Matthew

I shall wave the context, and only speak of that which concerns our present purpose: having discoursed of the covenant of grace, I shall speak now of the Mediator of the covenant, and the restorer of lapsed sinners, Jesus the Mediator of the covenant. There are several names and…

Christ is called the Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69). He saves from sin (Matthew 1:21), from wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10). To save is a flower that belongs only to his crown (Acts 4:12).

Quest. How shall I know I am delivered from hell? Resp. 1. Those whom Christ saves from hell, he saves from sin (Matthew 1:21). He shall save his people from their sins.

Not, that that should be his name whereby he should be called in this World; but that this should be the condition of his Person, he should be God with us; God in our nature. So are the words expounded (Matthew 1:21, 22, 23). That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost;…

In this state and condition all mankind, had they been left without divine aid and help, must have perished eternally. Sixthly, that God out of his infinite goodness, grace and love to mankind, sent his only Son to save and deliver them out of this condition (Matthew 1:21): "You…

Thirdly, if it be for the safety of his life in a good cause. So Moses, Exodus 2:14-15, fled into the land of Midian, and there stayed, when Pharaoh sought his life: And Christ himself fled with his Father and Mother into Egypt, from the fury of Herod, Matthew 1. The like may be…

But where this was done by divine warranty, it was doctrinal and prophetically instructive. So was it in that great name given to our Lord Jesus Christ himself, namely, Immanuel, which the Evangelist remembers and gives us the interpretation thereof (Matthew 1:23). Now whether t…

(1) To mind us of the signification of it, from where the reason of his assumption of it was taken. Jesus signifies a Savior; and he was called Jesus, because he was to save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). He therefore concerning whom all these things are affirmed, is…

And, (1.) The notion of the word includes in it a supposition of some evil or danger that we are delivered from. This is sin with its consequents of misery, in the curse of the law and the wrath to come; therefore it is said of Christ that he saves his people from their sins (Ma…

To be conformed thereto, is this glory, and happiness in your account? Christ came to save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21), and to unloose, or destroy the work of the Devil in them (1 John 3:8), to set men at liberty from sin, as well as to deliver them from wrath to c…

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…

And then the other word [Lord] is proper to Christ's Mediatorship, see (1 Corinthians 8:5). There remains but Christ's name [Jesus Christ]: the word [Jesus] is opened (Matthew 1:21): You shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins, and it implies here…

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…

With much prayer, for we cannot of ourselves find out the reason of them; being shallow creatures, we cannot find out those infinite wise methods God observes in the managing of them; but if we seriously set to work, and seek God in it, God may inform us, and make them intelligi…

When God is reckoning up his own people, he leaves out those that have been noted for idolatry. As among the tribes that were sealed (Revelation 8) those idolatrous tribes of Ephraim and Dan are left out, and in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1) those princes that were chiefly…

Dwelling together, is to be ordinarily in a dwelling place, for the better performance of each other mutual duties. [Matthew 1:18. For his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child by the holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 7:10. And to the m…

Use. It serves to vindicate this truth from an error and mistake of the Arminians, who, as they overthrow the design of grace in the salvation of sinners in other steps thereof; so do they in this, in making Christ's death to precede Election, and Election to follow it; But, as…

(Mark 14:14): "This is my blood of the New Testament, that is shed for many," as (Romans 5:15): "Through the offence of one, many were dead" — that is, all were dead. So the sheep of Christ (John 10:11), the scattered sons of God (John 11:52), his people (Matthew 1:21), his bret…

Let Israel wait for the Lord, for with him is mercy and plenteous redemption, and he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities (verse 7, 8). And he is therefore called Jesus (Matthew 1:21). And notable is that expression (Hosea 14:2): Take away all our iniquities, and receive…

Now we must diligently observe the words, because both Hebrews and Christians interpret this place amiss. Saint Jerome expounds it of Jesus Christ, because he descended from the Moabites, of whom Ruth came (Ruth 1:4; Matthew 1:5) and the most part of Christian expositors follow…

The word conceive is enough to set aside the dream of Marcion and Manichaeus: for it is easy to gather from it that Mary brought forth not an ethereal body or phantom, but the fruit which she had previously conceived in her womb. You shall call his name Jesus The reason of the n…

Matthew 1:1-17 1. The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

For it did not happen without the undoubted Providence of God, that the Evangelists leave out the whole period which Christ spent in private, and pass at once from his earliest infancy to his thirtieth year, when he was openly exhibited to the world, invested with his public cha…

And even the adverb until extends no farther than to the time which goes before. Joseph did not know his wife until she brought forth Christ, (Matthew 1:25.) By these words Scripture does not mean, that after Christ had been born they lived together as husband and wife, but only…

(5.) The Lord Christ being proposed to Sinners in the Gospel, and their acceptance or receiving of him being urged on them, it is withal declared for what end he is so proposed. And this is in general to save them from their Sins, Mat. 1. 21. or the Wrath to come whereof they ar…

It is true, the great instance of their ministery was given in and about the person of Christ as head of the Church. They declared his conception and nativity (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35; Luke 2:11, 12). They ministred to him after his temptation (Matthew 4:11).

To make this sign yet the more evident, God gives it forth directly in a word of promise (Isaiah 7:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16): "Moreover the Lord spake to Ahaz, saying, ask you a sign of the Lord your God, ask it either in the depth, or in the height above; but Ahaz said, I wil…

And this seems to have been kept in tradition among them. And for this cause does Matthew expresly mention her name in his rehearsal of the genealogie of Christ (Matthew 1:5). For it being a tradition among the Jews, that this was the end of the writing of her story, whereon the…

And the Prophet urgeth it on them (Jeremiah 7:9, 10): Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, &c and come and stand, &c. and say, we are delivered to do all these abominations? As if God had no other way to show himself merciful, but by saving sinners in their sins; whereas we…

2. Quest. Why is it then said the first, when no other commandments with promise follow? Answ. This particle (first) has not always reference to some other following, but is often simply taken, to show that none was before it: so is the word firstborn used in the law: and so Chr…

Jesus the Mediator saves his People from their Sins. Matthew 1:21. as well as delivers from the Wrath to come.

1. The first and most general Character which our Lord Jesus Christ assumes, is that of a Savior, by which Name he is most frequently called in the New Testament. This is the very Signification of his proper Name Jesus, in the Hebrew, Matthew 1:21. Thou shalt call his Name Jesus…

For our Love to the Law of God and a hearty Inclination to keep it, is a great Part of the very Salvation which the Gospel provides for sinful Men. Jesus Christ the Son of God is become our Saviour, not only to save us from God's Wrath, 1 Thessalonians 1:10. but also to save us…

4. The death of Christ falls more directly upon this benefit, exemption from sin. "He shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). "God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities" (Acts 3:26) — not troubl…

But now on the contrary suppose a man high in honor, wallowing in wealth, spending his time and wealth in ease and pleasure, but after all this God will bring him to judgment, the world is his friend, but God is his enemy, and he is all his life time subject to bondage, (Hebrews…

Meaning thereby Christ actually exhibited or born in the flesh, which was the beginning of the kingdom of the Messiah. 3. For the benefits which we have by Christ on this side heaven; as the pardon of sin, and the renovation of our natures, these are called salvation, as (Matthe…

1 That Christ's sufferings were for sinners: Jesus Christ himself suffered, but he did not suffer for himself; for he was without sin (Hebrews 4:15 and 7:26), neither was guile found in his mouth, nor any misbecoming word, when he suffered, though it were a provoking time (1 Pet…

Repentance is not enough, for righteousness is not by repentance, but by faith (Philippians 3:9). Prayers and tears, sighs and sorrows are not our Saviour; it is Jesus only that saves from sin (Matthew 1:21). None can put our sins to death, but he that died for our sins.

God is love, and judgment his strange work; yet sin makes him out of love with men, and in love with their destruction at last; so though he delights not in the death of a repenting, yet he does in the death of an impenitent sinner. 5. It proves sin the worst and greatest of evi…

By brethren we do not understand brethren by place, those who are of the same country or nation, such are called brethren (Romans 9:3; Acts 7:23, 25). Nor do we understand brethren by race, those who are descended of the same parents: such are called brethren (Matthew 1:2). But…

So Paul constantly disputes, If by the offense of one sin entered to [illegible], much more by the death and obedience of our Savior righteousness entered to eternal life. And therefore it was that our Savior was pleased to receive our nature even from the vilest of sinners, tha…

Matthew 1:21. He shall save His people from their sins. Application was the second part of man's recovery, whereby all that good which Christ has purchased for his people is made theirs.

For it [illegible] said, [illegible] Christ be a perfect Savior, and has [illegible] salvation for his, at the hand of divine justice, [illegible] God in justice will not hinder, sin and Satan [illegible] hinder. When the law is satisfied, the prisoner [illegible] be released; C…

Christ shed his blood to wash off our filth; the cross was both an altar and a fountain. Jesus Christ died not only to save us from wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10) but to save us from sin (Matthew 1:21). Out of his side came water, which signifies our cleansing, as well as blood, w…

Unbelief is more contrary to the Spirit, than carnal sins, being most contrary to the flower and bloomings of the Spirit in his sweetest operations, and most against the Mediator-love of Christ. For as by the fall, Christ has a new office to redeem us (Matthew 1:21; 1 Timothy 1:…

And how soon the will is broken and dead, then is the man broken, dead and crucified with Christ. Much will, much life of sin: See (John 5:40), (Luke 19:14), (Mark 6:25), (Matthew 1:19), (Mark 15:15), (Acts 24:27), (Acts 25:9), (Luke 10:29), (Revelation 22:17). All will, argues…

Now these divine dreams were caused in men, either immediately by God himself, as the former places show; or by means of some good angel. In this latter kind was Joseph often admonished in dreams what to do, by the ministry of an angel; as (Matthew 1:20) and (Matthew 2:13, 19).…

Christ then by his death merited and purchased for all those for whom he died all those things which scripture assigns as the fruits and effects of his death. These may be referred to two heads: first, privative — deliverance from the hands of our enemies (Luke 1:74), from the w…

So the first part of the proposition is clear from scripture. Now Christ is expressly and pointedly said to die for those on the one side: for his people (Matthew 1:21); his sheep (John 10:11-12, 14); his church (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25); as distinguished from the world (Roma…

In the first place they are in the front of the parable of seeking the lost sheep, in the other, they are in the close of the recovery of lost Zaccheus, and in both places set forth the end of Christ's coming, which was to do the will of his Father, by the recovery of lost sinne…

And, 2. In reference to his enemies. 1. In reference to his people: 1. To govern them, it was prophesied of Christ before he was born (Matthew 2:6), And you Bethlehem are not the least among the princes of Judah, for out of you shall come a governor that shall rule my people Isr…

This is to live to him, who has died for us (2 Corinthians 5:15). The wise men did not only worship Christ, but presented him with gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). Let us present Christ with the fruits of righteousness, which are to the glory and praise o…

Thus the angels in heaven glorify him; they wait on his throne, and are ready to take a commission from him, therefore they are resembled by the cherubims with their wings displayed to show how swift the angels are in their obedience. This is to glorify God when we are devoted t…

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chrysostom. The Wise Men showed honor to Christ, not only by bowing the knee to him, but by presenting him with gold and myrrh (Matthew 2:11); we hallow God's name not only by lifting up our eyes and hands to Heaven, and bowing the knee in prayer, but b…

Verse 49. I honor my Father. The Wise Men did not only bow the knee to Christ, but presented him with gold and myrrh (Matthew 2:8). So we must not only bow the knee, give God adoration, but bring presents, give him golden obedience.

(7.) By witchcraft and sorcery, a thing forbidden under the Law (Deuteronomy 18:10): There shall not be found among you an enchanter or a witch, or a consulter with familiar spirits. (8.) By having an intention to kill another; as Herod would, under a pretense of worshipping Chr…

So the raven, that unnatural creature — that will hardly feed its own young, yet — providentially brought sustenance to the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:6). The Virgin Mary, though by bearing and bringing forth the Messiah she helped to make the world rich, yet she herself was ver…

The two former senses, can here have no place; the latter alone has. So it is said, that Archelaus reigned, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] (Matthew 2:22), in the room or stead of Herod his Father. So [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] (Matthew 5:38) is an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a…

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 by the cruelty of Herod, seeking his destruction among the…

And it is used principally for such an oracle of God, as has a warning or caution in it, for the avoiding somewhat on the one hand, as well as doing what is given in charge on the other. So Joseph was [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], divinely warned to avoid the danger that was design…

Secondly whereas Christ says, he preached in their synagogues and temple, which at that time were places full of disorder; in so much as he called the temple a den of thieves (Matthew 21:1[illegible]): and the Scribes and Pharisees had corrupted the doctrine of the law, transgre…

They want the Pomegranate (says Gregory Nazianzene) who have no good works. The wise men did not only bow the knee to Christ, but present him with gold myrrh and Frankincense Matthew 2. 11. Pretences of zeal are insufficient; we must not only worship Christ, but bestow something…

They watch over us in infancy and childhood; little ones are committed to their custody, and babes and sucklings have their angels (Matthew 18). Jesus Christ was provided for in his cradle by an angel (Matthew 2:13). The Devil rampeth about the Elect while they are yet in their…

It is true Paul made a vow and afterward kept the same in the time of the New Testament (Acts 18), yet not as a part of God's worship but as a thing indifferent for the time, wherein he only condescended to the weakness of the Jews that by this means he might bring them the bett…

Herod had no resolutions, but bloody, concerning Christ. God blinds his mind in the midst of all his craft, that he sees not those rational ways, which he might make use of for the destruction of that which he feared; he sends those wise men mere strangers to him, and entrusts t…

"But this he spoke of the Spirit" (John 20:23). "Then went this saying abroad among the Brethren, that that disciple (John) should not die: yet Jesus said not to him, he shall not die" — so (Matthew 2:16-18). But that Christ draws sinners by his death, was not so much controvert…

Secondly, it serves to teach us all to bemoan our own estates, or the estates of any of ours, that we yet see in the gall of bitterness, lying in an estate of nature; is it yourself, or your father, or mother, or your children or servants? Whatever he be, be he never so good a n…

As for other ordinary teachers, they are in part and in the second place to be heard as angels, and as Christ so far forth as they follow the doctrine of the Apostles. Thus are they also called the angels of the covenant (Matthew 2:7). And ambassadors in the stead of Christ (2 C…

For he was in his death a figure of Christ. The words, Matt. 2. he shall be called a Nazarite, are first spoken of Sampson, and then applied to Christ, in whome was verified that which Sampson figured. For as Sampson conquered his enemies more in his death, then in his life: eue…

For actions abide, and are of force, when words pass as the wind. Moreover, upon this depends another property of seducers, which is, to set a fair gloss upon the matter, and to make the world believe, they do these and these things, for such and such ends (as these false teache…

The Papists have also abused this place, to prove that Kings came from the East to offer gifts to Christ: wherein they show themselves too ridiculous, seeing the Prophet speaks of all sorts of people. But they snatch up without judgment all such like places wherein mention is ma…

Angels announced that “a Savior was born,” (Luke 2:11;) but their voice was only heard by the shepherds, and traveled no farther. One miracle, — everywhere published by “the wise men who came from the east,” (Matthew 2:1) that they had seen a star which proclaimed the birth of t…

For the substance of faith lay in this expectation; and it is evident, that there were few who actually cherished it in their minds. 39. They returned to Galilee The departure to Egypt, I readily acknowledge, came between those events; and the fact mentioned by Luke, that they d…

It had a very close connection with this object, that we should be informed, first, that Christ is a true man, (John 1:14,) and next, that he is “the Son of Abraham and of David,” ( Matthew 1:1 ;) as to both of which, the Lord has been pleased to give us an attestation. The othe…

Upon his birth he is proclaimed to be Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). And the first enquiry after him is, where is he that is born King (Matthew 2:2, 6). And this testimony does he give concerning himself; namely, that all judgment was his, and therefore all honor was due to him (J…

This place of his nativity is foretold (Micah 5:2): [in non-Latin alphabet]. And you Bethlehem Ephrata, is it (or it is) little for you to be among the thousands of Judah; out of you shall come forth to me, he that shall be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, fr…

And as our Lord Christ was the Son of man, so he was the true Vine, whereof the Father is the Husbandman, and his Disciples the branches (John 15:1, 2, 3, 4, 5). And he himself also was called out of Egypt (Matthew 2:15), as was the Vine spoken of in this Psalm; so that, he who…

Great joy as well as great sorrow transports a man in his next actions. It is said (Matthew 2:10-11) that the wise men when they found Christ, rejoiced with exceeding great joy, and presently, they fell down and worshipped him. Neither is this posture peculiar to worship in time…

2. That love to Christ, and zeal for him, holds believers stirring, and makes them send forth a sweet and savory smell. This smell is preferred to all spices, not to one or two, but to all: spices were either used as gifts, because they were precious and costly; so the Queen of…

It is not everyone's happiness thus to enjoy God, to be well-pleasing to him; some may come near with Moses, when others must worship afar off: none so capable of intimate communion with God as the well-furnished Christian: ordinarily, he that has the greatest treasure has the s…

Herod the Great, who reigned about forty years, and governed with proper royal authority, only paying homage to the Romans. But presently after Christ was born he died, as we have an account, Matthew 2:19, and Archelaus succeeded him; but was soon put down by the Roman Emperor;…

S. 3. 3. (Matthew 2:7) If the understanding power or faculty of the soul be, like to bodily sight, not of equal sharpness in all, what can be more convenient than that even as the dark-sighted man is directed by the clear about thing visible; so likewise in matters of deeper dis…

Fectless objects fetch influences from hell: as King Herod and all Jerusalem with him are quaking for fear, at the birth of a weeping babe in cradle. Can an infant rise out of his swaddling clothes and cut the King's throat (Matthew 2:9), and with fire and sword destroy all Jeru…

Micah sets himself against such, chapter 3:8, But truly (says he) I am full of power, by the spirit of the Lord, and of might, and of judgement to declare to Jacob his transgressions and to Israel his sin. There is little of self in children; the children of God ([in non-Latin a…

2. God will punish for sinful thoughts. We say Thoughts are free; so they are in mans Court; but God will punish for Thoughts: it was set upon Herods score, that he thought to have destroyed Christ under a pretence of worshipping him, Matthew 2:8. Let us be humbled for the sins…

(Deuteronomy 5:1) Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that you may learn them, and do them: Otherwise we deceive our own souls (James 1:22): But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own souls. We put a paralog…

Sometimes it signifies an imposing upon the credulity of others, things that seem incredible and impossible: so we read in Genesis, when Lot had declared to his sons-in-law the destruction of Sodom, it is said, he seemed to them as one that mocked (Genesis 19:14). Sometimes it i…

They want the pomegranate who have no good works. The wise men did not only bow the knee to Christ but presented him with gold, myrrh, and frankincense (Matthew 2:11). Pretenses of zeal are insufficient; we must not only worship Christ but bestow something upon his members.

2. True love is a love of desire, when we desire to be united to Christ as the fountain of happiness; love desires union; the soul that loves Christ, is ambitious of death, because this dissolution tends to union; death slips one knot, and ties another. 3. True love is a love of…

First, there is a carnal mourning, when we lament outward losses. Matthew 2:18: In Rama there was a voice heard, lamentation and weeping, and great mourning; Rachel weeping for her children. There are many such tears shed; many can mourn over a dead child, who cannot mourn over…

How cheerful may that man be who has taken Christ in the arms of his faith! When the wise men saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy (Matthew 2:10). Christian, have you seen the Lord Jesus? Has this morning star shined into your heart?

And much more of the like nature might be alledged out of many records both ecclesiastical, and other, were it needful: the satanical delusions of those [illegible] Cainaphryians and [illegible] who were wont to mingle the Eucharist with the blood of an infant of a year old, (of…

And what ground is there to exclude nursing children? For the word in (Acts 2:39) is used as in (Matthew 2:18) and (1 Corinthians 7:14), where surely the word is taken for nursing children, of whose actual faith the Scripture speaks not. Second, the promise "to you and to your c…

There is an acquired hypocrisy in all, less or more, and a habit thereof in not a few. According to men's ways so are men white and painted hypocrites; Herod professes to worship Christ and minds to kill him (Matthew 2). And Absalom covers treason and rebellion against his fathe…

So also (Esther 2:4), (Ecclesiastes 4:15), (2 Samuel 17:25), (Genesis 30:2), (1 Kings 16:10): Zimri reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet] (Ezekiel 16:32). Joseph heard that Archelaus did reign in the room of Herod his father (Matthew 2:22). Tremellius, and Trostius both turn it, loco…

Now these divine dreams were caused in men, either immediately by God himself, as the former places show; or by means of some good angel. In this latter kind was Joseph often admonished in dreams what to do, by the ministry of an angel; as (Matthew 1:20) and (Matthew 2:13, 19).…

But this exception has little force, for the same preposition used in a similar construction in other places does confessedly indicate a commutation — as Romans 9:3, where Paul says he could wish himself accursed from Christ for his brethren, that is in their stead. And concerni…

Now this also our Savior himself makes apparent. Matthew 20:28: 'He came to give himself a ransom for many' — the word always supposes a substitution and exchange of one person or thing in the place of another (so Matthew 2:22). So 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 3:18: 'He died for us, t…

Hebrews 1:6. Matthew 2:11. Socinus, I confess, evades the force of this argument, by denying the Divine person of Christ.

In the like manner our Saviour going by the way, meets with a young man, the only son of his mother, carried to be buried, and they wept sore (Luke 7:12-13). So Rachel wept for her children, and would not be comforted because they were not (Matthew 2:18). Though Joseph was not t…

Answ. 1. We please God when we comport with his Will. It was Christ's meat and drink to do his Father's will (John 4:34). and so he pleased him (Matthew 3:17). A voice came from heaven, saying, this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.

Then what is Christ's prayer? He is the Son of God, the Son in whom he is well pleased (Matthew 3:17). What will not a Father grant his Son?

