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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>M A T T H E W.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. X.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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This chapter is an ordination sermon, which our Lord Jesus preached,
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when he advanced his twelve disciples to the degree and dignity of
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apostles. In the close of the foregoing chapter, he had stirred up them
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and others to pray that God would send forth labourers, and here we
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have an immediate answer to that prayer: while they are yet speaking he
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hears and performs. What we pray for, according to Christ's direction,
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shall be given, Now here we have,
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I. The general commission that was given them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:1">ver. 1</A>.
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II. The names of the persons to whom this commission was given,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:2-4">ver. 2-4</A>.
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III. The instructions that were given them, which are very full and
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particular;
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1. Concerning the services they were to do; their preaching; their
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working miracles; to whom they must apply themselves; how they must
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behave themselves; and in what method they must proceed,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:5-15">ver. 5-15</A>.
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2. Concerning the sufferings they were to undergo. They are told what
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they should suffer, and from whom; counsels are given them what course
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to take when persecuted, and encouragements to bear up cheerfully under
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their sufferings,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:16-42">ver. 16-42</A>.
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These things, though primarily intended for direction to the apostles,
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are of use to all Christ's ministers, with whom, by his word, Christ,
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and will be always to end the world.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Mt10_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Apostles Sent Forth.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And when he had called unto <I>him</I> his twelve disciples, he
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gave them power <I>against</I> unclean spirits, to cast them out, and
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to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
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2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first,
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Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James <I>the
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son</I> of Zebedee, and John his brother;
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3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican;
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James <I>the son</I> of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was
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Thaddeus;
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4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed
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him.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here we are told,
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I. Who they were that Christ ordained to be his apostles or
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ambassadors; they were his disciples,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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He had called them some time before to be disciples, his immediate
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followers and constant attendants, and he then told them that they
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should be made fishers of men, which promise he now performed. Note,
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Christ commonly confers honours and graces by degrees; the light of
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both, like that of the morning, <I>shines more and more.</I> All this
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while Christ had kept these twelve,</P>
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<P>
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1. In a state of probation. Though he knows what is in man, though he
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knew from the first what was in them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:7">John vi. 70</A>),
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yet he took this method to give an example to his church. Note, The
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ministry being a great trust, it is fit that men should be tried for a
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time, before they are entrusted with it. Let them <I>first be
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proved,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+3:10">1 Tim. iii. 10</A>.
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Therefore, hands must not be laid suddenly on any man, but let him
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first be observed as a candidate and probationer, a proposant (that is
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the term the French churches use), because some men's sins go before,
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others follow,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+5:22">1 Tim. v. 22</A>.</P>
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<P>
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2. In a state of preparation. All this while he had been fitting them
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for this great work. Note, Those whom Christ intends for, and calls to,
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any work, he first prepares and qualifies, in some measure, for it. He
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prepared them,
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(1.) By <I>taking them to be with him.</I> Note, The best preparative
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for the work of the ministry, is an acquaintance and communion with
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Jesus Christ. They that would <I>serve Christ,</I> must first be
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<I>with him</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+12:26">John xii. 26</A>).
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Paul had Christ revealed, not only <I>to him,</I> but <I>in him,</I>
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before he went to preach him among the Gentiles,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+1:16">Gal. i. 16</A>.
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By the lively acts of faith, and the frequent exercise of prayer and
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meditation, that fellowship with Christ must be maintained and kept up,
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which is a requisite qualification for the work of the ministry.
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(2.) By <I>teaching them;</I> they were with him as scholars or pupils,
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and he taught them privately, besides the benefit they derived from his
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public preaching; he opened the scriptures to them, and opened their
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understandings to understand the scriptures: to them it was given to
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<I>know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,</I> and to them they
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were <I>made plain.</I> Note, They that design to be teachers must
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first be learners; they must receive, that they may give; they must be
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<I>able to teach others,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:2">2 Tim. ii. 2</A>.
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Gospel truths must be first committed to them, before they be
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commissioned to be gospel ministers. To give men <I>authority</I> to
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teach others, that have not an <I>ability,</I> is but a mockery to God
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and the church; it is <I>sending a message by the hand of a fool,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+26:6">Prov. xxvi. 6</A>.
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Christ <I>taught his disciples</I> before he sent them forth
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:2"><I>ch.</I> v. 2</A>),
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and afterwards, when he enlarged their commission, he gave them more
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ample instructions,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:3">Acts i. 3</A>.</P>
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<P>
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II. What the commission was that he gave them.</P>
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<P>
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1. He <I>called them to him,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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He had called them to come <I>after</I> him before; now he calls them
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to come <I>to</I> him, admits them to a greater familiarity, and will
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not have them to keep at such a distance as they had hitherto observed.
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They that <I>humble themselves</I> shall thus be <I>exalted.</I> The
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priests under the law were said to <I>draw near</I> and <I>approach</I>
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unto God, nearer than the people; the same may be said of gospel
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ministers; they are called to draw near to Christ, which, as it is an
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honour, so should strike an awe upon them, remembering that Christ will
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be sanctified in those that <I>come nigh unto him.</I> It is
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observable, that when the disciples were to be <I>instructed,</I> they
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<I>came unto</I> him of their own accord,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:1"><I>ch.</I> v. 1</A>.
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But now they were to be <I>ordained,</I> he <I>called them.</I> Note,
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It well becomes the disciples of Christ to be more forward to learn
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than to teach. In the sense of our own ignorance, we must seek
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opportunities to be taught; and in the same sense we must <I>wait for a
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call,</I> a clear call, ere we take upon us to <I>teach others;</I> for
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<I>no man ought to take this honour to himself.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. He <I>gave them power,</I> <B><I>exousian</I></B>, <I>authority</I>
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in his name, to command men to obedience, and for the confirmation of
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that authority, to command devils too into a subjection. Note, All
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rightful authority is derived from Jesus Christ. All power is given to
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him without limitation, and the subordinate powers that be are ordained
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of him. Some of his honour he put on his ministers, as Moses put some
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of his on Joshua. Note, It is an undeniable proof of the fulness of
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power which Christ used as Mediator, that he could impart his power to
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those he employed, and enable them to work the same miracles that he
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wrought in his name. He gave them <I>power over unclean spirits,</I>
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and over <I>all manner of sickness.</I> Note, The design of the gospel
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was to <I>conquer the devil</I> and to <I>cure the world.</I> These
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preachers were sent out destitute of all external advantages to
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recommend them; they had no wealth, nor learning, nor titles of honour,
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and they made a very mean figure; it was therefore requisite that they
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should have some extraordinary power to advance them above the
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scribes.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) He gave them power <I>against unclean spirits, to cast them
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out.</I> Note, The power that is committed to the ministers of Christ,
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is directly levelled against the devil and his kingdom. The devil, as
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an <I>unclean spirit,</I> is working both in doctrinal errors
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+16:13">Rev. xvi. 13</A>),
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and in practical debauchery
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+2:10">2 Pet. ii. 10</A>);
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and in both these, ministers have a charge against him. Christ gave
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them power to cast him out of the bodies of people; but that was to
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signify the destruction of his <I>spiritual kingdom,</I> and all the
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works of the devil; for which purpose the <I>Son of God</I> was
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<I>manifested.</I></P>
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<P>
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(2.) He gave them power to <I>heal all manner of sickness.</I> He
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authorized them to work miracles for the confirmation of their
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doctrine, to prove that it was of God; and they were to work useful
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miracles for the illustration of it, to prove that it is not only
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faithful, but well <I>worthy of all acceptation;</I> that the design of
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the gospel is to heal and save. Moses's miracles were many of them for
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destruction; those Mahomet pretended to, were for ostentation; but the
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miracles Christ wrought, and appointed his apostles to work, were all
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for edification, and evince him to be, not only the great Teacher and
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Ruler, but the great Redeemer, of the world. Observe what an emphasis
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is laid upon the extent of their power to <I>all manner of
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sickness,</I> and <I>all manner of disease,</I> without the exception
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even of those that are reckoned incurable, and the reproach of
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physicians. Note, In the grace of the gospel there is a salve for every
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sore, a remedy for every malady. There is no spiritual disease so
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malignant, so inveterate, but there is a sufficiency of power in
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Christ, for the cure of it. Let none therefore say there is no hope, or
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that the breach is wide as the sea, that cannot be healed.</P>
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<P>
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III. The number and names of those that were commissioned; they are
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made apostles, that is, messengers. An angel, and an apostle, both
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signify the same thing--one <I>sent on an errand,</I> an ambassador. All
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faithful ministers are sent of Christ, but they that were first, and
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immediately, sent by him, are eminently called <I>apostles,</I> the
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prime ministers of state in his kingdom. Yet this was but the infancy
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of their office; it was when Christ <I>ascended on high</I> that he
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<I>gave some apostles,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:11">Eph. iv. 11</A>.
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Christ himself is called an apostle
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+3:1">Heb. iii. 1</A>),
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for he was <I>sent by the Father,</I> and so sent them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+20:21">John xx. 21</A>.
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The prophets were called God's messengers.</P>
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<P>
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1. Their number was twelve, referring to the number of the tribes of
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Israel, and the sons of Jacob that were the patriarchs of those tribes.
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The gospel church must be the Israel of God; the Jews must be first
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invited into it; the apostles must be spiritual fathers, to beget a
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seed to Christ. Israel after the flesh is to be rejected for their
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infidelity; these twelve, therefore, are appointed to be the fathers of
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another Israel. These twelve, by their doctrine, were to judge the
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twelve tribes of Israel,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:30">Luke xxii. 30</A>.
