Luke

In this all a Christian's comfort lies. Great was the work of creation, but greater the work of redemption: it cost more to redeem us than to make us; in the one there was but the speaking a word, in the other shedding of blood (Luke 1:51). The creation was but the work of God's…

It was a great honor to Moses to be a temporal savior; but what is it to be the Savior of souls? Christ is called the Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69). He saves from sin (Matthew 1:21), from wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

The purest virgin that is, her soul is stained with original sin? Answer. This knot the Scripture unties (Luke 1:35). The Holy Ghost shall come upon you, and overshadow you, therefore that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God. The Holy Ghost shall…

Faith is the chief work which the Spirit of God works in a man's heart. In making the world God did but speak a word, but in working faith he puts forth his arm (Luke 1:51). The Spirit's working faith is called, the exceeding greatness of God's power.

2. The world was the work of God's fingers (Psalm 8:3). Conversion is the work of God's arm (Luke 1:5). 3. In the creation God worked but one miracle, he spoke the word; but in conversion he works many miracles: the blind is made to see, the dead is raised, the deaf hears the vo…

1. I begin with the first, the Preface to the Preface, vaiedabbur elohim, God spoke all these words, saying, etc. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation, [God spoke;] other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the Holy Prophets (…

This is the diamond in the ring, it outshines all other comforts. 2. If we are fearers of God, we have a reverent awe upon us; we tremble at sin, and fly from it as Moses did from his rod turned into a serpent (Luke 1:50). His mercy is on them that fear him.

But fear your God. And there is honey in the mouth of this command (Luke 1:50). His mercy is upon them that fear him.

The creation was the work of God's fingers (Psalm 8:3). Redemption was the work of his arm (Luke 1:5). In the creation God gave us ourselves, in the redemption he gave us himself: by creation we have a life in Adam, by redemption we have a life in Christ (Colossians 3:3).

I will take away the stony heart, and give you a heart of flesh. Yet further, the power and Godhead of the Holy Ghost appeared in the effecting the glorious conception of our Lord Jesus Christ; the very shadow of the Holy Ghost made a virgin conceive (Luke 1:35). The Holy Ghost…

A king may pardon a traitor, but will not make him one of his privy council: but whom God pardons he receives into favor. I may say to him, as the angel to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:30): You have found favor with God. Hence such as are forgiven are said to be crowned with loving-k…

Matt. 16:16. You are Christ the Son of the living God. Luke 1:35. The Holy Ghost shall come upon you, the power of the most High shall overshaddew you, therefore also shall that holy thing which shall be born of you, be called the Son of God. John 1:1, 2, 3. In the beginning was…

Q. But whether is there any way of deliverance already found out, and man actually recovered? A. Yes, the Lord has wrought redemption, and raised up a horn of salvation for his people (Psalm 111:9; Luke 1:69). Q. Is God himself then the author of man's deliverance?

Q. What ought to be the life of them that are in Christ? A. A course of holy obedience, and service to God all the days of their life (Luke 1:74, 75; 1 Peter 1:14, 15, 16, 17; Titus 3:8; Ephesians 2:10). Q. What is the general rule of obedience?

So Paul says, Blessed be God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ: Ephesians 1:3: beginning his Epistle with this kind of blessing, that is, by praising God. And so Zachary after the birth of his…

But if we look for any reward at the day of death, we must labor in the works of godliness all the days of our life; for, therefore were we redeemed. Luke 1:74-75. In the whole book of God, we find but one man that lived wickedly, and repented at his end: that is, the thief upon…

Thus Hannah, that was barren, the Lord made to keep house, and to be the joyful mother of a son, sings her song of praise (1 Samuel 2:[1]): My heart rejoices in the Lord, my horn is exalted in the Lord, my mouth is enlarged over my enemies; because I rejoice in your salvation. M…

But the whole story is filled with gross effects of ignorance and incredible fables, being only a dream of some superstitious monastic. But the ancients grounded their imagination on the kindred that was between his mother and Elizabeth the wife of Zechariah the priest, who was…

The Syriac renders it in this place by [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] pure; which is an inherent qualification; as it does (1 Timothy 2:8 and Titus 1:8) by [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Pious, Holy, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], says Hesychius: [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]; Pure, Right…

2. The Apostle has an especial respect to the Incarnation of Christ, without the concurrence of man in natural generation. This is expressed in answer to that enquiry of the blessed Virgin, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (Luke 1:34, 35). This was the true Tabernacle…

For where the Spirit of God is, there is liberty, namely, to serve God not in the oldness of the letter, but in the newness of the Spirit. And it is declared that this was the great end of bringing in the New Covenant, in the accomplishment of the Promise made to Abraham, namely…

And three things do concur hereunto. 1. A recapitulation, collection and confirmation of all the promises of grace that had been given to the Church from the beginning, even all that was spoken by the mouth of the holy Prophets that had been since the world began (Luke 1:70). Th…

The Vulgar Latine rendets it by Iustificationes; from the inclusion of Ius, Iustum in the signification of it. In the new Testament it is used, Luke 1:6, Romans 1:32, chap. 2:26, chap. 5:16, chap. 8:4, Hebrews 9:1, ver. 10, Revelation 15:4, chap. 19:8. And in no one place does i…

And although by reason of the wisdom, cunning and skill which they had received in an extraordinary way, they framed, made and reared a Tabernacle most artificial and beautiful; yet when all was done, it was but the work of men's hands. But the constitution and production of the…

This is the first thing on record in the Scripture. So God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, since the world began (Luke 1:71), that is, the first revelation of God to the Church concerning the Messiah, with all that succeeded. So Christ is said to be a Lamb slain from th…

This appurtenance of them to the Ark, the Apostle expresseth by the Preposition [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] from the Hebrew [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] now this preposition is so frequently used in the Scripture to signify, adhesion, conjunction, approximation, appurtenance of one t…

And if the High Priest did at any time minister in this part of the Sanctuary, he did it not as the High Priest, but as a Priest only; for all his peculiar service belonged to the most Holy Place. In process of time when the Priests of the posterity of Aaron were multiplied, and…

For whereas he has chosen to glorify all the properties of his nature in the Person and Mediation of Christ, he does not only declare his grace in giving him, but also his truth in sending him according to his word. And this was that which holy persons of old did glorify God in…

They had this promise still to plead, and rested therein, notwithstanding all the interveniencies which oft-times seemed to render the case of that people very desperate. See their faith expressed (Micah 7:18, 19, 20; Isaiah 7:13, 14, 15; chapter 53; Luke 1:70, 71, 72, 73). And…

Deuteronomy 18:18: A prophet will I raise up to you; which was Christ himself. So God raised up a horn of salvation in the house of his servant David (Luke 1:69), that is, with an extraordinary power and glory. So was this priest to arise, not springing out of, nor succeeding in…

(2.) The incense that was burned every day in the Sanctuary by the priests in their courses. This represented prayer (Psalm 141:2), and was always accompanied with it (Luke 1:9, 10). This also was a type of the continual efficacy of the intercession of Christ (Revelation 8:4).

For this would have rendered him every way unmeet for his whole work of mediation. See (Luke 1:35; Hebrews 7:26). He prepared him a Body consisting of flesh and blood, which might be offered as a real substantial sacrifice, and wherein he might suffer for sin, in his offering to…

1. [in non-Latin alphabet], it brings forth [in non-Latin alphabet]. This word properly signifies the bringing forth of a woman that has conceived with child, [in non-Latin alphabet] (Luke 1:31). And so it is constantly used in the New Testament, and not otherwise but only in th…

(2) Sometimes by living in sins of omission; when they will not attend to every known duty. Luke 1:6: they did walk in all the ordinances, and commandments of the Lord: when any known duty, or ordinance of Christ is neglected, and men continue so to do, how does Christ rule in t…

The Synod having said, That the parents in question are in covenant, because the tenor of the covenant is to the faithful and their seed after them in their generations (Genesis 17:7). The Reverend Author in his answer hereto, pag. 24. says, That the sealing of this covenant to…

1. In life. The Angel did comfort the Virgin Mary, Luke 1.28. The Angel did stop the mouths of the Lions that they could not hurt Daniel, Daniel 6.22.

And therefore by this confession the church of God is distinguished from all other companies of men in the world which believe not, as Pagans, heretics, Atheists, Turks, Jews, and all other infidels. This name Jesus was given to the son of God by the Father, and brought from hea…

2. A righteous man is devoted to holiness: the priests under the law were not only washed in the great laver, but adorned with glorious apparel (Exodus 28:2), the emblem of a righteous man who is not only washed from gross sin, but adorned with inward sanctity; he is what he see…

Observe first, that Jude places his service among his titles: he might have urged other things to render himself honorable to the world, but he does not stand upon those things, it is enough for him to say, Jude a servant. As Jude the Lord's Cousin calls himself his servant, so…

So Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1): when she received the mercy of a son, 'My soul,' said she, 'rejoices in the Lord' — not in the mercy, but in the God of the mercy. And so Mary (Luke 1:46): 'My soul does magnify the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior' — the word signifies 'to mak…

God will come to those that are seeking him and waiting for him (Isaiah 25:9 and 26:8). When Christ came in the flesh, he was first revealed to them who were waiting for the consolation of Israel, and looking for redemption in Jerusalem (Luke 1:25, 38). And in that great out-pou…

That Christ had been foreknown before the foundation of the world, Peter testifies (1 Peter 1:20). That He would come, according to that foreknowledge and eternal appointment, God had promised from the foundation of the world through the prophets (Luke 1:70). Hence He was called…

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 murmuring to hold our peace (Psalm 39:10); receiving them as from a father (Job 1:21; Psa…

26. Afterwards, his brother came forth, whose hand held the heel of Esau; therefore every one called his name Jacob. Luke 1:59. And it was so on the eighth day, they came to circumcise the babe, and called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 62. Then they made signs to…

It is true, the high priest's praying for them was nothing to the soul's advantage of him or them if Christ was not made use of, both by him and by them; yet it was typical, and to show this much, that they were to improve Christ's Intercession as well as his Sacrifice and Satis…

This was Christ's personal privilege; and to lack this, is not our sin: to have it, was Christ's glory: but the nearer any is to God, the more heavenly are the affections. Secondly, when God framed the human nature and human soul of Christ, he created a more noble and carefully-…

Now he was made King, not on such terms, as he might destroy all his subjects, (for all mankind are his subjects to Arminians.) But he is made King (Psalm 72:11) that all nations may serve him; that he should deliver the poor, needy, and helpless; and redeem their souls from vio…

Or else secondly, [In] the bowels, is put for [Instar] Like the bowels, or After the bowels, according to the analogy of the Hebrew phrase: And so then the meaning were this, Like as the bowels of Jesus Christ do yearn after you, so do mine. [Bowels] are a metaphor to signify te…

We look at God as a Father, and we walk before him not in fear, but in liberty; and therefore we are free from the fear of death, to which, some are all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15). Now this is a spirit of liberty, to have the heart set free from all fear…

It is a rule of commerce between us and God. (2.) In your whole conversation, (Luke 1:74-75) "That we might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life." A Christian's conversation is a continual act of worship; he ever behaves himse…

Had not Christ been made flesh, we had been made a curse; had not he been incarnate, we had been incarcerate, and had been for ever in prison. Well might an angel be the herald to proclaim this joyful news of Christ's incarnation (Luke 2:10). Behold, I bring you good tidings of…

God promised to deliver Israel from the iron furnace, but this promise was above four hundred years in travail before it brought forth. Simeon had a promise, that he should not depart from here till he had seen the Lord's Christ, (Luke 2:26) but it was a long time first, but a l…

Our Lord Christ herein set a pattern to children. Luke 2:51: He was subject to his parents. He to whom angels were subject, yet was subject to his parents.

The Virgin Mary was not perfect; though her womb were pure (being overshadowed with the Holy Ghost) yet her soul was not perfect. Christ does tacitly imply a failing in her (Luke 2:49). And are they more perfect than the Blessed Virgin was?

Luther spent three hours a day in prayer. Anna the prophetess departed not from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day (Luke 2:37). How zealous and industrious were the martyrs to get into this heavenly kingdom! they wore their fetters as ornaments, sn…

What pains did Saint Paul take for the heavenly kingdom (Philippians 3:13): Reaching forth to those things which are before; [illegible] the Greek word to reach forth, signifies to stretch out the neck, a metaphor from racers who strain every limb, and reach forward to lay hold…

The Devil is called the Tempter (Matthew 4:3). Christ is called the Comforter (Luke 2:25). The Devil is called the Prince of Darkness.

Isa. 6:1, 2, 3. I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up and his train filled the temple; above it stood the Seraphims, each one had six wings, with twain he covered his face, with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did flye: and one cryed to anoth…

What was his poor birth? He was born of a poor Virgin for his mother who was espoused to a Carpenter for her husband; and when he was born was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, because there was no room for his poor mother in the Inn (Luke 2:7). What else was th…

So also in Psalm 7:13: 'If he turns not, God has whetted his sword and prepared his instruments of death' — to inflict torments, and eternal torments also, as Deuteronomy 32 implies. Indeed, whatever causes torment or anguish is in Scripture called a sword, and piercing with a s…

Now, where the Text saith, God provided a better thing for us, we must not understand it of all these prerogatives, but only of the first and last, touching the actual exhibiting of Christ in the flesh: as Christ also imports, Luke 10.23, 24, Blessed are the eyes which see that…

And therefore all young persons must have care of these sins of youth, and watch the more against them, because they are so incident to their years. Now, the way to avoid them, is to follow Christ's example, Luke 2:52, to labour to grow, as in years, so in wisdom and grace: and…

[illegible], Love is the second great duty of the life of God, which is brought to light by the Gospel. It is Faith that gives Glory to God on high, and Love that brings Peace on the Earth, wherein the Angels comprised the substance of our deliverance by Jesus Christ (Luke 2:14)…

2. It was in those days manifest by his known genealogy. For by the providence of God his parents were publicly enrolled of that tribe and of the family of David in the tax and recognition of the people appointed by Augustus Caesar (Luke 2:4). And this was made yet more famous b…

God is called [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], the most high God; God above. And glory is to be ascribed to him [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], in the highest (Luke 2:14). And the Lord Christ in his exaltation is said to sit down at the right hand of the Majesty [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] (…

The interposition of the Law was now to be taken away, and the Promise to become all to the Church. Hence upon his Nativity this Covenant was proclaimed from Heaven, as that which was immediately to take place (Luke 2:13, 14). But it was more fully and evidently carried on in an…

So Joseph was [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], divinely warned to avoid the danger that was designed to the Child Jesus (Matthew 2:22), as the Wisemen were to avoid going to Herod (ver. 12), so Hebrews 11:7, Noah being [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], divinely warned, was moved with fear. Y…

And therein not the Ark is intended, although it may be that is sometimes called the glory, or signified under that name, as (1 Samuel 4:21, 22; Psalm 26:8). But it is God himself in his peculiar residence among the people; that is, in the representation of his presence which is…

On God's part there is wrath, which is all that we are born to by nature (Ephesians 2:3), and on man's part there is hatred; we hate God, because we love sin (Colossians 1:21). God's enmity is suspended in the day of his patience; now and then wrath breaks out, but 'tis not exec…

It has not been altogether so with this land, where the Lord has had not only a true church, but many burning and shining lights, many gracious preachers and professors, many notable defenders of the Protestant cause against Papists, many who have preached and written worthily o…

Which therefore can be no other, but that supreme authority, lordship, and dominion over all things and creatures, which was then committed to him by the Father. For the name Jesus was given Him in the very beginning of his humiliation (Matthew 1:21, 25 and 2:1 and Luke 2:21), b…

There is an observable consideration to this purpose, how God's ends are far different from man's. In the taxing of the whole world by Augustus (Luke 2:1, 4): Augustus, out of pride to see what a numerous people he was prince of, would tax the whole world. Some tell us he had ap…

Sundry particular flocks may be called one flock, three ways: 1. Respectu pastorum, when the same shepherds oversee and take care of the whole. See an example both of the one kind of shepherds (Luke 2:8) and of the other (Acts 20:28). 2. Respectu pabuli: so Paul Baynes speaking…

The word is compared to a sweet savor (2 Corinthians 2:15); to many it is not so, to some it is the savor of death to death: it is a savor diffused through the house, they abhor it, and being guilty of death it leads them to death: in others it is the savor of life; that is, the…

All the intelligent elect creation, all God's holy creatures in Heaven and Earth, are truly and properly waiting for, and earnestly expecting that event. 'Tis abundantly represented in Scripture as the spirit and character of all true saints, that they set their hearts upon, lov…

That what they hoped, they received not: or hoped for that which they did not receive? Simeon indeed had it revealed to him, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:26), but this was about the time of the designed exhibition of him, and accordin…

In the whole body of the Law jointly considered, two things are commanded: knowledge and practice (Colossians 1:10). Concerning the first, is commanded the true knowledge of good and evil, which is for the age of every man (Colossians 1:9-10; Philippians 1:9; Hebrews 5:14; Luke…

1 Samuel 1:29. So the woman abode that she might nurse her son until she had brought him up. Luke 2:12. And this shall be a sign to you: you shall find the child swaddled and laid in a cratch.] Contrary to this is, the tenderness of many mothers, that bring on them the threateni…

4. That the great complaint, weight, and grief of an honest minister of the gospel, is this, that his message is not taken off his hand, that Christ is not received, believed in, and rested on; this is the great challenge ministers have against the generality of people, and the…

But we read not that he did laugh, or that ever any worldly mirth was found in him, which clearly makes out this truth: that he was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. For Use, It would take the tongues of Men and Angels to speak of it, it being the most remarkable and…

Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? The Gospel is a sweet message, and ought to be glad news when it comes to a people; and therefore, when this report of our Lord Jesus Christ is made to sinners, O! but it's a sad complaint that…

4. It imports this, that the work which he performs in the redeeming of souls is so acceptable to God, and does so mightily concur, and cooperate to the promoting of his design, that the Lord owns every thing that he performs, as performed by his great ambassador; and by him, wh…

This is His meat and His drink, His work and business; as He Himself says, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (John 4:34). And, in Luke 2: "Know you not that I must be about my Father's business?" Which is to rescue poor sinners from the devi…

Here is a Lord-Speaker from heaven, testifying that the Lord's name shall be, and was glorified: As 1. In Christ's person and incarnation (John 1:14): The word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory. So the angels did sing at his birth (Luke 2:14): Glory to…

Christ expounds it (Luke 4:8) exclusively: "You shall serve only the Lord," because it is the prerogative of God to be worshipped, as it is a prerogative of grace to be the ransomed and redeemed of God (Deuteronomy 21:8; Deuteronomy 7:8; Exodus 15:15; Luke 1:68; Galatians 3:13;…

There was a veil of flesh, yet the glory of his divine nature was seen, and might be seen, by all that had an eye and heart to see it. He lay in the manger at Bethlehem, but a star appeared to conduct the wise men to him; and angels proclaimed his birth to the shepherds (Luke 2:…

They as subjects and servants are bound to obey him. Therefore on all occasions they attend on Christ; at his birth (Luke 2:13-14): "A multitude of the heavenly host praised God, saying, Glory be to God on high, on earth peace, good will towards men." Now in his temptations, the…

There is a common rule among the Schoolmen of the communication of the properties, when the properties belonging to the divinity of Christ, are attributed to the humanity: which we may see everywhere in the Scriptures. As in Luke 2, the Angel calls the infant born of the virgin…

The like imagination the Monks and Schoolmen had of their Saints, as though they had been very senseless blocks and without all affections. The virgin Mary felt great grief and sorrow of spirit when she missed her son (Luke 2:48). David in the Psalms complains that he is almost…

Christ was subiect to Ioseph who was but a reputed father. Luk. 2. last. The sonnes of the Prophets obay their masters as their own fathers, 2. king. 2. 12. and so doe the seruants to their master. 2. king. 5. 13.

How can you believe (says our Savior Christ) which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes of God alone? (John 5:44). Secondly, we must seek for the approbation of God in the first place; and in the second place, to be approved of men, as Christ did: for…

Yet the entrance of Christ into the world was not destitute of glory; for the splendor of his Godhead was manifested from the commencement by his heavenly Father. Angels announced that “a Savior was born,” (Luke 2:11;) but their voice was only heard by the shepherds, and travele…

And with this view the Heavenly Father chose that the life of his Son should be buried, as it were, in silence, until the time of the full revelation arrived. For it did not happen without the undoubted Providence of God, that the Evangelists leave out the whole period which Chr…

Thus, Abraham saw the day of Christ afar off, and rejoiced, (John 8:56,) and yet longed to enjoy a nearer view, but did not obtain his wish. Simeon spoke the sentiments of all, “SIMEON disoit selon l’affection de tours les Peres;” — “simon spoke according to the feeling of all t…

Now as it was mean and uneducated men by whom the kingdom of Christ was called the kingdom of David, let us hence learn that this doctrine was at that time well known, which in the present day appears to many to be forced and harsh, because they are not well acquainted with Scri…

But to say Christ is the Lord, includes two things; First, Faith in him as Lord and Saviour. So was he declared and preached by the Angels; Luke 2. 11. A Saviour which is Christ the Lord.

He now entred on his public Ministry and wholly gave himself up to his Work. For before he did only occasionally manifest the Presence of God with him, somewhat to prepare the Minds of Men to attend to his Ministry; as when he filled them with astonishment at his Discourses with…

And it appears yet more remarkably, in the low circumstances of his incarnation. He was conceived in the womb of a poor young woman; whose poverty appeared in that when she came to offer sacrifices for her purification, she brought what was allowed of in the law only in case of…

The Lord Jesus Christ by virtue of the union of his person, was from the womb filled with a perfection of gracious light and knowledge of God and his will. An actual exercise of that principle of holy wisdom wherewith he was endued, in his infancy, as afterwards, he had not (Luk…

The last person whom they would have to preserve the Oral Law absolutely pure, was that Simeon, whom they call [in non-Latin alphabet], the Just, mentioned by Jesus the Son of Syrach, Chap. 50. And it is very observable, that the latter Jews have left out Simeon the Son of Hille…

2. To murder a person whose office is sacred, and comes on the King of Heaven's mission: the murdering of him may be the murdering of many. Herod added this sin above all, that he shut up John the Baptist in prison (Luke 3:20). Then much more to behead John in prison.

But, this one place of scripture (if there were no more) is alone sufficient to prove the lawfulness of war under the Gospel, if it be used according to God's will and word. When the Soldiers came to John Baptist, and asked him What they should do? he bids them not leave off the…

1. His love and good-will he testifies in his Compellation, [in non-Latin alphabet], Beloved. It is an expression of most entire affection, and is never used in the Gospel but to express the love of God the Father to his Son Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:17; chap. 12:18; chap. 17:5; M…

[⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], is to rest in, to approve, to delight in, to be pleased with: so is it always used in the New Testament, whether spoken of God or men. See (Matthew 3:17), Chap. 12:18, Chap. 17:5, (Luke 3:22), Chap. 12:32, (Romans 15:26, 27), (1 Corinthians 1:21), Ch…

Therefore it is the way of the expiation of sin, and of the complete sanctification of the Church by the coming, and mediation, and sacrifice of Christ, that is this second, the thing spoken of in the second place; this God would establish, approve, confirm, and render unchangea…

When sin is only benummed, &c. whatever convictions there have been, yet the Commandment never so came, as to make sin revive, and so as to work in a man, all manner of concupiscence, so as to make a man feel sin, in its strength, and dominion in him: for this would bring him to…

Malachi 2:10. Have we not all one father, etc. Luke 3:38. Which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God. And in Isaiah 36. Christ is called the father of eternity, because all that are truly knit to him, and born anew by him, they are eternally made the sons of God.

