The Quotable Matthew Henry

First published 1982 as A Topical Index to Matthew Henry's A Commentary on the Whole Bible

Evangelical Press 16-18 High Street, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9EQ, England Typeset in Great Britain by Inset, Hertford Heath.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Henry, Matthew, 1662-1714.

[Commentary on the whole Bible. Selections] The quotable Matthew Henry / William T. Summers, compiler.

; cm. Topically arranged excerpts from: Commentary on the whole Bible. Originally published: A topical index to Matthew Henry's A commentary on the whole Bible. Welwyn, England: Evangelical Press, 1982. ISBN 0-8007-5334-8 1. Bible—Indexes. 2. Bible—Commentaries. I. Summers, William T. II. Title. BS432.H44 1990 220.7—dc20 89-48222 CIP

Published by Fleming H. Revell Company

Preface

I suppose the usefulness of such a book as this dawned on me very slowly. At first I began reading through Matthew Henry's commentary purely for my own spiritual benefit, marking passages that were specially valuable for future reference. When I had been reading and meditating for some years (cf. Spurgeon's advice to his son: 'Read it all before you get married', and to his students: 'Read it in the first year of your ministry'), the thought occurred to me to collect the numerous pithy sayings under topical headings for help in the preparation of sermons. Perhaps a year or so later, as the value of such a scheme became more obvious the idea came to me of sharing the fruitfulness of 'the great Mr. Henry', as George Whitefield described him.

Here then indeed we have 'fruit from Matthew Henry'. As you read, remember his own words in a letter to Mr. Thoresby: 'Every page, Sir, is a child of prayer.'

Matthew Henry himself had no thoughts of publication when he began to write his 'notes'. He tells us, 'It has long been my practice, what little time I had to spare in my study, from my constant preparations for the pulpit, to spend it in drawing up expositions upon some parts of the New Testament, not so much for my own use, as purely for my own entertainment, because I knew not how to employ my thoughts and time more to my satisfaction.'

This was some time before his commentary appeared, although it was hardly surprising, when we consider his father's regular exposition of Scripture in family prayers, and his requirement that his children write out later what they had heard. Matthew kept these notes and 'made judicious use' of them in his own work. Add to this his own practice of preaching through the Bible regularly, and we see his commentary in the making. He would begin on Sunday morning at nine o'clock, starting at Genesis chapter 1, until, Sunday by Sunday, he eventually completed the Old Testament. On Sunday afternoons he had the same method, only then he preached through the New Testament.

It was the substance of this preaching which he incorporated into his Exposition of the Old and New Testament, and which George Whitefield read through (unabridged) four times on his knees! In Whitefield's days the commentary cost about sixteen weeks of a working man's wages, but he bought it, and read it, and preached it. What more can I say, than that I hope you will all go and do likewise.

William T. Summers

List of Subjects

Defending Our Rights Defending Ourselves Depression Desires Determination Devotion to God Diligence Disasters Discerning God's Han Discernment Discipleship Discipline Discontent Discouragements Discretion Disobedience Distrust Division Divine Patience Doubts Duty

Accountability Adoration Adultery Afflictions Affluence Ambition Angels Anger Anxiety Apathy Apostasy Appreciating God's

Christ Christ: His Blood Christ: His Deity Christ: His Incarnation Christ: His Lordship Christ: His Love Christ: His Sufferings Christ: His Work Christ: Our Example Christ: Our Sin-

Bearer Christian Freedom Christian Life Christmas Church Church's Weakness Clothing Comfort Commandments Common Grace Common Sense Communion with

Mercies Assurance Atheism Atonement

Backsliding Balance in Doctrine Balance in Religion Baptism Bearing Fruit Beatific Vision Being Different Bible Bible (Apparent

Earnestness Effectual Call Election Emotion and Health Emptiness of Life Encouragement Endurance Entreaty Precedes

God Composure of Spirit Compromise Concern for Others Confidence in God Conscience Consistency Contentment Conversation Conversion Conviction Correction Counterfeits Courage Covetousness Criticism Crucifixion Curiosity

Contradiction in) Bible (Right Use of) Birds of a Feather Blasphemy Boasting Brevity of Life Broken Reeds Brotherly Love

Judgment Envy Eternal Life Evangelism Evil Spirits Excuses Experience Experimental Religio: Externals

Calling Upon God Calmness in Trouble Carnal Reasoning Casting Pearls Before

Swine Chastisements

Faith Faithfulness False Hopes False Humility False Repentance Fashion Fasting

Darkness Day of Judgement Death Death of Infants Debts Deception

Choosing Where to Live Choosing Where to Work Choosing the Right

Friends

Fear Fellowship Fickleness of Man Fighting the Right Enemy Final Perseverance Forbearance Forgetfulness Forgiveness Fortitude Free Will Friendship

Leaving a Will Legalism Lessons from Nature Liberality Liberty Lies Listening to Sermons Living in the Light

Harvest Heart Religion Heart Searching Heaven Heavenly -Mindedness Hell Heresy Holiness Holy Spirit Honour Honouring God Hope Hospitality Human Responsiof Eternity Living Sacrifice Loneliness Longsuffering Lord's Supper Love Love of Ease Love to God Lowering of Generosity Gentleness God God: His Attributes God: His Dominion God: His Faithfulbility Humility Husbands and Wives Hymn Singing Hypocrisy Hypocrites

Standards Loyalty Lukewarmness Luxurious Living ness God: His Goodness God: His Grace God: His Mercy God: His Omni-

Idolatry Ignorance Immutability Impatience Impenitence Imprecatory Psalms Influence Ingratitude Injustice Inner Resources Interpreting Provi-

Man Helpless Before

God's Judgments Manifestations Marks of Grace Marriage Material Prosperity Means of Grace Meditation Meekness Mercy Methods Ministers Ministers (Desire for) Miracles Money Mortification Motives Mourning Music potence God: His Omnipresence God: His Omniscience God: His Patience God: His Righteousness God: His Sovereignty God: His Transcenddences ence God: His Ways God: His Wrath Godly Fear Good Works Gospel: Above

Jealousy Joy Judging Others Judgment Judicial Blindness Justice Justification

Reason Gossip Gratitude Greed Growth Grumbling Guidance

Kindness Knowing God Knowledge

National Punishments New Year

Large-Heartedness Law Law and Grace Law and Order

Obedience Obstinacy Old Age Omissions

Happiness Hardness of Heart

Promises Prophecy Prophets Prosperity of the Seeing Ourselves as Opportunities Opposition Oppression Optimism Original Sin Outward Appearwe are Seeking God Self-Control Self-Deception Self-Denial Self-Discipline Self-Examination Self-Indulgence Self-Pity Self-Sufficiency Separation Service

Wicked Protection Providence Prudence Public Worship Pulpit Exchanges ances Deceptive

Parables Parents Partiality Patience Peace Peacemakers Persecution Perseverance Perspective Perversity of Human

Reactions Rebellion Against

Shining Christians Sickness Sin Sin (Consequences

God Rebukes Recording God's

Visits Reformation Refuge of Lies Remembrancers Repentance Repetition Reprobates Reproof Resolution Responsibility Restlessness Restraints Upon Sin Restoring Backof) Sincerity Singing Sloth Social Justice Soul Source of Spiritual

Nature Philosophy Pity Pleasures Possessions Poverty Praising God Prayer Prayer (Acceptable) Prayer (Delays) Prayer (Earnest-

Courage Sowing and Reaping Spirit of the Age Spiritual Blindness Spiritual Desertion Spiritual Fluctuation Spiritual Gifts Spiritual Undersliders Resurrection Revelation Revenge Reverence Revival Rewards ness in) Prayer (Encouragement to) Prayer (Matters for) Prayer (Pleading standing Strong Drink Stubbornness Submissiveness Suffering Sunday Observance Sympathy

God's Attributes) Prayer (Pleading

God's Word) Prayer (Public) Prayer

Sacraments Sacrifice Salvation Samaritans Sanctification Satan Satan's Devices Satisfaction Saturday Night Schism Scorn Secession (Unacceptable) Preachers Preaching Prejudice Presence of God Presumption Pride Priorities Private Devotion Privileges Procrastination

Tact Talkative Taxes Teachers Teaching Methods Temperament Temporary

Expedients Temptation

Temptation (Victory

True Happiness True Religion True Worth Trust Truthfulness Types Tyranny

Vindication of God's

Over) Testimony Testing Thankfulness Thoughtfulness for

Ways

Warnings Watchfulness Weaker Brethren Wealth Weather Wholeheartedness Willingness Wisdom Wishful Christians Worldliness Worship

Others Thoughts Thunder Time Tithing Tolerance Tongue Total Depravity Touchline Christians Tradition Tranquility of Spirit Trials Trinity

Unbelief Unction Unequally Yoked Union with Christ Unity Urgency Usefulness

Yoke of God Young People

Vanity Vengeance Victorious Christians

Zeal

Troubles

Bien rinisil | i | eee

Adultery

Accountability under his command and do his pleasure — and above what even they can speak him to be. He is exalted above all blessing and praise, not only all ours, but all

In Zerubbabel's time the vessels were delivered by number, here by weight, that all might be forthcoming and it might easily appear if any were missing, to intimate that such as_ are entrusted with the holy things theirs. We must therefore say, with holy admiration, 'Who is like unto the Lord our God?'

