Nehemiah

Those who can find no change of heart — who are the same as they were, as vain, as earthly, as unclean as ever — there is no sign of God's kingdom of grace in them. 2. More particularly, we may know the kingdom of grace is set up in our hearts, 1. By having unfeigned desires aft…

It was in answer to prayer, that God delivered his Church from the mighty host of the Assyrians, in Hezekiah's time; which dispensation is abundantly made use of, as a type of the great things God will do for the Christian Church in the latter days, in the prophecies of Isaiah.…

And upon any great judgment on the family, Church or commonwealth, to direct them in fastings and prayers, with readings, meditations, and use of the word, as may serve to give especial cause of humbling, and especial cause fit of comfort for that work. [Esther 4:16. Go gather t…

If we could not feel the weight of our brethren's afflictions, burdens, and sorrow, it is a righteous thing that our own should be doubled. The desolations of the Church makes Nehemiah grow pale in the Court of a great King (Nehemiah 1:10). He who is not concerned in the trouble…

First, That they should possess the Land of Canaan, and there enjoy that worship which he had prescribed to them (see Exodus 6:4; chapter 34:10, 11; Leviticus 26:8, 9; Deuteronomy 18:18; chapter 29:13; Psalm 105:10, 11). Secondly, That he would defend them from their adversaries…

Is it nothing to you that travel, (though but in meditation) into the churches of Christ in Germany? etc. We read of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4), when he heard the report of Jerusalem's desolation, though himself was far off at Babylon, though himself was rich and full, and preferre…

Or, he can give you favor, dispose of their hearts to do good to his people. (Nehemiah 1:11) Prosper, I pray you, your servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cup-bearer.

Now this is added as a true note and description of God's servants, as being a main thing in religion (Psalm 111:10): 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' — the first in point of order, and it is the first thing when we begin to be wise, to think of God, to have awf…

Paul was better at willing than at doing (Romans 7:18 — to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not). And other of the saints of God, though they could not plead their exact performance and their full and effectual compliance with the will of God…

The USE. Here is first a note of discovery; for men are judged by their desires, rather than their practices, as being freest from constraint: And this is humbly represented by the children of God, to incline his favor and compassion to them (Nehemiah 1:11): Let your ear be atte…

Now what is it to sanctify God in our hearts, but to fear his majesty, and greatness, and goodness; (Isaiah 8:13) "Sanctify the Lord God of Hosts in your hearts, and make him your fear." Therefore David desires God to call in his straggling thoughts, and scattered affections; (P…

Therefore we are to cherish good desires, and to bless God for them. Oftentimes a child of God has nothing to show for himself but desires (Nehemiah 1:11): Your servants who desire to fear your name. These hungerings after righteousness proceed from love; a man does not desire t…

The golden mandates of the gospel are comparatively easy. In the gospel, if there is a desire to keep God's commandments, it is accepted (Nehemiah 1:11; 2 Corinthians 8:12): if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted. Though a person had had the best intentions to fulfill…

For he does not set the worshipping of God in fasting: but signifies that the holy woman did after that manner exercise herself to continuance of prayer. Such was the fasting of Nehemiah when he did with earnestly bent zeal pray to God for the deliverance of his people (Nehemiah…

The sin, for committing whereof, the Israelites fasted in Samuel's time, was extraordinary (1 Samuel 7:4, 6). The occasions which moved Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther to fast in the behalf of others, were extraordinary (Ezra 9:2, etc.; Nehemiah 1:4; Esther 4:16). Read all the fasts r…

2. We grieve when God's church is brought low, because now God's name suffers. Nehemiah lays to heart the miseries of Zion, his complexion begins to alter, and he looks sad (Nehemiah 2:3): Why is your countenance sad? What, sad when the king's cupbearer, and wine so near?

2. Vocal (Psalm 77:1). 3. Ejaculatory, which is a sudden and short elevation of the heart to God (Nehemiah 2:4). So I prayed to the God of Heaven.

First, he grieves to see it go ill with the church. Nehemiah, though the king's cup-bearer, and wine so near, yet was sad when Zion's glory was eclipsed (Nehemiah 2:3). Like the tree I have read of, if any of the leaves are cut, the rest of the leaves begin to shrink up themselv…

I confess most men rather need the spur than the reins in this case, and yet some sit down as overwhelmed with the sense of the church's troubles. The loss of the ark cost old Eli his life; the sad posture Jerusalem lay in made good Nehemiah's countenance change in the midst of…

The Samaritans of this time, who serve the Lord, and serve their own Gods too, and do after the manners of idolaters, have professed (as they of old to the Jews, Ezra 4:2) that they would build with you, that they will be for the true Protestant Religion as you are, that they wi…

It has been the practice of holy men. Nehemiah first petitioned God before he would use his interest in the king's favor (Nehemiah 2:4). Then the king said to me, for what do you make request?