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These were the twelve stars that made up the church's crown
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+12:1">Rev. xii. 1</A>):
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the twelve foundations of the new Jerusalem
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+21:12,14">Rev. xxi. 12, 14</A>),
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typified by the twelve precious stones in Aaron's breast-plate, the
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twelve loaves on the table of show-bread, the twelve wells of water at
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Elim. This was that famous jury (and to make it a grand jury, Paul was
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added to it) that was impanelled to enquire between the King of kings,
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and the body of mankind; and, in this chapter, they have their charge
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given them, by him to whom <I>all judgment was committed.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. Their names are here left upon record, and it is their honour; yet
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in this they had more reason to rejoice, that their names were
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<I>written in heaven</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+10:20">Luke x. 20</A>),
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while the high and mighty names of the great ones of the earth are
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<I>buried in the dust.</I> Observe,</P>
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<P>
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(1.) There are some of these twelve apostles, of whom we know no more,
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from the scripture, than their names; as Bartholomew, and Simon the
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Canaanite; and yet they were faithful servants to Christ and his
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church. Note, all the good ministers of Christ are not alike famous,
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nor their actions alike celebrated.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) They are names by couples; for at first they were sent forth
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<I>two and two,</I> because <I>two are better than one;</I> they would
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be serviceable to each other, and the more serviceable jointly to
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Christ and souls; what one forgot the other would remember, and <I>out
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of the mouth of two witnesses every word would be established.</I>
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Three couple of them were brethren; Peter and Andrew, James and John,
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and the other James and Lebbeus. Note, Friendship and fellowship ought
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to be kept up among relations, and to be made serviceable to religion.
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It is an excellent thing, when brethren by nature are brethren by
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grace, and those two bonds strengthen each other.</P>
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<P>
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(3.) Peter is named first, because he was first called; or because he
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was the most forward among them, and upon all occasions made himself
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the mouth of the rest, and because he was to be the apostle of the
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circumcision; but that gave him no power over the rest of the apostles,
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nor is there the least mark of any supremacy that was given to him, or
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ever claimed by him, in this sacred college.</P>
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<P>
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(4.) Matthew, the penman of this gospel, is here joined with Thomas
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
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but in two things there is a variation from the accounts of Mark and
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Luke,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+3:18,Lu+6:15">Mark iii. 18; Luke vi. 15</A>.
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There, Matthew is put first; in that order it appears he was ordained
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before Thomas; but here, in his own catalogue, Thomas is put first.
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Note, It well becomes the disciples of Christ in honour to prefer one
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another. There, he is only called Matthew, here Matthew the publican,
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the toll-gatherer or collector of the customs, who was called from that
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infamous employment to be an apostle. Note, It is good for those who
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are advanced to honour with Christ, to look <I>unto the rock whence
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they were hewn;</I> often to remember what they were before Christ
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called them, that thereby they may be kept humble, and divine grace may
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be the more glorified. Matthew the apostle was Matthew the
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publican.</P>
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<P>
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(5.) Simon is called the Canaanite, or rather the Canite, from Cana of
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Galilee, where probably he was born; or Simon the Zealot, which some
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make to be the signification of <B><I>Kananites</I></B>.</P>
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<P>
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(6.) Judas Iscariot is always named last, and with that black brand
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upon his name, <I>who also betrayed him;</I> which intimates that from
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the first, Christ knew what a wretch he was, that he had a devil, and
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would prove a traitor; yet Christ took him among the apostles, that it
|
|
might not be a surprise and discouragement to his church, if, at any
|
|
time, the vilest scandals should break out in the best societies. Such
|
|
spots there have been in our feasts of charity; tares among the wheat,
|
|
wolves among the sheep; but there is a day of discovery and separation
|
|
coming, where hypocrites shall be unmasked and discarded. Neither the
|
|
apostleship, nor the rest of the apostles, were ever the worse for
|
|
Judas's being one of the twelve, while his wickedness was concealed and
|
|
did not break out.</P>
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|
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|
<A NAME="Mt10_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Instructions to the Apostles.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go
|
|
not into the way of the Gentiles, and into <I>any</I> city of the
|
|
Samaritans enter ye not:
|
|
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
|
|
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at
|
|
hand.
|
|
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out
|
|
devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
|
|
9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
|
|
10 Nor scrip for <I>your</I> journey, neither two coats, neither
|
|
shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
|
|
11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who
|
|
in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
|
|
12 And when ye come into a house, salute it.
|
|
13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but
|
|
if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
|
|
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words,
|
|
when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of
|
|
your feet.
|
|
15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the
|
|
land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that
|
|
city.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the instructions that Christ gave to his disciples, when
|
|
he gave them their commission. Whether this charge was given them in a
|
|
continued discourse, or the several articles of it hinted to them at
|
|
several times, is not material; in this he <I>commanded them.</I>
|
|
Jacob's blessing his sons, is called his <I>commanding</I> them, and
|
|
with these commands Christ commanded a blessing. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The people to whom he sent them. These ambassadors are directed what
|
|
places to go to.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Not to the Gentiles nor the Samaritans. They must not <I>go into the
|
|
way of the Gentiles,</I> nor into any road out of the land of Israel,
|
|
whatever temptations they might have. The Gentiles must not have the
|
|
gospel brought them, till the Jews have first refused it. As to the
|
|
Samaritans, who were the posterity of the mongrel people that the king
|
|
of Assyria planted about Samaria, their country lay between Judea and
|
|
Galilee, so that they could not avoid <I>going into the way</I> of the
|
|
Samaritans, but they must <I>not enter into any of their cities.</I>
|
|
Christ had declined manifesting himself to the Gentiles or Samaritans,
|
|
and therefore the apostles must not preach to them. If the gospel be
|
|
hid from any place, Christ thereby hides himself from that place. This
|
|
restraint was upon them only in their first mission, afterwards they
|
|
were appointed to go <I>into all the world,</I> and teach <I>all
|
|
nations.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. But <I>to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.</I> To them Christ
|
|
appropriated his own ministry
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+15:24"><I>ch.</I> xv. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
for he was a <I>minister of the circumcision</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+15:8">Rom. xv. 8</A>):
|
|
|
|
and, therefore, to them the apostles, who were but his attendants and
|
|
agents, must be confined. The first offer of salvation must be made to
|
|
the Jews,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+3:26">Acts iii. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Christ had a particular and very tender concern for the <I>house
|
|
of Israel;</I> they were <I>beloved for the fathers' sakes,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+11:28">Rom. xi. 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
He looked with compassion upon them as <I>lost sheep,</I> whom he, as a
|
|
shepherd, was to gather out of the by-paths of sin and error, into
|
|
which they were gone astray, and in which, if not brought back, they
|
|
would wander endlessly; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+2:6">Jer. ii. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Gentiles also had been as lost sheep,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+2:25">1 Pet. ii. 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ gives this description of those to whom they were sent, to
|
|
quicken them to diligence in their work, they were sent to the house of
|
|
Israel (of which number they themselves lately were), whom they could
|
|
not but pity, and be desirous to help.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The preaching work which he appointed them. He did not send them
|
|
forth without an errand; no, <I>As ye go, preach,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were to be itinerant preachers: wherever they come they must
|
|
proclaim the beginning of the gospel, saying, <I>The kingdom of heaven
|
|
is at hand.</I> Not that they must say nothing else, but this must be
|
|
their text; on this subject they must enlarge: let people know, that
|
|
the kingdom of the Messiah, who is the Lord from heaven, is now to be
|
|
set up according to the scriptures; from whence it follows, that men
|
|
must <I>repent</I> of their sins and forsake them, that they might be
|
|
admitted to the privileges of that kingdom. It is said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:12">Mark vi. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>they went out, and preached that men should repent;</I> which was
|
|
the proper use and application of this doctrine, concerning the
|
|
approach of the <I>kingdom of heaven.</I> They must, therefore, expect
|
|
to hear more of this long-looked-for Messiah shortly, and must be ready
|
|
to receive his doctrine, to believe in him, and to submit to his yoke.
|
|
The preaching of this was like the morning light, to give notice of the
|
|
approach of the rising sun. How unlike was this to the preaching of
|
|
Jonah, which proclaimed ruin at hand!
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jon+3:4">Jonah iii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
This proclaims salvation at hand, <I>nigh them that fear God; mercy and
|
|
truth meet together</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+85:9,10">Ps. lxxxv. 9, 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
that is, <I>the kingdom of heaven at hand:</I> not so much the personal
|
|
presence of the king; that must not be doated upon; but a spiritual
|
|
kingdom which is to be set up, when his bodily presence is removed, in
|
|
the hearts of men.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Now this was the same that John the Baptist and Christ had preached
|
|
before. Note, People need to have good truths pressed again and again
|
|
upon them, and if they be preached and heard with new affections, they
|
|
are as if they were fresh to us. Christ, in the gospel, is <I>the same
|
|
yesterday, to-day, and for ever,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+13:8">Heb. xiii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
Afterwards, indeed, when the Spirit was poured out, and the Christian
|
|
church was formed, this <I>kingdom of heaven came,</I> which was now
|
|
spoken of as <I>at hand;</I> but the <I>kingdom of heaven</I> must
|
|
still be the subject of our preaching: now it is come, we must tell
|
|
people it is come to them, and must lay before them the precepts and
|
|
privileges of it; and there is a kingdom of glory yet to come, which we
|
|
must speak of as at hand, and quicken people to diligence from the
|
|
consideration of that.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The power he gave them to work miracles for the confirmation of
|
|
their doctrine,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
When he sent them to preach the same doctrine that he had preached, he
|
|
empowered them to confirm it, by the same divine seals, which could
|
|
never be set to a lie. This is not necessary now the kingdom of God is
|
|
come; to call for miracles now is to lay again the foundation when the
|
|
building is reared. The point being settled, and the doctrine of Christ
|
|
sufficiently attested, by the miracles which Christ and his apostles
|
|
wrought, it is tempting God to ask for more signs. They are directed
|
|
here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. To use their power in doing good: not "Go and remove mountains," or
|
|
"fetch fire from heaven," but, <I>Heal the sick, cleanse the
|
|
lepers.</I> They are sent abroad as public blessings, to intimate to
|
|
the world, that love and goodness were the spirit and genius of that
|
|
gospel which they came to preach, and of that kingdom which they were
|
|
employed to set up. By this it would appear, that they were the
|
|
servants of that God who is good and does good, and whose mercy is
|
|
<I>over all his works;</I> and that the intention of the doctrine they
|
|
preached, was to heal sick souls, and to <I>raise</I> those that were
|
|
<I>dead in sin;</I> and therefore, perhaps, that of <I>raising the
|
|
dead</I> is mentioned; for though we read not of their raising any to
|
|
life before the <I>resurrection of Christ,</I> yet they were
|
|
instrumental to raise many to <I>spiritual life.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. In <I>doing good freely; Freely ye heave received, freely give.</I>
|
|
Those that had power to heal all diseases, had an opportunity to enrich
|
|
themselves; who would not purchase such easy certain cures at any rate?
