. rTHEN A*riPP» *"« Ul»to P*«k
Observe, 2. How contemptuously the Holy Thou art permitted to speak for
Ghost speaks of all the pomp, retinue, and thyself. Then Pawl stretched forth
state, which Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice, the hand, and answered for himself:
appeased in, at the ttae and place of hear- 2 I think mvself happy, king Agrip-
sSloS^ **' *«*»«! ah*» «*w ^ m,-
safety, and glory of the world, is nothing sejf this day before thee, touching
hat fancy, a dream, and a shadow, having •» th« thln«» whereof I am accused
no real existence, bat a being m imagina- of the Jews : 3 Especially, because
tion only. Observe, 3. That truth and / know thee to be expert in all cus-
innocency shine forth the more splendidly toms and questions which are among
by the greater opposition that * raised tbe jew8 . wherefore I beseech thee
against them. The more : malicious the to hear me patiently.
Jews were in accusing Paul, the more did r J
his innocency appear , and the more was Observe here, 1. The person whom the
he acquitted and discharged by bis judges, apostle makes his defence before : Agrippa,
Thus we see the providence of God wrought Agrippa a king, of whom he begs the favour
all matters for St. Paulas justification, and patiently to hear him. It is a great favour
for the Jews* reprehension ; Festus had for great men so much as to hear an inno-
riotbiug to write to Cesar, no crime to in- cent, good man plead for himself : Agrippa,
form him of against the apostle. Tbcoce who, by reason of his birth and breeding
learn. That although God sometimes per- among the Jews, was acquainted with the
mite his servants to be loaden with slanders scriptures, tbe law, and the prophets. Ob*
and reproaches, yet be will rind a time to serve, 2. How tbe providence of God won*
clear their innocency, and cause their very derfully procures St. Paul a liberty to speak
judges, if not their accusers, to proclaim for himself: hereby be had an opportunity
them guiltless. I find, saith Festus, that at once to make known his case, and to
fu hath committed nothing worthy of publish the gospel. But note farther. That
death. It is no small mercy to have our as the providence of God procured him
innocency vindicated; for God to clear liberty, so the good Spirit of God gave him
up our righteousness as the light, and our ability to speak efficaciously and effectually,
just dealing as tbe noon-day ; and to free with such evidence and demonstration, that
our reputation from those blemishes which he not only took the ears but captivated
the uncharitable suspicions, or rash censures tbe consciences of tbe whole court, and
of men, have cast upon us. There is no almost persuaded the king himself to torn
spot so unbeautiful as that upon our credit, christian,
saving only a spot upon our consciences.
God made the apostles enemies here do 4 My manner of life from my
him right, and his name was clothed with youth, which was at the first among
honour ra the estimation of his very mine own nation at Jerusalem, know
adversaries. all the Jews, 5 Which knew me
from the beginning, (if they would
CHAP. XXVL testify,) that, after the most straitest
Tnb emmttr bring. St. PkI to hi. tbirf trial. 8fCt °f OUr rcl«ion' l Uvcd a Pha"
namely, before king Agrippa t in which we have risee.
the apostle's apology or defensative plea, which ., ., A. , , ,, . - ...
Remake* for himaeff against th«ae blind Jews, Here the apostle begins h» defence, with
which did ao nMiietoiwiy Mraacata him ; in a relation of the innocency and strictness of
which plea he declares, 1. His manner of life be- K- w-vju- k;. ^..^L l. AiA «~J
fore hit conversion which was very nharimlcal. his nfe before hlS conversion : US dKf and
a The manner of hia conversion, which waa mi- could appeal to all that knew him, COO*
nMloM and wonderful a Hia manner of life cg^i^ the unbfamabfeoess of hit 600-
afler hia conversion, which waa religions and v*,"*"5 »mwwimmwu»bwwww» w u» wu-
remtriMble. Before his conversion he persecuted venation. Thence note. That SB innocent
744 THE ACTS. Chap. XXVL
and blameless life from our youth upwards, endeavour j expectation puts it upon action;
is a siogular support and encouragement to hope of obtaining. is the motive to every
us in a suffering hour, especially when we undertaking : the christian's hope, or thing
are called forth to suffer for religion and hoped for, is great and excellent in the
righteousness* sake. Observe farther. The esteem, namely, eternal Life, and where the
instance which the apostle gives of his esteem is high, the endeavour will be strong,
strictness in religion: After the mott strait- The christian, who has a well-grounded
est sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee, belief and hope of a life to come, will-serve
Of all the sects among the Jews, there was God with an unwearied diligence and in-
none that took up such an extraordinary dustry ; if by any means he may attain the
strict way of religion as the Pharisees ; of fruition and enjoyment of it : Unto which
this sect was St Paul, before converted to promise our twelve tribes, instantly *crv~
Christianity, and in this he rested for sal- ing God day and night, hope to come*
vatkm. Thence learn, 1. That an extra-
ordinary strict way taken up in religion, is 8 Why should it be thought a
thought by many a sure and sufficient thing incredible with you, that God
foundation for their eternal salvation. Learu, fln0uld raise the dead >
2. That many may rest upon a strict way
of religion, which yet cometh not up to, M tf the a^|e ^ M « The great
but » ofUim^Kks, the appomtmentof im fa ^J™^ between M ^^
the word of God. The Pharisees, for their {^ Whethef ^ dead m ^^ ^
^^^P^^inf^yf^c^ arise? and. Whether Christ in parbcuiar
concluded that they should certainly go to be risen from the dead ? Now whyabouid
heaven, if any jhd; when, alas! many either8eem mcredible to you? Is it too
tilings which they practised with extraor. haR, fof ^ who madcJthe WOfW ^
dioaj sealed stnetness, were never re- holds (he world> and ^ Iife ^ j,
quired by God at their hands. j^. b it (00 ^ or *dffictl|t ^ ^
^ . , r . . , to raise the dead? If not, why should it
6 And now I stand and am ^ thought racredible or impossible?"
judged for the hope of the promise Leam hence, That the doctrine of the re-
made of God unto our fathers : 7 surrection of the dead, both of the just and
Unto which promise our twelve unjust, is neither incredible, nor impossible,
tribes, instantly serving God day and ^ther against right reason nor true faith,
night, hope to come: for which .
hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am ac- . 9 J w«!y thought with myself,
cused of the Jews. that l ouSht to do "J™* things con-
trary to the name of Jesus of Naxa-
Our apostle had vindicated his life before, retb. 10 Which thing I also did in
bis doctrine now : he tells Agrippa, That Jerusalem : and many of the saints
for believing, expecting, and preaching the did I shut up in prison, having re-
doctrine of 'the > resurrection, he i was que* ^j^ authority from the chief
tioned of the Jews ; this he calls toe hope -mzAOAa . ~,nei ^.u^- *l-»« »^m ~-* *~
of the promise made by God unto the V^i • * * .E
fathers. Others understand it of the pro- death' ! «ave m? VOM* a^inst them.