Eighthly, assurance should be managed with cheerfulness of heart: assured Christians should be cheerful Christians. We read Nehemiah 2:1-2, that Nehemiah all the while he was before the face of the King, and in the presence of the King, the text says, Nehemiah for a long time wa…

And this night fell in directly upon the expiration of the 430 years before limited, verse 40, 41. For the time of the year, it was in the month [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Abib, as the Hebrews call the month of the spring, which in those Eastern parts gave blades to the corn, a…

The children of Israel arose and went to the house of the Lord, that is, they went presently up to the house of the Lord, (2 Samuel 14:31). Then Joab arose and went to Absalom, the meaning is only this, that upon the receiving of that message, he went with speed, he made no dela…

Moses could not do so, though in the greatest security, and abundance of the honors and pleasures of Egypt (Acts 7:23). Nehemiah could not do so, though the servant and favorite of a mighty monarch, and wanting nothing to make him outwardly happy: yet the pleasures of a king's c…

Christ's earnestness in prayer struck him into an agony, and caused his sweat to be turned into blood (Luke 22:44). Nehemiah's ardency so changed his countenance, as the King observed it (Nehemiah 2:2). 2. Unusual motion of the parts of a man's body: Hannah so moved her lips, as…

So (2 Thessalonians 2:2). It is applied also to nearness of place as well as of time, (Nehemiah 3:2), where the building of the wall of Jerusalem is described, it is said, Next to him built the men of Jericho, the Hebrew is, at the hand of him built the men of Jericho, that is n…

The sixth thing commended in the Bride, is her neck: the neck being comely and straight, adds much to the beauty of a person, and is placed by nature, as a more eminent and essential part of the body than the eyes, legs, lips, etc. or any other part here mentioned; for, it is th…

And in verses 11-12: 'And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Aminadab, and said to them, You are the chief of the fathers of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, both you, and your brothers, th…

These are the days of the erecting the tabernacle of God amongst us. We have a particular account how the goldsmiths and the merchants helped to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:32). The days are coming spoken of in Scripture, and I believe not very far off, when the so…

Wiser than your ancestors? The world deals with the professors of religion, as Sanballat did with the Jews when they were building (Nehemiah 4:1). He mocked the Jews, and said, "What do those feeble Jews, will they fortify themselves?

But joining does not always signify joining in Covenant; Philip joined to the Eunuch's chariot, and dust to men's feet (Acts 8:29 & Luke 10:11), and yet there was no Covenant, and therefore men may join to the Church without any Covenant. The word indeed may express any close jo…

Israel's increase is Pharaoh's trouble (Exodus 1:10). When Nehemiah comes to build the walls of Jerusalem, it grieved the enemy exceedingly, that one was come to seek the welfare of the children of Israel (Nehemiah 4:10). This is the season of that dispensation which you have me…

The opening of the particular reasons will clear this; The first is, I have put off my coat, and the conclusion is, how can I put it on? Putting off the clothes is an evidence of betaking themselves to rest, as keeping them on, is a sign of watching, as in (Nehemiah 4:23). None…

We must not only work, but fight. Like those Jews, who built the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:17), every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. A Christian is commanded upon hot service; he must charge through the whole army of his…

It is love which is the great poise and weight upon the soul that sets all the wheels going. When love is strong, the heart is carried out with fervour and earnestness (Nehemiah 4:6). We built the wall, why? for the people had a mind to the work; then it went on speedily.

Therefore is this affection, that we may encounter difficulties and oppositions. As in Nehemiah 4:6, when there were difficulties and straits, it is said they built the wall, for the people had a mind to work — that is, their hearts were set upon it. So if we had a mind to any e…

It is with us in our building for heaven, as it was with the Jews in their building the wall. Every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon (Nehemiah 4:17). So we must not only be builders, but warriors; with one hand we must work, an…

So much is manifest by the lamentations of the godly, who have greatly lamented this thing (Psalm 90:8; Job 7:20, 21). As also by the imprecations against the wicked, against whom it is wished as the greatest evil, that their sins might not be covered, nor blotted out (Nehemiah…

So now, at this time of the rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, every one ought to promote the work of God within his own sphere, and by doing what belongs to him, in the place in which God has set him: men in a private capacity, may repair over against their houses; and even tho…

This was Abraham's inference (Genesis 20:11): I thought surely the fear of God is not in this place, and they will slay me for my wife's sake. And as much may be gathered from (Nehemiah 5:15): But so did not I (that is as precedent governours did, oppress and grind the people) b…

It is our rashness and inconsideration that betrays us to all the mischiefs of an ungoverned passion, in the neck of which the reins are laid (which should be kept in the hand of reason) and so we are hurried upon a thousand precipices. Nehemiah is a remarkable instance of prude…

Mark what charge the Apostle lays upon women, 1 Tim. 5. 13, 14. that they should take heed of tatling, and carrying themselves unchristianly; and that they give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. That was the reason why Nehemiah was so careful in his business…

Whereby we show that we have respect to God, and labor above all to approve ourselves to him. Thus David is commanded to rule in the fear of God (2 Samuel 23:3): and other Magistrates to perform their duty in the fear of the Lord (2 Chronicles 19:9): which Nehemiah that good Gov…

The Fear of God would cure this. Nehemiah 5:8. Will ye sell your brethren? v. 9. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God?