Psalm 113 (as all the stewards of the mysteries of God are) are con-

Whenever we enter into communion with God it becomes us to have a due sense of the vast distance and disproportion that there are between us and the holy angels, and of the infinite distance, and no proportion at cerned to remember, both in receiving their trust and in discharging it, that they must shortly give a very particular account of it, that they may be faithful to it and so give up their account with joy. all, between us and the holy God, and to acknowledge that we cannot 'order our speech by

Ezra & reason of darkness'. How shall we that are dust and ashes speak to the Lord of Glory?

When he spake to the father of the child and to the people, he charged it upon their unbelief; when he spake to his disciples, he charged it upon theirs; for the truth was, there were faults on both sides; but we are more concerned to hear of our own faults than of other people's, and to impute what is amiss to ourselves than to others. When the preaching of the word seems not to be so successful as sometimes it has been, the people are apt to lay all the fault upon the ministers, and the ministers upon the people; whereas, it is more becoming for each to own

Daniel 10

In thanking God, we fasten upon his favours to us; in praising and adoring God, we fasten upon his perfections in himself.

Romans 16

Adultery

Sin lessens men, thrusts them down from their excellency. Seventh commandment _ sins especially leave an indelible stain upon men's names and families, his own faultiness, and to say, a reproach which time will not wipe away. Reuben's seed to the last bore the disgrace of Reuben's sin.

'It is owing to me.'

Matthew 17

1 Chronicles 5

Adoration

The representing of those sins which are most provoking to God and most ruining to a people by the sin of whoredom plainly intimates what an 'His glory is above the heavens', that is, above the angels; he is above what they are, for their brightness is nothing to his — above what they do, for they are

Adultery exceedingly sinful sin uncleanness is, how offensive, how destructive. Doubtless it is itself one of the worst of sins, for the worst of other sins are compared to it here and often elsewhere, which should increase our detestation and dread of all manner of fleshly lusts, all appearances of them and approaches to them, as warring against the soul, infatuating sinners, bewitching them, alienating their minds from God and all that is good, debauching conscience, rendering them odious in the eyes of the pure and holy God, and drowning them at last in destruction and perdition. trouble, cry "Cto*™ thes isd from whom they had revolted, whose justice brought them into this trouble, and whose power and favour could alone help them out of it. Affliction makes those cry to God with importunity who, before, would scarcely speak to him.

Judges 3

Weeping must never hinder worship.

2 Samuel 12

Those that acknowledge God righteous in afflicting them shall find him gracious. Those that humble themselves before him shall find favour with him. So ready is the God of mercy to take the first occasion to show mercy. If we _ have humbled hearts under humbling providences, the affliction has done its work.

Ezekiel 23

In the enumeration of these commandments, the apostle puts the seventh before the sixth, and mentions this first, 'Thou shalt not commit adultery'; for though this commonly goes under the name of love (pity it

2 Chronicles 12 is that so good a word should be so abused) yet it is really as great a violation of it as killing and stealing is, which shows that true brotherly love is love to the souls of our brethren in the first place. He that tempts others to sin, and defiles their minds and consciences, though he may pretend the most passionate love (Prov. 7:15, 18), does really hate them, just as the devil does, who wars against the soul.

Those are wicked and _ vile indeed that are made worse by their afflictions instead of being made better by them, who in their distress trespass yet more, have their corruptions exasperated by that which should mollify them and their hearts more fully set in them to do evil.

2 Chronicles 28

Then he knew (that is, he believed and considered) that the Lord he was God. He might have known it at a less expense if he would have given due attention and credit to the word written and preached but it was better to pay thus dearly for the knowledge of God than to perish in ignorance and unbelief. Had Romans 13

Afflictions

Those who in the day of their mirth had cried to Baal and Ashtaroth, now that they are in

Afflictions

Yet this is not all: they are proud still, and therefore they do not seek unto God (Ps. 10.4) or, if they do cry unto him, therefore he does not give answer, for he hears only the desire of the humble (Ps. 10.17) and delivers those by his providence whom he has first by his grace prpeared and made he been a prince in the palace of Babylon it is probable he would have been confirmed in his idolatry but being a captive in the prisons of Babylon he was convinced of it and reclaimed from it .. . Afflictions are continued no longer than till they have done their work.

2 Chronicles 33 fit for deliverance. The case is plain then, if we cry to God for the removal of the oppression and affliction we are under, If the cries of the oppressed be not heard, the fault is not in God; he is ready to hear and help them. But the fault is in themselves; they ask and have not, but it is because they ask and it is not removed, the reason is not because the Lord's hand is shortened or his ear heavy, but because the affliction amiss. (James 4.3.) They cry out by reason of the arm of the Mighty, but it is a complaining cry, a wailing cry, not has not done its work; we are not sufficiently humbled, and therefore we must thank ourselves that it is continued. a penitent praying cry, the cry of nature and passion, not of grace. See (Hos. 7:14.) They have not cried unto Me with their heart when they howled upon their beds. How then can we expect that they should be answered and relieved?

Job 35

God's eye is upon our souls when we are in trouble, to see whether they be humbled for sin, submissive to the will of God, and bettered by the affliction. If the soul, when cast down under affliction, has been lifted up to him in true devotion, he knows it.

They do not enquire after God, nor seek to acquaint themselves with him, under their affliction (v. 10). But none saith, Where is God my Maker? Afflictions are sent to direct and quicken us to enquire early after God (Ps. 78:34.) But many

Psalm 31

Before he prays 'Remove thy stroke from me' (v. 10) he prays 'Deliver me from all my offences, from the guilt I have contracted, the punishment I have deserved, and the power of corruption by which I have been enslaved.' (v. 8). When God that groan under great oppressions never mind God, nor take notice of his hand in their troubles; if they did, they would bear their troubles more patiently and be more benefited by them. Of the many that are forgives our sins, he delivers us afflicted and oppressed, few get the good they might get by their affliction. It should drive them from them.

Psalm 39

Sometimes God makes his people's troubles contribute to the increase of their greatness, to God, but how seldom is this the case.

Afflictions and their sun shines the brighter for having been under a cloud. If he make them contribute to the increase of their goodness, that will prove in the end the increase of their greatness, their glory; and if he comfort them on every side, according to the time and degree wherein he has afflicted them on every side, they will have no reason to complain. When our Lord Jesus was quickened again, and brought back from the depths of the earth, his greatness was increased, and he entered on the joy set before him. such a rod as men use in the correcting of their children; and it denotes a design of good in and by the affliction, such a rod as yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. 2. It is a rod in the hand of God (I will visit them), he who is wise, and knows what he does, gracious, and will do what is best. 3. It is a rod which they shall never feel the smart of but when there is great need: 'If they break my law, then I will visit their transgression with the rod', but not else. Then it is requisite that God's honour be vindicated, and that they be humbled and reduced.

Psalm 71

It is observable that Heman, who became eminently wise and good, was afflicted and ready to die, and suffered God's terrors, from his youth up. Thus many have found it was good for them to bear the yoke in their youth, that sorrow has been much better for them than laughter would have been, and that being much afflicted, and often ready to die, when they were young, they have, by the grace of God, got such an habitual seriousness and weanedness from the world

Psalm 89

Prosperity is the unhappy occasion of much iniquity; it makes people conceited of themselves, indulgent of the flesh, forgetful of God, in love with the world, and deaf to the reproofs of the word. See (30:6.) It is good for us, when we are afflicted, to remember how and wherein we . went astray before we were afflicted, that we may answer the end of the affliction. as have been of great use to them all their days. Sometimes those whom God designs for eminent services are prepared for them by exercises of this kind.

It has been the advantage of God's people to be afflicted. David could speak experimentally: 'It was good for me'; many a good lesson he had learnt by his afflictions, and many a good duty he had been brought to which otherwise would have been unlearnt and undone. Therefore God visited him with affliction, that he might learn God's statutes.

Psalm 88

Their being related to Christ shall not excuse them from being called to an account. But observe what affliction is to God's people. 1. It is but a rod, not an axe, not a sword; it is for correction, not for destruction. This denotes gentleness in the affliction; it is the rod of men, Psalm 119

As the fining-pot is for silver, both to prove it and to improve

Afflictions the rough wind stayed, therefore we may conclude that he it, so the Lord tries the hearts; he searches whether they are standard or no, and those that are he refines and makes purer, designs their reformation, not their destruction; and, because he deals thus gently with us, we (Jer. 17:10.) God tries the heart by affliction (Ps. 66:10, 11), and often chooses his people in that furnace (Isa. 68:10), and makes them choice.

should therefore study to answer

his ends in afflicting us.

Isaiah 27

He was not sensible of the displeasure of God that he was under. He felt the smart of the rod, but had no regard at all to the hand; the more he was crossed in his worldly pursuits

Proverbs 16

We have reason to account those happy afflictions which part between us and our sins, and by sensible convictions of the vanity of the world, that great idol, cool our affections to it and lower our expectations from it. the more eager he was in them. He either would not see his error or if he saw it would not amend it. Covetousness was the way of his heart; it was what he was

Isaiah 17

inclined to and intent upon, and

he would not be reclaimed,

The benefit we often have by afflictions. They bring us to God, quicken us to our duty, and show us our dependence upon him. Those that before seldom looked at God now visit him; they come frequently, they become friendly, and make their court to him. Before prayer came drop by drop, but but in his distress he trespasses yet more (2 Chron. 28:22.) See the strength of the corruption of men's hearts, and sinfulness of sin, which will take its course in despite of God himself and all the flames of his wrath. See also how insufficient afflictions of themselves are to reform men, unless God's grace work with now they pour out a prayer; it comes now like water from a them.

Isaiah 57 fountain, not like water from a still. They poured out a secret speech; so the margin.