raise of the Messias, which was made unto U And I punished them oft in every
the fathers, and was generally depended synagogue, and compelled them to
upon by the most pious among the twelve blaspheme ; and being exceedingly
tribes scattered abroad upon the face of the mad against them, I persecuted them
whole earth ; and in the faith and expecte- cven unto Grange cities,
tion whereof they fervently served God night
and day. Learn thence, 1. That the pious Here the apostle frankly declares, That he
and godly among the Jews lived in hopes was once as sharp and bitter an enemy to
of the Messias* appearing, of a glorious Christ, and to all that believed in him, as
resurrection by him, and of an eternal life any one whatever j and thought himself
and salvation with him. 2. That their bound in conscience to persecute all that
hope of this promised mercy did cause owned him, and with threatening* and tor-
them to serve God instantly day and night, hires compelled them to deny Christ ; and
Hope is the great exciter of industry and being exceedingly fierce, be forced them to
Chap* XXVI . THE ACTS. 7*6
fly to heathen cities to escape his Airy. It U hard far thee to kick against the
Where note, 1. That we ought to be upon pricks. Here note, .1. How restless and
very good and sure grounds, before we op- unwearied persecutors are in the execution
poseand persecuteany. 2. That some perse- of their bloody designs and purposes : Paul*
cute others, and at the same time think they as he thought, had swept and cleansed
do welt in so doing : I verily thought, Jerusalem of saints before ; after which he
says the apostle, that I ought to do many resolves to ransack Damascus, and under-
things contrary to the name of Jesus, takes a long* journey, of five or six days,
He spake as if his conscience would have in order to that end : the worst journey
troubled him, unless he had troubled others, that ever he intended, but the best that
for that which was indeed their conscience, ever he undertook ; a journey most ma-
Note, 3. That Paul, being a blasphemer liciously purposed by htm, but roost merci-
bimself, compelled the ^professors of the fully disposed by God ; and accordingly
gospel to blaspheme. This he probably he is met with in the way ; Christ appears
did two ways. First, by his example ; to him, a sudden beam of light shines
they imitated him in blaspheming, or round about him, and a voice is heard by
speaking evil of the ways of Christ. Or, him, saying, Saul, Saul, why persecutest
secondly, by his cruelty: vexing them so thou me? ihoX)s,tnc in my members. Such
in the profession of Christ, that some who as persecutesaintsfor their sanctity, persecute
were unsettled probably fell away, and Christ himself, and he can no more endure
blasphemed the name of Christ, which to see them wronged than himself ; as the
they had professed : He compelled them to honour of the bead redounds to the mem-
blaspheme* There is a compelling power hers, so the sorrows of the members are
and constraining force in example, espe- resented by the bead : Christ said not thus
cially in the example of persons in power to bis murderers on earth, " Why bind ye
and authority. Men sin with a kind of me ? Why buffet ye me ? Why scourge
authority : Paul's blasphemous example ye and crucify me ?" But here, when his
compelled others to blaspheme. members suffer, he cries out from heaven,
Saul, why persecutest thou me f Lord,
12 'Whereupon as I went to Da- thou art more tender of thy body mystical,
mascus, with authority and com mis- $** thou wert of thy body natural ; more
sion from the chief priests, 13 At ™*[h]e of thy ^o*8* «"^ringa than of
raid-day, O king, I saw in the way thlIlc own*
a light from heaven above the 16 B|jt H and gtand A
brightness of the sun, shining round fect . for x have appcarcd u£0 thee
about _me and them which journey- fof |M§ varpoue^ make thcc a
*?i Til T\u " i"dr when7C W^C minister and Twitness both of these
all fallen to the earth I heard a voice M which thou hast 8 an(| 0f
speaking unto me, and saying in the thoj* M m the mhiA j ;a|
Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul why ^^^ 17 Delivering thee
persecutest thou me t It u hard }£m the , and>ow the*Gcn_
for thee to kick against the pneks til ^ w£0m noJi 9end thee ;
1 A Si' i r ^ ? » To open their eyes, and to turn
And he said, 1 am Jesus whom thou Mm ^ darkne/9 to light> and
persecutest. j^Qm |he power of §atan unto God .
Our apostle having declared his manner that they may receive forgiveness of
of life before conversion, proceeds next to sins, and inheritance among them
declare the extraordinary manner of his which are sanctified, by faith that is
conversion : He tells Agrippa, that as he in me.
went with a persecuting purpose towards
Damascus, at mid-day, a light from heaven St. Paul had given king Agrippa an ac
above the brightness of the sun, shined, count of his miraculous conversion in the
round about him, and when they were all former verses; in these he declares to him
fallen prostrate on the earth, he beard a his extraordinary commission to preach the
voice speaking to him in the Hebrew tongue, gospel ; that Christ, who appeared to him
S*ut\ Sault why persecutest thou me ? from heaven, chose him to be a preacher
74* THE ACTS, Chap. XXV K>
as well ma nrosssor of the gospel, assuring pleat is more easily, but Uie phiosr glsa*
him that he would stand by him, and a the clearer and more useful. Bui we
deliver him from the pertecutioos both of must take care, that though we come in
Jews and Gentiles, to whom he should send plainness, yet not in rudeness of speech,
htm, and would bless his endeavours to the The second part of St Paul's commission ,
opening of the eyes of their understanding, was, to turn men from darkness to light,
and to the turning of them from darkness aad from the power of Satan unto God : .
to light, and from the power of Satan unto in order to which be was turned from these
God, that they might receive, by faith in himself. He has little season to expect
Christ, remission of sins, and a portion of that God will honour his ministry for the
the heavenly inheritance among such at conversion: of others from sin and Satan,
are regenerated by his Spirit Here note, who « under the dominion of both htmsetf.
1. The honour which God is pleased to The minister's life is the people's tooking-
put upon the ministry of the word, hit owe glass, by which they usually dress theuv.
ordinance: the apostle, who was only the selves. Note, 4. The happy fruit of St.
instrument, is said to open the eyes of the Paul's mission and commission both* Thai
blind, and turn sinners from darkness to they may receive forgiveness of #w#, .
light, and from the power of Satan uoto and an inheritance among them that are
God : all which it properly and principally sanctified. Wheresoever true repentance
the work of the Spirit of Christ ; yet he is it wrought by the ministry of the word,
pleased to put this honour upon his instru- there is forgiveness attained, and a title to
ments, the ministers, by whom he worketh the inheritance of heaven attained with it..
all this, and for which reason they are call- Note, lastly, A threefold metaphorical de-
ed co-workers, or workers together with scriptioa of the sinful state of nature before;
Christ. Note, 2. The apostle's mission, J coovession, and the like of a state of grace,
tend thee. Great is the dignity of gospel* after conversion. The state of nature is a:
ministers, they are God's messengers ; their atate of bUadaess, To epem their eyes,]
commission is sealed by the whole Trinity, A state of darkness, To turn them fram\
and intimates both their dignity and duty, darkness to light. A state of slavery,
To intimate their holiness, they are called And from the power of Satan unto God.
menof God; for their vigilancy, watchmen; The stale of grace after conversion is act.
for their courage, they ate called soldiers; forth by sight, light, and liberty. AH this
for their painfulness, harvest labourers; is Christ's work originally, but his minis-
for their care of the flock, shepherds ; for ten' work instrumentaUy : / have tent
their wisdom, overseers ; for their industry, thee to open their eyes, to turn them from
husbandmen ; for their patience, fishermen ; darkness to Imhir and from the power of
for their tenderness, nurses y for their affec- Solan mnto God.
tionateness, fathers and mothers: for their +n wu~- -*« /\ t,-„ a -
feitWulnesi stewards. A very high and T 19 ^"5°¥». °# k|n* ^«PP*v
honourable calling ; the Son of God des- r w" not dwobedient unto the hea-
pised it not Note, 3. St. Paul's com. venly vision : 20 But shewed first
mission in the several branches of it I. unto them of Damascus, aod at Je-
To *pen their eyes ; thai ia, to enlighten rusalerii, and throughout all the
tjieir uno^andinga, that they may know ^asts of Judca, and then to the
God and their duty to him : in order to Gentifes, that they should repent and
which there b required, 1. Ability in the »..„.. ^ Aaj „jjj t r A *
preachers; how^an they open the eyes of torn t0 God' a"d do w07ki mcct for
others who are blind and ignorant them- repentance. 21 For these causes,
selves ? Ought not they that undertake the Jews caught me in the temple,
to be guides and leaders, very well to and went about to kill are. 22
know the way themselves r 2. Perspicuity Having therefore obtained help of
in the sermon : What hope can there be of God, 1 continue unto this day, wit-
°^?r8^nLUD^^gV'h^ ihe, nw»to& to*" * «"«« and great, say-
matter delivered a closed up from them ? • * _ ,.#W-Mi %ui~~* J* \**
kwaiSt. PwK.a.mto ipeak word, easy "»? none other things than those
to be understood, and it should be ours; whlch thc prophets and Moses did
it is the same thing to preach in an un- say should come : 23 That Christ
known tongue as m an unknown, style, should suffer, amd that he should be
above the reach of our bearer*. Painted the firms that should rise from the
Chap. XXVI. THE ACTS. WT
<tatd, and should shew light onto things are hidden from hi* ; for
the people, and to the Gentiles. this thing was not done in a corner.