|
|
Therefore they are cautioned not to make a gain of the power they had
|
|
to work miracles: they must cure <I>gratis,</I> further to exemplify
|
|
the nature and complexion of the gospel kingdom, which is made up, not
|
|
only of grace, but of free grace. <I>Gratia gratis data</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+3:24">Rom. iii. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>freely by his grace,</I> Buy medicines <I>without money, and without
|
|
price,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+55:1">Isa. lv. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
And the reason is, because <I>freely you have received.</I> Their power
|
|
to heal the sick cost them nothing, and, therefore, they must not make
|
|
any secular advantage to themselves of it. Simon Magus would not have
|
|
offered money for the gifts of the Holy Ghost, if he had not hoped to
|
|
get money by them;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+8:18">Acts viii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, The consideration of Christ's freeness in doing good to us,
|
|
should make us free in doing good to others.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. The provision that must be made for them in this expedition; it is
|
|
a thing to be considered in sending an ambassador, who must bear the
|
|
charge of the embassy. As to that,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. They must make no provision for it themselves,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:9,10"><I>v.</I> 9, 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Provide neither gold nor silver.</I> As, on the one hand, they shall
|
|
not raise estates by their work, so, on the other hand, they shall not
|
|
spend what little they have of their own upon it. This was confined to
|
|
the present mission, and Christ would teach them,
|
|
|
|
(1.) To act <I>under the conduct of human prudence.</I> They were now
|
|
to make but a short excursion, and were soon to return to their Master,
|
|
and to their head-quarters again, and, therefore, why should they
|
|
burthen themselves with that which they would have no occasion for?
|
|
|
|
(2.) To act in <I>dependence upon Divine Providence.</I> They must be
|
|
taught to live, without <I>taking thought for life,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+6:25"><I>ch.</I> vi. 25</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c. Note, They who go upon Christ's errand, have, of all people, most
|
|
reason to trust him for <I>food convenient.</I> Doubtless he will not
|
|
be wanting to those that are working for him. Those whom he employs, as
|
|
they are taken under special protection, so they are entitled to
|
|
special provisions. Christ's hired servants shall have <I>bread enough
|
|
and to spare;</I> while we abide faithful to God and our duty, and are
|
|
in care to do our work well, we may cast all our other care upon God;
|
|
Jehovah-jireh, let the Lord provide for us and ours as he thinks
|
|
fit.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. They might expect that those to whom they were sent would <I>provide
|
|
for them</I> what was necessary,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
The <I>workman is worthy of his meat.</I> They must not expect to be
|
|
fed by miracles, as Elijah was: but they might depend upon God to
|
|
incline the hearts of those they went among, to be kind to them, and
|
|
provide for them. Though they who <I>serve at the altar</I> may not
|
|
expect to grow rich by the altar, yet they may expect to live, and to
|
|
live comfortably upon it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+9:13,14">1 Cor. ix. 13, 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is fit they should have
|
|
their maintenance from their work. Ministers are, and must be,
|
|
workmen, labourers, and they that are so are <I>worthy of their
|
|
meat,</I> so as not to be forced to any other labour for the earning of
|
|
it. Christ would have his disciples, as not to distrust their God, so
|
|
not to distrust their countrymen, so far as to doubt of a comfortable
|
|
subsistence among them. If you preach to them, and endeavour to do good
|
|
among them, surely they will give you meat and drink enough for your
|
|
necessities: and if they do, never desire dainties; God will pay you
|
|
your wages hereafter, and it will be running on in the mean time.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. The proceedings they were to observe in dealing with any place,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:11-15"><I>v.</I> 11-15</A>.
|
|
|
|
They went abroad they knew not whither, uninvited, unexpected, knowing
|
|
none, and known of none; the land of their nativity was to them a
|
|
strange land; what rule must they go by? what course must they take?
|
|
Christ would not send them out without full instructions, and here they
|
|
are.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. They are here directed how to conduct themselves toward those that
|
|
were <I>strangers to them;</I> How to do,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) In <I>strange towns and cities:</I> when you come to a town,
|
|
<I>enquire who</I> in it <I>is worthy.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] It is supposed that there were some such in every place, as were
|
|
better disposed than others to receive the gospel, and the preachers of
|
|
it; though it was a time of general corruption and apostasy. Note, In
|
|
the worst of times and places, we may charitably hope that there are
|
|
some who distinguish themselves, and are better than their neighbours;
|
|
some who swim against the stream, and are as wheat among the chaff.
|
|
There were saints in Nero's household. Enquire who is worthy, who there
|
|
are that have some fear of God before their eyes, and have made a good
|
|
improvement of the light and knowledge they have. The best are far from
|
|
meriting the favour of a gospel offer; but some would be more likely
|
|
than others to give the apostles and their message a favourable
|
|
entertainment, and would not trample these pearls under their feet.
|
|
Note, Previous dispositions to that which is good, are both directions
|
|
and encouragements to ministers, in dealing with people. There is most
|
|
hope of the word being profitable to those who are already so well
|
|
inclined, as that it is acceptable to them; and there is here and there
|
|
one such.
|
|
|
|
[2.] They must enquire out such; not enquire for the best inns; public
|
|
houses were no proper places for them that neither took money with them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
nor expected to receive any
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
but they must look out for accommodations in private houses, with those
|
|
that would entertain them well, and expect no other recompence for it
|
|
but a prophet's reward, an apostle's reward, their praying and
|
|
preaching. Note, They that entertain the gospel, must neither grudge
|
|
the expense of it, nor promise themselves to get by it in this world.
|
|
They must enquire, not who is rich, but who is worthy; not who is the
|
|
best gentleman, but who is the best man. Note, Christ's disciples,
|
|
wherever they come, should ask for the good people of the place, and be
|
|
acquainted with them; when we took God for our God, we took his people
|
|
for our people, and like will rejoice in its like. Paul in all his
|
|
travels found out the brethren, if there were any,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+28:14">Acts xxviii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is implied, that if they did enquire who was worthy, they might
|
|
discover them. They that were better than their neighbours would be
|
|
taken notice of, and any one could tell them, there lives an honest,
|
|
sober, good man; for this is a character which, like the ointment of
|
|
the right hand, betrays itself and fills the house with its odours.
|
|
Every body knew where the seer's house was,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+9:18">1 Sam. ix. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
[3.] In the house of those they found worthy, they must continue; which
|
|
intimates that they were to make so short a stay at each town, that
|
|
they needed not change their lodging, but whatever house providence
|
|
brought them to at first, there they must continue till they left that
|
|
town. They are justly suspected, as having no good design, that are
|
|
often changing their quarters. Note, It becomes the disciples of Christ
|
|
to make the best of that which is, to abide by it, and not be for
|
|
shifting upon every dislike or inconvenience.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) In strange houses. When they had found the house of one they
|
|
thought worthy, they must at their entrance salute it. "In those common
|
|
civilities, be beforehand with people, in token of your humility. Think
|
|
it not a disparagement, to invite yourselves into a house, nor stand
|
|
upon the <I>punctilio</I> of being invited. Salute the family,
|
|
|
|
[1.] To draw on further discourse, and so to introduce your message."
|
|
(From matters of common conversation, we may insensibly pass into that
|
|
communication which is good to the use of edifying.)