He is a Father in regard of nature (Hebrews 12:9) because he created and governs all things. In this regard he is called the Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9), and Adam is called the Son of God (Luke 3:38). He is a Father in respect of grace, because we are regenerate by him, and…

Offend not these little ones, for their angels beheld my Father's face; 'tis chiefly meant of those that are little in esteem and account in the world. The message of Christ's birth was brought by angels to shepherds, feeding their flocks in the fields (Luke 3). As no saints are…

Malachi 2:10. Have we not all one Father, &c. Luke 3:38. Which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God. And in Isaiah 9:6 Christ is called the father of eternity because all that are truly knit to him and born anew by him, they are eternally made the sons of God.

So the people of God, in the latter days, will out of weakness be made strong, and will become the instruments of pulling down the kingdom of Satan, by prayer. The Spirit of God was poured out upon Christ himself, in answer to prayer (Luke 3:21, 22): "Now when all the people wer…

Notable is that speech of our Savior (John 5:35, speaking of John): He was a burning and a shining light, not only a shining light to give clear instruction in the knowledge of the Messiah, and the true meaning of the Law, but withal a burning light; so as that he had a notable…

He regarded not to walk in all the commandments of the Lord, and then as he cut short with God in reformation, and did not fulfill to walk after the Lord, therefore God cut Jehu short of all the hopes of grace that ever he might have attained, to verse 32. So that if we cut at a…

And that we may thus follow Christ's Example, and be Partakers with him in his Glory, we had need to be much in Prayer for his Spirit. Christ himself, though the Eternal Son of God, obtained the Holy Spirit for himself in a way of Prayer, Luke 3:21, 22. Jesus being baptized, and…

Also that he went through Egypt, and led them in the wilderness like a flock (Exodus 11:4; Psalm 78:52). Now this place is alleged by (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23) and applied to John Baptist, as if these things were foretold of him, and very rightly: for he was t…

Whereby we see how far it pleased the son of God to abase himself for our sakes; that he would not only be fed with ordinary food, but was also content to be deprived of understanding for a time, and to sustain all our infirmities according to his human nature; for this can not…

It was, I think, for the same reason that he chose a virgin betrothed to a man There is no foundation for Origen’s opinion, that he did this for the purpose of concealing from Satan the salvation which he was preparing to bestow on men. The marriage was a veil held out before th…

17. Therefore all the generations from Abraham till David are fourteen generations; and from David till the Babylonish migration are fourteen generations; and from the Babylonish migration till Christ are fourteen generations. Luke 3:23-38 23. Jesus was supposed to be the son of…

6. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a leather girdle about his loins, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Luke 3:1-6 1. And in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his…

8. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Luke 3:15-18 15. And while the people were waiting, and while all were thinking in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ:

11. And a voice came from heaven, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-23 21. And it happened, that, while all the people were being baptized, "Quum baptizaretur omnis populus;" -- "en baptizant tout le peuple;" -- "in baptizing all the people." when Jes…

10. And now also the axe is laid at the root of the trees: every tree, therefore, which yields not good fruit, is cut down, and is thrown into the fire. Luke 3:7-14 7. He said therefore to the multitudes, which went out, that they might be baptized by him, Offspring of vipers, w…

15. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the Gospel. Luke 3:19-20 19. Now Herod the tetrarch, when he was reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the wicked actions which Herod did,

This narrative is at present omitted by Luke, because he had explained it on a former occasion; and for my own part, as I am unwilling to annoy my readers by writing the same thing twice, I shall handle this passage with greater brevity. The allusion is to his exposition of Luke…

It cannot be doubted that he then engraved an uncommon Mark on the hearts of these two men, that they might at length perceive that in speaking he had breathed into them a divine warmth. For though the word of the Lord is always fire, yet a fiery rigor was at that time manifeste…

This is related Matth. 3. 16. Luke 3. 22. John 1. 32.

Third, this repentance that has been described, is indeed the special condition of remission of sin. This seems very evident by the Scripture, as particularly, Mark 1:4: John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. So, Luke…

And besides these, the publicans who were some of the most infamous sort of men, came to him, inquiring what they should do to be saved. And the soldiers, that were doubtless a very profane, loose, and profligate sort of persons; they made the same inquiry (Luke 3:12, 14): 'Then…

Wherein did he fail? Why mark, compare this Scripture with Luke 3:18-20. Herod, it is true, he heard John the Baptist gladly, while he preached of ordinary matter; but when John came to reprove him of his sins, and told him he was an adulterer, then he could not endure to hear J…

It does not therefore appear, how the mere assigning of this name to the Messiah, does prove his preeminence above the angels, who are also called by it. Angels may be called the sons of God upon a general account, and by virtue of their participation in some common privilege; a…

(2.) To guide them who were to live in the days of the accomplishment of the Promise, to a more earnest expectation of him, and desire after him, as Daniel had for the return of the People from the Captivity, when he understood by Books, that the time limited for it was accompli…

For they hear not what is said, indeed they reckon it not to be spoken to them, but to the wretched sinner, who has need of it, they need it not. John the Baptist does call them the generation of vipers (Matthew 3 and Luke 3), and even so does Christ also (Matthew 12 and 16). Th…

The first degree of murther is Anger, not anger simply: but rash and indiser[]et anger towards a brother: and by Brother, he means, first, one Iew with an other, to whome Christ spake; secondly, one neighbour with an other, whether Iew or Gentile: for by creation we are all bret…

He preached not to them, Fight no more, Kill no man; but gives them directions how they should conduct themselves in their calling: which he would not have done, if he thought their calling itself unlawful. He bids them do no violence, accuse no man falsely; but be content with…

They smile at the curses of the poor, and grow fat with their tears. They have forgotten Christ's caveat (Luke 3:14): Do violence to no man. Ahab violently took away Naboth's vineyard (2 Kings 21:11).

Had it been reckoned to him, as a descendent from Adam, he had not been a fit high priest to have offered sacrifices for us; as not being separate from sinners (Hebrews 7:25). Had Adam stood in his innocency, Christ had not been incarnate, to have been a Mediator for sinners, an…

So says Christ, Go teach all nations baptizing them (Matthew 28:19). So did the Baptist, and the Apostles, they preached the Gospel to them whom they baptized (Luke 3:3; Acts 2:38; 8:12, 37; 10:47; 16:15, 33). 1. A Sacrament without the word is but an idle ceremony: no more than…

Holy parents commended by the Holy Ghost have been careful in performing this duty, as Abraham (Genesis 24:4), Isaac (Genesis 28:2), Naomi (Ruth 3:1), and others: indeed Hagar had learned this duty in Abraham's house (Genesis 21:21). But the perfect pattern (which surpasses all…

2. For the saints of God themselves, let us see by some instances, what issue they have had of their entering into temptation. I shall name a few: Adam was the son of God (Luke 3), created in the image of God, full of that integrity, righteousness and holiness which might be and…

Satis amplum alter alteri Theatrum sumus. But the gracious purpose of God, to impart his goodness appears in this, that he has made himself such a multitude of sons, not only angels, that are so called, but man, a little lower than they in nature — yet dignified with this name i…

Thus by creation the angels are said to be the sons of God (Job 38:7): "When he was laying the foundations of the earth, the sons of God shouted for joy" — that is, the angels. And thus Adam also was called the son of God (Luke 3, last verse). Thus by our first creation, and wit…

Many men do sin, and most men are liable (being tempted) to sin in their callings. There are many temptations attend and wait on every calling; and were I to speak to men of any calling, I would follow the example of Saint John (Luke 3:10, etc.), who spoke to every one according…

And (1 Samuel 15:22-23) he calls his sin rebellion and stubbornness; thus cuttingly did he reprove King Saul. Saint John was not afraid to tell Herod of his wickedness, and to his face too (Luke 3:19). Saint Paul would not spare Saint Peter, when he found him tripping and dissem…

It is a common saying by which persons excuse their own and other men's sins, that they are no man's foes but their own, they wrong none but themselves; if that were as true as it is false, yet therefore sin should not be committed; but sinners are God's foes, they are injurious…

Fourthly, be sweetly contented with all the allowances of the Lord. John Baptist gave this counsel to the servants in the Roman garrisons (Luke 3:14), Be content with your wages. The servants in God's household have the same counsel (Hebrews 13:5), Be content with such as you ha…

A [illegible] the corruption, [illegible] the [illegible] of those to whom the Word is spoken and blessed. The [illegible] soldiers, the refuse publicans, all [illegible] and stand [illegible] at the [illegible] of [illegible] (Luke 3:11-12), they all said, Master, what shall we…

It is that of the apostle (Romans 9:30): The Gentiles who sought not after righteousness, they have attained to righteousness, and yet the Jews who pretended great pains and search that way, they fell short of it. As the Lord presses in upon men before they be aware, and beyond…

Thus it was prophesied (Malachi 3:1), I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come into his temple. Thus was it accomplished by the Baptist, to whom the word of the Lord came, and he came [illegible] in the [ille…

No, no (brethren) the Word reveals none, our Savior accepts of no such agreement, he comes upon no such terms to bring any comfort with him, unless any man should be so far forsaken of reason and sense, as to imagine the Lord Jesus would carry the drunkard and his cups, the adul…

What is this kindly and proper fruit? When we are good in our callings and relations. In a magistrate, justice is kindly fruit (Deuteronomy 16:19); in a minister, zeal (Acts 17:16); in a parent, instruction (Deuteronomy 4:10); in a child, reverence (Ephesians 6:1); in a master,…

A sign men's hearts are very evil, when such black words come from them. When I go in the streets, and hear the language of some, I think of the man in the gospel, who had the spirit of an unclean devil in him (Luke 4:33). Men's lips do not drop as the honeycomb, but they drop p…

There's a sinful escaping danger, namely, when we are called to suffer for the truth, and we decline it: But there's an escaping danger without sin, as thus, when we do not betray ourselves into the enemies' hands by rashness, nor yet betray the truth by cowardice; we have a pat…

Hannibal said of Marcellus, a Roman captain, that whether he did beat, or was beaten, he was never quiet. When Christ had worsted Satan he went away from Christ; but, for a season (Luke 4:13), as if he meant to come again. When we have gotten the better of Satan, we are apt to g…

God often gives a pastor after his own heart for a few: 'Take one of a city and two of a family, and I will give them pastors after my own heart' (Jeremiah 3:15). So even by Christ himself, as he says in Luke 4:26: 'There were many widows, but to none was Elijah sent but to the…

Hence, we learn this notable lesson: That those people in God's Church, which receive from God more graces than others, must look for more temptations. This we shall see to be true in Christ Jesus the head of the Church: for, when he was Baptized, and had received the holy Ghost…

Secondly, this Rite was used in the healing of diseases. They laid their hands on sick, weak and impotent people, healing them in a miraculous manner (Luke 4:40; Mark 16:18; Acts 28:8). This was the sign of the communication of healing virtue from the Lord Christ by their Minist…

And in place of altars which were under the law, we have now the Lord's table on which we celebrate the sacrament of his body and blood, to show forth his death till he come. The fourth point is, concerning the time of Christ's oblation, which he himself calls the acceptable yea…

1. Their knowledge and cunning is great, they have much natural and experimental knowledge, so as they can discern hidden causes, and virtues which scape the flight of mans reason and understanding; they know how to apply active to passive things, can guess notably at future eve…

What is the reason that splendid virtue is oppressed by injustice, and notorious vices triumph in prosperity? It would make men believe that the world was governed rather by a blind and unrighteous, than by a wise, good and just governor, when they see things in such disorder as…

Fifth, civil excommunication is an unknown word, and his reason for it is no less unknown; for where he has read that Christ or any of his disciples were excommunicated out of the synagogues, and yet had free access to the Temple, I cannot understand, if it be not in the Gospel…

Furthermore: the things that are said on the one hand about all the unregenerate, and on the other about the communication of this theology, are such as to exclude them entirely from all communion with it; they cry out, indeed: "Every one of you is a stranger." They are "blind,"…

They are either public, private (Nehemiah 8:5, 13). Public, is to join with the Church from the beginning to the ending, in the hearing of the word preached, in praying, and administering of the Sacraments (Ezekiel 46:1, 2, 3, 10; Nehemiah 9; Ezra 3; Acts 15:20, 21 and 17:2 and…

We shall close this with the consideration of our Lord Jesus, who was an incomparable preacher, of whom it is said (Matthew 7:29) that He spoke with power and not as the scribes. And in Luke 4, when He is opening that sweet text (Isaiah 61:1-3), it is said, "They all wondered at…

2. This world is a thing that comes under our senses, and that [Greek text], a single one creature, that we may point with our finger. Satan from the top of a mountain showed Christ, [Greek text], all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory, or opinion of them (Matthew 4:8), an…

Nor need we flee to that exposition ever and anon, that Christ died for all, that is, all ranks of men. For "all" is put in Scripture ordinarily for many; as (Deuteronomy 1:21; Psalm 71:18; Jeremiah 15:10; Jeremiah 19:9; Jeremiah 20:7; Jeremiah 23:30; Jeremiah 49:17; Ezekiel 16:…

He was led by the Spirit, meaning thereby the impulsion and excitation of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God. For it is said (Luke 4:1). Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. He did not voluntarily put himself up…

To a man void of sin, the tempter has no way of tempting, but externally. 2. How is this access to Christ said to be after his fasting, when in Luke 4:2, it is said, Being forty days tempted of the devil, and in those days he did eat nothing; and when they were ended, he afterwa…

Whether Christ was carried through the Air, or went on his feet following him of his own accord? The last seems to be countenanced by Luke; that he led him to the pinnacle of the Temple (Luke 4:9), (in non-Latin alphabet), yet the former is preferred by most ancient and modern i…

God had said (Psalm 2:8): Ask of me, and I will give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession; this the devil, who affects to be like God, arrogates to himself, as if he would make him the universal king of the world. In Luke…

2. Christ had a work to do in the Valley, and therefore was not always to be detained by Temptations in the Wilderness. The Spirit that led him there to be tempted, led him back again into Galilee to preach the Gospel (Luke 4:14). Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into G…

Again: Depart not from me, for tribulation is at hand, and there is none to help. Etc. [reconstructed: (John 17)] (Luke 4:32) (Psalm 22:6, 15) This is therefore a great commendation of the Galatians, that they were not offended with this infirmity and temptation of Paul, but rec…

He offers ease to them that trauell and are heauie laden, Matth. 11. 28. He preaches deliverance to captiues, Luk 4:18. Here we are to bewaile the miserie of our people, that know not themselues to be under the law: in fact they loue and delight to be under it.

We must learn to see, feel, acknowledge, and bewail this bondage in ourselves. Deliverance belongs only to such captives as know themselves to be captives (Luke 4:18), and labor under this bondage (Matthew 11:28). Thus did Paul when he says, I am sold under sin: and, O miserable…

The non-observance of this rule, is the cause that there are so many censorious Catos, so many severe Aristarchi of other men's actions, so many that are sharp sighted and eagle eyed, in spying motes in other men's eyes: and as blind as moles, or beetles, in discerning the great…

Vers. 1. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, therefore has the Lord anointed me: he has sent me to preach good tidings to the poor, to bind up the broken hearted, to preach liberty to the captives, and to them that are bound, the opening of the prison. For as much as Christ e…

28. And immediately his fame went out into every part of Galilee. Luke 4:31-36 31. And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and there he taught them on the Sabbath-day:

“Et estoit avec les bestes sauvages.” Luke 4:1-4 1. And Jesus, full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan, and was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness.

20. Added also this above all, and shut up John in prison. Luke 4:14-15 14. And Jesus returned by the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report went out through the whole country concerning him.

13. And angels waited on him. Luke 4:5-13 5. And the devil conducted him to a high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment.

39. And he preached in their synagogues in all Galilee, and cast out devils. Luke 4:38-44 38. And when Jesus had risen out of the synagogue, he entered into Simon’s house.

There came a great fear on all; and they glorified God, saying, that a great prophet is risen up among us, and that God hath visited his people. So we read of their glorifying Christ, or speaking exceeding highly of him, Luke 4:15. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorif…

It is the Prophetical Office of Christ and his discharge thereof in his Ministry on the Earth which is intended. And he applies these words to himself with respect to his Preaching of the Gospel, Luke 4. 18. For this was that Office which he principally attended to here in the W…

This therefore is the first End of Divine Revelation; namely, to make known the Counsel and Will of God to us; see Matth. 4. 15, 16. Luk. 4. 18, 19. Acts 26. 17, 18.

I challenge the greatest and most learned moralists in the world to give an instance of any duty of morality confirmed by the rules of the highest moralist that I will not show is more plainly and clearly required by the Lord Christ in the gospel, and pressed on us by far more e…

Thus you find in Acts 8. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, &c. the Eunuch at that very instant when he was reading the Prophet Esay, has an Interpreter, one among a thousand, that joins his Chariot, just as his mind was by a fit occasion prepared to receive the first light of the knowledge of…

So (Psalm 34:18): the Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart, even them that are contrite in spirit. So (Luke 4:18): Jesus Christ was anointed, that is, appointed by God the Father, to preach the gospel to the poor, to bind up the broken in heart, and to comfort them th…

Not only to give them deliverance from outward trouble, but from inward sorrows; to give them inward joy, and inward comforts, that the bones which he has broken might rejoice. The Lord is near to them that are of a broken spirit, to give them comfort (Luke 4:18). It is said the…

But the full communication of this Spirit with special reference to the discharge of his public office, with the visible pledge of it in the Holy Ghost descending on him in the shape of a dove, he was made partaker of in his baptism (Matthew 3:16), when also he received his firs…

It is most probable that there was such a distance of time between these two afflictions, as was competent to a full discovery of Job's spirit, under the first. As when Christ was tempted and had foiled Satan in that temptation, it is said, the Devil departed from him for a seas…

But yet because no clause is expressed, implying contrarietie in the masters; therefore I take it, the words must be taken as a common prouerb among the Iewes, which Christ Iales downe for the ground of his reason. Now in a prouerb it is not requisite it should be alwaies true,…

This astonishment of the people argues some feare and reuerence in them towards Christ, which is some commendation unto them: and yet it prooues not the truth and soundnes of their faith and conuersion (though no doubt many that heard him were hereby converted:) for a man may be…

The Bride's lips were spoken of (Chapter 4:3, 11) and explained to signify her speech: by proportion they hold forth in him the loveliness of his Word, wherein he is especially lovely, in that he magnifies it above all his Name (Psalm 138:2) and makes it often sweet as the honey…

His words were perfumed with holiness: grace was poured into his lips (Psalm 45:2). He spoke to the admiration of all: his hands wrought miracles, and his tongue spoke oracles (Luke 4:22). All bore him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.

We are commanded to confess Christ before men, not before devils. This end is not attainable in the fallen Angels; therefore Christ rebukes Satan's confessing of him (Luke 4:34, 35). Obj. Christ holds up dispute with Satan (Matthew 4).

3. Christ, God-man, is anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows (Psalm 45:7), without measure (John 3:34). The fulness of anointing is upon him (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18). His name is as a precious ointment poured out (Canticles 1:3).

Take it for a sad condition when there is a practical contrariety and hatred between the heart and the word of the Lord; a heart loathing of the word and a rejecting thereof is dreadful; whereas the esteeming of the word sweeter than the honey or the honeycomb, more than thousan…

By the influences of this Spirit sent by Christ, are the redeemed led (Romans 8:14), directed (Acts 16:6, 9, 10, 14), sealed and confirmed (Ephesians 4:30), having received the earnest of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22), taught, guided, and the Word made effectual (John 16:13),…

1. No husbandman can help the clouds; no art of navigators can create fair winds, nor can our seeking create influences of sensible and feeling finding of him whom the soul loves (Canticles 1). 2. No excellency of means, were it an Angel, and the man Christ preaching, so as all…

But the Lord that has chosen Jerusalem rebukes him (Zechariah 3:1, 2, 3, 4). 4. There is a narrowness that comes from ignorance, until God give spiritual wisedome and largeness of heart (see 1 Kings 4:29), when we mistake God, and unbelief represents God as a lyon or a bear (Lam…

As I say for prayer, so for other duties: when a man comes to hear the word, he says, my mind is intent enough, though I make not such a show; yet notwithstanding know this, that you must behave yourself reverently when you come before God. You shall see in Luke 4, when Christ p…

Secondly, When we expound those Scriptures figuratively and allegorically, which the Holy Ghost means literally. For example, Christ said to Peter, "Launch out into the deep, and make a draught" (Luke 5:4). This text is spoken in a plain literal sense, of launching out the ship;…

O let us shake off this backwardness to duty, as Paul shook off the Viper, nescit tarda molimina Spiritus sancti gratia; (Zechariah 5:9). I saw two Women and the wind was in their wings: Wings are swift, but wind in the wings great swiftness; such readiness should be in our obed…

1. You must be wholly broken off from, and utterly reject all trust or confidence in your own righteousness. The righteousness of Christ is not provided for, or applied to righteous persons but sinners: his medicine is not prepared to be administered to those that are sound and…

3. A free resolution and confidence; come whatever comes, they will obey God. As Abraham being called obeyed God, not knowing where he went (Hebrews 11:8), so when they have a warrant, they will make adventures of faith, though they know not the success; as Peter would cast out…

Sin was dead in David, till Nathan and the Law came to him, afterward he lived and was humbled. Luke 5: Peter seeing Christ's divinity by the draught of fishes, cries out, Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man; he had sins in him before, but they were dead; then they were m…

And the Lord made Peter and the Apostles fishers of men. Christ lays out hooks and lines in the Gospel, (Luke 5:10) to catch men with hope, as fishes are taken. Christ so condescends to work upon the will, as with art, and unawares the will is taken, and made sick of love for Ch…

Peter is an instance in Scripture; let us keep to him. You see him surprised with a great passion of fear, when at Christ's command a great draught of fish came to hand in an unlikely time (Luke 5:8-9): Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and al…

2. Sinful infirmity, consciousness of guilt is in it also, and our nonconformity to God through sin (Isaiah 6:5-6): Woe is me, [reconstructed: I am undone], I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the king, the Lord…

Paul fears that his labor is in vain, and yet he still labors. When Peter had labored all night and caught nothing, he says, at the commandment of Christ, In your word will I cast out my net (Luke 5). And thus to do, whatever follows, is true wisdom, and the fear of God.

MATTHEW 4:18-25; MARK 1:16-20; LUKE 5:1-11 Matthew 4:18-25

45. But he, having gone out, began to publish many things, and to blaze abroad the matter, so that Jesus could no longer enter openly into cities, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter. Luke 5:12-16 12. And it happened, while he was in a certa…

12. And immediately he arose, and having taken up the bed, went out in the presence of all, so that all were astonished, and glorified God, saying, We never saw such a thing. Luke 5:17-26 17. And it happened on a certain day, and he was teaching: and Pharisees and doctors of the…

22. And no person puts new wine into old bottles; otherwise the new wine bursts the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles are lost: but new wine must be put into new bottles. Luke 5:33-39 33. And they said to him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make pra…

I came not to call righteous persons, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:27-32 27. And after these things he went out, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the custom-house, and said to him, Follow me.

