The Quotable Matthew Henry
Christ: His Sufferings
Chnist: His Sufferings
There was a struggle between the work he had taken upon him, which required — sufferings, and the nature he had taken upon him, which dreaded them; between these two he here pauses with 'What shall I say?' He looked, and there was 'none to help', which put him to a stand. Calvin observes this as a great instance of Christ's humiliation, that he should speak thus like one at a loss.
See what abuses were put upon Him:
1. He was reproached as a bad man, as a blasphemer, a sabbathbreaker, a wine-bibber, a false prophet, an enemy to Caesar, a confederate with the prince of the devils. 2. He was despised of the people aS a mean contemptible man, not worth taking notice of, his country in no repute, his relations poor' mechanics, his followers none of the rulers, or the Pharisees, but the mob. 3.He was ridiculed as a foolish man, and one that not only deceived others, but himself too. Those that saw him hanging on 'Father, glorify thy name', to the same purport with 'Father, thy will be done'; for God's will is for his own glory. This expresses more than barely a submission to the will of God; it is a consecration of his sufferings to the glory of God. It was a mediatorial word, and was spoken by him as our surety, who had undertaken to satisfy divine justice for our sin. The wrong which by sin we have done to God is in his glory, his declarative glory; for in nothing else are we capable of doing him injury. We were never able to make him satisfaction for this wrong done him, nor any creathe cross laughed him to scorn. So far were they from pitying him, that they added to his afflictions, with all the gestures and expressions of insolence upbraiding him with his fall.
Our Lord Jesus, having undertaken to satisfy for the dishonour we had done to God by our sins, did it by submitting to the lowest possible instance of ignominy and disgrace. ture for us; nothing therefore remained but that God should Psalm 22 get him honour upon us in our utter ruin. Here therefore our Lord Jesus interposed, undertook to satisfy God's injured honour, and he did it by his humi-
The most unspotted innocency, and the most unparalleled excellency, will not always be a fence against the reproach of tongues; nay, a man's best gifts and best actions, which are both well intended and well calculated for edification, may be made the matter of his reproach. The best liation; he denied himself in, and divested himself of, the honours due to the Son of God incarnate, and submitted to the greatest reproach. Now here he makes a tender of this satisfaction as an of our actions may become the equivalent: 'Father, glorify thy name'; let thy justice be honoured upon the sacrifice, not upon the sinner; let the debt 'be worst of our accusations, as David's fasting (Ps. 69:10).
Matthew 11
Christ: His Sufferings according to his own heart, made him to see of the travail of his soul, to his satisfaction, prospered his good pleasure in his hand, fulfilled all his petitions for himself and us; for him the Father heareth always and his intercession is ever prevailing. levied upon me, I am solvent, the principal is not. Thus he 'restored that which he took not away'.
John 12
He had something in view under all his sufferings, which was pleasant to him; he _ rejoiced to see that. by his sufferings he should make satisfaction to the injured justice of God and give security to his honour and government, that he _ should make peace between God and man, that he should seal the covenant of grace and be the Mediator of it, that he should open a way of salvation to the chief of sinners, and that he should effectually save all those whom the Father had given him, and himself be the first-born among many brethren. This was the joy that was set before him.
Psalm 20
Christ: Our Example
It is well for us, that Christ has more love and tenderness in Him than the best of His disciples have. And let us learn of Him not to discountenance any willing well-meaning souls in their enquiries after Christ, though they are but weak. If He do not break the bruised reed, we should not. Those that seek unto Christ, must not think it strange if they meet with opposition and rebuke, even from good men, who think they know the mind of Christ better than they do.
Hebrews 12
Christ: His Work
These prayers for David are prophecies concerning Christ the son of David, and in Him they were abundantly answered; He undertook the work of our redemption, and made war upon the powers of darkness. In the day of trouble, when his soul was exceedingly sorrowful, the Lord heard him, heard him in that he feared (Heb. 5:7), 'sent him help out of the sanctuary', sent an angel from heaven to strengthen him, took cognizance of his offering when he made his soul an offering for sin, and accepted his burnt-sacrifice, turned it to ashes, the fire that should have fastened upon the sinner, fastening upon the sacrifice, with which God was well pleased. And He granted him
Matthew 19
Christ's answer to this address (v. 22, 23), directed not to the mother, but to the sons that set her on. Though others be our mouth in prayer, the answer will be given to us according as we stand affected. Christ's answer is very mild; they were overtaken in the fault of ambition, but Christ restored them with the spirit of meekness.
The check that Christ gave them, which was very gentle, rather by way of instruction what they should be, than by way of reprehension for what they were. He had _ reproved this very sin before (Ch. 18:3),
Christ: Our Example and told them they must be humble as little children; yet they relapsed into it, and yet he reproved them for it thus mildly. relating to them, but to leave that to those whose _ proper business it is. Ministers that would mind their business, and please their master, must not entangle themselves in the affairs of this life.
He called them unto Him, which intimates great tenderness and familiarity. He did not, in anger, bid them get out of His presence, but called them, in 'love, to come into His presence: for therefore he is fit
_ Matthew 22
They took it for granted that their Master would eat the passover, though he was at this time persecuted by the chief priests, and his life sought; they knew that he would not be put by his duty, either by frightenings without or fears within. Those do not follow Christ's example who make it an excuse for their not attending on the Lord's supper, our gospel passover, that they have many troubles and many enemies, are full of care and fear; for, if so, they have the more need of that ordinance, to help to silence their fears, and comfort them under their troubles, to help them in forgiving their enemies, and casting to teach, and we are invited to learn of Him, because He is meek and lowly in heart.