|
|
|
|
[2.] "To try whether you are welcome or not; you will take notice
|
|
whether the salutation be received with shyness and coldness, or with a
|
|
ready return. He that will not receive your salutation kindly, will not
|
|
receive your message kindly; for he that is unskilful and unfaithful in
|
|
a little, will also be in much,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+16:10">Luke xvi. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
[3.] To insinuate yourselves into their good opinion. <I>Salute the
|
|
family,</I> that they may see that though you are serious, you are not
|
|
morose." Note, Religion teaches us to be courteous and civil, and
|
|
obliging to all with whom we have to do. Though the apostles went out
|
|
backed with the authority of the Son of God himself, yet their
|
|
instructions were, when they came into a house, not to <I>command
|
|
it,</I> but to <I>salute</I> it; for <I>love's sake rather to
|
|
beseech,</I> is the evangelical way,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Phile+1:8,9">Philemon 8, 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
Souls are first drawn to Christ with the <I>cords of a man,</I> and
|
|
kept to him by the <I>bands of love,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+11:4">Hos. xi. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
When Peter made the first offer of the gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile,
|
|
Peter was first saluted; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:25">Acts x. 25</A>,
|
|
|
|
for the Gentiles courted that which the Jews were courted to.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
When they had saluted the family after a godly sort, they must by the
|
|
return, judge concerning the family, and proceed accordingly. Note, The
|
|
eye of God is upon us, to observe what entertainment we give to good
|
|
people and good ministers; if <I>the house be worthy, let your peace
|
|
come</I> and rest <I>upon it; if not, let it return to you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
It seems then, that after they had enquired for the <I>most worthy</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
it was possible they might light upon those that were unworthy. Note,
|
|
Though it is wisdom to hearken to, yet it is folly to rely upon, common
|
|
report and opinion; we ought to use a judgment of discretion, and to
|
|
see with our own eyes. <I>The wisdom of the prudent is</I> himself to
|
|
<I>understand his</I> own <I>way.</I> Now this rule is intended,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> For satisfaction to the apostles. The common salutation
|
|
was, <I>Peace be unto you;</I> this, as they used it, was turned into
|
|
gospel; it was the <I>peace of God,</I> the peace of the kingdom of
|
|
heaven, that they wished. Now lest they should make a scruple of
|
|
pronouncing this blessing upon all promiscuously, because many were
|
|
utterly unworthy of it, this is to clear them of that scruple; Christ
|
|
tells them that this gospel prayer (for so it was now become) should be
|
|
put up for all, as the gospel proffer was made to all indefinitely, and
|
|
that they should leave it to God who knows the heart, and every man's
|
|
true character, to determine the issue of it. If the house be worthy,
|
|
it will reap the benefit of your blessing; if now, there is no harm
|
|
done, you will not lose the benefit of it; <I>it shall return to
|
|
you,</I> as David's prayers for his ungrateful enemies did,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+35:13">Ps. xxxv. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, It becomes us to judge charitably <I>of all,</I> to pray heartily
|
|
<I>for all,</I> and to conduct ourselves courteously <I>to all,</I> for
|
|
that is our part, and then to leave it with God to determine what
|
|
effect it shall have upon them, for that is his part.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> For direction to them. "If, upon your salutation, it
|
|
appear that they are indeed worthy, let them have more of your company,
|
|
and so <I>let your peace come upon them;</I> preach the gospel to them,
|
|
peace by Jesus Christ; but if otherwise, if they carry it rudely to
|
|
you, and shut their doors against you, <I>let your peace,</I> as much
|
|
as in you lies, <I>return to you.</I> Retract what you have said, and
|
|
turn your backs upon them; by slighting this, they have made themselves
|
|
unworthy of the rest of your favours, and cut themselves short of
|
|
them." Note, Great blessings are often lost by a neglect seemingly
|
|
small and inconsiderable, when men are in their probation and upon
|
|
their behaviour. Thus Esau lost his birthright
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+25:34">Gen. xxv. 34</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Saul his kingdom,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+13:13,14">1 Sam. xiii. 13, 14</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. They are here directed how to carry it towards those that were
|
|
refusers of them. The case is put
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>)
|
|
|
|
of those that <I>would not receive them, nor hear their words.</I> The
|
|
apostles might think, that now they had such a doctrine to preach, and
|
|
such a power to work miracles for the confirmation of it, no doubt but
|
|
they should be universally entertained and made welcome: they are,
|
|
therefore, told before, that there would be those that would slight
|
|
them, and put contempt on them and their message. Note, The best and
|
|
most powerful preachers of the gospel must expect to meet with some,
|
|
that will not so much as give them the hearing, nor show them any token
|
|
of respect. Many turn <I>a deaf ear,</I> even to the <I>joyful
|
|
sound,</I> and will not <I>hearken to the voice of the charmers, charm
|
|
they never so wisely.</I> Observe, "They will not <I>receive you,</I>
|
|
and they will not <I>hear your words.</I>" Note, Contempt of the
|
|
gospel, and contempt of gospel ministers, commonly go together, and
|
|
they will either of them be construed into a contempt of Christ, and
|
|
will be reckoned for accordingly.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Now in this case we have here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The directions given to the apostles what to do. They must
|
|
<I>depart out of that house or city.</I> Note, The gospel will not
|
|
tarry long with those that put it away from them. At their departure
|
|
they must <I>shake off the dust of their feet,</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] In detestation of their wickedness; it was so abominable, that it
|
|
did even pollute the ground they went upon, which must therefore be
|
|
<I>shaken off</I> as a filthy thing. The apostles must have no
|
|
fellowship nor communion with them; must not so much as carry away the
|
|
dust of their city with them. <I>The work of them that turn aside</I>
|
|
shall <I>not cleave to me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+101:3">Ps. ci. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
The prophet was not to <I>eat or drink</I> in Bethel,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+13:9">1 Kings xiii. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] As a denunciation of wrath against them. It was to signify, that
|
|
they were base and vile as dust, and that God would <I>shake them
|
|
off.</I> The dust of the apostles' feet, which they left behind them,
|
|
would witness against them, and be brought in as evidence, that the
|
|
gospel had been preached to them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+6:11,Jam+5:3">Mark vi. 11.
|
|
Compare Jam. v. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
See this practised,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:51,18:6">Acts xiii. 51, xviii. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, They who <I>despise</I> God
|
|
and his gospel shall be <I>lightly esteemed.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The <I>doom passed</I> upon such <I>wilful recusants,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
It shall be <I>more tolerable, in the day of judgment, for the land
|
|
of</I> Sodom, as wicked a place as it was. Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] There is a day of judgment coming, when all those that refused the
|
|
gospel will certainly be called to account for it; however they now
|
|
make a jest of it. They that would not hear the doctrine that would
|
|
save them, shall be made to hear the sentence that will ruin them.
|
|
Their judgment is respited till <I>that day.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] There are different degrees of punishment in that day. All the
|
|
pains of hell will be <I>intolerable;</I> but some will be more so than
|
|
others. Some sinners sink deeper into hell than others, and are beaten
|
|
with more stripes.
|
|
|
|
[3.] The condemnation of those that reject the gospel, will in that day
|
|
be severer and heavier than that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Sodom is said
|
|
to suffer the vengeance of eternal fire,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jude+1:7">Jude 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
But that <I>vengeance</I> will come with an aggravation upon those that
|
|
despise the great salvation. Sodom and Gomorrah were exceedingly wicked
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+13:13">Gen. xiii. 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
and that which filled up the measure of their iniquity was, that they
|
|
<I>received not</I> the angels that were sent to them, but abused them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+19:4,5">Gen. xix. 4, 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>hearkened not to their words,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
And yet it will be more tolerable for them than for those who receive
|
|
not Christ's ministers and hearken not to their words. God's wrath
|
|
against them will be more flaming, and their own reflections upon
|
|
themselves more cutting. <I>Son, remember I</I> will sound most
|
|
dreadfully in the ears of such as had a fair offer made them of
|
|
<I>eternal life,</I> and chose death rather. The iniquity of Israel,
|
|
when God sent them his servants the prophets, is represented as, upon
|
|
that account, more heinous than the iniquity of Sodom
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+16:48,49">Ezek. xvi. 48, 49</A>),
|
|
|
|
much more now he sent them his Son, the great Prophet.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_22"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_23"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_24"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_25"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_26"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_27"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_28"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_29"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_31"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_32"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt10_33"> </A>
|
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<A NAME="Mt10_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_35"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_39"> </A>
|
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<A NAME="Mt10_40"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt10_41"> </A>
|
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<A NAME="Mt10_42"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Instructions to the Apostles.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be
|
|
ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
|
|
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the
|
|
councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
|
|
18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my
|
|
sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
|
|
19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye
|
|
shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye
|
|
shall speak.
|
|
20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father
|
|
which speaketh in you.
|
|
21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and
|
|
the father the child: and the children shall rise up against
|
|
<I>their</I> parents, and cause them to be put to death.
|
|
22 And ye shall be hated of all <I>men</I> for my name's sake: but
|
|
he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
|
|
23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into
|
|
another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over
|
|
the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
|
|
24 The disciple is not above <I>his</I> master, nor the servant
|
|
above his lord.
|
|
25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and
|
|
the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the
|
|
house Beelzebub, how much more <I>shall they call</I> them of his
|
|
household?
|
|
26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that
|
|
shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
|
|
27 What I tell you in darkness, <I>that</I> speak ye in light: and
|
|
what ye hear in the ear, <I>that</I> preach ye upon the housetops.
|
|
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to
|
|
kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both
|
|
soul and body in hell.
|
|
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them
|
|
shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
|
|
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
|
|
31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many
|
|
sparrows.
|
|
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I
|
|
confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
|
|
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny
|
|
before my Father which is in heaven.
|
|
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not
|
|
to send peace, but a sword.
|
|
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father,
|
|
and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law
|
|
against her mother in law.
|
|
36 And a man's foes <I>shall be</I> they of his own household.
|
|
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy
|
|
of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not
|
|
worthy of me.
|
|
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is
|
|
not worthy of me.
|
|
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth
|
|
his life for my sake shall find it.
|
|
40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me
|
|
receiveth him that sent me.
|
|
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall
|
|
receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man
|
|
in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's
|
|
reward.