Resp. Christ's priestly office has two parts, his satisfaction and intercession. 1. His satisfaction, and this consists of two branches: 1. His active obedience, (Matthew 3:15) He fulfilled all righteousness. Christ did everything which the law required; his holy life was a perf…

2. The second thing I am to speak of is the dove; be harmless as doves. The dove is an excellent creature; it was so acceptable, that in the old law God would have the dove offered in sacrifice: the Holy Ghost, when he would appear in a visible shape, assumed the likeness of a d…

Thus I have spoken of all the three persons. The Trinity of persons may be proved out of Matthew 3:16. Jesus when he was baptized went up immediately out of the water, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him, and lo a voice from heaven, saying,…

2. Christ himself could not procure a pardon but by dying; every pardon is the price of blood. Christ's life was a rule of holiness, and a pattern of obedience (Matthew 3:15). He fulfilled all righteousness.

For though it be a truth, that God in his absolute sovereignty might have dispensed with and given a pardon to sin freely, and without any satisfaction, upon man's submission and repentance, the punishing or pardoning sin belonging to his efficiency, and flowing therefore from h…

Q. How many are the persons in the Godhead? A. They are three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:16-17 & 28:19; John 14:16-17 & 15:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6; 1 John 5:7). Q. Whether are these three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost several, a…

First, in case he has already had an abundance of revelations from God. As after that glorious testimony given to Christ at his baptism — 'This is my beloved Son' (Matthew 3) — then Jesus was led aside to be tempted (Matthew 4:1). The text points out this timing to this very pur…

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…

The like may be observed, in other famous Prophets, and servants of God: Elijah wore a garment of hair, and thereby was known, 2 Kings 1:8. And so did John Baptist, Matthew 3:4. Yea, the false Prophets went so arrayed, that they might the rather be respected of the people, Zecha…

Which flatly overthrows the opinion and practice of the Romish Church, who resemble the true God, even God the Father, and the holy Trinity, in images: what else do they herein, but make a lie of God? But the Papists say, they devise no image to resemble God in, but only such wh…

But the Apostles after the resurrection of Christ, he having opened their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, said to them, that it behoveth Christ to suffer, and rise again the third day, that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name…

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…

(2.) He was not called or set apart to his office by any outward unction, solemn consecration, or ceremonious investiture. For the Lord Christ Jesus had none of these, who was made a Priest after the manner that he was; only there was an outward sign of his call to all his offic…

And those by whom his Ministry was despised, did reject the counsel of God against themselves, that is to their ruin; and made themselves liable to that utter excision, with the threatenings whereof the Writings of the Old Testament are closed (Malachi 4:6). He therefore called…

On the part of God, he reposed the whole trust of all the concernments of the covenant in him, and absolutely rested therein. Behold, says he of him, my servant whom I uphold, mine Elect in whom my Soul delights, or is well pleased, [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] (Matthew 3:17). When…

Repent and believe the Gospel (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15). And almost all the sermons that we find, not only of John the Baptist in a way of preparation for the declaration of the Gospel, as (Matthew 3:2), but of the Apostles also in pressing the actual reception of it on the Jews…

The promise of him was, that he should be sent from Heaven, or from above, as God is said to be above, which is the same with heavenly (Deuteronomy 4:39; 2 Chronicles 5:23; Job 31:2, 8; Isaiah 2:2, 15; and chap. 45:8). When he came upon the Lord Christ to anoint him for his work…

[⟨ 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…

Concerning all these Sacrifices it is added, [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], you had no pleasure. In opposition hereunto, God gives Testimony from Heaven concerning the Lord Christ and his undertaking; This is my Beloved Son, [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], In whom I am well pleased (…

Fire is the great trier and discoverer of metals, of what sort they are (1 Corinthians 3:13, 14, 15). And hence the Lord Christ in the trial of his Church, is compared to a refiner with fire (Matthew 3:2), so faith is tried (1 Peter 1:7). And it is the word which our Apostle use…

See Isaiah 1:18. & 55:7, 8, 9. The number and greatness of your sins, should not in the least hinder you from coming to Christ: his Blood cleaneth from all sin (1 John 1:7). All manner of sin (Matthew 3:1). You dishonor him, if you think otherwise; and submit not to the way of t…

The second point to be considered is, that though these three have but one Godhead, and all make but one God: yet they are distinguished one from another: for the Father is the Father, and not the Son, or the Holy Ghost: the Son is the Son, and not the Father, nor the Holy Ghost…

Nec propter vitam vivendi perdere causam. The lives of the wicked are unprofitable, therefore compared to chaff (Matthew 3:11) and hurtful, therefore compared to thorns (Micah 7:4). But a righteous man is like the bee or silkworm, working for the good of others: It comforts me (…

Again, he is a Savior by merit, and by power; for he has not only to do with God but with Satan; God is to be satisfied, and Satan overcome, and therefore he rescues us out of the hands of Satan, and redeems us out of the hands of God's justice. To rescue a condemned malefactor,…

Reason 2. Matthew 3:11: I baptize you with water to repentance, but he that comes after me is stronger than I — he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Hence it is manifest that grace in the sacrament proceeds not from any action in the sacrament.

And the commandment of the Holy Spirit — confess one to another and pray one for another, James 5:17 — binds as well the priest to make confession unto us as any of us to the priest. And whereas it is said in Matthew 3 that many were baptized confessing their sins, and in Acts 1…

Objection 6. Matthew 3:2: Do penance, and bring forth fruits worthy of penance, which (say they) are works of satisfaction enjoined by the priest. Answer: This text is absurd — for the word signifies this much: change your minds from sin to God, and testify it by good works, tha…

And so much of tribulation. The third thing held forth in this text (of which I must be very short) is mortification: this also is a refining fire (Matthew 3:11): He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Mark 9:49) For every one shall be salted with fire; and eve…

They believe that Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of men — see the confession of their faith in the possessed Gergesene (Matthew 8:29): "What have we to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God? Are you come to torment us before our time?" The devils believe and tremble, but h…

This argument was alleged to one in [illegible], to which the man confessed, he thought they did not, but his reason was, because the Church had not then appointed them, to which the other replied, I will have as good an answer as this from a [illegible], to believe as the Churc…

In this second clause of arguments there is only one behind, and that is, that by the titles given to all particular congregations, namely a kingdom, a family, a body, a Queen etc., it appears that all ecclesiastical authority, ought to be in every one of them distinctly, wholly…

So when as the light of the Gospel shines, then men are tried: in times of ignorance, God regards not men so much, but now in time of the Gospel, see if it be powerful, and whether you set yourselves about holy duties. Matthew 3:10, Now is the axe laid to the root of the tree: t…

2. That the author of that Epistle whoever he was, does not make Lent to stand by any law, or institution of the Apostles, but only as an act of imitation of Christ, who fasted forty days in the wilderness. 9. No, when the Book of Constitutions, which is thought to bear such ana…

Moreover, Smalcius denies far too shamelessly that any mention of this promise is made in the New Testament. The serpent is the devil (2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9, 14; 20:2); the wicked are a brood of vipers (Matthew 3:7); they are of their father the devil (John 8:44);…

By this vain boasting they fortified themselves against all conviction of natural misery. Hence, at the beginning of his preparatory ministry, John the Baptist found it necessary to confront this prejudice (Matthew 3:9). "Do not presume," he says, "to say among yourselves, We ha…

See Psalms 2:6, 24:3, 4, 45:18, 68:18; Isaiah 11:8-10, 35:8, 54:11-14, 60:21; Ezekiel 47:9; Zechariah 14:20, 21; Malachi 3. III. Now, when the kingdom of heaven had drawn near, John, who was sent to prepare the way of the Lord, expressly declared that true repentance — that is,…

By feeling of the heart, we choose, love, desire, delight, are zealous in the good thing itself, that it may be done; to refuse, hate, abhor, and are zealous against the known evil (Amos 5:14; Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1). Among these, zeal is an earnest affection of th…

The second in these words, "Mine ears you hast opened, then said I, Lo I come in the volume of your book, it's written of me, I delight to do your will"; which implies the Father's acceptation as well as Christ's undertaking; and it also points at the way how the satisfaction is…

You shall only take two or three testimonies for this. The first is (Matthew 3:14 and 17:5): This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; He undertook to satisfy for the elect's debt, and has accordingly performed it, so that the Father is well pleased. A second is (John 17…

The multitude heard this voice, though they understood it not. We read not often of an audible voice from heaven to Christ; only at his Baptism, there was a testimony given of him from heaven (Matthew 3:16-17) and at his Transfiguration (Matthew 17) of which Peter speaks (2 Pete…

Master Moore's universal atonement pages 4-5 tells us of a twofold reconciliation or redemption, on which Christ effected in his own body with God for men. This is perfect and accomplished fully, so as the Father is well pleased with his Son (Matthew 3:17). And this is done by s…

First, wherever there is life, there is some warmth (2 Kings 9:34). When the Prophet had lain upon the child, and had done so seven times, at length the breath of the child began to wax warm, a sign that life was a restoring, and thereby the Prophet discerned that life began to…

3. The next thing is [in non-Latin alphabet], in whom I am well pleased. This is to be interpreted of Christ as Mediator, or God Incarnate; for this was twice spoken at Christ's Baptism, Matthew 3:17, and now at his Transfiguration, both imply his Mediatorship. For his Baptism h…

Ioh. 8. 33. which vaine glorying of other mens vertues, John Baptist reproous, when he says, Thinke not to say with your selues, we have Abraham for our father&c. Mat. 3. 9. Fourthly, such as reioyce & thinke themselues in a good case, because they see others worse then themselu…

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…

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…

We have also told you that the kingdom of Christ is here depicted; not such a one as it shall be in every particular moment of time, but in its perfection. Christ at his first coming, began to accomplish that which is here said, when he purged his Church: in which regard, he cal…

Matthew 3:1-6 1. Now in those days John the Baptist comes, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2. And saying, Repent:

Why else did he enter into the calling of the ministry? But to teach the mysteries of Heaven (Matthew 4:23). Jesus went about teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of diseases among the people.

Repentance is by some Antinomian spirits cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. Matthew 4:17: From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, etc. And in his last farewell, when he was ascending to Heaven, he commanded that repentance should be…

4. Watch your hearts after holy duties. When Christ had been praying and fasting then the Devil tempted him (Matthew 4:23). After our combating with Satan in prayer, we are apt to grow secure, and put our spiritual armor off, and then the Devil falls on and wounds us.

I will bless her provision. Man lives not by bread alone, but by every word which proceeds out of God's mouth (Matthew 4:4). What is that but a word of blessing?

Q. 1. What does God require of us in our dependance on him, that he may be glorified by us, and we accepted with him? Answ. That we (a) worship him (b) in and by the ways of his own appointment. (a) Matthew 4:10. Revelation 14:7. Deuteronomy 6:13. chap. 10:20. (b) Leviticus 10:1…

First, in case he has already had an abundance of revelations from God. As after that glorious testimony given to Christ at his baptism — 'This is my beloved Son' (Matthew 3) — then Jesus was led aside to be tempted (Matthew 4:1). The text points out this timing to this very pur…

For then, when he is once sensible and apprehensive that he is resisted, does he flee from us, as the apostle speaks (James 4:7), and that of his own accord, as the expression there implies — even as a foiled and disgraced soldier. And this we may see in his carriage in those hi…

When therefore Christ says to him, 'Get behind me, Satan: you are an offense to me' — so still Satan was kept at a distance and could come no nearer. And that he should yet come thus near to him made Christ also in that great temptation in the wilderness, with so much vehemence…

That place in James is thus to be understood; God tempteth no man: that is, God does not stir up, or move any man's heart to sin. Yet further it will be said, That temptation is an action of Satan; for so in the Gospel we may read (Matthew 4:3,) that he is called the tempter? An…

This appears plainly in Christ's temptations by the Devil: for, in those three, Satan betrays his malice and craft against Christ and his Church most notably. Now Satan, not prevailing with the two first, makes his third and last assault from the glory and dignity of the world:…

Matthew 3:2, John preached, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. So did Jesus (Matthew 4:17): Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. So Christ commanded the twelve, As you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 10:7).

And we may learn, 1. That God can raise the greatest light in the midst of the greatest darkness; as (Matthew 4:16). 2. He can raise up instruments for his service and to his glory, when, where, and how he pleases.

They do serve: They do according to the Law officiate in sacred things; that is, they did so de jure, in their first institution, and continued de facto so to do still. And the word [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], is applied both to the inward spiritual, and outward instituted holy w…

And comprehends the whole of divine worship in all individuals. (Matthew 4:10.) But he also may be said to do the service, on whose account and in whose stead it was performed. But the defect charged, does not in the first place reflect on the persons, as though it was by their…

This is the method of preaching, confirmed by the example and command of Christ himself. Repent and believe the Gospel (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15). And almost all the sermons that we find, not only of John the Baptist in a way of preparation for the declaration of the Gospel, as (…

And the world has no small reason to tremble at the apprehension of such a condition at this day. Thirdly, in the end, this whole barren earth was burned up: in the first place, this respects the destruction of Jerusalem which ensued not long after, when temple and city, and peo…

Fourthly, that he tempts God, who for his own vain glory will make show of a superfluous and unprofitable miracle. Such as that (for example) was, whereunto the devil tempted our Savior (Matthew 4:6), to come down headlong from the pinnacle of the Temple to the plain, every mira…

Joab when many Aramites came against him, he heartened his soldiers though they were but few in number, bidding them be strong and valiant for their people, and for the cities of their god, and then let the Lord do that which is good in his eyes (2 Samuel 10:12). And our Savior…

We are sure of life as long as God has any service to do for us, yet we are bound to get food and raiment, and to use all means to preserve life. This was Satan's cavil against God's protection over Christ, "You are sure not to fall, therefore neglect means, cast yourself upon d…

Upon this sure ground I conclude that we may not pray to saints departed, for in Scripture there is no word either commanding us to pray to them or assuring us that we shall be heard when we pray. Nay, we are commanded only to call upon God: Him only shall you serve (Matthew 4:1…

Yet when the people burned incense to it, Hezekiah broke it in pieces and is therefore commended (2 Kings 18:4). And when the devil bade our Savior Christ but to bow down the knee to him and he would give him the whole world, Christ rejected his offer, saying: You shall worship…

He sounds a retreat to them, and locks them up in their chambers. Bread has a natural virtue in it to nourish, but it must be accompanied with his secret blessing (Matthew 4:4). Virtute primi actus, agunt agentia omnia quicquid agunt.

2. That the author of that Epistle whoever he was, does not make Lent to stand by any law, or institution of the Apostles, but only as an act of imitation of Christ, who fasted forty days in the wilderness. 9. No, when the Book of Constitutions, which is thought to bear such ana…

They are "blind," (2 Peter 1:9; Isaiah 42:7; Luke 4:18); and they are "darkness," (John 1:5; 1 Peter 2:9; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 5:8); "their minds are darkened," (Ephesians 4:18); "they walk in darkness," (1 John 1:6); and "they love darkness," (John 3:19); they are "dead," (Eph…

In this is forbidden no continuance, no care, too little, too slack, etc. (Genesis 3; Eve; David, 2 Samuel 11:1-2-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:3-6). The remedy of our sins in these, is Christ his death; with his knowledge (Luke 2:52); with his feeling (John 4:34); with his zeal (John 2:…

No image of God must be made, because he is a Spirit, nor of Christ, because pictures and images are teachers of lies, neither those, nor any other such should be suffered in the Church or at home, because we are instructed sufficiently in the Gospel. Forbidden in the second par…

When the poor sinner says, I have nothing to pay, but there is a price in Christ's satisfaction offered in the Gospel, and the Judge says, admits it for the sinner that lays claim to it, as if the sinner had never sinned, or had actually paid the price himself. But 4. Look a lit…

Men of private spirits, who carry a reciprocation of designs only to themselves, and die and live with their own private interests, are bad men. When our self is the circle, both center and circumference, we are so much like the devil, who is his own god, adores himself, and wou…

"You tithe every herb" — that is, herbs of all kinds (Luke 11:42). Christ cured every disease (Matthew 4:23). "You shall eat of every tree of the garden" (Genesis 2:16).

This is, first when a man has such respect to all the commandments of God, as that there is none of them but he greatly delights in it (Psalm 119:6) then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all your commandments: He looks at them all with such respect, as the commandm…

THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Matthew 4:1. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil. This Scripture gives us the history of Christ's Temptation, which I shall go over by degrees.

Matthew 4:2-4. And when he had fasted forty days, and forty nights, he was afterwards hungry. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If you are the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Matthew 4:5-6. Then the Devil takes him into the Holy City, and sets him on a pinnacle of the Temple. And says to him, if you are the Son of God, cast yourself down, for it is written he shall give his Angels charge concerning you, and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest…

Matthew 4:7. Jesus said to him, It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God. Here is Christ's Answer to the second Temptation; where two things are observable.

Matthew 4:8-9. Again, the Devil takes him into an exceeding high mountain, and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them. And says to him, all these things will I give you, if you will fall down, and worship me.

Matthew 4:10. Then says Jesus to him, Get away from here, Satan, for it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve. Thirdly, Christ's answer and reply, which is double.

Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaves him, and behold angels came, and ministered to him. In these words you have the issue, and close of Christ's Temptations.

Will you give way to him? Resist the devil, and he will flee from you: think not you can perform a flesh-displeasing duty, when Satan is quiet, and does not molest; he will be busy to tempt when you are going to your God; this is no new thing, he will jog your hand when you are…

Secondly, he asks the giving of the pardon, that is, that God would certify his conscience thereof. The use: Seeing the intent of the Devil and wicked men, is to destroy the faith (as it appears in this place, and in the first temptation wherewith Satan assaulted Christ (Matthew…

Moses says, Him shall you serve (Deuteronomy 6:16). Christ alleging the same words, says, Him only shall you serve (Matthew 4:10). David says, Sacrifice and burnt offering you would not, but my ears have you pierced (Psalm 40:7); the author to the Hebrews citing this text, says,…

The sum is then, that even in the midst of darkness, indeed of death itself, they were nevertheless to hope, seeing God is able sufficiently to give life to his people when they shall be thought as good as dead. It seems that Saint Matthew in alleging this place turns it to anot…

36. And trembling came upon all, and they talked among themselves, saying, What speech is this? for with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they go out. This demoniac was probably one of that multitude, which was mentioned, a little before, by Matthew 4:24.…

Matthew 4:1-4 1. Then Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit, that he might be tempted by the devil;

Matthew 4:12, 17 12. And when Jesus heard that John had been delivered up,

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

Matthew 4:5-11 5. Then the devil takes

The Spirit drives him into the Wilderness. It is evident that the same Spirit and the same Act is intended in all the Evangelists here and, Mat. 4. 1. Luke 4. 1.

The first consists in the want of those Means whereby alone they may be enlightned in the Knowledg of God and Spiritual Things. This is intended, Mat. 4. 16. This Means is the Word of God, and the preaching of it.

John the Baptist first began to preach it; and then after him, Christ, and his disciples, preached the same. Thus Christ preached, Matthew 4:17: 'From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' So the disciples were directed to pr…

They declared his conception and nativity (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35; Luke 2:11, 12). They ministred to him after his temptation (Matthew 4:11). They strengthned him in his agony (Luke 22:43).

It is not profession but fruit that glorifies God; God expects to have his glory from us this way (1 Corinthians 9:7): Who plants a vineyard and eats not of the fruit of it? Trees in the forest may be barren, but trees in the garden are fruitful: we must bring forth the fruits o…

The promise does not say, whoever has a giant faith, that can remove mountains, that can stop the mouth of lions, shall be saved; but whoever believes, be his faith never so small. Though Christ sometimes chides a weak faith, yet that it may not be discouraged, he makes a promis…

You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart. 2. The threats and prohibitions of the moral law reach the heart: the law of God forbids not only the act of sin, but the desire and inclination: not only does it forbid adultery, but lusting (Matthew 5:28). Not only stealin…

7. We take God's name in vain, when we swear by his name. Many seldom name God's name but in oaths; for this sin the land mourns (Matthew 5:34). Swear not at all; that is, rashly and sinfully, so as to take God's name in vain; not but that in some cases it is lawful to take an o…

Such as boast of their sinful exploits, will have little cause to rejoice or hang up their trophies when they come to hell. 11. The evil tongue is the swearing tongue (Matthew 5:34). Swear not at all. The Scripture allows an oath for the ending of a controversy, and to clear the…

Men may be wise in some things, but in other things may betray imprudence and weakness. But God is the exemplar and pattern of wisdom, and the pattern must be perfect (Matthew 5:48). God's wisdom appears in two things: first, his infinite intelligence; second, his exact working.

But Saint Augustine brings in God replying thus to him, because you do not say my prayer, therefore I will not hear yours. The malicious man is not like to enjoy either earth or Heaven; not the earth, for the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:4). Nor is he like to enjoy He…

This may cause veneration. 2. God is the best Father, because he is perfect; (Matthew 5:48) Your Father which is in Heaven is perfect. He is perfectly good: Earthly fathers are subject to infirmities: Elijah (though a prophet) was a man of like passions (James 5:17), but God is…

Solomon was first anointed with oil, and then he was king (1 Kings 1:39). First God anoints us with the holy oil of his Spirit, and then he sets the crown of happiness upon our head; pureness of heart, and seeing God are linked together (Matthew 5:8). Quest. How may sanctificati…

There is a two-fold adultery. 1. Mental (Matthew 5:28). Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery already with her in his heart.

These men's sins are greater than others. If the breakers of God's law sin, what do they that teach men to break them? (Matthew 5:19). 2. Such as destroy others by their bad example.

Resp. 1. He may be adorned with civility, he may be morally righteous, he may be prudent, just, temperate, he may be free from penal statutes; this is good, but not enough to bring a man to heaven. 2. He may hang out the flag of a glorious profession, yet fall short of the kingd…

1. Branch. It reproves such as do not God's Will; they have the knowledge of God's will, (knowledge they count an ornament) but though they know God's Will, yet they do it not. (1.) They know what God would have them avoid; they know they should not swear (Matthew 5:34), Swear n…

(2.) The meditation of the heavenly kingdom would much promote holiness in us: heaven is an holy place (1 Peter 1:4), an inheritance undefiled; it is described by transparent glass to denote its purity (Revelation 21:21). The contemplating heaven would put us upon the study of h…

Male de me loquuntur sed mali, said Seneca. Besides, is it not better that men reproach us for being good, than that God damn us for being wicked (Matthew 5:11)? Blessed are you when men shall revile you.