CWe he*. J. How obedient the J*"*"" **» « ^JtSL?.
apostle was to the call of Christ : having J* P-» T^^VSTv^^^
hadsoglonou, a v*oo, he did not, he ^,ro' ^'V'^Jf^ Jl ^ ™
durst not, lebel against the Kght of it : but •" «««• Cmai ""^J^JV^.'
iamiediately went forth and %*****, first ch»ltob!e «»»"■ "«" JTSLSS
at Damask then at Jerusalem, then lnd*P'?^!.^ .^l^-'o, PS£
throaghoot alt Judea. and at last among I'^t^^'J^&uLEfZ
the Gentiles, the doctrine of repentance! \™V*>**&£2FQ ^St^tZZ,
and the necewty of good works. Observe, liad overbed himself: by mrfdlmgwith
rTheill requital which the good man matters too h«hteh» "P^fe?**0,
met with foTL diligence and faithfulness ^eep to hnr undoing, ^brought
in preaching the glad tidings of the gospel : J"""* into a deeo nielanchdy Paul,
forftb he lid likVto havf been kiltecfby «•• «**"{* ^T^^JTSSL
the Jew. m the temple. Evangelism *** ««* <*" Z^J^L^J^t
prmdieareettfuroremmundi in team- ]»*■» mff kne». "£ due JSKLljSK?-
£« ; « To preach the gospel is the ready «* aP«"e reP,,ed » ,hl,,rKJ?X
way to bring the wrrthSd fury of the '*""*"# "tf ^J^l-J^!
world upon themselves" ObWve, a «*«"* »• *"* "»'« rf J^L «r?Vj-
With whVt thankfulness the apostle owns *-** ** » much, ^JE"*,?! **
and acknowledges the mercifbl^roridence "<? unworthy, as to Jib office which , was
of God in preserving him both from the £* IT™^ S^ L/.l~ £ ™
frand and forcT of Ki. enemies s Having Tlte. <* "»l»* jlll^J^S.K
Maimed help of God, I continue unto «■ » j}'** !£* ^W?« ™, i*^£
/*««%. And I how did the seme of divine ^nnndof G^«* cwmfcjsm*^
goodness upon his soul provoke him to go Christianity. Observe. 2. WMantappy
oowitb bis work, declaring no othertbing '«*>* md ?on<>ue* ,he "I"!* *SJ£Z
eoneeming Christ, but what Moses anl £« own passions 'J"*^ **"**""■
the prophets did of old foretell of him; 5*» had "f^ "?» *"»* C^JrflS"
namelyTVhat be should be put to death «* oTta «■«■> wh?; J1"" * •» •"**
and should be tbe first that should rise again """ not •**■• J*"?" ^H^Hr!"
by hi. own power, and be tbe autho? of ■»» for a m»» to be roaster ^ himself un-
our lesurrecUonT Note here, Thrt the suf- *' » P^'.TII^k"^ TLtUng
ftrings of Christ were taught by Moses in reMon> and not humed b* T>1,nd P8*100-
all the command, given about sacrifices ; 27 King Agrippa, believest thou
and not by Moses only, but by the pro- the prophet, ? i know that thou
phets aho, particularly the prophet Isaiah, . !>»,«*
chap. lira, the evangelical prophet, and pro- oe'ievesi.
phetical evangelist, who wrote as clearly The apostle, knowing that Agrippa was-
of Christ's coming, as if he had then been educated among the Jews, tells him that
come. From whence the apostle arguer, he could not but hear of tbe life, doctrine,
bow black the wickedness of the Jews was, miracles, death, and resurrection, of Christ ;
who went abroad to kill him for preaching gt| which were done openly, and not in
the same doctrine which Moses and the corners : and be could not but believe the
prophets had taught before hint. prophets, and what they had foretold con-
24 And a. he thus , spake for him- —J «-J| ^ov*^^
self, Festus said with a loud voice, hit lifl/aod praetice would be aMwerabfe
Paul, thou art beside thyself ; much to hia faith and belief. Thence learn, That
learning doth make thee mad. 25 a right belief of the holy scriptures is of
But he said, I am not mad, most great efficacy and force to conform a per-
noble Festus, but speak forth tbe sonWe to the practice of real and unifertal
words of truth and soberness. 26 Klines*.
For the king knoweth of these things; 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul,
before whom also I speak freely : for Almost thou persiiadest mc to be a
1 am persuaded that none of these christian. 20 And Paul said, 1
148 THE ACTS. Chap. XXVI.
would to God that not only thou, apostle in their judgments and conscience*
but also all that hear me this day, 7<*> ^h their tongues declare, that be
were both almost, and altogether J"8"*1 neilhe' *■? nor b?°t5 yeLat
such as I am, except these bonds. fj^^^^^^^l
Observe here, 1. What an efficacy St. »"■' han*» ani* at J84* Put to. d»th by
Paul's doctrine had upon Agrippa : though *■* ^JJ1^ ** j1?^; """I * ** ^
he would not be converted; y* be could *» ^.8 promise fulfilled then. ver. 16,
not but be convinced ; his conscience was "• °[ih* <**]**' J *?"? *Pf"*r*d un*°
touched, though his heart was not renewed. «**• u ma% ™<f. a mAm uttT «nd * «'-
Learn thence. That there is certainly that "J** and will deliver thee from the pea-
in religion which carries its own evidence *»» **dfi™n the Gentiles, unto whom I
along with it, even to the consciences of ??» /*"* £*£ ,™>w ™ ^ *•»«
ungodly men. Observe, 2. How sad it is, 1hl?/™L!l,B. TT^^f he in, at
when persons have enjoyed the scripture* J**""^ ■?* .t1ht? ^"^ *"** P* »
the preaching of the word, and all means *«* bvJhe G5**" ? ^Tf* *5 loog
of salvation7aod yet are but almost chris- * '!* "J**0"1 of God saw it fit and con.
tians, and shall never enjoy the least sal- v«"ent for the purposes of his glory, and
vation ; they are within sight of heaven, ■*aJrcal mercy «ndoemf to the apostle's
and yet shall never have a sight of God. f0?^ j"100* ■» * *»* true and bene.
ObseWe, a That such as will be christians ^l*1 de,lveJanc^ m ,on* ^ . Z™***
indeed, must not only be almost, but al- ^>"««» ** him ; nay. rather than fail,
together christians : Ivould that you, and m. » ""«*» manner, no chains couM
ail that hear me, says the apostle, xoere bln* hlFV no ■"» «■*» «* {*?» «ft
altogether such as I am, except these f?l,fine h,m- ** whcn £• ^ fi<"»hed
W*. Where note, The extraordinary ^J80^"" 5BJnM*i J"*1* J.1* V?
charity and christian compassion of St J?™ of ^•nd °one ^ *»* T**11
Paul : he wishes them his graces, not his g* iet.h1,m about> »* would not H1*1 tere
chains; he did not wish them his bonds J**11 J deliverance, but a real detriment, to
and imprisonment, but he wished them the Jlav-e b** *"?!. ,(^.r froni b" rewanL
same liberty and enlargement by Jesus NoT m J1* ^ aPc*Ue,H' Glfe "1 "f7
Christ, which he enjoyed ; he would keep ro^ !"£?* CJ°WIK ,5" DOW1.madc^*
his sorrows and outwaid troubles to htmselt word.?ood toIthe ;i***r to, d*wr l_*ml
but wishes they were acquainted with his J0?. *■ Pf0^ «nd the Gentiles by making
inward consolations and comforts. A good death his d^rer ami deliverance. Thus
man wishes others as well as he wishes fe'thful »Gcd in h» promnes to his pen.
himself; and if at any time he wishes that P1* .He w,!l *>lfW ^ m m. ******
which is penally evil to the worst of his ™ '?. "^^ ." T!P jT?F?9 'JL T^
enemies, hTdoth it with an eye to their Jf cu,tv * *ut T^J"* » *e best
spiritual and eternal good. A good man <«™«. they shall have it as a cove-
<hres not wish ill to those that have actually ■"»•*■«* sud btamng; for aU things
done ill to him; but wishes, prays, and «■»»* » we be Christ s, whether life or
endeavours the best good for them. death» * Car- UL 28'
30 And when he had thus spoken, CHAP. XXVII.
the king rose up, and the governor, «. . . 4 ,-.«_„
, -, 9 . r, aL *■ ? A ..,' Thta chapter eiftt oaan accoont of St P»ar« tot-
and BemiCe, and they that Sat With age from Onarca to Rome ; the prorideoce of
th«»m SI And when thev wnw God M '»|WMd, that the apoitle wunotrnt
mem. »i Ana wnen iney were b- tandf ,rtt ^ Jewt iho££ Uy |arkmff j.
gone aside, they talked between the way u> uktmy hw life -t hat hy ■«, which
themselves, saying, This man doeth JSSof of ft? wlXS JoST,^
nothing worthy of death or of ^^?&r^^^^&
bonds. 32 Then Said Agrippa UU- AfullrelatioRbothoftheaaoireranddeliTetmBce
tO FeStUS, This man might have ^ »»'• "corded in the chapter »ow before »
been set at liberty, if he bad not AND when it was determined
appealed unto Cesar. A that we should sail into Italy,
Observe here, How Agrippa, Festus, and they delivered Paul and certain
the whole company, acquit the innocent other prisoners unto one named Ju-
Chap. XXVH. THE ACTS. 74»
lius, a centurion of Augustus' band, the presence of God with him in so com-
3 And entering into a ship of Adra- 'ortoble « «««»»«. * "£ "*••"!"
rnyttiurn we launched. nUung to fttrK^
sail by the coasts of Asia ; one Aris- gkaU feg Qn fhee (o kurt thee The gTIl-
tarchus, a Macedonian of Thessa- dous 8pecial presence of God with his
lonica, being with us. 3 And the children and people, is a sure and sufficient
next day we touched at Sidon. And support unto them in and under all the
Julius courteously entreated Paul, difficulties and trials, which his wisdom
and gave him liberty to go unto his seetb fit to exercise and try them with.