|
|
42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little
|
|
ones a cup of cold <I>water</I> only in the name of a disciple, verily
|
|
I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
All these verses relate to the sufferings of Christ's ministers in
|
|
their work, which they are here taught to expect, and prepare for; they
|
|
are directed also how to bear them, and how to go on with their work in
|
|
the midst of them. This part of the sermon looks further than to their
|
|
present mission; for we find not that they met with any great hardships
|
|
or persecutions while Christ was with them, nor were they well able to
|
|
bear them; but they are here forewarned of the troubles they should
|
|
meet with, when after Christ's resurrection, their commission should be
|
|
<I>enlarged,</I> and the kingdom of heaven, which was not <I>at
|
|
hand,</I> should be actually set up; they dreamed of nothing then, but
|
|
outward pomp and power; but Christ tells them, they must expect greater
|
|
sufferings than they were yet called to; that they should then be made
|
|
prisoners, when they expected to be made princes. It is good to be told
|
|
what troubles we may hereafter meet with, that we may provide
|
|
accordingly, and may not boast, as if we had put off the harness, when
|
|
we are yet but girding it on.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here intermixed,
|
|
|
|
I. Predictions of trouble: and,
|
|
|
|
II. Prescriptions of counsel and comfort, with reference to it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. We have here predictions of trouble; which the disciples should meet
|
|
with in their work: Christ foresaw <I>their</I> sufferings as well as
|
|
his own, and yet will have them go on, as he went on himself; and he
|
|
foretold them, not only that the troubles might not be a surprise to
|
|
them, and so a shock to their faith, but that, being the accomplishment
|
|
of a prediction, they might be a confirmation to their faith.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
He tells them what they should suffer, and from whom.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. <I>What they should suffer:</I> hard things to be sure; for,
|
|
<I>Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
And what may a flock of poor, helpless, unguarded sheep expect, in the
|
|
midst of a herd of ravenous wolves, but to be worried and torn? Note,
|
|
Wicked men are like wolves, in whose nature it is to devour and
|
|
destroy. God's people, and especially his ministers, are like sheep
|
|
among them, of a contrary nature and disposition, exposed to them, and
|
|
commonly an easy prey to them. It looked unkind in Christ to expose
|
|
them to so much danger, who had left all to follow him; but he knew
|
|
that the glory reserved for his sheep, when in the great day they shall
|
|
be set on his right hand, would be a recompence sufficient for
|
|
sufferings as well as services. They are as <I>sheep among wolves,</I>
|
|
that is frightful; but Christ sends them forth, that is comfortable;
|
|
for he that sends them forth will protect them, and bear them out. But
|
|
that they might know the worst, he tells them particularly what they
|
|
must expect.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) They must expect to be hated,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Ye shall be hated for my name's sake:</I> that is the root of all
|
|
the rest, and a bitter root it is. Note, Those whom Christ loves, the
|
|
world hates; as whom the court blesses the country curses. <I>If the
|
|
world hated Christ without a cause</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:25">John xv. 25</A>),
|
|
|
|
no marvel if it hated those that bore his image and served his
|
|
interests. We hate what is nauseous, and they <I>are counted as the
|
|
offscouring of all things,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:13">1 Cor. iv. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
We hate what is noxious, and they are counted <I>the troublers of the
|
|
land</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+18:17">1 Kings xviii. 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
and the tormentors of their neighbours,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+11:10">Rev. xi. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is grievous to be <I>hated,</I> and to be the object of so much
|
|
ill-will, but it is <I>for thy name's sake;</I> which, as it speaks the
|
|
true reason of the hatred, whatever is pretended, so it speaks comfort
|
|
to them who are thus hated; it is for a good cause, and they have a
|
|
good friend that shares with them in it, and takes it to himself.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) They must expect to be apprehended and arraigned as malefactors.
|
|
Their restless malice is resistless malice, and they will not only
|
|
attempt, but will prevail, to <I>deliver you up to the councils</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:17,18"><I>v.</I> 17, 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
to the bench of aldermen or justices, that take care of the public
|
|
peace. Note, A deal of mischief is often done to good men, under colour
|
|
of law and justice. In <I>the place of judgment there is
|
|
wickedness,</I> persecuting wickedness,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+3:16">Eccl. iii. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
They must look for trouble, not only from inferior magistrates in the
|
|
councils, but from governors and kings, the supreme magistrates. To be
|
|
brought before them, under such black representations as were commonly
|
|
made of Christ's disciples, was dreadful and dangerous; for <I>the
|
|
wrath of a king is as the roaring of a lion.</I> We find this often
|
|
fulfilled in the <I>acts of the apostles.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) They must expect to be put to death
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>They shall deliver them to death,</I> to death in state, with pomp
|
|
and solemnity, when it shows itself most as <I>the king of terrors.</I>
|
|
The malice of the enemies rages so high as to inflict this; it is
|
|
<I>the blood of the saints</I> that they thirst after: the faith and
|
|
patience of the saints stand so firm as to expect this; <I>Neither
|
|
count I my life dear to myself:</I> the wisdom of Christ permits it,
|
|
knowing how to make the blood of the martyrs <I>the seal of the
|
|
truth,</I> and <I>the seed of the church.</I> By this noble army's not
|
|
loving <I>their lives to the death,</I> Satan has been vanquished, and
|
|
the kingdom of Christ and its interests greatly advanced,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+11:11">Rev. xi. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were put to death as criminals, so the enemies meant it, but
|
|
really as sacrifices
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+2:17,2Ti+4:6">Phil. ii. 17; 2 Tim. iv. 6</A>);
|
|
|
|
as burnt offerings, sacrifices of acknowledgement to the honour of God,
|
|
and in his truth and cause.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) They must expect, in the midst of these sufferings, to be branded
|
|
with the most odious and ignominious names and characters that could
|
|
be. Persecutors would be ashamed in this world, if they did not first
|
|
dress up those in bear-skins whom they thus bait, and represent them in
|
|
such colours as may serve to justify such cruelties. The blackest of
|
|
all the ill characters they give them is here stated; they call them
|
|
Beelzebub, the name of the prince of the devils,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
They represent them as ringleaders of the interest of the kingdom of
|
|
darkness, and since every one thinks he hates the devil, thus they
|
|
endeavour to make them odious to all mankind. See, and be amazed to
|
|
see, how this world is imposed upon:
|
|
|
|
[1.] Satan's sworn enemies are represented as his friends; the
|
|
apostles, who pulled down the devil's kingdom, were called devils. Thus
|
|
<I>men laid to their charge,</I> not only <I>things which they knew
|
|
not,</I> but <I>things which they</I> abhorred, and were directly
|
|
contrary to, and the reverse of.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Satan's sworn servants would be thought to be his enemies, and
|
|
they never more effectually do his work, than when they pretend to be
|
|
fighting against him. Many times they who themselves are nearest akin
|
|
to the devil, are most apt to father others upon him; and those that
|
|
paint him on others' clothes have him reigning in their own hearts. It
|
|
is well there is a day coming, when (as it follows here,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>)
|
|
|
|
that which is hid will be brought to light.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) These sufferings are here represented by a sword and division,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:34,35"><I>v.</I> 34, 35</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Think not that I am come to send peace,</I> temporal peace and
|
|
outward prosperity; they thought Christ came to give all his followers
|
|
wealth and power in the world; "no," says Christ, "I did not come with
|
|
a view to give them <I>peace; peace</I> in heaven they may be sure of,
|
|
but not <I>peace</I> on earth." Christ came to give us <I>peace</I>
|
|
with God, <I>peace</I> in our consciences, <I>peace</I> with our
|
|
brethren, but <I>in the world ye shall have tribulation.</I> Note, They
|
|
mistake the design of the gospel, who think their profession of it will
|
|
secure them from, for it will certainly expose them to, trouble in this
|
|
world. If all the world would receive Christ, there would then follow a
|
|
universal <I>peace,</I> but while there are and will be so many that
|
|
reject him (and those not only <I>the children of this world,</I> but
|
|
<I>the seed of the serpent</I>), the children of God, that are called
|
|
out of the world, must expect to feel the fruits of their enmity.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Look not for <I>peace, but a sword,</I> Christ came to give <I>the
|
|
sword of the word,</I> with which his disciples fight against the
|
|
world, and <I>conquering</I> work this sword has made
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+6:4,19:21">Rev. vi. 4; xix. 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>the sword of persecution,</I> with which the world fights
|
|
against the disciples, being <I>cut to the heart</I> with <I>the sword
|
|
of the word</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+7:54">Acts vii. 54</A>),
|
|
|
|
and tormented by the testimony of Christ's witnesses
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+11:10">Rev. xi. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>cruel</I> work this sword made. Christ sent that gospel, which
|
|
gives occasion for the drawing of this sword, and so may be said to
|
|
send this sword; he orders his church into a suffering state for the
|
|
trial and praise of his people's graces, and <I>the filling up of the
|
|
measure of their</I> enemies' sins.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] Look not for <I>peace,</I> but division
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>I am come to set men at variance.</I> This effect of the preaching
|
|
of the gospel is not the fault of the gospel, but of those who do not
|
|
receive it. When some <I>believe the things that are spoken, and others
|
|
believe them not,</I> the faith of those that believe condemns those
|
|
that believe not, and, therefore, they have an enmity against them that
|
|
believe. Note, the most violent and implacable feuds have ever been
|
|
those that have arisen from difference in religion; no enmity like that
|
|
of the persecutors, no resolution like that of the persecuted. Thus
|
|
Christ tells his disciples what they should suffer, and these were hard
|
|
sayings; if they could bear these, they could bear any thing. Note,
|
|
Christ has dealt fairly and faithfully with us, in telling us the worst
|
|
we can meet with in his service; and he would have us deal so with
|
|
ourselves, in sitting down and counting the cost.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. They are here told from whom, and by whom, they should suffer these
|
|
hard things. Surely hell itself must be let loose, and devils, those
|
|
desperate and despairing spirits, that <I>have no part nor lot in</I>
|
|
the great salvation, must become incarnate, ere such spiteful enemies
|
|
could be found to a doctrine, the substance of which was <I>good will
|
|
toward men,</I> and <I>the reconciling of the world to God;</I> no,
|
|
would you think it? all this mischief arises to the preachers of the
|
|
gospel, from those to whom they came to preach salvation. Thus <I>the
|
|
blood-thirsty hate the upright, but the just seek his soul</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+29:10">Prov. xxix. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
and therefore heaven is so much opposed on earth, because earth is so
|
|
much under the power of hell,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+2:2">Eph. ii. 2</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
These hard things Christ's disciples must suffer,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) From men
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>).