21. For they shall not say, Lo, he is here! or, Lo, he is there! for, lo, the kingdom of God is within you. As, on a former occasion, Matthew and the other two Evangelists (Matthew 8:1; Mark 1:40; Luke 5:12) related that a leper had been cleansed by Christ, so Luke mentions that…

And immediately he arose, took up his bed, and went forth before them all: Insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion! So Matthew 9:8 and Luke 5:26. Also Matthew 15:31.

So he that beholds the light of God's countenance, will not look upon the things here below. I may allude to that place (Luke 5:39): No man, says Christ, having drunk old wine, straightway desires new; for he says, The old is better. His meaning is this, No man that has had a ta…

Sometimes it denotes any matter or thing, be it good or evil; as Matthew 5:11, 12, 36. 18:16. Mark 9:22. Luke 1:37. 2:15, 18, 34. A word of blessing by providence (Matthew 4:4); any word spoken (Matthew 26:75. 27:14. Luke 9:45); of promise (Luke 1:38); and [〈 in non-Latin alphab…

Working is our part, but prospering is the Lord's part. As it was with the disciples (Luke 5), they could fish all night, but till Christ came they could not catch: when Christ came the blessing came, and when the blessing came, there was not only fishing but catching, and there…

Christ never came into any company, but he set good discourse on foot. Levi made him a feast (Luke 5:29), and Christ feasted him with holy discourse. When he came to Jacob's well, he presently speaks of the water of life (John 4).

Satan is a better Master, who gives all the kingdoms of the World to his worshippers, than God, who denies bread to his own well-beloved Son; thus does Satan, but in another kind, fret. So Genesis 3, it is a bad providence that Adam and Eve are not as knowing as God, and Luke 5:…

It's as little time between Christ's word to the man sick of the palsy, Arise, take up your bed and walk, and his walking (Mark 2:12), for immediately [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] he took up his bed, and went forth before them all. It's like Matthew's conversion is of the same natu…

And also Christ in his providence of predestination to life, as Lord Mediator, causes the chosen to be born and live, when the Gospel is preached, and comes to their ears, and works powerfully on their hearts (Acts 16:9, 10; Acts 8:7, 8; Acts 19; Acts 9:11, 12, 13, &c.). In anot…

Something may be offered to this distempered frame of mind. Remember the disciples that were fishing, and had toiled all night, but caught nothing (Luke 5:3, 4); upon the coming of Christ to them, he requires that they should cast out their nets once more; Peter makes some excus…

When he sate on Iacobs Well he falls into an Heavenly discourse with the Woman of Samaria about the Water of Life, John 4:14. And so when Levi made him a Feast, Luke 5—He feasts him again with Heavenly discourse. And no sooner was Christ risen from the Grave, but he was speaking…

It is certain that he came to save that which was lost. And again, (as it is said in another place) it is a sure and infallible saying, that our Lord Jesus Christ came to call again to salvation, the sinners that were in damnation (Luke 19:10; Mark 9:13; Luke 5:32; 1 Timothy 1:1…

But to answer a case of conscience, Whether we are to do duty in case of deadness and indisposition? etc. 1. The influence of grace is not the warrant of duty, but the help; it is the efficient assisting cause, not the ground or rule; we are to do all acts of obedience on the ac…

Wrestle through discouragements; though former endeavors have been in vain, yet still we should continue seeking after God. We have that command to enforce us to it (Luke 5:5). We have toiled all night, however at your command, etc.

Let me commend to you, 1. The adventure of faith (Luke 5:5). At your Word we will let down the net.

3. Many times we are doubtful of success, and so our hands are weakened thereby; we forbear duty because we do not know what will come of it. Now a sense of God's authority and command does fortify the heart against these discouragements (Luke 5:5): Master, we have toiled all th…

You have forbidden me to despair, and commanded your creature to come to you for grace; here I cast myself at the footstool of your mercy, and resolve you will keep up your endeavors in all the means of grace in hearing the Word, prayer, etc. though no sensible comfort comes, ye…

(John 6:29): This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent. It appears sensibly many times, a poor soul has no other motive nor encouragement; it ventures notwithstanding all discouragements to the contrary, in the strength and sense of a command: as Peter (L…

Let us not make too large and positive promises to ourselves with respect of our labor: let us not say and conclude, that because we find our hearts to be mightily carried out for the good of them whom we have to do withal, so as to make us unweariedly industrious with them, and…

Quest. But what hurt is in this? Did not Jesus Christ converse with sinners (Luke 5:29)? Answ. 1. There was a necessity for that: if Jesus Christ had not come among sinners, how could any have been saved?

There are some so impudently profane that they will make themselves and others merry with their sins. Sin is a soul-sickness (Luke 5:31). Will a man make merry with his disease?

Luke 5:31 — They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. The occasion of the words is set down in the context; Levi was called from the tax collector's table.

And what a trembling hope have they that they be, and are to fear they shall be in the condition of Apostate Angels tomorrow? What says then Christ (Matthew 9:22; Mark 5:34; Mark 10:52; Luke 8:58; Luke 5:20, 24; Mark 5:34; Mark 9:24) indeed and much more says the Holy Ghost of o…

Then he lays the hand on the mouth, abhors himself in dust and ashes, and vilifies himself to the full. Peter also upon like occasion cries out, Depart Lord from me, I am a sinful man (Luke 5:8). According to our humility is our knowledge of ourselves.

But that believers are forgiven in this life, is evident from the following texts, Matthew 9:2, "Son, your sins be forgiven you." See also, Mark 2:5, and Luke 5:20 — Colossians 2:13. And you being dead in your sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he quickened together…

It is cross to sense and reason, for a man accursed and sinful in himself, to be at that very time blessed and righteous in another. To say, Lord depart from me for I am a sinful man (Luke 5:8), is the voice of natural conscience awakened, not only concerning God out of Christ,…

But now go sell all that you have, and give to the poor; and our Saviour calls not every rich man to this, but he was pleased to try him, had he offered it, as a man whose heart had been pricked, he would have let all go, had it been thousands for his hundreds, but his conscienc…

1 The preventing of some great mischief and evil (2 Corinthians 12:7). 2 The purging out of some festering, poisonous sin (2 Chronicles 30:12, Luke 5:17). 3 The upholding and keeping us safe and steadfast in the right way (Hebrews 12:10-11).

"You shall eat," says he, "but you shall not have enough: you shall drink, but you shall not be filled." Again, we read that Levi the Publican, made our Savior Christ a great feast in his own house (Luke 5:29). At the marriage in Cana a town of Galilee, where Christ was present,…

And pours out a blessing, sometimes, in such a manner and measure that there is not room enough to receive it (Malachi 3:10), and gives them riches more than they can carry away; as he did to Jehoshaphat, and his people in a time of great favor, by the word of his prophet Jahazi…

The best of a saint's comfort begins when his life ends. The wicked have all their heaven here (Luke 6:28). Woe to you rich, you have received your consolation.

He opens his hand, and satisfies the desire of every living thing (Psalm 145:16). He drops his sweet dew as well upon the thistle as the rose; imitate God in works of mercy, relieve the wants of others, be rich in good works; be merciful as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:3…

And therefore those that are in his favor, he can bend the hearts of all men, to approve them; yet this must be understood with some cautions. 1. God will not procure his children a good name amongst all men: for then they should be cursed: for, Luke 6.26, Cursed are you when al…

But if we will be Abraham's children, we must follow Abraham's practice in this place; For, the sons of Abraham will do the works of Abraham, John 8:39. Good servants will come and go, do and undo, at their Lord's pleasure; and forget themselves, to obey their masters: And so mu…

Hence Christ said unto his Disciples (upon occasion of the young rich man) that it was as easy for a great Camel to go through the eye of a needle, as for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven; that is, such a rich man as sets his heart to get riches and honor, not rega…

But the ordinary works of God's wisdom in his creatures, of his justice towards sinners, of his mercy towards his children, of his care and providence towards all, are excellent rules of direction for us. Hence we have these rules: Be ye holy for I am holy: Be ye merciful as you…

The other sort do first conceive, cherish and foment them in their hearts and minds, from where they bring them forth as from a genuine and natural principle. This is on either side fully declared by our Savior himself (Luke 6:43, 44, 45). 3. There are the herbs or fruits intend…

Secondly, that the curses of men must not discourage us from doing well. For though men curse, yet Christ blesses: and for this cause he says, Woe to you, when all men speak well of you (Luke 6:26): as if he should say, then you want the blessing of God. And we must remember, th…

We are bid to draw our lines according to this Copy. Luke 6. 36. Be you merciful, [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], as your Father also is merciful. Argument 3. 3. Argument. Alms are a sacrifice, Hebrews 13. 16. To do good, and to communicate, forget not, for with such sacrifices God…

Works are to be done in respect of God: that his commandments may be obeyed — 1 John 5:12; that his will may be done — 1 Thessalonians 4:3; that we may show ourselves to be obedient children to God our Father — 1 Peter 1:14; that we may show ourselves thankful for our redemption…

The heart is the treasury; the hand and tongue are but the shops — what is in these came from there; the hand and tongue always begin where the heart ends. The heart contrives, and the members execute (Luke 6:46): 'A good man out of the good treasury of his heart brings forth go…

From both parts of this apostolic speech the learned men strive to fortify their position, especially from the latter part. For first they contend that God permitted the nations to walk in their own ways only insofar as no preaching of any prophet or apostle intervened to check…

First, the word "all" is, in materiâ necessariâ, in a necessary matter, taken for all and every one: "God made all nations of one blood" (Acts 17:26); "He knows the hearts of all men" (Acts 1:24); "All have sinned" (Romans 3:12; Romans 5:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Timothy 4:10; J…

And when he was about to choose his twelve Apostles, and send them out to preach the Gospel, he first went out into a Mountain to pray, and continued all Night in Prayer to God. Luke 6:12. Etcetera.

Hear him early, the season falls under the precept as well as the duty, now while it is called today. 4. Your consent to hear him must be real, practical, and obedient, verified in the whole tenor and course of your lives and actions: for Christ will not be flattered with empty…

As a Christian must pray all manner of prayer, so in all places (1 Timothy 2:8). I will that men pray every where: And if every where, then in their closets: This divine incense should perfume every room, and should ascend to Heaven from chambers as well as churches: Any place n…

Secondly, we must seek for the approbation of God in the first place; and in the second place, to be approved of men, as Christ did: for he grew in favor first with God, and after with men (Luke 2:52), and the elders, who by faith obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:2); read (Rom…

19. And Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Luke 6:12-19 12. And it happened in those days, he went out into a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night in prayer to God.

25. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and that the servant be as his lord: if they have called the master of the house himself Beelzebub, how much more his household servants? Luke 6:40 40. The disciple is not above his master, but every one shall be to his…

12. Rejoice you, and leap for joy: for your reward is great in heaven: for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you. Luke 6:20-26 20. And he, lifting up his eyes on the disciples, said, Happy are you poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

41. And whoever shall constrain you to one mile, go with him two. Luke 6:29-30 29. To him who strikes you on one cheek offer also the other, and from him who takes away your cloak, do not forbid your coat also.

MATTHEW 5:42; LUKE 6:34-35 Matthew 5:42

48. You shall, therefore, be perfect, as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. Luke 6:27-36 27. But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies: do good to those who hate you.

24 With what measure you measure, the same shall be measured to you. Luke 6:37-42 37. Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and it shall be forgiven to you.

14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the road, which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Luke 6:31 31. And as you wish that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise.

20. Therefore from their fruits you shall know them. Luke 6:43-45 43. For the tree is not good which yields rotten fruit; and the tree is not rotten which yields good fruit.

23. And then will I confess to them, I never knew you depart from me, you who work iniquity. Luke 6:46 46. And why call you me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

29. For he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes. Luke 6:47-49 47. Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them, I will show you to whom he is like.

28. Therefore the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath. Luke 6:1-5 1. And it happened that, on the second-first Sabbath, he was passing through the cornfields; and his disciples were plucking ears of corn, and were eating, rubbing them in their hands.

12. And he vehemently threatened them that they should not make him known. Luke 6:11 11. And they were filled with madness, and talked with each other what they should do to Jesus.

5. And when he had looked round upon them with indignation, grieving on account of the blindness of their heart, he saith to the man, Stretch out thy hand; and he stretched it out, and his hand was restored to soundness like the other. Luke 6:6-10 6. And it happened also on anot…

23. All these evil things proceed from within, and pollute the man. Luke 6:39 39. And he spoke a parable to them,

Jude a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them which are called and sanctified of God the Father, and reserved to Jesus Christ: Mercy to you and peace and love be multiplied. This Epistle is attributed to Saint Jude the Apostle, brother of James the less, and Simo…

That Kind of Affection to God or Jesus Christ, which does thus properly arise from Self-love, cannot be a truly gracious and spiritual Love; as appears from what has been said already: For Self-love is a Principle entirely natural, and as much in the Hearts of Devils as Angels;…

It is the begetting, infusing, creating, of a new saving Principle of Spiritual Life, Light and Power in the Soul, antecedent to true Evangelical Reformation of Life, in Order of Nature, enabling Men thereunto, according to the Mind of God. Sect. 23 Hereunto accords that of our…

So Maimonides Tract. de Sabb. cap. 29, speaking of their [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], good days or feasts, says expressly, [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], they are all Sabbaths to the Lord. And from this usage, some think to expound that vexed expression of [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet…

The rich man does not perceive his vanity and misery before he dies, or perishes otherwise, as testifies Psalm 75 on this wise: The proud shall be robbed and sleep their sleep, and the mighty shall be able to do nothing with their hands. Contrariwise the hungry cannot tell how f…

These words must not be taken simply, but in this sense: give to him that asks on a just cause beeing poore, though be cannot requite you againe, nay, though he had done you wrong, and were yours enemie. This exposition is plaine, Luk. 6. for hauing set downe his commandment for…

I. Christs own example, which in morall duties is a perfect rule: Now though he had little need to pray in respect of himselfe, for he did neuer sinne, yet how often, and how long, and with what feruencie did he give himselfe to this duty? he spent whole nights in prayer, Luk. 6…

Do not even the publicans the same? And (Luke 6:33-34): If you do good to them which do good to you, what thanks have you? For sinners also do the same.

Say then with sweet Herbert in his Poems — Sin is still hammering my heart, to a hardness void of love, Let suppling grace to cross his art drop from above. 9. Be much in layings out: mental and spiritual treasures have this strange property, that the more you lay out the more y…

7. How violent was Christ about our salvation! He was in an agony; he continued all night in prayer (Luke 6:12). He wept, he fasted, he died a violent death; he rose violently out of the grave.

Where the command is doubled; indeed, not only simple rejoicing, but the highest degree of that duty comes within the command (Psalm 132:9, 16): Shout for joy, all you that are upright in heart. And (Luke 6:22-23) they are bid, to leap for joy, when about the most difficult part…

Whether is it a Covenant of works (do this and live) or a Covenant of grace (believe this, and you have the reward of the Gospel preached, to wit, the restored image of God) and where is this in Scripture? 4. A remedying Law must bring a remedy to men: the remedy is either real;…

But as to the matter Cumel conspires with the Jesuits; call it merit, or give it another name, it is against the Scriptures to teach that all the Americans, Brasilians and Heathen have the prevening grace of God and salvation in their power. And 2. That though all men may lay an…

Not only those of some particular persuasion or denomination, but (without regard to that) such as have been zealous in fearing God, and working righteousness have been, in many places, very much spoken against. Our blessed Savior has told his disciples what treatment of this ki…

David, who ventured his life to save his father's sheep (1 Samuel 17:34), had many servants that ventured their lives for him (2 Samuel 21:17; 23:15). To this purpose may be applied that proverb which Christ often uses, with what measure you measure shall it be measured to you a…

And again, you have it, (Matthew 14:23) And when he had sent the multitude away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray; and when the evening was come, he was there alone. And (Luke 6:12) It is said, He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God…

As, it is a note of similitude, not equality, either of measure or manner; it only implies, that there is some correspondent action, something like done on our part. So, (Luke 6:36) Be merciful, [as] your heavenly Father is merciful. As, notes the certainty of the truth, though…

Secondly; For the other word [illegible], or much speaking. Every long prayer is not forbidden; for our Lord Jesus himself continued all night in prayer (Luke 6:12). And in extraordinary duties of fasting, length seems to be very necessary; (Esther 4:16) they fasted and prayed t…

The Spouse's breasts are compared to clusters of grapes (Song of Solomon 7:7), to show how fertile she was. Though the lowest degree of grace may bring salvation to you, yet not so much glory to God: it was not a spark of love Christ commended in Mary, but much love, [illegible]…

Faith is the queen of the graces: faith is the condition of the gospel. Your faith has saved you (Luke 7:50). Not your tears.

My bowels are troubled for him, I will surely have mercy upon him. Ephraim is troubled for sinning, and God's bowels were troubled for Ephraim, the woman in the Gospel stood at Jesus's feet weeping, and a pardon followed (Luke 7:47). Therefore I say, her sins which are many, are…

Thus (Luke 11:4) has it, Forgive us our sins, for even we forgive. (Rheims Testament on Luke 7:47) the papists take it otherwise, who say, Forgive us as we forgive, making our forgiving a cause, for which God is moved to forgive us in temporal punishments: whereas our forgiving…

Answer. We do not here pray that we might make God's name holy, as though we could add something to it to make it holy: but that we might be means to declare and make manifest to the world by the right usage of it, that it is holy, pure and honorable. The like phrase is used (Lu…

3. A righteous man's prayers are so excellent, because Jesus Christ presents them to his Father: prayer as it comes from the godly is mixed with sin, but Christ takes out the dross of their prayers, and presents nothing but pure gold; he dips the prayers of the righteous in his…

Sometimes to exclude the fear and reverence of God, as if fear were an antiquated grace suiting only with a legal dispensation: whereas the children of God think the more grace, the more fear (Psalm 130:4), "There is mercy with you, therefore you should be feared," and (Hosea 3:…

Reason 1. (Luke 7:47) Many sins are forgiven her, because she loved much. From which they gather that the woman here spoken of, was justified and had the pardon of sins by love.

The soul in the pains of the new birth, is like Tamar travelling of her twins, Pharez and Zarah: faith like Zarah, first putting out his hand, but has no strength to come forth, therefore draweth backe the hand againe, till repentance like Pharez have broken forth; then can fait…

And yet it does not follow, that the public meeting-places must be pulled down, for the consecrating of them is an abuse of things necessary, and not of things indifferent. The Scripture mentions it as a good work to build them, He loveth our Nation, and has built us a Synagogue…

Luke 7:13: And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, Weep not. To be above the stroke of passions, is a condition equal to angels: to be in a state of sorrow, without the sense of sorrow, is a disposition beneath beasts; but duly to regulate our sorro…

Every work of God being the result of his counsel, when we see it actually brought forth into the world, what else does it discover to us, but that counsel and will of his? Every single providence has a language wherein God's mind is signified, much more a train and contexture o…

These words are otherwise interpreted by some: that is, these materials profit nothing without the Spirit; but the other is undoubtedly the meaning, for so it is through the Scripture: the Spirit profits, that is, saving knowledge wrought by the Spirit: men not having it, do not…

Answer. We do not here pray that we might make Gods name holy; but that wee might bee meanes to declare and make manifest to the world by the right vsage of it, that it is holy, and pure, and honourable. The like phrase is vsed (Luke 7:39). Wisedome is iustified of her children;…

Hence (John 5:40), our Lord says, You will not come to me, that you may get life: and (Matthew 23), at the close, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered you, and you would not; this was it that did aggravate their sin, that He would, and they would not. So (Psal…

It is fully satisfied; and then for their consolation; seeing the Father put his own Son to suffer, and to so great suffering for them, what is it that they may not confidently expect from such a fountain? 3. This serves to hold out the wonderful great obligation of the elect to…

But 5thly, consider — all these are servants and preachers under the Old Testament, and you may be disposed to think that under the gospel, when the veil is laid by, and when Christ Himself, their Lord and Master, and His apostles come to preach the gospel, it should be otherwis…

When he cured the paralytic man (Luke 2:12), they were amazed and glorified God. When he raised Jairus's daughter (Luke 7:16), there came a fear on all, and they glorified God. 3. In all his life he went about doing good; and sought (John 8:49) to glorify his Father.

And 3. the humbled soul, for ought he knows, (I speak of legal humiliation) has no more any Gospel-title or promise that saving grace shall be given to him, even of mere grace, upon condition of his humiliation, or external hearing, or desire of the physician, than the proud Pha…

As Arminians expound many that Christ died for (Matthew 20:28) to be all and every man without exception (1 Timothy 2:6, Hebrews 2:9, 1 John 2:1) so they are debtors to us for the same liberty. Malachi 4: he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children (Luke 1:16), many…

If God give you a heart desirous and careful to maintain your peace, though it be not so lively as sometimes it was, yet it is certainly true and good. A third sign and effect of the life of righteousness is that which our Savior gives (Luke 7:47): "Her sins are forgiven her, wh…

If sorrow for other men's offenses makes Paul change his voice, much more are men to do it for their own. Peter, in his repentance left his presumptuous speaking, and fell to bitter and secret tears: and so did the woman that stood at the feet of Christ weeping, and washed his f…

Now because he might without controversy, rightly attribute these things to himself, in derision of them he answers for them; Surely we acknowledge, that he which is able to do such things, must needs be the true God. Word for word it is, we will say he is just: but the word jus…

17. And this report concerning him was spread throughout all Judea, and all the neighboring country. Luke 7:11. And it happened, that he went into a city. In all the miracles of Christ, we must attend to the rule which Matthew lays down.

For we must observe what is added, that there was a great concourse of people from all directions; from which we infer, that his fame was very widely spread. "Qu il a ete merveilleusement grand bruit de luy par tout le pays." — "That there was an astonishingly great noise about…

The kingdom of heaven means the renovation of the Church, or the prosperous condition of the Church, such as was then beginning to appear by the preaching of the Gospel. In this sense, Christ tells us, that "he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than John," (Luke 7:28…

“Et en ce mesme instant son garcon fut gairi;” — “and at that very instant his servant was healed.” Luke 7:1-10 1. Now, when he had finished all his words in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

6. And blessed is he who shall not be offended at me. Luke 7:18-23 18. And the disciples of John informed him of all these things;

19. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Lo, a man who is a glutton and a wine-bibber, "A glutton and a drunkard," a friend to publicans and sinners; and Wisdom is justified by her children. Luke 7:29-35 29. And all the people hearing, and the publicans, justif…

15. He that has ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 7:24-28 24. And when the messengers of John had departed, he began to say to the multitude concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness to see?

prepare the way of the Lord. (Malachi 3:1; Luke 7:27.) In short, he had pointed out Christ with the finger, and had declared him to be the only Son of God.

