Malachi

There is some kind of justice, that they should have a temporal reward: God lets them prosper, under whose wing his people are sheltered. God will not be in any man's debt; (Malachi 1:10) Who has kindled a fire on my altar for nothing? 2. God lets men go on in sin and prosper, t…

It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of that honor we owe to God (Malachi 1:6). If I am a Father, where is my honor?

A child of God seeing a supereminency of goodness, and a constellation of all beauties in God, he is carried out in love to him in the highest measure: As God gives his children such a love as he does not bestow upon the wicked, electing love; so God's children give God such a l…

So when we are in God's presence, and God is speaking to us in his Word, and we mind not much what he says, but our hearts go after covetousness (Ezekiel 33:31), will not this anger God to be thus slighted? God has pronounced a curse upon such; (Malachi 1:14) Cursed be the decei…

Use 1. If we are to honor our fathers on earth, then much more our Father in Heaven. Malachi 1:6. If then I am a Father, where is my honor? A father is but the instrument of conveying life, but God is the original cause of our being.

Whereupon, David speaking as a King, says, Psalm 60:8, Moab shall be my washpot, over Edom will I cast my shoe: meaning thereby, that he would bring the posterity of Esau into a base and low estate of subjection unto him; according as we may see verified, 2 Samuel 8:14. But some…

If he then must reign, we must be his subjects: and therefore here we crave, that being his subjects we may obey him, and do his will. Malachi 1:6: If I be a father where is my honor? If I be a master, where is my fear?

And hence God says, If I be a master, where is my fear? If I be a father, where is my honor (Malachi 1:6)? Where is plainly taught this second duty; that if God be our father, then as good children we must show obedience to him: but if we disobey him, then we must know, that tha…

4. A righteous man serves God out of a principle of love: grace does new bias the heart, and carry it strongly towards God in ardent affections; a righteous man's serving God is not by constraint, but consent; it is his heaven to serve God: he mounts up in the fiery chariot of l…

Objection 3. Malachi 1:11: The prophet foretells of a clean sacrifice that shall be in the New Testament, and that (say they) is the sacrifice of the Mass. Answer: This place must be understood of a spiritual sacrifice, as we shall plainly perceive if we compare it with 1 Timoth…

And yet this fear of punishment, if it be tempered and mingled with other graces and gifts of God in holy men, is not unprofitable — in whom there is not only a sorrow for punishment but also and much more for the offense. Such a kind of fear or sorrow is commanded in Malachi 1:…

Vers. 11. Behold, the dayes come, saith the Lord, that I will send a famine in the Land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the Word of the Lord. God hath fed this Nation with the finest of the wheat, even the bread of life, we have had the Cream of Or…

And 1. Christ's seed have another original than that which they bring with them into the world; there is in them a change of the ground of their hope; and that on a new account; folk comes into the world sinful, children of sinful parents; but when they come to be believers they…

(Isaiah 59:19) So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. (Malachi 1:11) For from the rising of the sun, even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place, incense shall be offe…

Consider of it, This is to make God our Prince, when we give up ourselves to serve him. There is a second thing, wherein the having of Christ for a Prince does stand: And it requires, that you do all your service to him, as to a Prince, it should all be princely service, such as…

They knew a divine power, but did not give him a worship at least competent to his nature. God pleads his right (Malachi 1:6): If I be a Father where is my honor? If I be a master where is my fear?

Thus should we see, that our best resolutions and performances come much short of the excellency and greatness of God. All formality and lifeless service proceeds from hence, that we have not due and raised thoughts of his majesty and being (Malachi 1:14): I am a great King, say…

Now that takes place, in (John 4:21): Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this Mountain, nor at Jerusalem, worship the Father, that is, God now does not so much stand upon the place, as the manner of worship, that they worship in spirit and truth (verses…

Secondly, we must use every day to bring ourselves into the presence of God, and we must do all things as in his sight, and presence, presenting ourselves to him, as instruments of his glory in doing of his will. This is the honor that the child of God owes to him (Malachi 1:6).…

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

Although Tyre shall seem to be utterly destroyed when God shall afflict her, yet the Prophet shows that she shall obtain mercy, for after her calamities she shall be restored to her first glory. But it is rightly said that such a restoration shall be brought to pass by the work…

In saying then, that the wrath of the Lord against the Idumeans, resembles a fire that never goes out, he takes from them all hope of pardon: for as they ceased not to provoke him, so should they find him a severe Judge to them. And Malachi notes it as a sign of the reprobation…

But because God began not only to be a nursing father to this people from their natural birth, but also begat them spiritually; it is not amiss to extend his speech even to that, to wit, that they issued as it were out of God's womb, into newness of life, and to the hope of the…

Ishmael was rejected (Galatians 4:30). Esau was hated (Malachi 1:3). And many others were cut off.