As Joseph assures his brothers, he would be just to them, "for I fear God" (Genesis 42:18). Nehemiah did not convert the public treasures to his private use (Nehemiah 5:15), "so did not I, for I fear God." This grace, when it is hazardous to be faithful to men, makes us to sligh…

He would not suffer the Temple to be made an Exchange. Nehemiah rebuked the Nobles for their Usury, (Nehemiah 5:7). And their Sabbath-prophanation, (Nehemiah 13:7).

And this I do both to God's image in him; for everyone that loves him that begat, loves him also that is begotten (1 John 5:1). And to my own image; for his flesh is as my own flesh (Nehemiah 5:5). He that made me in the womb, made him, says Job (Job 31:15).

First, a sincere heart dares not sin because of the eye and fear of God which is upon him: so you find it in Job 31:1, 4; he dared not allow his thoughts to sin, because he lived under the awe of God's eye. Nehemiah dared not do as former governors had done: though an opportunit…

Let us live by our faith, as the Patriarchs did (Hebrews 11): or the breastplate of righteousness? Let it cover us as a robe: let us be so conscientious in practicing the several duties thereof, that with the testimony of a good conscience we may say to God as Nehemiah did, Reme…

Therefore when he cries to me (for cold and necessity) I will hear him: for I am merciful. According to this law, Nehemiah exhorts the rulers and princes of the Jews, that had oppressed their poor countrymen, saying, Remit to them the hundredth part of the silver, and of the cor…

Remember also the fourth Article of your solemn League and Covenant, by which you have obliged your selves, with your hands lifted up to the most high God, to endeavour the discovery, trial, and condign punishment of all such as have been or shall be Incendiaries, Malignants, or…

This court having decayed, was restored by Ichoshaphat (2 Chronicles 19:8), and it had the name of Sanedrim, common to it with the supreme civil court. From this court did the reformation of that national church proceed (Nehemiah 6:13). On the second day were gathered together t…

This discourages the soul in the use of means. Unbelief does as Sanballat and Tobiah did to the Jews (Nehemiah 6:9). They made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work.

If this war be brought to a good issue, and those enemies suppressed, whatever other disturbances are given, peace is in the soul with grace and mercy from God, and from the Lord Jesus. Nehemiah was aware of this, as the design of his enemies, when they hired a pretended prophet…

But we should not turn back when God calls us to a valiant resistance. Should such a man as I flee? (Nehemiah 6:11). Observe Peter's dastardliness, when he ventures without a call into the priest's hall; a question of the damsels overturns him.

5. Let us carry ourselves as the children of God in magnanimity and heroicness. The saints are high-born, they are of the true blood-royal, born of God, they must do nothing sneakingly or sordidly, they must not fear the faces of men; as that brave-spirited Nehemiah, shall such…

For to this end it was not only needful that he should be declared to be a Priest, as the Messiah was to be, but also in that declaration all those circumstances were to be observed, wherein the nature of the priesthood of Christ might be any way praefigured. After this the Chur…

A Christian recreation, is an exercise of some thing indifferent, both for the nature & use of it, only for the necessary refreshing of the body or mind, or both. So are allowed in the Scriptures the use of the Bow (2 Samuel 1:18), of Music (Nehemiah 7:67), of hunting (Canticles…

Use: It informs us who are God's servants. Those that have most of this fear of God planted in their hearts (Nehemiah 7:2): "He was a faithful man, and feared God above many." And then that they express it in their conduct; God will not take it as planted in our hearts, if we do…

He had a true godliness, or a filial awe of God which kept him from sin, and the temptations whereby it might insinuate itself into his soul. So Obadiah, Ahab's Steward, is described to be a man that feared God greatly (1 Kings 18:3), and of one Hananiah it is said (Nehemiah 7:2…

Fourthly, the Magistrates exercised their coercive power in matters of Religion, as freely after Urim and Thummim were lost, and that judgment ceased, as they did before, which clearly shows the enquiring by Urim under the old Law, was not the cause of those laws concerning puni…

Isaiah 60:4: Lift up your eyes round about, and see, all they gather themselves about, they shall come to you: your sons shall come from far, and your sons shall be nourished at your side. Israel marrying and Israel according to the flesh is the holy seed (Nehemiah 7:61; Nehemia…

Piety is no enemy to courtesy. 2. A divine worship, which we give to God, is his prerogative-royal (Nehemiah 8:6): They bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces towards the ground. This divine worship God is very jealous of; this is the apple of his eye, this…

Assurance will not (as the Papists say) breed security in the soul, but industry. Doubting discourages us in God's service, but the assurance of his favor breeds joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Assurance makes us mount up to heaven as eagles in holy…

But spiritual joy makes one better; it is like cordial water, which (as physicians say) does not only cheer the heart, but purges out the noxious humors; so divine joy is cordial water, which does not only comfort, but cleanse. It makes a Christian more holy; it causes an antipa…