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, and the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see; and they glorified the God of Israel. So we are told, that on occasion of Christ's raising the son of the widow of Nain, Luke 7:16. There ca…

The Centurion, that we have an Account of Luke 7, acknowledged that he was not worthy that Christ should enter under his Roof, and that he was not worthy to come to him. See the Manner of the Woman's coming to Christ that was a Sinner, Luke 7:37, etc. And behold a Woman in the C…

There may be a double allusion in these words. 1. To the common use of oil, and anointing, which was to exhilerate and make the countenance appear cheerful at feasts and public solemnities (Psalm 104:15, Luke 7:37). 2. To the especial use of it in the unction of kings, priests a…

For this end they singled out some works that were occasionally attended with some disputes or preachings, tending to the opening and confirmation of the doctrine of the Gospel. Thus upon the coming of the disciples of John to him, it is said (Luke 7:21), In that same hour he cu…

They believe not this report, nor take any serious notice of it. This was the ministry of the Baptist, and they who received it not, rejected the counsel of God concerning their salvation, Luke 7:10. And so perished in their sins.

Not that he has a better object to love, but because the love with which he loves her, is like himself, and more excellent than hers. 2. There is no such refreshing thing in all the work of creation of Christ, no such feast, as the warming of a sinner's heart with love to him is…

3. The third thing in the verse, comes-in by way of question, either to heighten the loveliness that is in Christ's Bride; what is it that is to be seen in her? As, (Luke 7:24) etc. what went you out to see? No common sight: or, it is to meet with an objection that strangers may…

He bids them do no violence, accuse no man falsely; but be content with your pay, or wages (Luke 3:14). Neither did our Savior, when he so highly commended the centurion for his faith, rebuke him for his profession; but extols him for taking the ground and argument of his faith,…

Discourse with such a soul about his troubles, and he will tell you, that all the sorrows that ever he had in this world, loss of estate, health, children, or whatever else, are but flea-bitings to this; this swallows up all other troubles. See how that Christian Niobe (Luke 7:3…

Whole and complete reformation there is none, while the end and departure out of this life; and so no man is to believe remission of sins, until they be going out of the body. This is the comfortless doctrine of Papists, never to know and be assured of the graces freely given us…

All professors see not with one measure of light: the Spouse is a wonder to many professors not so acquainted with Christ; some are led to heaven through much love-sickness and pain, and others with stronger influences of grace upon the soul than others; it rebukes such as are c…

Behold, I have longed after your precepts, therefore quicken me in your righteousness. 2. Men can refuse to come and partake of Ordinances and to be Baptized, as the Pharisees do (Luke 7:29, 30), and so reject the counsel of God; and refusing to be among the golden Candlesticks,…

Religion is a most sweet and pleasant and amiable thing: let not us by our indiscretion make it a task to ourselves, and a terror to others. The more the children of God are children of wisdom, the more they justify it, and its ways (Luke 7:35). Christian prudence is very much t…

Among the Jews they were called Fools in Israel, 2 Samuel 13:13. and so Proverbs 6:32. Whoso commits adultery with a woman, lacketh understanding. And sinners, Luke 7. 37. And behold a woman that was a [[•]inner;] that is, an eminent notorious sinner: by which term, the Scriptur…

Ah Lord! if I mourn not with Sion, neither shall I rejoyce with her. O, were mine eyes opened, and my heart sensible and tender, I might see cause enough to melt into Tears; and like that Christian Niobe, Luke 7. 38. to lie weeping at the feet of Christ. Lord, What stupidity is…

1. There is a creditor to whom the debt is due, and that is God. (Luke 7:41) when he would set out God's mercy, he says, There was a certain creditor, which had two debtors, etc. God is there set forth under the notion and similitude of a creditor.

He can cast body and soul into hell (Matthew 10:28). God is thus offended, and by saucy dust that is ready to fly in his face, inconsiderable man; and yet the Lord pardons, and this he does freely (Luke 7:42). He frankly forgave them both.

To magnify God argues a high esteem, or a due sense of his greatness. Again, God is said to be justified (Luke 7:29): the people and the publicans justified God. What is it to justify God?

So it is here with God; it is called counsel, not as if it were an arbitrary thing whether we did regard it or no; but because of God's mild condescension, when men are in danger of perishing for ever, the Lord gives us counsel: You are in a miserable estate, he is pleased to te…

Hesiod says, Hell is as far under the earth, as Heaven is above it. Luke 8:31: The Devils besought Christ, that he would not command them to go into the deep. Hell is in the deep.

7. If you would hear the Word aright, be not only attentive, but retentive: lay the Word up in your memories and hearts. (Luke 8:15): The seed on the good ground are they, who having heard the Word keep it. The Greek word ⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩, to keep, signifies to hold the…

In a prosperous estate there is more burden; many look at the shining and glittering of prosperity, but not at the burden; Plus oneris. (1.) The burden of care; therefore Christ calls riches, cares (Luke 8:14). A rose has its prickles, so have riches; we think them happy that fl…

Now it was not the vertue of the look, but the vertue that was put into the brazen serpent that healed him who so looked upon it, else he might have looked long enough before he had been cured: so it is not the vertue of believing, but of Christ who is believed in, that justifie…

He is the prince of the airy part of the little world in man, as well as of the elemental region in the great world, and so can raise unnatural storms and vapors that shall darken reason, and cause such thunders and lightnings as shall hurl all into black confusion — such that i…

Possess your souls in patience: as if he should say, If you would save your souls, you must labor to bear all crosses that fall on you, with patience. In the parable, Luke 8:15, They that receive the seed in good ground, are they, which with an honest and good heart hear the wor…

And thus it is with many, while yet they are under restraints, and feel not what cursed hearts, and natures they have; especially when under common convictions, they cannot think, that they shall ever be, or do, as they see many others do: yet sometimes such as these come to be…

May there not be the being and truth of that grace, even there where the exercise of it is much wanting? Plain it is, that our Savior blames his Disciples, and Peter, for the want of the exercise of faith (Matthew 8 & 14; Mark 4; Luke 8:25), and yet it were hard to say, that the…

The second kind of faith is temporary faith, so called because it lasts but for a time and season, and commonly not to the end of a man's life. This kind of faith is noted to us in the parable of the seed, that fell in the stony ground (Luke 8:23). And there be two differences o…

Father.: Is it not a true and warrantable speech to say that the devils are in hell? Child.: Yes: if you take hell metaphorically for the torments they are in, and not for any circumscript place: for it may be very probably conjectured that the abode of the devils is in the air,…

First, How far we may look for Preservation: The doctrine of Perseverance is much impugned; but the earth is never the more unsettled, because to giddy brains it seemeth to run round: however let us grant what must be granted, and then the truth will be burdened with less prejud…

We are justified freely, not of the law, not by the law, without the law, without works, not of works, not according to works, not of us, not by the works of the law but by faith (Galatians 2:16). All boasting excluded: only believe (Luke 8:50). These distinctions, whereby works…

After the same manner Solomon teaches us to retort this temptation — Proverbs 5:20-21: 'And why, my son, will you be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his goings.' What if I…

Luke 8:13. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the [reconstructed: word] with joy; and these have no root; which for a while believe; and in time of temptation fall away. Our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ, the great prophet of his church, and the apostle and…

Now the means, the helps, and ways to break through these impediments, and to receive the Word with profit, are these. First, to hear profitably, that the voice of the Son of God be not a common voice, but peculiar, take that rule which is set down (Luke 8:18): Take heed how you…

The same figure of speech is by no means unusual in the New Testament: "Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them" (Matthew 28:19); and the opposite form, "O namely [illegible] Homer — "He has a way beside the road, and the birds of heaven devoured it" (Luke 8:5); and, "I am…

No one will deny that to see is the same as to know or understand — that use of the sense of words is most frequent in sacred Scripture. That by the kingdom of God He intends the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven — that is, the doctrine of the gospel — the Lord Jesus shows in s…

First, to prepare themselves to the preaching of the word, by consideration of God's ordinance and promise, and their corruption: so that laying aside all superfluity of evil, that they may with all meekness receive the word (James 1:17). Luke 8:8. Take heed therefore how you he…

In the exercise of the word preached, being the way to open truth to our judgment and understanding, to plant it, and to root it in our hearts and affections. We are commanded to put away all other things out of our mind, and all superfluity, or malice, or filthiness whatever, a…

What wonder then that it do them no good? In the end of that parable of the sower (Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8), it is said by the Lord, Take heed how you hear, for whoever has, to him shall be given, etc. If you improve well your hearing, you will get yet more, but so long as yo…

Though he could have made a thousand worlds at a word, yet so low was he, that he had not a foot of ground to lay claim to, or to lean his blessed head on. And if we look to (Luke 8) we will find that he was provided for in his necessity by some few women, such as Mary Magdalen,…

Partly because he was in the whole course of his life more intimate with these, than with the rest of the disciples. You shall see when he raised Jairus his daughter from death to life (Luke 8:51), he suffered no body to go in but Peter, James and John, and the father and mother…

7. Do you hear him so as to prefer God and Christ, and the life to come, above all the sensual pleasures and vain delights, and worldly happiness, which you enjoy here? Religion is obstructed, not soundly received: if your hearts be not taken off from these things (Luke 8:14). T…

They which cried Hosanna to the Son of David, shortly after cried, Crucify him, crucify him. The cross and persecution, will make men call the Gospel in question, if not forsake it (Luke 8:13). The multitude of people among us are like wax, and are fit to take the stamp, and imp…

Hence we learn, that there is a felicity after the time of this life, and that is, to receive and embrace the doctrine of the Gospel. So says Christ elsewhere (Luke 8:21 and 11:18; Matthew 7:26). True happiness stands in our reconciliation with God in Christ.

23. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 8:17 17. For there is nothing hid that shall not be revealed, and nothing concealed that shall not be known and come to light.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 8:16 16. And no man, when he has lighted a candle, covered it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a candlestick, that those who enter may see the light.

41. And they feared with a great fear, and said among themselves, Who is this: for even the wind and the sea obey him? Luke 8:22-25 22. And it happened on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples.

20. And he went away, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all wondered. Luke 8:26-39 26. And they sailed to the country of the Gaderenes, which is opposite to Galilee.

34. And he said to her, Daughter, your faith has cured you: go in peace, and be delivered from your scourge. Luke 8:40-48 40. And it happened, while Jesus was returning, the multitude received him: for they were all waiting for him.

43. And he charged them earnestly, that no man should know it: and commanded them to give her something to eat. Luke 8:49-56 49. While he was still speaking, one came from the house of the ruler of the synagogue, saying to him, Your daughter is dead, do not trouble the Master.

28. but he said, Nay, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Luke 8:19-21 19. And his mother and his brethren came to him, and could not reach him on account of the crowd.

25. For to him who has it shall be given; and he that has not, even that which he has shall be taken away from him. Luke 8:1-10, 18 1. And it happened afterwards, and he was traveling through each city and village, “Il alloit de ville en ville, et de village en village;” — “he w…

20. There are others who have received the seed into a good soil, who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit, some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred. Luke 8:11-15 11. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

There is probability in the conjecture that, as Christ frequently, when he wished to try the faith of men, delayed for a short time to relieve them, so he subjected this blind man to the same scrutiny. The second difficulty may be speedily removed; for we have seen, on a former…

It is more probable, however, that Mark names her alone, because she first obtained a sight of Christ, and in a peculiar manner, in preference to the others, and yet that her companions also saw Christ in their order, and that on this account Matthew attributes it to all them in…

But his divine glory broke forth and shone, when at twelve years old, he disputed with the doctors in the temple; in that he appeared, in some measure, as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. And so after he entered on his public ministry, his marvelous humility and meekness was mani…

And that we may be the more assured and certified of this, we will compare this song of Salve Regina with Scripture, and see how they accord. But if it does not agree with God's word, I require you for the honor of God to leave it, and cleave to the word of God: and so doing you…

This appeares by the opposition of the next verse unto this, lay not up for your selues earthly treasures, but lay up for your selues treasures in heaven. This was Esaus practise, who sold his birthright for a messe of pottage, Heb. 12. 16. and the sinne of the Gadarens, that up…

III. Many that professe religion are deceiued, that measure their grace and goodnes in religion by feeling in their own hearts: but we must not relie thereon, for true faith may be in the heart without inward sense: againe, the deuill may put false comforts many times into a man…

His mother and natural relations were poor, and not able to help him: and he was maintained by the charity of some of his disciples while he lived. So we read in Luke 8, at the beginning, of certain women that followed him, and ministered to him of their substance. He was so poo…

But Philip uses a yet stronger Expression, he does not only say, if you believe with the Heart, or from the Heart, but with ALL your Heart. And besides, for any to suppose, that those same Persons which the Scriptures represent in some Places as under the Power of an evil Heart…

In this also the hypocrite apes and imitates the believer (Acts 8:13): Then Simon himself believed also. (Luke 8:13) These are they which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. Does the precious eye of faith, discovering the transcendent excellencies that are…

It cannot be proved by the word which Mr. Baxter says, Appendix to his Aphorismes, answer to Obj. 10, 11, pag. 260, that men would not accept Christ, and so believe for remission before their lives be reformed; and that reformation of life must go before the belief or knowledge…

First, If there be such power in this to help to suffering, then surely there is power in this to help to service: you that know what these things mean, be ashamed to complain of any difficulty in any service. Secondly, hence we see cause much to bless God that reveals such thin…

Love being peculiar to a husband, to him he says, Let him love his wife: and reverence being peculiar to a wife, to her he says, let the wife see that she reverence her husband. The direction in every of those several epistles which were sent to the seven churches of Asia, (in t…

3. Let us to this purpose consider the general issues of men's entering into temptation; and that of bad and good men, of ungrounded professors, and of the choicest saints. For the first I shall offer but one or two texts of scripture (Luke 8:13): they on the rock are they which…

Now the Holy Ghost would do no unnecessary thing, and does not Christ speak as well to us as he did to them, only with this difference, to them he spoke immediately, but to us by his Ministers. What other was the fault of the first ground, the seed lay on a while, whilest the ow…

The people meant as they spoke, when they were willing to come under the obedience of the Word, God gives them that testimony, The people have well said, but O that there were such a heart in them! (Deuteronomy 5:28-29). They may receive it, and may seem affected with it, and ha…

Now this delight (though good) I speak not of, because it may be in temporaries, who have a taste of the good word, to invite them to seek for more (Hebrews 6:4), and is a fruit of common illumination. The stony ground received the word with joy (Luke 8:13), and though it may af…

He struck at Peter's salvation, insomuch that Christ says, If I wash you not, you have no part in me. So again, when the Samaritans would not receive Christ, the disciples, James and John said, Lord, will you that we command fire from Heaven to consume them? (Luke 9:54). They di…

Qu. 9. How do we in our observation, profess our subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ and his Gospel? Answ. In that being all of them 1. Appointed by him as the head law-giver, King of his Church. And 2. Made by him the ensigns and tokens of his Kingdom, and subjects, in their du…

And so was our Savior Christ by Herod, when he was but a babe: whereupon his Parents fled with him into Egypt for his safety. And answerable to their infancy was the rest of their life; full of danger, full of trouble: And as it was with them, so is it with others; second Timoth…

Some there be that know but little, and yet have a good mind to religion; but when they see some do nothing else, but make a mock and a jest of religion, they are thereby daunted and held back from the open profession, and embracing of it. But if we look to be saved by faith, as…

For as he shall visibly and gloriously appear in his human nature exalted in the supreme place of judicature, and invested with sovereign power and authority over all flesh (Daniel 7:13, Matthew 24:30, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Romans 14:10), so he shall act the power and omniscienc…

2. We must submit to his government: he must rule us; dispense to us, dispose of us, and of all that does concern us, as he will: and he that will be his disciple must deny himself, take up his cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24). This is difficult, and yet it must be done, and…

This petition puts us in mind to bewail these wants. Our Savior, when he saw the Jews as sheep without a shepherd, he had compassion on them: and he wept over Jerusalem, because they knew not the things which belong to their peace (Luke 9:11). Therefore when preachers want, to h…

For the law in itself is the ministry of death and damnation, because it shows a man his wretched estate but shows him no remedy, therefore it cannot properly be an instrumental cause of that repentance which is effectual to salvation. But the doctrine of repentance is a part of…

Such wrongs, such grievings of spirit, and yet have contained? The disciples themselves, though holy men, when they were sensible of being slighted in the Village of Samaria, called for fire from Heaven (Luke 9:54). Certainly we could not endure such a contradiction of sinners:…

The Jews of old had such an opinion concerning mad men (John 10:20). Consider also (Matthew 17:14–18) with (Luke 9:39). Whatever of solidity may be in that notion, is not a place here to dispute; but this is certain, that distracted persons have been restored to the use of their…

1. A forwardness in men to give up their names to Christ, to become his followers and professed disciples; to enroll their names in that little flock and company, that are for heaven (Matthew 8:19). "Master," said that scribe, "I will follow you, wherever you go" (Luke 9:61-62).…

This petition puts us in mind to bewail these wants. Our Savior, when he saw the Jews, as sheep without a shepherd, he had compassion on them, and he wept over Jerusalem, because they knew not the things which belonged to their peace (Luke 9:11). Therefore, when preachers want,…

We have in these times a wanton generation that have risen up, that cannot endure to go to plow, they would be doing nothing but taking in the sweet, (as I told you before in a former exercise) treading out the corn. But this plowing they cry out of merely through a wantonness,…

Yet, just as He taught that no one could come to Him unless he were drawn by His Father (John 6:44), so He receives no one into His fold who has not professed true repentance. Indeed, He not only denies that anyone belongs to His church whose righteousness does not exceed the ri…

The Second ground is, the commandement of God, touching the crosse, and obedience unto him therein. This commandement is expressed, Luk. 9. 23. where we are commanded to take vp our crosse euery day, and follow Christ. Abraham was commanded, with his own hands to sacrifice his o…

Zeal for evil (Matthew 10:21). Zeal for good beyond knowledge (Luke 9:53). In feeling, the affections must be so ordered, as that they may be equally more slack or strong, as the good or evil shall be greater or lesser.

If you believed that the way to heaven is so narrow, and that holiness is so extensive, could you possibly with any seriousness reflect on your heart and way and not be frightened? But the truth is, this word gets not leave to sink in you as the Word of God; therefore our Lord s…

The last word of his prayer is, Turn me and I shall be turned, or convert me, and I shall be converted; he sees that when all is done, he must cleanse his hands and leave the matter to God, I cannot, but you can work the work, and it ends sweetly in words of faith, for you are t…

And then when he came to his public ministry, he has no great folks for his followers and disciples, but a few poor fishermen; over and above whom he does not exalt himself loftily, but humbles himself to wash their feet, and to serve them. And to hold forth this a little furthe…

The Saints in this life are narrow vessels; and such old bottles could not contain the new wine that Christ drinks with his, in his Father's Kingdom (Matthew 17). When the Disciples see the glory of Christ in the Mount, Peter says (Verse 4), Lord, it is good for us to be here: b…

Answer 1. It is true the Gospel is contrary to nature, and not one article more thwarts and crosses carnal wisdom, than that of imputed righteousness; that crosses moral philosophy so much, as we can more easily believe the rising of the dead, or any the greatest miracle, the dr…

She could neither have loved him nor have sought him, nor have so known the worth of him, if he had not loved her first, and if she in some measure had not had him: But when she says she found him not, the meaning is, not in that feeling and comfort, not in that measure she soug…

Christ had right and title to all, all was his due; yet he was much in prayer; how dare we go about any business without his leave, counsel, and blessing, and usurp any of his blessings without begging them by prayer. 2. While he prayed he was transfigured (Luke 9:29), which tea…

The use of it was double. 1. To convey Moses and Elias out of their sight, when this conference was ended: therefore some expound that which is said (Luke 9:34), they feared as they entered into the cloud after this manner, the disciples feared when they saw Moses and Elias ente…

Secondly, hence I gather, that there is no consultation, or deliberation, to be used at any time, touching the holding, or not holding of our religion. He that will follow Christ, may not put his hand to the plow, and then look back again to his friends, to see what they will sa…

Answer: God is faithful, and will not lay on us more than we shall be able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:3). By this we are admonished, not to make a reckoning in this world, of pleasure, and delight, as though the Gospel were a Gospel of ease, and as we use to say, a gospel made of…

The disciples of Christ would have excluded one that cast out deuills in the name of Christ, but did not follow him, and Christ forbad them. Luk 9:49. Lastly, we here see the propertie of deceiuers is to make a division betweene the Pastors and the people.

One is blindness of mind, which makes us that we see not how little our faith and repentance is, and how great is the mass of our corruption: the second, is our unbelief in the article of life everlasting. The third duty is, that we must neither look to the right or left hand, o…

Again, hence I gather, that in the prime of the Church in the Apostles' days, when the Church of the New Testament was but in founding, the ministry was in contempt: and (as it may appear out of other places) the ministers were not only neglected, or contemned, but reviled, pers…

In whom my soul delights.] By this testimony we may conceive that Jesus Christ is not only well pleasing to God his Father, but is also that his only beloved Son: so as there is no obtaining of any grace, but by the means of his intercession. In this sense it is alleged by the E…

the unclean spirits. Luke 9:1-2 1. And having called the twelve,

38. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Luke 9:26 26. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, of h…

Verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. Luke 9:3-5 3. And he said to them, Carry nothing for the journey, neither a staff, nor a scrip, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two coats each.

MATTHEW 8:19-22; LUKE 9:57-62 Matthew 8:19-22

13. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many diseased persons, and healed them. Luke 9:6 6. And they departed, and went round about through the villages “Eux donc estans partis alloyent de village en village a l’entour;” — “they then having set out, went from vi…

16. But when Herod heard that, he said, It is John whom I beheaded, he has risen from the dead. Luke 9:7-9 7. Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him, and was perplexed, because it was said by some that Christ had risen from the dead;

44. Now they who had eaten were about five thousand men. Luke 9:10-17 10. And the Apostles, having returned,

And Peter answering said to him, Thou art the Christ. Luke 9:18-20 18. And it happened, when he was alone praying, his disciples also were with him, and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?

38. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him likewise will the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Luke 9:21-27 Mark 9:1

8. And suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no other person, but Jesus alone with them. Luke 9:28-36 28. And it happened about eight days after these words, and he took Peter, and James, and John, and went up to a mountain to pray.

27. But Jesus stretched out his hand, and raised him; and he stood up. Luke 9:37-43 37. And it happened on the following day, while they were going down from the mountain, a great multitude met him.

37. Whoever shall receive one of such children in my name receives me; and whoever receives me receives not me, but him that sent me. Luke 9:43-48 43. But while all were wondering at everything that he did, he said to his disciples,

13. But I say to you, That Elijah has come, and they have done to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him. Luke 9:36 36. And they kept silence, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

40. For he who is not against us is for us. Luke 9:49-56 49. And John answering said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbade him, because he follows not with us.