Oh that darkness had recovered that which in the beginning was under its power! that so my day being wrapped up in darkness, might be without form and void. But the word is frequently translated (and well here) to pollute or to stain a thing, as (Malachi 1:7). You offer polluted…

I must confess, that of all things which belong to the duty of a servant, this is the most difficult; and there is nothing that can sweeten and facilitate it, but only conscience of their duty, and the acceptance and reward which they shall find with God for it; and therefore th…

It plainly argues much profaneness in our spirits, when we bring only our outward man, our dull and heavy carcasses to attend upon God, while our hearts and minds are straying and wandering from him: this is a sign that we despise God, and account anything good enough, the lame…

There was much formality when there was no form; and I suppose that forms have not quickened to more liveliness; there was a face of worship indeed in London; and was there not only, or little more than a face in most places? God is holy and jealous, a great King, and his name i…

Alas, how far are they from offering violence to themselves in prayer, who give God a dead heartless prayer. God would not have the blind offered (Malachi 1:8). As good offer the blind as the dead.

To the same purpose speaks another Prophet, Zeph. 1. 1, 2. Gather your selves together, (or as some read) fan your selves, yea, fan your selves, before the decree bring forth, and the day pass as the chaff. He does not mean, that the time shall pass as the chaff, but there is a…

When the tender shoot is cut off from the Tree, there are (ordinarily) many more left behind upon the same Tree, as promising and vigorous as that which is taken; but it pleaseth the Husbandman to chuse this, and leave them. Even so it is in the removing or transplanting of a so…

1. He was free from sin: The Lamb of God, without spot, and without blemish. The male of the flock to be offered unto God, the curse falling on all other oblations, and them that offer them (Malachi 1:14). The purity of the snow is not to be compared with the whiteness of this l…

Faith in the Father, John 5:9-10, and love toward him, 1 John 2:15. Malachi 1:6. So is prayer and praise.

By these do we hold communion with the Father in his love. Hence God calls that love which is due to him as a Father, honor: Malachi 1:6 — if I be a Father, where is my honor? It is a deserved act of duty.

Third, it is necessary in respect of its end — whether you consider God, ourselves, or the world. The end of our obedience in respect of God is his glory and honor, Malachi 1:6. He will take his honor from the stoutest and proudest rebel in the world, but all we give him is in o…

That difference which is made between Esau a type of the world (Esau have I hated) and Jacob a type of the Church (Jacob have I loved) shows that the Lord is far from hating his Church. The world, not the Church, is the object of God's hatred (Malachi 1:2-3). Object.

So proper is this fear to a servant in relation to his master, as where it is wanting, there is a plain denial of his master's place and power; which God intimates under this expostulation, If I be a master, where is my fear? That is, you plainly show that you account me not you…

O shall we serve God then in a slight and careless fashion! (Malachi 1:8) If you offer the blind, the lame and sick for sacrifice, is it not evil? Offer it now to your governor, will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? says the Lord of Hosts.

2. As we are the children of God by adoption: The great duty of children is to honor their parents. God pleads for honor upon this account, (Malachi 1:6) If I be a Father, where is my honor? So that if you consent to the preface, and say, Our Father; then the next request will b…

Secondly, as it encourages us to pray, so it furthers our duty in prayer, that we may behave ourselves with reverence, love, and gratitude. 1. With a child-like reverence, and affection in prayer; (Malachi 1:6) If then I be a father, where is my honor? And if I be a master, wher…

Mean persons will behave themselves with all honor and reverence, when they supplicate to men of [reconstructed: quality]; so should we to God, who is so high and so much above us, he is in Heaven. It is a diminution of his greatness, (Malachi 1:14) when we put off God with anyt…

2. As God's children, so we must do his will. [reconstructed: Malachi 1:6]: If I be a Father, where is my honor? And if I be a Master, where is my fear?

1. In that he prefers them before others. He chooses them, and passes by the rest, Malachi 1:2. Was not Jacob Esaus brother? (says the Lord,) yet I hated Esau and loved Jacob.

These are not Right Thoughts of God. Men think him to be an hard Master: But God will be in no mans debt, he gives double pay, Malachi 1:10. Neither do ye kindle a sire on my Altar for nought.

God will not be long kept out of his portion. Youth, it is our best time (Malachi 1:13); when they brought a weak and sickly offering, should I accept this of your hand, says the Lord? The health, strength, quickness of spirit, and vigor, is in youth.

