mh_parser/vol_split/41 - Mark/Chapter 4.xml

<div2 id="Mark.v" n="v" next="Mark.vi" prev="Mark.iv" progress="38.30%" title="Chapter IV">
<h2 id="Mark.v-p0.1">M A R K.</h2>
<h3 id="Mark.v-p0.2">CHAP. IV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Mark.v-p1">In this chapter, we have, I. The parable of the
seed, and the four sorts of ground (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.1-Mark.4.9" parsed="|Mark|4|1|4|9" passage="Mk 4:1-9">ver. 1-9</scripRef>), with the exposition of it
(<scripRef id="Mark.v-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.10-Mark.4.20" parsed="|Mark|4|10|4|20" passage="Mk 4:10-20">ver. 10-20</scripRef>), and the
application of it, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.21-Mark.4.25" parsed="|Mark|4|21|4|25" passage="Mk 4:21-25">ver.
21-25</scripRef>. II. The parable of the seed growing gradually,
but insensibly, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.26-Mark.4.29" parsed="|Mark|4|26|4|29" passage="Mk 4:26-29">ver.
26-29</scripRef>. III. The parable of the grain of mustard-seed,
and a general account of Christ's parables, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.30-Mark.4.34" parsed="|Mark|4|30|4|34" passage="Mk 4:30-34">ver. 30-34</scripRef>. IV. The miracle of Christ's
sudden stilling a storm at sea, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.35-Mark.4.41" parsed="|Mark|4|35|4|41" passage="Mk 4:35-41">ver.
35-41</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="Mark.v-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4" parsed="|Mark|4|0|0|0" passage="Mr 4" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Mark.v-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.1-Mark.4.20" parsed="|Mark|4|1|4|20" passage="Mr 4:1-20" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Mark.4.1-Mark.4.20">
<h4 id="Mark.v-p1.9">The Parable of the Sower.</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Mark.v-p2">1 And he began again to teach by the sea side:
and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he
entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude
was by the sea on the land.   2 And he taught them many things
by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,   3 Hearken;
Behold, there went out a sower to sow:   4 And it came to
pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the
air came and devoured it up.   5 And some fell on stony
ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up,
because it had no depth of earth:   6 But when the sun was up,
it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
  7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and
choked it, and it yielded no fruit.   8 And other fell on good
ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and
brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred.
  9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him
hear.   10 And when he was alone, they that were about him
with the twelve asked of him the parable.   11 And he said
unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom
of God: but unto them that are without, all <i>these</i> things are
done in parables:   12 That seeing they may see, and not
perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at
any time they should be converted, and <i>their</i> sins should be
forgiven them.   13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this
parable? and how then will ye know all parables?   14 The
sower soweth the word.   15 And these are they by the way
side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan
cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their
hearts.   16 And these are they likewise which are sown on
stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately
receive it with gladness;   17 And have no root in themselves,
and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or
persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are
offended.   18 And these are they which are sown among thorns;
such as hear the word,   19 And the cares of this world, and
the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering
in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.   20 And these
are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and
receive <i>it,</i> and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some
sixty, and some a hundred.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p3">The foregoing chapter began with Christ's
<i>entering into the synagogue</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.1" parsed="|Mark|4|1|0|0" passage="Mk 4:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>); this chapter begins with Christ's
<i>teaching again by the sea side.</i> Thus he changed his method,
that if possible all might be reached and wrought upon. To gratify
the nice and more genteel sort of people that had seats, <i>chief
seats, in the synagogue,</i> and did not care for hearing a sermon
any where else, he did not preach always by the <i>sea side,</i>
but, having liberty, went often <i>into the synagogue,</i> and
taught there; yet, to gratify the poor, the mob, that could not get
room in the synagogue, he did not always preach there, but <i>began
again to teach by the sea side,</i> where they could come <i>within
hearing.</i> Thus are we <i>debtors both to the wise and to the
unwise,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Rom.1.14" parsed="|Rom|1|14|0|0" passage="Ro 1:14">Rom. i. 14</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p4">Here seems to be a new convenience found
out, which had not been used before, though he had before preached
by the sea side (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.2.13" parsed="|Mark|2|13|0|0" passage="Mk 2:13"><i>ch.</i> ii.
13</scripRef>), and that was—his standing <i>in a ship,</i> while
his hearers <i>stood upon the land;</i> and that inland sea of
Tiberias having no tide, there was no ebbing and flowing of the
waters to disturb them. Methinks Christ's carrying his doctrine
into a ship, and preaching it thence, was a presage of his sending
the gospel to the <i>isles of the Gentiles,</i> and the shipping
off of the kingdom of God (that rich cargo) from the Jewish nation,
to be sent to a people that would bring forth more of the fruits of
it. Now observe here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p5">I. The <i>way of teaching</i> that Christ
used with the <i>multitude</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.2" parsed="|Mark|4|2|0|0" passage="Mk 4:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>); He <i>taught them many
things,</i> but it was <i>by parables</i> or similitudes, which
would <i>tempt them to hear;</i> for people love to be spoken to in
their own language, and careless hearers will catch at a plain
comparison borrowed from common things, and will retain and repeat
that, when they have <i>lost,</i> or perhaps never <i>took,</i> the
truth which it was designed to explain and illustrate: but unless
they would take pains to search into it, it would but amuse them;
<i>seeing they would see, and not perceive</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.12" parsed="|Mark|4|12|0|0" passage="Mk 4:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>); and so, while it gratified
their curiosity, it was the punishment of their stupidity; they
wilfully shut their eyes against the light, and therefore justly
did Christ put it into the dark lantern of a parable, which had a
bright side toward those who applied it to themselves, and were
willing to be guided by it; but to those who were only <i>willing
for a season to play with it,</i> it only gave a flash of light now
and then, but sent them away in the dark. It is just with God to
say of those that <i>will not see,</i> that they <i>shall not
see,</i> and to hide from their eyes, who only look about them with
a great deal of carelessness, and never look before them with any
concern upon the things that belong to their peace.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p6">II. The way of <i>expounding</i> that he
used with his <i>disciples; When he was alone</i> by himself, not
only the <i>twelve,</i> but others that were <i>about him with the
twelve,</i> took the opportunity to <i>ask him</i> the meaning of
the parables, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.10" parsed="|Mark|4|10|0|0" passage="Mk 4:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>.