* - a 4, f^u u:L^\f Observe, 4. What an additional favour it
fnends to refresh himself. ^ ^ Qod> ^ gt p^ found friendj|
The time being now come for the ful- in Sidon, such saints as he could comfort-
filling of God's purpose and determinate ably converse with, and receive refresn-
cotmsel concerning Paul, recorded Acts ments from, even needful accommodations
xxiii. U. Be of good cheer, Paul, as thou for his tedious voyage. Learn hence. That
hast testified of me at Jerusalem, so shalt God's care of, his compassion towards, and
thou bear witness also at Rome. Pursuant provision for, his chi dren and people, ■
to this purpose of God, Festus the Roman universal and perpetual, at all times and in
governor delivers the apostle and his asso- all places,
elates, L^Tirn^, ^£*™to*£ 4 And when we had launched
KheDr ^^«^^ ™ *" *"?■ WC.8aiM <»"'«CyP™'
great malefactors, to the city and court of because the winds were contrary.
Rome, where all appeals made to the 5 And when we had sailed over the
Roman emperor were heard and deter- sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we
mined before himself. Now here we have came |0 Mira, a city of Lycia. 6
observable, 1. The person whom the And therc thc centurjon found a
^LT9 ^ ViTln^tlp wCuftS «hiP <>f Alexandria sailing into Italy ;
^KJSiiZ^JL^ andPheout us therein 7 And when
friends. Thus God raises up his people we had sailed slowly many days,
fnends in the midst of their sufferings, and and scarce were come over against
when persecutors send his saints to prison, Cnidus, the wind not suffering us,
he will provide keepers for their turn. we sailed under Crete, over against
Julius, an heathen soldier, was kinder to saimonc . 8 And hardly passing
him than his own countrymen the Jews. . to lace which i§ ^^
"SttJZttZSSJi ed the Fair HaveL; "^hereunto
apostle was packed with, They delivered was the city of Lasea. 9 Now when
Paul, and certain other prisoners, to much time was spent, and when sail-
Julius. Saints and sinners, good and bad, jng was now dangerous, because the
innocent and nocent, share together in the fast Was now already past. Paul ad-
same outward miseries : but though they roonjshed tkem ; 10 And said unto
be thus iumbled together m this world, h g. , ive that thb voy.
SSSi £S wSS6 tt VStt f will be wfi. hurt and much dl
between them in the other world, accord- mage, not only of the lading and
ing to their works. Observe, 3. Though ship, but also of our lives. 11 Ne-
ttie apostle was thus yoked with malefactors vertheless, the centurion believed the
and criminals in the ship, yet God favoured roaster and the owner of the ship,
him with some companions which were morc than those things which were
according to bis heart's desire ; namely, . . pau,
his dear associates, St. Luke, Timothy, ' J
and Aristarchus. It is a great comfort to An account is here given of the very
the afflicted to have good companions in hazardous voyage which the apostle had
their afflictions ; Optimum Solatium est from Cesarea towards Rome. He sails
Sodalitium. But above all, it was the from Cesarea to Cyprus ; from Cyprus to
of the apostle that he enjoyed Cilicia ; from Cilicia to Crete j and having
76* THE ACTS* Chap. XXVII.
bem long at sea, «^ the summer wearing fekeo up, the) used helps, under-
away, and the great fast being past, that is, girding the ship ; and fearing lest
Jhs universaiy fast of «piation, which they ^wild fall into the quicksands,
was oo the tenth day of September. After ^.Jj,. M;i mnA -^ «.— LM. r»
which the sea growing temp-tuo^ the ™e "* •°- " ^ *«*■• **
ancients left off ssihng until l^h, rjecsuse Af? wc bcmS «weedingly tossed
of the shortness of the day*. St Paul, with a tempest, the next day they
Josesteing the danger of the season, and lightened the ship ; 19 And the
being also Inspired by the Spirit of God, third day we cast out with our own
admonished them of the great hazard of bands the tackling of the ship,
the voyage* both to the ahip and ako to
the live* of those that were in it, and ad- The farther difficulties and dangers
vised them to venture no further till the sea which the apostle met with, in this winter
was calmer ; but the owner and governor voyage, are here described and declared,
of the ship (who was supposed to be better and toe properest lessons of instruction
•killed is his own art) advising otherwise, which can, I thiok, be gathered from them*
the captain of the guard prefers his iudg- will be by way of allusion. Thus, 1. The
meat before Haul's, and so sets forward, but ahip in which be sailed is an emblem of the
with great hazard, and greater Ion, as the church, in her militant state here on earth |
event declared. Prom the whole ws she is afflicted, tossed with tempests, sod in
gather. That the fittest seasons ought to be danger of being shipwrecked every mo*
observed and taken for every enterprise, meat; many tempestuous Euroctydons
both sacred and secular. Winter journeys arise suddenly, and threaten her fatally;
by land, or voyages by tea, are unsafe, as but her wise pilot sits at the helm, steers
well as uncomfortable. A season a beau- her with a fixed eye and steady band be-
tiful for all things, and has a lustre upon tween rocks and shelves, undergirding her
it above all other parts of time. This win- by his everlasting arms of power and love
ter voyage, about our October, was very which are underneath her ; and when in
hazardous and unseasonable; for the winds our apprehensions she is brought to a
were boisterous and contrary, the days hopeless and helpless state, without the
were short, the light little, the night long, light of sun or stars to comfort her; then
the clouds thick, the weather dark, the doth the Lord enlighten our darkness, and
storms raging ; therefore the apostle ad- at midnight there shall be light. Again,
vised to winter in the Fair Havens, know- 2. This voyage, neglected in the summer,
ing that the season for sailing was now and undertaken in the winter season, to
past. the peril of the passengers, and the loss of
12 And because the haven was £ A1*1*??* rePl«ente «* » **
not commodious to winter in the SZt$&*1EZ£&
more part advised to depart thence ^ to lU||c „& ^p ftway from them ; and
also, if by any means they might when the winter of old ace conies upon
attain to Phenice, and there to win- them, then they think of launching forth
ter ; toatcA is an haven of Crete, towards the fair haven of eternal happiness,
and lieth toward the south-west and **** not Defore- S* we fortD a**** *>
north-west. 13 And when the south J^jjj^0* ^ 'jL*?11"* ^"St
^^^•■»l»Q^l,l1rt*V tStogSr^And
Iiad obtained lAeir purpose, loosing preck)ustioje spent and spilt! When age
thence, they sailed close by Crete, comes Mpoo us, we complain we want time,
14 But not long after, there arose whereas we foolishly waste it ; how are
against it a tempestuous wind, miserable souls that set out lets for heaven,
called Euroclydon. 15 And when (wrien we canserve sin no longer,) ben^ght-
the ship was caught, and could not ?*• tewiWeredy ■*?***"? e*eril*lt3rL ^^
bear uj into th! wind, we let ker —J-J £ £*&% ^
drive. 16 And running under a vatjon,
certain island which is called Clauda,
we had much work to come by the 20 And when neither sun nor
boat ; 17 Which when they had stars in many days appeared, and no
Chap. XXVII. THE ACTS. Wl
small tempest lay oh «#, all hope yet they hate aid seek ta destroy* Toe
thai we should be saved was then ***?d are ofuiraes delivered from tempo.