He never took state upon him, was not waited on at table; he once washed his disciples' feet, but we never read that they washed his feet. He came to minister help to all that were in distress; he made himself a servant to the sick and diseased; was as ready to their requests as ever any servant was at the beck of their master, and took as much pains to serve them; he attended continually to this very thing, and denied himself both food and rest to attend to it. all their cares on God.
Matthew 26
And herein he is an example to children and young people, who should learn of Christ to delight in the company of those they may get good by, and choose to When we are ever so much in haste about any business, yet we should be willing to stand still to do good.
Matthew 20 sit in the midst of the doctors rather than in the midst of the players. Let them begin at twelve years old, and sooner, to enquire after knowledge, and to associate with those that are It was much to the honour of Christ and his doctrine, that he did not interpose as a Judge or a Divider in matters of this nature, but left them as he found them, for his kingdom is able to instruct them; ic is a hopeful and promising presage not of this world; and in this he in youth, to be desirous of hath given an example to his instruction. Many a youth at ministers, who deal in sacred
Christ's age now would have been playing with the children things, not to meddle with disputes about things secular, not in the temple, but he was to wade far into controversies
Christ: Our Example sitting with the doctors in the temple. we, that are stinted, be proud and self-conceited?
Romans 12
Luke 2
Christ's disciples had been very defective in their duty. We find them guilty of many mistakes and weaknesses: they were very dull and very forgetful, and often blundered, yet _ their Master passes all by and forgets
Christ: Our Sin-Bearer
The law appointed only one goat for a sin-offering as on the day of atonement (Lev. 16; 15) and on suchvextraordinary occasions as __ this (Num. 15; 24) but they here offered seven, (v. 21) because the sins of the congregation had been very great and long continued in. Seven is a number of perfection; our great _ sinoffering is but one yet that one perfects for ever those that are sanctified. it; he does not upbraid them with their infirmities, but gives them this memorable _ testimonial, 'You are they who have continued with me.' Thus does he praise at parting, to show how willing he is to make the best of those whose hearts he knows to be upright with him.
Luke 22
2 Chronicles 29
He does not pray to be glorified with the princes and great men of the earth: no; he that knew both worlds, and might choose which he would have his preferment in, chose it in the glory of the other world, as far exceeding all the glory of this. He had despised 'the kingdoms of this world and the glory of them', when Satan offered them to him, and therefore might the more boldly claim the glories of the other world. 'Let the same mind be in us'. Lord, give the glories of this world to whom thou wilt give them, but let me have my portion of glory in the world to come.
God could have taken away the sin by taking away the sinner, as he took away the sin of the old world; but he has found out a way of abolishing the sin, and yet sparing the sinner.
John 1
Thousands of sheep had been offered in sacrifice for their shepherds, as sin-offerings, but here, by a surprising reverse, the shepherd is sacrificed for the sheep. When David, the shepherd of Israel, was himself guilty, and the destroying angel drew his sword against the flock for his sake,- with good reason did he plead, 'These sheep, what evil have they done? Let thy hand be against me,' (2 Sam. 24:17). But the Son of David was sinless and spotless; and his sheep, what evil have they not done? Yet he saith, 'Let thine hand be against me.'
John 17
Christ had the Spirit given him without measure (John 3:34). But the saints have it by measure (see Eph. 4:7). Christ, who had gifts without measure, was meek and lowly; and shall John 10
Christmas and the reproaches of men. He knows what ground he stands on, what guide he follows, what guard he is surrounded with, and what glory he is going to, and therefore proceeds with assurance and great peace (Isa. 82217533215 216). Proverbs 10
Surely Adam could not propagate so strong a poison but Jesus Christ could propagate as strong an antidote, and much stronger. . . The stream of grace and righteousness is deeper and broader than the stream of guilt; for this righteousness does not only take away the guilt of that one offence, but of many other offences, even of all. God in Christ forgives all trespasses, (Col. 2:13).
Good principles fixed in the head will produce good resolutions in the heart and good practices in the life.
Romans
Isaiah 26
Christian Freedom
Here the apostle proceeds to more particular exhortations. Two he enlarges upon in this chapter: — to unity and love, purity and_ holiness, which Christians should very much study. We do not 'walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called' if we be not faithful friends to all Christians, and sworn enemies to all sin.
To prevent these mistakes, the apostle tells the Christians that they were free, but from what? Not from duty or obedience to God's law, which requires subjection to the civil magistrate. They were free spiritually from the bondage of sin and Satan, and the ceremonial law; but they must not make their Christian liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness, or for the neglect of any duty towards God or towards their superiors, but must _ still remember they were 'the servants of God'. Learn, all the servants of Christ are free men (John 8:36); they are free
Ephesians 4
Christmas
When men by their sins have caused the life and substance of ordinances to cease it is just with God by His judgments to cause the remaining show and shadow of them to cease. He will take away the supports of their carnal mirth. They loved the new-moons and the sabbaths only for the sake of the good cheer that was stirring then, not for the sake of any religious exercises then performed; these they had dropped long ago; and now God will take away their from Satan's dominion, the law's condemnation, the wrath of God, the uneasiness of duty, and the terrors of death.
1 Peter 2
Christian Life
He goes on his way with a humble boldness, being well armed against the temptations of Satan, the troubles of the world, provisions for these solemnities
Hosea 2
Church
Church faith — and in its use, which is spiritual work, to offer up spiritual sacrifices. This house
It is built firmly; the mountains are rocky, and on a rock the church is built. The world is founded upon the seas (24:2), which are continually ebbing and flowing, and are a very weak foundation. Babel was built in a plain, where the ground was rotten. But the church is built on the _ everlasting mountains and the perpetual hills; for sooner shall the mountains depart, and the is daily built up, every part of it improving, and the whole supplied in every age by the addition of new _ particular members.
