Ezekiel 33

This is the savory meat God loves. How few mind this, worshipping him who is a Spirit in the Spirit; they give him more dregs than spirits; they think it enough to bring their duties, but not their hearts, which has made God disclaim those very services he himself appointed (Isa…

First, hypocrites take God's name in vain, their religion is a lie; they seem to honor God, but they do not love him, their hearts go after their lusts (Hosea 4:8): They set their hearts on their iniquity. Their eyes are lifted up to heaven, but their hearts are rooted in the ea…

If the King were speaking to one of his subjects, and he should not give heed to what the King says, but be thinking on another business, or playing with a feather, would not this provoke the King? So when we are in God's presence, and God is speaking to us in his Word, and we m…

Austin confesses that before his conversion, he went to hear St. Ambrose rather for his eloquence, than the spirituality of the matter. (Ezekiel 33:32) You are to them as a very lovely song of one that has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument. Many come to the wo…

Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of God. 3. A man may be a frequenter of ordinances, and yet miss of the kingdom; it is a good sight to see people flock as doves to the windows of God's ho…

God has revealed in his word, that he is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4), that he does not delight in the destruction of a sinner (Ezekiel 18:32). Iurat per Essentiam, Musculus — he swears by his essence (Ezekiel 33:11). "As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the dea…

But let us hear what reasons may be alleged to the universality of redemption. 1. Ezekiel 33:11. As I live says the Lord, I will not the death of the wicked: but, that the wicked return from his wicked way. Answer: The place is to be understood not simply but in respect; of the…

It is true, there is a great difference among Christians themselves in their diligence and dexterity about heart-work; some are more conversant and successful in it than others are. But he that takes no heed to his heart, he that is not careful to order it aright before God, is…

Though your bodies be present, your hearts are wandering. You are like these spoken of (Ezekiel 33:31), who sat before the prophet as God's people, but their hearts went after their covetousness. How often while you are sitting here is your heart away?

When God made promise to Abraham; because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself. Ezekiel 33: The people slandered the Lord, he delighted so to have the people pine away in their iniquities, that he would punish them for no fault; but the children's teeth should be se…

Gouernour: and superiours, are not to give account for the sinnes of those that are committed to them: but for the sinnes which themselues commit, in not looking to them, not admonishing them, not restraining them, not taking condigne punishment of them for their offences. This…

They ask of me the Ordinances of Justice, they take Delight in approaching to God. It may cause them to take Delight in hearing the Word of God preached; as it was with Ezekiel's Hearers, Ezekiel 33. 31, 32. And they come unto thee as my People cometh, and they sit before thee a…

After the Manner they trusted in Christ, that the Apostle Jude speaks of, crept in among the Saints unknown; but were really ungodly Men, turning the Grace of God into Lasciviousness, Jude 4. These are they that trust in their being righteous; and because God has promised that t…

Some with whom things come to a better issue, are yet for a season brought to that discomposure of Spirit, or are so filled with their own apprehensions, that when the things which are most proper to their condition are spoken to them, they take no impression in the least upon t…

These things being premised, we may consider how variously God has engaged his Oath, that there is forgiveness with him. First, He swears that he has no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but rather that he repent and live, Ezekiel 33:11. As I live, says the Lord, I have no plea…

Hauing found that this petition must bee understood of the reuealed will of God, wee now come to search out the speciall branches of Gods reuealed will; which wee shall finde in seuerall places of the holy Scripture. The first, is the conuersion of a sinner, Ezekiel 33. 11. As I…

When the Word is dispensed, we are now to lift up the everlasting doors of our hearts, that the King of glory may enter in. How far are they from offering violence to themselves in hearing, who scarce mind what is said, as if they were not at all concerned in the business: they…

But I suppose, upon mature Consideration this will not appear at all unreasonable. 'Tis no more unreasonable to suppose this People to make a Profession of that Respect to God, which they had not in their Hearts now, than at other Times when we are informed they did so, as in Ez…

How near to this comes that which the Apostle supposes may be found even in apostates (Hebrews 6:8-9), who are there said, to taste the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come. What shall I say if real Christians delight in ordinances, those that are none may also…

It was one of the devices they devised against Jeremiah to smite him with the tongue, because they would not, and they desired that others might not give heed to any of his words (Jeremiah 18:18). Those to whom the prophet Ezekiel was a very lovely song, and with their mouths sh…

And so Jeremy complains in the bitterness of his spirit, that the word of the Lord was made a reproach to him. And Ezekiel, see how he was scorned, Ezek. 33. 30, 31, &c. And as they did the Prophets, so Christ, and the Apostles; when they were filled with the Spirit of God, they…

Again, to hear it only to stop the mouth of conscience, that it may not clamor more for gross impiety in contempt of it, this is not to hear it out of desire, but out of fear; to desire it only for some present pleasure, and delight that a man may find in it, is not the due use…

2. In the offer of it. So God has proclaimed pardon, upon the condition of repentance (Ezekiel 33:11): Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn, you, turn, you from your evil wa…

Sorrow for sin; no man can seriously desire a pardon, but he that is touched with a sense of his sin, moved and troubled at it. And then, for purpose of forsaking (Ezekiel 33:12): "As for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turns from his w…

3. There are some special things, concerning which God has more expressly signified his will, and given special charge; and these we should make greatest conscience of, how distasteful soever they be to flesh and blood, or prejudicial to our own interest. For instance; concernin…

Proud men please themselves with the suppositions of applause, and the echoes of praise in their minds. 5. Covetousness consists chiefly in a vain musing (Ezekiel 33:31). Their heart goes after their covetousness (2 Peter 1:14).