taken away. 21 But after long ab- ******** *Li*S ^l^og0dJ][
*. , . , e .1 . ® . who live among them, and intercede with
atinence Paul stood forth in the q^ fQr |hm» to WM twohundred
midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye threeBcore and sixteen persona, aU hea-
should have hearkened unto me, then* except three or four, saved for St.
and not have loosed from Crete, Paul's sake, who no doubt begged their
and to have gained this harm and lives of God. Lord, what fools and mad*
loss. 22 And now I exhort you to «*n •» the wicked, who seek thedestruc*
be of good cheer ; far there shall be ^et^
no loss of any mans hfe among you, whic|| wjckfid men ^ b ^^ ^
but of the ship. 23 For there stood roake up by prayi0g. Observe, 4. How
by me this night the angel of God, iteady and stedfast the apostle was in the
whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 faith and belief of God's promise and pro*
Saying, Fear not, Paul ; thou must vidence for his own and tlse company's
bt brought before Cesar : and, lo, preservation: I belitvt Qod. that it shall
©od hath given thee all them that £™" "* ™' *£"*' ,^onour
sail with tlfee. 25 Wherefore. Sirs, ^p^
be of good cheer: for I believe God, nig W0lxJt a^ what he says be very
that it shall be even as it was told improbable, and unlikely to come to
me, 26 Howheit, we must be cast
upon a certain island. 27 But when the fourteenth night
• , . _. , ... was come, as we were driven up
;J2£ElSl5 V^Q^ET^fe *"<* down in Adria, about midnight
xMMnfortkss state, which St. Paul, and those ,. . . . \ A. . .. . 6
in the ship with him, were now reduced the shipraen deemed that they drew
to: neither sun nor stars appeared, and the "ear to some country: 28 And
weather proved very tempestuous, and when sounded, and found it twenty fa-
they utterly despaired of life, then God thorns : and when they had gone a
gives Paul, and he the rest, a comfortable little further, they sounded again,
awirance that nothing should be lost, but ami foum| it fifteen fathoms. 29
^vessel only. Oliowa^^ delight to Then feari lcgt we gn0ll!d have
deliver those that are forsaken of their hopes; * ■• ® •„ A. .r
what a present help a he to the helple. I f»,len uP°n ™k8> **J «* *>■"■ an-
He reserves his holy hand for a dead lift! «nor8 out of the ster,n« and wished
our extremities are the seasons of his sue for the day. 30 And as the ship*
eour. Observe, 2. The great and special men were about to iee out of the
favour which God indulged the holy apos- ship, when they had let down the
tie, even to send an angel to him to com- boat into the sea, under colour as
fort him .The a*gel of Gad, wAatc I thou^ th wouW havc ^ an_
4*, and whom I serve, satd, Fear not. O , ° . £., - .. A« n i
what an encouragement is it to us to enter chor8 out of thc forwh,P> 3l Paul
upon, and be faithful in, the service of God, »"<* to the centurion and to the sol-
when he causes his holy angels, upon all diers, Except these abide in the
Aocasions, to serve us! When visible dan- ship, ye cannot be saved. 32 Then
gers ase before us, God has invisible servants the soldiers cut off tbe ropes of the
jound about us, both to succour and secure b^* an<i ]et her fall off.
us. Lord* help me in sincerity to say,
Thine I am, and thee I serve ! Let me A farther account is here given both of
be found faithful in all the instances of my the apostle's imminent danger and extrar
duty to thee, and then shall I find (as tbe ordinary deliverance ; for fourteen days
apostle here) that safety evermore accoro- together the ship was continually tossed in
panies duty. Observe, 3. How God was the sea ; at last the mariners cast four an-
pleased for St. Paul's sake to save all that cbors out of the ship, and, by the tierp of
wen with him in the ship; sinners are a boat, intended to make their escape,
.spared and saved for )he saints' sake, whom leaving the passtogsn to shift for them-
»* THE ACTS. Chap. XXVII.
•el vet: St Psul, pereeiviog tins, told the you. 86 And when he had thus
centurion and the soldiers, that, though spoken, he took bread, and gave
t&StSS? ^ %"*£**• PT^ th»nka *° Gwl in Preaence of them
them, yet they most not expect it without a1i . „„ j „,k— l Jk_*i i l
using due mans for their owVpreservation, ^1 : and when he had broken U9
which was to stay the mariners in the ship; n* began to eat. 36 Then were
whose help and diligence, direction and they a11 of good cheer, and tbej
care, would be especially needful to them also took $ome meat. 37 And we
on such an occasion. Hereupon the sol- were all in the ahip two hundred
diers, to prevent ^the mariners* design, cut threescore and sixteen souls.
the rones of the boat, and let it fall into the
sea. Learn hence, That the end and the Observe here, 1. What honour God put
means are always joined together in the upon the holy apostle: although be was a
purpose and decree of God. The same poor prisoner in chains, yet God made
God that ordained the end, ordained the him the only counsellor and comforter
means in osder to that end; therefore, as unto all that were in the ship. First, bead-
to trust to means is to neglect God, so to viseth them to eat, because that through
neglect the means is to tempt God. As consternation of mind, and horror of death,
here9 That God who decreed that tbey should they bad made no set meal for fourteen
not perish with the ship, decreed that the days ; not that they subsisted miraculously
skilful seamen should abide in the ship, without any nourishment at all, but eat
Almighty God likes not to be tied to >o little that it was io a manner continual
means himself; but it is his pleasure to fasting. Next he becomes the cbapbin of
tie us. Sometimes, to show his sovereignty, the ship, He gave thankt to Ood in the
he is pleased to work without means, pretence of them all ; that is, he desired
Sometimes to show his omnipotency, he God's biasing upon what they eat, and
works against means ; the fire shall not praised him for it Thanks should be re*
burn, the water shall not drown, the iron turned when benefits are received from the
shall swim, the sun shall stand still, nay, hand of man, much more from the hand
go several degrees backward. The first of God. What shall we think of those that
cause can suspend the power and operation *it down to a full table as a beast to his
of second causes, when he pleases. But as forage, without taking any notice of the
the care of the end belongs to God, so the bountiful hand that feeds them ? St Paul
care of tho means belongs to us, and must having thus refreshed himself, and by has
be used when they may, and where they example and words encouraged all the rest
can be used. Accordingly here, the man- to do the like, an account is taken of the
ners, in order to their own and others' exact number of persons which were in the
preservation, stay in the ship, lighten the ihip, and it was round to be two hundred
ship, undergird ber, cast out their anchors, threescore and sixteen souls. Probably
hoist up the main-sail, loose the rudder- this was done at the motion of St Pant
bands, and do every thing in order to their that so, after their deliverance, it might ap-
preservation which was needful. The pear how exactly his prediction, mentioned,
purpose of God to prolong our lives, must ver. 22. That there shall be no lots of any
not lessen our care for the preservation maris life, nor an hair fall from the head
of our lives ; when God has ordained and of any, was verified and fulfilled. What*
appointed means, we cannot expect to find ever God speaks by the mouth of his holy
safety in the neglect or contempt of those servants, be it by way of prediction or
means. denunciation, shall certainly be accom-
ao * j i-t i i pinned and come to pass : tied is honour-
33 And while the day was coming ed in his truth, when his promises are M-
od, Paul besought them all to take filled towards his people, and ttneateniagm
meat, saying, This day is the four- inflicted on his enemies,
teenth day that ye have tarried, 38 And when they had eaten
and continued fasting, having token enough, they lightened the ahip,
nothing. 34 Wherefore I pray you and cast out the wheat into the sea.
