Joel

How many woes has God pronounced against this sin (Isaiah 28:1): Woe to the drunkards of Ephraim! (Joel 1:5): Howl, you drinkers of wine! Drunkenness excludes a person from heaven (1 Corinthians 6:10): Drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God: a man cannot go to heaven ree…

As it is profaneness to call that common which God has sanctified and made holy; so it is tyrannical superstition and presumption to make that holy which God has made common. Occasional days of humiliation and thanksgiving, when God by his Providence calls thereunto, there is Sc…

God approved this as a holy and laudable exercise. And we also see that the Prophets summoning the people to repentance have called them to sackcloth and ashes (Joel 1:13). But as we have formerly said that fasting is not here condemned in itself, no more does Isaiah condemn the…

[in non-Latin alphabet] has respect only to Age, and signifies any one married, or unmarried, a Virgin, or one deflowered, so she be young. [in non-Latin alphabet] also is used for one corrupted (Deuteronomy 22:23, 24) as also for a Widow (Joel 1:8). So that by this word, a Virg…

Quest. How does this agree with the commandment of God, Joel. 1. 13, 14. where hee bids them howle and crie in their fast, which cannot be without a mournfull countenance; and indeede in a true fast rightly celebrated, the sorrow of the heart must needes be testified by some con…

2. A palm tree has good fruits; the dates are the fruit thereof. 3. It is a tree of long continuance, and keeps long green; hence (Psalm 92:12, 14) it is said of the righteous, they shall flourish like the palm tree; therefore (Joel 1:12) it is an evidence of great drought, when…

It is deservedly accounted a sad judgment, when God shuts up the heavens over our heads, and makes the earth as brass under our feet (Deuteronomy 28:23). Then the husbandmen are called to mourning (Joel 1:11). All the fields do languish, and the bellowing cattle are pined with t…

3. His influences are in things small, as in the falling of a Sparrow to the earth; not one hair of the head but it is numbered by him (Luke 21:18; Matthew 10:29, 30, 31). Not a gourd groweth, nor a worm eats it, but at his command (Jonah 4:6, 7; Amos 4:7, 8, 9; Joel 1:1, 2, 3,…

Job 26:7. He stretches out the North over the empty place, and hangs the Earth upon nothing; give a reason of East and West. 3. The Lord puts forth sovereignty on Jeroboam's arm to dry it up, on Mephibosheth's feet, upon the man's eye-holes (John 9) that they should be empty of…

Witness these Scriptures, (Psalm 145:4) One generation shall praise your works to another, and remember your mighty acts. (Joel 1:3) Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation. So (Psalm 78:3-7) That which we have h…

(Psalm 145:4) One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. (Joel 1:3) Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation. (Joshua 4:6-8) That this may be a sign among you, that when…

Are you old? Hear then, you old men (Joel 1:2), what shall we hear? That in (Titus 2:2) take heed of old age sins, old age lusts (concupiscentia non senescit) when men are dying, and have one leg in the grave, when they are about to give up the ghost, yet (like the thief on the…

14. And upon this account there is required a deadening of our hearts to shipping and trading with diverse mighty nations, as we see in the case of Tyre (Ezekiel 27), of Babylon (Revelation 18:11-13; Jeremiah 51). So are we to be mortified to fair houses (Isaiah 5:8), stately ci…

Thus we find in the fourth chapter of Amos, that droughts, and blastings, and mildews, &c. are signs that the morning shall be made darkness. Yes, bad harvests are sometimes a sign, that a day of great trouble is at hand; Joel 1:15. "Alas for the day, for the day of the Lord is…

The spiritual blessing for which the church fasted when they sent forth apostles and ordained elders, was extraordinary (Acts 13:3 and 14:23). The judgment which was denounced against Nineveh (for preventing whereof they fasted) and which was inflicted on Israel in Joel's time (…

Repent, and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus, for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gifts of the holy Spirit. For the promise (of giving the holy Spirit) is to you, and to your children, (as Joel the Prophet foretold;) I will pour out my spirit u…

The Spirit of Christ in the inspired Scripture says: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gifts of the holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). We have an instance of twelve disciples found at Ephesus, baptized in t…

But it is no less certain, that there was always a promise of his more signal effusion upon the confirmation and establishment of the New Covenant. See in particular that great promise to this purpose (Joel 2:28, 29), as applied and expounded by the Apostle Peter (Acts 2:17, 18)…