They found it good to be <i>about Christ;</i> the nearer him the
better; good to be <i>with the twelve,</i> to be conversant with
those that are intimate with him. And he told them what a
distinguishing favour it was to them, that they were made
acquainted with the <i>mystery of the kingdom of God,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.11" parsed="|Mark|4|11|0|0" passage="Mk 4:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. <i>The secret of the
Lord was with them.</i> That <i>instructed</i> them, which others
were only <i>amused</i> with, and they were made to increase in
knowledge by every parable, and understood more of the way and
method in which Christ designed to set up his kingdom in the world,
while others were dismissed, never the wiser. Note, Those who know
the <i>mystery</i> of the <i>kingdom of heaven,</i> must
acknowledge that it is <i>given to them;</i> they receive both the
light and the sight from Jesus Christ, who, after his resurrection,
both <i>opened the scriptures,</i> and <i>opened the
understanding,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Luke.24.27 Bible:Luke.24.45" parsed="|Luke|24|27|0|0;|Luke|24|45|0|0" passage="Lu 24:27,45">Luke xxiv. 27,
45</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p7">In particular, we have here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p8">1. The parable of the sower, as we had it,
<scripRef id="Mark.v-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Matt.13.3" parsed="|Matt|13|3|0|0" passage="Mt 13:3">Matt. xiii. 3</scripRef>, &amp;c. He
begins (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.3" parsed="|Mark|4|3|0|0" passage="Mk 4:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), with,
<i>Hearken,</i> and concludes (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.9" parsed="|Mark|4|9|0|0" passage="Mk 4:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>) with, <i>He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.</i>
Note, The words of Christ demand attention, and those who speak
from him, may command it, and should stir it up; even that which as
yet we do not <i>thoroughly</i> understand, or not <i>rightly,</i>
we must carefully attend to, believing it to be both intelligible
and weighty, that at length we may understand it; we shall find
more in Christ's sayings than at first there seemed to be.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p9">2. The exposition of it to the disciples.
Here is a question Christ put to them before he expounded it, which
we had not in Matthew (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.13" parsed="|Mark|4|13|0|0" passage="Mk 4:13"><i>v.</i>
13</scripRef>); "<i>Know ye not this parable?</i> Know ye not the
meaning of it? <i>How then will ye know all parables?</i>" (1.) "If
ye know not this, which is so plain, how will ye understand other
parables, which will be more dark and obscure? If ye are gravelled
and run aground with this, which bespeaks so plainly the different
success of the word preached upon those that hear it, which ye
yourselves may see easily, how will ye understand the parables
which hereafter will speak of the rejection of the Jews, and the
calling of the Gentiles, which is a thing ye have no idea of?"
Note, This should quicken us both to prayer and pains that we may
get knowledge, that there are a great many things which we are
concerned to know; and if we understand not the plain truths of the
gospel, how shall we master those that are more difficult? <i>Vita
brevis, ars longa—Life is short, art is long. If we have run with
the footmen, and they have wearied us,</i> and run us down, then
<i>how shall we contend with horses?</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.12.5" parsed="|Jer|12|5|0|0" passage="Jer 12:5">Jer. xii. 5</scripRef>. (2.) "If ye know not this, which
is intended for your direction in hearing the word, that ye may
profit by it; how shall ye profit by what ye are further to hear?
This parable is to teach you to be attentive to the word, and
affected with it, that you may <i>understand</i> it. If ye receive
not this, ye will not know how to use the key by which ye must be
let into all the rest." If we understand not the rules we are to
observe in order to our profiting by the word, how shall we profit
by any other rule? Observe, Before Christ expounds the parable,
[1.] He shows them how sad <i>their</i> case was, who were not let
into the meaning of the doctrine of Christ; <i>To you it is given,
but not to them.</i> Note, It will help us to put a value upon the
privileges we enjoy as disciples of Christ, to consider the
deplorable state of those who want such privileges, especially that
they are out of the ordinary way of conversion; <i>lest they should
be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.12" parsed="|Mark|4|12|0|0" passage="Mk 4:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. Those only who are
<i>converted,</i> have <i>their sins forgiven them:</i> and it is
the misery of <i>unconverted</i> souls, that they lie under
<i>unpardoned</i> guilt. [2.] He shows them what a shame it was,
that they needed such particular explanations of the word they
heard, and did not apprehend it at first. Those that would improve
in knowledge, must be made sensible of their ignorance.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p10">Having thus prepared them for it, he gives
them the interpretation of the parable of the sower, as we had it
before in Matthew. Let us only observe here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p11"><i>First,</i> That in the great field of
the church, the word of God is dispensed to all promiscuously;
<i>The sower soweth the word</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.14" parsed="|Mark|4|14|0|0" passage="Mk 4:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>), sows it at a venture, <i>beside
all waters,</i> upon all sorts of ground (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.32.20" parsed="|Isa|32|20|0|0" passage="Isa 32:20">Isa. xxxii. 20</scripRef>), not knowing where it will
light, or what fruit it will bring forth. He <i>scatters</i> it, in
order to the <i>increase</i> of it. Christ was awhile <i>sowing</i>
himself, when he went about teaching and preaching; now he sends
his ministers, and sows by their hand. Ministers are sowers; they
have need of the skill and discretion of the husbandman (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.28.24-Isa.28.26" parsed="|Isa|28|24|28|26" passage="Isa 28:24-26">Isa. xxviii. 24-26</scripRef>); they must
not observe winds and clouds (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.11.4 Bible:Eccl.11.6" parsed="|Eccl|11|4|0|0;|Eccl|11|6|0|0" passage="Ec 11:4,6">Eccl.