It is an instance of their sottishness that, though they are God's people, and therefore should readily understand his mind upon every intimation of it, yet they know not the judgment of the Lord; they apprehend not the meaning either of a mercy or an affliction, nor how to accommodate themselves' to either, nor to answer God's intention in either. They know not how to improve the seasons

Isaiah 26

Though God will debate with them, yet it shall be in measure, and the affliction shall be mitigated, moderated, and proportioned to their strength, not to their deserts (v. 8.) He will deal out afflictions to them as the wise physician prescribes medicines to his patients, just such a quantity of each ingredient Therefore, because the affliction of grace that God affords them when he sends them his is mitigated and moderated, and

Afflictions prophets, nor how to make use of the rebukes they are under when his voice cries in the city. They discern not the signs of the times (Matt. 16:3), nor are aware how God is dealing with them.

Even this disgraceful uncomfortable captivity God intended for their benefit; and we are sure that his intentions are never frustrated: 'I have sent them into the land of the Chaldeans for their good'. It seemed to be every way for their hurt, not only as it was the ruin of their estates, honours and _ liberties, separated them from their relations and friends, and put them under the power of _ their enemies and oppressors, but as it sunk their spirits, discouraged their faith, deprived them of the benefit of God's oracles and ordinances, and exposed them to temptations; yet it was designed for their good, and proved so, in the issue, as to many of them. 'Out of the eater came forth meat'. By their afflictions they were convinced of sin, humbled under the hand of God, weaned from the world, made serious, taught to pray, and turned from their iniquity; particularly they were cured of their inclination to idolatry; and thus it was 'good for them that © they: were 'afflicted', (Ps 19¥67y 61,)

Jeremiah 8

They have grown so very corrupt that there is no other way with them but to put them into the furnace; what other course can I take with them? (Isa. 5:4, 5.) It is the daughter of my people, and I must do something to vindicate my own honour, which will be reflected upon if I connive at their wickedness. I must do something to reduce and reform them. A parent corrects his own children because they are his own. Note, when God afflicts his people, it is with a gracious design to mollify and reform them; it is but when need is and when he knows it is the best method he can use.

Jeremiah 9

When I am in affliction I should say, "This is an evil, and I will bear it, because it is the will of God that I should, because his wisdom has appointed this for me and his grace will make it work for good to me.' This is receiving evil at the hand of God (Job 2:10.)

Jeremiah 24

They were now sent into a miserable thraldom for mocking the messengers of the Lord and misusing his prophets. This was the sin for which God now contended with them; and yet in their distress they trespass yet more against the Lord, (2 Chron. 28:22.) This very sin they are notoriously guilty of in their captivity, which shows that afflictions will not of themselves cure men of their sins, unless the grace of God work with them, but will rather

Jeremiah 10

Here isivan)eaccount: sof: the temptation he was in under this affliction; his feet were almost gone, as the psalmist's (Ps. 73:2.) And this is that which is most to be dreaded in affliction, being driven by it to sin (Neh. 6:13.) He was tempted to quarrel with God for making him a prophet.

Jeremiah 20 6

Afflictions delights not in the misery of any exasperate the corruptions they of his creatures, but, as it respects his own people, he is so far from it that in all their afflictions he is afflicted and his soul is grieved for the misery are intended to mortify; so true is that of Solomon (Prov. 27: 22), 'Though thou shouldst bray a fool in a mortar, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.'

Jeremiah 29 of Israel. He retains his kindness for his people even when he afflicts them. If he does not willingly grieve the children of men, much less his own children. However it be, yet God is good to them (Ps. 73:1), and they may by faith see love in When God afflicts his people, yet he does not forget them; when he casts them out of their land, yet he does not cast them out of sight, nor out of mind. Even then when God is speaking against us, yet he is acting for us, and designing our good in his heart even then whey see frowns in his face and a rod in his hand. all; and this is our comfort in affliction, that 'the Lord thinks upon us', though we have forgotten him. 'I remember Him

Lamentations 3

See the benefit of affliction; by the account Jeremiah gives still', and therefore 'my bowels are troubled for Him', as Joseph's yearned towards his brethren, even when he spoke roughly to them. When Israel's of the princes and great men now at Jerusalem it appears that they were very corrupt and wicked, and defiled themselves with things offered to idols, while these young gentlemen that were in captivity would not defile themselves, no, not with their portion of the king's meat. How much better is afflictions extorted a penitent confession and submission it is said that his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel (Judg.

10:16), for he always afflicts with the greatest tenderness. it with those that retain their integrity in the depths of affliction than with those that retain their iniquity in the heights of prosperity.

Jeremiah 31

He never afflicts us but when we give him cause to do it. He does not dispense his frowns as he does his favours, from his mere good pleasure. If he show us kindness, it is because so it seems good unto him; but, if he write bitter things against us, it is because we both deserve

Daniel 1 'Some of those of understanding shall fall', but it shall be for the good of the church and for their own spiritual benefit. It shall be to try them, and to purge, and to make them white. them and need them. He does not afflict with pleasure. He delights not in the death of sinners, or the disquiet of They needed these afflictions themselves. The best have their spots which must be washed off, their dross, which must be purged out; and their troubles, particularly their share in the saints, but punishes with a kind of reluctance. He comes out of his place to punish, for his place is the mercy-seat. He

Afflictions public troubles, help to do this; being sanctified to them by the grace of God, they are means of mortifying their corruptions, weaning them from the world, how long it shall lie. God in every affliction 'performs the thing that is appointed for us' (Job 23:14), and to him therefore we must have an eye, to Him we must have an ear; we must hear what He says to us by and awakening them to greater seriousness and _ diligence in religion. the. affliction. 'Hear it, and know it for thy good' (Job 5:6.)

Daniel 11

Micah 6

Though God may suffer his people to fall into sin, yet he will not suffer them to lie still

It should seem, because God had punished them with scarcity of bread, they made that a pretence for robbing him — that now, being impoverished, they could not afford to bring their tithes and offerings, but must save them, that they might have bread for their families. Note, it argues great perverseness in sin when men make those afflictions excuses for sin which are sent to part between them and their sins. When they had but little they should have done the more good with that in" it;= but: 'will take a» course effectually to show them their error, and to bring them to themselves and to their right mind again. We have reason to hope that Jonah, after this, was well reconciled to the sparing of Nineveh, and was as well pleased with it as ever he had been displeased.

Jonah 4

It is a great mercy to be deprived of those things in which we have reposed a confidence in competition with God, which we have made our arm, and after which we have gone a whoring from God. little, and that would have been the way to make it more; but it is ill with the patient when that which should cure the disease serves only to palliate it, and prevent its being searched into.

Micah 5

Hear the rod when it has come, and is actually upon you, and you are sensible of the smart of Malachi 3

Outward afflictions, wants and burdens, are the great arguments Satan uses to make the people of God question their sonship; it; hear what it says to you, what convictions, what counsels, what cautions, it speaks to vou. Note, every rod has a voice, and it is the voice of God that is to be heard in the rod of God, and it is well for those that understand the language of as if afflictions could not consist with, when really they proceed from, God's fatherly love.

Matthew

it, which if we would do we must have an eye to 'Him that appointed it.' Note, every rod

Paul knew as much of it as any man, and he calls it a 'light affliction' (2 Cor. 4:17.) God's presence (Isa. 43:2), Christ's sympathy (Isa. 43:9), (Dan. 3: is appointed, of what kind it shall be, where it shall light, and

Ambition

25), and especially the Spirit's aids and comforts (2 Cor. 1:5), make suffering for Christ light taking away a good man's felicity that they really increase its James 1 and easy. As afflictions abound, and are prolonged, consolations abound, and are prolonged too. Let this therefore reconcile us to the difficulties, and help us over the discouragements we may meet with, both in doing work and suffering work; though we may lose for Christ, we shall not lose by Him.

Affluence

This denotes that Israel was near to ruin, and that their luxury and sensuality were the cause of it. They were as the 'evil figs' that could not be eaten, they were so evil. It intimates sin to be the daughter of plenty and destruction the daughter of the abuse of plenty.

Matthew 11

If water have a sediment at the bottom, though it may be clear while it stands still, yet, when shaken, it grows muddy; so it

Hosea 1

How basely their plenty was abused by them. They robbed God of the honour of his gifts.

'is with our affections: but pure water in a clean glass, though ever so much stirred, continues clear; and so it was with Christ.

. .. They served and honoured His enemies with them... It is a very great dishonour to the God of heaven to make those gifts of his providence the food and fuel of our lusts which he gave us for our support in his service, and to be oil to the wheels of our obedience.

Mark 14

Afflictions, when they are sanctified by divine grace, prove happy means of turning sinners from the error of their ways. By them the ear is opened to discipline and the heart disposed to receive instruction; and they are sensible proofs both of the vanity of the world and of the mischievousness of sin.

Hosea 2

Ambition

Luke 15

Surely he was fond of a crown indeed who, at this time, would run such a hazard as a traitor did, for the crown of Israel now that it had lost the choicest of What a blessed change was here in this house, occasioned by the sickness of the child! This should reconcile us to afflictions; we know not what good may follow from them. its flowers and jewels, was lined more than ever with thorns, had of late been fatal to all the heads that had worn it, was forfeited to divine justice and now ready

John 4

Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it be not our own fault. A blessing may arise from them, and we may be blessed in them. They are so far from to be laid in the dust, a crown which a wise man would not have taken up in the street, yet Hoshea not only ventured upon

Ambition depend upon him in further it but ventured for it and it cost him dear.

straits and difficulties.

ohings 15

Daniel 11

Most people bring themselves into inconvenience, because they do not know when they are well off, but gain harm and loss by aiming against advice to better themselves.