1 Peter 2
Church's Weakness
But God saith 'They are too many' and when diminished to hills be removed, than the covenant of God's peace shall be disannulled, and on that the church is built (Isa. 54:10). The foundation is upon the holy mountains. Holiness is the strength and stability of the church: it is this that will support it and keep it from sinking; not so much that it a third part, 'they are yet too many' which may help us to understand those providences which sometimes seem _ to weaken the Church and its interests. Its friends are too many, too mighty, too wise, for God to work deliverances by. God is taking a course to lessen them that He may be exalted in His own strength. is built upon mountains as that it is built upon holy mountains — upon the promise of God, for the confirming of which he has sworn by His holiness, upon the sanctification of the Spirit, which will secure the happiness of all the saints.
Judges 7
Israel's ground would never have been footing for Philistine armies if Israel had been faithful to their God. The Philistines, it is probable, had heard that Samuel had fallen out with Saul and forsaken him and no longer assisted and advised him, and that Saul had grown melancholy and unfit for business and this news' encouraged them to make this attempt for the retrieving of the credit they had lately lost. The enemies of the Church are watchful to take all advantages and they never have greater advantages than when her protectors have provoked God's Spirit and prophets leave them.
Psalm 87
The church of God is a spiritual house. The foundation is Christ, (Eph. 2:20). The builders are ministers (1 Cor. 3:10). The inhabitant is God (Eph. 2:22). It is a house for its strength, beauty, variety of parts, and usefulness of the whole. It is spiritual in its foundation, Christ Jesus — in the materials of it, spiritual persons — in its furniture, the graces of the Spirit — in its connection, being held together by the Spirit of God and by one common
1 Samuel 17
Comfort
Clothing among you, that knows how to explain the difficulties of God's providence or how to apply the consolations of his promises. Those do not go wisely about the work of com-
The purity of the heart will show itself in the modesty of the dress, which becomes women professing godliness. forting the afflicted who fetch their comforts from the possibility of their recovery and enlargement in this world; though that is not to be despaired of, it is at the best uncertain; and if it should fail, as perhaps it may, the comforts built upon it will fail too. It is Proverbs 7
As to fine clothing; this teaches us not to care for it at all, not to covet it, nor to be proud of it, not to make the putting on of apparel our adorning, for after all our care in this the lilies will far outdo us; we cannot dress so fine as they do, why then should we attempt to vie with them? Their adorning will soon perish, and so will ours; they fade — are today, and tomorrow are cast, as other rubbish, into the oven; and the therefore our wisdom to comfort ourselves, and others, in distress, with that which will not fail, the promise of God, his love and grace, and a wellgrounded hope of eternal life.
Job 17 clothes we are proud of are wearing out, the gloss is soon gone, the colour fades, the shape goes out of fashion, or in a while the garment itself is worn out; such is man in all his pomp (Isa. 40:6, 7).
None can relieve the distresses of the outward condition without God. If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I? (2 Kings 6:27). Nor can any relieve the distresses of the mind against God and_ his terrors. If he impress the sense of his wrath upon a guilty conscience, all the comforts the creature can administer are ineffectual. As vinegar upon nitre, so are songs to a heavy heart. The irresistibleness of God's_ operations must be acknowledged in his dealings both with communities and with particular persons: what he does cannot be controlled, whether it be done against a nation in its public capacity or against a man only in his private affairs.
Matthew 6
The outward adorning of the body is very often sensual and excessive; for instance, when it is immoderate, and above your degree and station in the world, when you are proud of it and puffed up with it, when you dress with design to allure and tempt others, when your apparel is too rich, curious, or superfluous, when your fashions are fantastical, imitating the levity and vanity of the worst people, and when they are immodest and wanton.
Job 34
1 Peter 3 Comfort
There are two words with which we may comfort ourselves and ...I1 cannot find one wise man
Comfort one another in reference to the mismanagements of power among men: one is 'Hallelujah, the Lord God omnipotent reigneth' (Rev. 14:6); the other is 'surely I come quickly' (Rev. 22620): Psalm 82
Commandments
Nay, though first-table duties have in them more of the essence of religion, yet secondtable duties have in them more of the evidence of it. Our light burns in love to God, but it shines in love to our neighbour.
Taking the law in its spiritual sense, as Christ expounded it, no doubt, in many things he had offended against all these commands. Had _ he _ been acquainted with the extent and spiritual meaning of the law, instead of saying, 'All these have I kept; what lack I yet?', he would have said, with shame and sorrow, 'All these have I broken, what shall I do to get my sins pardoned?'
Those are blessed who have the liberty of ordinances and the privileges of God's house. But, though we should be debarred from them, yet we are not therefore debarred from blessedness if we trust in God. If we cannot go to the House of the Lord, we may go by faith to the Lord of the House, and in him we shall be happy and may be easy.
Psalm 84
Matthew 19
Instead of enquiring after that which would comfort you, you pore upon that which looks melancholy, and 'sorrow has filled your heart'... That they were too intent, and pored too much, upon the occasions of their grief: 'Sorrow has filled their hearts'. Christ had said enough to fill them with joy (ch. 15:11); but by looking at that only which made against them, and _ overlooking that which made for them, they were so full of sorrow that there was no room left for joy. Note, it is the common fault and folly of melancholy Christians to dwell only upon the dark side of the cloud, to meditate nothing but terror, and turn a deaf ear to the 'voice of joy and gladness'.