|
|
|
|
"<I>Beware of men;</I> you will have need to stand upon your guard,
|
|
even against those who are of the same nature with you"--such is the
|
|
depravity and degeneracy of that nature (<I>homo homini lupus,--man is
|
|
a wolf to man</I>), crafty and politic as men, but cruel and barbarous
|
|
as beasts, and wholly divested of the thing called humanity. Note,
|
|
Persecuting rage and enmity turn men into brutes, into devils. Paul at
|
|
Ephesus fought with beasts in the shape of men,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+15:32">1 Cor. xv. 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is a sad pass that the world is come to, when the best friends it
|
|
has, have need to <I>beware of men.</I> It aggravates the troubles of
|
|
Christ's suffering servants, that they arise from those who <I>are bone
|
|
of their bone,</I> made of the same blood. Persecutors are, in this
|
|
respect, worse than beasts, that they prey upon those of their own
|
|
kind: <I>Sævis inter se convenit ursis--Even savage bears agree
|
|
among themselves.</I> It is very grievous to have <I>men rise up
|
|
against us</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+124:1-8">Ps. cxxiv.</A>),
|
|
|
|
from whom we might expect protection and sympathy; <I>men,</I> and no
|
|
more: mere <I>men; men,</I> and not saints; <I>natural men</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+2:14">1 Cor. ii. 14</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>men of this world,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+17:14">Ps. xvii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
Saints are more than <I>men,</I> and are <I>redeemed from among
|
|
men,</I> and therefore are <I>hated by them.</I> The nature of man, if
|
|
it be not sanctified, is the worst nature in the world next to that of
|
|
devils. <I>They are men,</I> and therefore subordinate, dependent,
|
|
dying creatures; <I>they are men,</I> but <I>they are but men</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+9:20">Ps. ix. 20</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall
|
|
die?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+51:12">Isa. li. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Beware of the men,</I> so Dr. Hammond; those you are acquainted
|
|
with, the men of the Jewish sanhedrim, which disallowed Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+2:4">1 Pet. ii. 4</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) From professing men, men that <I>have a form of godliness,</I> and
|
|
make a show of religion. <I>They will scourge you in their
|
|
synagogues,</I> their places of meeting for the worship of God, and for
|
|
the exercise of their church-discipline: so that they looked upon the
|
|
scourging of Christ's ministers to be a branch of their religion. Paul
|
|
was <I>five times scourged in the synagogues,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+11:24">2 Cor. xi. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Jews, under colour of zeal for Moses, were the most bitter
|
|
persecutors of Christ and Christianity, and placed those outrages to
|
|
the score of their religion. Note, Christ's disciples have suffered
|
|
much from conscientious persecutors, that <I>scourge them in their
|
|
synagogues,</I> cast them out and kill them, and <I>think they do God
|
|
good service</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:2">John xvi. 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
and say, <I>Let the Lord be glorified,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+66:5,Zec+11:4,5">Isa. lxvi. 5; Zech. xi. 4, 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
But the synagogue will be so far from consecrating the persecution,
|
|
that the persecution, doubtless, profanes and desecrates the
|
|
synagogue.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) From great men, and men in authority. The Jews did not only
|
|
scourge them, which was the utmost their remaining power extended to,
|
|
but when they could go no further themselves, they delivered them up to
|
|
the Roman powers, as they did Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:30">John xviii. 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Ye shall be brought before governors and kings</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
who, having more power, are in a capacity of doing the more mischief.
|
|
<I>Governors and kings</I> receive their power from Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:15">Prov. viii. 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
and should be his servants, and his church's protectors and
|
|
nursing-fathers, but they often use their power against him, and are
|
|
rebels to Christ, and oppressors of his church. <I>The kings of the
|
|
earth</I> set themselves against his kingdom,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:1,2,Ac+4:25,26">Ps. ii. 1, 2; Acts iv. 25, 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, It has often been the lot of good men to have great men for their
|
|
enemies.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) From all men
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>).
|
|
|
|
<I>Ye shall be hated of all men,</I> of all wicked men, and these are
|
|
the generality of men, <I>for the whole world lies in wickedness.</I>
|
|
So few are there that love, and own, and countenance Christ's righteous
|
|
cause, that we may say, the friends of it are <I>hated of all men;</I>
|
|
they <I>are all gone astray,</I> and, therefore, <I>eat up my
|
|
people,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+14:3">Ps. xiv. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
As far as the apostasy from God goes, so far the enmity against the
|
|
saints goes; sometimes it appears more general than at other times, but
|
|
there is something of this poison lurking in the hearts of all <I>the
|
|
children of disobedience. The world hates you,</I> for it <I>wonders
|
|
after the beast,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+13:3">Rev. xiii. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Every man is a liar,</I> and therefore a hater of truth.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) From those of their own kindred. <I>The brother shall deliver up
|
|
the brother to death,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>A man shall be,</I> upon this account, <I>at variance with his own
|
|
father;</I> nay, and those of the weaker and tenderer sex too shall
|
|
become persecutors and persecuted; <I>the persecuting daughter will be
|
|
against the believing mother,</I> where natural affection and filial
|
|
duty, one would think, should prevent or soon extinguish the quarrel;
|
|
and then, no marvel <I>if the daughter-in-law be against the
|
|
mother-in-law;</I> where, too often, the coldness of love seeks
|
|
occasion of contention,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>.
|
|
|
|
In general, <I>a man's foes shall be they of his own household</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>).
|
|
|
|
They who should be his friends will be incensed against him for
|
|
embracing Christianity, and especially for adhering to it when it comes
|
|
to be persecuted, and will join with his persecutors against him. Note,
|
|
The strongest bonds of relative love and duty have often been broken
|
|
through, by an enmity against Christ and his doctrine. Such has been
|
|
the power of prejudice against the true religion, and zeal for a false
|
|
one, that all other regards, the most natural and sacred, the most
|
|
engaging and endearing, have been sacrificed to these Molochs. They who
|
|
<I>rage against the Lord, and his anointed ones, break</I> even
|
|
<I>these bonds in sunder, and cast away</I> even <I>these cords from
|
|
them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:2,3">Ps. ii. 2, 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ's spouse suffers hard things from the anger of <I>her own
|
|
mother's children,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+1:6">Cant. i. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
Sufferings from such are more grievous; nothing cuts more than this,
|
|
<I>It was thou, a man, mine equal</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+55:12,13">Ps. lv. 12, 13</A>);
|
|
|
|
and the enmity of such is commonly most implacable; <I>a brother
|
|
offended is harder to be won than a strong city,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+18:19">Prov. xviii. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
The martyrologies, both ancient and modern, are full of instances of
|
|
this. Upon the whole matter, it appears, that <I>all that will live
|
|
godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution; and through</I> many
|
|
<I>tribulations we must</I> expect to <I>enter into the kingdom of
|
|
God.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. With these predictions of trouble, we have here prescriptions of
|
|
counsels and comforts for a time of trial. He sends them out exposed to
|
|
danger indeed, and expecting it, but well armed with instructions and
|
|
encouragements, sufficient to bear them up, and bear them out, in all
|
|
these trials. Let us gather up what he says,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. By way of counsel and direction in several things.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>Be ye wise as serpents,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
"You may be so" (so some take it, only as a permission); "you may be as
|
|
wary as you please, provided you be harmless as doves." But it is
|
|
rather to be taken as a precept, recommending to us that wisdom of the
|
|
prudent, which is to understand his way, as useful at all times, but
|
|
especially in suffering times. "<I>Therefore,</I> because you are
|
|
exposed, as sheep among wolves; <I>be ye wise as serpents;</I> not wise
|
|
as foxes, whose cunning is to deceive others; but as <I>serpents,</I>
|
|
whose policy is only to defend themselves, and to shift for their own
|
|
safety." The disciples of Christ are hated and persecuted as
|
|
<I>serpents,</I> and their ruin is sought, and, therefore, they need
|
|
the <I>serpent's</I> wisdom. Note, It is the will of Christ that his
|
|
people and ministers, being so much exposed to troubles in this world,
|
|
as they usually are, should not needlessly expose themselves, but use
|
|
all fair and lawful means for their own preservation. Christ gave us an
|
|
example of this wisdom,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+21:24,25,22:17,18,19,Joh+7:6,7"><I>ch.</I> xxi. 24, 25;
|
|
xxii. 17, 18, 19; John vii. 6, 7</A>;
|
|
|
|
besides the many escapes he made out of the hands of his enemies, till
|
|
his hour was come. See an instance of Paul's wisdom,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+23:6,7">Acts xxiii. 6, 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
In the cause of Christ we must sit loose to life and all its comforts,
|
|
but must not be prodigal of them. It is the wisdom of the
|
|
<I>serpent</I> to secure his head, that it may not be broken, to
|
|
<I>stop his ear to the voice of the charmer</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+58:4,5">Ps. lviii. 4, 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>to take shelter in the clefts of the rocks;</I> and herein we
|
|
may <I>be wise as serpents.</I> We must <I>be wise,</I> not to pull
|
|
trouble upon our own heads; <I>wise</I> to keep silence in an evil
|
|
time, and not to give offence, if we can help it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) <I>Be ye harmless as doves.</I> "Be mild, and meek, and
|
|