2. Adoration is in bowing to him or worshipping him (Psalm 29:2): Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Nehemiah 8:6) They bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. This [non-Latin text], or divine worship, is the peculiar honor that belong…

No disuse of what continuance soever, can discharge us from the observation of institutions. After the Feast of Tabernacles had been disused from the times of Joshua, to the return from the captivity, the restoration of it was required of God and accepted with him (Nehemiah 8:17…

Remember how short my time is' (Psalm 89:46-47, compared with Psalm 39:12). Tell him that for the little time you have to live, the more joy you have the more service you will be able to do him and the more lively and strongly you will go about his work — 'for the joy of the Lor…

Now, while the autographs of these prophets not only still existed but were practically fresh from the hands of the writers, to suppose that Ezra, rejecting them, copied those prophecies in a different script, seems to me to be near madness. XI. It is pretended, however, that th…

It is pleasing to add one or two examples of the utmost diligence in restoring all things exactly to the standard of Mosaic Theology. VII. Let the first example be the restoration of the Feast of Tabernacles (Nehemiah 8:14, 16-18): "When they found written in the law that Jehova…

The remaining parts of the reformation of the Ezraitic church — The solemn restoration of the preaching of the divine word (Nehemiah 8:1, 8) — Its neglect before the captivity — Jehoshaphat's efforts in its restoration (2 Chronicles 17:7-9) — Princes joined to the priests and Le…

Now, the Lord to help our infirmities, has given us variety of profitable exercises to be occupied in, and to recreate us as it were in another, being weary of one. They are either public, private (Nehemiah 8:5, 13). Public, is to join with the Church from the beginning to the e…

[Psalm 78:2. Hear my doctrine, O my people, incline your ear to the words of my mouth. Nehemiah 8:10. After Nehemiah (to wit, the King's Ambassador) and Ezra the Priest and Scribe, and the Levites teaching the people, said to all the people: This is the day sanctified to the Lor…

Of the actions of the body orderly and reverently used, are bowing of our bodies (Isaiah 45:23). Reverent attention declared sometimes by rising up (Genesis 49:33; 1 Chronicles 28:2; Numbers 23:22; 2 Kings 23:2; 2 Chronicles 34:31; Nehemiah 8:6). Also lifting up of the hands and…

And another answer may be this: that when he there speaks of reading, he speaks not of bare reading. Reading is sometimes put for all that expounding and applying that did ordinarily accompany their reading at such a time, for it was at the same feast that Nehemiah speaks of (Ne…

For to sit in the chair of Moses is nothing else than to teach, according to the Law of God, how we ought to live. And though I am not quite certain whence the phrase is derived, yet there is probability in the conjecture of those who refer it to the pulpit which Ezra erected, f…

Dare you think of throwing off his yoke? How desirable is it then to take delight in him whom I must serve, which only makes that service acceptable to him, and easy to myself (Nehemiah 8)! Further, this is a pleasure none can rob you of; a joy that cannot be taken from you.

4. That a believer should observe the changes of Christ's dispensations, the returns of their own prayers, and be suitably affected with them, whether he delay the answer, or give them a present return. The second thing in the expression, is the object of this joy; it's in you,…

The fifth particular, in which the power of this argument consists, is the abundance of sweet that there is in the hope of this reward, to fill the heart with joy and peace; the more joy and peace the heart is filled withal, the more certainly it is able to do great things. So N…

See part 1. chapter 6. See also Glassius book 1. Tractate 1 de Text. Hebrai punctat: who gives instances to the contrary; yea and the Talmud itself in Nedarim, or of vows chapter 4. on Nehemiah 8. 8 do plainly mention them: and Treatises more ancient than the Talmud cited by Rab…

Now these conflicts are either solicitations to sin, or tend to weaken our comfort; and in both respects we must have strength from God. Satan's first temptation is to draw us to sin; if he cannot weaken grace, then to disturb our comfort; if not to deny God, yet that we may sus…

When God hides his face, when pressing troubles do revive a sense of wrath, alas! my soul is troubled, says the Psalmist, I cannot speak: we cannot pour out our hearts to God with that largeness, that measure of strength, spirit and life, as before. But now when we can joy in Go…

If most of them could not read, how could they join in singing that Psalm, unless some or other read, or pronounced the Psalm to them? Answer 4. Though it be true, that the church of Israel had such an ordinance among them, that after the reading of the Law, or the Prophets, som…

Divine comfort, first, strengthens for duty. Nehemiah 8:10: The joy of the Lord is your strength. Joy sharpens industry; a man that is animated with the comforts of God's Spirit goes with vigor and alacrity through the exercises of religion.

When the wheels of a chariot are oiled they run swiftly; when God pours in the oil of gladness, how fast does the soul run in the ways of his commandments! Joy strengthens for duty (Nehemiah 8:10): the joy of the Lord is your strength. And the more strength, the less weariness;…

Faith makes a Christian walk; assurance makes him run. The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Assurance breeds such joy in the soul as derives strength for duty.