Common Grace
How much are we_ beholden to the restraining grace of God for the preserving any thing of the honour and decency of the human nature! For, were it not for this, man, who was made but little lower than the angels, would make himself a great deal. lower than the devils.
Romans 1
Common Sense
We must so depend on God's providence as to make use of our own prudence. Help thyself and God will help thee. God answers our prayers by teaching us to order our affairs with discretion.
John 16
Communion with God
Communion with God
Everything is beautiful in its season. Even the business of religion and the comforts of communion with God must sometimes give way to _ the necessary affairs of this life.
To hear God's praises sweetly sung as David had appointed would cheer his spirits and settle his mind and help to put him into a right frame both to speak to him and to hear from him. We find a company of prophets prophesying with a psaltery and tabret before them.
Genesis 32
Though God's promise would have secured him anywhere yet he would use means for his own preservation.
(leSam 4) 10% +5). i Fhosetatiat desire communion with God must keep their spirits quiet and serene. Elisha being refreshed and having the tumults of his spirits laid by this divine music, the Hand of the Lord came upon him.
1 Kings 11
The rules of a strict discipline must not be made too strict, but so as to admit of a dispensation when the necessity of a case calls for it, which therefore, in making vows of that nature, it is wisdom to provide expressly for, that the way may be made the more clear, and we may not afterwards be forced to say, It was an error (Eccles. 5:6). Commands of that nature are to be understood with such _limitations. These Rechabites would have tempted God, and not trusted Him, if they had not used proper means for their own safety in a time of common calamity, notwithstanding, the law and custom of their family.
2 Kings 3
The sedateness of his mind was evinced by the Spirit's coming upon him; for the Spirit chooses to move upon the still waters. Let no unkindness, no, not of a child or a friend, ever be laid so much to heart as to disfit us for communion with God.
Even our sorrow for sin must not hinder either our joy in God or our hope in God.
Psalm 3
Jeremiah 35
By this we may now know that God accepts our spiritual sacri-
We are not called to suffer while we may avoid it without fices, if by his Spirit he kindles in our souls a holy fire of pious and divine affection and with sin; and therefore, though we may not, for our own preservation, change our religion, yet we may change our place. Christ secured himself, not by a miracle, but in a way common to men, for the direction and encouragement of his suffering people. that makes our hearts burn within us.
Psalm 20
The opening of his hand will satisfy the desire of other living things (145:16), but it is only the shining of his face that will John 4
Communion with God vanishing, even those of near communion with God are so, not a continual feast, but a running banquet. If sometimes we are favoured with special manifestations of divine grace, glimpses and pledges of future glory, yet they are withdrawn presently; two heavens are too much for those to expect that never deserve one. satisfy the desire of a living soul. (4:6, 7).
Psalm 27
He longed, he fainted, he cried out, importunate to be restored to his place in God's courts, and almost impatient of delay. Yet it was not so much the courts ol the "Lord that' *he coveted, but he cried out, in prayer, for the living God him-
Matthew 17 self. O that I might know him, and be again taken into communion with him! (1 John 1:3).
Composure of Spirit
Ordinances are empty things if we meet not with God in the ordinances.
He kept his temper and was not ruffled nor discomposed by any of the slights that were put upon him or the mischievous things that were said or done against him (v. 13, 14): 'I, as Psalm 84
Let our disappointments in the creature turn our eyes to the Creator; let us have recourse to the word of God's grace and consult that, to the throne of his grace and solicit that. In the word and prayer there is a balm for every wound. a deaf man, heard not.' I took no notice of the affronts put upon me, did not resent them, nor was put into disorder by them, much less did I meditate revenge or study to return the injury. Note, the less notice we take of the unkindness and injuries that are done us,' the more we consult the quiet of our own minds.
Ecclesiastes 5
Raptures and transports of joy are not the daily bread of God's children, however they may upon special occasions' be feasted with them. We must not deny but that we have truly communion with God (1 John
Psalm 38
Wisdom teaches us not to be quick-sighted, or quick-scented, in apprehending and resenting affronts, but to wink at many of the injuries that are done to us, and act as if we did not see them (v. 21): 'Take no heed to all words that are spoken; set not thy heart to them.' Vex not thyself at men's peevish reflections upon thee, or suspicions of thee, but be as a deaf man that hears not (Ps. 38:13, 1:3) though we have it not always so sensibly as at some times. And, though the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven may sometimes be looked into, yet ordinarily it is plain preaching that is most for edification.
Ezekiel 3
It is not wisdom to raise our expectations high in this world, for the most valuable of our glories and joys here are 14). Be not solicitious or inquisitive to know what people say of
Compromise
thee; if they speak well of thee,
They know they must obey God rather than man; _ they must rather suffer than sin, and must not do evil that good may come. And therefore none of these things move them; they are resolved rather to die in their integrity than live in their iniquity. While their brethren, who yet remained in their own land, were worshipping images by choice, they in Babylon would not be brought to it by constraint, but, as if they were good by 'antiperiit will feed thy pride, if ill, it will stir up thy passion. See therefore that thou approve thyself to God and thy own conscience, and then heed not what men say of thee.