Sometimes to an army (Genesis 2:1): the heavens were finished and all the host of them. Order is necessary everywhere but especially in an host; there every one must keep in his rank and station; thus the stars have their courses (Judges 5:20), and the clouds their courses (Job…

Thus the Church in times past used to abstain not only from meat and drink but from all delights whatsoever, even from soft apparel and sweet ointments. Joel 2:15-16: Sanctify a fast — let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her bridal chamber. Daniel 10…

Certainly this notes that God aimed at more by the land of Canaan than merely to possess them of so much ground. Further, yet there are divers titles that are given to this land; it is called a holy land in (Zechariah 2:12), and it is called a good land in (Numbers 14:7), that w…

Yes, although means be wanting, we give glory to God (Romans 4:10; 2 Kings 6:16). From hence cometh it, that we fear not in greatest dangers (2 Kings 6:16; Psalm 3:7; Psalm 27:3); that in the time of affliction, we are patient (Proverbs 20:22; Hebrews 10:33); without all murmuri…

Kings or princes do not give pennies or brass farthings, but bestow gifts becoming their magnificence. The heathens were forced to acknowledge it, and the people of God do willingly acknowledge it, so (Joel 2:21): Fear not, O land, be glad and rejoice, for the Lord will do great…

A right-bred Christian, that has learned the truth as it is in Jesus, being thrust into a corner, knows how to improve solitariness for soul-advantage; and voluntarily does withdraw himself into a corner, that he may set himself to the work of God in good earnest: Hence says the…

Peter says to Simon Magus, You are in the gall of bitterness: but withal he adds, Pray God that the thought of your heart may be forgiven you (Acts 8:21). See the like (Joel 2:14; Amos 5:15). And thus are ministers of the Gospel to temper and qualify their reproofs, and censures.

God must be worshipped in spirit (John 4:24; Romans 1:9). The heart must be rent, and not the garment (Joel 2). The inward motions of the spirit are of themselves the worship of God, whereas our words and deeds are not simply, but insofar as they are founded in the renewed motio…

We may easily discern that Malachi speaks there of the service of God, noting it under one of the shadows of the Law, as Isaiah does in this place (Malachi 1:11): and we ought to mark these kinds of speech diligently, which the Prophets are wont to use very often. This then may…

The words of God are: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, (Joel 2:28). A still more abundant light of understanding is promised by Jeremiah.

That day says Zephaniah, shall be a day of wrath, a day of tribulation, and anguish, a day of obscurity and darkness, a day of clouds and blackness (Zephaniah 1:15). The like you have in Joel (Joel 2:2). And Amos also cries out, woe to you that desire the day of the Lord: what h…

God overruled the Influences of Heaven against them, though it may be Angels also are here intended. And among the meanest Creatures of the Earth, he calls Locusts and Caterpillars when he sends them to destroy a Countrey for sin, his Host or Army, Joel. 2. 11. This by the Way.

Chap. 44. 3. Joel. 2. 28. Ezek. 11. 19.

But they may plead for the Grace and Mercy declared in the Promises, as indefinitely proposed to sinners. It may be they can proceed no further in their Expectations but to that of the Prophet; who knowes if God will come and give a Blessing; Joel 2. 14. yet is this a sufficient…

Frogs, lice, boils, hail, rain, thunder, lightning, destroy the land of Egypt (Exodus 8, 9, 10). Locusts are his mighty army to punish Israel (Joel 2:25). Hailstones destroy the Canaanites (Joshua 10:11).

So that this dispensation of God's speaking in the Prophets, continued for the space of twenty one Jubilees, or near eleven hundred years. That it had been now ceased for a long time, the Apostle intimates in this word; and that agreeably to the confessed principles of the Jews,…

So when the book of the Law was read to Josiah, and he saw how far they had departed from the rule and word of God, it is said, he rent his clothes, and he was afraid, he humbled himself and his heart was tender before God. But it may be objected that in (Joel 2:13), when we are…

And thus faith oftentimes finds a peculiar sweetness and encouragement in and from the consideration of Gods gracious nature. Sometimes this is the first thing that it fixes on, and sometimes the last that it rests in; and oft-times it makes a stay here, when it is driven from a…

This is the secōd branch of Christs commandment, wherein wee learne a second duty in a religious fast; namely, that therein we seeke to approoue our selues & our action only to God: for which end, we must obserue 3. things. 1. With our fasting wee must ioyne a conuersion of our…