So they think all Sabbath-time lost. In fact, it distracts in duty (Ezekiel 33:31): with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their covetousness. It interlines our prayers, and the world will still be creeping in; and when we are offering incense to God, w…

2. It reproves them that would have a dispensation at times, and take liberty to cast off all Christian modesty and gravity; that think if they be serious sometimes, they may be light and vain at others; and therefore sometimes like angels of light, at other times like fiends of…

That shows the reality of your delight, when you come under the power of the truth, and are absolutely governed by it: for then you delight in them aright, as mysteries of godliness. The Lord complains of them that had a delight in the Prophet, his voice was as pleasing to them…

2. Those that post-date. They go from duties to sins, (Ezekiel 33:13): When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trusts to his own righteousness, and commits iniquity, all his righteousness shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he has commi…

1. There are many delight in the word, because of the eloquence of the Preacher; they delight not so much in the truths delivered, as in the dress that they are delivered in. Thus it is said of the Prophet Ezekiel, that he was to them as a very lovely song of one that has a plea…

You are utterly mistaken if you do not find application beyond your strength as well as redemption: this mistake in imagining that we can make the application arises especially upon a double ground, which is most dangerous and least discerned. First, when from the general offer…

He answers him, I have found you — that is to say, it was my duty to do so, and therefore I have endeavored it, and according to my desire and endeavor I have accomplished it, I came on purpose. If the watchman does not warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in…

As they said (1 Samuel 8:19), when Samuel gave them reasons against monarchy; they say not, your reasons are not good, we will answer them, and bring better reasons for what we desire; no, but we will have a king. And as the Lord says to the house of Israel (Ezekiel 33:11), turn…

Why he takes his oath, not that he can change, but that he would have me be settledly assured thereof. As I live, says the Lord, I desire not the death of a sinner but rather that he should repent and live (Ezekiel 33:11). If God does not desire my death but my repentance, why s…

Why then are commands so frequent in Scripture; as, "Make you a new heart and a new spirit" (Ezekiel 18:31). "Turn, turn, why will you die?" (Ezekiel 33:11). "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).

And is it not as strange that men's ears should be open, yet in hearing hear not? They mind not what is said: Ezekiel 33:31: They sit before you as my people sits, but their heart goes after their covetousness. Many sit and stare the minister in the face, yet scarce know a word…

They have no spiritual hunger who desire only to feast their fancy. Of such the prophet speaks (Ezekiel 33:32): You are to them as a very lovely song of one that has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument. If a man were invited to a feast, and there being music at t…

Psalm 51:17: The incense when it was broken gave out the sweetest fragrance. Impure souls care not in what a dead, perfunctory manner they serve God (Ezekiel 33:31). They pray more out of fashion than out of faith.

And we that are Ministers of CHRIST, we are in this case to comfort and encourage you, as Paul says, we were gentle among you, as a Nurse among her children; we should bee tender ouer you, and comfort and encourage you, we are not Lords of your faith. And there[•]ore in Ezekiel…

Let us correct the bold pleadings and the daring charges that our vain hearts put upon the Lord: Why do you strive against him (says Elihu, Job 33:13) for he gives not account of any of his matters? Men dare say, when they are under the vengeance of ordinary sufferings, "The way…

How often does God call upon us to turn to him? He swears, (Ezekiel 33:11). As I live, I desire not the death of the sinner, turn ye, turn ye, &c.

As when one is going to write, another stands at his elbow and jogs him, that he cannot write even; Satan will set vain objects before the fancy, to cause a diversion: the Devil does not oppose formality but fervency; if he sees we set ourselves in good earnest to seek God, he w…

Yet may such Persons abide in the Performance of outward holy Duties; or attendance to them. Pride of or satisfaction in their Gifts may give them Delight in their own performances, and something in those of others they may be exceedingly pleased withal; as it is expresly affirm…

8th Commandment: You shall not steal. He breaks this commandment: who lives in no calling (1 Thessalonians 3:11); who neglects his calling (Jeremiah 48:10); who spends his wealth in riot and provides not for his family (1 Timothy 5:8); who is not content with his estate but seek…

But if we should allow, that all things in heaven and earth include all mankind; still even in this extent it is true, that it pleased the Father to reconcile all things; but in such a sense, as not to imply the salvation of all men. This is true in the same sense, in which God…

Or do I go in the round of duties, taking no heed to my heart in them? If so, compare this symptom of your hypocrisy with that in 2 Kings 10:31 and Ezekiel 33:31-32. Question 2.

Thus was Jehu deceived; he did many acts of external obedience to God's command, but Jehu took no heed to walk in the way of the Lord God of Israel with his heart (2 Kings 10:31); and this was his overthrow. This also was the ruin of those [illegible], Ezekiel 33:31, they came a…

The thought of whom therefore should swallow up all other, as not worthy to be seen the same day with him: but I appeal to all your experiences, if your thoughts of him be not most unsteady, and are — that I may so compare it — as when we look upon a star through an optic glass,…

What shall I then (say you) now set myself about? First, give diligent heed, and have a tender care to attend to the word of life; come not to hear the voice of a pleasant singer (Ezekiel 33:31), but come to the glorious Gospel of Christ, as the ministration of the spirit, you r…