God has a variety of work and employment for his holy angels. Sometimes they are to sound the trumpet of divine Providence, and give fair warning to a careless world; sometimes they are to pour out the vials of God's anger upon impenitent sinners; and sometimes to discover things of a _ heavenly nature to those that are 'the heirs of salvation'. They readily execute every commission they receive from God; and, when this world shall be at an end, yet the angels shall be employed by the great God in proper pleasant work to all eternity.

Acts 27

Angels

That which comes out of the fire, of a fiery amber colour, when it comes to be distinctly viewed, is the likeness of four living creatures; not the living creatures themselves (angels are spirits, and cannot be seen), but the likeness of them, such a hieroglyphic, or representation, Revelation 21 as God saw fit to make use of for the leading of the prophet, and us with him, into some acquaintance with the world of angels (a matter purely of divine revelation), so far as is requisite to possess us with an awful sense of the greatness of that God who has angels for his attendants, and the goodness of that God who has appointed them to be attendants on his people.

Anger

Anger is a sin that is its own punishment. Fretful passionate people tear and torment themselves. He teareth his soul (so the word is); every sin wounds the soul, tears that, wrongs that (Prov. 8: 36), unbridled passion particularly.

Job 18

Ezekiel 1

He is a revenger, and 'he is furious'; he 'has fury' (so the word is), not as man has it, in whom it is an ungoverned passion (so he has said, 'Fury

We must acknowledge the hand of God in the strengthening of those that are friends to the church for the service they are to do it, and confirming them in their good resolutions; herein he uses the ministry of angels more than we are aware of. And the many instances we have known of God's care of his church formerly encourage us to is not in me'), (Isa. 27:4), but he has it in such a way as becomes the righteous God, to put an edge upon his justice and to make it appear more terrible to those who otherwise would stand in no awe of it.

Anxiety

He is 'Lord of anger' (so the Hebrew phrase is for that which we read, 'He is furious'); the hurt of those we are displeased at. This is a breach of the sixth commandment, for he that is thus angry would kill if he could and durst; he has taken the first step towards it: Cain's killing his brother began in anger; he is a murderer in the account of God, who knows his heart, whence murders proceed, (Ch. 15:19.) he has anger, but he has it at command and under government. Our anger is often lord over us, as theirs that have 'no rule over their own spirits', but God is always 'Lord of His anger' and 'weighs a path to it', (Ps. 78:50.)

Nahum 1

Matthew 5

Anger is a natural passion; there are cases in which it is lawful and laudable; but it is then sinful when we are angry without cause. The word signifies — without cause, without any good effect, without moderation; so that the anger is then sinful, (1) When it is without any just provocation given; either for no cause, or no great and proportionable cause; when we are angry at children or servants for that which could not be helped, which was only

Anxiety

When he saw an extraordinary crop upon his ground, instead of thanking God for it, or rejoicing in the opportunity it would give him of doing the more good, he afflicts himself with this thought, 'What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?' He speaks as one at a loss, and full of perplexity. What shall I do now? The poorest beggar in the country, that did not know where to get a meal's meat, could not have said a more anxious word. Disquieting a piece of forgetfulness or mistake, that we ourselves might easily have been guilty of, and for which we should not have been angry at ourselves; when we are angry upon groundless surmises, or for trivial affronts not worth speaking of, (2) When care is the common fruit of an abundance of this world, and the common fault of those that have abundance.

Luke 12 it is without any good end aimed at, merely to show our authority, then it is vain, it is to do hurt; whereas if we are at any time angry, it should be to awaken the offender to repentance, and prevent his doing so again; to clear ourselves (2 Cor.

It is the duty and interest of Christians to live without care. There is a care of diligence which is our duty, and consists in a wise forecast and due concern; but there is a care of diffidence and distrust which is our 7:11), and to give warning to sin and folly; and which only perplexes and distracts the mind. others. (3) When it exceeds due bounds; when we are hardy and headstrong in our anger, violent and vehement, outrageous and 'Be careful for nothing', so as by your care to distrust God, and unfit yourselves for his service. mischievous, and when we seek

Philippians 4

Apathy

Apathy length to an habitual renunciation of his covenant. When men cast off praying, and hearing, and sabbath-sanctifications, and other things that are good, they are in the high road to a total forsaking of God.

Their wickedness was so great that they had reason to fear Divine vengeance every day. It was a sign that the Israelites, through their sloth and cowardice were not now such a terror to the Canaanites as they were when they first came among them else the city of Laish which probably knew itself to be assigned to them, would not have been so very secure. Though they were an open and inland town, they lived secure.

Hosea 8

The sin here mentioned is a total and final apostasy, when men with a full and fixed will and resolution despise and reject Christ, the only Saviour — despise and resist the Spirit, the only sanctifier — and despise and renounce the gospel, the only way of salvation, and the words of eternal life; and all this after they have known, owned, and_ professed, the Christian religion, and continue to do so obstinately and maliciously.

Judges 18

It is sad to think what a deep sleep the world is cast into, what a spirit of slumber has seized the generality of mankind, that are under God's wrath and Satan's power, and yet secure and unconcerned! They sit still and are -at rest, (Luke 17:26.)

Hebrews 10

Appreciating God's Mercies

Zechariah 1 aL an Sit that is,

Now, in the days of affliction and misery, when everything was black and dismal, she remembers an indisposedness to mind either their duty or interest. They are under the power of a prevailing unconcermedness, like people that are slumbering and sleeping; not affected with any thing that is said or done. They were resolved to continue as they were, and would not stir. all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old, and now knows how to value them better than formerly, when she had the full enjoyment of them. God often makes us know the worth of mercies by the want of them; and adversity is borne with the greatest difficulty by those that have fallen into it from the height of prosperity. This cut David to the heart, when he was banished from God's ordinances, that he could remember when he went with the multitude to the house of God (Ps. 42:4.)

Romans 11

Apostasy

See the method of apostasy; men first cast off that which is good; then those omissions make way for commissions; and frequent actual transgressions of God's law bring men at Lamentations 1

Atonement

Assurance

The hidden manna, the influences and comforts of the Spirit of Christ in communion with him, coming down from heaven into the soul, from time to time, for its support, to let it taste something how saints and angels live in heaven. This is hidden from the rest of the world.

God would not at first give him full assurances of his being reconciled to him lest if the comfort of a pardon were too easily obtained they should be emboldened to do the like again and should not be made sensible enough of the evil of sin. Comforts are suspended that convictions) --may y,.beythe. deeper impressed.

The new name is the name of adoption: adopted persons took the name of the family into which they were adopted. None can read the evidence of a man's adoption but himself; he cannot always read it, but if he persevere he shall have both the evidence of sonship and the inheritance.

Exodus 32

The earnest is part of payment,

and it secures the full sum: so is the gift of the Holy Ghost; all his influences and operations, both as a sanctifier and a comforter, are heaven begun, glory in the seed and bud. The Spirit's illumination is an earnest of everlasting light; sanctification is an earnest of perfect holiness; and his comforts are earnests of everlasting joys.

Revelation 2

Atheism

No man will say, "There is no God' till he is so hardened in sin that it has become his inter-

Ephesians 1

est that there should be none to

Christ is in this gospel covenant

call him to account.

a surety for us to God and for God sto hus; "tolesee! othat | the articles be performed on both parts. He, as surety, has united the divine and human nature together in his own person, and therein given assurance of reconciliation; and he has, as surety, united God and man together in the bond of the everlasting covenant. He pleads with men to keep their covenant with God, and he pleads with God that he will fulfil his promises to men, which he is always ready to do in a way suitable to his majesty

Psalm 14

Atonement

Atonement must be made for the sins of the last reign. They thought it not enough to lament and forsake those sins but they brought a sin offering. Even our repentance and reformation will not obtain pardon but in and through Christ who was made sin (that is a sin-offering) for us. No peace but through his blood, no, not for penitence. and glory, that is, through a Mediator.

1 Chronicles

Hebrews 7

Atonement duties of God's worship, neglect them, or are negligent in them, they become an easy prey to the tempter. Omissions make way for commissions.

He did not die for any sin of his own, even in the judgment of the judge himself, and therefore he died as a sacrifice for our sins, and that, even in the judgment of the prosecutors themselves, 'one man should die

Ezekiel 3

for the people' (Ch. 11:50.) This

They slumbered, and then they slept. Note, one degree of carelessness and remissness makes way for another. Those that allow themselves in slumbering, will scarcely keep themselves from sleeping; therefore dread the beginning of — spiritual decays — attend to the first symptoms of disease. is she thats "did "no" violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth' (Isa. 53:9), who was to 'be cut off, but not for himself', (Dan. 9:26.)

John 18

Had he not been God, he could "not "have been "our righteousness; the transcendent excellence of the divine nature put such a value upon, and such a virtue into, his sufferings, that they became sufficient to satisfy for the sins of the world, and to bring in a righteousness which will be effectual to all that believe.