Oil supples the joints and makes them agile and nimble; the oil of gladness makes Christians lively and fit to run the heavenly race. The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Run in the strength of Christ; do not think you can of yourselves win the race.

The one, in that injunction given to the Priest (Deuteronomy 31:11, 12, 13): "When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord your God, in the place that he shall choose, you shall read this Law before all Israel in their hearing: Gather the people together, men, and women, an…

The excessive sadness and contristation of the godly, will make others afraid to embrace Christ, they will begin to question whether there be that satisfactory joy in Religion as is pretended: Oh ye Saints of God forget not consolation, let others see that you repent not of your…

As it is God that gives the power to get riches (Deuteronomy 8:18), so it is he who gives knowledge, skill, wisdom, a heart seasoned with his fear, and cheered with his favor, whereby we may with quiet contentment, and sweet tranquility, make use of those blessings which are rea…

When the prophet had exhorted the people to assemble together publicly to pray, he says: Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord say, Spare your people O Lord, and give not your heritage into reproach, etc. (Joel 2:16-17). Ministers therefore in public assemblies are to utter…

And though not in that regard, yet being well used, it may be a furtherance to men in the performance of the duties of godliness, as well as in the duties of their calling. But this rejoicing must be such as was the rejoicing of the Jews (Nehemiah 8:12), which was only spiritual…

Thus Josiah his heart is said to melt at the reading of the law (2 Chronicles 34:27). And the people rejoiced greatly, because they understood the word which the Levites had taught them (Nehemiah 8:12). The hearts of the two disciples that went to Emmaus, burned within them when…

Secondly, in our eating we must have respect of the poor. Thus Nehemiah exhorts the Jews that were mourning for their sins, to be cheerful, to eat of the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part to them, for whom none was prepared: that is, to them that were poor (Nehemiah 8:10).…

Or would it be agreeable to the bridegroom, on the day of his espousals, the day of the gladness of his heart, to be much insisting on the blemishes of his bride? We have an account, how that at the time of that joyful dispensation of providence, the restoration of the church of…

He transcends our weak conceptions, how can our finite understanding comprehend him who is infinite? He is infinitely above all our praises (Nehemiah 9:5). Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

So confession glorifies God, it clears, it acknowledges he is holy and righteous whatever he does. Nehemiah vindicates God's righteousness (Nehemiah 9:33). You are just in all that is brought upon us.

He has not dealt so with any nation, and as for his judgments they have not known them. Nehemiah 9:13. You gave them true laws, good statutes and commandments. What a strange creature would man be, if he had no Law to direct him?

4. We hallow and sanctify God's name when we never make mention of his name but with the highest reverence; God's name is sacred, and it must not be spoken of but with veneration. The Scripture, when it speaks of God, gives him his titles of honor (Genesis 14:20): Blessed be the…

Many noble persons we give titles of honor to, who are sordid and vicious; they do not deserve honor, but God is worthy of honor. Nehemiah 9:5. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessings and praise. He is above all the acclamations and triumphs of the ar…

This was but a type or emblem, to show how God rejoices when a poor sinner comes in, and lays hold of his mercy. What an encouragement is here to believe in God, he is a God of pardons (Nehemiah 9:17). Mercy pleases him (Micah 7:18).

And should not we above all things seek after so great a blessing, a forgiveness. 6. Consideration: that which may make us seek after forgiveness of sin, is God's inclinableness to pardon (Nehemiah 9:17). "You are a God ready to pardon."

This seems not possible: therefore here seems to be a concession that the Covenant reaches further than to infancy or minority, and that they who were in Covenant in their infancy by means of their parents covenanting for them, are also in that Covenant when they are become adul…

In this description there is more spoken of his mercy, than of his justice; and first his mercy is described, and then his justice; for justice is only added to invite men to take hold of his mercy, and to shew that justice is never exercised but in avenging the quarrel of abuse…

The consequence of the proposition is plain in reason, for every city is united by some covenant among themselves, the citizens are received to [illegible] or right of city privileges, by some covenant or oath; and therefore it is so likewise in this city of God the Church; and…

"Your gods" — that is, your God; for there was but one calf, and it was consecrated to one. So also Nehemiah 9:18: "When they had made for themselves a molten calf, they said, This is your God who brought you out of Egypt" — that is, an image of your God, or a visible sign of Hi…

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

But I was more confirmed that the way of Antinomians is for the flesh, not for the Gospel, when I read that Mr. Crispe expounding confession (1 John 1), makes it no humble acknowledging that the sinner in person has sinned, and so is under wrath eternal, if God should judge him;…

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…

Thus God says concerning them, that he gave them his Sabbaths in the wilderness, to be a sign between him and them (Ezekiel 20:10, 11, 12). And it is said of the same time, Nehemiah 9:14, that he made known to them his holy Sabbath; that is, in the manner and for the ends expres…