So it is said, that Archelaus reigned, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] (Matthew 2:22), in the room or stead of Herod his Father. So [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] (Matthew 5:38) is an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. And this word also is used in expressing the death of Christ…

1. That the actions and works themselves by which he is judged be found perfect: not only to have some conformity to the Law, that will not be sufficient, but they must exactly and fully quadrate therewithal. They must be throughly righteous, and they must not be chargeable with…

Now because the bringing in of a Surety to stand in the place of the man himself, is the proper foundation on which the Gospel Covenant is built; hence it is also a truth, that some men shall be judged by the Gospel, that is, according as they are found in Christ related to him,…

Q. What rules are to be observed for our better understanding the commandments of the Law? A. Every commandment of the Law is spiritual, reaching not only to the outward man, but also to the heart, soul, and conscience (Romans 7:14; Matthew 5:22, 28). Q. What is another rule?

Let such men therefore take patiently what God lays upon them: for it is not their misery or mishap alone, but has been common to God's children in all ages. Again, Christ himself pronounces them blessed, who suffer persecution for righteousness sake; for, though they be exiles…

And thus was Abraham warranted to sacrifice his Son; namely, by virtue of a special, and personal commandment to himself alone. But if Abraham had not had this particular commandment, the sacrificing of Isaac had been unlawful and abominable; for, the killing of a man is a heino…

But life everlasting is called a reward in the Scripture, because it is the free gift of God, promised by GOD to his children in Christ; for this end, to allure and draw them on in obedience. And it must not seem strange, that we say a reward is a free gift: for so it may be, as…

Haman hated Mordecai in his heart: yea, his heart boiled in malice against him: yet the Story says; That nevertheless he refrained himself till he came home, Esther 5:10. And therefore Christ says, that except our righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharise…

Objection 1. But to defend their opinion, they object some places of scripture; as Matthew 5:39, Resist not evil, saith Christ: therefore (say they) a man may not wear a weapon, nor use a sword; lest those make him to resist, and so to break this commandment of Christ. Answer.

So says he here, that you love one another as I have loved you; see John 3:16. Hence the commandment of love becomes a new commandment; not only because it was newly revived by Christ in an especial manner, when the doctrine of the duties of it was cast under Pharisaical corrupt…

It pleases God to give sufficient evidence to the accomplishment of his promise. For the manner of the proceeding of the Lord Christ from that Tribe, the Apostle expresseth it by [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], He sprang; [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] is usually taken in an active sense,…

Yes, the whole prosperity of the Church did always depend thereon; as its neglect was always accompanied with severe tokens of God's displeasure. Besides our Savior affirmeth of himself that he came not ⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩ Matthew 5:17, to dissolve or destroy the Law, which…

Yet as a law and rule of obedience it was never disannulled, nor would God suffer it to be. Yes, one principal design of God in Christ was that it might be fulfilled and established (Matthew 5:17, 18; Romans 3:31). For to reject this Law, or to abrogate it, had been for God to h…

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…

There are two places in the New Testament which are usually pleaded in opposition to this liberty and duty. The first is in the words of our Savior (Matthew 5:33, 34, 35, 36, 37): "You have heard that it has been said of old time, You shall not forswear yourself, but you shall p…

Judgment is taken sometimes for punishment itself (Psalms 9:16; James 2:13; 1 Peter 4:17; 2 Peter 2:3). But most commonly it is used for the sentence of judicial condemnation and trial, determining the offender to punishment; and so 'tis most commonly used to express the general…

And thereon the especial kinds of offerings and sacrifices are enumerated, which in general were all Corbans. So every thing that is brought to the Altar is called [in non-Latin alphabet], (Matthew 5:23, 24), when you bring your gift; that is, to offer gifts, sacred gifts of all…

He left not himself of old without witness, in that he did good and gave Rain from Heaven (Acts 14:17). Our Savior also makes it an argument of his goodness that he causes his Rain to fall (Matthew 5:45). And whatever thoughts we have of the commonness of it, and whatever acquai…

So is a person when he comes to have his own heart discovered to him; and he that never was ashamed of himself, never yet saw himself as he ought to see. (2.) It abases a man, it lowers and takes down a man's spirit in him, which is naturally very high, and lifted up in him: it…

Answer. He is to pray for them all. Matthew 5:44. Pray for them which hurt you, and persecute you. 1 Timothy 2:1. I exhort that prayers, intercessions, etc. be made for all men, for kings, etc.

Many use these words long and often, yet find no assurance of pardon: and the cause is, because they have no desire of God's mercy, nor willingness to forgive others, which if indeed they had, then no doubt the forgiveness of their sins should by this means be sealed to them. Wh…

True indeed: yet are they a cause of slandering God's name among men: for as we honor him by our good works, so we dishonor him by our offenses. Matthew 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.

He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him. Matthew 5:6. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

It is said of Zachary and Elizabeth, they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless (Luke 1:6). A good Christian is God's temple; his body is the outward court of the temple, and his soul the sanctuary, or holy of holies…

In assigning his earnestness and zeal for their good, you may take notice of three things, which I shall explain in their order. A compellation of their persons, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] [Beloved;] a term usual in the Apostles' writings, the same word is used (1 Peter 2:11),…

All true believers have a state of true perfection in this life. Matthew 5:48: Be you perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect. Genesis 6:9: Noah was a just and perfect man in his time, and walked with God.

Isaiah 42:3: Christ will not quench the smoking flax, which as yet by reason of weakness gives neither light nor heat. Christ says in Matthew 5:6: Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied — where by persons hungering and thirsting…

Secondly to the Church, when any person has openly offended the congregation by any crime and is therefore excommunicate. Thirdly to our private neighbor, when we have upon any occasion offended and wronged him — Matthew 5:23: If you bring your gift to the altar and there rememb…

And, Let no man ask another man, but return to his own heart; if he find charity there, he has security for his passage from life to death. Hilary on Matthew 5: The kingdom of heaven which our Lord professed to be in himself, his will is that it must be hoped for without any dou…

To be of a meek, forgiving spirit is Christlike, Godlike. Then shall you be the children of your Father who is in heaven, 'for he makes his sun to rise upon the evil and upon the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust' — Matthew 5:45. How eminently also did this Spir…

This is the true and the principal way to justify religion, and to stop the mouths of all ignorant and malicious cavillers against it. This is the way to maintain the honor of God (Matthew 5:16): Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify y…

It was said of those brethren in iniquity, Simeon and Levi, that instruments of cruelty were in their habitations, for in their anger they slew a man, Cursed be their wrath, for it was cruel (Genesis 49:5, 6). And our Lord Jesus Christ in his exposition of the sixth Commandment,…

It may be you are not so good as the young man in the Gospel, or the scribes and Pharisees; and yet they are gone to their own place. Oh, your righteousness must exceed theirs, if ever saved (Matthew 5:20). Oh, you must exceed those, whom perhaps you have not yet equaled.

2. There was a stated holiness in the time of the Law in some places. And thus some have observed, that we find but three places that were holy in this respect, the land of Canaan, called the holy land (Zechariah 2:12), the city of Jerusalem, called the holy city (Matthew 5:4 an…

And Christ himself teaches us so to interpret them. As in the sixth commandment, You shall not kill, this forbids all rash anger, even passionate words, and thoughts (Matthew 5:21, 22), and in the seventh commandment, though adultery only is named, yet by the like Synecdoche all…

It is the mark of a hypocrite, he has a squint eye, he looks more to his own glory than God's glory. Our Savior deciphers such, and gives a warning against them (Matthew 6:2). When you give alms do not sound a trumpet.

3. It must be done to a right end: Finis specificat actionem; The end of obedience is glorifying God. That which has spoiled many glorious services, is when the end has been wrong (Matthew 6:2). When you do your alms do not sound a trumpet as the hypocrites do, that they may hav…

Do all to the glory of God. That which has spoiled many glorious actions, and made them lose their reward, is when men's aims have been wrong: the Pharisees gave alms, but blew a trumpet, that they might have glory of men (Matthew 6:2). Alms should shine, but not blaze.

Response: It is true, God has told you to take pains in a calling, but not hurt your neighbor; he has told you to provide for your family, but not by oppression (Leviticus 25:14): "You shall not oppress one another." He has told you to look after a livelihood, but not with the n…

But (Psalm 147:5). His understanding is infinite. He has a grate (Crates) that looks into men's breasts: he has a key for the heart, he beholds all the sinful workings of men's spirits: As in a glass hive we can see the bees working in their combs (Matthew 6:4). he sees in secre…

Having (through the good providence of God) gone over the chief grounds and fundamentals of religion, and enlarged upon the Decalogue or Ten Commandments, I shall now at the close, speak something upon the Lord's Prayer. Matthew 6:9. After this manner therefore pray you, Our Fat…

Such professors are to be disliked, who talk of living by faith, but live out of a calling. They are like the lilies which toil not, neither do they spin (Matthew 6:28). 'Tis a speech of holy and learned Mr. Perkins: Let a man be endowed with excellent gifts, and hear the Word w…

[reconstructed: Vis unita fortior] (Matthew 18:19). 7. Private prayer; when we pray by ourselves (Matthew 6:6). Enter into your closet.

Let us press forward with the greatest diligence to this Kingdom: and here let me lay down some powerful persuasives, or divine arguments, to make you put to all your strength for the obtaining this blessed Kingdom. 1. This is the great errand for which God has sent us into the…

Fear not death, but rather let your hearts revive when you think these rattling wheels of death's chariot are but to carry you home to an everlasting kingdom. Matthew 6:10. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. We come next to the third petition, Your will be done on e…

Some duties of obedience there are, which the world neither does, nor can discern in believers. Such are their faith, inward holiness, purity of heart, heavenly mindedness, sincere mortification of indwelling sin, some whose performance ought to be hid from them, as personal pra…

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…

And again: Although you must be lifted a little, yet you have the seed of faith hidden in you: though the leaves be blown down with the tempter's wind, yet the root is fresh. Second reason: (Matthew 6:13) Lead us not into temptation, &c., that is, do not utterly forsake us and d…

The Apostle tells them what to do: namely, Do good, and be rich in good works, and be ready to distribute, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may obtain eternal life: that is, that they so spend their riches in holiness and ch…

A worldly man would judge the rich man in the Gospel, a most happy man, that said unto his soul, by reason of his great abundance of outward wealth, Luke 12:19, Soul, soul, you have much goods laid up for many years, live at ease, eat, drink, and take your fill: yet because here…

To them therefore here is matter of good advice. Let such a man learn but one promise of God out of the holy Scripture, as this; Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all things else shall be given unto you, Matthew 6:33: or this; Cast all your care on him, for he careth for you, 1…

But, when David entered into himself, and considered the words he had so presumptuously uttered; upon better advice he confesses, and writes it up for all posterities to God's glory and his own shame, that it was in passion, I said in my fear all men are liars: This he said in h…

First, your heavenly Father knows you have need of all these things. Secondly, but seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Now the members of the Church of Christ, gathered according to Christ's institu…

- The one is to believe that God can grant our requests, because he is almighty, and thus much is signified when he is said to be in heaven. - The second is to believe that God is ready and willing to grant the same, and this we are taught in the title father, which serves to pu…

Thus we see what the Father is. Now to believe in the Father, is to be persuaded, that the first person in Trinity, is the Father of Christ, and in him my Father particularly (Jeremiah 3:4, 19; Matthew 6:4), and that for this cause I intend and desire forever to put my trust in…

As the silk-worm, while she weaves her curious works, hides herself within the silk, and is not seen: so we should hide ourselves from Pride and Vainglory. 'Twas the sin of the Pharisees while they were distributing Alms, they did buccina canere, blow the Trumpet, Matthew 6. 2.…

We enter upon other services out of hopes, but we enter upon Christ's service out of thankfulness. Again, this resignation must be universal, without reservation of any part: you must have no other Master but God (Matthew 6:24); you cannot serve two Masters, you cannot serve God…

Paul says (Romans 2:14), The Gentiles that have not the law do the things of the law by nature, that is, by natural strength: and he says of himself, that before his conversion touching the righteousness of the law, he was blameless (Philippians 3:6). And for this external obedi…

Objection 3. We are taught to pray for the pardon of our sins day by day (Matthew 6:12), and all this were needless, if we could be assured of pardon in this life. Answer: The fourth petition must be understood not so much of our old debts or sins, as of our present and new sins…

Which of these shall I charge upon him? Not the first: 'My Father knows what I have need of' (Matthew 6:32); my condition is not hidden from him. Not the second: 'The earth is the Lord's and the fullness of it' (Psalm 24:1); his name is God All-sufficient (Genesis 17:1).

From where some have not unaptly said, that the magistrate and the church has as it were a warrant dormant for such days. Neither indeed could all the particular causes, and occasions, and times thereof be particularly determined in the Scripture, because they are infinite, and…

As a bull by wrestling and straining in the furrow may make his yoke more heavy, gall his neck, and spend his strength sooner, but in no way helps himself — so it stands with you, if you are as a bull unaccustomed to the yoke. What Christ says of anxious care we may say of griev…

When a man is crying for an alms, but for a piece of bread, to be rejected is something; but when a man is crying for his soul, then to be rejected, and by God himself, this is more grievous. Secondly, the bread for their soul, that is, the bread they have to maintain their live…

For that law differs from nature itself only by its relation to a certain object. This law, therefore, teaches that God exists and is to be worshipped, and that right and justice are to be observed among men — as Scripture also testifies: Ps. 145:15; 141:7–9; Job 12:7–10; 37–39;…

When all sacred things among the Jews were in this state and condition, certain learned men consider that our Lord Jesus Christ, in establishing the evangelical church and in His infinite wisdom ordering the worship of God therein, transferred to His own use (as they put it) cer…

Uprightness is, when the affection loves, desires, etc. in a single heart, only because God commands, and for that end; this is called simplicity, truth, a single heart (Deuteronomy 18:13; John 1:17; Ephesians 6:14; Ephesians 6:6; 1 Chronicles 29:5). Forbidden hypocrisy, vain gl…

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…

Our life and treasure is there. (Matthew 6:20) Lay up treasure for yourselves in heaven. Our [illegible], our city-dwelling and our haunting is in heaven (Philippians 1:21).

He does all, in inviting sick sinners to come and drink life and salvation at Christ the Fountain of life, which expresses with men who speak as they think, their sincere intention, but he intends no such thing. Answer. Make the comparison run as it should do, and it makes more…

Certainly when we pray we should turn our backs upon all earthly things, and have our hearts and minds carried up to him to whom our prayers are directed, and that place where he dwells. 2. Secrecy is necessary for this duty, partly to avoid ostentation (Matthew 6:6). When you p…

For in every command of God, general or particular, there is a promise expressed or implied of all things necessary (Deuteronomy 28:5): "Blessed shall be your basket and your store." And (Matthew 6:33): "Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things…

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…

1. Sufficiency (Genesis 17:1): "I am the almighty God, walk before me and be you perfect." (1 Timothy 4:8): "Godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come": of heaven and of earth (Matthew 6:33). "Seek you first…

We should in our whole conversation live as in his sight, and live as those that remember God stands by, and sees all that we are about: but especially in our worship, we then set ourselves as before the Lord. Pray as to our Father, that sees what we do, (Matthew 6:6). Pray to y…

I will pray with understanding: For blind devotion is not pleasing to God: 2. A sensible feeling of our wants, we must come weary and heavy laden (Matthew 11:28). Pressed with the guilt of sin, pinched with want of grace: 3. Fervency of spirit (James 5:17), arising from a consid…

I answer, we may use it as other prayers in Scripture; but, I conceive, the principal end of it, is not to be rehearsed every time we pray, but an example, platform, or directory, according to the contents of which we must direct our prayers. Therefore for the further help of yo…

For they are praised and magnified of men. So says Christ also (Matthew 6:2), that hypocrites do all things to be praised of men. And in (John 5:44) he sharply reproves such: "How can you believe (says he) which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes of…

God and the Lamb are all things to all the Elect in the kingdom of heaven (Revelation 21). Here we see the right way to become rich: and that is, above all things to seek to be true and lively members of Christ: for if he be ours, we can want nothing (Romans 8:32; Matthew 6:33;…

Objection. The Pharisee considered himself, when as he said, Lord, I thank you, that I am not as other men, thus, and thus, or like this Publican (Luke 18:11), and yet he is reproved by our Savior Christ. Answer. True it is: for he only considered his own supposed virtues, which…

For the multitude are always blind of themselves, as the rest of the common sort are: but if the eyes be blind, what shall become of the rest of the parts of the body? If the light, as Jesus Christ says, be turned into darkness, how great is that darkness? (Matthew 6:23). This i…

For he might conceive hope from there, that his successors should in the end be partakers of this favor and mercy. Some think he rejoiced for this delay, because we ought not to care for tomorrow, considering that the day has enough with its own grief (Matthew 6:24). But this su…

For how comes it, that almost all resort to wicked contrivances, to robbery and to fraud, but because they ascribe to Satan what belongs to God, the power of enriching whom he pleases by his blessing? True, indeed, with the mouth they ask that God will give them daily bread, (Ma…

"provide for honest things, not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of men," (2 Corinthians 8:21.) The command, which he gives shortly afterwards, to seek concealment and a retired situation for their good works, (Matthew 6:4,) is intended only to forbid ostentation.…

MATTHEW 6:1-4 Matthew 6:1-4

Matthew 6:14-15 14. For if you shall forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

2. In buying and selling, we do all to the glory of God; the wicked live upon unjust gain, either by falsifying the balance (Hosea 12:7): The balances of deceit are in his hand: while men make their weights lighter, they make their sins heavier, or by exacting more than the comm…

Use 2. Imitate God in justice. Let Christ's golden maxim be observed (Matthew 7:12): What you would have men do to you, do you even so to them. You would not have them wrong you, neither do you them; rather suffer wrong than do wrong (1 Corinthians 6:7).

Blazing comets soon evaporate. A building on sand will fall (Matthew 7:26). Seeming grace may be lost; no wonder to see a bough fall from the tree that is only tied on.

And that which may cause the more thankfulness, is because the most go into this house of bondage, the most go to hell: therefore to be of the number of those few that are delivered from it, is matter of infinite thankfulness. I say, most go to this house of bondage when they di…

God bespangles the word with promises: as if a father should bid his son read his last will and testament, wherein he makes over a fair estate to him. God bids us pray: and he tells us, if we ask, it shall be given (Matthew 7:7). Ask power against sin, ask salvation and it shall…

Such as are unclean and profane are the spurious blood of the Old Serpent, and it were blasphemy for them to call God Father. The case of the wicked is deplorable: if they are in misery, they have none to make their moan to; God is not their Father, he disclaims all kindred with…

God will judge the judger. (Matthew 7:1). 6. Lay aside disobedience, (Romans 10:21).

We read that the wicked are to be set at Christ's feet (Psalm 110), not at his table. (Matthew 7:6; Exodus 19:12) Quest. 7. How may we receive the Supper of the Lord worthily, that so it may become effectual to us?

What should such sinners think of pardon? Believers are compared to bruised reeds (Matthew 12:20) and temptations to winds (Matthew 7:25). Now, a reed is easily shaken with the wind.

Q. What is petition? A. A prayer wherein we ask the preventing or removing of things hurtful, and the bestowing of things needful (Matthew 7:7, 8, 9, 10). Q. What is thanksgiving?

Nevertheless, if those same elect be compared with them that are justly damned, we say according to the Scriptures that they are few. Matthew 7:13-14. The gate is narrow and the way strait which leads to life, and few there be which find it. Again, Many are called, but few are c…

Psalm 1:6: the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish. Matthew 7:23: depart from me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you. Furthermore, the prescience and purpose of God are by the holy Ghost put for one and the same thing.

The same injury which David did to Uriah, was done unto him, by his own son, even by his son Absalom, 2 Samuel 10 verse 10, 11 and 16.22. And this, our Savior Christ teaches us, saying; (Matthew 7.1.) Judge not, that ye be not judged. We find this true likewise by experience: th…

To them therefore here is matter of good advice. Let such a man learn but one promise of God out of the holy Scripture, as this; Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all things else shall be given unto you, Matthew 6:33: or this; Cast all your care on him, for he careth for you, 1…

So that, though they wanted not authority, or outward zeal, and wisdom: yet they wanted faith, which should purify their hearts; or else they would never have lived in such notorious sins, as they were discovered to do. And this is the trial which our Saviour Christ directs us u…

If they err in the object of their faith, Jesus the Christ, though they own him to be Jesus their eternal Priest, to make intercession to God for them; yet if they deny him their eternal King and Prophet, in all his outward institutions, in admitting of members into his spiritua…

Therefore there be no gracious conditions, or qualifications wrought in us, before we received union with Jesus Christ. The proposition is clear of itself, that we cannot bring forth good fruit, until we be good trees (Matthew 7:18): a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit.…

If we be active in laying hold on Christ, before he has given us his Spirit: then we apprehend him, before he apprehend us: then we should do a good act, and so bring forth good fruits, before we become good trees; yes, and be good trees before we be in Christ. But these are all…

And we may observe in our way, that The Holy Ghost is present with many as to powerful operations, with whom he is not present as to gracious inhabitation: Or many are made partakers of him in his spiritual gifts, who are never made partakers of him in his saving graces (Matthew…

On this foundation it is that God has graciously designed them to sundry ends of his glory, and accepts them accordingly. For the will of his command is fulfilled thereby; and this tends to the glory of his rule and government (Matthew 7:21). We are to pray that the will of God…

See (Hebrews 10:31; Psalm 119:116). Such are at last led forth with workers of iniquity, as (Psalm 125, last verse), and to them will Christ profess, and say, I never knew you: depart from me, &c. as (Matthew 7:23). A dead faith is a deadly thing: a soul-ruining thing.