God is the same God still; he hates sin as much as ever; therefore we should not be slight. 4. It is a dishonor to God to do his work negligently: "Cursed be the deceiver which has in his flock a male, and vows and sacrifices to the Lord a corrupt thing, for I am a great King,"…

3. The reasons of the point. 1. It does encourage us, and quicken us to diligence in our work; as soldiers fight best in their general's presence; and scholars ply their books when under their master's eye; so by living always in the sight of God, we study to please him; the mor…

If we endure anything for God, we are apt to repine, and pitch upon that evil we receive from his hand, passing over the good. A little evil (like one humor out of order, or one member out of joint) disturbs the whole body: so we by poring upon the evil we endure, pass over all…

We fret and complain and manifest the impatience of the flesh, like a great machine or carriage, if one pin be out of order all stops, or one member hurt though all the rest of the body be sound, or as Haman, the favors of a great king, pleasures of a luxurious court, all this a…

Much work drives them oftener to the Throne of Grace. None rest in duties so much as they that have least cause, (Malachi 1) What a weariness is it? 2. These ask more regularly, therefore 'tis said, (Psalm 37:4) Delight yourself in the Lord, and he shall give you the desire of y…

How needful is his Spirit; we cannot do any duty without it in a lively manner: when this wind blows upon our sails, then we move swiftly towards heaven. Pray therefore that God will give us of the residue of his Spirit (Malachi 2:15), that we may move more vigorously in the sph…

If a believer should not persevere, God should break his promise (Hosea 2:19): I will betroth you to me forever, in righteousness and loving kindness. God does not marry his people to himself, and then divorce them; he hates putting away (Malachi 2:16). God's love ties the marri…

So then the utility of it may make us cleave to the Lord as our God (Psalm 144:15): Happy is that people who have the Lord for their God. 3. From the necessity: 1. If God be not our God, he will curse our blessings (Malachi 2:2): And God's curse blasts wherever it comes. 2. If G…

But the question is concerning hard places of Scripture, where the weak Christian is ready to wade beyond his depth, who shall interpret here? Response. In the Church God has appointed, Ordo docentium & discentium, some to expound and interpret Scripture; therefore he has given…

Question 1. In what sense is God a Father? Response. 1. By creation; it is he that has made us; Acts 17:28. [in non-Latin alphabet], we are his offspring (Malachi 2:10). Have we not all one Father?

This is a great argument for keeping the Sabbath day holy: God is not benefited by it, we cannot add one cubit to his essential glory; but we ourselves are advantaged: the Sabbath day religiously observed entails a blessing upon our souls, our estate, our posterity. As the not k…

Whatever their persons are, their office is honorable. They are the messengers of the Lord of Hosts (Malachi 2:7). They represent no less than God himself (2 Corinthians 5:20): Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.

When a man shall have all his sins set before his eyes, and drawn out in their bloody colors, and the worm of conscience begins to gnaw — sinner, here are your debts, and the book is not canceled, you must to hell — O what a trembling at heart will the sinner have! All the curse…

Answer: Sometimes this name is attributed to all the persons in Trinity, or any of them. 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.

Now the marriages of Protestants with Papists are private leagues of amity between person and person, and therefore are not to be allowed. Again, in Malachi 2:11 the Lord says: Judah has defiled the holiness of the Lord which he loved, and has married the daughters of a strange…

The World lies in Common, and is as so much waste ground; but the Church is Gods Vineyard and Enclosure, therefore he will hedge it in with protection: Cant. 8. 1. My Vineyard which is mine is before me. The Saints are Gods Jewels, Mal. 2. 17. Therefore he will not let them be l…

2. A Martyr dying for the truth of Christ may have a natural and conditional desire and inclination to live, though his living be contrary to the Lord's revealed will, commanding him to seal the Gospel with his blood, and to confess Christ before men. 3. If the brother, son, dau…

Wonder not then if so little good be done among the Papists, or in any other Churches where there is only bare reading; make account of it, as the Lord says, My people are then destroyed for want of knowledge. Was there ever any soul so desperately ignorant think you, as to take…

The people left all and went up to feed themselves there, by the tents of the shepherds. This is another part of our purchase of Christ — which God forbid it should be our case — but if it should come to that pass, rather forgo the ordinances of God, which were of his own settin…

Whom I sent.] Isaiah descends by degrees from all men in general, to the Jews in particular; then to the Priests, which were the lights of the world as it were: for it was their office to interpret the Law, to walk before others in a good example of life, and to show to them the…

Hence we are to gather wherein man's chief happiness consists, namely, in having our minds illuminated of God, to comprehend that salvation which is manifested to us in Christ. For as long as we are strangers to this knowledge we are the unhappiest people under heaven; for so th…

And certainly, if they had done their duty, it would have been proper for them to direct the whole people, and to go before them as their leaders. For the priests had been appointed, that from their lips all might seek the knowledge of the Law, and, in short, that they might be…

And therefore these things agree in each respect: and very fittingly are to be applied namely and specially to the Pope, with his Cardinals, Bishops, Monks, Friars, Nuns, and all the rest of his filthy Spirituality, and rumpwood retinue. For they being appointed to be as it were…

Because you have despised knowledge, therefore also will I despise you. Mal. 2. 9. Therefore have I made you to be despised and vile, before all the people; because ye kept not my way, but have beene partiall in the Lawe.