And this he calls [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], a sign in its absolute, not relative sense, as denoting a work wonderful, such as sometimes he wrought, to evidence his great power thereby. In this sense [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], signs, are joined to [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]…

(Deuteronomy 33:8) And of Levi he said, Let your Thummim and your Urim be with your holy one, whom you did prove at Massah, and with whom you did strive at the waters of Meribah. The mercy likewise that ensued in giving them water from the Rock, is most frequently celebrated (De…

It was likewise the first discovery that there was in him, [in non-Latin alphabet] benignity, grace, kindness, or mercy, compassion, pardon. Hereby he declared himself to be, [in non-Latin alphabet], (Nehemiah 9:17) a God of pardons, gracious, and tenderly merciful. As also (Psa…

Though he requires our duty at our hands, yet he is not tyed to any such present reward. This is all: it ordinarily depends upon it as a consequent upon an antecedent, which allows an interposition of grace, and mercy, as (Nehemiah 9:19) Nevertheless you being merciful forsookes…

(Leviticus 26:40-42) If my people shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, and be humbled, and accept the punishment of their iniquity, then will I remember my covenant, and remember the land. God expects that London should justify him in the severest jud…

And so, 1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness. So the word righteousness is very often used in scripture for God's covenant-faithfulness so it is used in Nehemiah 9:8. You have performe…

All the works of God declare his excellency; but the saints will ever be ascribing to God, the benefits they have received from him. So they are spoken of as things, though somewhat alike, yet as distinct; (Nehemiah 9:5) Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all…

It discovers the greatest dangers, and points out the surest way to safety and peace. They are called true laws, and good statutes (Nehemiah 9:13), to show the full proportion that they bear to the soul. Verum and Bonum, truth and goodness, are proper for our most eminent facult…

Mark, they that do wickedly, and the proud, are made synonymous expressions. So (Nehemiah 9:16), But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and listened not to your commandments. Their obstinacy in sin, or unsubjection to God, is made to be pride.

In acts of grace, and in dispensing with the violations of his law, he sometimes makes use of his prerogative, but not in punishing, there he keeps to his law; and therefore it is that the saints do give him the honor of his justice (Daniel 4:7): "O Lord, righteousness belongs t…

(Psalm 119:21) You have rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from your commandments. (Nehemiah 9:16) But our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to his commandments: so (verse 29). These proclaim a war with the Lord of Hosts, especially…

O let us lead blessed lives, and so declare plainly that we seek a country (Hebrews 11:14). Use 4. To you that have any good hope through grace that you have a title to blessedness, let me say as the Levites did to the people (Nehemiah 9:5): Stand up and bless the Lord your God…

Now that after the captivity of Babylon, Princes and Magistrates used a coercive power for offences against the first Table, is plain by those instances (Ezra 10:7, 8) of making proclamation that all who had taken strange wives of the people of the land, should come to Jerusalem…

Isaiah 60:4: Lift up your eyes round about, and see, all they gather themselves about, they shall come to you: your sons shall come from far, and your sons shall be nourished at your side. Israel marrying and Israel according to the flesh is the holy seed (Nehemiah 7:61; Nehemia…

3. THE third Ingredient in Repentance, is confession of sin. Sorrow is such a vehement passion as will have vent: it vents it self at the eyes by weeping, and at the tongue by confession, (Nehemiah 9:2). The children of Israel stood and confessed their sins, (Hosea 5:15).

the more Faith, the more he bewails his unbelief. 5. An humble man will justify God in an afflicted condition, Nehemiah 9:33. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us.

And it is further to be considered, that where God had formerly afforded the symbols of his gracious presence, given his oracles, and settled his Church, though yet in its [reconstructed: infancy], and much more imperfect state, there he however communicated those influences of…

And this as it is attributed to him in respect of his Being, so in respect of all his other perfections: the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 103:17); his eternal power (Romans 1:20); the King eternal (1 Timothy 1:17). Those doxologies which the Script…

How great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty? The best way to celebrate the praises of God, is that which Nehemiah useth (Nehemiah 9:5). And blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

2 Chronicles 30:9. The Lord your God is gracious and merciful. Nehemiah 9:17. Ready to pardon, gracious and merciful. Psalm 25:10. All the paths of the Lord are mercy.

Here is a firm basis for faith. 2. Goodness, Nehemiah 9.13. Thou gavest them true Laws, good Statutes.

Thirdly, he can justify God in all the afflictions and troubles that come upon him, be they never so severe. 'You are just in all that is brought upon us,' said Nehemiah (Nehemiah 9:33). 'You have punished us less than our iniquities deserve,' said Ezra (Ezra 9:13).