It is true; you may have great enlightenings, and yet fall short of Christ: such as hardly fall short of a miracle (Hebrews 6:5, 6). Yes, you may work miracles, and yet perish for ever, as Matthew 7:22. Therefore consider further.

Thirdly, that the working of miracles is no good argument to prove the holiness of them that be the instruments thereof: and therefore when the Lord does such things for the convincing of infidels, he yet gives us warning that we should not be deceived thereby, supposing invisib…

Isaiah 65:34. Before they call I will answer, and while they speak I will hear. 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 hea…

This done, then comes the second work of the Holy Ghost, which is the inflaming of the will, that a man having considered his fearful estate by reason of sin, and the benefits of Christ's death, might hunger after Christ; and have a desire not so much to have the punishments of…

First, Sometimes greater strictness (Colossians 2:18): Which things have a shew of wisdom, and neglect of the body: rigorous observances and outward mortifications, as the Papists do. 2. Special meekness; ravening wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15), as if they were all fo…

No — you would as soon hurt yourself as him. 'If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more does God?' (Matthew 7:11). The very consideration of his nature — a God of love, pity, and tender mercies — or of his relation to you, as a father,…

In some cases you know God has given us an exemption (Proverbs 9:8): Reprove not a scorner lest he hate you. (Matthew 7:6) Give not that which is holy to dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rent you. Certai…

No, and many of the children of God fall into this same error, of making the way of Christ broader and easier than ever Christ made it, and taking more liberty than ever he allowed. Therefore mark you well our Savior's words (Matthew 7:13, 14): Enter you in at the strait gate; f…

And there may be a great zeal for the name of Christ, as they showed in John 6:15, 24 — they would come and take him by force to make him a king, and they followed him wherever he went; they took shipping and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus (verse 24). Many others are zealo…

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…

Knowledge is good and excellent, yet may be separated from faith and love; and then it is nothing in point of salvation (1 Corinthians 13:1-2). Indeed ministerial gifts themselves may be separated from faith, as in Judas, and others (Matthew 7:22). And if so, they save not.

Heaven is well compared to a stately palace, with a narrow portal: hence so few enter it. The gate is narrow, the way is narrow, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:14). There are but a very few that shall be saved.

Isaiah 65:24. Before they call, I will answer, and while they speak I will hear. 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 he…

O! what a strange punishment suppose you will that be, when the Saviour of sinners shall stand by and look on till he see vengeance execute on sinners that despised him? Think on it, for there is such a day coming, when you will all appear before him, and when your reckonings wi…

And how does he complain of the Corinthians and Galatians, and of their being bewitched, and suddenly seduced, and drawn away from the truth and simplicity of the gospel, by some self-seeking [reconstructed: counterfeit ministers], coming with a dazzling show among them. We shal…

3. We are, by nature, as good clay and metal to be vessels of revenging justice, and firewood that could burn, as kindly in hell, as Devils, or any damned whatever. 4. Not only at our first conversion must we be drawn; but the Spouse prays, (Song of Solomon 1) to be drawn; there…

But the Scripture presses faith in the power of mercy (Romans 4:21): Abraham staggered not, but was strong in the faith, giving glory to God, being fully persuaded that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Now Abraham is commended for that he savingly and for his j…

And he speaks of all men in an estate of nature without Christ, not one does any good, no not one; all the thoughts and imaginations of such men's hearts are evil, and only evil, and that continually (Genesis 6:1), and Christ says as much of their words (Matthew 12:33-34). And s…

Watch to that with perseverance, verse 19, where you see what course God would have his servants to take, take this course, ever follow God, watch night and day, and never give over till he bless you and yours, until he bless Magistrates, give ministers a door of utterance, that…

Secondly, come to answer an objection, and then to make use. First, when you look at the falls of your brethren, and have occasion to behold them; look not at them with a partial eye, or a hypocritical eye, as they in (Matthew 7:3-5), but reflect we our eye upon ourselves, and c…

Look not so wistfully at the privileges of the ordinances, trust not in the outward letter of them (Philippians 3:6-8). This is that which keeps off many a poor soul from coming on to grace; he lives in no open gross sin, and in the midst of the ordinances of God, Christ is prea…

For the Lord God is a Sun and a shield, the Lord will give grace and glory: No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. And seek it of him by prayer (Matthew 7:11). Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you.

Therefore where God's ordinance is in the creature, there may an argument be well borrowed and applied to divine and heavenly things. So our Savior Christ in Matthew 7 argues from earthly things to heavenly things, when he says: If you then which are evil can give to your childr…

Paul teaches the very same thing which Christ taught, that is to say, that works and fruits do sufficiently testify whether the trees be good or evil: whether men follow the guiding of the flesh or of the spirit. As if he should say: Lest some of you might lay for himself, that…

Thus he brings the false apostles into suspicion among the Galatians, showing that by this goodly pretense they go about to deceive them. So our Savior Christ also warns us, saying: Take heed of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). Paul suffered…

After this, the Holy Ghost works a will and desire to believe, and stirs up the heart to make humble and serious invocation for pardon. After prayer instantly made, follows a settling and quieting of the conscience, according to the promise (Matthew 7:7): "Knock, it shall be ope…

An euill tree cannot bring forth good fruit. Mat. 7. It may be obiected, that naturall men may doe the workes of the morall law, as to give almes, and such like.

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.

And if she had not borne him in her heart, as well as she bore him in her womb, she had not been saved. To prophesy or preach, and that in the name of Christ, is a great dignity: and yet many having this prerogative shall be condemned (Matthew 7:22). It may be alleged, that some…

It was said of Nabal (1 Samuel 25:18), he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him. Some are so barbarous, as if they were akin to the ostrich, they are fired with rage, and breathe forth nothing but revenge, like those two men in the Gospel possessed with devils,…

Christ loves to see the vine flourishing, and the pomegranates budding (Song of Solomon 6:11). Christ accepts the truth of grace, but commends the growth of grace (Matthew 8:10): I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel. Would you be as the beloved disciple that lay in…

Adoption is twofold, 1. External and Federal: So those who live in a visible church, and make a profession of God, are sons (Matthew 8:12). The children of the kingdom shall be cast out.

Resp. I shall show, 1. What it is not; it is not a bare acknowledgment that Christ is a Savior; indeed there must be an acknowledgment, but that is not sufficient to justify. The devils acknowledged Christ's Godhead (Matthew 8:29): Jesus, you Son of God. There may be an assent t…

He has got your hearts, and him you will obey: His strong temptations do more draw men to evil, than all the promises of God can draw them to good. This is the state of every man by nature, he is in the house of bondage, the Devil has him in his power: A sinner grinds in the Dev…

Cain served God grudgingly, he brought his sacrifice, not his heart. To obey God's Commandments unwillingly, is like the devils who came out of the men possessed at Christ's command, but with reluctancy and against their will (Matthew 8:29). Obedientia praeest, and à est non tim…

When Solomon was to build a temple he needed many workmen, and they all had tools to work with, but God worked without tools (Psalm 33:6). By the word of the Lord were the heavens made. The disciples wondered that Christ could with a word calm the sea (Matthew 8:26-27). But it w…

You may have hot clothes, warm and lively preaching, yet be spiritually dead. Matthew 8:12: The children of the kingdom shall be cast out. Deceit 2: Men think they have the kingdom of grace set up in their hearts, because they have some common works of the Spirit.

Psalm 33:6: "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made." The disciples wondered that Christ could with a word calm the sea (Matthew 8:26), but it was far more with a word to make the sea. Let us on a Sabbath meditate on the infiniteness of our Creator, look up to the firmame…

Therefore Naaman's servants called their master father (2 Kings 5:13). And the centurion calls his servant son (Matthew 8:6). The servant is to honor his master as the father of the family.

They have got their sickness in your service; use what means you can for their recovery. Be not like the Amalekite, who forsook his servant when he was sick (1 Samuel 30:13), but be as the good Centurion, who kept his sick servant, and sought to Christ for a cure (Matthew 8:6).…

Say not thus, Lord, my heart is good, and my life blameless, God hates this. Lie in the dust, be covered with sackcloth; say as the centurion (Matthew 8:8), Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof: I deserve not the least smile from heaven. This is the way for p…

In them is the Tabernacle of God with men, and he dwells among them, and they are his people (Revelation 21:3). The promise of Christ being, that where two or three are assembled in his name, there he will be in midst of them (Matthew 8:18, 20). And this promised presence of God…

For (to omit the Angels) if you consider the elect by themselves, they are many. Matthew 8:11. I say to you, that many shall come from the East, and West, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. Revelation 7:9. I beheld and lo a great multitud…

For, how can we look to be glorified with them after this life, if here we be not like them in grace? Christ tells his followers, that many should come from the East and from the West, to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven, Matthew 8:11, 12, (because th…

The bag which Judas carried, doth prove the contrary; for, he was (as it were) the steward in Christ's family, who looked to their provision, and to their contribution to the poor: as may be seen, John 13.27, 28, 29. Yea Christ's Disciples, though they left the present use of th…

Eam viam Christus primus patefecit; aditumque fecit omnibus ad summum coelum. Pervenit quidem eò, Abrahamus, Jacobus, ut videre est, Matthew 8:11. & alii viri eximii, ut videbimus infra, cap. 11. 40. Sed hi eò pervenerunt quasi per machinam, non viam; extraordinariâ quâdam et ra…

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…

As for example, we know that the apostles had all true saving faith (except Judas) and when our Savior Christ asked them, whom they thought that he was; Peter in the person of the rest, answered for them all, and said; you are Christ, the Son of the living God: for which our Sav…

One of these emboldened the leper to pray, Lord, if you will you can make me clean. Matthew 8:2. Therefore both together are more effectual.

So Luke [illegible]: Zachary was struck dumb for not believing what God had revealed. Christ did never chide his Disciples so much for any thing as for their unbelief (Luke 24:25), O you fools, and slow of heart to believe: and Why doubt you, O you of little Faith? (Matthew 8:26…

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,…

For first of all, in regard of ourselves and our disposition we cannot be certain at all, but must despair of salvation even to the very death. We cannot be sufficiently disposed so long as we live in this world, but must always say with Jacob, I am less than all your mercies (G…

They believe there is a God and they tremble at his wrath; their hearts ache and tremble within them. They believe that Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of men — see the confession of their faith in the possessed Gergesene (Matthew 8:29): "What have we to do with you, Jes…

These are the two only ways of obtaining an unjust dominion; and where they are in conjunction, they must have a mighty prevalency, and such as will render the contest hazardous. There are few believers but have found it so, at least in their own apprehensions; they have been re…

Hence are these places of Scripture (Genesis 2:17): The day that you eat thereof you shall die the death. (Matthew 8:22) Let the dead bury their dead. (Ephesians 2:1) You has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

The third means, is the consideration of God's most glorious majesty; wherein we are to remember, first, his fatherly goodness and kindness, whereby he is willing, and secondly his omnipotence, whereby he is able to grant our requests. One of these emboldened the leper to pray:…

A famine of bread, nor a thirst of water, but hearing the word of the Lord, &c. Matthew 8. But when he saw the multitude, he had compassion on them, because they were dispersed and scattered abroad as sheep having no Shepherd; Then he said, Surely the harvest is great, but the l…

First, the thing that Christ bore is called griefs and sorrows, by which we understand the effects that sin brings on men in the world, for it is the same that in verse 5 is called his being wounded for our transgression, and bruised for our iniquity; it is a wounding that iniqu…

These words, and all this Chapter, look liker a piece of the history of the Gospel than a prophecy of the Old Testament; the sufferings of the Messiah being so directly pointed at in them. We show that this first part of the fourth verse holds forth the cause of his sufferings,…

Why, then the Lord's disciples had no faith, when Christ said to them, Why doubt you, O you of little faith? It may perhaps be answered, that the disciples (Matthew 8) doubted not of their son-ship, but of the Lord's particular care in bringing them to shore, in a great sea-stor…

If any man say Christ bought these, in regard that by his death, he purchases a dominion over elect and reprobate, that all knees should bow to him, men and Angels (Romans 14:8-9, etc.; Isaiah 45:[reconstructed: 23]; Philippians 2:9-11; John 5:27; Acts 17:31), so that there is a…

The word here translated Tempted, is read by some [[illegible]] that is, vexed. Yea, and Thirdly, to helpe this also, it may be said of Christ while he was here below, that in the same sense or manner wherein he bore our sicknesses, Matthew 8:17 (who yet was never personally tai…

It is a notable place that in Jeremiah 2:25: God calls upon his people most affectionately that they would be healed, but they snuff up their iniquities as the wind, and like wild ass colts, would be at liberty, and take pleasure in their running at random; and God said, Withhol…

So (Luke 22:31). Simon, Simon, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. Nay he could not enter into the herd of swine without a patent, and new pass from Christ (Matthew 8:31). So the devils besought him, saying. If you cast us out suffer us to go away into…

This word is spoken of (Psalm 107:20): "He sent his word, and his word healed them, and delivered them from all their destructions." It is dictum factum with God, if he speak but the word it is all done (Matthew 8:8): "Speak but the word and your servant shall be whole." So (Luk…

5. We shall have the company of the blessed saints in heaven. The disciples here did not only enjoy the company and sight of Christ, but the company and sight of Moses and Elijah, being glorified saints; so in the heavenly life (Matthew 8:11). It is made a part of our blessednes…

3. The nature of a state of glory, and how easily it makes us to forget all things here below. Peter had a family, and household affairs to mind, for we read in the Gospel that his wife's mother was sick and cured by Christ (Matthew 8:14). He had friends and a brother called And…

And he looked, and behold there was a cake baked on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head, and he did eat and drink, and laid him down again." [illegible], the word here used, is often taken in that sense in the New Testament (Matthew 8:15): "She arose and ministered to th…

Christ's touch is powerful, and a means of application. Usually thus Christ conveyed and applied his power (Matthew 8:3) — he touched the leper and cleansed him. Matthew 8:15 — he touched Peter's wife's mother, and cured her of a fever.

The first, that they which are, or desire to be dispensers of the word, must do it not for the belly, or for lucre's sake, or for the praise of men, but simply for this end, that they may gain souls to God. The scribe that would have followed Christ for gain, was repelled with t…

Lastly, in that the faithful are called a family, it shows that they are but few, even a handful in comparison of the world; for what is a family to a country or a kingdom? Indeed I grant, if those of the family of faith, be considered by themselves, they are many (Matthew 8:11)…

Surely because he bore our sorrows. Saint Matthew alleges this prophecy, after he has told how Christ healed diseases of diverse kinds (Matthew 8:17). And yet it is most certain, that he was appointed rather a physician of men's souls, than of their bodies.

“Qui n'avons point une telle prerogative;” — “who have not such a prerogative.” Again, the word sheep is applied even to the reprobate, who, properly speaking, did not belong to the flock of God, because the adoption extended to the whole nation; as those who deserved to be reje…

Mark designates Christ the Son of God. The other Evangelists testify that he was born of the seed of Abraham and David, and therefore was the Son of man, (Matthew 8:20). But Mark shows us, that no redemption is to be expected but from the Son of God.

The consequence is, that they leave no room for the providence of God. This is a reproof of excessive curiosity; for it leads us to bring upon ourselves uneasiness to no purpose, and voluntarily to make ourselves miserable before the time, (Matthew 8:29.) The expression used by…

Matthew 8:1-4 1. And when he had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

Matthew 8:14-18 14. And when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed, and afflicted with fever.

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

Matthew 8:23-27 23. And when he had entered into the ship,

Then Christ's spouse puts off her mourning. How can the children of the bride chamber mourn, when the bridegroom shall be with them (Matthew 9:15)? Thus death gives a believer his Quietus est; it frees him from sin and trouble.

How could these divine titles be given to Christ? Omnipotence (Hebrews 1:3), ubiquity (Matthew 28:20), a power of sealing pardons (Matthew 9:6), coequality with God the Father, both in power and dignity (John 5:21, 23) — how, I say, could these titles of honor be ascribed to Chr…

2. The same royal prerogatives which belong to God the Father belong also to Christ. (1.) Does God the Father seal pardons, this is a flower of Christ's crown (Matthew 9:2). Your sins be forgiven you.

1. It makes way for temporal good things. 1. It brings health, when Christ said to the palsy man, "Your sins are forgiven," this made way for a bodily cure, "Arise, take up your bed and walk" (Matthew 9:6). The pardon of his sin made way for the healing of his palsy.

Q. This punishment of the damned is in itself most dreadful and terrible, but how long shall it continue? A. The thing were something less grievous, if this misery would ever have an end; but this is the aggravation of it that it must be everlasting (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Matthew…

Q. And what a heart is it in whom this faith is wrought? A. Only the heart of such an one as is now a poor, lost and broken-hearted sinner (Matthew 9:12 and 11:28; Luke 19:10 and 3:4, 5, 6). Q. Why say you so?

The Spirit is upon him on purpose (Isaiah 61:1-3) to open the prison to them that are bound, shut up in this dungeon; to appoint to them that mourn, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness. He is the physician and has underta…

We must labor to give assent to God's promises when we pray, and strive against doubting and unbelief. Lord, I believe, Lord help my unbelief (Matthew 9:11). Why are you cast down, my soul, and why are you disquieted in me? (Psalm 42:11).

But they are such sinners, &c. Ans. The more need to come to Christ; he came to call sinners (Matthew 9:13). It is no matter what you have been, but what you would be; Christ does not call us because we are holy, but that we may be holy.

But we hold and teach that to prescribe the time of a religious fast is in the liberty of the Church and the governors thereof, as special occasion shall be offered. When the disciples of John asked Christ why they and the Pharisees fast often but his disciples fasted not, he an…

Secondly God in making promise of salvation respects not men's worthiness. For he chose us to life everlasting when we were not: he redeemed us from death being enemies: and entitles us to the promise of salvation, if we acknowledge ourselves to be sinners (Matthew 9); if we lab…

Thus those that addicted themselves to prophetical studies, are called the sons of the Prophets (2 Kings 4:38). Thus the friends and associates of the Bridegroom are called children of the bride chamber (Matthew 9:15). And the same phrase we meet with in profane authors.

It was the bitten Israelite that looked to the brazen serpent. It is the stung and wounded sinner, that will look in earnest to Christ Jesus (Matthew 9:12-13; Isaiah 61:1-3). There must be a closing with a Savior from sin, as precious (1 Peter 2:7).

At the first creation all was made by the voice of God; he says, Let there be light, and there was light: let him say to any man follow me, and he does it. Matthew 9:9: he says to the publican sitting at the receipt of custom, follow me; and he left all, and rose up and followed…

Your kingdom come: the second sort has two petitions: the first is disposed in a simple axiom of the subject and adjoint, that the kingdom of God, which he exercises by his Son, may daily come; that is, be set up in glory, fit for it: this having two parts, his administration he…

2. It's a good token of saving faith, when it has a discovery and holy suspicion of unbelief attending on it, so that the person dare not so trust and rely on his own faith, as not to dread unbelief, and to tell Christ of it. There is a poor man that comes to Christ (Matthew 9:2…

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; and the wise Merchant must discourse (M…

(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…

Be fully satisfied of this in your judgment and mind, that unless you have Christ, you have no life, and therefore mourn and pray. "The whole need not the physician but those that are sick" (Matthew 9:12-13). See yourself a sinner and a perishing creature unless Christ seek you…

I answer again, that Abraham believed not only the power of God (Romans 4:21), but also his will, which he had revealed in the promise, In your seed all the nations of the earth, shall be blessed. Secondly, it is alleged, that Christ in the curing of certain blind men, required…

Touching the first; It may seem, that some among the Galatians were of the Pharisees' mind, who thought they were bound to love their friends, but not their enemies; or of this persuasion that they were not bound in conscience to do good to the heathen among whom they lived, as…

Ans. I answer, that they still keep their order and dignity: but by these of the second, which Christ strictly requires, and upon which he also insists, the hypocrisy of hypocrites is chiefly discovered, so as a man may more plainly discern thereby whether the true fear of God b…

But in the miracles showed in the healing of men's bodies, Christ manifested a plain proof of that power he had to heal the sicknesses of their souls. This healing then whereof Saint Matthew speaks, extended further than to their bodies: for he was ordained a physician of souls…

But in the mean while, the most part of men do but trifle and dally with God, and labor to satisfy him with pretty gauds and toys. Isaiah therefore condemns and detests such a hypocrisy; and teaches that the Lord rather requires mercy of us, than sacrifices (Hosea 6:7; Matthew 9…

Matthew 9:1-8 1. And entering into a ship, he passed over, and came into his own city.

Matthew 9:14-17 14. Then come to him the disciples of John, saying, For what reason do we and the Pharisees fast often, while your disciples do not fast?

Matthew 9:18-22 18. While he was speaking these things to them, a certain ruler came, and worshipped him,

Matthew 9:23-26 23. And when Jesus came into the house of the ruler, and saw the musicians and the multitude making a noise, 24. He says to them, Withdraw: for the young woman is not dead, but sleeps: and they ridiculed him.

34. But the Pharisees said, He casts out devils by the prince of the devils. Matthew 9:27. And while Jesus was departing. The other Evangelists say nothing about these two miracles; for, as we have already said, and as John expressly affirms, (John 21:25,) they did not intend to…

Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, to send forth laborers into his harvest. Matthew 9:35. And Jesus went about This statement is made by way of anticipating an objection, and is intended to inform us that the whole ministry of Christ is not minutely described: for he was…

Matthew 9:9-13 9. And Jesus, passing on, saw a man sitting at the custom-house, named Matthew, and says to him, Follow me.

It is not improbable that this may have been his leading motive for adopting the plan of a Harmony, instead of writing a separate Commentary on each Gospel. He had made some observations on Matthew 9:34, But the Pharisees said, He casts out devils by the prince of the devils; an…

Such also is the import of that statement, that the fields are white, and are in want of reapers, (John 4:35;) and again, that the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few, (Matthew 9:37.) But here the comparison is applied in a different manner; for those who occupy a plac…

For I desired Mercy, and not Sacrifice. Which seems to have been a Text much delighted in by our Saviour, by his Manner of citing it once and again; Matthew 9. 13. and 12. 7. Zeal is also spoken of, as a very essential Part of the Religion of true Saints.