Matthew 25

Soon after men began to call upon the name of the Lord all flesh corrupted their way — soon after the covenant with Noah the Babel-builders bade defiance to heaven — soon after the covenant with Abraham his seed degenerated in Egypt — soon after the Israelites were planted in Canaan, when the first generation was worn off, they forsook God and served Baal — soon after God's covenant with David his seed revolted, and served other gods — soon after the return out of captivity there was a general decay of piety, as appears by the story of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Philippians 3

Backsliding

God's judgments upon others, who have really revolted from God while they have kept up a profession of nearness to him, should be a warning to us not to trust in lying words. It is good to consult precedents, and make use of them. Remember Lot's wife; remember Shiloh and the seven churches of Asia; and know that the ark and candle-

2 Thessalonians 2

Balance in Doctrine stick are moveable things (Rev. 2:5; Matt..21:43:) Jeremiah 7

It is sad to see how much one part of religion is opposed, under colour of zeal for another part. There was a perfect harmony between Christ and Moses; Moses prepared for Christ, and Christ perfected Moses, so that When men turn from. their righteousness they soon learn to commit iniquity. When they grow careless and remiss in the

Baptism they might be disciples of Moses, and become the disciples the heart burn towards God in holy and pious affections. of Christ too; and yet they here put them in opposition, nor could they have persecuted Christ but under the shelter of the abused name of Moses. Thus those who gainsay the doctrine of free grace value themselves as promoters of man's duty, 'We are Moses' disciples'; while, on the other hand, those that cancel the obligation of the law value themselves as_ the assertors of free grace, and as if none were the disciples of Jesus but they; whereas, if we

Proverbs 1

Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament, that is, it is an oath; super sacramentum dicere, is to say upon oath. It is an oath of abjuration, by which we renounce the world and the flesh, as rivals with God for the throne in our hearts; and an oath of allegiance, by which we resign and give up ourselves to God, to be his, our own selves, our whole selves, body, soul and spirit, to be governed by his will, and made happy in his favour; we become his men, rightly understand the matter, we shall see God's grace and man's duty meet together and kiss and befriend each other.

John 9 so the form of homage in our law runs. Therefore baptism is applied to the person, as livery and seisin is given of the premises, because it is the person that is dedicated to God.

Balance in Religion

Those who read David's psalms, especially those towards the latter end, would be tempted to think that religion is all rapture and consists in nothing but the ecstasies and transports of devotion; and doubtless there

Matthew 28

'Those who are baptised into Christ have put on Christ'; for thence it appears that under the gospel baptism comes in the room of circumcision, and that those who by baptism are devoted to Christ, and do sincerely believe in him, are to all intents and purposes as much admitted into the privileges of the Christian state as the Jews were by circumcision into those of the tlegal (Phil n3s3); fan therefore there was no reason why the use of that should still be continued. is a time for them, and if there be a heaven upon earth it is in them; but, while we are on earth, we cannot be wholly taken up with them; we have a life to live in the flesh, must have a conversation in the world, and into that we must now be taught to carry our religion, which is a rational thing, and very serviceable to the government of human life, and tends as much to make us discreet as to make us devout, to make the face shine before men, in a prudent, honest, use-

Galatians 3 ful conversation, as to make

Bearing Fruit

If the fruit be good, you may conclude that the tree is so; if the conversation be _ holy, heavenly, and regular, though you cannot infallibly know the heart, yet you may charitably hope that it is upright with God; for every tree is known by its fruit.

It is observable here concerning this vine that it is praised for its shadow, its boughs, and _ its branches, but not a word of its fruit, for 'Israel was an empty vine' (Hos. 10:1.) God came looking for grapes, but, behold, wild grapes (Isa. 5:2.) And, if a vine do not bring forth fruit, no tree so useless, so worthless, (Ezek. 15:2, 6.)

Luke 6

The in-dwelling of the word, and Spirit, and grace of God in Psalm 80 us, is best tried by its effects, particularly by our receiving what he sends, the commands, the messengers, the providences he sends, especially Christ whom he hath sent.

We then bear fruit, when we practise according to the word; when the temper of our minds and the tenor of our lives are conformable to the gospel we have received, and we do as we are taught.

John 5

Matthew 13

Beatific Vision

Fruit is the thing that God expects and requires from those that enjoy the Gospel: fruit according to the seed; a temper of mind, and a course of life, agreeable to the Gospel; Christian graces daily exercised, Christian duties duly performed. This is fruit, and it will abound

The greatest and best of men cannot bear the immediate discoveries of the divine glory; no man 'can see it and live; it is next to death to see a glimpse of it, as Daniel here; but glorified saints see Christ as he is and can bear the sight.

Daniel 10

to our account.

Mark 4

The face of Moses shone but as the moon, with a borrowed reflected light, but Christ's shone as the sun, with an innate inherent light, which was the more sensibly glorious, because

If a man be really a good man, if he have a principle of grace in his heart, and the prevailing bent and bias of the soul be towards God and heaven, though perhaps he may not abound in fruit, and though he may be sometimes like a tree in winter, yet he does not bring forth corrupt fruit; though he may not do you all the good he should, yet he will not in any material instance do you hurt. it suddenly broke out, as it were, from behind a black cloud.

'His raiment was white as the light.' All his body was altered, as his face was; so that beams of light, darting from every part through his clothes, made them white and glittering. The shining of the face of Moses was so weak, that it could easily be

Bible concealed by a thin veil; but such was the glory of Christ's body, that his clothes were enthe peculiarities of their religion; how much so-ever their neighhours looked upon them and it with contempt. lightened by it.

Matthew 17

Deuteronomy 21

Gracious souls reckon it good to be in communion with Christ, good to be near him, good to be in the mount with him though it be a cold and solitary place; it is good to be here retired from the world, and alone with Christ: and if it

In court, city, and country, Baal had the ascendant; and the generality of the people, more or less, paid their respect to Baal. The best evidence of integrity is a freedom from the present prevailing corruptions of the times and places that we live in, to swim against the stream when it is strong. is good to be with Christ transfigured only upon a mountain with Moses and Elias, how good will it be to be with Christ glorified in heaven with all the saints?

Romans 11

Bible

Mark 9

The Ark had the Tables of the Law in it and nothing more welcome to faithful Israelites than the Word of God; to them

Being Different

The Tempter suggests that the worshipping of these gods was the common practice of the world and if they limited their adorations to an invisible Deity they were singular and like nobody for these gods were the gods of the people round about them and indeed of all the nations of the earth. This suggestion draws many away from religion and godliness for it is a savour of life unto life but to uncircumcised Philistines that persist in enmity to God, nothing more dreadful nor unwelcome, to them it is a savour of death unto death.

1 Samuel 5

The testimony of the Lord (which witnesses for him to us), is sure, incontestably and inviolably sure, what we may give credit to, may rely upon, and may be confident it will not deceive us. It is a sure discovery of divine truth, a sure direction in the way of duty. It is a sure fountain of living comforts and it is an unfashionable thing and they make their court to the world and the flesh because these are the gods of the people that are round about them.

Deuteronomy 13 a sure foundation of lasting hopes.

By these (fringes) they were distinguishable from other people so that it might be said upon the Psalm 19 first sight 'there goes an Israel-

It must be not only a 'light to our eyes' to gratify them, and ite' which taught them not to be ashamed of their country nor fill our heads with speculations,

Bible but 'a light to our feet and to our path', to direct us in the right ordering of our conversation, both in the choice of our way in general and in the particular steps we take in that way, that we may not take a false way nor a false step in the right way. We are then truly sensible of God's goodness to us in giving us such a lamp and light when we make it a guide to our feet, our path. yet he did not set aside the scriptures, nor think himself above them; nay, much of his discourse is quotation out of the Old Testament, to which he appeals, and with which he proves what he = says. Christ's scholars never learn above their Bible; and the Spirit is given not to supersede the scriptures, but to enable us to understand and improve the scriptures.

Acts 2

Psalm 119

This sanction is like a flaming sword, to guard the canon of the scripture from profane hands. Such a fence as this God set about the law (Deut. 4:2), and the whole Old Testament (Mal. 4:4), and now in the most solemn manner about the whole Bible, assuring us that it is a book of the most sacred nature, divine authority, and of the last importance, and therefore the peculiar care of the great God.

The church had long enjoyed the benefit of prophets, extraordinary messengers from God, and now they had a whole book of their prophecies put together, and it was a finished piece; but they must not think that hereby the 'law of Moses' was superseded, and had become as an almanac out of date, as if now they were advanced to a higher form and might forget that. No; the prophets do but confirm and apply the law, and press the observance of that; and therefore still 'Remember the law'.

Revelation 22

Bible (Apparent Contradiction in)

Malachi 4

He is himself the eternal Word, and could have produced the mind of God without having recourse to the writings of Moses; but he put honour upon the Scripture, and, to set us an example, he appealed to what was written in the Law; and he says this to Satan, taking it for granted that he knew well enough what was written.

By this event two predictions that seemed to contradict one another were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should. be brought to Babylon (Jer. 32:5). Ezekiel prophesied that he should not see' Babylon (mzek. f2: ™ho)t He was brought thither but his eyes being put out he did not SCE't.

Matthew 4

2 Kings 25

It is observable that though Peter was 'filled with the Holy Ghost, and spoke with tongues

When we know not how to reconcile one word of God with another we may yet be sure that both are true, both as the Spirit gave him utterance',

Bible (Right Use of) are pure, both shall be made good, and not one iota or tittle of either shall fall to the ground. When Jeremiah was ordered to buy the field in Anathoth he was willing to hope that God was about to revoke the sentence of his wrath and to order the Chaldeans to raise the oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and _ his threatenings to its menaces.

Psalm 119

This was a word that the prophets much used, and used it seriously, to show what a weight the word of God was upon their spirits, of what importance it was, and how pressingly it should come upon sieges) HSNO? \iusays 1 Gods. othe execution of the sentence shall go on; Jerusalem shall be laid in ruins'. Note, assurances. of future mercy must not be interpreted as securities from present troubles. those that heard it. The words of the false prophets had nothing ponderous in them, but God's words had; those were as chaff, these as wheat. Now the profane scoffers took this word, and made a jest and a byword of it; they made people merry with it, that so, when the prophets used it, they might not make people serious

Jeremiah 32

Bible (Right Use of)

It is all one to him to save by many or by few. This is a truth easily granted in general, that with it. Note, it has been the artifice of Satan, in all ages, to obstruct the efficacy of sacred things by turning them into matter of sport and ridicule; the mocking of God's messengers was the baffling of his messages. it is all alike to Omnipotence what the instruments are by which it works and yet it is not so easy to apply it to a particular case.