xi. 4, 6</scripRef>), and must look up to God, who <i>gives seed to
the sower,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.10" parsed="|2Cor|9|10|0|0" passage="2Co 9:10">2 Cor. ix.
10</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p12"><i>Secondly,</i> That of the many that hear
the word of the gospel, and read it, and are conversant with it,
there are, comparatively, but few that receive it, so as to bring
forth the fruits of it; here is but one in four, that comes to
good. It is sad to think, how much of the precious seed of the word
of God is lost, and <i>sown in vain;</i> but there is a day coming
when <i>lost sermons</i> must be accounted for. Many that have
heard Christ himself <i>preach in their streets,</i> will hereafter
be bidden to depart from him; those therefore who place all their
religion in hearing, as if that alone would save them, do but
deceive themselves, and build their hope upon the sand, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Jas.1.22" parsed="|Jas|1|22|0|0" passage="Jam 1:22">Jam. i. 22</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p13"><i>Thirdly,</i> Many are much affected with
the word for the present, who yet receive no abiding benefit by it.
The motions of soul they have, answerable to what they hear, are
but a mere flash, like the crackling of thorns under a pot. We read
of hypocrites, that they <i>delight to know God's ways</i>
(<scripRef id="Mark.v-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.58.2" parsed="|Isa|58|2|0|0" passage="Isa 58:2">Isa. lviii. 2</scripRef>); of Herod,
that he heard John gladly (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Mark.6.20" parsed="|Mark|6|20|0|0" passage="Mk 6:20"><i>ch.</i>
vi. 20</scripRef>); of others, that they <i>rejoiced in his
light</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:John.5.35" parsed="|John|5|35|0|0" passage="Joh 5:35">John v. 35</scripRef>); of
those to whom Ezekiel was a <i>lovely song</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.33.32" parsed="|Ezek|33|32|0|0" passage="Eze 33:32">Ezek. xxxiii. 32</scripRef>); and those represented
here by the stony ground, received the word <i>with gladness,</i>
and yet came to nothing.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p14"><i>Fourthly,</i> The reason why the word
doth not leave commanding, abiding, impressions upon the minds of
the people, is, because their hearts are not duly disposed and
prepared to receive it; the fault is in themselves, not in the
word; some are careless forgetful hearers, and these get <i>no good
at all</i> by the word; it comes in at one ear, and goes out at the
other; others have their convictions overpowered by their
corruptions, and they lose the good impressions the word has made
upon them, so that they get no <i>abiding</i> good by it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p15"><i>Fifthly,</i> The devil is very busy
about loose, careless hearers, as the fowls of the air go about the
seed that lies above ground; when the heart, like the
<i>highway,</i> is unploughed, unhumbled, when it <i>lies
common,</i> to be trodden on by every passenger, as theirs that are
great company-keepers, then the devil is <i>like the fowls;</i> he
comes swiftly, and carries away the word ere we are aware. When
therefore these fowls come down upon the sacrifices, we should take
care, as <i>Abram</i> did, to <i>drive them away</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.11" parsed="|Gen|15|11|0|0" passage="Ge 15:11">Gen. xv. 11</scripRef>); that, though we cannot
keep them from hovering over our heads, we may not let them nestle
in our hearts.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p16"><i>Sixthly,</i> Many that are not openly
<i>scandalized,</i> so as to throw off their profession, as they on
the stony ground did, yet have the efficacy of it secretly
<i>choked</i> and stifled, so that it comes to nothing; they
continue in a barren, hypocritical profession, which brings nothing
to pass, and so go down as certainly, though more plausibly, to
hell.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p17"><i>Seventhly,</i> Impressions that are not
<i>keep,</i> will not be <i>durable,</i> but will wear off in
suffering, trying times; like footsteps on the sand of the sea,
which are gone the next high tide of persecution; when <i>that</i>
iniquity doth abound, the love of many to the ways of God waxeth
cold; many that keep their profession in fair days, lose it in a
storm; and do as those that go to sea only for pleasure, come back
again when the wind arises. It is the ruin of hypocrites, that they
<i>have no root;</i> they do not act from a living fixed principle;
they do not mind <i>heart-work,</i> and without that religion is
nothing; for he is the Christian, that is <i>one inwardly.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p18">Eighthly, Many are hindered from profiting
by the word of God, by their abundance of the world. Many a good
lesson of humility, charity, self-denial, and heavenly-mindedness,
is choked and lost by that prevailing complacency in the world,
which <i>they</i> are apt to have, on whom it smiles. Thus many
professors, that otherwise might have come to something, prove like
Pharaoh's <i>lean kine</i> and <i>thin ears.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p19">Ninthly, Those that are not encumbered with
the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, may yet
lose the benefit of their profession by the <i>lusts of other
things;</i> this is added here in Mark; <i>by the desires which are
about other things</i> (so Dr. Hammond), an inordinate appetite
toward those things that are pleasing to sense or to the fancy.