If we look over the Scriptures that speak of evangelical repentance, we shall presently see that repentance is to be understood in this sense, as meaning conversion. Matthew 9:13: 'I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' Luke 13:3: 'Except you repent, yo…

There is no man so unlikely to be truly called by Christ as that man who thinks he is called when he is not. Matthew 9: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Righteous men — that is, those who thought they were righteous, and in their own eyes thought they…

Those Pharisees that did depend upon their own righteousness, and their own goodness, Christ did not call them, Christ did not own them, God made them not the objects of his election. Hence it is said (Matthew 9:13), Christ came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentan…

4. That they that are conceited in the opinion of their own goodness, without seeing their want and necessity of Jesus Christ, are of all sorts of people in the world most unlikely to be effectually called by Jesus Christ. This I urge from Matthew 9:13. I came not, says Christ,…

1. Christ's institution of the office (Ephesians 4:11). 2. God's designation of the person (Matthew 9:38). 3. The Church's acceptation, election, submission (Galatians 4:14; Acts 14:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13) which does not give them dominion over the faith of believers (2 Co…

So Abel's sacrifice which was in especial a burnt-offering, is called his Mincha (Genesis 3). Hence it is sometimes rendered in the New Testament by [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], a sacrifice, a bloody sacrifice (Matthew 9:49; Acts 7:42). And our Apostle from Psalm 40:6 renders [〈…

So those mourners used to awake early in the morning, or rather to awaken the morning; and they had one woman whom they called (Praefica) the leader, the first or the chief of the choir and company of mourners (plangendi Magistra) whose office it was to call up and bring on the…

But this condition imports, that we must exercise mercy towards our brethren, and so breake off the course of our sinnes, if we looke for mercie at Gods hands. Now the words here used are comparatiue, betokening a likelihood and similitude betweene Gods forgiuing and ours: which…

Fourth, to show the necessity of that ordinance. And fifth, the respect people ought to have to them, who are over them in the Lord: no flock needs a shepherd more than a congregation needs a minister, people without laborers, being like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36),…

1. The subject thereof is to hold forth the mutual and interchangeable exercise, and out-lettings of love, as well between Christ and particular believers, as between him and the Church: As also, his various dispensations to the Bride, her diverse conditions and tempers, and bot…

For until a sinner be thoroughly convinced of his guilt and misery, and his conscience awakened by the threats and terrors of the law, that he stands forfeited to the justice of God, liable to eternal wrath, and may every moment be swallowed up in the abyss of woe and torments,…

It frequently happens, that works of necessity, and mercy, will not permit us to be employed in works of piety, nor to sanctify the Sabbath after such a manner, as else we ought: for the Lord requires mercy rather than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). And this our Saviour alleges (Matthew…

Nor did Christ work miracles as the apostles did, who wrought them all in the name of Christ; but he wrought them in his own name, and by his own authority and will: Thus, saith he, "I will be thou clean," Matthew 8:3. And in the same strain he put the question, "Believe ye that…

Or by whom shall they be gathered? It made the bowels of Christ yearn within him, when he looked upon the scattered multitude that had no shepherd (Matthew 9:36). What an easy conquest does the devil now make of them?

32. (Exodus 4:24) God which did not afflict that innocent, whose circumcision Moses had ere long deferred, took revenge upon Moses himself for the injury which was done through so great neglect, giving us thereby to understand, that they whom God's own mercy saves without us, ar…

The power of translating a sinner from Satan's kingdom to the kingdom of the Son of his love works as acted (as it were) and set on work to act righteously to translate no man, but the person for whom a ransom of blood is given to justice, as the Prince's right power is only for…

There is a story in the French Academy, of a daughter, who when her father was condemned to die by famine, gave him suck with her own breasts. But our love to God must be above father and mother (Matthew 10:37). We may give the creature the milk of our love, God must have the cr…

Matthew 10:16. Be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. The Apostle says, All Scripture is of divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16).

If God be our Father he will teach us how to order our affairs with discretion (Psalm 112:5), how to carry ourselves wisely (1 Samuel 18:5). David behaved himself wisely; he will teach us what to answer when we are brought before governors, he will put words into our mouths (Mat…

Providence reaches to the least of things, to the birds and the ant; Providence feeds the young raven when the mother forsakes it and will give it no food (Psalm 147:9). Providence reaches to the very hairs of our head (Matthew 10:30): The hairs of your head are numbered; and su…

So afterwards the chief business of the rulers of those assemblies from the highest court of their Sanhedrim, to the meanest judicatory in their Synagogues, was to persecute them, and bring them to death. Matthew 10:17: they will deliver you up to the councils and they will scou…

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.

You hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you where Satan dwells. And this he requires of us indispensably if we will be his disciples, or ever hope to obtain the reward (Matthew 10:38, 39)…

Fourthly, if it be for the maintenance of pure religion, and keeping a good conscience. This has Christ's warranty, Matthew 10:23. When they persecute you in one City, flee unto another.

Then on the contrary, we must learn to love religion, because it is religion; and the professors of it, for their profession's sake. This is Christ's instruction, to love a disciple because he is a disciple; Matthew 10. Indeed we must love all men; but especially those that embr…

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…

So did Jesus (Matthew 4:17): Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 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).

(1) As to its time, there is a determined and unalterable day fixed for it; God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). And this time is commonly called the day of judgement (Matthew 10:15, Chapter 11:22, 24, Chapter 12:32, Mark 6:11, 2…

Judgment is taken sometimes for punishment itself (Psalms 9:16; James 2:13; 1 Peter 4:17; 2 Peter 2:3). But most commonly it is used for the sentence of judicial condemnation and trial, determining the offender to punishment; and so 'tis most commonly used to express the general…

First I call it a decree, because God has in it set down with himself and appointed as sovereign Lord, what shall be, what shall not be. I add further, that all things whatever come under the compass of this decree; as Paul says, He works all things according to the counsel of h…

These are the parts, I shall explain them branch by branch in the order propounded, with practical hints from each, which I shall handle in no fuller latitude than the present Text will allow. 1. The Saluter, and there his name Judas, called also Thaddeus (Matthew 10:3), and Leb…

Again he had the preeminence of primacy, because he was the first named, as the foreman of the company. Matthew 10:2: The names of the twelve Apostles are these — the first is Simon called Peter. Thirdly he had the preeminence of principality among the twelve, because in regard…

And Philippians 1:28: 'In nothing be terrified by your adversaries.' Indeed, in Matthew 10:26-31, within the compass of six verses our Savior commands us three times not to fear men. Does every big word of proud dust and ashes make you afraid?

And how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation: they that shall be found guilty of neglecting the great salvation offered in the Gospel, cannot escape the wrath of God to the utmost of it. And this is true, not only concerning such as have lived under the constant pre…

What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world (and so provide for his body) and lose his own soul? And again, in speaking of the soul as considered apart from the body, Matthew 10:28. Fear not them that are able to kill but the body, and are not able to kill the soul.

The Levites of old served not at all times, but by course, and when they were 50 years old, they were wholly liberated from the burden and labor (though not from the attendance) of the Levitical service, and ministers may still upon the Church's permission, for lawful reasons, a…

To the second wee say, that Prophesie and Ministery are put in abstracto, and joined with a plurall [in non-Latin alphabet]; but teaching, exhorting, giving, ruling, and shewing mercie, are put in concreto, and to each of them the single article prefixed; which is a sufficient w…

As for the synagogues, he says, they treated of things civil, and inflicted civil punishments, and a civil excommunication. That they inflicted civil punishment, he proves from Matthew 10 and 23 and Luke 21, where Christ foretells that his disciples should be beaten in the synag…

Concerning the word mysterion in Paul, Chrysostom says it means "what is secret, wonderful, and unknown" — that is, naturally speaking; others say it means things hidden and known to few, and not to be communicated except to the initiated — that is, "we speak wisdom among those"…

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…

In zeal forbidden, want of true zeal (Revelation 3:15). Zeal for evil (Matthew 10:21). Zeal for good beyond knowledge (Luke 9:53).

18 You will altogether faint, both you, and the people that is with you, for this thing is too heavie for you, you can not performe it alone. And this ariseth from a double respect: the commoditie they receive, and the dutie they owe to the common state wherein they are: that as…

No man whatever mettle he be of, the finest of men can come, or has power to come to me, and to believe on the only begotten Son of God, except the Father who sent me draw him. We know Christ was much to extol his Father, his Father was ever in his esteem an eminent one, as (Mat…

Object 3. God will have as many to be saved, as he will have to come to the knowledge of the truth; but he will have all to come to the knowledge of the truth. Answ. The argument is strong for us; the Apostle speaks of the Gospel-truth; but he will not have the Gospel preached t…

Be the mercies never so rare, the way never so difficult, God is able to accomplish them. 5. This should banish the fear of man, as to any danger that can come from them to us, or to any attempts against God (Matthew 10:28): Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to…

For with an elegant Metaphor has he in this place showed plainly, that it is never a whit more easy for us, to speak boldly touching the Gospel, than to break through a gate that is shut and barred. For this is truly the work of God, as also Christ did say, It is not you that sp…

Answer: Till the death of Christ. For the disciples were forbidden to go into the way of the Gentiles (Matthew 10:5). And Christ says, that he was not sent, but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:22).

And this distinction of a people, and no people, stood some time after the coming of Christ. (Matthew 10:5) Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into the cities of the Samaritans enter you not. After the ascension of Christ, this distinction ended: because the mystery of man…

And to be received as an angel, or as Christ, properly and simply concerns Paul, and the rest of the Apostles. 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…

Use. First, here we see the justice of God in awarding the last sentence, nay his bounty and severity: his bounty, in recompensing men above their deserts; his severity, in punishing sinners according to their deserts. For as he will deny anything in justice that denied to Dives…

But if all be well weighed, we shall find this exposition to be far off from the scope of the text. Others, although they expound it of men in general, yet notwithstanding they refer it to this sentence; Fear not them that can kill the body (Matthew 10:28). But this opinion is n…

We know we are adopted of God, upon condition that being received into his protection, he should keep us by his power, so as none can hurt us without his leave. If a poor sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his will (as Jesus Christ says) (Matthew 10:29), will he unadvised…

Is it a small thing?] He uses comparisons between God and men; not that those of whom he speaks, to wit, the Prophets and faithful teachers, can in deed be separated from God, for they are nothing else but the instruments of the Lord, having one common cause with him, as long as…

Matthew 10:1-8 1. And having called the twelve disciples,

Matthew 10:16-20 16. Behold, I send you out, as sheep in the midst of wolves: be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:21-25 21. And the brother will deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son, and the children will rise up against the parents, and will put them to death.

Matthew 10:26-31 26. Fear them not therefore: for nothing is covered that shall not be revealed, and nothing is hid that shall not be known.

Matthew 10:32-35 32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father, who is in heaven.

Matthew 10:37-42 37. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:9-15 9. Do not provide gold, nor silver, "Ne faites provision d'or ni d'argent;" — "make no provision of gold or of silver." nor brass in your purses, 10. Nor scrip for the journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.

He argues from the call and the command of the Father, that he must not yield any assistance to strangers; not that the power of Christ was always confined within so narrow limits, but because present circumstances rendered it necessary that he should begin with the Jews, and at…

By these words Christ declares how highly he is delighted with the confession of Peter, since he bestows upon it so large a reward. For, though he had already given to his disciple, Simon, the name of Peter, (Matthew 10:2; John 1:42,) and had, out of his undeserved goodness, app…

“A tous fideles;” — “to all believers.” We have already met with a statement nearly similar, (Matthew 10:38.) Harmony, vol. 1 p. 472.

Mark 13:11. Neither premeditate. This sentence, as well as the one which immediately follows, we have explained under Matthew 10:19. Harmony, volume 1, page 453.

Now this passage shows, that when a man falling through weakness of the flesh, denies the truth though he knows it, this does not amount to “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 12:31, 32.) Peter had unquestionably heard from the mouth of the Lord how detestable treachery…

O be thankful that we are born in such a climate where the light of the Gospel has shined! To have the knowledge of the true God, is more than if we had mines of gold, rocks of diamonds, islands of spices, especially if God has savingly revealed himself to us, if he has given us…

That God should call you when you were in the hot pursuit of sin, admire God's love, exalt his praise. Again, that God should call you, and pass by others, what mercy is this? (Matthew 11:26) Even so Father, for so it seemed good in your sight. That God should pass by the wise a…

The lamb's innocency will not preserve it from the wolf. John the Baptist came neither eating nor drinking, yet they say he has a devil (Matthew 11:18). Slandering Job calls the scourge of the tongue (Job 5:21).

(Isaiah 59:15) Truth fails; truth on earth does, but not truth in heaven: God can as well cease to be God, as cease to be true. Has God said he will be good to the soul that seeks him (Lamentations 3:25), he will give rest to the weary (Matthew 11:28)? Here is a safe anchor hold…

God needed not to adopt us, he did not want a Son: God did not want a Son, but we did a Father; God showed power in being our Maker, but mercy in being our Father: when we were enemies, and our hearts stood out as garrisons against God, that he should conquer our stubbornness, a…

(Mark 10:19) [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], Do not steal. This is not the violence which takes the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 11:12). (2.) The house-thief, who purloins and filches out of his master's cash, or steals his wares and drugs.

Christ was the most innocent upon earth, yet was reported to be a friend of sinners. John Baptist, a man of a holy austere life, yet they said of him, He had a devil (Matthew 11:18). The Scripture calls slandering, smiting with the tongue.

Never was there such a pattern of amazing kindness. Christ bids us learn of him (Matthew 11:29); he does not bid us learn of him to work miracles, but he would have us learn of him to forgive our enemies. If we do not imitate Christ's life, we cannot be saved by his death.

That God should consecrate any heart, and anoint it with grace, is an act of pure love. That he should pluck one out of the state of nature, and not another, must be resolved into free grace (Matthew 11:26): Even so Father, for so it seemed good in your sight. This will increase…

Q. What is the work of Christ as a Prophet? A. To reveal and make known to his people the counsel and will of God (Deuteronomy 18:18; John 1:18; John 4:25; John 15:15; Matthew 11:27). Q. How does he this?

Q. What follows hereupon? A. Hereby the soul feeling itself to be utterly lost is further and more kindly broken and humbled (Luke 19:10; Isaiah 61:1, 2, 3; Matthew 11:20; Zechariah 12:10). Q. What else is done by the Gospel in the working of faith?

Q. What was the cause of God's decrees? A. The cause that moved him to decree was nothing foreseen in the creature, but his own will and good pleasure (Romans 9:11, 18; Matthew 11:25, 26). But since some are appointed by the decree of God to damnation, if his will be the cause o…

So that phrase (Ephesians 6:12) 'we wrestle with spiritual wickednesses in heavenly things' is rather to be understood of 'heavenly things' than of 'heavenly places' — the word signifying rather supracelestial, in the highest heavens, where (if rendered of places) the devils nev…

John 6:47. He that believes in me has life everlasting. Matthew 11:28. Come to me all you that are weary and laden, and I will ease you. Mark 16:16. He that shall believe and be baptized, shall be saved: but he that will not believe shall be damned.

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…

First, because it was not revealed to him, though John sent two of his disciples to demand of him, whether it were he that should come, or shall we look for another. Christ answers, "Go tell John, the blind see, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor the Gospel is prea…

So that it is not in him that is learned, nor in him that is unlearned, to discover the mystery of iniquity, by which Antichrist has filled the Temple so full of smoke, that no man can see how to enter into it, until God enlighten him; which caused the Lord Jesus in the days of…

Hence I find it written (John 1:11), Jesus came to his own, but his own received him not, that is, for the Christ, that Messiah which was to come: but only for the Carpenter's son (Matthew 13:58). The reason was, because none could understand that Mystery: but they only to whom…

That so are all the commands of Christ to believers, the whole system of his precepts, whether for moral obedience or worship, himself declares. Take my yoke upon you, says he, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls; for my yoke…

This he could not have done, had he withdrawn himself from all communication with them. Yes, he condescended to them beyond the legal austerities of the Baptist (Matthew 11:18, 19). Hence those who of old pretending more than ordinary holiness and devotion did withdraw themselve…

So he says of himself, No man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven (John 3:13). His ascension into heaven in this place, which preceded the actual ascension of his humane nature, is nothing but his admission into th…

For this cause God saw it necessary, and it pleased him to put a grievous and heavy yoke upon them, to subdue the pride of their spirits, and to cause them to breathe after deliverance. This the Apostle Peter calls a yoke that neither they nor their fathers were able to bear (Ac…

Hence under the Old Testament the days of the Messiah were called the world to come, as we have shown (chapter 2:5). And it was a periphrasis of him, that he was [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] (Matthew 11:3), he that was to come. And the faith of the Church was principally exercised…

Hence [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], he that was to come, was the name whereby they expressed their faith in him. [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩]; Matthew 11:3. Are you he who is to come?

Faith or believing is a coming to God. So Christ calling us to faith in him, calls us to come to him (Matthew 11:28). And unbelief is a refusal to come to him, You will not come to me that you may have life.

Herein lies the greatest part of that yoke which the Apostle Peter affirms that neither they nor their Fathers were able to bear (Acts 15:10). Which the Lord Christ gives us deliverance from (Matthew 11:27, 28, 29, 30).

3. The season of his speaking these words in the manner declared, was, on his coming into the World; therefore coming (or when he cometh) into the World, he says, [in non-Latin alphabet], veniens or venturus; when he was to enter into the World, when the design of his future com…

Despise not the saints for their worldly poverty, but honor them for their virtue; we esteem of a ruby or diamond, though it be in the dust. John Baptist was girt with a leather girdle, yet he was more than a prophet (Matthew 11:9). He was honored to usher in the King of Glory i…

Again, God's people are well styled a called people, because they are so many ways called: from self to Christ, from sin to holiness, from misery to happiness and glory. They are called from self to Christ (Matthew 11:28): Come to me all you that are heavy laden. The main end of…

Secondly God in making promise of salvation respects not men's worthiness. For he chose us to life everlasting when we were not: he redeemed us from death being enemies: and entitles us to the promise of salvation, if we acknowledge ourselves to be sinners (Matthew 9); if we lab…

Means 5. Shame yourselves by setting before you those eminent patterns who have been most excellent for meekness. Above all, compare your spirits with the spirit of Christ: 'Learn of me,' says he, 'for I am meek and lowly' — Matthew 11:29. Christ was meek and lowly, but I am pro…

Matthew 11.19. The last clause of the Verse. — But wisdom is justified of her children. THE particle But commands your reflection upon the foregoing words and verses, wherein our Savior describes the humors and manners of that generation, which he does two ways, 1. Allegorically…

There be but few that seek it, and yet fewer that find it, but fewest of all that enter in at it. But how does all this agree with Matthew 11:30, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light," and 1 John 5:3, "His commandments are not grievous"? I answer.

1. All power of government is given to Christ. (Matthew 11:27) All things are delivered to me of my Father. And the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son; (John 5:22) that is, the whole government and administration of affairs.

But that it can happen, with respect to the outcome, that which God from eternity willed not to happen — that has not yet been proved. That it is not actually preached to many, nor ever was preached in former times, Scripture ascribes to the will of God (Psalms 147:19, 20; Matth…

Hence He was called "the Coming One." Such is the sense of the question of John (Matthew 11:3): "Are you the Coming One?" — and He had been desired from Adam onward: "the Desire of all nations" (Haggai 2:7). At the appointed time, therefore — that is, when the time destined for…

For when sinners, burdened with the sense of their sins and of divine wrath, strive to flee to divine mercy, they do not at once feel themselves embraced with favor and grace, but rather feel themselves sent far away by God as unworthy — lest, by Satan's craftiness — who most ea…

For the first, the causes why so few believe the Gospel, we cleared to you already, that generally the powerful preaching of the Gospel has been with little fruit, so that Isaiah has this sad complaint, Lord, who has believed our report? And our Lord Jesus has it also on the mat…

I will take one of a city, and two of a family, and bring you to Zion, says the Lord; it's two or three in the corner of a parish, or in the end of a town, to speak so, who are converted, and the rest are suffered to lie in black nature. If the reason thereof be inquired after,…

And how was he esteemed, or rather disesteemed and undervalued at his death; so that it is said (Acts 3:14), they denied the holy and just one, and desired that a murderer should be granted to them; they rejected the Prince of Life, and chose Barabbas; and judging him not worthy…

So that that question needs not now to be proposed — are you he that should come, or do we look for another? Go, says Christ (Matthew 11:4-6), and tell John, the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, and the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised, and th…

The elect were God's people when Christ did undertake and engage for them, and in this respect election is a fountain-grace, and Christ's death is not the cause of election though it be the cause of all the benefits that follow upon it. 3. It is free in respect of God's absolute…

But to them that desire further clearness or confirmation in this concerning business, we shall speak a little, yet you must know, that it's such a thing as is impossible to be made plain to a proud-humored or unhumbled sinner, it's the poor humbled soul that will take it up, an…

2. Why else are all the promises and encouragements that are given to sinners to believe? As that of Matthew 11:28, "Come to me all you that labor and are heavy laden," etc. And that of 2 Corinthians 5:20, where both are put together: "We are ambassadors for Christ, as though Go…

That is, that you might be declared to be so. And, Matthew 11:19: Wisdom is justified of her children. 2. We will find this meaning of the word to be clear, if we consider justification, as distinguished from sanctification, for in that Popish sense, they are both made one and t…

It's either a most inconceivable condition, beyond what others who have not heard the gospel, will come under, if the offer be slighted, or eternal salvation, if it be embraced. Woe to you Chorazin, woe to you Bethsaida (says the Lord, Matthew 11:21-22.) For if the mighty works…

And this (Isaiah 5:6) is called a taking hold of God's covenant; it is an actual committing of ourselves to him, that we may win to peace, or a leaning on him; as suppose one were to rest upon a staff, it does not only imply the effect, his having of ease, but also, and firstly,…

That though the Lord stretched out His hands all day long, yet it was to a rebellious and gainsaying people. Look forward, and see what our Lord says of John the Baptist, and of Himself (Matthew 11): "To what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the mark…

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…

A 3rd symptom of not making use of Christ's Intercession is when folk have too much anxiety, which is a fault that a believer may easily fall in, when he has no ground from himself to propose to God for a hearing, and when he cannot answer his own challenges, and is therefore di…

3. Motion. After Christ is born in the heart, there is a violent motion; there is striving to enter in at the strait gate, and offering violence to the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 12:11). By this we may know Christ is formed in us.