Observation 1. Since our Lord Jesus had a Church militant, he has thought good to guide it mediately, by a standing ministry and ordinances; and that is to set out his vineyard to keepers. 2. There ought none without Christ's tack or lease, enter upon the ministry, and become ke…

Every sermon they study, they do but draw up a bill of indictment against themselves; and every time they preach, they do but pronounce the sentence of their own damnation: And woe to such pastors, when they whom Christ has set over his sheep, shall themselves be found at the la…

God indeed seemed to connive at this in the holy men of old; yet it never was otherwise than a sin from the foundation of the world. And therefore the Prophet Malachi refers us to the primitive institution of marriage, to show the obliquity of this practice (Malachi 2:15). Did n…

A covetous miser could not take such delight in his bags, nor a young heir in a large inheritance, as holy David did in God's Word. All the saints are priests to God; now of Levi it is said (Malachi 2:6) that the law of truth was in his mouth, and his lips kept knowledge as a st…

The God with whom we have to do demands the heart, looks at the principle, and requires truth in the inward parts, not only in the duties of his own immediate worship, that those be done in the spirit, but also in the duty we owe to our neighbor, that that also be done with a pu…

It is an instance of unquietness to be ever and anon quarrelling with our allotment. Those wives wanted a meek and quiet spirit, that covered the altar of the Lord with tears (Malachi 2:13) — not tears of repentance for sin, but tears of vexation, at the disappointments they met…

And this is as clear in Scripture as the other. It is the Lord that takes away the Fishes of the Sea, Hosea 4:3. Zephaniah 1:3. It is he that curseth our blessings, Malachi 2:2. This God does as a punishment for sin, and the abuse of mercies: And therefore in such cases, we ough…

He is not like the hard hearted Jews, who upon every slight occasion would put away their wives. The Lord hates putting away (Malachi 2:16). Though therefore the Church, through her weakness, does depart from him, and play the harlot, yet return again to me, says the Lord (Jerem…

1. That the world might be increased: and not simply increased, but with a legitimate brood, and distinct families, which are the seminaries of cities and commonwealths. Indeed also that in the world the Church by a holy seed might be preserved, and propagated (Malachi 2:15). 2.…

And that is a Part of his Duty, at proper Seasons, in some of his public Ministrations; for he must conceal nothing of the Counsel of God from them, that may be useful or profitable to Men: The Methods of his Worship, and Institutions of his Gospel, should be treasured up in his…

The curse is taken out of our blessings, and the sting out of our afflictions. As long as sin remains unpardoned, our blessings are cursed (Malachi 2:2): "If you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, says the Lord of Hosts, I will even send…

1. That God is a Father. He is a Father, 1. By Creation, he has given us our Being, Malachi 2:10. Have not we all one Father? has not one God created us?

4. That the remembrance of the most illustrious examples of his justice, power, and goodness, should comfort us, though we do not perfectly feel the effects of his righteous government. 1. I will prove we are apt to suspect God's righteous administrations when we see not the eff…

We know not the value of mercies so much by their worth as by their want, [illegible], a thing too near the eye cannot be seen, God must set things at a distance to make us value them. If he take them not away, yet many times he blasts them as to their natural use (Malachi 2:2):…

8 God witnesses against sin by the many great and severe judgments which he has executed upon, as well as threatened to sinners, and which he will in all ages execute on many, and to all eternity on some sinners; for what God has done, shows what God will do; as the Apostle infe…

1. Sin is contrary to the nature of God; God's name is holy, and as his name is, so is he and his nature, all holy, yes, he is so, and cannot but be so: And therefore God takes it more ill, that men should think him wicked like themselves (Psalm 50:16-22), than that they think h…

But then says sin (11) it is but your infirmity, you cannot help it: this is a thing (tell sin) that none but fools and children can pretend to; besides, to plead for infirmities, is more than an infirmity, and that which is but an infirmity today, may become a disease tomorrow,…

What if poisoned bread be given to dogs? The long furrows in the backs of the godly have a seed of blessing in them, when the table of the wicked becomes a snare, and their honor their halter (Malachi 2:2). SECT. 9.

Noah's sacrifice was a perfume (Genesis 8:21): the Lord smelled a sweet savor. The sighs of a wicked man are an unsavory breath; his solemn sacrifice is dung (Malachi 2:3); there is such a noisome stench from a sinner's duties that God will not come near (Amos 5:21): I will not…

This is the soundness of heart that excludes a blushing consciousness, and misgiving; exempts it from the fear of a shameful discovery. "Let my heart be sound in your statutes" is explained as having respect to all God's commandments (Psalm 119:6, 80); to which is opposite, that…

And it speaks much of free grace, that the everlasting salvation of the elect is in such a castle as the oath of the Omnipotent and infinitely faithful Lord. Lastly, the argument is the more considerable that every priesthood, even that of Levi, is imposed by Covenant (Malachi 2…

In the other (Romans 1:4), he is declared to be the Son of God with power — by the resurrection from the dead. He who took not upon him to be High Priest while God called him, and neither took upon him to be King, while God called him, and said (Psalm 2:6), "I have Anointed him…

To leave God, and return to sin is tacitly to asperse the Deity. God who hates putting away, (Malachi 2:16). hates that he himself should be put away. To return to sin, gives the Devil more power over a man than ever, (Matthew 12:43).