Let tears run down like a river day and night, give yourself no rest, let not the apple of your eye cease: Arise, cry in the night, in the beginning of the watches pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. God does not only expect that his ministers and priests…

4. The next thing to be observed, is the enduing the apostles and others, with extraordinary and miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost; such as the gift of tongues, the gift of healing, of prophecy, etc. The Spirit of God was poured out in great abundance in this respect, so that n…

When the fields are white to harvest, then husbandmen walk through them, rub the ears, and finding the grain full and solid, they presently prepare their scythes and sickles, send for their harvestmen, who quickly reap and mow them down; and after these follow the binders, who s…

(3.) The plow rends the earth in parts and pieces, which before was united, and makes those parts hang loose, which formerly lay close. Thus does the spirit of conviction rend in sunder the heart, and its most beloved lusts (Joel 2:13). Rent your hearts, and not your garments; t…

And this the Scripture calls the former rain. And as this is necessary about seed-time, so the latter rain is as needful about harvesting time, to disclose the ear, and to bring it to perfection; both these are great blessings to the earth, and conduce to a plentiful harvest (Jo…

Now as to the First. Ass. 1. Suppose there be some seeming contradiction between extreme pain and absence or withdrawings; yet a seeming contradiction only and not real it is, and the man is called to an habitual praying disposition, because what commands obligeth us to be renew…

But it is a wicked doctrine of some Anabaptists, and others, that all desertions are, under the New Testament cried down and gone; and it is our legal mistake, say they, that works trouble of conscience, under the New Testament, and an exercise of such as are under the Covenant…

Many have worldly comforts, but not with a natural blessing: (Ecclesiastes 3:13). That every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God: not only that he should have increase by his labor, but enjoy good; to have the comfortable use of t…

5. Contentment is one of God's gifts that we ask in this Prayer, [Give us this day our daily Bread,] that is, we ask to be contented with our portion. Contentment and quietness of mind with what we do enjoy, it is a great blessing: (Joel 2:19) See what the Lord says there by his…

(3.) We take it for certain, that the promise here referred to by Peter is that gracious promise (Genesis 17:7), I will be a God to you and your seed; the adjoining of their children to them says Calvin (and with him runs the general current of expositors) depends on the words o…

And so by that means you see how our salvation is utterly defeated, according to that which is said by the prophet Joel. And it is a common doctrine in the Holy Scripture, that we cannot obtain salvation, but by fleeing to God with prayer and supplication (Joel 2:32). But we sho…

You have mighty lusts, but a stronger Spirit. No age is excluded from the promise of the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29). And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, y…

(Psalm 103:8) "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and of great kindness." (Joel 2:13) "Turn to the Lord your God for he is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and of great kindness, and repents him of the evil." (Jonah 4:2) "I knew that you were a gracious God, s…

It is the manner of saints so to do (Psalm 115:2): "Why should the heathen say where is now their God?" And (Joel 2:17): "On the fasting day let the priests the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, spare your people, O Lord, and give not…

Who can tell whether God will turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? So (Joel 2:14): Who knows if he will return, and leave a blessing behind him? In this clause I put believers who have sinned away their peace and assurance (2 Samuel 12:22).

This notwithstanding, the grace of God may and it will make a young man wise. The Scripture speaks of a wise child (Ecclesiastes 4:13), and of a child that is a hundred years old (Isaiah 65:20), and of young men that have the Spirit of God poured on them (Joel 2:28). The young m…

You find a heathen king could so argue (Jonah 3:9): Who can tell if God will turn and repent? &c. And the Prophet urges this on God's professing people as an encouragement (Joel 2:14): Who knows if he will turn, and repent, and leave a blessing behind him? To be sure, all your r…

Hence this hope is confused and uncertain, it does not, nor can bottom the heart in any grounded assurance, and settle it upon any certainty, for the attainment of that which now it needs; but keeps this on foot in the consideration of the sinner, that there be unknown passages…

The answer is, he may give it as well as deny it, and that's argument enough to sustain our hopes, and to quicken our endeavors, put it then to the adventure. Thus the Prophet Joel pressed the Israelites to [reconstructed: turn] to God for the removal of a judgment, and the pard…

2. God has therefore in the Scripture made it their duty thus to put in and plead, when they see his judgments coming upon his people. When they apprehend that God is angry, and discover him as if he were coming to cut sinners down in his wrath, now God would have these step in:…