The Devil fills men's heads with error, and their hearts with malice (Acts 5:3): Why has Satan filled your heart? A sinner's heart is the Devil's mansion-house (Matthew 12:44): I will return into my house. And sure that must needs be a house of bondage which is the Devil's mansi…

A wise man's words are like gold, weighty, and will sink into the hearts of others; but the words of many are light and feathery, and will make no impression. Matthew 12:36. Every idle word that men shall speak they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment. Words tha…

O be not like the serpent, that casts one coat and another comes. This is like him in the Gospel, that had one devil go out of him, and seven worse spirits came in the room (Matthew 12:45). 4. The serpent is a venomous creature, 'tis full of poison (Deuteronomy 32:24).

Satan commands the will; though he cannot force the will, he can by his subtle temptations draw it: The devil is said to take men captive at his will (2 Timothy 2:26), the Greek word [illegible] signifies to take them alive, as the fowler does the bird in the snare. The sinner's…

The sin-offering was greater than the trespass-offering. (2.) Because some sins are not capable of pardon as others are, therefore they must needs be more heinous, as the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Matthew 12:31). (3.) Because some sins have a greater degree of punishment…

And that the Godhead subsists in the person of the Holy Ghost appears thus: The Spirit, who gives diversity of gifts, is said to be the same Lord, and the same God (1 Corinthians 12:5-6). The black and unpardonable sin is said, in a special manner, to be committed against the Go…

Answer. Were you indeed to stand in your own strength you might fall away; that branch withers and dies which has no root to grow upon; you grow upon the root Christ, who will be daily sending forth vital influence to strengthen you; you are imbecile and weak in grace, yet fear…

Alexander called himself cousin to the gods; what honor is it to be akin to Christ. (Matthew 12:50) Whoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Did King Solomon arise off his throne to meet his mother, and set her on…

Take heed to the flock over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers. Matthew 12:31. All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men.

It would be infinite to reckon up all the false reasonings that souls in distress have. Sometimes from a passage of Scripture misunderstood and misapplied: some who are annoyed with blasphemous thoughts against God and Christ and his Spirit — thoughts which are their greatest af…

Thus the Queen of Sheba went out of the inmost parts of Africa, to Jerusalem in Asia, to see and hear Solomon: 2 Kings 10. and for that cause, she is highly commended by Christ himself, Matthew 12:42. Thus may young men travel for learning or the tongues, especially such as inte…

So says Christ: The Ninevites, who believed at the preaching of Jonah, shall rise in Judgment against the Jews, and condemn them, because they repented not at Christ's preaching. And the Queen of Sheba, who came so far to hear Solomon, shall condemn them, who then would not hear…

Hereby are they all brought into the nearest relation to one another, which is the most effectual motive and powerful attractive to love. For as the Lord Christ says of every one that does the will of God, the same is my Brother and Sister, and Mother (Matthew 12:18), he is dear…

And they are thus called, because indeed there is no such predominancy of malice in any sin in this world, as wherein there is not a mixture of error, either notional or practical, of the mind or of the heart, which is the cause or a great occasion of it. See (1 Timothy 1:13; Ma…

Upon this Table, which the Apostle adds, was the Shew-bread. It is here rendered by the Apostle [in non-Latin alphabet]; the proposition of the bread or loaves; by an Hypallage for [in non-Latin alphabet]; the bread of proposition as it is rendered (Matthew 12:4); the bread that…

Judgment is taken sometimes for punishment itself (Psalms 9:16; James 2:13; 1 Peter 4:17; 2 Peter 2:3). But most commonly it is used for the sentence of judicial condemnation and trial, determining the offender to punishment; and so 'tis most commonly used to express the general…

And when the Synod mentioneth not onely this particular but five or six others in the Proposition, must we for all this say, That men may do this, and all that is mentioned in that Proposition, and yet have no grace of God bestowed on them, but be, even quoad nos, without all fa…

How? By doing his will: and therefore when one told our Savior Christ that his mother and brothers stood without, desiring to speak with him, he said, Whoever shall do my father's will which is in heaven, the same is my father, my sister, and mother (Matthew 12:50): where we may…

7. Consider how willing Christ is to help you, he carries home the stray lamb upon his own shoulders rejoicing (Luke 15:5). How he prizes the weak beginnings of faith, smoking flax will he not quench (Matthew 12:20), takes notice of the green figs (Canticles 2), with a mild cond…

These terms express the formal and fiducial act of faith, resting on Christ or trusting in him. This is the formal nature of faith: hence it is not only to believe Christ; but to believe on Christ: hence believing is often expounded by trusting (as, Ephesians 1:12; Matthew 12:21…

Heinsius observes that [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] is one thing, [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] another thing: the former noting those that exceed in number: the latter those that are chief in dignity, and that therefore the Apostle when he says [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], means the rul…

And surely filled the Saints should be with fruit, because they are the very fullness of Christ, the fullness of him that fills all in all: in Ephesians 1, last verse, the Church is said, to be the fullness of Jesus Christ himself; and shall the Church be an empty vine, when as…

And love, and reverence more the teaching Elders, than governing only (1 Timothy 5:17), etc. For the better doing of this, is required perfection, sobriety (Matthew 12:37; Matthew 27:5). Perfection is, when the affections in doing, are both strong enough, and also sincere or upr…

Also meditations, conference, &c. on the works of God, that so we might not only by doctrine, but by experience be taught, and so be brought to greater feeling, as is commanded (Deuteronomy 5:20). For others, we are commanded duties of love, in relieving, and comforting the need…

Second, sinners that would be at him may on this ground be confident and cheerful; the steward of grace is a friend, he is a man, their brother, and claims kindred to them that honestly aim to do the will of his Father. Whoever shall do the will of my Father, says he (Matthew 12…

The king of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue has his name Apollyon (Revelation 9:11). He is the Arch-destroyer, and destroys all in relation to the man Christ and his Church; therefore is Christ raised up a Redeemer, a Savio…

4. The fourth sense is that grace and free-will does work so as grace is the principal, first inspiring and fountain cause: 1. It being a new supernatural disposition and habit in the soul (John 14:23; 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:9; John 4:14; Isaiah 44:3-4; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Deuteron…

[The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, [because] he has anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor:] That is, for this end, or for this very purpose has he given me his Spirit, because I was designed, or anointed to this work, and by that Spirit also has he anointed, or qualified…

The Lord looked down from heaven, to see if any of them did good, but they are altogether become unprofitable, not one does good, no not one (Romans 3:12). And he speaks of all men in an estate of nature without Christ, not one does any good, no not one; all the thoughts and ima…

There will a time come, when he that is now a soldier will be a conqueror (Romans 16:20): The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. 6. Where Satan gets possession, after he seems to be cast out, he returns with the more violence and tyrannizes the more (Matthe…

His intent in this Epistle is to treat of the righteousness that comes by faith, and to defend the same: again, to overthrow the law, and the righteousness that comes by works. Of such cogitations he is full, and out of this wonderful and exceeding great abundance of the excelle…

Outward things do not commend us to God. And it is the spiritual kindred, by means of faith, and our new birth, that brings us into favor with God (Matthew 12:49). 20 Now the things which I write, I speak before God, I lie not.

Christ then is the worker of this liberty. He dissolves the works of the devil (John 8:36; 1 John 3:8), he binds the strong man and casts him out of his hold (Matthew 12:29). He procures this liberty by two means, by his merit, and by the efficacy of his spirit.

For the doing of that which God forbids, is a sin not beside, but against the law. But idle words, jesting, and gibing, and so forth (which the Popish Doctors account venial sins,) are expressly forbidden in the word; Matthew 12:36: Of every idle word that men shall speak, they…

Ans. I answer, that they still keep their order and dignity: but by these of the second, which Christ strictly requires, and upon which he also insists, the hypocrisy of hypocrites is chiefly discovered, so as a man may more plainly discern thereby whether the true fear of God b…

He asks by way of admiration, from where it comes that every one left his house, fleeing to the tops thereof to save their lives. Now the roofs of the Jews' houses were made otherwise than ours are: and from there it is that Jesus Christ says; What I tell you in the ear, that pr…

Because the things here mentioned, cannot be attributed to any other than himself: but if this reason will not suffice, the Evangelists shall end the controversy for us. See (Matthew 12:18-21). He calls Christ God's servant, by way of excellency: for although this name belongs t…

And this promise stands in force not only against tyrants, and visible enemies, but also against the tyranny of Satan, from which we are now delivered by the admirable power of God. I grant, Satan is a powerful adversary; but the Lord which is stronger than he, will bind him, an…

Isaiah pursues that which he has already begun to treat of, namely, that the Jews should prosper in all things, if they live in such equity, and so abstain from all wrong, that from there men may take notice of their piety and religion. For he pronounces that which is said by Ho…

With regard to the perfection of his life, Christ might justly have maintained that he came to fulfill the law: but here he treats of doctrine, not of life. As he afterwards exclaimed, that “the kingdom of God is come,” (Matthew 12:28,) and raised the minds of men with unusual e…

Matthew 12:1-8 1. At that time Jesus was passing through the cornfields on the Sabbath;

Matthew 12:14-21 14. Then the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.

Matthew 12:22-24 22. Then was brought to him one who was tormented by a devil, blind and dumb; and he cured him, so that the blind and dumb person both spoke and saw.

Matthew 12:25-32 25. But as Jesus knew their thoughts, he said to them, “Mais Iesus, cognoissant leurs pensees, leur dit;” — “but Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said to them.”

Matthew 12:38-42 38. Then some of the scribes and Pharisees asked him, saying, Master, we desire to see a sign from you.

Matthew 12:43-45 43. But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds it not.

Matthew 12:46-50 46. And while he was still talking to the multitudes, lo, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak to him.

Matthew 12:9-13 9. And having departed thence, he came into their synagogue:

Matthew 16:4. A wicked and adulterous nation. This passage was explained under Matthew 12:38. The general meaning is, that the Jews are never satisfied with any signs, but are continually tickled by a wicked desire to tempt God.

How sad is it to see religion wearing a coat of diverse colors, to see Christians of so many opinions, and going so many different ways. It is Satan has sown these tares of division (Matthew 13:39); he first divided men from God, and now divides one man from another. 2. One in a…

Resp. Fourfold, 1. An historical or dogmatical faith, which is the believing the truths revealed in the word, because of divine authority. 2. There is a temporal faith, which lasts but for a time, and vanishes (Matthew 13:21). Yet he has not root in himself, but endures for a wh…

The hypocrite, who has only some smack or taste of religion (as one tastes a gargle) may fall away. 4. And have felt the powers of the world to come.] That is, they may have such apprehensions of the glory of heaven, as to be affected with it, and seem to have some joy in the th…

Quest. But what is it to have other gods besides the true God? I fear upon search we have more idolaters among us than we are aware of. Resp. To trust in any thing more than God, is to make it a God. 1. If we trust in our riches, then we make riches our God: we may take comfort,…

It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. The saints' bodies then shall shine as sparkling diamonds (Matthew 13:43). Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun.

I was an hungred and you gave me meat, thirsty and you gave me drink, naked and you clothed me: Thus God will set a trophy of honor upon all his children at the last day. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:43). 18. If God b…

Quicquid cor non facit, non sit; in religion, what the heart does not do, is not done. Therefore Christ says of some, Hearing they hear not (Matthew 13:13). How could that be?

This is a great hindrance to the word preached. The seed which fell among thorns was choked, (Matthew 13:22). An emblem of the word being preached to a covetous hearer.

Covetousness hinders the efficacy of the word preached. In the parable the thorns (which Christ expounded to be the cares of this life) choked the good seed (Matthew 13:7). Many sermons lie dead, buried in earthly hearts.

You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. It was the devil that sowed another man's ground (Matthew 13:25). But how is the hedge of this commandment trodden down in our times!

Nothing does prejudice us but unbelief. Unbelief stops the current of God's mercy from running: It shuts up God's bowels, closes the orifice of Christ's wounds, that no healing virtue will come out (Matthew 13:58): He could do no mighty works there because of their unbelief. Why…

Many take a prejudice at religion, and on this rock dash their souls; they are prejudiced at Christ's person, his truths, his followers, his ways. (1.) They are prejudiced at his person (Matthew 13:57): And they were offended in him; what is there in Christ that men should be of…

When the fowler sees a bird sit still and perch upon the tree, now he shoots it. So when Satan observes us to sit still, now he shoots his fiery darts of temptation at us (Matthew 13:25); while men slept the enemy sowed tares. So while men sleep in sloth Satan sows his tares.

Many desire heaven but will not come up to the price. Affections of joy may be stirred: in the Parable the second sort of hearers are said to receive the Word with joy (Matthew 13:20). What was this but to have the affections moved with delight in hearing: yet that this did not…

Q. How does Christ all these things in the Church? A. He does them all by his word, which is therefore called the word of the kingdom (Matthew 13:19). Q. And how is Christ King of the elect?

Thus may young men travel for learning or the tongues, especially such as intend thereby to fit themselves for public service, so it be with safety of religion, and security of conscience. Sixthly, if it be for the practice of a man's lawful calling, as for traffic: and thus Mer…

The other sort are they, which being baptized in the Church, hear the word effectually, and receive the Lord's Supper worthily, to their salvation; because God doth establish his Covenant in their hearts. This difference is plain in Scripture, in the parables of the dragnet, (Ma…

Yea, this is one main point that Paul urges to Timothy, in both his Epistles; to keep faith, and a good conscience. And our Savior Christ in one of his parables, Matthew 13:44, compares the kingdom of heaven, to a treasure hid in the field; which, when a man finds, he hides it,…

He says not, If riches increase, refuse them; but, set not thy heart on them: and thus much of these Questions. Now this practice of the Patriarchs is as necessary for us in these days as ever it was; for the cause why we profit little after much hearing of God's word, is this:…

Seeing no man can say, (that is confessed) that Jesus is the Lord but by the holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Hence I find it written (John 1:11), Jesus came to his own, but his own received him not, that is, for the Christ, that Messiah which was to come: but only for the Carp…

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…

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…

So our Lord Jesus Christ expressly opposes speaking in parables, to a clear, plain, open teaching, so as to be understood of all. See (Matthew 13:10, 11, 12, 13; John 16:28, 29). Now speaks you openly, and no parable.

1. The ground thus dressed, thus bearing fruit and blessed of God, are true and sound believers. So our Savior declares it to be in the interpretation of his own parable to this purpose (Matthew 13). They are such as receive the Word of God in good and honest hearts, and bring f…

And if upon enquiry we find ourselves at a loss which sort of ground we do belong to, because of our barrenness and leanness, unless we are hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, we will give ourselves no rest until we have better evidences of our fruitbearing. We may do well to…

The Heathens say that there are many Gods: you are no Heathen; it is well, so far; yet remember the Devils believe too, and tremble. So then, a man may believe, and be affected also, with what he does believe, and yet his faith, for all that, be no other than a dead faith, thoug…

So it is with many, they seem to have much love for a season, but in time it withers, as (John 5:35). The reason is, they never knew Christ, nor themselves neither, not thoroughly: and hence it is with them, as with the stony ground (Matthew 13:5, 20, 21). There wanted deepness…

We have shown that Christ himself is closed with by a true faith; now I add more particularly; in all his offices he is closed with, or accepted of, otherwise we fall short of him at last. As a Prophet: Jesus Christ is a Prophet; and it is a precious consideration: it was foreto…

The laws of this kingdom are the word of God in the books of the old and new testament. Therefore it is called the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13), the Gospel of the kingdom (Mark 1:13), the rod of his mouth (Isaiah 11:4), the arm of God (Isaiah 53:1). As a king by his laws bring…

3. The author of the Epistle is described by his kindred and relation, [and Brother of James.] There were two in the college of the Apostles of that name, James of Zebedee, and James the son of Alpheus, who was also called the Brother of the Lord, that is, his cousin german, who…

A man may go with a heedless spirit from ordinance to ordinance, abide all his days under the choicest teachings, and yet never be improved by them. For heart neglect is a leak in the bottom — no heavenly influences, however rich, abide in that soul (Matthew 13:3-4). The heart t…

What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ (Philippians 3:7). The kingdom of heaven is like to a treasure hid in a field, the which when a man has found, he hides, and for joy thereof, goes, and sells all that he has, and buys that field (Matthew 13:44, 45, 46)…

Great truths were thus parabolically delivered, enigmatical and hard to be understood and discerned — a singular judgment upon gospel-despisers for their contumacious infidelity — lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their he…

What is the finest and purest beauty of mortals compared to the incomparable beauty of the saints in the resurrection? Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:43). In this hope you part with them; therefore act in a manner consi…

The laws of this kingdom, is the word of God, in the books of the Old and New Testament. Therefore it is called the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13), the Gospel of the kingdom (Mark 1:13), the rod of his mouth (Isaiah 11:4), the arm of God (Isaiah 53:1). As a king by his laws brin…

So it is said, that all flesh shall come and worship before the Lord (Isaiah 66:23), and that all flesh should see the glory of God together (Isaiah 40:5), and that all flesh should come to him that hears prayer (Psalm 65:2). Christ compares the kingdom of heaven in this world t…

There is not the least reason to think, that all this will be brought to pass as it were at one stroke, or that from the present lamentable state of things, there should be brought about and completed the destruction of the Church of Rome, the entire extirpation of all infidelit…

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…

Theology as a complex of spiritual gifts — Extraordinary or ordinary gifts — Ordinary gifts peculiar to the ministry or common to all — Christ the bestower of all gifts (Psalm 68:19; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 4:8) — The Hebrew word signifies both to receive and to give — Christ the a…

3. Neither will we speak to these sovereign causes on God's part, who in His holy justice gives up people to unfruitfulness, when they receive not the truth in love. Neither Fourthly, shall we insist on these causes that may arise from the Devil, who waits on wherever the Word i…

1. You would not take up our meaning in it so, as if we made every common work that lively means may have on the hearers of the Gospel, to be conversion; the preaching of the Word will sometimes make folks tremble, as we see in Felix, and will waken convictions and terrors in th…

We call you then to Historical Faith, as necessary, though not sufficient, but not to this Faith of Miracles, it being neither necessary nor sufficient. A third sort of Faith is Temporary Faith, spoken of in Matthew 13, and set out under the parable of the seed sown on stony gro…

And the reason of this is, 1. Because there is nothing that is not saving, but a natural man may have it; now, this doctrinal faith is not saving, and so a natural man may have it — yea, the devils believe and tremble; and James does not dispute with these to whom he writes on t…

For, though they believed it to be truth which He spoke, yet they rested not on Him. So in the parable of the sower, (Matthew 13), there are three grounds that receive the seed, which implies in two of them, at least a kind of believing, but the fourth ground is only good. 3. Be…

The conduct of many among ourselves is a sad proof of it, for we are afraid that many of you do not believe to this day, though there has been among you much, long, many years, and powerful preaching of the gospel, but you are still living without faith, and perishing. If this b…

The very hazard of a soul, will be like a fire burning the heart that is tender and zealous of the spiritual good of souls. 3. The respect that a faithful minister has to the duty in his hand, has influence on this; for such a one loves to perform his duty neatly, and to go neat…

Yet these ways are among themselves all false, and they do not agree one with another. Consideration 1. The gospel is the will of God from heaven; yet it is a riddle, a parable not understood (Matthew 13:14). In the Law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips wil…

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…

Answ. The argument is strong for us; the Apostle speaks of the Gospel-truth; but he will not have the Gospel preached to Samaritans (Matthew 10), to Bithinians, and thousands others. 2. He will not open the hearts of thousands that hear the Gospel, because he will (Matthew 11:28…

Because in Scripture phrase, there are more ways of having Christ requisite for the knowledge of every soul, I thought it therefore not amiss to open those other ways by which in Scripture we are said to have Christ. Secondly, as therefore we have him first by worshiping of him,…

Let us not presume on our own strength. When Peter cried to Christ on the water, Lord save me, then Christ took him by the hand (Matthew 14:30), but when he grew confident of his own strength, then Christ let him fall. O pray to God for auxiliary grace.

For among all men none are more maligned and hated than those that profess Christ: and for none other cause, but because they profess Christ. And upon this the very profession of religion is laden with nicknames and reproachful terms by all sorts of men (Matthew 26:59; Matthew 1…

See (Acts 4:21). They let them go because of the people: so (Matthew 14:5) and (Matthew 21:46). And again, I say they must own it whatever it cost them, for zealous defences are a great honor to the truth: the disputations of the doctors do not commend it to the world so much as…

That this reason may be of force, two things must be proved: first that true faith is a certain assurance of God's mercy to that party in whom it is. Secondly that faith is a particular assurance thereof. For the first, that faith is a certain assurance, Christ says to Peter (Ma…

But yet he so carried on his public work as not to forget his own private communion with God. Therefore you read in Matthew 14:23 that when he had been laboring all day, yet after that he went up to a mountain alone to pray. O let the keepers of the vineyards look to their own v…

So they (John 12:42-43): among the chief rulers, many believed on him, but did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue, for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. The terms of saving faith propounded are to forsake all to follow Christ, t…

God's heart was so full, that he could not hold from expressing it in the largest favors and grants. And whereas kings upon their own birthdays use to grant such favors to their favorites: So Herod on his birthday to the daughter of Herodias, promised with an oath to give her wh…

And fourthly, faith had need be increased, in respect of the acts, the proper acts of faith, which are chiefly persuasion and trust upon the name of Christ, and those heavenly truths, in which the Lord Jesus Christ is revealed, and graciously dispensed to the hearts of his peopl…

1. For height, though God hears us everywhere, wherever we lift up pure hands without wrath and doubting, yet a mountain is not altogether disagreeable to this duty; it is good to be as near heaven as we can, I am sure it is good to get up the heart there. We have a freer prospe…

He can make a little means go far. 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 14:2…

Luke 3:19. Now Herod the tetrarch. Luke alone explains the reason why Herod threw John into prison: though we shall afterwards find it mentioned by Matthew 14:3, and Mark 6:17. Josephus says, (Antiquities 18, 5, 2,) that Herod, dreading a popular insurrection and a change of the…

Matthew 14:1-2 1. At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

Matthew 14:13-21 13. When Jesus heard this, he departed thence to a ship to a desert place apart; and when the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

Matthew 14:22-33. 22. And immediately Jesus constrained his disciples to embark, and to go before him to the opposite bank, till he had sent away the multitudes.