Those that have but little of the world, may yet be ruined by an
indulgence of the body.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p20"><i>Tenthly,</i> Fruit is the thing that God
expects and requires from those that enjoy the gospel: fruit
according to the <i>seed;</i> a temper of mind, and a course of
life, agreeable to the gospel; Christian graces daily exercised,
Christian duties duly performed. This is <i>fruit,</i> and it will
abound to our account.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p21"><i>Lastly,</i> No good fruit is to be
expected but from good seed. If the seed be sown on <i>good
ground,</i> if the heart be humble, and holy, and heavenly, there
will be <i>good fruit,</i> and it will <i>abound</i> sometimes even
to a <i>hundred fold,</i> such a crop as Isaac reaped, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.26.12" parsed="|Gen|26|12|0|0" passage="Ge 26:12">Gen. xxvi. 12</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Mark.v-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.21-Mark.4.34" parsed="|Mark|4|21|4|34" passage="Mr 4:21-34" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Mark.4.21-Mark.4.34">
<h4 id="Mark.v-p21.3">The Gradual Advance of the
Gospel.</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Mark.v-p22">21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to
be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a
candlestick?   22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be
manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should
come abroad.   23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
  24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that
hear shall more be given.   25 For he that hath, to him shall
be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that
which he hath.   26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as
if a man should cast seed into the ground;   27 And should
sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow
up, he knoweth not how.   28 For the earth bringeth forth
fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the
full corn in the ear.   29 But when the fruit is brought
forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is
come.   30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom
of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?   31
<i>It is</i> like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown
in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
  32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater
than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls
of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.   33 And with
many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able
to hear <i>it.</i>   34 But without a parable spake he not
unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his
disciples.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p23">The lessons which our Saviour designs to
teach us here by parables and figurative expressions are
these:—</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p24">I. That those who <i>are good</i> ought to
consider the obligations they are under to <i>do good;</i> that is,
as in the parable before, to <i>bring forth fruit.</i> God expects
a grateful return of his gifts to us, and a useful improvement of
his gifts in us; for (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.21" parsed="|Mark|4|21|0|0" passage="Mk 4:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>), <i>Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or
under a bed?</i> No, but that it may be <i>set on a
candlestick.</i> The apostles were ordained, to receive the gospel,
not for themselves only, but for the good of others, to communicate
it to them. All Christians, as they have <i>received the gift,</i>
must <i>minister the same.</i> Note, 1. Gifts and graces make a man
<i>as a candle;</i> the <i>candle of the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p24.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.20.27" parsed="|Prov|20|27|0|0" passage="Pr 20:27">Prov. xx. 27</scripRef>), lighted by the Father
of lights; the most eminent are but candles, poor lights, compared
with the <i>Sun of righteousness.</i> A candle gives light but a
<i>little way,</i> and but a <i>little while,</i> and is easily
blown out, and continually burning down and wasting. 2. Many who
are <i>lighted</i> as candles, put themselves <i>under a bed, or
under a bushel:</i> they do not <i>manifest</i> grace themselves,
nor <i>minister</i> grace to others; they have estates, and do no
good with them; have their limbs and senses, wit and learning
perhaps, but nobody is the better for them; they have spiritual
gifts, but do not use them; like a taper in an urn, they burn to
themselves. 3. Those who are lighted as candles, should set
themselves <i>on a candlestick;</i> that is, should improve all
opportunities of doing good, as those that were made for the glory
of God, and the service of the communities they are members of; we
are not born for ourselves.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p25">The reason given for this, is, because
<i>there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested,</i> which
<i>should not</i> be made manifest (so it might better be read),
<scripRef id="Mark.v-p25.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.22" parsed="|Mark|4|22|0|0" passage="Mk 4:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. There is no
treasure of gifts and graces lodged in any but with design to be
communicated; nor was the gospel made a <i>secret</i> to the
apostles, to be concealed, but that it should <i>come abroad,</i>
and be divulged to all the world. Though Christ expounded the
parables to his disciples privately, yet it was with design to make
them the more publicly useful; they were <i>taught,</i> that they
might teach; and it is a general rule, that <i>the ministration of
the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal,</i> not himself
only, but others also.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p26">II. It concerns those who hear the word of
the gospel, to <i>mark</i> what they hear, and to <i>make a good
use</i> of it, because their <i>weal</i> or <i>woe</i> depends upon
it; what he had said before he saith again, <i>If any man have ears
to hear, let him hear,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p26.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.23" parsed="|Mark|4|23|0|0" passage="Mk 4:23"><i>v.</i>
23</scripRef>. Let him give the gospel of Christ a fair hearing;
but that is not enough, it is added (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p26.2" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.24" parsed="|Mark|4|24|0|0" passage="Mk 4:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>), <i>Take heed what ye hear,</i>
and give a due regard to that which ye do hear; <i>Consider what
ye</i> hear, so Dr. Hammond reads it. Note, What we hear, doth us
no good, unless we consider it; those especially that are to teach
others must themselves be very observant of the things of God; must
take notice of the message they are to deliver, that they may be