1. If he makes them earnest and importunate with him to spare his people. When God had given that advice (Joel 2:17), we have that animadversion made upon it, verse 18: then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people. Where there is a real praying ministry in a p…

Seventh, gospel-mourning must be purifying; our tears must make us more holy; we must so weep for sin as to weep out sin; our tears must drown our sins. We must not only mourn, but turn (Joel 2:12): turn to me with weeping. What is it to have a watery eye and a whorish heart? it…

Sin has turned beauty into deformity. As some faces by sickness are so disfigured they can hardly be recognized; so the soul of man is by sin so sadly transformed — having lost the image of God — that it can hardly be recognized (Joel 2:31). Sin has turned that sun of beauty whi…

There being now 'neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all' (Colossians 3:11). Hence the Lord promises to 'pour out his Spirit on all flesh' (Joel 2:28), which Peter interprets as accomplished by the…

Judas was not damned only for his treason and murder, but it was his distrust of Gods mercy destroyed him. Why should we entertain such hard thoughts of God? he has bowels of love to repenting sinners , (Joel 2:13). Mercy rejoycs over justice.

This sorrow for sin is not facil: It is an holy Agony: 'Tis called in Scripture a breaking of the heart, (Psalm 51:17). The Sacrifices of God, are a broken heart: And a rending of the heart, (Joel 2:13). Rend your hearts.

8. Repentance ushers in temporal[illegible]lessings. The Prophet Joel persuading [illegible]e people to Repentance, brings in the [illegible]romise of secular good things, Joel 2. [illegible]2, 19. Rent your heart, and not your gar[illegible]ent, and turn to the Lord, and the Lo…

If ever God gives you the experience of the virtue of the fountain in you, for the taking away of your sin and uncleanness, he will make you to pray for it; he has said (Ezekiel 36:37), I will be sought to, &c. Seek his face and favor, confess your sins, and keep not silence; se…

A time wherein the earth shall be abundantly fruitful (Psalm 67:6; Isaiah 30:23, 24; Amos 9:16; and many other places). A time wherein the world shall be delivered from that multitude of sore calamities that before had prevailed (Ezekiel 47:20), and there shall be a universal bl…

Rule 4. In the matter of our redemption, especially in the New Testament, and prophecies of the Old of the same subject, Christ died for all pro generibus singulorum — for men of all nations, some of all kinds. 1. Because God speaks so of our salvation, as (Joel 3:28), which was…

First, by preferring the promised relief and remedy above all the present glory and worship of the Church; directing it to look above all its enjoyments to that which in all things was to have the pre-eminence. See Isaiah 2:2; chapter 4:2-5; chapter 7:13-15; chapter 9:6-7; chapt…

When God comes with dyed garments from Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1). When he gathers the nations, and brings them into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and there causes his mighty ones to come down against them (Joel 3:2, 11). When the day of God's indignation does come, and he makes such sla…

This is a braving, a daring of God to his face, and with whoever he bears long, to be sure, these are none of them. You see now, what are the signs of a full ripe sinner; and when it comes to this, either with a nation, or with a single person, then ruin is near (Joel 3:13; Gene…

Then you shall return and discern between truth and falsehood, right and wrong (Malachi 3:18), which now it is not always easy to do. The day of the Lord is said to be in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14), because then and there will this great cause be decided, which has been…

So hope as a helmet keeps off the stroke from a Christian, that it shall not hurt or dismay him. In time of public calamities, hope keeps the soul from sinking (Joel 3:16): the Lord shall roar out of Zion; the heavens and earth shall shake, but the Lord will be the hope of his p…

Therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ speaking of the signs fore-running that day of calamity which then was coming upon Jerusalem, says, Iniquity shall abound (Matthew 24:12). If iniquity do abound among those that are the professed enemies of God, and of his people, that's a sign t…

After this, they had them into a place where did hang up a golden anchor. So they bid Christiana take it down; for said they, You shall have it with you, for it is of absolute necessity that you should, that you may lay hold of that within the veil (Hebrews 6:19), and stand stea…

Never did any yet come to Christ and receive him with their whole souls, with all their hearts, but they had fruition of him, and blessedness by him; faith therefore is not the coming of the soul, but the coming of the whole soul to Jesus Christ: and this you may be established…

A man may make himself like these things, he may debase himself into the vileness of an idol, "They that make them are like to them;" he may under-value and uncoin himself, blot out God's image and inscription, and write in the image and inscription of earth and Satan, he may tu…