Matthew 14:3-12 3. For Herod had seized John, and bound him, and put him in prison, on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.

Matthew 14:34-36 34. And when they had passed over, they came into the country of Gennesareth.

In ancient times (and the custom in some places remains to this day) great men and princes kept the memory of their birth-days with feasting and triumph. Thus we read, (Genesis 40:20) And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birth-day, that he made a feast to all h…

He says not, why fear you? And he rebukes both in Peter (Matthew 14:31), [in non-Latin alphabet], for what end should you doubt? And both are clearly reproved, when they were [in non-Latin alphabet], affrighted, 37, 38, why are you troubled, jumbled, or put out of order?

Ephesians 4:30, Grieve not the holy spirit. The word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] is to sadden rather than to anger (Matthew 14:9; Matthew 17:23; Matthew 26:22). Can a friend lodge in a house, where he is every hour saddened?

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…

This were to be wanton with Scripture. The literal sense is not to be left without necessity, nor yet pressed too literally, as if prayer should be confined to a chamber and closet: Christ prayed in the mountain (Matthew 14:23) and, (Genesis 24:63) Isaac went into the field to m…

Be not over-confident, nor over-diffident, in an hour when God casts us upon trying times. Not over-confident, in casting yourselves upon needless troubles without cause: (Matthew 14:28) Peter said, Lord, if it be you, bid me come to you on the water. Peter thought he could do a…

Or that there be three days pestilence in the land? John Baptist to Herod (Matthew 14:4): It is not lawful for you to have her. Jehu to Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:2): Should you help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord?

By these the truth of grace is made manifest; if there be any activity in it, it will now show itself; and the strength of it will now be proved, whether it be weak or strong. When Peter was upon the waters, he exercised his faith, but so as to show that he had but little (Matth…

2. The Lord Christ is a Savior throughout, a perfect and complete mediator; he has not shed his blood by halves, nor satisfied the justice of God, and redeemed sinners by halves; no, but he went through with his undertakings, he bore all our sins, and shed all his blood, he died…

And thus plainly John the Baptist who had the same Spirit dealt with Herod. He does not beat the bush, and go behind the door to tell him his faults, and mince the matter with some intimations, but he speaks out (Matthew 14:4): It is not lawful for you to have your brother Phili…

No more had he been, but that he vexed and troubled his own righteous soul, because he was driven to a daily consideration of them which cut him to the quick. The word is observable, it signifies to try by a touch-stone, and to examine, and then upon search to bring the soul upo…

They are like the church of Philadelphia which had a little strength (Revelation 3:8) — so they have a little faith, a spark of love. Christ chides a little faith (Matthew 14:31); Christians should increase with the increase of God (Colossians 2:19). The apostle prays for the Ph…

For it is above the power of natural generation, that the substance of one creature should be really turned into the substance of another, as the substance of a rod into the substance of a serpent. Of the like kind, were the standing of the sun in the firmament without moving in…

If Heathens be damned, Hypocrites shall be double-damned. Hell is called the place of Hypocrites, (Matthew 14:5). 1. As if it were chiefly prepared for them, and were to be settled upon them in fe[illegible]simple.

Whereas they object that Christ came out of the Sepulcher being shut: and entered in among the disciples, the doors being shut: that makes never a whit more for maintenance of their error. For as the water like a fast pavement made a way to Christ walking upon the lake: so it is…

They have a mind to it, but God sets a hedge and a wall before them, that they shall judge it to be so hard and difficult to accomplish what they intend, that it is better for them to let it alone and give over. Thus Herod would have put John Baptist to death upon the first prov…

1. Meditation is the soul's retiring of itself; a Christian, when he goes to meditate, must lock up himself from the world. The world spoils meditation; Christ went apart into the Mount to pray, Matthew 14:23. So, go apart when you are to meditate.

So that such as come to him, he will in no wise cast them away (John 6:37). Therefore let us look to him (Isaiah 45:22), and seriously consider this Apostle and high Priest of our profession (Hebrews 3:1), and as long as we so do, we shall do well; but if we turn the eye of our…

And yet were ignorant of great points of Faith, as of his death (Matthew 16:21-22), of his resurrection (John 20:9). 2. So there be great faintings and doubtings, when a storm arises, and the soul is sinking (Matthew 8:25-27; Matthew 14:3). Yet a little Faith is Faith.

6 To sanctify all God's creatures to our use: for as God's word gives a warrant for the using of the creatures which are needful, and a direction whereby we are taught how to use them; so prayer to God obtains a right to them, and a blessing upon them: therefore the Apostle join…

By what reasons are they confuted? (1) Because, Christ has committed the keys of the kingdom of Heaven to the Officers of his Church which are Governors distinct from the civil Magistrate (Matthew 16:18-19, Matthew 18:19, John 20:21-22-23). (2) Because, Church power, and civil p…

4. If there be but one God, then we must pray to none but God. The Papists pray to saints and angels: 1. To saints; a Popish writer says, When we pray to the saints departed, they being touched with compassion, say the like to God for us, as the disciples did to Christ for the C…

If we pour out sighs to heaven, God hears every groan; though he does not show us his face, he may lend us his ear. 2. Faith may be strongest when assurance is weakest; the woman of Canaan had no assurance, but a glorious faith, O Woman, Great is your faith (Matthew 15:28). Rach…

There are the seeds of all atheism and blasphemy. The heart is the Trojan horse, out of which a whole army of sin comes (Matthew 15:9): "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries — these defile a man." If a branch of wormwood be so bitter, then how bitter is th…

Keep your heart with all keeping. Every one has a tempter in his own bosom (Matthew 15:19). Out of the heart come evil thoughts.

Qu. 12. What is principally to be attended to by us in the manner of the celebration of the worship of God, and observation of the institutions and ordinances of the Gospel? Answ. That we observe and do all whatever the Lord Christ has commanded us to observe, in the way that he…

And the comeliness and beauty of Gospel worship, consisteth in its relation to God by Jesus Christ, as the merciful high-Priest over his house, with the glorious administration of the spirit therein. The order also of it lies in the due and regular observation of all that Christ…

The first was confined to the posterity of Abraham, according to the flesh, and to them especially in the Land of Canaan, with some few proselytes that were joined to them (Deuteronomy 5:3), excluding all others from the participation of the benefits of it. And hence it was, tha…

And so it is with many. And when knowledge is perished from their lips who should preserve it, the people must perish for want of that knowledge (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 15:14). 3. In our progress towards an increase in knowledge, we ought to go on with diligence and the full bent of…

It may be asked, how does God thus judicially give up persons despising the Gospel to their own hearts' lusts to do the things that are not convenient? I answer he does it, (1) By leaving them wholly to themselves, taking off all effectual restraint from them, so spake our bless…

And hence we learn, that in time of peace, all those that are called to the office of the ministry, must (if it be possible) spend their labor publicly, so as they may do most good. Secondly whereas Christ says, he preached in their synagogues and temple, which at that time were…

What made Christ admire the woman of Canaan, but her graces! Great is your faith (Matthew 15:28). Christ was more taken with that, than with all the goodly buildings of the Temple.

Again, those that have taken up the profession of a right way of religion should beware of staining it by such kind of practices, nothing makes the ways of God suspected so much as the scandals of those that profess to walk in them, walk in the light as children of the light (Ep…

These thoughts being once made up into affections are quickly made out into suitable actions and practices. If the heart be wicked, then as Christ says (Matthew 15:19), 'Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, etc.' Mark the order: first, wanton or revengefu…

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, they shall both fall into the ditch (Matthew 15:13, 14). From where divines have drawn this conclusion, that the scandal of proud Pharisees is to be neglected.

2. Because there is greater weight laid upon them than upon greater things, therefore they are idols. As when the Pharisees did prefer mint and cummin before the great things of the law; and the traditions of the elders, which is in the language of these times, the ceremonies an…

3. It makes all their worship vain, as it makes their spirits vain, by deluding and defiling them, so it spoils and frustrates their religious worship. In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the Commandments of men (Matthew 15:9). They Sacrifice flesh, the sacrifices…

In this sense was the Apostle John called the Elder, because he outlived the other Apostles (2 John 1 and 3, verse 1). In the second signification Elder is opposed to modern, (Matthew 15:2) Why do your Disciples transgress the tradition of the Elders. That is, of them of old tim…

That's the meaning of this phrase, they are deeply rooted, that is, their superstition and false worship is deeply rooted in their hearts. Well, let their superstition be rooted as deep as it will, yet as Christ says (Matthew 15), every plant that my Father has not planted shall…

XI. Furthermore, the discussion there concerns the ministerial office of Christ, or His apostolic function, which He exercised while He was on earth, where He is said to have been sent in the last days. That office pertained solely "to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mat…

[1 Timothy 5:4. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn, first to show godliness towards their own house, and to recompense their own kindred, for that is an honest thing, and acceptable before God. Matthew 15:4. For God has commanded saying: Honor your father…

You shall not make to yourself any graven thing, or image, or likeness of any thing in heaven above, &c. In which part, by a usual manner of the Law, a part being put for the whole, as in the 6th, 7th, and 9th commandments, and that one of the foulest, look to note the filthines…

Not to walk in darkness, nor hate our brother (1 John 2:8, 9), for this is the new commandment. And that the Gospel has commandments is clear (Matthew 15:3; John 15:12; Romans 16:6; Ephesians 6:2; 1 Timothy 1:1; the holy commandment, 2 Peter 2:21; 1 John 3:23; Revelation 22:14;…

We, praying according to God's will, shall find acceptance according to our will. Notable is that speech of encouragement and acceptance of our Saviour to the woman of Syrophenicia (Matthew 15:28): O woman, great is your faith, be it to you even as you will. She had prayed as Ch…

But besides this confident persuasion this follows, there is another work of faith, and that is a constant wrestling against all discouragements that falls between our requests, and the accomplishment of our petitions. Famous is that story of the woman of Syrophenicia (Matthew 1…

2. In possessions, which were frequent and rife in Christ's time. My daughter is sorely vexed with a devil (Matthew 15:22). Or,

God knows the fittest season, and delights oftentimes to show our impatience, and try our faith. (Matthew 15:28): O woman, great is your faith. And that his help may not be ascribed to chance, or our industry; and that we may the more prize blessings, consider you cannot be more…

Fear is for inward worship, serve is for outward worship, and the profession of the same. Fear in Moses is expounded worship by Christ; so (Matthew 15:9) compared with (Isaiah 29:13). In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, but in the Prophet…

It teaches them three lessons: comfort, patience, obedience. 1. Comfort and encouragement to them that are under a gloomy day, this will not always last; he may try you for a while and you may be under great conflicts, and wants, and difficulties, as he tried the Woman of Canaan…

For the disciples were forbidden to go into the way of the Gentiles (Matthew 10:5). And Christ says, that he was not sent, but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:22). It may be objected, that here we see the difference of Jews, and Gentiles, is standing, long a…

God requires this importunity of us (Luke 18:1). It is practiced by David (Psalm 69:4), by the woman of Canaan (Matthew 15). We must do as Jacob did, wrestle with God, and give him no rest till he fulfills the desires of our hearts, and gives us the blessing.

God must not be displeased though all men be displeased (Acts 5:29). Indeed Christ pronounces woe against them by whom offences come: but that is meant of offences given, and not of offences taken: of which Christ has another rule (Matthew 15:14): Let them alone, they are the bl…

The Prophet then comprehends all the other parts of God's worship, whereby hypocrites are wont to counterfeit and deceive, for they are every way bent to lying and vanity. We need seek no better expositor of these words than Jesus Christ, who upon the speech of washing of hands,…

Every one of us also ought to apply to himself in particular that which is here said of the whole Church in general: for we were planted of God before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:4), and afterward incorporated and called, to the end we might have assurance of our e…

They are blind, says he, and leaders of the blind. Will you wittingly perish together with them? (Matthew 15:14). For this cause the Prophet commands that such authority be given to the word of God, to the end we may boldly despise the whole world, if they should gainsay it; for…

When he adds, that those which are led, are devoured: although by this particle his meaning is to say, that wicked princes, and those who rule as they please, cannot but bring all things to ruin: as also because the teachers deceive and abuse the people, instead of showing them…

It ought to be understood, that dogs and swine are names given not to every kind of debauched men, or to those who are destitute of the fear of God and of true godliness, but to those who, by clear evidences, have manifested a hardened contempt of God, so that their disease appe…

41. And wept over it. As there was nothing which Christ more ardently desired than to execute the office which the Father had committed to him, and as he knew that the end of his calling was to gather the lost sheep of the house of Israel, (Matthew 15:24,) he wished that his com…

Matthew 15:1-9 1. Then scribes and Pharisees, who had come from Jerusalem, approach to Jesus, saying, 2. Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Matthew 15:10-20 10. And having called the multitudes to him, he said to them, Hear and understand.

Matthew 15:21-28 21. And Jesus departing from there withdrew into the territories of Tyre and Sidon.

Matthew 15:29-39 29. And Jesus departing thence, came near the sea of Galilee, and he went up into the mountain, and sat down there.

If Christ pronounces it to be not only lawful, but even proper, to reject whatever of their own the scribes mingle with the pure doctrine of the Law, certainly we are not bound to embrace, without discrimination or the exercise of judgment, whatever they are pleased to enjoin. B…

The Woman of Canaan submitted to Christ, in his saying, It is not meet to take the Children's Bread, and to cast it to Dogs, and did as it were own that she was worthy to be called a Dog, whereupon Christ said unto her, O Woman, great is thy Faith; be it unto thee, even as thou…

Section 1. Another argument for the necessity of holiness may be taken from the consideration of our present state and condition — by holiness alone is the vicious distemper of our natures cured; our nature being fearfully and universally depraved by the entrance of sin, the min…

If the heart rises against the act or judgment of God, in holding us obliged to the punishment, when he offers us his Son as a Savior from the punishment, we cannot with the consent of the heart receive him in that character: but if persons thus submit to the righteousness of so…

For as God of old spoke in the Prophets, so in these last days he spoke in the Son; that is, in him, personally present with the Church, as the Prophets also were in their several generations (Chap. 2. v. 3). Now as to his personal ministry, he was sent to the lost sheep of the…

In the fourth chapter of Matthew, verse 10, Christ says to the Devil, It is written you shall worship the Lord your God, and him only you shall serve; compare this with (Deuteronomy 6:13), and there you shall have it thus expressed, You shall fear the Lord your God; that which i…

Let therefore then that fear the LORD, put their trust in him: for he is their help and defense, and think, indeed be assured, this kind of worship to be nothing but a device and imagination of men only, the which are idle and vain as says Jeremiah in the 10th chapter. And Chris…

4. Faith working by love, is a most gallant, and holy daring thing, bold in its enterprises to pursue after, to grip, and stick to Christ over all difficulties (as may be seen in her former carriage) and most successful as to the event. 5. The more steadily and stoutly, with lov…

And he affirms that this is good and acceptable before God. And therefore we find our Saviour sharply reprehending that unnatural doctrine among the Scribes and Pharisees, which dispensed with children from the relief of their parents (Matthew 15:5-6): You say, Whoever shall say…

1. They lose the world, and that is a great loss to the wicked; they laid up their treasure upon earth; and to be turned out of all at once is a great loss. 2. They lose their souls (Matthew 16:26). The soul was at first a noble piece of coin, which God stamped his own image upo…

The soul is a diamond set in a ring of clay. Christ puts the soul in balance with the world, and it outweighs (Matthew 16:26). The soul is a glass, in which some rays of divine glory shine: it has in it some faint idea and resemblance of a deity: it is a celestial spark lighted…

The rules he prescribes are holy: why should the master be thought the worse of because some of his servants prove bad. (4.) Men are prejudiced at the ways of Christ; they expose them to sufferings (Matthew 16:24): Let him take up his cross and follow me; many stumble at the cro…

Often we hatch the devil's motions, thinking they come from our own hearts. When Peter dissuaded Christ from suffering, sure Peter thought it came from the good affection which he did bear to his Master (Matthew 16:22). Little did Peter think Satan had a hand in it.

Zach. 2:8, 9. For thus says the Lord of Hosts, after the glory has he sent me to the nations which spoiled you, and you shall know that the Lord of Hosts has sent me. Matt. 16:16. You are Christ the Son of the living God. Luke 1:35. The Holy Ghost shall come upon you, the power…

2. The severity of the Law: It is an unchangeable rule of God's proceeding with the reasonable creature, it is that for obedience to which (and thereby to glorify God) man was made, and by which he must be judged at the last: Now this Law will have both obedience and satisfactio…

First, the one of knowledge (Luke 11:52). Secondly, the other of jurisdiction (Matthew 18:18), and both of them mentioned (Matthew 16:19). Where then a congregation enjoys a faithful ministry, opening an entrance into the kingdom of Heaven to penitent believers, and shutting it…

And whoever takes upon himself the exercise of any rule, or authority, or power in the Church, not granted to them by him, or not rightly derived from him, is an oppressor, a thief, and a robber; this necessarily follows upon the absolute investiture of all power in him alone (1…

Quest. 41. What is the discipline of the Church? Answ. It consists in the due exercise of that authority and power which the Lord Christ in and by his Word has granted to the Church, for its continuance, increase, and preservation, in purity, order, and holiness, according to hi…

This authority was before explained, in answer to the 28th question, as also was the way whereby they receive it. And it is that power of office whereby they are enabled for the discharge of their whole duty, in the teaching, and ruling of the Church; called the power of the key…

Eleventhly, in case the offender despise this admonition of the Church, and come not upon it to repentance, it is the will and appointment of our Lord Jesus Christ that he be cut off from all the privileges of the Church, and cast out from the society thereof, or be excommunicat…

Q. Do you mean then that a true believer can never totally nor finally fall away, but shall persevere in grace to the end? A. Yes, I mean so indeed; this perseverance of believers in the state of grace being plainly and plenteously taught in the holy Scriptures (1 Peter 1:5; Luk…

Q. What shall follow the pronouncing of the sentence? A. The sentence pronounced shall presently be put in execution, so that every man shall receive according to his works (Matthew 25:46; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27). Q. What shall the wicked receive?

But the devil then appeared in a visible shape and so tempted him, for he would have had him fallen down to worship him. Another time we find him crept into one of his apostles to assault our Savior by him: 'Master, spare yourself,' says he (Matthew 16:23). When therefore Christ…

Reason 1. Matthew 16:18: Upon this rock will I build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Here three questions must be asked: what the rock is, what is meant by building on the rock, and what is that which is promised to those which are built upon it?

Fourthly, before the Paschal Lamb was eaten, all leaven must be removed out of their houses. This had a notable signification: which we need not to guess at, seeing the holy Ghost has set it down; namely, that we must remove all old leaven of corrupt doctrine (Matthew 16:12) out…

Surely, they did only acknowledge him to be the true Messiah, and were willing to be further instructed in his doctrine; which they testified, by going to hear him in their own persons. So likewise, Christ gives a notable testimony to the confession of the Apostles' faith (Matth…

And is it not a commandement of God, that all Churches should be gathered according to the Commission of King Jesus (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20; Mark 16:15, 16)? We onely condemne those Churches (that persecute Christ in his members, from city to city, (as Saul did (Acts 26:9, 10)) f…

Fourthly, if we join with them that deny Jesus the Christ (1 John 2:22), and will be partakers of their sins, we shall be partakers of their plagues (Revelation 18:4). And for our unbelief, in persisting to persecute them that contend for the faith of Jesus the Christ (Matthew 1…

First, to take a man's sanctification, for an evident cause or ground of his justification, is flat Popery. Secondly, to take a man's sanctification, for an evident cause or ground of that faith whereby he is justified, is utterly unsafe; for faith is built upon Jesus, the Chris…

To all loyall Covenanters, contending for the Faith of JESUS the CHRIST, once given to the Saints; (Matthew 16:16, 17). Curteous Reader, be not too censorious concerning him that is the Publisher of this little Treatise, stiled, The difference between the Christian and Antichris…

Peter answereth, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God: Jesus answereth, Blessed are you Simon Bar-Jona; for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you; but my Father in heaven. And you are Peter, and upon this Rock (Jesus the Christ, whom you have confessed) I will bu…

But in the latter sense they cannot be so. It is Christ himself, and he only, who is so the Foundation as to bear the weight, and to support the whole Building of the Church of God (Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:10, 11; Ephesians 1:20, 21, 22; 1 Peter 2:4, 5). He…

It was the Blood of Christ. Of Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:18), whereby God purchased his Church with his own Blood (Acts 20:28). The dignity of his Person gave efficacy to his office and offering.

To hate those things which once he delighted in, and which were to him as a right eye, or a right hand; yes, as his very self. Matthew 16:24: Let him deny himself. How impossible is this to every man, and how far is he from it, until a great work, and change be wrought in him?