exact. We must likewise <i>take heed what we hear,</i> by
<i>proving</i> all things, that we may <i>hold fast that which is
good.</i> We must be <i>cautious,</i> and stand upon our guard,
lest we be imposed upon. To enforce this caution, consider,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p27">1. As we deal with God, God will deal with
us, so Dr. Hammond explains these words, "<i>With what measure ye
mete, it shall be measured to you.</i> If ye be faithful servants
to him, he will be a faithful Master to you: <i>with the upright he
will show himself upright.</i>"</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p28">2. As we improve the talents we are
entrusted with, we shall increase them; if we make use of the
knowledge we have, for the glory of God and the benefit of others,
it shall sensibly grow, as stock in trade doth by being turned;
<i>Unto you that hear, shall more be given; to you that have, it
shall be given,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p28.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.25" parsed="|Mark|4|25|0|0" passage="Mk 4:25"><i>v.</i>
25</scripRef>. If the disciples <i>deliver</i> that to the church,
which they have <i>received of the Lord,</i> they shall be
<i>led</i> more into the <i>secret of the Lord.</i> Gifts and
graces multiply by being exercised; and God has promised to bless
the <i>hand of the diligent.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p29">3. If we do not <i>use,</i> we <i>lose,</i>
what we have; <i>From him that hath not,</i> that doeth no good
with what he hath, and so hath it in vain, is as if he had it not,
<i>shall be taken even that which he hath.</i> Burying a talent is
the betraying of a trust, and amounts to a forfeiture; and gifts
and graces <i>rust</i> for want of <i>wearing.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p30">III. The good seed of the gospel sown in
the world, and sown in the heart, doth by degrees produce wonderful
effects, but without noise (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p30.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.26" parsed="|Mark|4|26|0|0" passage="Mk 4:26"><i>v.</i>
26</scripRef>, &amp;c.); <i>So is the kingdom of God;</i> so is the
gospel, when it is sown, and received, as seed in good ground.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p31">1. It will <i>come up;</i> though it seem
lost and buried under the clods, it will find or make its way
through them. The seed <i>cast into the ground will spring.</i> Let
but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul,
and it will show itself, as the <i>wisdom from above</i> doth in a
<i>good conversation.</i> After a field is sown with corn, how soon
is the surface of it altered! How gay and pleasant doth it look,
when it is covered with green!</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p32">2. The husbandman cannot describe how it
comes up; it is one of the mysteries of nature; It <i>springs and
grows up, he knows not how,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p32.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.27" parsed="|Mark|4|27|0|0" passage="Mk 4:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>. He sees it has grown, but he
cannot tell in what manner it grew, or what was the cause and
method of its growth. Thus we know not how the Spirit by the word
makes a change in the heart, any more than we can account for the
blowing of the wind, which we hear the sound of, but cannot tell
whence it comes, or whither it goes. Without controversy, great is
the mystery of godliness; how <i>God manifested in the flesh</i>
came to be <i>believed on in the world,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p32.2" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.3.16" parsed="|1Tim|3|16|0|0" passage="1Ti 3:16">1 Tim. iii. 16</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p33">3. The husbandman, when he hath sown the
seed, doth nothing toward the springing of it up; <i>He sleeps, and
rises, night and day;</i> goes to sleep <i>at night,</i> gets up
<i>in the morning,</i> and perhaps never so much as thinks of the
corn he hath sown, or ever looks upon it, but follows his pleasures
or other business, and yet <i>the earth brings forth fruit of
itself,</i> according to the ordinary course of nature, and by the
concurring power of the God of nature. Thus the <i>word of
grace,</i> when it is received in faith, is in the heart a <i>work
of grace,</i> and the preachers contribute nothing to it. The
Spirit of God is carrying it on when <i>they sleep,</i> and can do
no business (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p33.1" osisRef="Bible:Job.33.15-Job.33.16" parsed="|Job|33|15|33|16" passage="Job 33:15,16">Job xxxiii. 15,
16</scripRef>), or when they rise to go about other business. The
prophets do not <i>live for ever;</i> but the word which they
preached, is doing its work, when they are in their graves,
<scripRef id="Mark.v-p33.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.1.5-Zech.1.6" parsed="|Zech|1|5|1|6" passage="Zec 1:5,6">Zech. i. 5, 6</scripRef>. The dew by
which the seed is brought up <i>tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth
for the sons of men,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p33.3" osisRef="Bible:Mic.5.7" parsed="|Mic|5|7|0|0" passage="Mic 5:7">Mic. v.
7</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p34">4. It grows gradually; <i>first the blade,
then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p34.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.28" parsed="|Mark|4|28|0|0" passage="Mk 4:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>. When it is sprung up, it
will go forward; nature will have its course, and so will grace.
Christ's interest, both in the world and in the heart, is, and will
be, a <i>growing</i> interest; and though <i>the beginning be
small, the latter end will greatly increase.</i> Though thou sowest
not that body that shall be, but <i>bare grain,</i> yet God <i>will
give to every seed its own body;</i> though at first it is but a
tender <i>blade,</i> which the frost may nip, or the foot may
crush, yet it will increase to <i>the ear,</i> to the <i>full corn
in the ear. Natura nil facit per saltum—Nature does nothing
abruptly.</i> God carries on his work insensibly and without noise,
but insuperably and without fail.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p35">5. It comes to perfection at last
(<scripRef id="Mark.v-p35.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.29" parsed="|Mark|4|29|0|0" passage="Mk 4:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>); <i>When the
fruit is brought forth,</i> that is, when it is <i>ripe,</i> and
ready to be <i>delivered</i> into the owner's hand; then he <i>puts
in the sickle.</i> This intimates, (1.) That Christ <i>now
accepts</i> the services which are done to him by an honest heart
from a good principle; from the fruit of the gospel taking place
and working in the soul, Christ <i>gathers in</i> a harvest of
honour to himself. See <scripRef id="Mark.v-p35.2" osisRef="Bible:John.4.35" parsed="|John|4|35|0|0" passage="Joh 4:35">John iv.