1 Samuel 14

In singing this, and praying it over, we must give glory to Christ as the eternal Son of God and our rightful Lord, and must take comfort from this promise and plead it with God, that the kingdom of Christ shall be enlarged and established and shall triumph over all opposition.

Jeremiah 23

The Christians to whom James wrote were apt to speak very hard things of one another, because of their differences about indifferent things (such as the observance of meats and days, as appears from Rom. 14); now, says the apostle, he who censures and condemns his brother for not agreeing with him in those things which the law of God has left indifferent thereby censures and condemns the law, as if it had done ill in leaving them indifferent. He who quarrels with his brother, and Psalm 2

Good men are afraid of sin, and are in care to prevent it; and the most effectual way to prevent it is to hide God's word in our hearts, that we may answer every temptation, as our Master did, with, 'It is written'; may

Bible (Right Use of)

Brevity of Life condemns him for the sake of any thing not determined in the word of God, does thereby reflect on that word of God, as If we would use this as a plea with God for mercy ('Are not my days few? Lord, pity me'), we should use it as a plea with ourselves, to quicken us to duty: if it were not a perfect rule.

James 4 'Are not my days few? Then it concerns me to redeem time, to improve opportunities, what my hand finds to do to do it with

Birds of a Feather

They will then be bound in bundles (v. 30). Sinners of the same sort will be bundled together in the great day: a bundle of atheists, a bundle of epicures, a bundle of persecutors, and a great bundle of hypocrites. Those who have been associates in sin, will be so in shame and sorrow; and all my might, that I may be ready for the days of eternity, which shall be many.'

Job 10

It is an excellent art rightly to number our days, so as not to be out in our calculation, as he was who counted upon many years to come, when, that night, his soul was required of him. We must live under a_ constant apprehension of the shortness and uncertainty of life and the near approach of death and eternity. We must so number our days as to compare our work with them, and mind it accordingly with a double diligence, as those that have no time to trifle. it will be an aggravation of their misery, as the society of glorified saints will add to their bliss. Let us pray, as David, 'Lord, gather not my soul with sinners' (Ps: 26:9),;. but let it be bound in 'the bundle of life, with the Lord our God' (1 Sam.

25:29). Matthew 13

Blasphemy

God himself is out of the sinner's reach, and not capable of receiving any real injury; and therefore enmity to God spits its venom at his name, and so shows its ill-will.

We number our days to good purpose when our hearts are inclined and engaged to true wisdom, that is, to the practice of serious godliness. This is a thing to which it is necessary that we apply our hearts, and the matter requires and. deserves

John 10

Boasting a close application, to which frequent thoughts of the uncertainty of our continuance here, and the certainty of our removal hence, will very much contribute.

Justly, were those denied the honour of the service who would not give God the honour of the success.

Psalm 90

Judges 7

Brotherly Love

He took to him flesh, and for some days tabernacled therein; he became a mortal man, and reckoned his life by days, herein griefs too. The canker-worms will continue upon the field while there is anything to be had, but they are gone when all setting us an example how we should reckon ours. Were we to reckon our lives by days, it would be a means to quicken us is gone. Those that men have got by they do not care to lose by. Nineveh's merchants bid her farewell in her distress. Riches themselves are as the cankerworms, which on a sudden 'fly away as the eagle towards heaven' (Prov. 23:5).

to do the work of every day in

its day.

Hebrews 5

Nahum 3

Broken Reeds

Brotherly Love

We cannot expect too little from the creature nor too much from the Creator. It is no new thing even for brethren to deal deceitfully (Jer. 9, 4—5; Mic. 7, 5); let us therefore put our confidence in the rock of ages, not in broken reeds — in the fountain of life, not in broken cisterns. God will outdo our hopes as much as men come short of them.

Christ delights even in the saints on earth, notwithstanding their weaknesses and manifold infirmities, which is a good reason why we should.

Psalm 16

David had often expressed the great love he had to God; here he expresses the great love he had to the people of God; observe, why he loved them; not so much because they were his best friends, most firm to his interest and most forward to serve him, but because they were such as feared God and kept his precepts. Our love to the saints is then sincere when we love them for the sake of what we see of God in them and the service they do to him.

Job6é

What folly is it to trust to that, and boast of that, which will not enable us so much as for one hour to respite the execution of the sentence of death upon a parent, a child, or a friend that is to us as our own soul!

Psalm 49

The sin here condemned; it is trusting in man, putting that confidence in the wisdom and power, the kindness and faithfulness of men, which should be placed in those attributes of God only.

Psalm 119 'I will keep the passover with my disciples'. Note, wherever Christ is welcome, he expects that his disciples should be welcome too. When we take God for our God, we take his people for our people.

Jeremiah 17

It is rare to find even those that have shared with us in our joys willing to share with us in our

Matthew 26

Brotherly Love

That in consideration of their agreement and communion in one creed and one covenant, one Spirit and one Bible — in consideration of what they have in one God and one Christ, and of what they hope for in one heaven, they may be of one mind and one mouth. Worldly glory sets men at variance; for if some be advanced others are eclipsed, and therefore, while the disciples dreamed of a temporal kingdom, they were ever and anon quarrelling; but spiritual honours being conferred alike upon all Christ's subjects, they being all 'made to our God kings and priests', there is no ~ occasion for contest nor emulation. The more Christians are taken up with the glory Christ has given them, the less desirous

It is the true honour of Christ's disciples to excel in brotherly love. Nothing will be more effectual than this to recommend them to the esteem and respect of others. See what a powerful attractive it was (Acts

2:46, 46). Tertullian speaks of it as the glory of the primitive church that the Christians were known by their affection to one another. Their adversaries took notice of it, and said, 'See how these Christians love one another', Apol. cap. 39. If the followers of Christ do not love one another, they not only cast an unjust reproach upon their profession, but give just cause to suspect their own sincerity. O Jesus! are these thy Christians, these passionate, malicious, spiteful, ill-natured people? 'Is this thy son's coat?' When our brethren stand in need they will be of vain-glory, and consequently, the less disposed to quarrel. of help from us, and we have an opportunity of being serviceable to them, when they differ in opinion and practice from us, or are any ways rivals with or provoking to us, and so we have an occasion to condescend and forgive, in such cases as this it will be known whether we have this badge of Christ's disciples.

John 17

We cannot forget how often, while their Master was with them, there were 'strifes among them, who should be the greatest'; but now all these strifes were at an end, we hear no more of them. What they had received already of the Holy Ghost, when Christ breathed on them, had in a good measure rectified the mistakes upon which those contests were grounded, and had _ disposed them to holy love. They had prayed more together of late than usual (ch. 1:14), and this made them love one another better.

John 13 'This is my commandment' (v. 12), as if this were the most necessary of all the commandments. As under the law the prohibition of idolatry was the commandment more insisted on than any other, foreseeing the people's addictedness to that sin, so Christ, foreseeing the addictedness of the Christian church to uncharitableness, has laid most stress upon this precept. Wounds

Acts2

Every member of the body is to preserve its own rank, and

Brotherly Love mated by this divine principle, and paid a due regard to a command on which its blessed author laid a chief stress! 'A new commandment give I to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another', (John 13:34). By this shall all men know that you are my disciples' (v. 35). Blessed Jesus! How few of thy _ professed disciples are to be distinguished and marked out by this characteristic! do its own office; and all are to minister to one another, and promote the good of the body in general, without envying, or despising, or neglecting, or ill-using, any one particular member. How blessed a constitution were the _ Christian church, if all the members did their duty.

1 Corinthians 12

It wishes ill to none, much less will it hurt or wrong any, and least of all make this the matter

1 Corinthians 13 of its delight, rejoice in doing harm and mischief. Nor will it rejoice at the faults and failings

Though one party among them had declared for Apollos against Paul (if that passage is to be understood literally, vide ch. 4: 6), yet Paul did not hinder Apollos from going to Corinth in his own absence, nay, he pressed him to go thither. He had no suspicions of Apollos, of others, and triumph over them, either out of pride or illwill, because it will set off its own excellences or gratify its spite. The sins of others are rather the grief of a charitable spirit than its sport or delight; they will touch it to the quick, and stir all its compassion, but can give it no entertainment. It as if he would lessen Paul's interest and respect among them, to the advancement of his own. Note, Faithful ministers are not apt to entertain jealousies of each other, nor suspect of such selfish designs. True charity and brotherly love think no evil. And where should these reign, if not in the breasts of the minisis the very height of malice to take pleasure in the misery of a fellow-creature. And is not falling into sin the greatest calamity that can befall one? How inconsistent is it with Christian charity, to rejoice at such fall! ters of Christ?

How well-natured and amiable a thing is Christian charity? How lovely a mind is that which is tinctured throughout with such benevolence, and has it diffused over its whole frame! Happy the man who has this heavenly fire glowing in his heart, flowing out of his mouth, and diffusing its warmth over all with whom he has to do! How lovely a thing would Christianity appear to the world, if those who profess it were more actuated and ani-

1 Corinthians 16

This is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family.