dispassionate; not only do nobody any hurt, but bear nobody any ill
|
|
will; be without gall, <I>as doves</I> are; this must always go along
|
|
with the former." They are <I>sent forth among wolves,</I> therefore
|
|
must <I>be as wise as serpents,</I> but they are <I>sent forth as
|
|
sheep,</I> therefore must <I>be harmless as doves.</I> We must <I>be
|
|
wise,</I> not to wrong ourselves, but rather so than wrong any one
|
|
else; must use the harmlessness of the <I>dove</I> to bear twenty
|
|
injuries, rather than the subtlety of the <I>serpent</I> to offer or to
|
|
return one. Note, It must be the continual care of all Christ's
|
|
disciples, to be innocent and inoffensive in word and deed, especially
|
|
in consideration of the enemies they are in the midst of. We have need
|
|
of a <I>dove-like</I> spirit, when we are beset with birds of prey,
|
|
that we may neither provoke them nor be provoked by them: David coveted
|
|
<I>the wings of a dove,</I> on which to fly away and be at rest, rather
|
|
than the wings of a hawk. <I>The Spirit descended on Christ as a
|
|
dove,</I> and all believers partake of <I>the Spirit of Christ, a
|
|
dove-like</I> spirit, made for love, not for war.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) <I>Beware of men,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
"Be always upon your guard, and avoid dangerous company; take heed what
|
|
you say and do, and presume not too far upon any man's fidelity; be
|
|
jealous of the most plausible pretensions; <I>trust not in a
|
|
friend,</I> no, not <I>in the wife of thy bosom,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+7:5">Micah vii. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, It becomes those who are gracious to be cautious, for we are
|
|
taught to <I>cease from man.</I> Such a wretched world do we live in,
|
|
that we know not whom to trust. Ever since our Master was betrayed with
|
|
a kiss, by one of his own disciples, we have need to <I>beware of men,
|
|
of false brethren.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) <I>Take no thought how or what ye shall speak,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
"When you are brought before magistrates, conduct yourselves decently,
|
|
but afflict not yourselves with care how you shall come off. A prudent
|
|
thought there must be, but not an anxious, perplexing, disquieting
|
|
thought; let this <I>care be cast upon God,</I> as well as
|
|
that--<I>what you shall eat and what you shall drink.</I> Do not study
|
|
to make fine speeches, <I>ad captandam benevolentiam--to ingratiate
|
|
yourselves;</I> affect not quaint expressions, flourishes of wit, and
|
|
laboured periods, which only serve to gild a bad cause; the gold of a
|
|
good one needs it not. It argues a diffidence of your cause, to be
|
|
solicitous in this matter, as if it were not sufficient to speak for
|
|
itself. You know upon what grounds you go, and then <I>verbaque
|
|
prævisam rem non invita sequentur--suitable expressions will
|
|
readily occur.</I>" Never any spoke better before governors and kings
|
|
than those three champions, who took <I>no thought before, what they
|
|
should speak: O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in
|
|
this matter,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+3:16">Dan. iii. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+119:46">Ps. cxix. 46</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, The disciples of Christ must be more thoughtful how to <I>do</I>
|
|
well than how to <I>speak</I> well; how to <I>keep</I> their integrity
|
|
than how to <I>vindicate</I> it. <I>Non magna loquimur, sed
|
|
vivimus--Our lives, not boasting words,</I> form the best apology.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) <I>When they persecute you in this city, flee to another,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
"Thus reject them who reject you and your doctrine, and try whether
|
|
others will not receive you and it. Thus shift for your own safety."
|
|
Note, In case of imminent peril, the disciples of Christ may and must
|
|
secure themselves by flight, when God, in his providence, opens to
|
|
<I>them a door of escape.</I> He that flies may fight again. It is no
|
|
inglorious thing for Christ's soldiers to quit their ground, provided
|
|
they do not quit their colours: they may go out of the way of
|
|
<I>danger,</I> though they must not go out of the way of <I>duty.</I>
|
|
Observe Christ's care of his disciples, in providing places of retreat
|
|
and shelter for them; ordering it so, that persecution rages not in all
|
|
places at the same time; but <I>when one city</I> is made too hot for
|
|
them, <I>another</I> is reserved for a cooler shade, and <I>a little
|
|
sanctuary;</I> a favour to be used and not to be slighted; yet always
|
|
with this proviso, that no sinful, unlawful means be used to make the
|
|
escape; for then it is not a door of God's opening. We have many
|
|
examples to this rule in the history both of Christ and his apostles,
|
|
in the application of all which to particular cases <I>wisdom</I> and
|
|
integrity are <I>profitable to direct.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(6.) <I>Fear them not</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>),
|
|
|
|
because <I>they can but kill the body</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>).
|
|
|
|
Note, it is the duty and interest of Christ's disciples, not to fear
|
|
the greatest of their adversaries. They who truly fear God, need not
|
|
fear man; and they who are afraid of the least sin, need not be afraid
|
|
of the greatest trouble. <I>The fear of man brings a snare,</I> a
|
|
perplexing snare, that disturbs our peace; an entangling snare, by
|
|
which we are drawn into sin; and, therefore, it must be carefully
|
|
watched, and striven, and prayed against. Be the times never so
|
|
difficult, enemies never so outrageous, and events never so
|
|
threatening, yet need we not fear, <I>yet will we not fear, though the
|
|
earth be removed,</I> while we have so good a God, so good a cause, and
|
|
so <I>good a hope through grace.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Yes, this is soon said; but when it comes to the trial, racks and
|
|
tortures, dungeons and galleys, axes and gibbets, fire and faggot, are
|
|
terrible things, enough to make the stoutest heart to tremble, and to
|
|
start back, especially when it is plain, that they may be avoided by a
|
|
few declining steps; and therefore, to fortify us against this
|
|
temptation, we have here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] A good reason against this fear, taken from the limited power of
|
|
the enemies; they <I>kill the body,</I> that is the utmost their rage
|
|
can extend to; hitherto they can go, if God permit them, but no
|
|
further; <I>they are not able to kill the soul,</I> nor to do it any
|
|
hurt, and the soul is the man. By this it appears, that the soul does
|
|
not (as some dream) fall asleep at death, nor is deprived of thought
|
|
and perception; for then the killing of the body would be the killing
|
|
of the soul too. The soul is killed when it is separated from God and
|
|
his love, which is its life, and is made a vessel of his wrath; now
|
|
this is out of the reach of their power. <I>Tribulation, distress, and
|
|
persecution</I> may separate us from all the world, but cannot part
|
|
between us and God, cannot make us either not to love him, or not to be
|
|
loved by him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:35,37">Rom. viii. 35, 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
If, therefore, we were more concerned about our souls, as our jewels,
|
|
we should be less afraid of men, whose power cannot rob us of them;
|
|
they can but <I>kill the body,</I> which would quickly die of itself,
|
|
<I>not the soul,</I> which will enjoy itself and its God in spite of
|
|
them. They can but crush the cabinet: a heathen set the tyrant at
|
|
defiance with this, <I>Tunde capsam Anaxarchi, Anaxarchum nom
|
|
lædis--you may abuse the case of Anaxarchus, you cannot injure
|
|
Anaxarchus himself.</I> The pearl of price is untouched. Seneca
|
|
undertakes to make it out, that you cannot hurt a wise and good man,
|
|
because death itself is no real evil to him. <I>Si maximum illud ultra
|
|
quod nihil habent iratæ leges, aut sævissimi domini
|
|
minantur, in quo imperium suum fortuna consumit, æquo placidoque
|
|
animo accipimus, et scimus mortem malum non esse ob hoc, ne injuriam
|
|
quidem--If with calmness and composure we meet that last extremity,
|
|
beyond which injured laws and merciless tyrants have nothing to
|
|
inflict, and in which fortune terminates her dominion, we know that
|
|
death is not an evil, because it does not occasion the slightest
|
|
injury.</I> Seneca <I>De Constantid.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] A good remedy against it, and that is, to fear God. <I>Fear him
|
|
who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.</I> Note, <I>First,
|
|
Hell</I> is the destruction both of <I>soul and body;</I> not of the
|
|
<I>being</I> of either, but the <I>well</I>--being of both; it is the
|
|
ruin of the whole man; if the soul be lost, the body is lost too. They
|
|
sinned together; the body was the soul's tempter to sin, and its tool
|
|
in sin, and they must eternally suffer together. <I>Secondly,</I> This
|
|
destruction comes from the power of God: he <I>is able to destroy;</I>
|
|
it is a destruction from his <I>glorious power</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Th+1:9">2 Thess. i. 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>he will</I> in it <I>make his power known;</I> not only his
|
|
authority to sentence, but his ability to execute the sentence,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+9:22">Rom. ix. 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> God <I>is therefore to be feared,</I> even by the best
|
|
saints in this world. <I>Knowing the terrors of the Lord, we persuade
|
|
men</I> to <I>stand in awe of him. If according to his fear so is his
|
|
wrath,</I> then <I>according to his wrath so</I> should <I>his fear</I>
|
|
be, especially because <I>none knows the power of his anger,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+90:11">Ps. xc. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
When Adam, in innocency, was awed by a threatening, let none of
|
|
Christ's disciples think that they need not the restraint of a holy
|
|
fear. <I>Happy is the man that fears always.</I> The <I>God of
|
|
Abraham,</I> who was then dead, is called the <I>Fear of Isaac,</I> who
|
|
was yet alive,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+31:42,53">Gen. xxxi. 42, 53</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Fourthly,</I> The fear of God, and of his power reigning in the
|
|
soul, will be a sovereign antidote against the fear of man. It is
|
|
better to fall under the frowns of all the world, than under God's
|
|
frowns, and therefore, as it is most right in itself, so it is most
|
|
safe for us, <I>to obey God rather than men,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:19">Acts iv. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
They who <I>are afraid of a man that shall die, forget the Lord their
|
|
Maker,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+51:12,13,Ne+4:14">Isa. li. 12, 13; Neh. iv. 14</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(7.) <I>What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>);
|
|
|
|
"whatever hazards you run, go on with your work, publishing and
|
|
proclaiming the everlasting gospel to all the world; that is your
|
|