It must needs be ill with the Malefactor who wants his pardon: all the Curses of God stand in full force against the unpardoned sinner; his very blessings are cursed. Malachi 2:2. Caesar wondered at one of his Soldiers, that was so merry when he was in debt.

A dumb Minister is of no more use than a dead Physician: A man of God must work in the Lord's Vineyard: It was Augustine's wish, that Christ might find him at his coming, either praying or preaching. 2. A Minister must be knowing, Malachi 2. 7. The Priests lips should keep knowl…

I say it (says he) weeping: I give warning of it, groaning: that since the order of priesthood is fallen within, it shall also not be able to stand long without. But rather it behooved that this should be fulfilled in them which Malachi says of such (Malachi 2:8): You have gone…

Therefore that whole body compiled of the law, prophecies, Psalms and histories, was the word of the Lord to the old people, by the rule whereof the priests and teachers even to Christ's time were bound to examine their doctrine: neither was it lawful for them to swerve either t…

If you serve him you must not look for reward, and if you do not serve him, you need not fear punishment. Malachi 2.17. You say, every one that does evil, is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them: or where is the God of judgment?

The same affliction may put a gracious and a graceless soul to their knees; but though in the external matter of duty, and in the external call or occasion of duty they seem to agree; yet is there a vast difference in the principles, manner, and ends of these their duties; as wi…

These men in the text, they were pricked in their hearts, and to whom did they go for remedy? Not to the great rabbis of their times; should not the priests' lips preserve knowledge? (Malachi 2:7). Were they not better studied men, and better read in Moses and the Prophets, than…

In uno Christo Angelus faederis completur, Fagius. The Angel of the Covenant (Malachi 3:1), a Lamp (2 Samuel 22:29), the bright Morning-star (Revelation 22:16). Jesus Christ is the great Prophet of his church; the woman of Samaria gave a shrewd guess (John 4:19).

The next attribute is God's unchangeableness (Malachi 3:6). I am Jehovah, I change not.

Christ cursed the barren fig-tree. 2. It reproves such as are so far from bringing glory to God, that they rob God of his glory (Malachi 3:8). Will a man rob God, yet you have robbed me.

2. God adopts us to a state of dignity: God makes us heirs of promise; God installs us into honor (Isaiah 43:4): Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honorable. The adopted are God's treasure (Exodus 19:5), his jewels (Malachi 3:17), his firstborn (Hebrews 12:23).…

1. By his essential greatness, I am the Lord; or as in the Hebrew, Jehovah. This name of God sets forth his majesty: Sanctius habitum fuit, says Buxtorf, the name Jehovah was had in more reverence among the Jews, than any other name of God; it signifies God's self-sufficiency, e…

1. In case of private devotion. Christian, you set hours apart for God, your thoughts run upon him as your treasure, God takes notice of every good thought (Malachi 3:17). He had a Book of Remembrance written for them that thought upon his name.

Quest. 6. Wherein lies the dignity of such as have God for their Father? Resp. They have greater honor than is conferred on the princes of the earth; They are precious in God's esteem; (Isaiah 43:4) Since you were precious in my eyes, you have been honorable; the wicked are dros…

Good discourse brings holy truths into our memories, and fastens them upon our hearts. (Malachi 3:17) Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another. There is a great power and efficacy in good discourse.

Fourthly, in this we resemble God, to be doing good to others. 'Tis our excellence to be like God. Godliness is God-likeness. And in what are we more like him than in acts of bounty and munificence? Psalm 119:68. You are good, and do good. You are good, there is God's essential…

3. Consider what the Scripture says, and it may ponere obicem — lay a bar in the way to this sin. Malachi 3:5: I will be a swift witness against the adulterers. It is good when God is a witness for us — when he witnesses for our sincerity, as he did for Job.

That may be one reason why some people get no more good by what they hear, because they never speak one to another of what they have heard: as if sermons were such secrets, that they must not be spoken of again; or as if it were a shame to speak of matters of salvation. Malachi…

Use 2. Seeing there is a God, he will deal righteously, and give just rewards to men. Things seem to be carried in the world very unequally; the wicked flourish (Psalm 73); they who tempt God are delivered (Malachi 3:15). The ripe clusters of grapes are squeezed into their cup,…

(Psalm 78:22): They believed not in God. Verse 41, they turned back — sinners have hard thoughts of God, they think they may pray and hear, yet never the better (Malachi 3:14): they question whether God will give them the kingdom at last, then they turn back, and throw away Chri…

Christ after his resurrection did speak of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Are our tongues tuned to the language of the heavenly Canaan (Malachi 3:16)? Then they that feared the Lord spoke often to one another.