35</scripRef>. (2.) That he will reward them in eternal life. When
those that receive the gospel aright, have finished their course,
the harvest comes, when they shall be gathered as <i>wheat into
God's barn</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p35.3" osisRef="Bible:Matt.13.30" parsed="|Matt|13|30|0|0" passage="Mt 13:30">Matt. xiii.
30</scripRef>), as a shock of corn <i>in his season.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p36">IV. The work of grace is small in its
beginnings, but comes to be great and considerable at last
(<scripRef id="Mark.v-p36.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.30-Mark.4.32" parsed="|Mark|4|30|4|32" passage="Mk 4:30-32"><i>v.</i> 30-32</scripRef>);
"<i>Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God,</i> as now to be
set up by the Messiah? How shall I make you to understand the
designed method of it?" Christ speaks as one considering and
consulting with himself, how to illustrate it with an apt
similitude; <i>With what comparison shall we compare it?</i> Shall
we fetch it from the motions of the sun, or the revolutions of the
moon? No, the comparison is borrowed from this earth, it is <i>like
a grain of mustard-seed;</i> he had compared it before to <i>seed
sown,</i> here to <i>that seed,</i> intending thereby to show,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p37">1. That the beginnings of the <i>gospel
kingdom</i> would be very small, like that which is <i>one of the
least of all seeds.</i> When a Christian church was <i>sown in the
earth</i> for God, it was all contained in one room, and the
<i>number of the names</i> was but one hundred and twenty
(<scripRef id="Mark.v-p37.1" osisRef="Bible:Acts.1.15" parsed="|Acts|1|15|0|0" passage="Ac 1:15">Acts i. 15</scripRef>), as the
children of Israel, when they went down into Egypt, were but
seventy souls. The work of grace in the soul, is, at first, but the
<i>day of small things;</i> a <i>cloud</i> no <i>bigger than a
man's hand.</i> Never were there such great things undertaken by
such an inconsiderable handful, as that of the discipling of the
nations by the ministry of the apostles; nor a work that was to end
in such great glory, as the work of grace raised from such weak and
unlikely beginnings. <i>Who hath begotten me these?</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p38">2. That the perfection of it will be very
great; <i>When it grows up, it becomes greater than all herbs.</i>
The gospel kingdom in the world, shall increase and spread to the
remotest nations of the earth, and shall continue to the latest
ages of time. The <i>church</i> hath <i>shot out great
branches,</i> strong ones, spreading far, and fruitful. The <i>work
of grace</i> in the soul has mighty products, now while it is in
its growth; but what will it be, when it is perfected in heaven?
The difference between a <i>grain of mustard seed</i> and a
<i>great tree,</i> is nothing to that between a <i>young
convert</i> on earth and a <i>glorified saint</i> in heaven. See
<scripRef id="Mark.v-p38.1" osisRef="Bible:John.12.24" parsed="|John|12|24|0|0" passage="Joh 12:24">John xii. 24</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p39">After the parables thus specified the
historian concludes with this general account of Christ's
preaching—that <i>with many such parables he spoke the word unto
them</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p39.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.33" parsed="|Mark|4|33|0|0" passage="Mk 4:33"><i>v.</i> 33</scripRef>);
probably designing to refer us to the larger account of the
parables of this kind, which we had before, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p39.2" osisRef="Bible:Matt.13.1-Matt.13.52" parsed="|Matt|13|1|13|52" passage="Mt 13:1-52">Matt. xiii.</scripRef> He spoke in parables, <i>as
they were able to hear them;</i> he fetched his comparisons from
those things that were familiar to them, and level to their
capacity, and delivered them in plain expressions, in condescension
to their capacity; though he did not let them into the
<i>mystery</i> of the parables, yet his manner of expression was
easy, and such as they might hereafter recollect to their
edification. But, for the present, <i>without a parable spoke he
not unto them,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p39.3" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.34" parsed="|Mark|4|34|0|0" passage="Mk 4:34"><i>v.</i>
34</scripRef>. The glory of the Lord was covered with a cloud, and
God speaks to us in the language of the <i>sons of men,</i> that,
though not <i>at first,</i> yet <i>by degrees,</i> we may
understand his meaning; the disciples themselves understood those
sayings of Christ afterward, which at first they did not rightly
take the sense of. But these parables <i>he expounded to them, when
they were alone.</i> We cannot but wish we had had that exposition,
as we had of the parable of the sower; but it was not so needful;
because, when the church should be enlarged, that would
<i>expound</i> these parables to us, without any more ado.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Mark.v-p39.4" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.35-Mark.4.41" parsed="|Mark|4|35|4|41" passage="Mr 4:35-41" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Mark.4.35-Mark.4.41">
<h4 id="Mark.v-p39.5">Christ and His Disciples in the
Storm.</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Mark.v-p40">35 And the same day, when the even was come, he
saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.   36
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he
was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
  37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat
into the ship, so that it was now full.   38 And he was in the
hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him,
and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?   39
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace,
be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye
have no faith?   41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one
to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the
sea obey him?</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p41">This miracle which Christ wrought for the
relief of his disciples, in stilling the storm, we had before
(<scripRef id="Mark.v-p41.1" osisRef="Bible:Matt.8.23" parsed="|Matt|8|23|0|0" passage="Mt 8:23">Matt. viii. 23</scripRef>, &amp;c.);
but it is here more fully related. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p42">1. It was <i>the same day</i> that he had
preached out of a ship, <i>when the even was come,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p42.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.35" parsed="|Mark|4|35|0|0" passage="Mk 4:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>. When he had been
<i>labouring in the word and doctrine</i> all day, instead of
<i>re</i>posing himself, he <i>ex</i>poseth himself, to teach us
not to think of a constant remaining rest till we come to heaven.