to take some meat : for this is for 39 And when it was day, they knew
your health ; for there shall not an not the land : but they discovered
Hair fall from the head of any of a certain creek with a shore, into
Chap. XXVIII. THE ACTS. 768
the which they were minded,, if it extremity was God's opportunity ; and this
were possible, to thrust in the ship. **nut wa» the laaon of h» succour. Ob-
40 And When they had taken up 8crve,4. What horrid and cwl ingratitude
*k« .«„i,a- »l.., 1~~^ui*a 4L*JT was found with these wretched soldiers to-
the anchors they committed tkem- wanlg the a^le: th desj t0 toke
«?/t*« unto the sea, and loosed the away his ,ifJ; who ^ teke * ^ ^
rudder-bands, and hoised up the ©f them, and for whose sake all their lives
mainsail to the wind, and made to- were preserved! It is no new thing for an
ward shore. 41 And falling into a unkind world to return evil for good, and
place where two seas met, they ran hatred for good-will j but to do good
the ship aground ; and the fore ^ t0 iuflfer evUJ? lbe christian's exer-
part stfckU and remained un- Z ^^\of^^^U ~
moveable, but the hinder part was chkff) Iest K ef them shou/d^im out
broken with the violence of the and escape. Observe, 5, How God put
waves* 42 And the soldiers* coun- into the centurion's heart to defeat their
sel was to kill the prisoners, lest barbarity and bloody counsel, and to save
any of them should swim out, and the apostle, for whose sake the centurion and
escape. 43 But the centurion, will- allintte ship were saved. Blany are the
lnt* Vr* -««^ P...I L-..** ♦!»««* r.^-. wicked devices in the heart of roan, but the
ing to save Paul kept them from couoaet 0f the Lord, that shall stand. Ob-
thetr purpose ; and commanded that tervef 6. How q^j perfonned his promise
they which could swim, should cast to the apostle to a very tittle: they were all
themselves first into the sea, and get saved, not a man drowned, no not any
to land : 44 And the rest, some on one of the bloody soldiers who gave counsel
boards, and some on broken pieces *<> kill PauL O how good is 9od to the un-
of the ship. And so it came to lhankfttl *nd unholy! his tender mercies
pa«. that they escaped all ,afe to SZ£*^&!ZZi*
w ' Thus, after a long and dangerous voyage,
Here observe, I. How willing men in the providence of God brought St. Paul
distress are to part with all things for the with the rest of the passengers at last safe to
preservation of life ; these aea-faring men shore. O how punctual is God to what he
are here found three times lightening their promises ! What he foretells he will fulfil,
ship of her lading and burden t first the He bad foretold by Paul, that they should
merchandise was cast overboard, ver. 18. suffer shipwreck, and at last be cast upon a
next all the ship's furniture was heaved certain island : and accordingly here they
over, ver. 19. and now, ver. 38. goes over escaped to an island called Melita ; where
the very wheat, which they had provided what signal instances of humanity they re-
fer their daily bread; future provision is ceived from the hands of barbarous heathens,
cast away to save life at present : life is the the following chapter fully informs us.
roost precious treasure, the most excellent
thing in natures a man will part with all CHAR XXVI1L
the comforts and supports of life, rather than
with life itself. Observe, 2. What a won- a nd when they were escaped,
£S 7£~°f a°lWii *T T° ,,he A then thev knew that the island
hearts of these poor Pagans, thus to venture M M .• • ** v. 0 A nA 4u*> k*-k-
their lives by parting^th their food which WM caUed ^elita. 2/ thc **£**
they had to live upon, barely upon St. Paul's rOOT P^P1? shewed us no little
word, that they should want wheat no kindness : for they kindled a fire,
more in the ship. Such an influence has and received us every one, because
God upon the hearts and minds of men, of the present rain, and because of
when he pleases to make use of it Observe, the cold. 3 And when Paul had
3. How God's delivering power is most gathered a bundle of sticks, and
gloriously manifest in the most deplorable P .. ,.„ ^„ .. <• #1,,™ «««« «
extremities of his people. Now, Xn the laid /^» on the fire, there came a
ship was fallen into a place where two v,P«r out °f *he hea*. and fastened
seas met, when she ran aground, and was on his hand. 4 And when the bar-
broken with the violence of the waves, this barians saw the venomous beast
3 c
7M THE ACTS. Chap. XXV 111.
hang on his hand, they said among without the concourse and concurrence of
themselves, No doubt this man is a wpematural providence: This riper, ac-
murderer. whom, though he hath 3^J3M^
escaped the sea, yet vengeance suf- ^^^ Evidence and power of bod.
fereth not to live. 6 And he shook Note, 5# That the humanity of these bar-
off the beast into the fire, and felt barous heathens towards those that suffered
no harm. 6 Howbeit, they looked shipwreck, may justly condemn the inhu-
when he should have swollen, or OMaity of tbera that are called christians,
fallen down dead suddenly; but ^waids those i that are shipwrecked : How
after they had looked a grei while, * f^J^Tn t£tt3Si
and saw no harm come to him, they themselves with the spoils of others ! The
changed their minds, and said, that barbarous were humane here, but the hu-
ll e was a god. mane are now barbarous. Note, 6. How
After a long and dangerous voyage, re- prone and ready men are to draw sinful
corded in the foregoing- chapter, the provi- inferences from sorrowful premises j to con-
dence of God brought St. Paul and the rest elude, that such a man, or such a people,
of the prisoners to an island called Melita, are wicked, because they are wretched ;
where they were all courteously received by great sinners, because great sufferers. This
the islanders ; who finding them wet and was the barbarous logic of these islanders,
cold, made them a fire to warm and refresh It had been well that it had been con-
them : When, behold, a viper that was in fined to that island : When the barbarians
the wood, feeling the heat of the fire, leaped saw the venomous beast on the apostles
out upon St Paul, and fastened on his hand, they said, No doubt this man is a
hand : which the islanders seeing, instantly murderer. Note, 7. How mutable is the
concluded that the apostle was some nolo- mind of man, and how inconstant are men
rjous malefactor, whom divine vengeance in their esteem and opinions of men : the
followed : but the apostle, (according to apostle had no sooner snook off the viper
our Saviour's promise, Markxvi. 11. If into toe fire, but the barbarians change
ye touch any deadly thing it shall not their opinions into another extreme ; he
hurt you,) shaking off the venomous beast whom they accounted a murderer before, they
into the fire, without harm, the people pre- called a god now : They changed their
sently changed their opinion, and took nim minds, and said that he was a god. They
for a god, that was come, to them in the are light and lavish in their applauding, as
shape of a man. Here note, 1. How it before they were rash and severe in ceo*
pleased God by a new miracle to confirm suring. Thus, upon changes of providence,
the apostle's authority, and thereby to pre- many change their opinions of men, some*
pare the hearts of those barbarous people times for the better, but commonly for the
for the receiving of the gospel. God will worse. Lord ! help me to esteem myself
honour his gospel, and the faithful dis- only by the esteem which I have with thee,
pensers of it, wherever they go, by prepar- Let me never be lifted up with the applaud-
ing the hearts of the people to receive and ings, nor cast down by the desptsings, of
entertain it Note, 2. That great and ma- men ; neither praise nor reproach are much
nifold dangers and distresses may, and oft- to be accounted of, whilst we are innocent,
times do, befall gracious persons. No soon- and make thee our friend. Question, But
er is one affliction passed over and gone why did not St Paul, that shook off the
from them, but presently another comes on viper from his hand, shake off the chain
with a fresh assault. Thus here, St. Paul from his arm, and set himself at liberty ?
had no sooner escaped the shipwreck, and Answer, St. Paul war not the author, but
gets to shore, but a viper fastens upon his a minister or instrument in this miracle ;
hand : Many are the afflictions of the it was not St. Paul himself, but God
righteous. Observe, 3. That the very by him, that wrought this miracle, Acts
light of nature suggests, even to the most xix. 12. God wrought special mira-
barbarous heathens, that wickedness shall cles by the hand of PauL Now, when
not go unpunished : No doubt this man is the deliverance of the apostle from his bonds
a murderer, whom vengeance sufjfercth made most for the glory of God, he was
not to the. Note, 4. That natural* agents delivered ; but, when hit bonds would more
cannot actor exert their natural powers, advance the gospel, God kept him in bond*.
Chap. XXVIII. THE ACTS. 765
7 In the same quarters were pos- him by making him the instrument of the
sessions of the chief man of the miraculous cure. Note, 4. How the inrl-
island, whose name wus Publius, "Hely wise God me^e all thinp work toge-
who roci-ived us and lodcred ua three lner for hlt 0wn &,ory r thal lhe aPosl,e
wno received us, and loageu us inree lhou|d wfkg shipwreck ; that he should
days courteously. 8 And it came ^ ^j upon m J^ . lhat ^ ghouId te
to pass, that the father of Publius cast upon a barbarous island, where the
lay sick of a fever, and of a bloody name of God was not known ; that a viper
flux : to whom Paul entered in, should fasten upon him, and not hurt him ;
and prayed, and laid his hands on that the governor of the island's father, and
him, and healed him. 9 So when oth« inhabitants of the island, should at
this was done, others, also which %»*» ^^^SlASA
bad diseases in the island can*, promew of Gods glory, by opening an
and were healed ; 10 Who also effectual door for the conversion of many
honoured us with many honours ; souls ; for during the three months that the
and when we departed, they laded apostle stayed there, he planted a christian
« j with such things as were ne- church in the island, which became famous
cessarv. *°r '** 8*edks*ness m the truth. Note, 5.