Ecclesiastes 7
When he says, I will take my rest, it is not as if he were weary of governing the world, or as if he either needed or desired to retire from it and repose himself; but it intimates that the great God has a perfect, undisturbed, enjoyment of himstasis', were most zealous against idolatry in an idolatrous country. And truly, all things considered, the saving of them from this sinful compliance was self, in the midst of all the agitations and changes of this world (the Lord sits even upon the floods unshaken); the Eternal Mind is always easy. as great a miracle in the kingdom of grace as the saving of them out of the fiery furnace was in the kingdom of nature. These were those who formerly resolved not to defile themselves with the king's meat, and now they as bravely resolve not Isaiah 19
Compromise
Heaven and Hell can never be reconciled, not light and darkness; No more can Satan and a sanctified soul, for these are contrary one to the other. to. defile themselves with his gods. Note, a steadfast, selfdenying adherence to God and duty in less instances will qualify and prepare us for the
Genesis 3
like in greater.
Daniel 3
Perhaps he might have this excuse for gratifying the king herein, that by this means he might keep him at the temple at Jerusalem and prevent his totally
They were divided between God and their idols. They had a remaining affection in_ their hearts for God, but a reigning affection for their idols. They halted between God and Baal, that was the dividing of their heart. But God is the sovereign deserting it for the high places and the groves. Let us oblige him in this, thinks Urijah and then he will bring all his sacrifices to us for by this craft we get our living but whatever pretence he had, it was a most base wicked thing for him that was a priest, a chief priest, to make this altar. of the heart and he will by no means endure a rival; he will either have all or none. Satan, like the pretended mother, says, 'Tet it, be enelther, mine, nor thine, but divide it'; but, if this 2 Kings 16
Compromise be yielded to, God says, Nay, of our brethren; it was a weakness in Peter to prefer private communion with God before public usefulness. Paul is willing to abide in the flesh, rather than depart to the mountain of glory (though that be far better), when he sees it need- 'let him take it all.'
Hosea 10
Those that think to divide their affections and adorations between God and idols will not only come short of acceptance with God, but will have their doom with the worst of idolaters; for what communion can there be between light and darkness, Christ and Belial, God and mammon? She whose own the child is not pleads for the dividing of it, for, if Satan have half, he will have all; but the true mother says, 'Divide it not', for, if God have but half, he will have none. ful for the church (Phil. 1: 247, 25)e Mark 9
Seeing Paul while he was a prisoner employed himself in such prayers to God on behalf of the Ephesians, we should learn that no particular sufferings of our own should make us so solicitous about ourselves as to neglect the cases of others in our supplications and addresses to God.
Zephaniah 1
Ephesians 3
Concern for Others
As those who are grown Christians must be willing to hear the plainest truths preached for the sake of the weak, so the weak must be willing to hear the more difficult and mysterious truths preached for the sake of those who are strong.
It is probable that they were for entertaining themselves with the sight of the sepulchre and discourse with the angels. It was good to be here, but they have other work appointed them; this is a day of good tidings, and though they have the first taste of it, yet they must not have the monopoly of it, must not hold their peace, any more than those lepers (2 Kings 7:9). They must go tell the disciples. Note, public usefulness to others must be preferred before the pleasure of secret communion with God ourselves; for it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Hebrews 6
Confidence in God
He sits there, as one easy and at rest, out of the reach of all their impotent menaces and attempts. There he sits as Judge in all the affairs of the children of men, perfectly "secure of @the sifull accomplishment of all his own purposes and designs, in spite of all opposition (29:10). The perfect repose of the eternal mind may be our comfort under Matthew 28
When it is well with us, we are apt to be mindless of others, and in the fulness of our enjoyments to forget the necessities all the disquietments of our mind. We are tossed on earth,
Conscience and in the sea, but he sits in the heavens, where he has prepared his throne for judgment.
Even those that do the greatest wrong yet have such a conviction in their consciences that they would seem to do right.
Those attempts of the kingdom of Satan which in our eyes are formidable, in his are despicable.
Judges 11
David was ashamed of it and willing it should be forgotten because there fell wrath for it against Israel. A good man cannot, in the reflection, please himself with that which he knows God is displeased with, cannot make use of that nor take comfort in that which is obtained by sin.
Psalm 2
If, in the worst times, God's people can lift up their heads with joy, knowing that all shall work for them to good, they will own it is God that is the lifter up of their head, that gives them both cause to rejoice and hearts to rejoice.
1 Chronicles 27
Psalm 3
The fear of God _ restrained him from oppressing the people. Those that truly fear God will not dare to do any thing cruel or unjust. It was purely that which restrained him. He was thus generous, not that he might have praise of men, or serve a turn. by« hisovinterest: im \the people, but purely for consciencer sake, because of the fear of God.
We need not look upon those enemies with fear whom God looks upon with contempt.
Psalm 53
But particular notice must be taken of this, that the first prophecy against Egypt was just at the time when the king of Egypt was coming to relieve Jerusalem and raise the siege (Jer. 37:5), but did not answer the expectations of the Jews from them. Note, it is good to foresee the failing of all our creature-confidences, then when we are most in temptation to depend upon them, that we may cease from man.
Nehemiah 5
Sense of guilt quite dispirits men, upon the approach of any threatening trouble. What can those hope to do for themselves who have made God their enemy?
Jeremiah 6
Ezekiel 29
Our only confidence in trouble will be that, having through grace in some measure done our duty, we shall find God a God ll-sufficient to us. We may glory in this, that, wherever we are, we have an acquaintance with and an interest in a God that exercises lovingkindness, and judgment, and righteousness
Conscience
We must never be over-awed either by majesty or multitude to do a sinful thing and go against our consciences.