Wings are swift, but wind in the wings denotes great swiftness; an emblem of the swiftness and cheerfulness which should be in obedience; we go to heaven in the way of obedience. 14. If we would obtain this kingdom, be much in the Communion of Saints; one coal of juniper will wa…

If sin be so deadly an evil, then we cannot get any profit by it; no man did ever thrive upon this trade. Those atheists said (Malachi 3:14), It is in vain to serve God, and what profit is it? But we may say more truly, what profit is there in sin?

Again, the same counsel once set down, is unchangeable. God says, I am Jehovah, and I change not (Malachi 3:6). With God (says Saint James) there is no variableness, nor shadow of change (James 1:17).

The roof of the mouth is called Coelum, heaven; a godly man's mouth is full of heaven; he speaks as if he had been already in heaven: The holy conference of the two disciples going to Emmaus brought Christ into their company (Luke 24:15). While they communed together, Jesus hims…

Here (say they) is a prayer made to angels. Answer: By the angel is meant Christ, who is called the angel of the covenant (Malachi 3:1) and the angel that guided Israel in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:9 compared with Exodus 23:20). Objection 2.

Psalm 66:12: We have gone through water and fire. Malachi 3:3: The children of Levi must be purified in a purging fire of affliction. 1 Peter 1:7: Afflictions are called the fiery trial whereby men are cleansed from their corruptions, as gold from the dross by the fire.

A seventh ground or cause (which is as large and comprehensive as any,) is folks resting and sitting down, before they have any solid ground to rest upon, taking a counterfeit work for a real one, like these spoken of (Hosea 7:16), of whom it's said, They return, but not to the…

It is true in civil assemblies, and judicatures, Christ has a few number; yet he has a fair and numerous offspring of children, and when they are gathered together, they are a fair beloved world: In the Hebrew many and great, are often one and the same. As one Ruby is worth ten…

In the high priest's breastplate when he went into the Holy of Holies, were set twelve stones, on which were written the names of the twelve tribes: the mystery of which is this, Christ bears us and our names in his heart, when he goes to God: and moreover, we are God's jewels,…

There be three things by which we receive Christ as into a temple: First, when we do prepare a way for Christ to come in to us, as it is said of John, he prepared the way for Christ, that so he might suddenly come into his Temple (Malachi 3:1). And Isaiah speaking of the same Me…

In the Temple the Messiah was as in his own house, where it was fit the Messiah should exhibit himself to his people. There was an old prophecy (Malachi 3:1): "The Lord whom you seek shall suddenly come into his Temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in." A…

1. There is a tempting or proving of God in a way of duty. So we are bidden (Malachi 3:10): Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now therewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pou…

So (Hebrews 3:1): "Consider the Apostle and high priest of our profession, Jesus Christ." Again, he is called the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant (Malachi 3:1). Christ with a great condescension took upon him the office of his Father's Ambassador to the Church, to promote the…

Hosea tells us, it was an Angel, yet withal he tells us, That by his strength he had power with God (Hosea 12:3-4). Therefore this was God himself, the creating, not a created Angel, even Jesus Christ, the Angel that redeemed him from all evil, whom Malachi calls, The Angel of t…

8. Obj. But I get no good by Closet-Prayer, I have used it so long, and still my heart is as cold, hard, dead, as ever; I will give over now. Answ. Is not this too like the language of those that say, It is in vain to serve God? (Malachi 3:14). And are you like those atheists, t…

Iam. 1. 17. Mal 3:16. It may be obiected, that God is saide in Scripture to repent.

Secondly, our common people are deceived, who think because they deal truly, and justly before men, that they are in as good a case, as they that hear all the sermons in the world: as though true happiness stood in civil conversation. Thirdly, this doctrine serves to beat down a…

Moreover, touching conversation, our consciences are settled thus: in that we are freed from the rigor of the law, God in mercy accepts the will and endeavor to believe, repent, and obey, for faith, repentance, and obedience. He spares them that fear him, as a father spares his…

When the Israelites refused to have Samuel and his sons to rule over them, the Lord says They have not cast you away, but they have cast me away, that I should not reign over them (1 Samuel 8:7). When the Levites were defrauded of their due, the Lord by his prophet tells the peo…

Thus also the Lord speaks by Malachi, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me,” (Malachi 3:1.) In short, the calling of John had no other design than to secure for Christ a willing ear, and to prepare for him disciples.