• * The proof and evidence which the islanders
gave of the truth of their conversion by the
Observe here, How God goes on still to apostle's ministry among them ; namely, that
honour the person and ministry of St. Paul, those new converts loaded St. Paul's ship with
in the eyes and hearts of* this barbarous necessaries for their voyage when he went
people, by enabling him further to work away from them. This was a real fruit of
miracles in this island. First, on Publius their effectual faith, as also their honouring
the governor's father, and then on others- him with many honours. The best evi-
that were diseased in the island. Here dence of sincere faith, is a holy fruitfulness
note, 1. How great the civility of the go- in good works, in works of piety towards
vernor of the island was towards St. Paul, God, and works of charity towards man :
entertaining him and all the company with They honoured us with many honours,
him, even more than two hundred persons, and when we departed they laded us with
at his own charge. And, 2. How well such things as were necessary.
the governor was rewarded for his hospitable
cb;ri&Lihi3 Jathe? ]y™* T* , rf a fflfi 11 And after three months we de-
tainly rewarded in another world than that wh,cn nad wintered in the isle,
of charity, so is it frequently rewarded in whose sign was Castor and Pollux,
this world. Publius was well paid by his 12 And landing at Syracuse, we
father's recovery, for what he did for St. tarried there three days. 13 And
Paul and his company. Note, 3. The from thence we fetched a compass,
means which the apostle used for the re- and came to Rhegiuill . and after
t^ttE?i*az& - -* *• •-* V- ««. t»
andtaid his hands on him, and healed w« «•« the next day to Puteoli :
Aim. Now, hereby the apostle showed that 14 Where we found brethren, and
he could do nothing of himself; accord- were desired to tarry with them se-
ingly he applies by prayer to that God ven days : and so we went toward
who killeth and maketh alive, and the Lord Rome. 16 And from thence, when
heard him. St. Paul had honoured God, thc brethren heard of us, they came
and now God ho^ujshim. How peved t ug ft9 fa M Appil/forunif
was the holy apostle when God s honour , . -,, ^ * * ,
was sacrilegiouslygiven to him f I doubt and the Three Taverns : whom
not but it grieved the good man more when when Paul saw, he thanked God,
they called him a god, than when they and took courage,
accounted him a murderer ; here therefore
he returns the honour to God by prayer, Observe here, 1. That St. Paul at the
ascribing all to him j and God honours command of God, though shipwrecked
3 c 2
756 THE ACTS. Chip. XXVItl.
before, yet puts forth to sea again. A clew self, with a soldier that kepi him.
call from God, will carry oo a christian 17 And it came to pas*, that after
cheerfully to grapple with all imaginary tj,rce days Paul called the chief of
difficulties and dangers, without either fte Jews" together. And when they
dmpute or delay. Thus ^te^potfte \ogether, he said unto
here ; he enters a ship of Alexandria, sails M » k^*k«.« .i^,,^ i
from Malta to Syracuse in Sicily, from them. Men and brethren, though I
thence to Rhegium, in Italy, from thence nave committed nothing against the
to Puteoli ; where they found some chris- people, or customs of our fathers,
tians, with whom they abode seven days, yet was I delivered prisoner from Je-
Here note, How wonderfully the christian rusalem into the hands of the Ro-
religion was spread abroad in the Italian mang . 18 Who> whcn ^ had eXm
country, yea, in and about Rome, before .^ wouW haye ^ me
St Pau s coming thither, rrom ruteoli , / • r , ° *
the aportle passes to Rome, the chief city !*«"»* *« «■ no cause of death
in ItalyT the empress of the world, the seat « me. 19 But when the Jews
of the Roman emperor. Behold how spake against it, I was constrained
God bears witness to, and puts honour to appeal nnto Cesar; not that I
upon, his suffering servant ; he passes to had aught to accuse my nation of.
Rome, more like a conqueror than a pri. 20 For tWl ^^ therefore have I
•oner. He is met upon the «^Y*»?y called for you, to see you, and to
eminent persons, as conquerors used to be, . ' • . because that for
to congratulate their great victories; even *Peft* w™r J0"-, wcause Uiat tor
by christians, who are called brethren, ver. the hope of Israel I am bound with
15. who are not ashamed of St. Pauls this chain,
chain, but left their bouses, and came forth Now is the great apostle landed and
respect unto him : for which favour the 0fMe & Jerusalem, so shaft thou bear
apostle thanked Qod and took courage, witness also at Rome. Yet observe, 1.
That is, he ownod it as an encouragement The favour which God gave him in the
sent from God unto him, and was greatly gjg|lt 0f his enemies : he is not clapped
refreshed by their company. But how up in the common gaol, but a sort of pri-
came christians so early to be found at goner at large ; be dwells by himself in
Rome ? Who converted them ? St Paul his own hired house, with his keeper with
bad never been there till now, and we read him. This liberty was highly valued by
not of St. Peter, or any of the apostles, the apostle, we may believe ; not so much
having been there thus early; yet Sf. Paul for his own comfort, as for the benefit and
finds many christians at and about Rome, advantage of the gospel ; for by this means
Answer. These brethren are thought to be he had an opportunity of going abroad and
converted by such as were present at Je- preaching the word of God in every place,
rusalem at the feast of Pentecost, Acts ij. u the providence of God gave him oppor-
10. where it is expressly said. That there tunity. Observe, 2. St. Paul is no sooner
were strangers of Home then present, come to Rome, with desire and design, no
when those mighty miracles were wrought doubt, to preach the gospel there to his
there; and we may suppose that they, countrvmen the Jews in the first place; Tint
becoming true converts at that time, did he sends for the Jews to come to him, states
propagate the gospel in and about Rome, his case to them, lays the matter of feet
according to their ability ; and the blessing before them, and endeavours to remove all
of God so accompanied and succeeded their prejudice from their minds, which they
endeavours, that the apostle now found some might have taken up against him, and so
saints even in Nero's house : Thus mightily have missed of the benefit of his ministry.
grew the word of Qod. and prevailed. From whence learn, That it is the great duty
16 And when we came to Rome, * ,he «ip^en of the gospel, prudently to
the centurion delivered the prisoners V^l *"*&? presently Jo remove,
t« th» _»»*.;.. ~e *u- Y ■ 1 \ a» prejudices, which may be taken up by
Vaul w£P£E L \ V?,^ :i^Ut tbefr^pleagainsttlieirpersons; kiiowu*
Paul was suffered to dwell by him- that ifthey have a prejudice against their
Chap. XXVIII. THE ACTS. 767
persons, they will never relish their doc- forth the came of their sufferings in a clear
trine* nor be benefited by their ministry, and true light. It it verily fir the hope of
Thus did the great apostle here endeavour Israel that I am bound with this chain.
to set himself right with his auditors the
Obs^°3 ^oTtoe aSttte was^nrf 2l And they 8ald Unt0 him> We
ashamed of/btrt°rIther tforiTiu, thTcause neither f^*1 letter* out of *?<***
for which he suflered : For the hope of concerning thee, neither any of the
Israel I am Sound with this chain. As if brethren that came, shewed or spake
he had said9 " For preaching that Messiah any harm of thee. 22 But we de-
trho hath long been hoped and prayed for, I sire to hear of thee what thou think-
em come hither a prisoner 5 or, for the sake est : for as concerning this sect, wc
of Jesus Christ, the promised Messias, |cnow lhftt c?ery wherc it i§ 8pokcn
whom all true Israelites lone expected and ««.«•„♦ 00 a-j «. u-~ *u u j
hoped for, who is now cot£ in the flesh, a*ain.st; . *? And when they had
to be their Redeemer, and in whom all the appointed him a day, there came
true Israel of God repose all their hope of m*ny to him into his lodging ; to
salvation, and by whom they expect a joy- whom he expounded and testified
ful resurrection, I am hound with this the kingdom of God, persuading
chain." Here observe, 1. The hard usage them concerning Jesus, both out
which the blessed apostle meets with from of the law of M ^ ^ 0y thc
the hands of a wicked world : a chain is „„_!,.._ x- m ~'in„ *m ^/»;~~
clapped upon him, as if he was some rogue £7PAhe!8» *°m T? § 11 eiwmg.