Joshua 9
Conscience
How he was filled with causeless fears merely from _ the guilt of his own conscience. Thus blood cries, not only from the earth on which it was shed, but from the heart of him that shed it, and makes him Magor-missabib — a terror round about, a terror to himself. A guilty conscience suggests everything that is frightful, and, like a whirlpool, gathers all to itself that comes near it. Thus the wicked flee when none pursue' "(Proy. 228:1); are «i great fear, where no fear is, (Ps. 14:5). in the earth, that is not only just to all his creatures and will do no wrong to any of them, but kind to all his children and will protect them and provide for them. 'For in these things I delight'. God delights to show kindness and to execute judgment himself, and is pleased with those who herein are followers of him as dear children. Those' that Have such knowledge of the glory of God as to be changed into the same image, and to. partake of his holiness, find it to be their perfection and glory; and the God they thus faithfully conform to they may cheerfully confide in, in their greatest straits.
Matthew 14
The reflections and reproaches of the sinner's own conscience
Jeremiah 9 are the 'worm that dieth not'; which will cleave to the damned soul as the worms do to the dead body, and prey upon it, and never leave it till it is quite devoured. 'Son, remember', will set this worm a gnawing; and how terribly will it bite with that word, 'How have I hated instruction!' (Prov. 5:12, 23). The soul that is food to this worm, dies not; the worm is bred in it, and one with it, and Why is he in such a fright? He perceives not what is written, and how does he know but it may be some happy presage of deliverance to him and to his kingdom? But the business was 'his thoughts troubled him'; his own guilty conscience flew in his face, and told him that he had no reason to expect any good news from heaven, and that the hand of an angel could write nothing but terror to him. He that knew himself liable to the justice of God immediately concluded this to be an arrest therefore neither doth that die. Damned sinners will be _ to eternity accusing, condemning, and upbraiding themselves with their own follies. in his name, a summons to appear before him. Note, God can soon awaken the most secure and make the heart of the stoutest sinner to tremble; and there needs no more to do it than to let loose his own thoughts upon him; they will soon play the tyrant, and give him trouble enough.
The wrath of God fastening upon a guilty and polluted conscience, is the fire that is not quenched; for it is the wrath of the living God, the eternal God, into whose hands it is a fearful thing to fall. There are no operations of the Spirit of grace upon the souls of damned sinners, and therefore there is Daniel 5
Contentment nothing to alter the nature of the fuel, which must remain for ever combustible; nor is there any application of the merit of Christ to them, and therefore there is nothing to appease or quench the violence of the lire, religion in their prosperity cannot expect the comforts of it when they come to be in distress; justly, are they then sent to 'the gods whom they have served' (Juds. 10, v. 14).
Deuteronomy 4
Mark 9
If God's goodness to us be like the morning light, which shines more and more to the perfect day, let not ours to him be like the morning cloud and the early dew that passeth away.
When men will not be persuaded to do what they should do, it is no marvel that they are ever and anon at a loss what to do.
Psalm 23
Acts 4
He who does a thing which he believes to be unlawful, however the thing be in itself, to him it is a sin. This arises from that unchangeable law of our creation, which is, that our wills, in all their choices, should follow the dictates of our understandings. This is the order of nature, which order is broken if the understanding tell us that such a thing is a sin, and yet we will do it. This is a will to do evil; for, if it appears to us to be sin, there is the same pravity and corruption of the will in the doing of it as if really it were a sin; and therefore we ought not to do it.
Contentment
As we may go anywhere in comfort when God's Presence goes with us, so we can stay anywhere contentedly if that blessing rest upon us.
Genesis 26
It is much easier to bring ourselves to the external services of religion and observe all the formalities of devotion than to live a life of dependence upon and submission to the Divine Providence in the course of our life.
Numbers 14
Let Zebulun rejoice in his going out; let him thank God for the gains and make the best of the losses and inconveniences of his merchandise and not despise the meanness nor envy the quietness of Issachar's tents. Let Issachar rejoice in his tents; let him be well pleased with his retirements and content with the small profits of his country seats and not grudge that he has not Zebulun's pleasure of travelling and profit of trading.
He that will venture to do that which his own conscience suggests to him to be unlawful, when it is not so in itself, will by a like temptation be brought to do that which his conscience tells him is unlawful when it is really so.
Romans 14
Consistency
Those that cast off the duties of
Contentment and present, should make us receive our afflictions with a suitable disposition of spirit.
Every business has both its conveniences and _ inconveniences and, therefore, whatever Providence has made our business we ought to bring our minds to it.
Job 2
His own covetous mind keeps him from being truly rich. He is not rich that has not enough, and he has not enough that does not think he has. It is contentment only that is great gain.
Deuteronomy 33
It is an evidence of a discontented, distrustful, unstable spirit, to be weary of the place in which God hath set us, and to be for leaving it immediately whenever we meet with any uneasiness or inconvenience in Job 15
That heart must needs wander that walks after the eyes; for then it looks no further than the things that are seen, whereit:
Ruth 1
How little God affects external as it ought to be in heaven, whither the eyes cannot reach: pomp and= splendour in his service. His Ark was content with a tabernacle and he never it should follow the dictates of religion and right reason: if it follow the eye, it will be misled to that for which God will bring men into judgment (Eccl. 11, 9). so much as mentioned the building of a house for it; no, not when he had fixed his people in great and goodly cities which they builded not (Deut. 6, 10.) he commanded the judges to feed his people but never bid them build him a house. We may well be content awhile with mean accommodations; God's Ark was so.
Job 31
Natural desires are at rest when that which is desired is obtained, but corrupt desires are insatiable. Nature is content with little, grace with less, but lust with nothing.