There is no greater enemy to Christian love than pride and passion. If we do things in contradiction to our brethren, this is doing them through strife; if we do them through ostentation of ourselves, this

Brotherly Love they should love one another. is doing them through vainglory: both are destructive of Christian love and kindle unchristian heats. Christ came to slay all enmities; therefore let there not be among Christians

1 Thessalonians 3

This brotherly love was in danger of being lost, and that in a time of persecution, when it would be most necessary; it was in danger of being lost by those disputes that were among them concerning the _ respect they ought still to have to the ceremonies of the Mosaic law. Disputes about religion too often produce a decay of Christian affection; but this must be guarded against, and all proper means used to preserve brotherly love. a spirit of opposition. Christ came to humble us, and therefore let there not be among us a spirit of pride. We must 'esteem others in lowliness of mind better than ourselves', be severe upon our own faults and charitable in our judgment of others, be quick in observing our own defects and infirmities, but ready to overlook and make favourable allowances for the defects of others.

Hebrews 13

Philippians 2

The precept of love must be as

Now, in conformity to. the example of his great Master, instead of upbraiding them for their neglect, he makes an excuse for them: 'Wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity'. How could they lack opportunity, if they had been resolved upon it? They might have sent a messenger on purpose. But the apostle is willing to suppose, in favour of them, that they would have done it if a fair opportunity had offered. How contrary is this to the behaviour of many to their friends, by whom neglects which really are excusable are resented very heinously, when Paul excused that which he had reason enough to resent. old as human nature; but it might admit divers enactions, enforcements, and motives. In the state of innocence, had human nature then been propagated, men must have loved one another as being of one blood, made to dwell on the earth, as being God's offspring, and bearing his image. In the state of sin and _ promised recovery, they must love one another as related to God their Maker, as related to each other by blood, and as partners in the same hope. When _ the Hebrews were peculiarly incorporated, they must accordingly love each other, as being the privileged people, whose were the covenants and the adoption, and of whose race the Messiah and head of the church must spring; and the law of love must be conveyed with new obligations to the new Israel of God, to the gospel church.

Philippians 4

It is happy where there is such mutual love between minister ana =npeople..ai his. tends ,~Ato promote religion, and_ the success of the gospel. The world hates them, and therefore

1 John 2

Carnal Reasoning

Calling Upon God it ill becomes those that are taught of God to 'learn the way of the heathen', and to think of worshipping the true God with such rites and ceremonies as they used in the worship of their false gods. See (Deut. 12: 29-31). Jeremiah 10

This calling upon God supposes knowledge of him, faith in him, desire towards him, dependence on him, and, as an evidence of the sincerity of all this, a conscientious obedience to him; for, without that, crying 'Lord, Lord', will not stand us in any stead. Note, it is the praying remnant that shall be the saved remnant. And it will aggravate the ruin of those who perish that they might have been saved on such easy terms.

They said, 'Let God give us our plenty again, as formerly, and try us whether we will not then bring Him His tithes and offerings, as we did formerly.' 'No,' says God, 'do you first bring in Joel 2 all your tithes as they become due, and all the arrears of what is past, and try Me, whether I will not then restore you your plenty.' Note, those that will deal with God must deal upon

Calmness in Trouble

The fixedness of the heart is a sovereign remedy against the disquieting fear of evil tidings. If we keep our thoughts composed, and ourselves masters of them, our wills resigned to the holy will of God, our temper sedate, and our spirits even, under all the unevenness of Providence, we are well fortified against the agitations of the timorous. trust; and we may all venture to do so, for, though many have been losers for him, never any were losers by him in the end. It is fit that we should venture first, for 'His reward is with Him', but 'His work is before Him'; we must first do the work which is our part, and then try him and trust him for the reward.

Malachi 3

Psalm 112

God forbid, that thou shouldst suffer and be killed; we cannot bear the thoughts of it. 'Master,

Carnal Reasoning spare thyself': so it might be read — Be merciful to thyself, and then no one else can be cruel to thee; pity thyself, and then this shall not be to thee. He would have Christ to dread suffering as much as he did; but we mistake, Let the house of Israel hear and receive this word from the God of Israel: 'Learn not the way of the heathen', do not approve of it, no, nor think indifferently concerning it, much less imitate it or accustom yourselves to it. Let not any of their customs steal in among you (as they are apt to do insensibly) nor mingle themselves with your religion. Note, if we measure Christ's love and patience by our own. He intimates, likewise, the improbability of the thing, humanly

Carnal Reasoning alone' (Matt. 15:14). 'Do not reprove them.' speaking; 'This shall not be unto thee',

1. In justice to them, for those have forfeited the favour of further means who scorn the means they have had. Those that are thus filthy, let them be filthy still; those that are joined

Matthew 16

He knew not that the thing was necessary for the glory of God, the destruction of Satan, and the salvation of man, that the Captain of our salvation must be made perfect through sufferings, and so must bring many sons to glory. Note, the wisdom of man is perfect folly, when it pretends to give measures to the divine counto idols, let them alone; lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 2. In prudence to yourselves; because, if you reprove them, you lose your labour, and so get to yourselves shame for the disappointment.

Proverbs 9 sels. The cross of Christ, the greatest instance of God's power and wisdom, was to some a stumbling-block, and to others foolishness.

Christ doth not forbid him to tell it to others, but he must not tell it to any in the town. Slighting Christ's favours is forfeiting them; and Christ will make those know the worth of their privileges by the want of them, that would not know them otherwise. Bethsaida, in the day of her visitation, would not know the things that belonged to her peace, and now they are hid from her eyes. They will not see, and therefore shall not see.

It seems policy to shun trouble, but if with that we shun duty, it is fleshly wisdom (2 Cor. 1: 12), and it will be folly in the end.

Mark 8

Casting Pearls Before Swine

Profane scoffers are not to be humoured, nor pearls cast before swine. David prudently kept silence even from good when the wicked were before him, who, he knew, would ridicule what he said and make a jest of iti Psao9: 1,2): Mark 8

They did not deserve to be told; for it was plain that they contended: notifor: (truth, sbut victory.

Mark 11

Psalm 137

Gospel light is justly taken away from those that endeavour to extinguish it. Christ will withdraw from those that drive him from them, will hide his face from those that spit in it, and justly shut up his bowels from Though they are not forbidden to invite those simple ones to Wisdom's house, yet they are advised not to pursue the invitation by reproving and rebuking them. 'Reprove not a scorner, cast not these pearls before swine.' (Matt. 7:6). Thus Christ said of the Pharisees, 'Let them. those who spum at them.

John 7

Chastisements

They forfeit all the benefit of further instructions and means of knowledge and conviction: they that have been told once, and would not hear, why should they be told it again? (Jer. 51:9). See (Matt. 10:14). They hereby receive the grace of God in vain. This is implied in that, 'Will you be his disciples?' No, you resolve, you will not; why then would you hear it again, only that you may be his accusers and persecutors? affliction, desires to be told wherefore God contends with him and what God designs in correcting him.

Job 33

When the teachings of the Word and Spirit go along with the rebukes of Providence they then both manifest men to be blessed and help to make them so; for then they are marks of adoption and means of sanctification. When we are chastened we must pray to be taught, and look into the Law as the best expositor of Providence. It is not the chastening itself that does good, but the teaching that goes along with it and is the exposition of it.

John 9

Chastisements

This was one of the judgments which God had threatened to bring upon them for their sins, Psalm 94 (Lev. 26; 19, 20). He has many arrows in his quiver. In the days of the judges they were oppressed by their enemies; and, when by that judgment they were not reformed, God tried this, for when he judges he will overcome. When the land had rest, yet it had not plenty; even in Bethlehem, which signifies the house of bread, there was scarcity. A fruitful land is turned into' barrenness,_ to correct and restrain the luxury and wantonness of those that dwell therein.

They looked upon him as having wounded them with the wound of an enemy and with the chastisement of a cruel one (v. 14), as if he had designed their ruin, and neither mitigated the correction nor had any mercy in reserve for them. It did indeed seem as if God had dealt thus severely with them, as if he had turned to be their enemy and had fought against them (Isa. 63:10). Job complains that God had become cruel to him and multiplied his wounds. When troubles are great and long we have need carefully

Ruth 1

Many are chastised that do not bear chastisement, do not bear to watch over our own hearts, that we entertain not such hard it well, and so, in effect, do not bear it at all. Penitents, if sinthoughts as these of God and his providence. His are the cere, will take all well that God chastisements of a merciful one,

does, and will bear chastisement not of a cruel one, whatever they may appear. as a medicinal operation intended for good. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself, and particularly, under Jeremiah 30

Chastisements religion must take place of all outward conveniences. Where God's faithful priests are His faithful people should be.

It is a great mercy to have the Word of God brought to us, and a great duty to attend to it diligently, when we are in affliction. The word of instruction and the rod of correction may be of great service to us, in concert and concurrence with each other, the word to explain the rod and the rod to enforce the word: both together give wisdom. It is happy for a man, when he is sick and in pain, to have a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, if he have but his ear open to discipline (Job 23:23).

2 Chronicles 11

Choosing Where to Work

Though he was himself a great apostle, yet he chose to work with Aquila and Priscilla, because he found them to be very intelligent in the things of God, as appears afterwards (v. 26), and he owns that they had been his 'helpers in Christ Jesus' (Rom. 16:3). This is an Ezekiel 1 example to those who are going to service to seek for those services in which they may have the best help for their souls. Choose to work with those that are likely to be helpers in Christ Jesus.