The end of a toil may perhaps be but the beginning of a toss. But
observe, the ship that Christ made his pulpit is taken under his
special protection, and, though in danger, cannot sink. What is
used for Christ, he will take particular care of.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p43">2. He himself proposed putting to sea at
night, because he would lose no time; <i>Let us pass over to the
other side;</i> for we shall find, in the next chapter, he has work
to do there. Christ went about doing good, and no difficulties in
his way should hinder him; thus industrious we should be in serving
him, and our generation according to his will.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p44">3. They did not put to sea, till <i>they
had sent away the multitude,</i> that is, had given to each of them
that which they came for, and answered all their requests; for he
sent none home complaining that they had attended him <i>in
vain.</i> Or, They sent them away <i>with a solemn blessing;</i>
for Christ came into the world, not only to pronounce, but to
<i>command,</i> and to <i>give,</i> the blessing.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p45">4. They took him <i>even as he was,</i>
that is, in the same dress that he was in when he preached, without
any cloak to throw over him, which he ought to have had, to keep
him <i>warm,</i> when he went to sea at night, especially after
preaching. We must not hence infer that we may be careless of our
health, but we may learn hence not to be over nice and solicitous
about the body.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p46">5. The storm was so great, that the ship
was <i>full of water</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p46.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.37" parsed="|Mark|4|37|0|0" passage="Mk 4:37"><i>v.</i>
37</scripRef>), not by springing a leak, but perhaps partly with
the shower, for the word here used signifies a <i>tempest of wind
with rain;</i> however, the ship being little, the waves beat into
it so that <i>it was full.</i> Note, It is no new thing for that
ship to be greatly hurried and endangered, in which Christ and his
disciples, Christ and his name and gospel, are embarked.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p47">6. There were <i>with him other little
ships,</i> which, no doubt, shared in the distress and danger.
Probably, these <i>little ships</i> carried those who were desirous
to go along with Christ, for the benefit of his preaching and
miracles on the other side. The <i>multitude went away</i> when he
put to sea, but some there were, that would venture upon the water
with him. Those follow the Lamb aright, that follow him <i>wherever
he goes.</i> And those that hope for a happiness in Christ, must be
willing to take their lot with him, and run the same risks that he
runs. One may boldly and cheerfully put to sea in Christ's company,
yea though we foresee a storm.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p48">7. Christ was asleep in this storm; and
here we are told that it was <i>in the hinder part of the ship,</i>
the pilot's place: he lay at the helm, to intimate that, as Mr.
George Herbert expresses it,</p>
<verse id="Mark.v-p48.1">
<l class="t1" id="Mark.v-p48.2">When winds and waves assault my keel,</l>
<l class="t2" id="Mark.v-p48.3">He doth preserve it, he doth steer,</l>
<l class="t1" id="Mark.v-p48.4">Ev'n when the boat seems most to reel.</l>
<l class="t2" id="Mark.v-p48.5">Storms are the triumph of his art;</l>
<l class="t2" id="Mark.v-p48.6">Though he may close his eyes, yet not his
heart.</l>
</verse>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p49">He had a <i>pillow</i> there, such a one as
a fisherman's ship would furnish him with. And he <i>slept,</i> to
try the faith of his disciples and to stir up prayer: upon the
trial, their faith appeared <i>weak,</i> and their prayers
<i>strong.</i> Note, Sometimes when the church is in a storm,
Christ seems as if he were asleep, unconcerned in the troubles of
his people, and regardless of their prayers, and doth not presently
appear for their relief. <i>Verily he is a God that hideth
himself,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p49.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.45.15" parsed="|Isa|45|15|0|0" passage="Isa 45:15">Isa. xlv. 15</scripRef>.
But as, when he tarries, he doth not tarry (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p49.2" osisRef="Bible:Hab.2.3" parsed="|Hab|2|3|0|0" passage="Hab 2:3">Hab. ii. 3</scripRef>), so when he sleeps he doth not
sleep; the keeper of Israel doth not so much as slumber (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p49.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.121.3-Ps.121.4" parsed="|Ps|121|3|121|4" passage="Ps 121:3,4">Ps. cxxi. 3, 4</scripRef>); he slept, but his
heart was awake, as the spouse, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p49.4" osisRef="Bible:Song.5.2" parsed="|Song|5|2|0|0" passage="So 5:2">Cant. v.