1 Chronicles 17
Solomon knew how to set bounds to his desires. He was not one of those that enlarged
Only as his friends, when he came naked into the world, in pity to him, helped him with swaddling-clothes, so, when he goes out, they help him with grave-clothes, and that is all. See (Job 1:21; Ps. 49:17). This them endlessly and can never be satisfied but knew when to draw in, for he finished all he desired and then he desired no more. He did not sit down and fret that he had not more cities is urged as a reason why we should be content with such things as we have (1 Tim. 6:7). In respect of the body we must go as we came, the dust shall return to the earth as it was. to build as Alexander did that he had no more worlds to conquer (Hab. 2; 5.)
2 Chronicles 8
The consideration of the mercies we receive from God, both past
Ecclesiastes 5
Contentment
Even a poor man, who has business, and is discreet, diligent, and dexterous, in the management of it, may get as comfortably through this world that he takes in the business of the world; let him therefore take it, and much good may it do him; and let him not deny himself that, out of a peevish discontent because the world does not go as he would have it. as he that is loaded with an overgrown estate. Consider what the poor has less than the rich, if he but knows to walk before the living, knows how to conduct himself decently, and do his duty to all, how to get an honest livelihood by his labour, how to spend his time well and improve his opportunities. What has he? Why, he is _ better beloved and more respected among his neighbours, and has a better interest than many a rich man that is griping and haughty. What has he? Why he has as much of the comfort of this Ecclesiastes 8
The frowns of the world would not disquiet us as they do if we did not foolishly flatter ourselves with the hopes of its smiles and court and covet them too much. It is our. overfondness for the good things of this present time that makes us impatient under its evil tidings.
Jeremiah 45
We could better be without mines of gold than fields of corn; the products of the earth, which may easily be gathered from the surface of it, are much greater blessings to mankind than its treasures, which are with so much difficulty and hazard dug out of its bowels. If God give us daily bread, we have reason to be _ thankful, and no reason to complain, though silver and gold we have none.
life, has food and raiment, and
is therewith content, and so is
as truly rich as he that has abundance.
He is much happier that is always content, though he has ever so little, than he that is always coveting, though he has ever so much.
Ecclesiastes 6
Then I commended joy, a holy security and serenity of mind, arising from a confidence in God, and his power, providence and promise, because a man has no better thing under the sun (though a good man has much better things above the sun) than to eat and drink, that is soberly and thankfully to make use of the things of this life according as his rank is, and to be cheerful, whatever happens, for that shall abide with him of. his labour. That is all the fruit he has for himself of the pains
Ezekiel 7
Nature is content with little, grace with less, but lust with nothing.
Matthew 15
God is the sovereign King, the righteous Judge, and to him it belongs to administer justice; for, being a God of infinite knowledge, by him actions are weighed in unerring balances; and, being a God of infinite purity, he hates sin and cannot endure to look upon iniquity.
Romans 12
Contentment acquainted with them, that they may be ruled by them. We should always make the Word of God the governor of our discourse, so as never to transgress it by sinful speaking
We must bring our minds to our present condition, and this is the sure way to contentment; and those who cannot do it would not be contented though God should raise their condition to their minds, for the mind would or sinful silence; and we should often make it the subjectmatter of our discourse, that it may feed many and minister grace to the hearers. rise with the condition. Haman was the great court-favourite, and yet not contented — Ahab on the throne, and yet not contented — Adam in paradise, and yet not contented; yea, the angels in heaven, and yet not contented; but Paul, though abased and empty, had 'learned
Psalm 119
Conversion in every state, in any state, therewith to be content.'
The proselytes of other nations, all that had separated themselves from the people of the lands, their gods and_ their worship, unto the law of God, and the observance of that law. See what conversion is; it
Hebrews 13
Conversation
Make known His deeds, that others may join with you in praising him. Talk of all his wondrous works, as we talk of is separating ourselves from the course and custom of _ this world, and devoting ourselves to the conduct of the word of God. things that we are full of, and much affected with, and desire to fill others with. God's wondrous works ought to be the subject of our familiar discourses with our families and friends, and we should talk of them 'as we sit in the house and as we go by the way' (Deut. 6:7), not merely for entertainment, but for the exciting of devotion and the encouraging of our own and others' faith and hope in God. Even sacred things may be the matter of common talk, provided it be with due reverence.
Nehemiah 10
Conversion begins in serious consideration (Ezek. 18:28, Luke 15:17).Consideration must end in a sound conversion. To what purpose have we thought on our ways if we do not turn our feet with all speed to God's testimonies?
Psalm 119
Observe, what is required to denominate a man a true convert, how he must be qualified that he may be entitled to this act of indemnity. The first step towards conversion is consideration (v. 28): 'Because he considers and turns.'
Psalm 105
The more we see of the righteousness of God's commandments, the more industrious we should be to bring others
Ezekiel 18
Conviction
Rahab must prefer the honour of God and the good of his people before the preservation of her own country. Her former acquaintance must be discarded, her former course of The understanding is opened to receive the divine light, the will opened to receive the divine law, and the affections opened to receive the divine love. When the heart is thus opened to Christ, the ear is opened to his word, the lips opened in prayer, the hand opened in charity, and the steps enlarged in all manner of gospel obedience. life entirely abandoned, and she must give signal proof and evidence of this before she can be in a justified state.