Elisabeth had been barren in the prime of life, and now she is in old age, which of itself shuts up the womb. By two hindrances, therefore, the Lord gives a twofold, surprising exhibition of his power, in order to testify, by stretching out his hand, as it were, from heaven, tha…

Malachi, distinguishing the two conditions of the Church, places the one under the Law, and commences the other with the preaching of John. He unquestionably describes the Baptist, when he says, “Behold, I send my messenger,” (Malachi 3:1:) for, as we have already said, that pas…

He was, no doubt, a Prophet, like others whom God had appointed in his Church to be expounders of the Law, and messengers of his will; but he was more excellent than the Prophets in this respect, that he did not, like them, make known redemption at a distance and obscurely under…

Among other passages in which our Author has treated of the erroneous notions entertained by the Jews respecting Elijah, the reader may consult his Commentary on John 1:21, 25. — Editor. Perhaps, too, they cunningly and wickedly endeavored to lessen the authority of Christ by br…

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.

And this value that God sets upon them on this account is so great, that God thinks fitting from regard to it to admit them to such exceeding glory. The saints on the account of their relation to Christ are such precious jewels in God's sight, that they are thought worthy of a p…

For in all Providences, especially in some, he comes nigh to us. He does so in his Judgements, Malachi 3:5 I will come nigh to you in judgement. He comes nigh in mercies also, Psalm 145:18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, &c.

We may give some examples of what it is to curse God, to blaspheme God thus to his face. You may read what it is (Malachi 3:14): 'Your words have been stout against me, says the Lord, you have spoken to my very face': why, what had they spoken to the Lord? What have we spoken sa…

As a father has compassion on his children, so has the Lord compassion on them that feare him. Mal. 3. 17.—and I will spare them as a man spars his own sonne that serus him. In the framing of this reason behold a speciall fauour of God vouchsafed to godly parents: They may take…

But where any thing is indeed consecrated to God, and set apart for the maintenance and encouragement of his worship and service, it is no less than sacrilege, and robbing of God, to alienate any part of this to any secular uses, or to detain it from that use to which it was sep…

The People of God are precious to Him. There is blood-Royal running in their souls, they are His Jewels, Malachi 3:17. And His heart is exceedingly taken with them, it is wounded with love, I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy; jealousy (we know) proceeds from love; nay, I…

The members of Christ's mystical body, speaking the truth in love, or truthing it in love, as the word imports, do grow up into him in all things, even Christ the head, and so that which is lacking in one joint, is made up by the usefulness of another. And for God's acceptance o…

All this day must be spent with God: he must have worship in the public assembly; and when we come home, he must have family worship. Many leave all their religion at church (as I have seen some do their Bibles) not hallowing God's name in their own houses (Malachi 3:8). Will a…

Surely, as a father pities his own children, so will your God pity you (Psalm 103:12-13). He will spare you, as a father spares his own son that serves him (Malachi 3:17). Hark, how his bowels yearn?

I look upon the World as a great Tree, consisting of four large limbs or branches; this branch or division of it on which we grow, has doubtless a greater number of Gods elect upon it, than the other three; and yet when I look with a serious and considering eye upon this fruitfu…

Contradicted truths will be effectually cleared and vindicated; despised holiness will be honored; mistakes rectified; reproaches rolled away; and everything set in a true light. Then you shall return and discern between truth and falsehood, right and wrong (Malachi 3:18), which…

It is called 'the wounding of the spirit' (Proverbs 18), which no creature knows how to reach and heal — none but God who is the Father of spirits, who made them and knows how to mend them. It is not only called the sickness of the spirit (as in Isaiah 33:24, where the want of a…

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…

Daniel first raised up the standard, to the end the faithful might prepare themselves to return home: after him, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Nehemiah, Ezra, and others after them, until Christ's coming, always exhorted the faithful to be of good comfort, and to hope against hope…

We must therefore comprehend all these things together, if we will attain to the true meaning of the Prophet's words. And in this sense it is that Zechariah, Malachi, and Haggai do encourage the people touching the hope of their estate to come, while they thought they lost so mu…

First then let us hold it for certain, that this benefit proceeds only from God: secondly, that all indifferently do not partake hereof, but the elect only, whom the Lord enlightens by his free grace, that he might exempt them out of the common rank of other men. Now this is don…

Such was the reunion of parents with children, which was begun by John, and at length finished by Christ. Accordingly, when Malachi speaks of “turning the hearts of the fathers to the children,” (Malachi 4:5,) he intimates that the Church would be in a state of confusion when an…

In this way, whenever our salvation is the subject, we ought to raise our minds to the contemplation of the divine mercy. There appears to be an allusion to a prediction of Malachi, in which Christ is called "the Sun of Righteousness," and is said to "arise with healing in his w…

means for enlightening the Gentiles. Hence we infer, that men are by nature destitute of light, till Christ, “the Sun of Righteousness,” (Malachi 4:2,) shine upon them. With regard to Israel, though God had bestowed upon him distinguished honor, yet all his glory rests on this s…