wthief. tort the lamb, was now a pri- *i.\n6 80me Sieved the things
soner to Nero the lion. The best of men *nich wer* spoken, and some be-
may, and oft do, suffer under the notion of lieved not.
the most vile and wicked persons. Ob-
serve, 2. The true cause of St. Paul's suf- • Observe here, 1. The advantage which
ferings : For the hope of Israel lam bound, the apostle had to preach the gospel to these
That is, for the object of Israel's hope, or Jews at Rome : they assure him that they
the Messiah which they so long expected, bad entertained no prejudice against his per-
and so much hoped for. Observe, 3. The son ; for they had received no letters out of
publication which St Paul makes of his Judea concerning him ; neither had any of
sufferings here at Rome : he tells all the their brethren that came from Judea spoken
world, for whom, and in whose cause he any evil of him ; yea, they assure him, it
now suflered. Thence learn, That suffer- was their desire to near bim preach, and to
ings for Christ and the gospel are no matter understand what be had to say for the
of shame, but glory : the apostle doth not christian religion, (which they call a sect
blush to say, For the hope of Israel, I wear or heresy,) that both Jews and Gentiles did
this chain; the 'shame belonged to them generally oppose and speak against and talk
that clapped on the chain, not to him that hardly of. Observe, 2. How readily the
wore it Observe, 4. Thc end why the apostle complies with their request in
apostlemakes known his sufferings ; namely, preaching to them : time and place are ap-
That all the Jews now at Rome might pointed, the people assembled. The groat
know the true cause wherefore he suffered, truth defended and approved was this, That
St Paul's enemies had laid heavy things Jesus of Nazareth was the true and promised
to his charge, which possibly might fly as Messiah, in whom all that desire to be saved
far as Rome: now although he little regard- ought to believe and trust. This argu-
ed what the wicked world said of him, ment he confirmed by testimonies out of
yet he desired to stand right in the thoughts the law of Moses, and out of the prophets,
of the Jews here at Rome ; and therefore as continuing his discourse from morning un-
soon as he was come thither, he sends for til night ; so unwearied was this faithful
them to acquaint them with the cause of his labourer in his Lord and Master's work,
imprisonment. When good men are in a Observe, 3. The different success of the
suffering condition, the devil u very indus- word preached, and the contrary effects
trious to defame them, and the world very which it had upon its hearers : Some he-
ready to misrepresent them ; therefore it is lieved the things which were spoken, and
a duty which is owing to themselves, to some believed not. As the same sun that
vindicate their own ranocency, and to set softens the wax hardens the clay, so has
758 THE ACTS. Chap. XXV I It.
the gospel different effects upon those it is the fault lay in their own obstinate wifig ;
preached to ; thero are some whom no sun with respect to which, by the just judgment
will tan, no heat will warm, no influence of God, they were blinded and hardened,
will quicken. To some we are the savour When sinners close their eyes wilfully, and
of life unto life, to others the savour of say, They will not see; it is just with God
death unto death: but, blessed be God, to close their eyes judicially, and say. They
if we his ministers be found faithful, we shall not see. Deus non demerit nisi dese-
shall be a sweet savour unto God, as well rentem ; the Jews had forsaken God, and
in them that perish, as in them that are now God forsakesthem. But the apostle tells
saved. them, that upon this refusal of theirs he was
to preach toe gospel to the Gentiles, and that
26 And when they agreed not they would hear it, and gladly receive it,
among themselves, they departed, ver. 29. The salvation of God u sent
after that Paul had spoken one to the Gentiles, and they will hear it*
word, Well spake the Holy Ghost Where obser^ The epithet or ^e given to
by £saias the prophet unto our fa- !* .E3* Pf "*^WI1 f ** # 1« ll
tk*M o« fi.,,;B„ n~ ..«»~ «h;- M rtykd *<*toatton9 because it makes a tender
thers, 26 Saying, Go unto this apd^ersal off« of Ufeiind salvation unto
people, and say, Hearing ye shall fo^im. 2. It is called the salvation of
hear, and shall not understand ; God, because it is a salvation of his provid
and seeing ye shall see, and not ing and contriving, of his revealing and
perceive : 27 For the heart of this discovering. It is his by way of patefactioo
people is waxed gross, and their ■** discovery * his by way of tender and
ears are dull of hearing, and their J** ** bX ^"U?*" "*} effifK2*
eyes have they closed, lest they Ittfa. "
should see with their eyes, and hear
with their ears, and understand 30 And Paul dwelt two whole
with their heart, and should be con- years in his own hired house, and
verted, and I should heal them, received all that came in unto him.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God,
that the salvation of God is sent un- and teaching those things which con-
to the Gentiles, and that they will cern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all
hear it. 29 And when he had said confidence, no man forbidding him.
these words, the Jews departed, Nc4e here, 1. The special favour indulged
and had great reasoning among St. p^ now ft p^ * Ro^e, with so
in em selves. much freedom, and without any molesta-
tion, to preach the gospel in his own hired
The obstinate infidelity and unreasona- bouse for two years together. Where ob-
ble unbelief which was found among the serve, 1. Who preaches -, St. Paul a pri-
Jews under the apostle's preaching, was no soner, who scarcely had liberty to hearr
doubt a great grief of heart unto him ; but rarely to preach. 2. Where be preached ;
at their departure he tells them, that they even in proud, powerful, and imperious
would not be persuaded that this unbelief of Rome, and in his own hired house there, a
theirs was what the prophet Esaias bad To whom he preached : To all that came
long before punctually foretold, That hear- unto him. He set open the doors of his
ing they will not hear, and seeing they house for all comers, excluding none from
will not see ; having contracted such a the gracious offers of salvation by a Re-
wilful hardness, blindness, and deafness, as deemer, upon the condition of faith and
will not sutler them to hearken to any obedience. 4* How long he continued
counsel which may end to their coover- his ministry at Rome ; for two whole veara
sion and salvation. Here note, That though at that time : be would neither be allured
the present unbelief of the obstinate Jews by flatteries, nor hectored by threatening*,
to whom the apostle now preached, was to lay down his ministry, or desist from his
long before foretold by the prophets of God ; preaching work. 5. After what manner
y!*,!^ prophets1 prediction was no cause he preached; with all confidence, boldness,
of their unbelief, or that which laid them openness, and freedom, with such an un-
under an impossibility of believing ; but daunted courage as neither a love of life.
Chap. XXVIII. THE ACTS. 750
not fear of death, could overcome. 6. The lion ; rescued out of Nero'a bauds. And
subject matter of his preaching : The king- God would have continued to deliver him,
dom of God, and things concerning the bad not his death been more for the glory
Lord Jesus Christ ; not vain janglings or of God and his own advantage than bis life,
envious railings, but Jesus Christ, and the which at last was offered up a sacrifice and
way of salvation by him. Lastly, with sweet-smelling savour, acceptable unto God
what freedom be did all this, No man for- though Jesus Christ.
bidding him ; neither emperor, nor senate,
nor magistrate, nor soldier, nor priest, nor Thus St. Luke concludes bis history of
people, though in an heathen city, devoted St. Paul's life, without giving us any parti-
to idolatry, in the least hindering or for- culars of his death. He leaves him at Rome,
bidding him. Where note, That Rome a prisoner under Nero, where after two years'
heathen of old was far less cruel and much confinement, the scriptures seem to hint,
more courteous to the preachers of the that he was at liberty, and that he went
gospel, than Rome aotichristian since has about preaching the gospel and confirming
been. Then an apostle might preach two the churches for some years ; but an attempt
years together without molestation in his to trace this apostle farther without scrip-
own hired house, to all comers; but now ture light, may be the ready way to lose
a minister of God must there have no public ourselves. Let us therefore conclude with
or private place of meeting to worship God prayer,
according to his word and will, without the
danger of an inquisition. That almighty God, who through the
To conclude : See how impossible it was preach ing of his apostle St. Paul did cause
at that day to binder the progress of the the light of the glorious gospel to shine
gospel ; even as impossible as to hinder the throughout the world, would mercifully
sun from shining, or the wind from blowing, grant that we, having his wonderful
That God, who shut the mouths of the bun- conversion and instructive example in our
gry lions, that theyJtart not Daniel, did open remembrance, may show forth our thank-
the mouth of the apostle, that neither Nero fulness unto him for the same, by follow-
nor the Jews could stop it ; yea, after this, ing the holy doctrine which he taught .
he was delivered from the mouth of the through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
RNT) OP THE FIRST VOIJUMB.
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