Sometimes it denotes any matter or thing, be it good or evil; as Matthew 5:11, 12, 36. 18:16. Mark 9:22. Luke 1:37. 2:15, 18, 34. A word of blessing by providence (Matthew 4:4); any word spoken (Matthew 26:75. 27:14. Luke 9:45); of promise (Luke 1:38); and [〈 in non-Latin alphab…

For they being ignorant of the true way and means whereby the Apostle wrought his miraculous works, after the manner of magicians they used the name of him whom he preached, in their exorcisms, as it was ever the custom of that sort of men to intermix their charms with the names…

As we must bewaile the wants that hinder the doing of Gods will in our selues and others; so we must stirre up our hearts unto heauenly desires after those graces whereby Gods will may be done. As first, that we may have grace to denie our selues, our own wills and affections; f…

Like those choleric disciples that presently would command fire to come down from heaven to consume those who had affronted them by refusing to give them entertainment; only that God by such a severe miracle might vindicate their reputation, and revenge the contempt that was don…

As it is (Isaiah 28:25). And hence that expression (Luke 9:62): He that puts his hand to the plow, and looks back, is not fit for the Kingdom of Heaven. The meaning is, that as he that plows, must have his eyes always forward, to guide and direct his hand in casting the furrows…

It looked like the zeal of God in the disciples to desire to call for fire from heaven to burn the Samaritans old and young; it was a cruel and merciless thing to refuse Christ and his disciples lodging. But says Christ, rebuking them (Luke 9:55), you know not what manner of spi…

Ans. They have great immunities: kings' children have great privileges and freedoms; they do not pay custom (Matthew 17:6). God's children are privileged persons; they are privileged from the hurt of everything (Luke 10:19). Nothing shall by any means hurt you.

This perseverance is comfort: 1. In the loss of worldly comforts. When our goods may be taken away, our grace cannot (Luke 10:42). Mary has chosen the better part, which cannot be taken from her.

There shall no evil befall you: it is not said no trouble, but no evil. God's children are privileged persons; they are privileged from the hurt of everything (Luke 10:19). Nothing shall by any means hurt you.

God has promised to supply the weak Christian with so much grace as he shall need, till he comes to Heaven. Beside the two pence which the good Samaritan left to pay for the cure of the poor wounded man, he passed his word for all that he should need beside (Luke 10:35). So, Chr…

Every injury done to a saint, Christ takes as done to him in Heaven; every temptation is a striking at Christ, and he is touched with the feeling of our temptations. 2. Christ's succor in temptation; as the good Samaritan first had compassion on the wounded man, there was sympat…

Qu. 22. Who are the extraordinary officers or rulers or ministers of the Church appointed to serve the Lord Jesus Christ therein for a season only? An. (1) The Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, with (2) the Evangelists and Prophets endowed with extraordinary gifts of the Holy G…

(4.) They differ also in the gifts which were suited to their several distinct works and employments. (1) Matthew 10:2; Luke 10:1; Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:26; Acts 6:3; Acts 14:23. (2) John 20:21, 22, 23; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5, 7.

And lastly, the Church in the Old Testament believed in Christ to come: but, now the Church believes in Christ, which is already come and exhibited: in all which respects, the Church in the New Testament doth exceed the Church of the Old. Now, where the Text saith, God provided…

So Christ commanded the twelve, As you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 10:7). Likewise the seventy, The kingdom of heaven is come nigh to you (Luke 10:9). Peter and all the disciples were ignorant of the death and resurrection of Christ, until he wa…

They expected righteousness, light, and grace, but knew not the way of them. From there their prophets, righteous men, and kings desired to see the things of the Gospel, and saw them not (Matthew 13:17; Luke 10:24). And therefore John the Baptist, who was greater than any of the…

[in non-Latin alphabet] is rendered, loco moveo, abrogo, abdico, irritum facio; to take out of the way, to abrogate, to disannul, to make void; and for the most part it has respect to a rule, law or command, that was or is in force. Sometimes it is used of a person, who ought in…

And to humble souls there is beauty in divine sovereignty. When the Lord Jesus rejoiced in Spirit, and thanked his heavenly Father that he had revealed the mysteries of the Gospel to babes, and hid them from the wise and prudent, he assigns no other reason but his sovereignty an…

We take it for granted that the way of maintenance is changed as to the ministers of holy things under the Old and New Testament. That the law of maintenance is taken away is the highest folly to imagine, it being so expressly asserted by our Savior himself and his Apostles (Luk…

(2.) He did it to exercise the faith of the Church called by virtue of the promise, in the expectation of its accomplishment. And by the various ways whereby God cherished their faith and hope was he glorified in all ages (Luke 1:70; Matthew 13:16; Luke 10:24; 1 Peter 1:10, 11;…

This gives a continual sweet savor to God from his oblation, and renders acceptable all the worship of the Church in their approaches to him (Revelation 8:3). These things did God instruct the Church in by types and figures, to prepare their faith for the receiving of him at his…

Indeed in respect of men who know not the causes of things, many chances there are: but so, as that they are ordered and come to pass by God's providence. By chance there came down a certain [reconstructed: priest] that way (Luke 10:31).

Chance is, when any thing comes to pass, the cause thereof being unknown not simply but in respect of man: and therefore in regard of men which know not the reason of things, we may say there is chance: and so the spirit of God speaks, 'Time and chance comes to them all' (Eccles…

'Tis uncertain whether we shall get them, and uncertain whether we shall keep them, and uncertain whether we shall live to enjoy them if they stay with us: All of this side grace is uncertain; these things are usually blasted in their flower and beauty; as Herod was stricken in…

Now the manner of loving God is to love him with all our heart and strength. Luke 10:27: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your thought. As Bernard said: The measure of loving God is to love him…

That a man should prefer the hearing of a sermon, before an unnecessary worldly occasion, or the performance of a civility, I had almost said before a dearly beloved play. This I say is no more than conscience will justify: and 'tis a case already determined by our Savior (Luke…

Therefore seeing neither conversion, nor loving affection, nor cohabitation, nor coming into their meetings, does join a man as a member of the visible Church (for some men have all these, and yet are not members, and others are sometimes members of the visible Churches, and yet…

Thirdly, this life is a life that is least indigent of all others: it needs least. Take a man that leads any other life, he needs many things; this is shadowed in that of Martha, and Mary (Luke 10:41-42): Martha busies herself about many things, she wanted many; but Mary had one…

Indeed, in respect of men, who know not the causes of things, many chances there are: but so, as they are ordered and come to pass by God's providence. Luke 10:31: By chance there came down a certain priest that way.

But 1. I pray where does our Savior testifie this, that they desired to see it, and saw it not? I suppose in those words of Luke 10:24. For I tell you that many Proph[illegible] and Kings have desired to see those things which you see, and have n[illegible]t seen them.

That He Himself crushed the head of that serpent, the Socinians will not deny, I think. See John 12:31, 14:30; Luke 10:18; 1 Corinthians 15:54; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8; but of these things elsewhere. The Vulgate translator has ipsa conteret — "she shall bruise" — and from this…

And in such another place, and among such a people, Who has believed our report? as here the prophet does. It is said (Luke 10:17) and (Mark 6:30) the disciples returned, and with joy told Christ all that they had done, and how the devils were subject to them, they made account…

For 1. a correction of the human will seems to import a jarring and a discord; 2. Christ desired that, the contrary of which, he knew was from eternity decreed of God. 3. The Law of God is so spiritual, strict and holy, that it requires not only a conformity to it, and our will,…

Zephaniah 3:10: From beyond the river of Ethiopia, my suppliants, even the daughters of my dispersed shall come. 4. Their names are particularly enrolled in the Lamb's book of life (Luke 10:20; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 20:15). As citizens of some famous incorporation, or sena…

And the means God prescribes to us are these. First, as ever you would have Christ, labor wisely to ponder upon and consider how dead you are without Christ, for you shall never find life by Christ unless you find yourself lost without him (Luke 10:10). "Christ came to seek and…

Thus he did Haman, and so he does many others, whose climbing makes way for their greater fall. The devil himself was an aspirer, and fell from heaven like lightning (Luke 10:18): I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. And though in show he may seem to befriend many that…

He began to speak and to declare the Gospel both before and after his Resurrection; and they that heard him were especially the Apostles, who being endued by the Holy Ghost declared it first to the Jews, and then to the Gentiles to whom it was continued by various signs and wond…

Nay, you must strive to do greater and weightier matters. You must fulfill the law, according to that saying: Do this and you shall live (Luke 10:18). Faith which you so highly extol, does nothing else but make men careless, idle, and negligent.

Math. 10. 19. 20. Luc. 10. 16. Hence we may gather, the certenty of our religion.

For to them it was said, it is not you that speak, but the spirit of the father in you (Matthew 10:20). Again, he that hears you hears me, he that despises you despises me (Luke 10:16). The Apostles were called of God immediately, taught and inspired immediately, and immediately…

But Paul teaches them and us another lesson, when he commands us to do good to all, suitable to that of our Savior Christ, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them that hurt you and persecute you (Matthew 9:44). Let us consider t…

This so admirable a work of God then, ought to confirm us in this point, namely, that God will never utterly abandon his church. For although the wicked do rent and tear us in pieces with cursed speakings, and that they slander and abhor us; endeavoring by all means possible to…

It implies that he is not a mortal man, but a heavenly spirit — that he did not fly here at random, but, as became a servant of God, had faithfully performed his duty: and hence it follows that God, the author of the promise, had been treated with indignity and contempt in the p…

Let us learn, even when the reason does not immediately appear, to submit modestly to God, and let us not be ashamed to receive instruction from her who carried in her womb Christ the eternal “wisdom of God,” (1 Corinthians 1:24.) There is nothing which we should more carefully…

12. I say to you, That in that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that day. Luke 10:1. And after these things the Lord appointed That the Apostles had returned to Christ before these seventy were substituted in their place, may be inferred from many circumstances.…

in the day of judgment than for you. Luke 10:13-16 13. Woe to you, Chorazin!

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Luke 10:21 to 22 21.

For whosoever has, it shall be given to him; and whosoever has not, even that which he thinks that he has shall be taken from him. Luke 10:23-24. 23. And turning to his disciples, he said to them privately, Blessed are the eyes that see the things which you see.

And after that, no man ventured to put a question to him. Luke 10:25-37 25. And, lo, a certain lawyer

And these are the diseases remaining yet of the old man: for faith has not yet here reached to its perfection, nor gotten a full power over the flesh. This may you plainly and evidently understand by the parable (Luke 10) of a certain man, who going down from Jerusalem to Jerich…

And therefore it follows, that a spiritual conviction of the truth of the great things of the Gospel, is such a conviction, as arises from having a spiritual view or apprehension of those things in the mind. And this is also evident from the Scripture, which often represents, th…

Pray you therefore the Lord of the Harvest,[[original in non-Latin script]]. So also, Luk. 10. 2. that he would thrust forth Labourers into his Harvest; namely, by furnishing them with the Gifts of his Spirit, and by the Power of his Grace constraining them to their Duty. So did…

They used before to have the stream of their desires after other things, or perhaps had their concern divided between this and them; but when they come to answer the expression in the text, of pressing into the kingdom of God, this concern prevails above all others; it lays othe…

That they have most cause of rejoicing is apparent. When the disciples came triumphing that they could cast out devils, heal the diseased, and work miracles: O but says Christ, Rejoice not in this, but rejoice that your names are written in the book of life (Luke 10:20). As much…

3. The return that they make (Hebrews 13:17). 4. The account that the Lord has of them in his employment (Matthew 10:40, 41, 42; Luke 10:16). RULE II.

This the Apostle was full of, and broke forth into, when he entered upon the description of this grace (Ephesians 1:3, 4), and this will be the frame of his heart, who is exercised to an holy admiration of it. When our Lord Jesus Christ considered the grace of God in revealing t…

2. Go to Christ to teach you (Psalms 25:5): Lead me in your truth, and teach me. As one of the disciples said, Lord teach us to pray (Luke 11:1), so, Lord teach me to profit. Do you light my lamp, O you great Prophet of your church, give me a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, tha…

Ministers are lights (Matthew 5:14), and who but thieves hate the light? These persons do directly strike at God's glory; and what an account will they have to give to God, when he shall charge the blood of men's souls upon them (Luke 11:52): You have taken away the key of knowl…

The wicked may have something which looks like peace, but is not. They may be fearless and stupid; but there is a great difference between a stupified conscience, and a pacified conscience (Luke 11:21): When a strong man keeps his palace, his goods are in peace. This is the devi…

Many after a divorce, espouse their sins again; as if one's fever should leave him a while, and then come again. The Devil seemed to be cast out, but comes the second time, and the end of that man is worse than his beginning (Luke 11:24), because his sin is greater; he sins know…

This may embolden us to go to God for pardon of sin, and further degrees of sanctity. We pray to a Father of mercy, sitting upon a Throne of Grace; (Luke 11:13). If you then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give hi…

Thirdly, adultery does pollute and befoul a person. The Devil is called an unclean spirit (Luke 11:24). The adulterer is the Devil's firstborn; he is unclean; he is a moving quagmire; he is all over ulcerated with sin: his eyes sparkle with lust, his mouth foams out filth, his h…

4. A condition on which we desire forgiveness, as we forgive our debtors. I shall speak of the term given to sin, it is [in non-Latin alphabet], a debt, that which is here called a debt, is called sin (Luke 11:4), forgive us our sins. So then sin is a debt, and every sinner is a…

The keys of the kingdom of Heaven are First, the one of knowledge (Luke 11:52). Secondly, the other of jurisdiction (Matthew 18:18), and both of them mentioned (Matthew 16:19).

But to show himself an angel of darkness by terrifying and frightening weak consciences — this is natural now to him; his power lies most in this. Therefore his title further is 'the ruler of darkness'; and also he is called 'that strong man' — strong to keep peace (Luke 11:21)…

Verse 26. And it shall come to pass that in the place where it is said to them, Yee are not my people, there shall they be called, The children of the living God." While Satan, the strong man, keeps the house, Christ the stronger comes upon him, and bereaves him of his armor, an…

This expression is sometimes used absolutely for the original of the world in its creation; for the absolute beginning of time and all things measured by it (Ephesians 1:4; Matthew 25:34; John 17:24; 1 Peter 1:20). Sometimes from what immediately succeeded on that beginning (Mat…

Forgive us as we forgive others: and these words depend on the former as the reason thereof, which seems to be taken from the comparison of the less to the greater, thus: if we who have but a spark of mercy, do forgive others: then do you, who are the fountain of mercy, forgive…

For many are never troubled with temptation, but live in all peace and quietness both in body and soul. (Luke 11:21) When the strong man armed keeps his hold, the things that he possesses are in peace. Whereby is signified, that the wicked of the world being possessed of Satan,…

Debt] By debts sins are meant, as it is in (Luke 11:4), and they are so called, because of the resemblance between them. For even as a debt does bind a man, either to make satisfaction, or else to go to prison: so our sins bind us either to satisfy God's justice, or else to suff…

Matthew 7:7. Ask and it shall be given you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened. Luke 11:13. If you which are evil can give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that desire him. Romans 10:12. He that…

Answer: The word does not afford any particular direction. Our Savior and his disciples prayed in various gestures: kneeling, standing, groveling, looking to heaven, looking down to the earth, sitting, lying, etc. (Luke 11:41; Acts 7). God respects not the gesture, but the affec…

Or else secondly, they do not exasperate their lusts, and seriously resist sin: tumult is made by opposition. When a man yields to Satan, no wonder that Satan lets him alone (Luke 11:21). The goods are in peace, because the Devil's possession is not disturbed; he rages most when…

Let us but view the force of this inference of the apostles (and so of all the reasonings hitherto read): But according to man, or what is found among men, (and God will be sure infinitely to surpass men in his ways of favor.) Take an ordinary friend, if his friend be turned out…

God promised to give his Spirit to his Apostles, yet they continued long in prayers ere he gave it them (Acts 1:14-15). God gives not his Spirit but to such as ask it, to such as continue praying, asking and knocking (Luke 11:13). David prays to God, to open his eyes that he mig…

The word does not afford any certain direction. Our Savior and his Disciples prayed in diverse gestures, kneeling, standing, groveling, looking to heaven, looking down to the earth, sitting, lying, etc. (Luke 11:41; Acts 7). God respects not the gesture, but the affection of the…

Matthew 7:7. Ask, and it shall be given you: seek and you shall find: knock and it shall be opened. Luke 11:13. If you which are evil can give good gifts to your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Ghost to them that desire him? Romans 10:12. He that…

2. The meaning. Debts By debts sins are meant, so it is in (Luke 11:4), and they are so called, because of the resemblance between them. For even as a debt does bind a man, either to make satisfaction, or else to go to prison: so our sins bind us, either to satisfy God's justice…

This is the estate, that few men in the world are acquainted with, for they are never troubled with temptation, but live in all peace and quietness, both in body and soul. (Luke 11:21) When the strong man armed keeps his hold, the things that he possesses are in peace. Even so,…

The Spirit of God is the chief of the blessings, that are the subject matter of christian prayer; for it is the sum of all spiritual blessings; which are those that we need infinitely more than all others, and are those wherein our true and eternal happiness consists. That which…

10. These are all the places where the word in that double composition is found in the Greek, whether Canonical or Apocryphal of the Old Testament. In the New we have it, Luc. 11. 48. where of the Jews it is said, that they did [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], allow, or approve their…

For just as the Spirit of grace does nothing in us except according to the rule of the word, so that none who rely on the Spirit may deceive themselves, they must attend to that same word in all the duties for the discharge of which they are made fit by His aid and assistance. I…

3. Then, third: "No one is regenerate except by the power of the Holy Spirit, by whose efficacious operation all who are born of God are translated from spiritual death to life" (John 3:5, 6, 1:13; Titus 3:5). 4. And therefore, fourth: "That Holy Spirit alone is able to bring an…

X. Sixthly, to these assemblies gathered in His name He graciously promised His presence through the Holy Spirit until the consummation of the age (Matthew 28:20; John 14:15, 16, 16:7). That one Spirit, whom He commanded the faithful to seek with all their prayers from the Fathe…

THE RESOLVTION AND Interpretation of the Lordes praier, out of Matthew 6:9. and Luke 11:2. Our Savior Christ, being both desired of his Disciples to be taught how to pray, and having reprooved the abuse of unnecessary and vain repetitions of one and the same thing: giveth his di…

Erasmus would ask of those that will not admit a hyperbole in Scripture, if there were English and Scots there. "You tithe every herb" — that is, herbs of all kinds (Luke 11:42). Christ cured every disease (Matthew 4:23).

Pray upon all occasions for every thing that you stand in need of, and never give over till you be heard and answered, and the parable teaches thus much from the unjust Judge; shall a sinful mortal man be moved with importunity, and shall not God arise, and be moved for those po…

We cannot say that Satan's work lies about these. Satan needs not besiege the soul by temptations, that is his already by peaceable possession, when a strong man armed keeps his palace, his goods are in peace (Luke 11:21). There is no storm when wind and tide goes together.

It is said (Romans 16:26): the mysteries of the Gospel are made manifest to all nations for the obedience of faith. They are not matters of speculation and talk, but practice; and blessedness is pronounced on such as hear them and keep them (Luke 11:28): "Blessed are they that h…

Briefly, hear what Christ himself says, and what he answers to Martha, being very careful and hardly bearing, that her sister Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus and hearing his word, should leave her to minister alone. Martha, Martha (says he) you care and are troubled about man…

A small mote in the eye hurts the eye. And our Savior Christ says: The light of the body is the eye: therefore when your eye is single, then is your whole body light: but if your eye be evil, then your body is dark (Luke 11:34). Again, if your body shall have no part dark, then…

And the rather, because faith and repentance, are possible to all that by grace do will it. Indeed, they which will to believe and repent, have begun to believe and repent: God accepting the will for the deed (Luke 11:13). And having attained to a measure of true faith, we must…

Outward actions of fasting, alms, prayer. Nay, kindred and alliance, as to be mother or brother of Christ, is nothing: for if the blessed virgin had not borne Christ in her heart, as she did in her womb, she should never have been saved (Luke 11:27-28); and if his kinsmen had no…

16. And no man, when he has lighted a candle, covered it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a candlestick, that those who enter may see the light. Luke 11:33 33. No man lights a candle, and puts it in a hidden place, nor under a bushel, but on a candlestick, t…

But the latter root has been more fertile in suggestions. John Alberti, no mean authority, in his Glossarium Graecum, (under Luke 11:38,) defines Φαρισαῖος, to be διακεχωρισμένος, separated, and quotes the Septuagint as employing that participle (Ezekiel 34:12) for, נפרׁשות the…

You cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 11:34-36 34. The light of the body is the eye: if your eye therefore shall be simple, your whole body shall be luminous: but if it shall be evil, your whole body also shall be dark.

Amen. Luke 11:1-4 1. And it happened, while he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

11. If you, then, though you are evil, know to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give good things, if you ask them from him? Luke 11:5-13 5. And he says to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight,…

22. And the Scribes, who had come down from Jerusalem, said, He has Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils he casts out devils. Luke 11:14-15 14. And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb.

“Il a l’esprit immonde;” — “he has the unclean spirit.” Luke 11:16-23 16. And others tempting him sought from him a sign from heaven.

"And, lo, there is here a greater than Solomon." Luke 11:16, 29-32 16. And others tempting, sought from him a sign from heaven.

So shall it be also to this wicked generation. Luke 11:24-26 24. When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest; and not finding it, he says, I will return to my house, whence I came out.

35. For he who shall do the will of God is my brother, and my sister, and mother. Luke 11:27-28 27. And it happened while he was saying these things, a certain woman from among the multitude, raising her voice, said to him, Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts whic…

“Laquelle est receue et advouee es cieux;” — “which is received and acknowledged in heaven.” The comparison of the keys is very properly applied to the office of teaching; as when Christ says (Luke 11:52) that the scribes and Pharisees, in like manner, have the key of the kingdo…

39. And the first seats in the synagogues, and the first places at entertainments. Luke 11:45-46 45. And one of the lawyers

These shall receive a severer condemnation. Luke 11:52 52. Woe to you, lawyers! for you have taken away the key of knowledge: you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.

The Romans when their great men died, caused an eagle to be let loose, and fly about in the air, signifying hereby that the soul was immortal, and did not die with the body. Christ tells us the soul is not capable of killing (Luke 12:4). Therefore not of dying.

When they would have made him king, he refused it; he chose rather to ride upon the foal of an ass, than to be drawn in a chariot; and to hang upon a wooden cross, than to wear a golden crown. Christ scorned the pomp and glory of the world: he waved secular affairs (Luke 12:13).…

Christ's death was voluntary (Psalm 40:7): Lo, I come to do your will, O God. (Luke 12:50) I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I straitened till it be accomplished. Christ calls his sufferings a baptism: he was to be (as it were) baptized in his own blood; And how d…

Thus you see their coat of arms displayed; but what is honor without inheritance? God adopts all his sons to an inheritance (Luke 12:32): It is your Father's good pleasure to give you a kingdom. It is no disparagement to be the sons of God.

You see you lose nothing by obeying: the obedient son has the inheritance settled on him. Obey and you shall have a kingdom (Luke 12:32). It is your Father's good pleasure to give you a kingdom.

He imparts his secrets to us (Psalm 25:14). He bestows a kingdom upon us for our dowry (Luke 12:32). Quest. 3. How may we come to know this covenant-union, that God is our God?