This must be a confession, that a people turned to the Lord are in their iniquities. 2. This is set down as a commendable practice (Ezra 10:1): Ezra confessed and wept (Nehemiah 9:1-2): And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their…

Secondly, in affliction, as faith looks at God, so it looks into itself, it makes a man look into his own heart, and there it finds two things. First, justly deserving whatever the Lord is pleased to try him with, and as much needing whatever affliction befalls us (Nehemiah 9:33…

It opens our eyes to see sins against grace as our greatest sins; no wickedness like to that. Nehemiah 9:27: the deliverers of God's people were called Saviors, and therefore now sinned in this above all our other sins. 1 Samuel 12:13, 19: the spirit of grace looks at sins again…

(6) Because, true repentance, is a renewing of the image of God lost, at least greatly defaced, by the committing of sin, which in sanctification is not perfected, but only begun, and does daily increase through the virtue of Christ's death, and resurrection (Ephesians 4:19-24).…

By what reasons are they confuted? (1) From the Psalmist David (Psalm 33:6 and 148:2, 5-6; Colossians 1:16; Romans 11:36; Nehemiah 9:6). (2) Because they are the servants and sons of God, brethren, and fellow-servants with us, willing and ready to obey the commands of God their…

3. Dare not to join in marriage with image-worshippers. Solomon though a man of wisdom, yet his idolatrous wives drew away his heart from God; the people of Israel entered into an oath and curse, that they would not give their daughters in marriage to the idolaters (Nehemiah 10:…

And it was zealous Josiah's rule (whom the Spirit of God so commends in Scripture, that none was like before him for his Reformation) (2 Chronicles 34:31). The like example took Nehemiah after his return from the Babylonish captivity (Nehemiah 10:29), to observe all the commandm…

But is there any hope to see the nation of England reformed according to the primitive pattern, founded upon the word of the eternal Truth (Ephesians 2:20)? Yes, first, because there was never a more exact covenant taken in any realm, or nation, since the days of zealous Josiah…

"He spoke, and with harsh iron cut the throats of the lambs" — devoting perjurers to a like death. Nehemiah 10:29: "We made a covenant and an oath to walk in the law of God." Hence perhaps is that threat against the unfaithful servant: the Lord (Matthew 24:51) will cut him in pi…

Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice. They ought to profess a willingness of heart to embrace religion with all its difficulties, and to walk…

So Numbers 28:22, 30. Nehemiah 10:33. Once in the Old Testament it is used transitively, and sin placed as the object of it, Daniel 9:24.

(2.) There is no reason to think that the Nehemiah, mentioned Ezra 2. v. 2. who came up with Zerubbabel, was that Nehemiah who was afterwards Governour of Judah, and whose actions we have written probably the most part by himself, no more then there is to think that the Seraiah…

First, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]Corban, the general name of all sacrifices, taken from the general nature, in that they were all brought nigh to God, is usually rendred by the vulgar Latine, Oblatio, and by us suitably an Offering; is properly appropinquatio, a drawing nigh, f…

Besides they observe the number of the verses at the end of every book: as also that [in non-Latin alphabet] in [in non-Latin alphabet] Leviticus 11:42 is the middle letter of the Law; [in non-Latin alphabet], Leviticus 10:16 the middle word; Leviticus 13:33 the middle verse; th…

"But if you will not hearken to me to hallow the Sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched." Indeed, God was so exacting about this, that he descends to a particular prohibition of seve…

His [〈◊〉] preme and Infallible Truth is also acknowledged; [〈◊〉] this is manifestly carried in an Oath, That thoug[•] am a false and deceitful Creature, and my affirmati[••] cannot obtain universal and full credence, yet that is greater than I, by whose Name I swear, cannot dece…

Now that after the captivity of Babylon, Princes and Magistrates used a coercive power for offences against the first Table, is plain by those instances (Ezra 10:7, 8) of making proclamation that all who had taken strange wives of the people of the land, should come to Jerusalem…

Ergo, now neither testament nor covenant was confirmed by blood simply, but by the blood of a living creature slain. Hence the making of a covenant was by cutting a calf or a beast in two, and passing between the parts thereof (Jeremiah 34:18), and so they entered into a curse (…

But Solomon, David's son and successor, put all the other remains of the seven nations of Canaan to bond-service; at least made them pay a tribute of bond-service, as you may see, 1 Kings 9:20, 21, 22. And hence we read of the children of Solomon's servants, after the return fro…

The Song of Deborah was sung by her and Barak (Judges 5:1). Under the Kings of Judah, and after the return from Captivity, the Officers of the Church only sang for the more orderly carrying on of that Ordinance (1 Chronicles 6:31, 32 & 16:4; Nehemiah 11:22, 23). In the New Testa…

Others disparage their testimony, and bring a reproach upon the Gospel; people think we must say somewhat for our living, and so give us the hearing, but that's all: oh think of it, the credit of Christ lies at stake; and since miracles are ceased, all the external confirmation…

And it seems from the last Chapter of Nehemiah, that he lived to the reign of Darius Codomanus: for Sanballat the Hornoite assisted Alexander in his Wars. And Jaddua whom he mentions (Nehemiah 12:11) was High Priest, when Alexander came to Jerusalem, as appears from Josephus. No…

The Lord's Day is a day of holy rest, all secular works must be forborne and suspended, it is a profaning of the day. (Nehemiah 13:15) "In these days saw I in Judah some treading wine-presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, as also wine-grapes and figs, and all manner o…