He is the blessed and only potentate, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and he must reign: and let his Kingdom come. 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 disci…

So where they translate by the same authority (Galatians 6:1), Instruct such an one in the spirit of lenitie: Claudius, following Saint Hierome, affirms that it is better in the Greek, Restore or Perfect him. And where they make Saint Peter say (Matthew 16:22), Lord, be it far f…

And we are to account the Apostles as ministers of Christ, and not as the foundation. The famous place, Matthew 16:18 (whereupon our Romanists lay the main foundation of the Papacy), Claudius expounds in this sort. Upon this rock will I build my Church, that is to say, upon the…

Now faith is said to be weak, when a man either fails in the knowledge of the Gospel; or else having knowledge, is weak in grace to apply to himself the sweet promises thereof. As for example, we know that the apostles had all true saving faith (except Judas) and when our Savior…

What is required in particular, that any of them may be meet to be joined to such a Church, we shall afterwards enquire. 7. It is generally said, that out of the Church there is no salvation; and the truth hereof is testified to in the Scriptures (Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 3:20, 21; Ma…

There is required to it a competent knowledge of doctrines and mystery of the Gospel, especially concerning the Person and Offices of Christ. The confession hereof was the ground whereon he granted the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, or all Church Power to Believers (Matthew 16:1…

1. There are express testimonies of the will of Christ, and his promise for its accomplishment, that the church and all its ordinances of worship should be continued always to the end of the world. So as to the church itself (Matthew 16:13; Revelation 21:3), the ministry (Matthe…

Why? Christ has born our sorrows and carryed our griefs (Isaiah 53:4), the very same griefs that we should have suffered, so far as his holy Person was capable of them: his desertion was equivalent to our loss, his agonies to our curse and punishment of sense; and all this very…

Thirdly he had the preeminence of principality among the twelve, because in regard of the measure of grace he excelled the rest. For when Christ asked his disciples whom they said he was, Peter as being of greatest ability and zeal answered for them all (Matthew 16:16). I use th…

'Why so nice and scrupulous? It is but to stretch conscience a little, and you may make your fortune — now is your opportunity.' The heart may be kept from falling into this dangerous snare by retorting the temptation thus: 'But what profit will it be if a man should gain the wh…

But that which is more principally here intended, is Christ's coming and appearing in a spiritual, but yet most powerful and glorious manner, to erect his kingdom, and to gather and govern his churches, by the ministry of his Apostles and other ministers, whom he sent forth afte…

1. God will have a Church upon earth. Mat. 16. 18. The gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Neither the Serpents subtilty, nor the Dragons fierceness shall overturn the Church.

We read (2 Chronicles 19:8) that with the Priests were joined some of the chief of the fathers of Israel, to judge ecclesiastical causes and controversies. And however many things among the Jews in the latter times, after the captivity, did wear to confusion and misorder, yet we…

The second, which requires concerning ourselves. This teaches, that first and chiefly, we must desire all things to God's glory, above our own salvation, and that the other must be asked to that end, as depending on it, and no further, than as it may serve to his glory, which is…

3. Consider the manner of his suffering, and we will see a further proof of his willingness. How little pains he takes to escape them; yes, when Peter labors to dissuade him (Matthew 16) from suffering, he disdains and rejects the suggestion with a severe rebuke: Get behind me,…

Third, for clearing and confirming of this truth, we may take the express confession of the saints in Scripture, on which there is much weight laid; and I shall name but five or six of their confessions, which to this purpose are expressly and fully recorded. The first is that o…

2. Sin is a dear and costly thing: in heaven, in the account-book of justice, it goes for no less than the blood of God, the shaming of the Lord of glory; justice, for the request of all the world, and the prayers of Christ, could not abate one farthing. A man's soul is a dear t…

2. To the sight Christ is a delightful thing; to behold God, in Christ, is a changing sight. 2 Corinthians 3:18. But we all with open face beholding, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (Ep…

We know no such distinct posts to heaven, nor such shifting from hand to hand; the saints have many bouts in their way to glory, but all the three jointly at the same season help at the lifting of the dead out of the graves (John 6:39, 44, 45; John 5:24, 25). All the three in on…

Now Christ has, both, the keys of death, the postern gate out of this world; and of hell, even of the broad gates of that eternal prison; so as none of his can be fetched out of this world by death, but Christ he must first open the door; much less, can any go to hell without hi…

This natural life is worth the giving and parting with for a spiritual. "What shall a man give in recompense for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). You know what Christ said of Judas, and the same reason holds true in every man that lacks life in Christ (Matthew 26:24).

Many give various reasons. Peter had led the way to the rest in that notable confession of Christ (Matthew 16:16), and is conceived to have some primacy for the orderly beginning of actions in the College of the Apostles. James was the first apostle who shed his blood for Christ…

Moses saw the face of God, but he was in the bosom of God: Moses's face shone, but not as Christ's, for it could be hidden by a veil; Christ darts his glory through his garments: Moses's shining was terrible, Christ's was comfortable, the apostles were loath to lose the sight of…

Josiah after he had prepared the temple, fell into that rash attempt against Pharaoh Necho which cost him his life (2 Chronicles 35:20): After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates, and Josiah went out…

1. Because it was at hand, the next solemn mediatory action after this was his death and bloody sufferings; after he was transfigured in the mount, he went down to suffer at Jerusalem. 2. This was an offense to the Apostles that their Master should die (Matthew 16:22-23): then P…

And indeed the Scripture seems to hint so much to us. For, if Peter in the Transfiguration knew Moses and Elias, whom he never saw before (Matthew 17:4), then surely in Heaven, the Saints shall know one another, and be infinitely delighted in each other's company. 3. The third t…

In Heaven there shall be perfect love among the saints; they shall as the olive and myrtle sweetly embrace each other. The saints shall know one another, (as Luther speaks,) if in the Transfiguration Peter knew Moses and Elias, which he never saw before (Matthew 17:3), then much…

A pair of turtledoves, which was the usual offering of the poor (Leviticus 12:8). Christ was so poor, that when he wanted money, he was fain to work a miracle for it (Matthew 17:27). He when he died, made no will.

Quest. What are the benefits which accrue to God's children? 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 1…

[reconstructed: in Greek], That they may behold my glory. When Christ was transfigured upon earth, it is said, That his face did shine as the sun, and his clothing was white as the light (Matthew 17:2). If the glory of his Transfiguration was so great, what will the glory of his…

So a covetous man's speech betrays him. He is like the fish in the Gospel, which had a piece of money in the mouth (Matthew 17:27). Verba sunt Speculum mentis. Bern. The words are the looking-glass of the heart, they show what is within.

And he has given his testimony to this acceptance of his (Isaiah 42:1): Behold my servant whom I have chosen, mine elect in whom my soul delights. Matthew 17:5: This is my [◊] loved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear [◊] him. It is therefore said of the work undertaken by him,…

Qu. 12. What is principally to be attended to by us in the manner of the celebration of the worship of God, and observation of the institutions and ordinances of the Gospel? Answ. That we observe and do all whatever the Lord Christ has commanded us to observe, in the way that he…

Qu. 18. Whereas sundry of these things are founded in the light and law of nature, as requisite to all solemn worship, and are moreover commanded in the moral law, and explications of it in the Old Testament; how do you look upon them as evangelical institutions to be observed p…

And although some of the ways which he does appoint may seem to have a great compliance in them to the light of nature, yet in his worship he accepts them not on that account, but merely on that of his own institution. And this as he has declared his will about in the second Com…

Christ her King, and his commission to be eternal (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20). Christ her Prophet, whose voice she must only hear; as the Father of glory has given her in charge to do (Matthew 17:5). Yes, and the extent how far, in all things, whatever he shall say (Acts 3:22).

Disdain not therefore to read a little Treatise, called the Difference between the Christian, and Antichristian Church, Delineated according to the Scripture Record, though the truth therein contained (like the Two witnesses, Revelation 11:3) have long mourned in Sackcloth: Yet…

Now, was God so jealous of his glory under the Law, that he that sinned against that worship which God by Moses prescribed, he died without mercy? How much severer punishment are they worthy of, that sin against the Son's authority, seeing he is Lord of the spiritual house, whos…

3. When Christians grow more in love with the World, it argues the decrease of spiritual love. They were once of a sublime Heavenly temper, they did speak the language of Canaan; but now they are like the fish in the Gospel, which had money in its mouth, Matthew 17 last verse th…

Now for the practicing of this peace, there are three duties especially to be learned and performed: 1. rather than peace should be broken, a man must yield of his own right. When tax collectors came to our Savior Christ for tribute, he had a lawful excuse: for however he lived…

Overcome armies (Exodus 17:11). Cast out devils (Matthew 17:21). Opened prisons (Acts 12:9).

The firstborn and only begotten Son of God then is manifested, Christ will appear in all his royalty and glory, as the great God and Savior, and Judge of the world, as the great God; therefore 'tis said, he will appear in the glory of the Father (Matthew 24:13; Matthew 16:27). T…

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…

Yet this was nothing to the afflicted people; verse 14: But Zion said, The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me. When the Lord's Disciples, (Matthew 17) are in the sweetest life that ever they were in, at the transfiguration of Christ, when they saw his glory, and…

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST. Matthew 17:1. And after six days Jesus takes Peter, James and John his brother, and brings them into a high mountain apart. With Luke 9:28. It came to pass about eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John, and James, and went up into a…

Matthew 17:2. And he was transfigured before them and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. With Luke 9:29. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistening. In both these texts compared toget…

The devil tempts us sometimes to pamper the flesh, sometimes to neglect it in such a way as is destructive to our service. Thus the devil hurries us from one extreme to another, as the possessed man fell oftentimes into the fire, and oft into the water (Matthew 17:15). Those tha…

Matthew 17:3. And behold there appeared to him Moses and Elias talking with him. With Luke 9:30, 31. And behold there talked with him two men, Moses and Elias, who appeared in glory, and spoke of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. Having spoken of Christ's Tran…

Matthew 17:4. Then answered Peter and said to Jesus, Lord it is good for us to be here; if you will let us make three tabernacles, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. With Luke 9:32-33. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they we…

Matthew 17:5. While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed him: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear you him. In this branch of the story two things are remarkable, and there is a Behold prefixed bef…

Matthew 17:5 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased, Hear you him. 1. The design and intent of this Scripture is to set forth the Lord Jesus, as the great mediator, as appears.

Matthew 17:6-8. And when the Disciples heard it they fell on their faces, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, arise be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man save Jesus only. In this part of the history are three things.

In the scope and sense of the words, many points of doctrine are contained. The first, that Christ is the great Prophet and Doctor of the Church (Matthew 17:6). Hear him, and (Matthew 23:8): One is your Doctor, namely Christ.

She has her desire in the birth of Ishmael, but yet he is born according to the flesh, in bondage, and he is not the promised seed. In the birth of Isaac we see the virtue of the promise of God, when it is mixed with our faith: for then it makes things possible, that are otherwi…

The second is, in that he affirms James before whom our Lord Christ was transfigured in mount Tabor, to be the author of this epistle. For, that James before whom Christ was transfigured in the mount, was James the son of Zebedee, and brother of John (Matthew 17:1): After six da…

From hence we observe that fasts were celebrated when solemn prayers were made, and that all the Church was assembled together. For fasting is but the handmaid of prayer, as we have shown before; and we also see that Christ adds it to prayer (Matthew 17:21). It is not instituted…

There is a still wider import in this statement, which God next makes by the prophet, that the delight of his soul dwells in Christ; for though the calling of each of us proceeds from the free favor of God as its only source, yet in Christ there is this remarkable peculiarity, t…

Matthew 17:1-8 1. And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, and James, and John his brother, and leadeth them to a high mountain apart;

Matthew 17:14-18 14. And when they were come to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling before him, 15. And saying, Lord, have compassion on my son, for he is lunatic, and is grievously distressed; for frequently he falls into the fire, and frequently into the water.

Matthew 17:19-21 19. Then the disciples, coming to Jesus apart, said, Why could not we cast it out?

Matthew 17:22-23 22. And while they remained in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men:

27. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, throw a hook, and take that fish which comes first up; and when you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater: take that, and give it for me and for you. Matthew 17:24. And when they came to Capernaum. We must attend, first…

Matthew 17:9-13 9. And as they were going down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of man is risen from the dead.

Christ therefore does not attach importance to the title bestowed on those who discharge the office of teaching, but restrains them within proper limits, that they may not rule over the faith of brethren. We must always attend to the distinction, that Christ alone ought to be ob…

The blessed God has settled this connection between our faith and his own exerted power. As the extraordinary works of the Spirit were not done, but upon the exercise of the extraordinary faith, which by the divine constitution was requisite for it: so that the unbelief which st…

And with his years were these gifts increased in him, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], he went forwards in wisdom and stature and favor (v. 52). But the full communication of this Spirit with special reference to the discharge of his public office, with the visible pledge of it in t…

The first expression looks to the house of wine where she was, which supposes no want, and may be rendered, Stay me in flagons, as seeking support in this holy fill of the Spirit, whereby she was staggering. The second looks to the Apple-tree, vers. 3. and she would ever roll he…

Verse 4. It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loves: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. The beginning of this verse, contains the last step of t…

Ephesians 4:30, Grieve not the holy spirit. The word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] is to sadden rather than to anger (Matthew 14:9; Matthew 17:23; Matthew 26:22). Can a friend lodge in a house, where he is every hour saddened?

Without this we cannot see him as he is. When he was transfigured in the Mount, and had on his human nature some reflections of his divine glory, his disciples that were with him, were rather amazed, than refreshed by it (Matthew 17:4). They saw his glory, but spoke thereon they…

For as all Diseases are contrary to health, yet some contrary to each other, so are Lusts. Hence poor Creatures are hurried on to different kinds of servitude, according to the Nature of that imperious Lust that is in the Throne; and like the Lunatick, Mat. 17. are sometimes cas…

Whiteness (if I may so say) is the complexion of glory; in that appearance of the most high, the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9), it is said, his garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head as pure wool. And of Christ in his transfiguration, when he had on him a mighty lust…

2. Let the same judgment, and that deservedly, pass on all those different places, which are altogether inconsiderable, consisting in accents or the change of a letter, not in the least intrenching on the sense of the place, or giving the least intimation of any other sense to b…

Though I am to love all the brotherhood, and carry a respect to all in relation to me; yet I am to single out for my advantage some of the most eminent, or the most suitable (for great regard is to be had to that.) Christ made a distinction in his little flock, in his family, sh…

There is in love a desire of union and fellowship with those whom we love (1 Samuel 18:1): Jonathan's soul was knit to the soul of David, and he loved him as his own soul: and the Apostle bids all Christians to be knit together in brotherly love (Colossians 2:2): without this th…

The world looks upon humility as that which will make one contemptible, but it is the ready way to honor: the way to rise is to fall, the way to ascend is to descend. Humility exalts us in the esteem of men, and it exalts us to a higher throne in heaven (Matthew 18:4): Whoever s…

4. God delights in their company, he loves to see their countenance and hear their voice (Song of Solomon 2:14). He cannot refrain long from their company: Let but two or three of his children meet and pray together, he will be sure to be among them (Matthew 18:20). Where two or…

Prayer is more powerful when many join and unite their forces. [reconstructed: Vis unita fortior] (Matthew 18:19). 7. Private prayer; when we pray by ourselves (Matthew 6:6).

I wish there be none in our age guilty of this, who when they are in want, use indirect means for a livelihood, they consult with witches, who are the Devil's oracles; the end of these will be fearful as that of Saul was, whom the Lord is said to have killed, because he asked co…

First, the one of knowledge (Luke 11:52). Secondly, the other of jurisdiction (Matthew 18:18), and both of them mentioned (Matthew 16:19). Where then a congregation enjoys a faithful ministry, opening an entrance into the kingdom of Heaven to penitent believers, and shutting it…

(3) See question the eighth and ninth. (4) Exodus 29:42, 43, 45; Deuteronomy 14:23; Psalm 133:3; Matthew 18:20; Revelation 21:3. (5) Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:23, 24; Joshua 24:19; Ezekiel 16.

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

First they are appointed and approved by Christ. "If your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone, if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother; but if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mou…

Quest. 20. By what means do persons so called become a Church of Christ? Answ. They are constituted a Church, and interested in the rights, power, and priviledges of a Gospel-Church, by the will, promise, authority, and law of Jesus Christ, upon their own voluntary consent and e…

And whoever takes upon himself the exercise of any rule, or authority, or power in the Church, not granted to them by him, or not rightly derived from him, is an oppressor, a thief, and a robber; this necessarily follows upon the absolute investiture of all power in him alone (1…

(4) In exhorting, comforting, and restoring to the enjoyment and exercise of Church privileges such as are recovered from the error of their ways; all according to the laws, rules, and directions of the Gospel. (1) (Matthew 18:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Titus…

Q. What persons are subject to Church censures? A. All and only they that are members of the Church (Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 5:12; Psalms 149:4). Q. In what way, and by what steps and degrees must an offending brother be dealt withal?

He may not admit him to see his face; he may shut a son out of doors when yet he does not cast him off. He may retain their sins (as Christ's expression is, John 20:23; Matthew 18:18) — that is, call in the patent of his pardon which he had passed under his hand and seal in eart…

Hence the Apostle exhorts the Church of the Hebrews: let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never fail you, nor forsake you: so that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what ma…

Thus I have answered the objections. Because, if two disciples of Christ agree together in earth, touching any thing that they shall ask, they have promise it shall be done for them of his Father in heaven (Matthew 18:19). But there is no promise to any people in faith and order…

But there is no ground to conceit or fancy such distinct places in heaven above; yes, it is contrary to the Scripture so to do: for the residence of the holy angels is before and about the throne of God. So are they always placed in the Scripture (Daniel 7:10; Matthew 18:10; Rev…

It is so to believe in him, as to believe that he is able to save to the utmost all that come to God by him. This is the ground whereon in our holy worship we assemble in his name (Matthew 18:20), and make all our supplications to God in his name (John 16:26), that is, by an exe…

But that is not the fire that is here intended. It is devouring, consuming, destroying, such as answers the severity of God's justice to the utmost, as Isaiah 9:5; chapter 30:33; chapter 66:15; Amos 7:4; Matthew 18:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Psalm 11:7; Deuteronomy 32:22. Therefore…

(2.) With respect to the judgment of God. The first is that binding or loosing which the Lord Christ has given power for to the ministers and guides of the Church as to the communion thereof (Matthew 18:18). For by the ministerial application of the Word to the sins and conscien…

Whereby it appears, that when we rush on into the practice of any sin, we do as much as in us lies to cause God to send down his judgments upon us for our sins, and that by the ministry of his angels. Secondly, we are taught another lesson by Christ himself: See (says he) that y…

And 'tis a means to engage our dependance upon God for knowledge and instruction; Christ's Prophetical Office would lie idle and useless, were not the chains of consent sometimes broken, and the language divided, some saying one thing some another, as the difference between the…

You are daily grieving and wronging God, and yet he bears it, forgives, and will not take vengeance upon you — and will you be so quick in avenging yourselves upon others? O what a sharp and terrible rebuke is that — Matthew 18:32-33: 'O you wicked and slothful servant, I forgav…

Possibly some professors of religion have given you occasion, and you are glad of it — as wicked men usually are both at the sins and sufferings of God's people, though none have less cause for it. Matthew 18:7. Woe to the world because of offences: the blame of the offence will…

But let us hear what he has said concerning some Scriptures (for he names but two of them) upon which the acts of spiritual or ecclesiastical government have been grounded. That place, 1 Corinthians 5, takes not hold (says he) on my conscience for excommunication, and I admire t…

When the woman of Samaria pleaded, Our fathers worshipped in this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship; Jesus said to her, Woman, believe me, The hour comes, and now is, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem wors…

The highest orders among them are not exempted from being officers for the Church. Though they are called God's angels in respect of their immediate attendance on God; yet they are called man's angels in respect of the service they do for them (Matthew 18:10): their angels do al…

Now this he would not have done, if they had had no power over him, or if there had been any room for them to say, we have nothing to do with him, we have no power over him. And the same is proved in other Scriptures also; as Matthew 18:17; Psalm 149:6, 7, 8, 9. And the conseque…

Things of this sort a ruling Elder may and ought to do by his power of Order, and by virtue of his election and ordination to such an office. For example, every Christian is bound in charity to admonish and reprove his brother that offends; first, privately, then before witnesse…

Our second argument we take from Matthew 18:17. Let an obstinate offender, whom no admonition does amend, be brought and judged by the Church.

The members of Nationall and Oecumenicall Councils, are supposed to be men of knowledge and discretion, and so may be kept in good order, much more easily then a rude multitude in the Congregation. They who are of another judgement object to us: First, our Savior's precept (Matt…

This sense is given by Parker, though he be most tender in the vindication of the liberty of congregations. For, says he, since Christ would have every man to be judged by his own church (Matthew 18), or if the judgement of his own church should displease him, yet ever it must b…

Secondly, the will of Christ for Provincial and National Assemblies to be over Presbyteries, even as they are over the Elderships of particular congregations, appears also in this. He has given us in the New Testament, express warrant for Ecclesiastical Courts and Assemblies in…

But good Sir be pleased mutually to resolve us where you have read in Scripture, or in Greek Authors the name Church (setting aside all representatives of Churches and Assemblies of sole Governors) used for men alone, and them grown and of discretion, secluding women and childre…

Esther, when she had a yet more important request to make, for the saving of the Church of God, and whole nation of the Jews, dispersed through the empire of Persia, when on the brink of ruin, sends to all the Jews in the city Shushan to pray and fast with her and her maidens; a…

To this, last of all is adjoined humility, when emptying ourselves of all, we give God the whole glory of all good things, which are in us (Genesis 18:17; 1 Peter 5:5; Isaiah 40:3, 4). Forbidden: love of our honor (Matthew 18:3, 4); vain glory (Philippians 2:3); boasting of any…

James 5:15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Matthew 18:16. But if he shall not hear you, take yet with you, one or two, that of the mouth of two or three witnesses, the whole…

By the contrary, commanded to acknowledge, love, &c. only the proper use of every rite and outward means which the Lord has ordained: so to receive the Sacraments, as pledges of our conjunction with Christ, the remission of our sins in him, &c. not to make them a sacrifice for t…

We have not then reason to think this secret was whispered in the ears of the Devils, before they fell. 2. It is true (Matthew 18) the elect angels, [in non-Latin alphabet], always now behold the face of Christ's Father; for now they are confirmed, that they cannot look awry, an…

Now as there is in roses, gardens, creatures that are fair, something [reconstructed: pleasant], that ravishes eye and heart; so there are in God so many fair and pleasant truths to take the mind, and God is so capacious, and so comprehensive a truth, and so lovely, such a botto…