James 2
Acts 16
He that is said to 'err from the truth' in (v. 19) is described as He did not reason himself into Christianity by a chain of arguments, but was brought into the highest degree of an assurance of it, immediately from the highest degree of prejudice against it, by which it appeared that he was made a Christian and 'erring in his way' in (v. 20), and we cannot be said to convert any merely by altering their opinions, unless we can bring them to correct and amend their ways. This is conversion — to turn a sinner from the error of his ways, and not to turn him from one party to another, or merely from one notion and way of thinking to another. a preacher by a supernatural power; so that his conversion in such a miraculous way was not | only to himself, but to others also, a convincing proof of the truth of Christianity.
James 5
Acts 26
Conviction
Walk by new rules, towards new ends, from new principles. Make a new choice of the way. Choose new paths to walk in, new lead-
The servant knew before that he was so much in debt, and yet was under no concern about it, till he was called to an account. Sinners are commonly careless about the pardon of their sins, ers to walk after, new companions to walk with. Old things should pass away, and all things become new. The man is what he was not, does what he did till they come under the arrests of some awakening word, some startling providence, or approaching death, and then, 'Wherewith shall I come before the Lord?' (Miceh 6:6). How easily, how quickly, can God bring the proudest sinner to his feet; Ahab to his sackcloth, Manasseh to his prayers, Pharaoh to his confessions, Judas to his restitution, Simon Magus to his supplication, Belshazzar and Felix to their tremblings. The not.
Romans 6
This Rahab believed the report she had heard of God's powerful presence with Israel; but that which proved her faith sincere, was, that, to the hazard of her life, she 'received the messengers, and sent them out another way'.
Conviction have acted against right reason, and our true interest; of the stoutest heart will fail, when God sets the sins in order before filth of sin, that by it we are become odious to God; of the fountain of sin, the corrupt nature; and, lastly, of the fruit of sin, that the end thereof is death. The Spirit demonstrates the depravity and degeneracy of the whole world, that all the world is guilty before God. it. This servant doth not deny the debt, nor seek evasions, nor go about to abscond.
Matthew 18
What he had said concerning his grace and eternal life he found had made little impression upon her, because she had not been convinced of sin; therefore, waiving the discourse about the living water, he sets himself to awaken her conscience, to open the wound of guilt, and then she would more easily apprehend the remedy by grace. And this John 16
Correction
There is little hope of those who are made worse by that which should make them better, whose corruptions are excited and exasperated by those rebukes both of the word and of the providence of God which were designed for the suppressing and subduing of them. is the method of dealing with souls; they must first be made weary and heavy-laden under the burden of sin, and then brought to Christ for rest; first pricked to the heart, and then healed. This is the course of spiritual physic; and if we proceed not in this order we begin. . . | have given thee medicine, but it has done thee no good. at the wrong end.
John 4
I have used the means of cleansing thee, but they have been ineffectual; the intention of them has not been answered. Note, it is sad to think how many there are on whom ordinances and providences are all
The scribes and Pharisees had the wound opened, and now they should have been desirous to have it searched, and then it might have been healed, but this was the thing they dreaded and declined. It is folly for those that are under convictions to get away from Jesus Christ, as these here did, for he is the only one that can heal the wounds of conscience, and speak peace to us. lost.
Ezekiel 24
Counterfeits
There is a kind of peace in the palace of an unconverted soul, while the devil, as a strong man
John 8 armed, keeps it. The sinner has a good opinion of himself, is very secure and merry, has no doubt concerning the goodness of his state nor any dread of the judgment to come; he flatters
The Spirit convinces of the fact of sin, that we have done so and so; of the fault of sin, that we have done ill in doing so; of the folly of sin, that we
Courage himself in his own eyes, and cries peace to himself. Before Christ appeared, all was quiet, because all went one way; but the preaching of the Gospel of complaint of the princes that unjustly committed him, no offer to bring an action of false imprisonment against them, but all in a way of modest supplication to the king, to teach us that even when we act with the courage that becomes the faithful servants of God, yet we must conduct ourselves with the humility and modesty that become dutiful subjects to the government God hath set over disturbed the peace of the devil's palace.
Luke
Courage
The way of access to the enemies' camp is described as being peculiarly difficult and their natural entrenchments impregnable yet this does not discourage him; the strength and sharpness of the rocks do but harden and whet his resolutions. Great and generous souls are animated by opposition and take pleasure in breaking through it. us. A lion in God's cause must be a lamb in his own.
Jeremiah 37
Though at first he came to jesusmby enight,.s for fear sok being known, and still continued in his post; yet, when there was occasion, he boldly appeared in defence of Christ, and opposed the whole council that were set against him. Thus many believers who at first were timorous, and ready to flee at the shaking ofa leaf, have at length, by divine grace, grown courageous, and able to laugh at the shaking of 1 Samuel 14
The boldness of the attacks which profane people make upon religion should sharpen the courage and resolution of its friends and advocates. It is time to stir when proclamation is made in the gate of the camp, who is on the Lord's side? When vice is daring it is no time for virtue, through fear to hide itself. a spear. Let none justify the disguising of their faith by the example of Nicodemus, unless, like him, they be ready upon the first occasion openly to appear in the cause of Christ, though they stand alone in it; for so Nicodemus did here, and ch ,219:59).
PODcls,
John 7
When Jeremiah delivered God's message he spoke as one having authority, with the greatest boldness; but, when he presented his own _ request, he spoke as one under authority, with the greatest submissiveness: Though they knew the prisoners would hear them, yet they sang aloud, as those that were not ashamed of their Master, nor of his service. Shall those that would sing psalms in their families plead, in excuse for their omission of the duty, that they are afraid their neighbours 'Hear me, I pray thee, O my Lord the king! Let my supplication, I pray thee, be accepted before thee.' Here is not a word