2</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p50">8. His disciples encouraged themselves with
their having his presence, and thought it the best way to improve
that, and appeal to that, and ply the oar of prayer rather than
their other oars. Their confidence lay in this, that they had their
Master with them; and the ship that has Christ in it, though it may
be <i>tossed,</i> cannot <i>sink;</i> the bush that has God in it,
though it may <i>burn,</i> shall not <i>consume.</i> Cæsar
encouraged the master of the ship, that had him on board, with
this, <i>Cæsarem vehis, et fortunam Cæsaris—Thou hast Cæsar on
board, and Cæsar's fortune.</i> They <i>awoke Christ.</i> Had not
the necessity of the case called for it, they would not have
<i>stirred up</i> or <i>awoke</i> their Master, <i>till he had
pleased</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p50.1" osisRef="Bible:Song.2.7" parsed="|Song|2|7|0|0" passage="So 2:7">Cant. ii. 7</scripRef>);
but they knew he would <i>forgive them this wrong.</i> When Christ
seems as if he slept in a storm, he is awaked by the prayers of his
people; when we know not what to do, our eye must be to him
(<scripRef id="Mark.v-p50.2" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.20.12" parsed="|2Chr|20|12|0|0" passage="2Ch 20:12">2 Chron. xx. 12</scripRef>); we may
be at our wits' end, but not at our faith's end, while we have such
a Saviour to go to. Their address to Christ is here expressed very
emphatically; <i>Master, carest thou not that we perish?</i> I
confess this sounds somewhat harsh, rather like chiding him for
sleeping than begging him to awake. I know no excuse for it, but
the great familiarity which he was pleased to admit them into, and
the freedom he allowed them; and the present distress they were in,
which put them into such a fright, that they knew not what they
said. <i>They</i> do Christ a deal of wrong, who suspect him to be
<i>careless</i> of his people in distress. The matter is not so; he
is not willing that any should perish, much less any of his little
ones, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p50.3" osisRef="Bible:Matt.18.14" parsed="|Matt|18|14|0|0" passage="Mt 18:14">Matt. xviii. 14</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p51">9. The word of command with which Christ
rebuked the storm, we have here, and had not in Matthew, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p51.1" osisRef="Bible:Mark.4.39" parsed="|Mark|4|39|0|0" passage="Mk 4:39"><i>v.</i> 39</scripRef>. He says, <i>Peace, be
still</i>—<b><i>Siopa, pephimoso</i></b>—<i>be silent, be
dumb.</i> Let not the wind any longer roar, nor the sea rage. Thus
he <i>stills the noise of the sea, the noise of her waves;</i> a
particular emphasis is laid upon the noisiness of them, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p51.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.65.7 Bible:Ps.93.3-Ps.93.4" parsed="|Ps|65|7|0|0;|Ps|93|3|93|4" passage="Ps 65:7,93:3,4">Ps. lxv. 7, and xciii. 3, 4</scripRef>.
The noise is threatening and terrifying; let us hear no more of it.
This is, (1.) A word of command to us; when our wicked hearts are
<i>like the troubled sea which cannot rest</i> (<scripRef id="Mark.v-p51.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.57.20" parsed="|Isa|57|20|0|0" passage="Isa 57:20">Isa. lvii. 20</scripRef>); when our passions are up,
and are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying,
<i>Be silent, be dumb.</i> Think not confusedly, speak not
unadvisedly; but <i>be still.</i> (2.) A word of comfort to us,
that, be the storm of trouble ever so loud, ever so strong, Jesus
Christ can lay it with a word's speaking. When without are
fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult,
Christ can <i>create the fruit of the lips, peace.</i> If he say,
<i>Peace, be still,</i> there is a <i>great calm</i> presently. It
is spoken of as God's prerogative to command the seas, <scripRef id="Mark.v-p51.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.31.35" parsed="|Jer|31|35|0|0" passage="Jer 31:35">Jer. xxxi. 35</scripRef>. By this therefore
Christ proves himself to be God. He that made the seas, can make
them <i>quiet.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p52">10. The reproof Christ gave them for their
fears, is here carried further than in Matthew. There it is, <i>Why
are ye fearful?</i> Here, <i>Why are ye so fearful?</i> Though
there may be cause for some fear, yet not for fear to such a degree
as this. There it is, <i>O ye of little faith.</i> Here it is,
<i>How is it that ye have no faith?</i> Not that the disciples were
without faith. No, they believed that <i>Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God;</i> but at this time their fears prevailed so that they
seemed to <i>have no faith</i> at all. It was out of the way, when
they had occasion for it, and so it was as if they had not had it.
"<i>How is it, that in this matter ye have no faith,</i> that ye
think I would not come in with seasonable and effectual relief?"
Those may suspect their faith, who can entertain such a thought as
that Christ <i>careth not</i> though his <i>people perish,</i> and
Christ justly takes it ill.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Mark.v-p53"><i>Lastly,</i> The impression this miracle
made upon the disciples, is here differently expressed. In Matthew
it is said, <i>The men marvelled;</i> here it is said, <i>They
feared greatly.</i> They <i>feared a great fear;</i> so the
original reads it. Now their fear was rectified by their faith.
When they feared the winds and the seas, it was for want of the
reverence they ought to have had for Christ. But now that they saw
a demonstration of his power over them, they feared <i>them</i>
less, and <i>him</i> more. They <i>feared</i> lest they had
offended Christ by their unbelieving fears; and therefore studied
now to give him honour. They had <i>feared</i> the power and wrath
of the Creator in the storm, and that fear had torment and
amazement in it; but now they feared the power and grace of the
Redeemer in the calm; they <i>feared the Lord and his goodness,</i>
and it had pleasure and satisfaction in it, and by it they gave
glory to Christ, as Jonah's mariners, who, when the <i>sea ceased
from her raging, feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a
sacrifice unto the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="Mark.v-p53.1" osisRef="Bible:Jonah.1.16" parsed="|Jonah|1|16|0|0" passage="Jon 1:16">Jon. i.
16</scripRef>. This sacrifice they offered to the honour of Christ;
they said, <i>What manner of man is this?</i> Surely more than a
man, <i>for even the winds and the seas obey him.</i></p>
</div></div2>