He unquestionably describes the Baptist, when he says, “Behold, I send my messenger,” (Malachi 3:1:) for, as we have already said, that passage lays down an express distinction between the Law and the new order and condition of the Church. With the same view he had said a little…

The commencement of this light, and, as we might say, the dawn, was the return of the people from Babylon. At length, Christ, “the Sun of Righteousness,” (Malachi 4:2,) arose in full splendor, and, by his coming, utterly “abolished” (2 Timothy 1:10) the darkness of death. In the…

It will perhaps be asked, Is the same condition reserved after death for the godly of our own day, or did Christ, when he rose, open his bosom to admit Abraham himself, as well as all the godly? I reply briefly: As the grace of God is more clearly revealed to us in the Gospel, a…

14. And if you are willing to receive it He now explains more clearly in what manner John began to preach the kingdom of God. It was in the character of that Elijah, who was to be sent before the face of God, (Malachi 4:5.) Our Lord’s meaning therefore is, that the great and dre…

Why then should any one allow himself to be directed by them, except that he might fall into the same ditch? Now Christ, who has risen upon us as the Sun of righteousness, (Malachi 4:2,) and not only points out the road to us by the torch of his Gospel, but desires that we shoul…

By reason of the same wonderful conjunction, Christ is represented by a great variety of sensible things that are on some account excellent. Thus in some places he is called a Sun (Malachi 4:2); in others a Star (Numbers 24:17). And he is especially represented by the morning st…

He does not only wish away full, clear and perfect light, but the dawning of the day, which is imperfect light, let not so much as the beginning or first moment of a morning succeed that night. The words in the original are, Let it not see the eyelids of the morning: it is a ver…

Rulers shall love their people, and with all their might seek their best good; and the people shall love their rulers, and shall joyfully submit to them, and give them that honor which is their due. And so shall there be a happy love between ministers and their people: Malachi 4…

Like furious Bulls, when they together rush? The fighting of these sheep does in two respects, notably comport with the sinful practises of contending Christians, (1) That in this fight they ingage with their heads one against another; and what are they but those head-notions or…

I will so love them, that I will not depart from them; and they shall so Fear me, that they shall not depart from me. 15. There are excellent Promises made to them that Fear God, Malachi 4:2. To you that Fear my Name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his Wing…

There should be a mutual condescension between men; for God resists the proud, that is, those that are lifted up above others. 2. Spiritual pride, that is disobedience and impenitency, which is discovered by a neglect of God, and contempt of his law; and that pride is often so t…

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He it is that sends his Spirit into our hearts to be a refiner's fire, to burn up our dross and make our graces sparkle like gold in the furnace. Christ arises upon the soul with healing in his wings (Malachi 4:2). He heals the understanding and says, Let there be light; he heal…

Christ does not only heal but adorn. He is called the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2) not only because of the healing under his wings, but because of those rays of beauty which he puts upon the soul. Christ is the most generous physician.

This is commonly called the law absolutely; but most frequently the law of God, the law of the Lord; and sometimes the law of Moses, because of his especial ministry in the giving of it. Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him, Malachi 4:4. And this the…

If any man answer that he therefore did not make them enjoy so great a benefit because he judged them unworthy, those who come after shall not be proved any more worthy. Of which thing, beside the experience, Malachi is a substantial witness, who, reproving infidelity mingled wi…

Which is gathered from a notable place of Malachi, where he bids them to be mindful of the law, and to give heed to it, even to the preaching of the Gospel (Malachi 2:7). For thereby he forbids them all newfound doctrines, and grants them no leave to swerve never so little out o…

Because he does not there commend the persons of men, but after he had preferred John before all the Prophets, he advances the preaching of the Gospel to the highest degree: which preaching we see in another place signified by the kingdom of heaven. But whereas John himself does…

When the soul is benighted with ignorance, Christ is the morning-star that enlightens it. He is the Sun of righteousness, Malachi 4:2. This Sun of righteousness is more glorious than that in the Firmament.

Then professors are sifted to the very bran, searched to the very bottom principles. 'This is the day that burns as an oven, in which all the proud and all that do wickedly shall be as stubble' (Malachi 4:1). First, in that day the predominant interest must appear and be discove…

Did he not bring God's heavy wrath upon him in such a fearful manner, that a blessed angel was sent to smite him with death immediately, and he was eaten of worms (Acts 12:23)? Have you not read, that the day comes which shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, and all that do…

Moses was the schoolmaster to bring the Jews to Christ, and then God walked towards them with a reserved countenance, but now he dispenses himself more freely. Reason 3: Taken from the different dispensation of Christ in the Old Testament and in the new; he is called the Sun of…