Choosing Where to Live

No secular advantages whatsoever should draw us thither or detain us there where we are in danger of making a shipwreck of faith and a good conscience ... they loved their work better than their maintenance in that they, Jeftmtheir® suburbs "and possessions in the country where Acts 18

All that care which disquiets the mind, and distracts it in the worship of God, is evil; for God must 'be attended upon without distraction' (v. 35). The whole mind should be engaged when God is worshipped. The work ceases while it diverts to any thing else, or is hurried and drawn hither and thither by foreign affairs and concerns. Those who are engaged in divine worship should attend to this very thing, should make it their whole business. But how is this possible when the mind _ is swallowed up of the cares of this life? Note, it is the wisdom of a Christian so to order his outward affairs, and choose such they might have lived at ease upon their own) because they were restrained from serving God there and cast themselves upon God's providence and the charity of their brethren in coming to a place where they might have the free enjoyment of God's ordinances according to his institution. Poverty in the way of duty is to be chosen rather than plenty in the way of sin. Better live upon alms or die in a prison with a good conscience than roll in wealth and pleasure with a _ prostituted one. «. | Nateismbesturor sus which is best for our souls and in all choices, advantages for a condition in life, as to be without distracting cares, that he may attend upon the Lord with

Christ: His Blood chief captains to seek in vain for shelter in rocks and mountains (Rev. 6:16). If the Son be angry, who shall intercede for us? There remains no more sacrifice, no other name by which we can be saved. Unbelief is a sin against the remedy. a mind at leisure and disengaged. This is the general maxim by which the apostle would have Christians govern themselves. In the application of it Christian prudence must direct. That condition of life is best for every man which is best for his soul, and keeps him most clear of the cares and snares of the world.

Psalm 2

Never did any tradesman court customers that he hoped to get by as Christ courts us to that which we only are to be the gainers by.

1 Corinthians 7

Choosing the Right Friends

Isaiah 55

We commonly study to approve ourselves to those with whom we choose to associate; we value ourselves upon their good word and covet to stand right in their opinion. As we choose our people we choose our praise, and govern ourselves accordingly; we are therefore concerned to make the first choice well, and not to mingle with those whom we cannot please without displeasing God.

We are foolishness, ignorant and blind in the things of God, with all our boasted knowledge; and he is made wisdom to us. We are guilty, obnoxious to justice; and he is made righteousness, our great atonement and sacrifice. We are depraved and corrupt; and he is made sanctification, the spring of our spiritual life; from him, the head, it is communicated to all the members of his mystical body by his Holy Spirit. We are in bonds, and he is made redemption to us, our Saviour and deliverer.

John 18

Christ

1 Corinthians 1

The judge that condemned him

Christ: His Blood

(as if his trial were only like the scrutiny that was made concerning the sacrifices whether they were without blemish or not) pronounces him innocent.

Cleansed lepers are as welcome to the blood and oil as consecrated priests. When the leper was sprinkled, the water must have blood in it; when he was annointed the oil must have blood under it; to signify that Exodus 12

The Son can be angry, though a Lamb; he is the lion of the tribe of Judah, and the wrath of this King, this King of kings, will be all the graces and comforts of the Spirit, all his purifying dignifying influences are owing as the roaring of a lion, and will drive even mighty men and to the death of Christ. It is by

Christ: His Blood glory which he will not give to another, and which he would not give to his own Son, by obliging all men to honour the Son, even as they honour the Father, if he had not been God, equal to him = and one with him. Christ quotes this law concerning religious worship, and quotes it with application to himself. his blood alone that we are sanctified.

Leviticus 14

Egypt shall be sacrificed rather than Israel continue in slavery, when the time has come for their release. The Ethiopians had invaded them in Asa's time; but they shall be destroyed rather than Israel shall be disturbed. And if this was reckoned so great a thing, to give Egypt for their ransom, what reason have we to admire God's love to us in giving his own Son to be a ransom for us! (1 John 4:10). What are Ethiopia and Seba, all their lives and all their treasures, compared with the blood of Christ?

Matthew 4

In these verses he _ explains, and afterwards confirms, his commission, as Mediator and plenipotentiary in the treaty between God and man. And, as the honours he is hereby entitled to are such as it is not fit for any creature to receive, so the work he is hereby entrusted with is such as it is not possible for any creature to go through with, and therefore he

Isaiah 43

Christ: His Deity

is God, equal with the Father.

As God, he is Jehovah, the incommunicable name of God, denoting his eternity and selfexistence. As Mediator, he is our righteousness. By making satisfaction to the justice of God for the sin of man, he has brought in an everlasting righteousness, and so made it over to us in the covenant of grace that, upon our believing consent to that covenant, it becomes ours. his being 'Jehovah our Righteousness' implies that he is so John 5

Some said, he is a good man. This was a truth, but it was far short of being the whole truth. He was not only a good man, but more than a man, he was the Son of God. Many who have no ill thoughts of Christ have yet low thoughts of him, and scarcely honour him, even when they speak well of him, because they do not say enough.

John 7 our righteousness as no creature could be. He is a sovereign, allsufficient, eternal righteousness.

We cannot say, 'He that knows a man knows an angel', or, 'He that knows a creature knows the Creator'; but he that knows Christ knows the Father.

Jeremiah 23

Religious worship is due to God only, and must not be given to any creature; it is a flower of the crown ~~ which cannot be alienated, a branch of God's

John 8

He is, in person, the Son of God, the only-begotten Son of God,

Christ: His Lordship serpents that bit them. It was great condescension that he who was God should be made in the likeness of flesh; but much greater that he who was holy should be made in the likeness of sinful flesh. and as such, he must have the same nature. This personal distinction always supposes one and the same nature. Every son of man is man; were not the nature the same, the generation would be monstrous.

Romans 8

Hebrews 1

Christ: His Lordship

Christ: His Incarnation

Christ, who is ordained to offer

By the light of nature, we see God as God above us; by the light of the law, we see him sacrifices for us, is authorized to give law to us. He will not save us unless we be willing that he should govern us. God has prepared him a throne 'in the heavens'; and, if we would have any benefit by that, we must prepare him a throne in our hearts, and be willing and glad that he should 'sit and rule upon that throne'; and to him every thought within us must be brought into obedience. as a God against us; but by the light of the Gospel, we see him as Immanuel, God with us, in our own nature, and (which is more), in our interest. Herein the Redeemer commended his love. With Christ's name, Immanuel, we may compare the name given to the gospel church (Ezek. 48:35), Jehovah Shammah — The Lord is there; the Lord of hosts is with us.

Zechariah 6

Nor is it improper to say that prophecy which foretold that he should be _ called Immanuel was fulfilled, in the design and intention of it, when he was called Jesus: for if he had not been Immanuel — God with us, he could not have been Jesus — a Saviour; and herein consists the salvation he wrought out, in the bringing of All the works of creation being put under his feet, all the affairs of redemption are put into his hand; he is Lord of all. Angels are his servants; devils are his captives. He has power over all flesh, the heathen given him for his inheritance. The kingdom of providence is committed to his administration. He has power to settle the terms of the covenant of peace as the great plenipotentiary, to govern his church as the great lawgiver, to dispense divine favours as the great almoner, and to call all to account as the great Judge. Both the golden sceptre and the iron rod are given into his hand.

God and man together; this was what he designed, to bring God to be with us, which is our great happiness, and to bring us to be with God, which is our great duty.

Matthew 1

The bitings of the fiery serpents were cured by a serpent of brass, which had the shape, though free from the venom, of the John 3

Christ: His Love

The carnal mind is not only an enemy to God, but enmity itself<(ch.8275° ColWwh.:21)s) This enmity is a mutual enmity, God loathing the sinner, and the sinner loathing God (Zech. 11:8). And that for such as these Christ should die is such a mystery, such a paradox, such an unprecedented instance of love, that it may well be our business to eternity to adore and wonder at it. This is a commendation of love indeed. Justly might he who had thus loved us make it one of the laws of his kingdom that we should love our enemies.

There is a spiritual manifestation of Christ and his love made to all believers. When he enlightens their minds to know his love, and the dimensions of it (Eph. 3:18, 19), enlivens their graces, and draws them into exercise, and thus enlarges their comforts in himself — when he clears up the evidence of their interest in him, and gives them tokens of his love, experiences of his tenderness, and earnests of his kingdom and glory — then he manifests himself to them; and Christ is manifested to none but those to whom he is pleased to manifest himself.

Romans 5

When Paul was whipped, and beaten, and imprisoned, and stoned, did Christ love him ever the less? Were his favours intermitted? His smiles any whit suspended? His visits more shy? By no means, but the contrary. These things separate us from the love of other friends. When Paul was brought before Nero

John 14

As the Father loved him, who was most worthy, he loved them, who were most unworthy. The Father loved him as _ his Son, and he loves them as his children. 'The Father gave all things into his hand'; so, with himself, 'he freely giveth us all things'. The Father loved him all men forsook him, but then the Lord stood by him (2 Tim. 4:16, 17). Whatever persecuting enemies may rob us of, they cannot intercept his love-tokens, they cannot interrupt nor exclude his visits; and therefore, let them do their worst, they cannot make a true believer miserable. as Mediator, as head of the church, and the great trustee of divine grace and favour, which he had not for himself only, but for the benefit of those for whom he was entrusted; and, says he, 'I have been a faithful trustee. As the Father has committed his love to me, so I transmit it to you'. Therefore the Father was well pleased with him, that he might be well pleased with us in him; and loved him, that in him, as beloved, he might 'make us accepted' (Eph. 1:6).

Romans 8

The love of God is the spring and fountain of all the good we have or hope for: our election, vocation, justification, and salvation, are all owing to the love of God in Christ Jesus.

John 15

2 Thessalonians 2

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