3. Serving the true God is beneficial; they have great vails here, the hidden manna, inward peace, and a great reward to come. They that serve God, shall have a kingdom when they die (Luke 12:32), and shall wear a crown made of the flowers of paradise (1 Peter 5:4). To serve the…

Those whom the world scorned and looked upon as precisians and fools, Christ will take by the hand, and openly acknowledge them to be his favorites. What is Christ's confessing of men (Luke 12:8), but his open acknowledging them to be precious in his eyes? 2. Christ as Judge wil…

Children rely upon their parents for the supply of wants: If we trust God for salvation shall we not trust him for a livelihood? There is a lawful provident care to be used, but beware of a distrustful care (Luke 12:24): Consider the ravens, they neither sow nor reap, and God fe…

The Jews could not have taken it away, if he had not laid it down; he could have called to his Father for a legion of angels to be his life-guard; but what needed that, when his Godhead could have defended him from all assaults? But he laid down his life: the Jews did not so muc…

2. If you hear the Word, and are not bettered by it, you are like the salamander in the fire, not hotter; your hearing will increase your condemnation. (Luke 12:47) That servant which knew his Lord's will and did it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. We pity such as know no…

Pope Sylvester the Second did sell his soul to the Devil for a Popedom. Use. Take heed and beware of covetousness (Luke 12:15). It is a direct breach of this Tenth Commandment.

With the conversion of the heart must go the confession of the tongue. Luke 12:8: Whoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God. Peter openly confessed Christ crucified (Acts 4:10).

Judas was a great luminary, he knew God's will, but he was a traitor. Knowing without doing God's will will make one's case worse — it will heat Hell the hotter; (Luke 12:47) The servant which knew his Lord's will, and did not according to his will shall be beaten with many stri…

But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things. Luke 12:12. The Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say.

That he cannot legally obey, has been already made to appear; but the Law will not release him from that obligation: neither yet can he make satisfaction for his defaults; none of Adam's race can clear themselves from having been law-breakers, and they have no recompence to make…

These words must not be understood absolutely and simply, but with limitation. For many places of Scripture are spoken simply, which must be understood with respect: as when it is said, Matthew 11.18, John came neither eating nor drinking, that is not, eating nothing at all, but…

Now because there can be no company unless it have a beginning and a cause whereby it is gathered: therefore I add further in the definition, predestinate to life everlasting. Noting thereby the ground and cause of the Catholic church, namely God's eternal predestination to life…

A righteous man is more excellent than a wicked, in respect of what he shall have: he shall have a better reward; both righteous and wicked are rewarded, but there is a vast difference; the wicked shall have a reward of punishment, the righteous of mercy (Psalm 58:11). So that a…

This is our advantage above the angels, that a year of liberty is proclaimed to us, and an opening of the prison to them that are bound; Christ himself was bound with our chains, the Prophet says (Isaiah 53:8), he was taken from prison, and from judgment, he was in prison that w…

Know for certain that the Lord records all the mercies that ever he gave you, from the beginning to the end of your life (Micah 6:5): 'Remember, O my people, from Shittim to Gilgal.' Indeed, they are exactly numbered and recorded, in order to an account; and your account will be…

But I do not find in Scripture that the Magistrate is to rule, or to make Laws, or to manage any part of his office in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And as the Mediator has not any where given such a Commission and power to the Magistrate: so, as Mediator, he had it not to…

The doctrine shall be this: tribulation does either accompany or follow after the work of Reformation, or purging of the house of God. So it was when Christ himself came into his Temple (Luke 12:49). I am come to send fire on the earth, vers. 51.

There are but a very few that shall be saved. Christ's flock is called but a little flock (Luke 12:32). Sometimes scarce discernible, as in the old world, but eight persons saved from the universal deluge.

Oh! The stopping of ears today may be your undoing for ever. You reckon on more time; but remember (Luke 12:20): You fool, this night shall your soul be required of you. And remember the advice of our Savior, verse 40: Be therefore ready; for the Son of Man comes at an hour when…

That one Spirit, whom He commanded the faithful to seek with all their prayers from the Father (Luke 11:13), He willed to be all in all throughout the whole of evangelical worship. See (Luke 12:10; John 3:5, 6, 8, 4:24; Romans 7:6, 8:1, 2, 9, 18, 26, 15:30; 1 Corinthians 2:4, 12…

Out of this confidence, farther proceedeth a continual carefulness, that in all our ways, that is, thoughts, words, and deeds, etc. we seek his will, and approve it, and so for that cause look for his blessing and direction (Proverbs 3:6; Proverbs 16:3; Genesis 5:22; Genesis 17:…

And when they were going up to Jerusalem (Mark 10:32), he went before all the rest, that is, at a swift pace. And (Luke 12:50) he says, I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I constrained till it be accomplished? Never did men long so much for their wedding day, and f…

This looks as if death would get the victory; thus it's said Hebrews 5:7, In the days of his flesh he offered up strong cries and supplications with tears, and was heard in that which he feared, he put up strong cries to be delivered, not from dying, but from the power of death,…

If we yet look a little forward we will find that he so longed for the saddest part of this exercise, that he is pained till it be accomplished. (Luke 12:50) I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I constrained till it be accomplished? His heart longed so much to be at…

And what was that — a poor whorish woman is spoken to, by Him, and brought by His speaking to acknowledge Him to be the Messiah, and to accept of Him as such; and by that blessed work, His hunger and thirst were satisfied. So in Luke 22:15, He says to His disciples, "With desire…

If we could rightly discern His sufferings, and the benefits that we have by them, it would say, that there is good reason, that He should have a kindly meeting, who has done, and suffered so much to obtain these to us. 4. Consider the cheerful way of His suffering, and of His l…

The great ground that makes God expostulate with the hearers of the Gospel, and that makes them come under the complaint, (John 5:40) "You will not come to me that you may have life," and (Matthew 23:37) "How often would I have gathered you, and you would not;" and for substance…

We are naturally perverse and peevish, bent to fretfulness and discontent, inclining rather to restless endeavoring to have our lot brought up to our spirits, than to be at suitable pains to have our spirits brought down to our lot; and therefore have much need to be tamed and c…

2. The other character is, that when the end is obtained, all operation for, or about the means ceases, and the soul has a complacency in the fruition of the end. When the wretches' chests are full, he has a heart-quietness in gold; (Luke 12) Soul, take your ease; but if the sou…

1. Heaven is not one single palace, but it is a city; a metropolis, a mother-city, the first city of God's creation, for dignity and glory (Revelation 21; Revelation 22). But a city is too little; therefore it is more — it is a kingdom (Luke 12:32; Luke 22:23). Indeed, but a kin…

He hardened his face, he emboldened himself to go to Jerusalem to suffer, he mended his pace, and went more swiftly with a strong fire of love to expend his blood. Luke 12:50. I have a baptism to be baptized with [illegible] how am I fettered or besieged (as the word is used in…

'Behold, I come' (says he, Psalm 40); 'I delight to do your will.' 'And how am I constrained till it be accomplished!' (Luke 12:56). And though to show how great an evil and misery it was in itself he showed an aversion to it, yet as it was his Father's will for our salvation he…

As he blessed the pulse to the captive children (Daniel 1:15), and made the widow's barrel of meal, and cruse of oil to hold out (1 Kings 17:14), and his filling and feeding five thousand with a few barley loaves, and a few fishes (Matthew 14:21). On the other side he can make a…

2. The devil makes use of the world to a double end. 1. To divert us from God and heavenly things, that our time, and care, and thoughts may be wholly taken up about things here below (Luke 12:19): "Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years, take your ease, eat, drink, an…

But this must we learn, that forgiveness of sins, Christ, and the Holy Ghost are freely given to us at the only hearing of faith preached, notwithstanding our horrible sins and demerits. And we must not weigh, how great the thing is that is given, and how unworthy we are of it (…

Fourthly, it signifies by a metaphor, any grievous cross or calamity. Thus the passion of Christ, is called his baptism (Luke 12:50). Fifthly, it signifies the bestowing of extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, and that by imposition of hands of the Apostles (Acts 1:5; Acts 11:…

Answer. It excuses à tanto, non à toto, that is, the degree and measure of the sin, and not the sin itself (Luke 12:48). Again, it may be said, that this their ignorance is invincible, because as the Gentiles do not know God, so they cannot know him.

Partaker of his goods] By goods he vnderstands foode, rayment, lodging, bookes, and other necessaries without the which, a minister of the word cannot followe his calling, for Paul calls these goods, according to the common opinion, which so iudgs of them. Luk 12:19. Soule, you…

But it ought to suffice us that although the number of the faithful be very small, yet that God notwithstanding acknowledges them for his elect people. And with this also should that consolation of Christ come into our minds: Fear not little flock, for it is your father's pleasu…

For the faithful are to hold this as a general and perpetual rule, that by mercies formerly received they ought to expect no less favors for hereafter, otherwise we should savor too much of ingratitude; and should show ourselves not to rest at all in the promises: which if they…

But it may be demanded how the Chaldeans could exceed the bounds which God had prescribed them; Objection: was not God able to have suppressed their rage? And if he were not, where is the truth of that sentence, An hair of your heads shall not fall to the ground without the will…

20. For it is not you that speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you. Luke 12:11-12 11. And when they shall bring you into synagogues, and before magistrates and powers, do not be anxious how or what you shall answer, or what you shall say.

17. For there is nothing hid that shall not be revealed, and nothing concealed that shall not be known and come to light. Luke 12:2-7 2. For nothing is covered which shall not be laid open, and nothing is hid which shall not be known.

and [in the glory] of the Father, and of the holy angels. Luke 12:8-9, 51-53 8. And I say to you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.

(6.) The usurer, who takes of others even to extortion: he seems to help another by letting him have money in his necessity, but gets him into bonds, and sucks out his very blood and marrow. I read of a woman whom Satan had bound (Luke 13:16). And truly, he is almost in as bad a…

Many sermons lie dead, buried in earthly hearts. We preach to men to get their hearts in heaven; but where covetousness is predominant, it chains them to the earth, and makes them like the woman which Satan had bowed together, that she could not lift up herself (Luke 13:11). You…

Repentance is not arbitrary, but necessary; there is no being saved without it. Luke 13:3: Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish. And we may be thankful to God, that he has left us this plank after shipwreck.

Thus you see there are some who have gone many steps in the way to Heaven, yet have come short. Some have gone so far in profession that they have been confident their estate has been good, and they should go to the Kingdom of Heaven, yet have missed it: (Luke 13:25) When once t…

Shall I take off the head of such a drunkard, swearer, sabbath-breaker? And God's patience says as the dresser of the vineyard (Luke 13:8), Let him alone this year. O the infinite patience of God, that sin being so great an evil, and so contrary to God, he should bear with sinne…

And though Satan has will of himself and a desire to it and physical power enough and abilities to inflict this at all times, yet he must further have moral power, or leave and commission from God. And God sometimes gives to Satan power over the sons and daughters of Abraham (Lu…

I answer, that this desire of Balaam's was not grounded upon any constant persuasion, nor settled resolution, but upon some sudden motion: Secondly, though he desired to die the death of the righteous, yet he would not live the life of the righteous: he had no delight to walk in…

And the fruit of it is threefold: (1) of persons in their conversion to God (Romans 15:16); (2) of real internal holiness in them or the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23); (3) the outward fruits of righteousness and charity (2 Corinthians 9:10; Philippians 1:11). These G…

It must be far from us, to have our joy and our hearts set on the things of this world. Thirdly, the consideration of this; that Christ Jesus has prepared a place for us in heaven, and also has trained the way with his own blood, must make every one of us to strive to enter in a…

What mutual embraces and endearments pass between them? So acquaint yourselves with Christ aforehand (Job 22) — common acquaintance with them in external worship will not serve the turn (Luke 13:27). We have eaten and drunk in your presence, and heard you in our streets; and yet…

Saul was not ashamed of his sin, but he was ashamed that Samuel should reprove him before the elders of the people. Christ's adversaries were ashamed (Luke 13:17), not of their error, but because their mouths were stopped before the people, and they could not answer him. A hypoc…

And so does he that has not sound and saving faith, whereby to discern the Lord's body; this being an essential requisite to that heavenly participation. Many for want of this effectual, saving faith may deceive their own souls, and so miss of heaven in the heights of their hope…

A visible and an invisible saint are not of equal latitude. To have eaten and drunk in Christ's presence will not be a sufficient plea at that day (Luke 13:26). The promise is not that every church member shall be saved.

A child is brought to Christ, and Christ from there teaches them a lesson of humility. When Christ discourses of that sad providence of the blood of the Galileans, and the Tower of Siloam, he puts them upon the exercise of repentance (Luke 13:1-3). The ruler inquired the time wh…

In these things our contempt and neglect, both of the mercy of the Lord, who has ordained so many good means to increase our knowledge, our feeling in the faith and good works: his wisdom, who having regard to our weakness, has given us such great variety, that always being wear…

A ninth ground is (and it's a very poor one,) folks sitting down on the means when they have them, as if when they have gotten the Gospel they were in no hazard, and could believe whenever they please. I make no question, but where the Gospel is powerfully in any measure preache…

And then to speak a word to the last use that rises from the matter that formerly we have handled on these words: We show you, and we think the Scripture is very clear for it, that among the generality that hear the Gospel, they are very rare and thinly sown that do believe it,…

It is as certain that many that hear this gospel and profess Christ to be the only sin-offering will be disowned by Him on this account. Therefore many are brought in saying (Luke 13), "Did we not hear you preach in our streets, have we not eaten and drunk in your presence?" — t…

Was it not these who had Christ and His Apostles preaching to them? Indeed, they were not among the more ignorant sort who did not believe, but Scribes and Pharisees, and these not of the most profane sort only, but such as came to church, and attended on ordinances, as you do,…

Why is it not hewed down? There is an efficacy in Christ's intercession for sparing it a while longer, as it is (Luke 13:6): the dresser of the vineyard says, "Spare it for this year"; and it is granted. O but we would have a most sinful and miserable life, if there were not an…

For the first, that there is such a sin, it may be clear from a few considerations, that may be obvious to every one of us. 1. It may be clear from the effect, what is the cause that so many come so little speed in prayer, that they pray, and yet get not a hearing, so that in th…

3. Many run, and obtain not (1 Corinthians 9:24, 25, 26). Many strive to enter in, and shall not be able (Luke 13:24). Many lay a foundation, and are not able to finish (Luke 14:29).

3. Christ thought himself well away and out of the gate (as he foretells, when the people mourned for his death (Luke 23:28-31)) before the destruction that came on the city of Jerusalem, that killed many of the Lord of the vineyard's servants, and at last killed the righteous h…

Oh then let your hearts be upon it, desire must go before delight. 2. To move us to labor for it, and seek it in the first place, and to get it assured that we have a part in this blessed and joyful condition (Matthew 6:33), seek you first the Kingdom of God, and the righteousne…

I speak this by experience: for I know the Devil's subtleties, who at that time not only goes about to fear us with the terror of the law, indeed and also of a little mote makes many beams, that is to say, of that which is no sin he makes a very hell (for he is marvelous crafty…

But if Satan overthrow this (for he is a cunning workman, and will leave no way untried) and lay against you the word and example of Christ in this wise: True it is that Christ is meek, gentle and merciful, but to those which are holy and righteous. Contrariwise, to the sinners…

It was a great privilege to be familiarly acquainted with Christ, and to have eaten and drunk with him: yet is it of no use in the kingdom of Christ. For of such Christ says (Luke 13:26), Depart from me you workers of iniquity. It was a great privilege to be allied to Christ in…

Thirdly, all the year long, as the husbandman does; I looked for grapes, and lo wild grapes (Isaiah 5:4). Fourthly, he expects our amendment, many years together (Luke 13:7): Behold, these three years have I come and sought fruit on this fig tree, and find none. Fifthly, the Lor…

And he said to them, 24. Strive to enter by the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter, and shall not be able. Luke 13:23. And one says to him Although Matthew relates this answer, as if it were immediately connected with other sentences taken out of our Lord’s…

30. And, lo, they are last who shall be first, and they are first who shall be last. Luke 13:25. And when the master of the house shall have arisen Though these words, as I hinted a little before, were spoken on a different and later occasion, I have chosen to pay more regard to…

But it is more likely that he had in his eye a passage from the book of Job. In the opening description of "the devices of the crafty," Herod, who is pronounced by Calvin to have been "a man of no ordinary address, and another Herod, whom our Lord designates that fox, (Luke 13:3…

34. But without a parable he did not speak to them, but he explained all things to his disciples when they were apart. Luke 13:18-22 18. Therefore he said, To what is the kingdom of God like?

Assuredly I tell you, That it shall be demanded from this generation. Luke 13:34-35 34. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who slays the prophets, and stones those who are sent to thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a bird gathers its brood under its wings, and yo…

Chapter 21:19, 33, 34. Luke 13:6. John 15:1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8.

Matthew 9:13: 'I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' Luke 13:3: 'Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.' Luke 15:7, 10: 'There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents,' that is, over one sinner that is converted.

Matthew 7:14: 'Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.' Luke 13:24: 'Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.' Fourth, the possibility of obtaining.

And the work of Christianity in the concerns of the soul is set forth by this resemblance. 4. It is compared to one being in an agony (Luke 13:24): "Strive to enter in at the strait gate." The word in the Greek is [illegible]: strive, until you are in an agony, as Christ was.

Beloved, you have cause to labor, because you find many that have taken pains for heaven, that never came to heaven. Many shall strive to enter, but shall not be able (Luke 13). Had not you therefore need to take heed?

7. That if men continue long under the enjoyment of the word, and are not effectually called by it, they are likely never to be called. I would commend to you that place to prove this, in (Luke 13:6-7), where Christ tells you of a fig tree: he stayed three years looking for frui…

This word is peculiar to Paul: he useth it almost in all his epistles, and that frequently. Elsewhere it occurs but once in the New Testament (Luke 13:17), and that in a sense, whereunto by him it is not applyed. That which he usually intends in this word, is to make a thing or…

Storms make (as it were) a confusion among the Elements, and are the distemper of nature: diseases make a confusion among the humors, and distemper the constitution and spirits of the body. It is said of the woman in (Luke 13:16) that Satan had bound her 28 years; Observe in tha…

Our request for pardon is this; Forgiue us our debts. In the word debt is a figuratiue kinde of speech, taken from bargaining, wherein God is resembled to the Creditour, Man is the debter: the Law is the bond or obligation; and sinne is that debt of ours, for which we stand boun…

And thus wee see what manner of persons they be that shall say, Lord, Lord, and make apologie for themselues at the last day, and yet be damned; namely, some that have beene excellent preachers of the word, and some that have had extraordinary power to cast out deuils: and lastl…

2. When he is born, the Lord gives him his name, indeed, sends Nathan, (2 Samuel 12) with this warrant, to name him Jedidiah, because the Lord loved him; which cannot be a love flowing from anything in him, as if he had been well pleased with his carriage, (Solomon had not yet d…

2. For their destroying, hurtful nature, in their destroying of the Church; therefore called ravening wolves (Matthew 7:15), and grievous wolves (Acts 20:29), who subvert whole houses (Titus 1:11), and whose word eats as does a gangrene (2 Timothy 2:17). 3. They are compared to…

In this verse 12, we have three of these comparisons, whereby she is described and commended. 1. She is compared to a garden enclosed: a garden is a plot of ground, separate from other places, for delight and recreation of the owner, having many flowers in it, and much pains tak…

5. When a literal sense answers not the present scope of the speaker, and the speaker would be thought impertinent, if his words were properly taken, then it would seem necessary to expound it as an allegory; so Matthew 3:10, when John is pressing repentance, he says, The axe is…

So (Matthew 12:11): What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, will not lay hold on it, and lift it out? And so again, (Luke 13:15): Does not every one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall,…

What could the Lord have done more to his vineyard than he has done? Therefore then when he looked for grapes, brought it forth only leaves, or wild grapes? (Luke 13; Isaiah 5:4-6) And is it then to be wondered at, if the Lord pluck down the hedge thereof, that it might be eaten…

- 1. Careless loiterers. - 2. Vain-glorious boasters. - 3. Impious offenders. - 4. Unprofitable Christians. 1. Careless loiterers, that sleep out a fair summer's day of grace, and forget the day of their visitation; many poor ministers have cause to weep over their dear people,…

O what a change is here, him has GOD highly exalted! Branch 2. Was Christ first humble and then exalted, hence learn the way to true honor is humility (Luke 14:11): He that humbles himself shall be exalted. The world looks upon humility as that which will make one contemptible,…

First, To the reproaches of men. They will divide both you and your profession (Luke 14:28). This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

So Christ has furnished his table, set bread and wine (representing his body and blood) before his guests, and they willfully turn their backs upon the ordinance, Christ looks upon it as a slighting of his love, and that makes the fury rise up in his face. (Luke 14:24) For I say…

4. Question: What are the means conducing to perseverance, or what shall we do that we may hold out to the kingdom? Response 1. Take up religion upon good grounds, not in a fit or humor, or out of worldly design, but be deliberate, weigh things well in the balance (Luke 14:28):…

2. Do we prefer God's glory before our relations? Relations are near, they are of our flesh and bone, but God's glory must be dearer (Luke 14:26). If any man come after me and hate not father and mother, he cannot be my Disciple.

So saith Christ (the wisdom of God) of the wisdom of this world: and the like also he saith for war, that no Prince will fight with his enemy on unequal terms, but will know himself able to sustain the encounter. Luke 14:28, 31. So the calling of a Christian, is to profess the G…

First, we must cast with ourselves, what may be the worst that can befall us, when trial and persecution shall come. This is the counsel of our Savior Christ to those that would follow him constantly as good disciples: they must, as good builders, consider of the cost, before th…

The resurrection of the former is called [in non-Latin alphabet] (John 5:29), the resurrection of life, that is, which is to life eternal, the means of entrance into it. This is called [in non-Latin alphabet], the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14). And so [in non-Latin alpha…

Consider then what an affront you put upon grace, when every vile thing is preferred before it. When the Lord offered Canaan to the Israelites, and they preferred Egypt before it, he swore, They should not enter into his rest: and those that preferred a yoke of oxen, a farm, or…

But God does so alienate and separate between you and them, by his overruling providence, discovering their designs against you, and their deep engagements to the Popish party; as if he would say to them, you have no portion, nor right, nor memorial in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:20).…

Fourthly, consider the expressions under which He sets out His being affected, (to say so,) with this sin; He was so affected with it (Mark 3:5) that it's said, He was grieved for their unbelief, He had many sorrows and griefs, and suffered many things, but this grieved Him in s…

Many strive to enter in, and shall not be able (Luke 13:24). Many lay a foundation, and are not able to finish (Luke 14:29). Many hunt, and catch nothing: many have storms of conscience, as Cain, and Judas, who go never one step further.

This is life eternal to know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent: Now when the soul esteems nothing more worth the knowing than Jesus Christ, this is an honoring of him (1 Corinthians 2:2). I determined not to know anything among you, save Christ and him c…

5. The necessity of this self-denying, resignation of ourselves to God to bring us to Heaven in his own way is necessary. That we may begin with God (Luke 14:26): If any man come to me and hate not father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters, indeed, and his…

Chron. 34. 32. The king at the marriage feast of his sonne says of the guests, Compell them to enter in, Luk 14:23. It is obiected, that men may not be compelled to believe.

II. Luk 14:26. He that will be a disciple of Christ, must hate father, and mother, and his own soule.

But to look to the recompense of reward in the second place, after the glory of God, the performance of our duty, and discharge of a good conscience, is no property of a hireling; seeing God has promised to give to them which by continuance in well doing, seek glory, and honor,…

41. For whoever shall give to you to drink a cup of water in my name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say to you, he shall not lose his reward. Luke 14:25-32 25. And great multitudes went with him, and he turned, and said to them,

Is it not that it may be put on a candlestick? Luke 14:34-35 34. Salt is good: but if salt shall have become tasteless, with what shall it be seasoned?