So on the contrary, if the Magistrate be negligent in his duty, he becomes the greatest sinner of all; for then the sins that are committed through his default, are ascribed to him. Nehemiah, reproving the Rulers, tells them that they broke the Lord's Sabbaths, Nehemiah 13:13; w…

How shall we prove it lawful to apply the seal of God's Covenant to Infants? Or to admit women to eat of the holy things; for the Scriptures of the New Testament do speak little in these cases; only the Scriptures of the Old Testament do give direction, and light about them (Lev…

Num. 1. From these premises thus laid, and, I suppose, by this time, removed out of the way, from being occasion of stumbling to any, he now proceeds to infer his conclusion, thus. Upon these, and many more the like accounts, the Epistles seem to me to be like the children that…

After God had revealed himself to Solomon, and converted him, after that time he did evil against his God. In fact, you read further (Nehemiah 13:26-27) that Solomon's wives turned away his heart from the Lord, though he was the beloved of his God. Though he were beloved by God,…

And it may be a question whether we are to understand this of Job's preeminence in the general or in regard of some one particular grace? We read of Solomon that there was none like him (Nehemiah 13:26): Among many nations was there no king like him who was beloved of his God. T…

"But if you will not hearken to me to hallow the Sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched." Indeed, God was so exacting about this, that he descends to a particular prohibition of seve…

Above all others, how well does it become those into whose hands God has put the power of magistracy, to show forth holy violence in causing the Lord's day to be strictly observed? What a rare pattern has Nehemiah set all good magistrates (Nehemiah 13:15). In those days saw I in…

From (2 Kings 23:8, 9) compared with (2 Chronicles 14:3, 5), (2 Chronicles 15:17), (2 Chronicles 33:17), it is evident there were in Judah two sorts of high places, some on which God was worshipped, others on which Idols were worshipped; the one sort was the high places of Idola…

By gates, in that place, are understood not only a particular family or city, but the whole country of any people, as (Genesis 22:27) He shall possess the gates of his enemies, and (Genesis 24:60), (Deuteronomy 24:24). So learned Rivet upon the 4th Commandement, by strangers wit…

And if God establish David's seed forever (Psalm 89:4) and the seed of his people shall possess the gates of their enemies (Genesis 24:60) and if he pour his Spirit upon the seed of Jacob (Isaiah 44:3) and circumcise the heart of the seed of his people (Deuteronomy 30:6) and put…

Nehemiah rebuked the Nobles for their Usury, (Nehemiah 5:7). And their Sabbath-prophanation, (Nehemiah 13:7). A sin-hater will not endure wickedness in his family, (Psalm 101:7).

As the love of pleasures went in, so the love of godliness went out by degrees, his zeal cooled, his forwardness slackened. The excessive use and love of lawful pleasures brought him first to a defective love of God's word, and from there to the love of unlawful pleasures in wom…

4th Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day, etc. He breaks this commandment: who labors in the servile works of his ordinary calling (Nehemiah 13:15); who travels abroad on his ordinary business (Exodus 16:24); who keeps fairs and markets on this day (Nehemiah 13:15); who works h…

The object or matter Circa quam of our good works, are First, the worship of God, and things subservient and conducive to it; as maintaining poor scholars in the nurseries of the ministry, and schools of the prophets; comforting and encouraging the able and faithful ministers of…

And as we are free from the curse of the law, so we look not for life and salvation from the keeping of the law; it is true, many temporal blessings we may get by it, yet it is not so much from the law, as from God's acceptance of our Evangelical obedience, but otherwise we chal…

Thirdly, another part of the ill frame of our hearts is, that even our best duties, that proceed from our best regenerate part, are imperfect, even our most gracious part, that helps us to preach and hear, to receive Sacraments, and the very graces of God in us are imperfect, an…

This the Lord did expressly forbid them by the Prophet Jeremiah, Thus says the Lord, Carry no burdens upon the Sabbath day, neither bring them in by the gates of Jerusalem, &c. (Jeremiah 17:21). And Nehemiah charged the men of Judah, with the profanation of the Sabbath in that k…

Are they, who, in their obedience, attain to the greatest height, which is possible in this life, so far from being able to supererogate, and to do more, than God requires, that they fall short of much, which in duty they are bound to do? Yes (Luke 17:10; Nehemiah 13:22; Galatia…

Is this Sabbath then kept holy to the Lord, when men after a due preparation, of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs before hand, do not only observe an holy rest, all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts, about their worldly employments, and recreati…

None of the Gentiles was of old compelled to be circumcised, but being circumcised he might be compelled to keep the Law of Moses. Also if strangers of the Gentiles were sojourning or trading in the land of Israel, they might be compelled to abstain from the public and scandalou…

I answer, 1. The object of that coercive power of Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:32) was generally the matter of the Covenant, that is, the taking away not only of Idolatry, but of all abominations, and a walking after the Lord, and keeping of his Testimonies, and Statutes, and Command…