14. For many are called, but few are chosen. Luke 14:15-24 15. And when one of those who sat at table with him heard these things, he said to him, Blessed is he who eats bread in the kingdom of God.

Even as in the old Testament, the Lord oftentimes advanced young men, to bear chief office and principality, where he saw them to excel the elder in wisdom and foresight. The same lesson teaches Christ (Luke 14): When you are bidden to a feast, set not yourself down in the highe…

Hence such are apt to put themselves forward among God's people, and as it were to take place above them, as if there was no doubt of it but it belonged to them. They, as it were, naturally do that which Christ forbids, Luke 14:7, etc., take the highest room. This they do, by ta…

But this we must do, if we would follow those who are truly turning to God. We must not only forsake sin, but must, in a sense, forsake all the world (Luke 14:33). That is, he must forsake all in his heart, and must come to a thorough disposition and readiness actually to quit a…

Thirdly, you that plead your outward calling in the world, to be an excuse why you cannot hearken to your effectual calling by Jesus Christ, consider this, that this plea has damned many a soul before you, and will damn you also, if you look not to it. This has been an ancient p…

And it should seem on this ground, that on that day, they might not labor neither to take it away before a flood, nor remove it from an approaching fire. So some of the masters think, although our Savior convince them from their own practice, in relieving cattle fallen into pits…

1. Then feasting is sinful, when any over-charge their estates; and lavish out what will but serve their necessities or conveniences upon delights and superfluities; to such, feasting is a sin. 2. When the rich feast the rich, and never think upon the poor (Luke 14:12-13). When…

Perish you must, and shall, and that for ever. Remember the Parable of our savior, Luke 14:31, 32. What king, going to make warre, against another king, sitts not down first, and consults whether he be able with Ten Thousand to meet him that coms against him with Twenty Thousand…

And thus to have her vineyard before her, signifies watchfulness and tenderness, as those who have their eye always on their orchard or vineyard. And it does import, 1. Watchfulness, as has been said. 2. Diligence and carefulness, so it's opposed to the hiding of the talent (Luk…

3. What is the scope of these allegories, in other Scriptures, as that of Psalm 45, that of planting a vineyard (Matthew 21), that of marriage (Matthew 22), (which none can deny) is meant of espousing spiritually. (See this same allegory of marriage, Jeremiah 3, Hosea 2-3, Ezeki…

Seventhly, Another rule is this, That the commands of the first table, so far forth as they are purely moral, supersede our obedience to the commands of the second table, when they are not both consistent. As for instance, We are in the second table required to obey our parents,…

2. And he is condemned as one who judges the things of the Gospel foolishness. John 6:44, No man can come to me, except the Father draw him; and that is a most wicked shift of him who married a wife (Luke 14:20), therefore I cannot come; we excuse such wicked weakness with this,…

And where the love of God is spread abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, which is given (Romans 5:5), and has a seat in the heart (John 21:15; John 14:15; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 6:4, 5, 6; Deuteronomy 30:6), as the habitual fear of God has also; what doubt is there but…

Therefore let no man fear that he can go too far, that there can be too much holiness and strictness in our ways: but let him remember the great God of heaven and earth, and what is due to him, and then think how far you fall short of that which you should do to him. It is an ex…

Note what he says in this case, He who loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me (Matthew 10:37). And again, If any come to me, and hate not his father and mother, he cannot be mine (Luke 14:26). To hate here, is to be so far from preferring father and mother befo…

But chiefly this is meant at the Day of Judgment; then those which pray in secret, their heavenly Father will reward them openly. When you relieve the poor, and show comfort to the needy, they cannot recompense you; but then you shall be recompensed, at the resurrection of the j…

If the Covenant of Grace is altogether absolute and unconditional, requiring nothing to be done on our part to entitle us to its benefits, then it cannot be man's duty in entering covenant with God to deliberate the terms, count the cost, or give his consent by word or writing,…

Men may refrain from wonted ways of sin for a little while, and may deny their lusts in a partial degree, with less difficulty; but it is heart-rending work finally to part with all sin, and give our dearest lusts a bill of divorce, utterly to send them away. But this we must do…

He that does not want a heart, will not want an occasion of interposing somewhat for God. This was Christ's manner (Luke 14:15): when he was eating bread in the Pharisee's house, he discourses, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. There will be a feast in he…

Look as it sees all things in God, so it sees God in all things. Thus Christ at Jacob's Well discourses of the Well of Life (John 4), at the Miracle of the Loaves, discourses of Manna (John 6), and (John 7) at the Feast of Tabernacles, of living waters; at the Pharisees' Supper,…

Life must be willingly laid down, when we cannot keep it but with forsaking the word. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren and sisters, indeed and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26). The life of et…

You must make God a good allowance when you embark with him; though called not only to dispute, but to die for religion, you must willingly submit. If any man come to me, and hate not his own life, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26). How soon the fire may be kindled, we canno…

The servants of God beg this gift (Acts 4:29): Grant to your servants, that with all boldness we may speak your word; when the world rages against them. 2. Though it be a special gift of God, yet the duty is contained in our first dedication and resignation of ourselves to Chris…

She did not delay till the Army came, and the city was surprised. When the Lord is marching against sinners with vengeance and fury, you cannot come soon enough to God to prevent it (Luke 14:32). That King that had twenty thousand marching against him, does not stay till they we…

1. We entered upon the profession of Christianity on these terms (Matthew 16:24): If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. Life, wealth, and honors must be forsaken (Luke 14:26): If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and…

This proud pronoun Ego, I, I, is always interposing; this Babel which I have built: We are sacrificing to this proud self, This I have done; and if God be mentioned, it is but for fashion-sake, as those women in the Prophet Isaiah, Only call us by your name, we will eat our own…

Do you know what it is? Rash undertakings will necessarily be accompanied with a feeble prosecution; and therefore count the charges, lest you repent of the bargain (Luke 14:23). 2. Make Christ a liberal allowance, if you would come to a resolution (Matthew 16:24): He that will…

Though a Christian be not always to talk of grace, yet he is always to talk so, as to show himself a gracious person. Our very table talk, as well as our meat, should be seasoned with salt, it should be with the first and second course; for salt is the first put on, and the last…

We are not only to eschew evil, but to do good also (1 Peter 3:11). And I the rather insist a little here on this, because many are more apt and prone to omit duties, to be neglectful of doing good, than to commit (especially) gross and palpable evils; and withal, to look upon i…

You little know the desperate straits to which we are driven, were you but in our places, we are persuaded you would not only pity us in what we have done, but would do the same things; Alas, would you have us beggar ourselves? undo our families? destroy our liberties and comfor…

Thus in (Luke 24:29), it is said by pressing importunity they compelled our Savior to stay with them, who otherwise would have gone further. (Luke 14:23) Compel them to come in. This the Jesuits, and Papists, and many of the School, conceive and conclude marvelously, peremptoril…

You are just in all that is brought upon us. And confession then is ingenuous when it is free not forced (Luke 15:18). I have sinned against heaven, and before you; he charges himself with sin before ever his father charges him with it.

Response. If you will now at last seek to God by prayer, and break off your sins, God has the compassion of a Father for you, and will in no wise cast you out. When the prodigal did arise and go to his father, his father had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed…

Whores are the Devil's horseleaches, sponges that will soon suck in all one's money. The prodigal had soon spent his portion when once he fell among harlots (Luke 15:30). King Edward the Third's concubine, when he lay a dying, got all she could from him, and plucked the rings of…

As when the wind leaves the west, it turns into a contrary corner. The repenting prodigal did not only leave his harlots, but did arise and go to his father (Luke 15:18). In true repentance the heart points directly to God, as the needle to the North Pole.

This exposes to contempt. When the Prodigal was poor, his brother was ashamed to own him (Luke 15:30): This your son; he said not this my brother, but this your son; he scorned to call him brother. When the deer is shot and bleeds, the rest of the herd push it away; when God sho…

Imputation alone is that which makes it his, and that [illegible] God's act; and he did never by any thing that he has done lay any the least obligation upon God to do it; and that must needs be most free, to the earning and procuring which, we have never done any thing, [illegi…

And that it does intend an earnest desire, we shewed in the consideration of the word foregoing. And the word is never used in the New Testament, but either in a bad sense, to express the impetuous acting of lust, as (Matthew 5:28; Galatians 5:17; Romans 1:1), or a most fervent…

Knowing that we have in ourselves. The things which they had lost, were their goods, or their substance, as they are called (Luke 15:13). To these he opposes the substance, which of what nature it is, he declares in comparison with those other goods.

9. The tears of a righteous man are more excellent: holy tears are the costly gum which distills from the trees of righteousness: Mary Magdalene stood at Christ's feet weeping (Luke 7:38). Her tears dropped as pearls from her eyes; the tears of the wicked are good for nothing, t…

Whoso is simple, &c. The stray lamb is brought home upon the Shepherd's shoulders (Luke 15). Oh that these words might be spirit and life to you!

If so, truly you have more need to exercise pity than revenge toward him — and that upon a double account. First, he is beside himself; for so indeed is every unconverted sinner — Luke 15:17. Should you go into Bedlam and there hear one rail at you, another mock you, and a third…

Ungodly men are frequently compelled by the light of their own consciences, and by the irresistible evidence of things, to commend those holy and righteous ways of God, in which they will not walk. It is true, wicked men are generally mad, and therefore it is said of the Prodiga…

We speak of voluntary relation, for there are natural relations, as between parents and children: and these need no Covenant, there is no Covenant to make a man a parent, or a child. There are also violent relations, as between conqueror and captives, and in these there is no Co…

Men will do thus and thus because they think their state is good. The Scribes and Pharisees came not to Christ (Luke 15:1), but Publicans and sinners came: so it is with men now, do we lay open their sins to them, yet they will not be persuaded: men will be righteous of themselv…

Dan. 9. Luk. 15. The second point is, the excellencie of Humiliation, which stands in this, that it has the promises of life eternal annexed to it, Esa. 57. 15.

Where mention is made of divers Apostataes, that were by God called to repentance, with promise of pardon, if they turned unto him. And in Luk. 15. the Prodigall child, (by whome I understand one, that after grace received, ell from his repentance and obedience to God) when he d…

3. It is pleasant to Him, because in this, the Lord has a special complacency; and has evidenced in His Word, comparatively a greater delight in sinners closing with Christ, and in their accepting of life through Him, than in many other things: therefore it is, that He calls for…

So that if you would know what is the sum and effect of Christ's errand and work in the world, here it is: He came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He came to seek and save that which was lost; to bring home the lost sheep on His shoulder; to seek and find the lost coin; to rec…

O Lord open your lips, that my mouth may show forth your praise: and after the meeting of the Lord and the forlorn Son, besides the poor son's expression, full of sense: consider how much sense and joy is in the Father; it is a parable, yet it says much of God. Luke 15, Verse 20…

And man is led and taken with reason. Christ is a convincing thing, and invincibly binds reason: so the forlorn Son, before he returns to his Father, argues (Luke 15:17), My Father has bread, he gives it to servants, and I am a starving son; therefore I'll return to my Father; a…

(3.) They buy and sell you [in non-Latin alphabet] with decked up and well kammed fair words. O our Redeemer that bought us, our Saviour! O free grace! O free redemption! as Libertines now do, and yet they that deny sanctification, deny Christ who in their profession bought them…

(2.) No further price for what they need (1 Peter 1:18-19), you are not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without spot and blemish. The repentance of a sinner is pleasing to him, there is joy in heaven (Luke…

Though they themselves be not the parties interested, the spectators not the guests; yet they are delighted in the glory of God, and are kindly affectionated to the salvation of lost men; and that they may have a nearer view of this mystery God gratifies them by sending them oft…

Marke the speech, I thought. The prodigall child, Luk. 15. upon his purpose to returne to his father, (before he had indeed humbled himselfe in word) was received to mercie. When Dauid said, I have sinned, Nathan in the name of God said, Your sinne is forgiuen you.

When the prodigall sonne conceiued a desire to be reconciled to his father, with a purpose to confesse his offence, before he had vttered his desire, he is received to mercie. Luk 15:21. The second example is a desire of Gods presence and protection in common iudgements.

The sin of false apostles that troubled the Galatians (Galatians 5:10). Nay, it drives men beside themselves, as appears in the example of the prodigal son, who repenting of his sin, is said to have come to himself (Luke 15:17). Small sins are like slips and slidings, whereby me…

Neither can it be but men of any good heart, will be deeply touched with extreme sorrow at the beholding of such a woeful spectacle. We read, (Luke 15:10) how the angels rejoice at the conversion of a sinner, and therefore they are much grieved at the perdition of any one of the…

Let us now examine the parable in detail. Luke 15:12. And the younger of them said to his father. The parable opens by describing a mark of wicked arrogance in the youth, which appears in his being desirous to leave his father, and in thinking that he cannot be right without bei…

14. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of those little ones should perish. Luke 15:1-10 1. And all the publicans and sinners drew near to him to hear him.

Matthew 15:26, 27. The Prodigal Son said, I will arise and go to my Father, and I will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy it be called thy Son; make me as one of thy hired Servants, Luke 15:18, etc. See also Luke 18:9. etc.

Luke 13:3: 'Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.' Luke 15:7, 10: 'There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents,' that is, over one sinner that is converted. Acts 11:18: 'Then has God, also to the Gentiles, granted repentance unto life.'

It appeared in Cain who hated his brother, because he was more acceptable to God than himself; and it appears still in these times, and in this place. There are many who are like the elder brother, who could not bear it that the prodigal when he returned should be received with…

3. It is a sad word to those that leave the ordinary way of God's calling by the preaching of the word, and trust to raptures, revelations, inspirations, and extraordinary means for God to call them by: alas, they also are out of God's ordinary way of calling; for God ordinarily…

Surely yes. For if there be joy in Heaven (Luke 15) over a repenting sinner, then doubtless, there is abundant ground of joy on earth. If Angels rejoice when a sinner repents, much more may the repenting sinner rejoice.

The Angel of the Lord pitches round about them that feare him: And all this they doe unto us of loue, as though it were not inioyned them: So we after their example must imploy our selues in soule and bodie, calling, credit, and all we have for the good of men. Sixtly, the Angel…

So when the Lord had spoken unto Job, and made him see and know himselfe, he cries out, Behold, I am vile, Job. 39, 37. and againe, Now I abhorre my selfe, and repent in dust and ashes, for those things that I have said and done, Chap. 42. 6. In such sort also did the Prodigall…

The third qualification confirms the same (for, it is in effect one qualification in three expressions) and it's in these words, and in the day of the gladness of his heart; What is it (says she) that cheers Christ, and makes him heartily glad? It's even this, when poor sinners…

The first is, her bowels being thus stirred and moved, she arises to open, as being sorry she had lain still and shifted him so long: I rose up; This is opposite to her former lying still, and refusing to give him entry; now she yields, and begins to bestir herself, to draw her…

A returning sinner will be welcome to all the persons of the Godhead. 2. We, that is, I with the Angels, who (Luke 15:10) rejoice at the conversion of a sinner. And, 3. we may import, I and all the daughters that admire you.

"My spirit made diligent search." As the woman in the Gospel did light a candle, and search for her lost groat (Luke 15:8). So conscience is the candle of the Lord (Proverbs 20:27).

Every step a sinner takes is a going further from God. The Prodigal's going into a far country (Luke 15:14) was an emblem of the sinner's going afar off from God. How far are they distant from God, who have been traveling forty or fifty years from their Father's house!

Such withered grass are the wicked, who are never taken into the reapers bosom; but as soon as saints are cut down by death, they fall into the hands and bosoms of the angels of God, who bear them in their arms and bosoms to God their father (Luke 16:22). For look, as these bles…

The world hates a ruling and reigning Christ; and so we hate his holy actings, and the wishing to have grace and gracious influences ruling in us, is a dream. We really desire no such thing, but love an independency of our own, as was the unlucky prayer of the son who loved not…

Sense complains the breathings of the Spirit are not strong, the wind is not fair: but faith is not content to look through the key-hole, and see the half of his face, and is humbler: Ah, may I but hear of him, or kiss his feet and weep over them, touch but the skirts or the hem…

Nor is this to flatter such as separate from Christ and his ordinances; nor to say, Stand by yourself, come not near me; for I am holier than you (Isaiah 65:5), and yet they themselves remain among the graves and lodge in the monuments. Be rather frequenting hospitals of sick on…

This is represented in the parable of the Prodigal Son, by the carriage of the father towards the elder brother that was so proud, and ill-humored, so angry that he would not come in. The father did not say, "Let him stay out then," but he came himself and entreated him (when he…

Hannah's meekness and quietness was in some degree wanting, when she fretted, and wept, and would not eat (1 Samuel 1:7), but prayer composed her spirit, and set her to rights (verse 18) — her countenance was no more sad. It was the unquietness of the spirit of the elder brother…

Yes, yes; He is more ready to receive you, than you are to come to him. Luke 15:20. And he, [••]ose and came to his Father. But when he was yet a great way off, his Father saw him, and had compassion on him, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

When any particular soul is freed from the family of this world, it is revealed to the angels. There is joy in the presence of the angels of God (that is among the angels, and by them) over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:10). Now the angels cannot of themselves absolutely know…

Section 15. Of the unlawfulness of children's traveling, and binding themselves apprentices without consent of parents. Contrary also to the forenamed part of children's obedience, is the practice of such children as travel, and seek their fortunes (as they speak) without consen…

You may make your acquittance and write, Received in full payment. Luke 16:25: Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things. But a saint's happiness is in reversion; the righteous has hope in his death.

Some think, if God should send an angel from heaven and declare his mind, then they should rather believe him; or if he should send one from the damned, and preach the torments of hell all in flames, then they would believe. But (Luke 16:31): "If they believe not Moses and the P…

It is a bad sign God is not their Father: 1. Who are fierce and cruel, as if with Romulus they had sucked the milk of a wolf (Romans 3:17). The way of peace have they not known, they sport in mischief; these are they who are of a persecuting spirit, as Maximinus, Dioclesian, Ant…

This is the stone which the builders refused. Others deride him (Luke 16:14). Others throw off his yoke (Luke 19:14).

Did we think thus when we come into God's house, Perhaps this will be the last time that ever God will counsel us about our souls; before another sermon death's alarm will sound in our ears: with what attention and devotion should we come here, and our affections would be all on…

(Ezekiel 33:31) They sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but their heart goes after their covetousness. A covetous hearer derides the word, (Luke 16:14). The Pharisees who were covetous heard all, and they derided him.

Thus covetousness obstructs the efficacy of the word, and makes it prove abortive. Such whose hearts are rooted in the earth will be so far from profiting by the word, that they will be ready rather to deride it (Luke 16:14). The Pharisees who were covetous derided him.

But sinners are worse than brutish, they fear not the fire of Hell till they are in it. Most have their conscience asleep or [reconstructed: seared]; but when they shall see the vials of God's wrath dropping, then they will cry out as Dives, O I am tormented in this flame! (Luke…

This made Averroes deny a providence, and made Asaph say, "Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain" (Psalm 73:12), but there is no cause of envy at their prosperity, if we consider two things. 1. This is all they must have (Luke 16:25): "Son, remember that you in your lifetime r…

The angel never poured out his vial but some woe followed; (Revelation 16:3) when the bitter vials of God's wrath are poured out, damnation follows. Dives cries out, O I am tormented in this flame; (Luke 16:24). In Hell there's not a drop of mercy.

A great estate may be like a long trailing garment, more burdensome than useful: many that have great incomes and revenues have not so much comfort in their lives, as some that go to their hard labor. 9. If you have less daily bread, you will have less account to give: the riche…

Qu. 3. How then are these ways and means of the worship of God made known to us? Answ. In and by the written word only; which contains a full and perfect revelation of the will of God; as to his whole worship, and all the concernments of it: John 5:39, Isaiah 8:20, Luke 16:19, 2…

Q. And what evil shall they then have the feeling of? A. They shall feel unspeakable torment both in soul and body (Mark 9:43, 44, 45; Luke 16:23, 24). Q. What will be the effect thereof?

And thus Abraham did in his own person inherit it: for he was translated from this world, after his death, into the glory of heaven. And in that respect, the glory of heaven is rather called the bosom of Abraham, Luke 16, than of any other the Patriarchs, both for the excellency…

For so soon as he saw the fingers of a man's hand, writing upon the wall, he became quite confounded in himself: his countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him; so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against the other: What comfort had h…

I answer: God rewards them that seek him, First, by offering himself graciously to be found of them that seek him: for he never hides himself, nor turns away from the soul that seeketh him; but rather turns to him, and meets him that comes to him: he is that good Father, which s…

And that it does intend an earnest desire, we shewed in the consideration of the word foregoing. And the word is never used in the New Testament, but either in a bad sense, to express the impetuous acting of lust, as (Matthew 5:28; Galatians 5:17; Romans 1:1), or a most fervent…

Yes, two mites, is accounted a great deal, if it be all we have; much more than the abundance of self-righteous Pharisees. The most lively, and affectionate Prayers, and performances of unsound, of unregenerate ones, are but dead works: though at present persons don't see, or [i…

For the souls of the godly lie under the altar, and cry, How long Lord Jesus (Revelation 6:9)? Dives in soul did suffer the woe and torments of hell: and Lazarus had joy in Abraham's bosom (Luke 16:23). Again some others think, that men's souls after this life do pass from one m…

Argument 6 Argument 6. We are not Lords of an estate, but Stewards; and how soon may we hear that word, redde rationem, Give an account of your stewardship, for you may be no longer Steward, Luke 16. 2. An estate is a talent to trade with, 'tis as dangerous to hide our talent, a…

2. Take heed of betraying faith, by distrusting present means, 'tis an usual thing. Luke 16: If one come from the dead they would believe, if we had Oracles or Miracles, or God did speak to us from Heaven as heretofore, then we should not falter in our trust as we now do; but by…

And to this agree Chrysostom, Ambrose, and Isidore, who says: Behold, a sign is not necessary to believers who have already believed, but to infidels that they may be converted. Lastly, our faith is to be confirmed not by revelations and apparitions of dead men, but by the writi…

Now if Abraham knew not his posterity, neither Mary nor Peter nor any other of the saints departed know us and our estate, and consequently they cannot make any particular intercession for us. If they say that Abraham and Jacob were then in Limbo, which they will have to be a pa…

We for our parts deny it, as having no warrant in the word of God, which mentions only two places for men after this life — heaven and hell — with the twofold condition thereof: joy and torment. Luke 16:25-26; John 3:36; Revelation 22:14-15; Revelation 21:7-8; Matthew 8:11. Nay,…

As Machiavel is said to have told the Confessor sent to him by the Duke of Florence, when he was upon his sick bed: he dreamt that he was in Heaven, and that there he saw many poor unlearned Monks and others of mean capacity and quality; and that he had been in Hell, and there s…

As yourselves (to speak in your own language) if wars should beset you, and your country house were plundered and pulled down, you would comfort yourselves with this, I have yet a city house to retire to. Neither is the terming the glory of heaven, and that as it is bestowed upo…

Secondly, consider we now again the case and outward condition of such a soul, that of itself would fall out to it upon the dissolution of the body. 1. It fails of all sorts of comforts it had in and by its union with the body in this world (Luke 16:9). When you fail, says Chris…

Would any reckon themselves happy to be called upon to give an account of their stewardship for talents, and know not how to give a good account of one farthing? (Luke 16:2) Give an account of your stewardship. 3. Is it well with them who are the worse for what they have?

As a long time that is infinitely long, exceeds one that is a span long in quantity, so does this life exceed the natural life, in perpetuity, and excels all other lives in excellency. Secondly, this life is a life indeed; as that that feeds it is meat indeed; the other is not s…

This has been confirmed in the experience of all that ever lived. The rich glutton (Luke 16) has the better life as to externals, and Lazarus had a poor, afflicted life — but when death comes, the rich glutton goes to hell, and Lazarus goes to the bosom of Abraham. This is laid…

And this is a reason of the former; to wit, that no other can absolve but God, the party offended, who is judge. We mark it for this practical use which the Apostle makes of it, which is to bid us lay less weight upon others, thinking well of us, or absolving us; and on our own…

I do not intend that we are to imitate the Martyr who put his hand in the fire, the night before he suffered, to try how he could endure burning-quick; but that we are to lay the supposition, what if it so fall out; (as Christ being persuaded his suffering was to come, acted sor…

4. We live and act in Christ, and are changed from glory to glory; it is but a growing change by degrees. Then the kingdom of heaven and glory is not in this life, nor hell in this life, as these dreamers say; the conditions of happiness, and misery, that follow Lazarus, and the…

For all the like places Arminians expound of the body, of the whole body of the visible Church, externally called; now this is most absurd, that all and every one should be saved, to whom Apostles, and Pastors were sent to preach the Gospel, then all must be restricted to the ch…

2. His human nature thus knowing all, [I know your works, your labor, and your patience, etc. (Revelation 22)] He therewith has an act of memory, and recalls how himself was once affected, and how distressed while on earth, under the same or the like miseries: For the memory of…

And yet thus much I say, that many times without laying out of money, he cannot be had, without parting with money we cannot get him, the case so stands that sometimes, the holding fast a man's money lets go the Lord Jesus Christ, you have a famous example in the young man (Matt…

The law is represented by Moses, and the prophets by Elias. Both did frequently foretell and prefigure the death and resurrection of Christ, and all the Scripture which was then written, was usually called by this term, Law and Prophets, (Acts 24:14) believing all things that ar…

(1.) Some will not believe the Gospel, except they see a miracle, or hear an oracle. Christ represents their thoughts (Luke 16:30): in fact, Father Abraham, if one went to them from the dead, then they would repent. They would have other ways of assurance than God allows, and ar…

4. It was injurious to Christ, to hope to learn something from Moses and Elijah which Christ could not teach them, and to equal them with his Lord and Master, in building tabernacles for all three alike and without difference, was some lessening of his respect to Christ. If they…

6. Their last office is at death and judgment. In death to convey our souls to Christ (Luke 16:22): And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom, that so we may enjoy our rest in heaven. In the last day they will gather the bodies…

Further, we must consider we have not onely received them; but that we have so received them, as that they are not our own, with which we may doe what we list, but talents lent vs for a time, and left with vs to employ, ouer which we are but stewards and bayliffes, not lords or…

For none will seek after the physician, but such as feel themselves vehemently sick, and that desire both the remedy and their health. And therefore they compare this place with that in Luke 16:15: That which is highly esteemed before men, is an abomination in the sight of God.…

They were not content with God alone, but sought a thousand inventions: for what will satisfy him that forsakes the Lord? Christ speaks also in this sort; They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them (Luke 16:29). For although Abraham be brought in speaking there, yet is…

Mark 1:1. The beginning of the Gospel. Though what we have hitherto taken out of Matthew and Luke is a part of the Gospel, yet it is not without reason that Mark makes the beginning of the Gospel to be the preaching of John the Baptist. For the Law and the Prophets then came to…

19. Whoever then shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever shall have done and taught them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Luke 16:17 17. Now it is easier for heaven an…

32. But I say to you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, except on account of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry a woman that is put away commits adultery. Luke 16:18 18. Whosoever puts away his wife, and marries another, commits adultery:…

36. If therefore your whole body shall be luminous, not having any part dark, the whole shall be luminous, as when a candle enlightens you by its brightness. Luke 16:13 13. No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or will hold to the…

Widely different is the account which Christ gives us, when he says, that the law and the prophets were till John, and that since that time the kingdom of God began to be preached, (Luke 16:16) Mark, too, as we mentioned a little ago, declares that the preaching of John was the…

—In an earlier portion of this Commentary, to which our author refers, (Harmony, volume 1 page 337,) no direct or formal explanation of the word Mammon is to be found; but a careful reader of the expository remarks on Matthew 6:24 will easily perceive that Calvin understands ric…

28. For I say to you, Among those who are born of women, there is not a greater Prophet than John the Baptist; yet he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 16:16 16. The Law and the Prophets (were) till John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached,…

There is still something lacking in our faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10). Grace is but in its infancy and minority, and we must be still adding a cubit to our spiritual stature; the Apostles said Lord increase our faith (Luke 17:5). Grace is but weak (2 Samuel 3:39).

Because he might have sacrifices of thanksgiving ready to offer to God for their deliverance. To have a thankful heart for a deliverance, is a greater blessing than the deliverance itself (Luke 17:15). One of the lepers, when he saw he was healed, turned back, and with a loud vo…

Because this sin of drunkenness does so abound in this age, I shall enlarge something more on this head. It is said of the Old World, they ate, they drank, till the Flood came (Luke 17:27). Drinking is not a sin; but the meaning is, they drank to intemperance, they disordered th…

God honors his children with the title of kings (Revelation 1:6): And has made us kings. All God's children are kings: though they have not earthly kingdoms, yet, 1. They carry a kingdom about them (Luke 17:21): The kingdom of God is within you: grace is a kingdom set up in the…

2. More Particularly. (1.) Masters must have a care to provide for their servants: As they cut them out work, so they must give them their meat in due season (Luke 17:7). And the food should be wholesome and sufficing.

3. Lay up a stock of faith. Luke 17:4: If your brother trespass against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to you, and say, I repent, you shall forgive him. And the Apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith.

And the Church (Isaiah 64:6): we all are as an unclean thing, and our righteousness are as filthy rags, every prayer, every Sabbath, every ordinance in which we attend, do all help to let us see how unworthy we are of God's favor; how full of death, and of a body of death, we ar…

Q. Why do you say that Justification is perfect at the first? A. Not in respect of the sense and feeling, and assurance of it, for these may increase and grow daily, and are therefore daily to be prayed for (Matthew 6:12; Luke 17:5). Q. How then is justification perfect at the f…

Q. When must a man under censure be loosed and forgiven? A. When he gives such signs of repentance as may satisfy rational charity that the sin is truly subdued and mortified (Luke 17:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 2:6, 7, 8).

So we accordingly must labour and strive against that inbred unbelief which is in us: for every man has innumerable sins in him that resist faith; and if they be not checked and suppressed, they will master his faith: but he that would have faith to continue and last, must striv…

Woe be to them that follow the way of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel (Revelation 2:14; Jude v. 11). Now offences must come, but woe to the men by whom they come: it were better for me, that a millstone were hanged about my neck,…

The sixth sign is, an exceeding deadness of heart, so as neither judgments from heaven, nor the preaching of the word shall move the hearts of men. So Christ says, It shall be in the coming of the Son of Man, as it was in the days of Noah, and in the days of Sodom: they knew not…

I desire to see you that I may perfect that which is lacking in your faith. Luke 17:5, Lord increase our faith, and (Mark 9:24) Lord I believe, help my unbelief: faith is most defective, our assent is tremulous, our affiance weak; and faith is most assaulted. All the temptations…

Reason 3. Luke 17:10: When you have done all those things that are commanded us, we are unprofitable servants — we have done that which was our duty to do. The Papists answer that we are unprofitable to God but not to ourselves.

Taught therefore to look for all things from the most free grace and good pleasure of God, they strive to depend wholly upon His will, and not to seek in a troubled or impatient manner the remedies for their evils for which they long (Habakkuk 1:2–4). That consternation of soul,…

[Colossians 3:22. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters, according to the flesh, in all things; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. Luke 17:7. Who is it also of you, that having a servant plowing, or feeding cattle, would…

The other ground of our answer to all the places on the contrary, is that the word [Greek text], and [Greek text]; Christ died for all: does never signify all and every one of mankind, by neither Scripture, nor the doctrine of adversaries: but is as all Divines say, to be expoun…

No, this is not the spirit of a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, and it will be but uncomfortable to such ministers, as think now they may be left to the wide world, they will shift anywhere, but where we see any seeds of faith begun, we must be desirous to increase it in ours…

If we be able to do it ourselves, we must not discover it, but do it ourselves and let it go no further; but if the burden be too great, that he cannot lift it up, it is too weighty a matter for him, then he may call in those that are able to help him in such a work, so as that…

And (Colossians 2:16) let no man judge you in meat or drink, or in a piece of a holy day, or of a new Moon, or Sabbath day, etc. So says our Savior Christ: The kingdom of God comes not with observation of the law (Luke 17:20). Much less then are men's consciences, to be burdened…

Besides this, Paul should be inconstant and unlike himself, if he should admonish unclean persons, fornicators, wantons, and that three times before excommunication: and should at the first excommunicate certain others, without any precedent admonition. Third, the word there use…

In a word, as he had described repentance by the signs, so he now sets forth their inward obstinacy and hardness of heart, by the outward testimonies of it. For even as we witness our sorrow for sin by abstinence and other exercises; so by our dissolutions and superfluities, we…

The kingdom of the Father, as the inheritance of the godly, is contrasted with the earth, to remind them that here they are pilgrims, and therefore ought to look upwards towards heaven. In another passage, the kingdom of God is said to be within us, (Luke 17:21), but we shall no…

29. And he said to them, This kind "this kind [of devils] goes not out" cannot go out in any other way than by prayer and fasting. Luke 17:5-6 5. And the apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith.

20. For where two or three are assembled “— Ou il y en a deux ou trois assemblez;” — “— where there are two or three of them assembled.” — in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Luke 17:3 3. Be on your guard.

35. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do to you, if you forgive not every one his brother from your hearts their offenses. Luke 17:4 4. And if seven times in a day he shall offend against thee, and seven times in a day he shall turn to thee, saying, I repent, forgive him.

47. And if your eye offend you, pluck it out; for it were better for you to enter with one eye into the kingdom of God than that, having two eyes, you should be cast into hell-fire: 48. Where their worm dies not, and their fire is not quenched. Luke 17:1-2 1. And he said to his…

24. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all nations; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, till the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Luke 17:22-25 22. And he said to the disciples, The days will come when you shall desire…

33. Take heed, watch and pray; for you know not when the time is. Luke 17:26-37 26. And as it happened in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Again (Luke 21): As a snare shall that day come upon all them, that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Again (Luke 17): As the lightning that lightens out of the one part under heaven, shines to the other part under heaven: so shall the Son of Man be in his day. That is, it s…

These Graces therefore in carrying on the work of Sanctification are gradually encreased. So the Disciples prayed our Saviour that he would encrease their Faith, Luke 17. 5. That is, adde to its Light, confirm it in its Assent, multiply its Acts, and make it strong against its A…

The word is no where used absolutely in Scripture in any sense but for this habitable world. Only sometimes it has a restrained sense, denoting the Roman Empire, as (Luke 2:1), according to the usual language of those days, wherein the people of Rome, or their Emperors were styl…

Lawful things are oftentimes the occasion of unlawful. All the sins of the old world are described thus, they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, etc. (Luke 17:27-28). There is not one of these an act evil in itself, yet they sinned away their peace, and sinne…

When God gives unto men the outward meanes of salvation, wherein he does reueale his grace & fauour in Christ; as the Gospel preached, which is therefore called the word of the kingdome, Matth. 13. 19. And so Christ (hauing relation to his preaching, which he confirmed by miracl…

So Christs Disciples did not onely heare him preach, but desired to bee instructed in those things which they knew not, Matth. 13. 36. Declare to us the meaning of the parable: also they prayed him to increase their faith, Luk. 17. 5. Here then we may see the cause of that ignor…

25. The twenty-fifth and last sin of London, which I shall speak of, is carnal security — another of Sodom's sins. It is said of the Sodomites (Luke 17:28-29), In the days of Lot, they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built: but the same day that L…

The world of mankind being continued so long in a state of such great prosperity, shall now begin to abuse their prosperity, to serve their lust and corruption. This we learn from Luke 17:26, etc. 2. Those apostates shall make great opposition to the church of God.

No wise husbandman will neglect a fit opportunity of gathering in his hay and corn, upon a presumption of much fair weather to come; he will not say, the weather is settled, and I need not trouble myself, though my corn and hay be fit for the house, yet I may get it in another t…

Or stand against him steadfast and fixed in the faith (verse 9)? Christ is much upon this, by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Watch, Watch, and pray; and lest it slip them again, I say to you, Watch (Matthew 26:38, 40, 45; Matthew 24:42; Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:23; Mark 14:38; Luke 17:2…

The Nature of Man will not allow it. Indeed Christ says, Luke 17:20. The Kingdom of God comes not with Observation.

It will be a good evidence of our repentance toward God, to humble ourselves to our brothers, whom we have offended, as it will be also a good evidence of our being forgiven of God if we be ready to [reconstructed: forgive] those that have offended us: And such yielding pacifies…

In all the means that we use, let us look up to him, and seek a blessing of him. The latter must with the tenth leper return back to Christ, and glorify God (Luke 17:16). Whatever the means were, or whoever the minister was, the praise and glory of all must be given to him.

It is further commended in the examples of Abraham's servant, Elijah's servant, and many others (Genesis 24:9; 1 Kings 18:43). Note how far the Lord Christ exacts this duty of servants: though a servant has been all day plowing — a laborious and wearisome work — yet when he come…

And it always so fell out, to fix our faith on the right bottom, that scarce any Prophet that spoke in the name of God, had any Approbation from the Church, in whose days He spoke. Matthew 5:12. chapter 23:29. Luke 17:47, 48. Acts 7:52. Matthew 21:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. It is t…

There were Divisions and Parties, Schisms and Sects in the Corinthian Church, and they must be, says the Apostle, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you, 1 Corinthians 11:19. Our Lord Jesus forewarns his Disciples, that Offences will come, and it is not possi…

Others have had as much of God's patience, and as fair opportunity as you, whose souls and Christ have never met, and now know, that they never shall; they had their time of worldly projects and enjoyment, as you now have, and followed them, as if they had been immortally to abi…

By the law of creation, we were not appointed to serve and please the flesh, but to serve God. (Luke 17:10) When you have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants, we have done that which was our debt or duty to do. Obedience, worship, and…

So accordingly should we reason of God's mercy, according to the mercy that we find in ourselves. Therefore it is very notable, that when Christ had spoken of forgiving our brethren, not only seven times, but seventy times seven, the disciples said to the Lord, Increase our fait…

And mark, when God carried on his kingdom in a way of sensible manifestation, by visions, oracles, and miracles: so did Satan visibly govern the pagan world by apparitions, oracles, lying wonders, and sensible manifestations of himself. But now, when God's kingdom is spiritual,…

One is that administration which belongs to the present life, and is called the kingdom of grace; and the other belongs to the life to come, and is called the kingdom of glory. 1. The kingdom of grace is spoken of in many places, especially (Luke 17:20-21): When he was demanded…

Let us then give God spirit-worship; this best suits with his nature: a sovereign elixir full of virtue may be given in a few drops — a little prayer, if it be with the heart and spirit, may have much virtue and efficacy in it. The publican made but a short prayer, God be mercif…

The more love a Christian receives from God, the more he sees himself a debtor to free grace, and the sense of his debt keeps his heart humble, but presumption is bred of pride. He who presumes, disdains; he thinks himself better than others (Luke 18:11): God I thank you, I am n…

We are kept by power of God. 3. The world's golden snares, riches and pleasure (Luke 18:24). How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God.

4. If we trust in our civility, we make it a God: many trust to this, none can charge them with gross sin. Civility is but nature refined and cultivated; a man may be washed and not changed: his life may be civil, yet there may be some reigning sin in his heart: the Pharisee cou…

Answ. 1. When our faith in prayer is humble: A presumptuous person hopes to be heard in prayer for some inherent worthiness in himself; he is so qualified, and has done God good service, therefore he is confident God will hear his prayer. See an instance (Luke 18:11-12). The Pha…

O how thankful should you be to God? Do as that blind man in the Gospel, after he had received his sight, he followed Christ glorifying God (Luke 18:43). Make Heaven ring of God's praises.

8. If you would not fall short of the kingdom of heaven, take heed of worldly-mindedness; a covetous spirit is a dunghill spirit, it chokes good affections, as the earth puts out the fire. The world hindered the young man from following Christ, abiit tristis, he went away sorrow…

The world's golden sands are quicksands. How hard is it for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven, (Luke 18:24). The consideration of this should make us submit to God in adversity, and say, Your will be done: God sees what is best for us; if we have less estate we are…

The husbandman waits till the seed spring up: wait for the harvest of glory. Some have their waiting weeks at court; this is your waiting time: Christ says, Pray and faint not (Luke 18:1). So wait and faint not.

Why do they not dare to come to Christ in the present state, but must wait for these dispositions? Why thus it is, they are afraid that Christ will not accept of them, such as they are, but if they were thus of so, could but find in themselves these desired frames, then they sho…

(5) because in all the prayers of the Church, there is an especial regard had to himself, and the whole work of his mediation. (1) Luke 18:1; Chap. 21:36; Romans 12:5; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2. (2) Ephesians 4:8, 12, 13; Romans 8:15, 16; Galatians 4:6.

A cunning flatterer who is continually suggesting things and taking all hints and occasions to do so may at last work hard to push out a near and dear friend and make one jealous of him. As the judge yielded to her importunity (Luke 18:5), so the mind is apt to yield to a sugges…

'Does his promise fail forever?' Remember what is said in another case in Luke 18:8 — that though he bears long, yet he comes speedily — that is, though long in our eyes, yet speedily in his own. He has all time before him and knows how much time remains to be spent in embraces…

[⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩]. But absolutely it signifies to pay tithes, or to give tithes, not to receive them (Luke 18:12). [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], I tithe all that I possess; that is, give tithe out of it.

One great relief provided in this case, is a direction to argue à minore ad majus; if the blood of bulls and goats did so purify the unclean, how much more will the blood of Christ purge our consciences? How heavenly, how divine is that way of arguing to this end, which our bles…

But some may say, who is there that will not own all his works to be of God, and deny himself in them? This may seem to be no great matter: did not the Pharisee do so (Luke 18:11)? God, I thank you, &c. — he seems to acknowledge God, and his grace, in what he was, and did, or ha…

Thus in their own defense, that which Christ says, they contradict, and justify themselves. Here mark the nature of all impenitent sinners, which is to soothe and flatter themselves in sin, and to maintain their own righteousness, like to the proud Pharisee in his prayer, who br…

1. A righteous man is a humble man; he who is proud of his righteousness, is unrighteous. Luke 18:1. God I thank you that I am not as other men are, I fast, I give tithes: Here was a triple crown of pride the Pharisee wore; righteousness though it raises the name, it depresses t…

'Tis blasphemy to wrong his mercy by lessening thoughts: but grant the sinner his supposition, yet you should be instant, and try what he will do for importunity's sake. See Luke 11:8 [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] and Luke 18:5 [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], &c. In those parables th…

Query 2. Though God's abhorring and final rejecting of prayer is an argument of his abhorring the person who prays, dare we conclude so from a mere suspension of the answer? God may bear long with his own elect who cry to him day and night — Luke 18:7. Query 3. Can you deny that…

This humiliation (or sensibleness of sin) whether you call it a part of faith, taken largely; or a preparation for faith, taken strictly: to be sure it is a necessary requisite to believing. It is the humble publican that comes to Christ for mercy in earnest (Luke 18:13-14). Fai…

4. Some build their hopes of salvation upon a comparative goodness, that they are not so bad as others. Many do, Pharisee-like, bear themselves upon this (Luke 18:11). But be it so; yet to have less sin, than some others; that is not to have faith.

Objection, But we may pray in the act of receiving, therefore we may kneel. Answ. Kneeling is not the only prayer gesture, for the publican stood and prayed (Luke 18:13). Though Moses and Samuel stood before me (Jeremiah 15:1).

For nothing can be holy to the Lord, which is not made holy by the Lord. It was a part of the Pharisees' superstition to fast twice a week (Luke 18:12), and it was the brand set upon Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:33), that he ordained a feast to the children of Israel, upon the fifteenth…

Your prayers may be answered, though the thing prayed for be withheld, yes, or though it should be given for a little while and then taken from you again. There are four ways God answers prayers: by giving the thing prayed for immediately (Daniel 9:23); by suspending the answer…

Captivity and affliction and no Redeemer; but when the world was over-run with idolatry, the Jews oppressed by the Romans, the scepter departed from Judah, Herod an Edomite, and stranger king, and scarce any faith left, then, then he comes. The world will be in much the like cas…

Quest. But how is it possible there should be any good towards us? That the sins in which the Nation hath been so steeped, and parboil'd, should be forgiven? that our divisions and animosities should be healed, Gods Ordinances refined, and the Lord continue his gracious presence…

Sixthly, the manner of performing [confidence of God's gracious acceptance and assistance through Christ] for in all our ways God must be acknowledged (Proverbs 3:6), and much more in such special matters of weight. If men in entering into this Covenant look for acceptance, thro…

The name of Clergy appropriate to Ministers, is full of pride and vainglory, and has made the holy people of God to be despised, as if they were profane and unclean in comparison of their Ministers. Gerard likens those who take to themselves the name of the Clergy, to the Pharis…

And to find God is to obtain and secure the aid thus sought, and to experience His most holy majesty as propitious and benevolent." In reply: to take refuge in the faith of God is to trust in God; those who do this are blessed (Psalms 2:12); to seek the aid of God's grace includ…

The 2nd symptom is deep security, and much self-confidence; where these are, Christ's Intercession is little, or not at all made use of; when a soul makes no question of, nor has any doubt about its own peace, or about its praying or getting a hearing, this is indeed self-confid…

When the Spirit of God helps us to fervency, to cry to God, and to be earnest with him in that regard, and not to give him over, and comes from a sensible want of the blessings we stand in need of, and that makes us go out of ourselves to God, for the mercy that is according to…

And this, according to Paul, is to be under the works of the law, that is to say, that hypocrites do the law, and yet in doing it, they do it not: for they understand this word doing according to the literal sense of the law, which in true Christian divinity is nothing worth. In…

These confess with their mouth that they are sinners, and they confess also that they commit sins daily, however not so great and many, but that they are able to put them away by their own works: indeed and besides all this, they will bring their righteousness and deserts to Chr…

Here he must needs fall into the hatred of God, and blasphemy against God. Before, when he was out of temptation, he was a very holy man, he worshipped and praised God, he bowed his knee before God and gave him thanks, as the Pharisee did (Luke 18). But now when sin and death is…

IV. They held, that the keeping of the morall lawe, stood in externall obedience, as appeares by the speeches of Christ, reforming their errours, Math. 5. 6. 7. chap. v. They maintained a naturall freedome of the will, in the obseruing of the law, Luk. 18. Lord I thanke you (say…