business, mind that. The design of the enemies is not merely to destroy
|
|
<I>you,</I> but to suppress <I>that,</I> and, therefore, whatever be
|
|
the consequence, publish <I>that." What I tell you, that speak ye.</I>
|
|
Note, That which the apostles have delivered to us is the same that
|
|
<I>they received from Jesus Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:3">Heb. ii. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
They spake what he told them--<I>that, all that,</I> and <I>nothing but
|
|
that.</I> Those ambassadors received their instructions in private,
|
|
<I>in darkness,</I> in the ear, in corners, in parables. <I>Many
|
|
things Christ spake openly, and nothing in secret</I> varying from what
|
|
he preached in public,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:20">John xviii. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
But the particular instructions which he gave his disciples after his
|
|
resurrection, concerning <I>the things pertaining to the kingdom of
|
|
God,</I> were whispered in the ear
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:3">Acts i. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
for then <I>he never showed himself openly.</I> But they must deliver
|
|
their embassy publicly, <I>in the light,</I> and <I>upon the
|
|
house-tops;</I> for the doctrine of the gospel is what all are
|
|
concerned in
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+1:20,21,8:2,3">Prov. i. 20, 21; viii. 2, 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
therefore <I>he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.</I> The first
|
|
indication of the reception of the Gentiles into the church, was
|
|
<I>upon a house-top,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:9">Acts x. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, There is no part of Christ's gospel that needs, upon any account,
|
|
to be concealed; <I>the whole counsel of God must be revealed,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:27">Acts xx. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
In never so mixed a multitude let it be plainly and fully
|
|
delivered.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. By way of comfort and encouragement. Here is very much said to that
|
|
purpose, and all little enough, considering the many hardships they
|
|
were to grapple with, throughout the course of their ministry, and
|
|
their present weakness, which was such, as that, without some powerful
|
|
support, they could scarcely bear even the prospect of such usage;
|
|
Christ therefore shows them why they should be of good cheer.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Here is one word peculiar to their present mission,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of
|
|
man be come.</I> They were to preach that <I>the kingdom of the Son of
|
|
man,</I> the Messiah, was <I>at hand;</I> they were to pray, <I>Thy
|
|
kingdom come:</I> now they should <I>not have gone over all the cities
|
|
of Israel,</I> thus praying and thus preaching, before that kingdom
|
|
should come, in the exaltation of Christ, and the pouring out of the
|
|
Spirit. It was a comfort,
|
|
|
|
[1.] That what they said should be made good: they said <I>the Son of
|
|
man</I> is coming, and <I>behold, he comes.</I> Christ <I>will confirm
|
|
the word of his messengers,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+44:26">Isa. xlvi. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] That it should be made good quickly. Note, It is matter of comfort
|
|
to Christ's labourers, that their working time will be short, and soon
|
|
over; the hireling has his day; the work and warfare will in a little
|
|
time be accomplished.
|
|
|
|
[3.] That then they should be advanced to a higher station. <I>When the
|
|
Son of man comes, they shall be endued with greater power from on
|
|
high;</I> now they were sent forth as agents and envoys, but in a
|
|
little time their commission should be enlarged, and they should be
|
|
sent forth as plenipotentiaries into all the world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Here are many words that relate to their work in general, and the
|
|
troubles they were to meet with in it; and <I>they are good words and
|
|
comfortable words.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] That their sufferings were <I>for a testimony against them and the
|
|
Gentiles,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
When the Jewish consistories transfer you to the Roman governors, that
|
|
they may have you put to death, your being hurried thus from one
|
|
judgment-seat to another, will help to make your testimony the more
|
|
public, and will give you an opportunity of bringing the gospel to the
|
|
Gentiles, as well as to the Jews; nay, you will testify to them, and
|
|
against them, by the very troubles you undergo. Note, God's people,
|
|
and especially God's ministers, are his witnesses
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+43:10">Isa. xliii. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
not only in their <I>doing</I> work, but in their <I>suffering</I>
|
|
work. Hence they are called martyrs--<I>witnesses</I> for Christ, that
|
|
his truths are of undoubted certainty and value; and, being witnesses
|
|
for him, they are witnesses against those who oppose him and his
|
|
gospel. The sufferings of the martyrs, as they witness to the truth of
|
|
the gospel they profess, so they are testimonies of the enmity of their
|
|
persecutors, and both ways they are a testimony against them, and will
|
|
be produced in evidence in the great day, when <I>the saints shall
|
|
judge the world;</I> and the reason of the sentence will be,
|
|
<I>Inasmuch as ye did it unto these, ye did it unto me.</I> Now if
|
|
their sufferings be a testimony, how cheerfully should they be borne!
|
|
for the testimony is not finished till those come,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+11:7">Rev. xi. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
If they be Christ's witnesses, they shall be sure to have their charges
|
|
borne.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] That upon all occasions they should have God's special presence
|
|
with them, and the immediate assistance of his Holy Spirit,
|
|
particularly when they should be called out to bear their testimony
|
|
<I>before governors and kings; it shall be given you</I> (said Christ)
|
|
<I>in that same hour what ye shall speak.</I> Christ's disciples were
|
|
chosen <I>from among the foolish of the world,</I> unlearned and
|
|
ignorant men, and, therefore, might justly distrust their own
|
|
abilities, especially when they were called before great men. When
|
|
Moses was sent to Pharaoh, he complained, <I>I am not eloquent,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+4:10">Exod. iv. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
When Jeremiah was set over the kingdoms, he objected, <I>I am but a
|
|
child,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+1:6,10">Jer. i. 6, 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now, in answer to this suggestion, <I>First,</I> they are here promised
|
|
that <I>it should be given them,</I> nor some time before, but <I>in
|
|
that same hour, what they should speak.</I> They shall speak
|
|
<I>extempore,</I> and yet shall speak as much to the purpose, as if it
|
|
had been never so well studied. Note, When God calls us out to speak
|
|
for him, we may depend upon him to teach us what to say; even then,
|
|
when we labour under the greatest disadvantages and discouragements.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> They are here assured, that the blessed Spirit should
|
|
draw up their plea for them. <I>It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit
|
|
of your Father, which speaketh in you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were not left to themselves upon such an occasion, but God
|
|
undertook for them; his Spirit of wisdom spoke <I>in</I> them, as
|
|
sometimes his providence wonderfully spoke <I>for</I> them, and by both
|
|
together they were manifested in the consciences even of their
|
|
persecutors. God gave them an ability, not only to speak to the
|
|
purpose, but what they did say, to say it with holy zeal. The same
|
|
Spirit that assisted them in the pulpit, assisted them at the bar. They
|
|
cannot but come off well, who have such an advocate; to whom God says,
|
|
as he did to Moses
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+4:12">Exod. iv. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Go, and I will be with thy mouth, and with thy heart.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] That <I>he that endures to the end shall be saved,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here it is very comfortable to consider, <I>First,</I> that there will
|
|
be an <I>end</I> of these troubles; they may last long, but will not
|
|
last always. Christ comforted himself with this, and so may his
|
|
followers; <I>The things concerning me have an end,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:37">Luke xxii. 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Dabit Deus his quoque finem--These also will God bring to a
|
|
termination.</I> Note, A believing prospect of the period of our
|
|
troubles, will be of great use to support us under them. <I>The weary
|
|
will be at rest, when the wicked cease from troubling,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+3:17">Job iii. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
God will give an expected <I>end,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+29:11">Jer. xxix. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
The troubles may seem tedious, <I>like the days of a hireling,</I> but,
|
|
blessed be God, they are not everlasting. <I>Secondly,</I> That while
|
|
they continue, they may be <I>endured;</I> as they are not
|
|
<I>eternal,</I> so they are not <I>intolerable;</I> they may be borne,
|
|
and borne <I>to the end,</I> because the sufferers shall be borne up
|
|
under them, in everlasting arms: <I>The strength shall be according to
|
|
the day,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+10:13">1 Cor. x. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> Salvation will be the eternal recompence of all those
|
|
<I>that endure to the end.</I> The weather stormy, and the way foul,
|
|
but the pleasure of home will make amends for all. A believing regard
|
|
to the crown of glory has been in all ages the cordial and support of
|
|
suffering saints,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+4:16,17,18,Heb+10:34">2 Cor. iv. 16; 17, 18; Heb. x. 34</A>.
|
|
|
|
This is not only an encouragement to us to <I>endure,</I> but an
|
|
engagement to <I>endure to the end.</I> They who <I>endure but awhile,
|
|
and in time of temptation fall away,</I> have run in vain, and lose all
|
|
that they have attained; but they who persevere, are sure of the prize,
|
|
and they only. <I>Be faithful unto death,</I> and then thou shalt have
|
|
<I>the crown of life.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[4.] That whatever hard usage the disciples of Christ meet with, it is
|
|
no more than what their Master met with before
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:24,25"><I>v.</I> 24, 25</A>).
|
|
|
|
<I>The disciple is not above his master.</I> We find this given them as
|
|
a reason, why they should not hesitate to perform the meanest duties,
|
|
no, not washing one another's feet.
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:16">John xiii. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here it is given as a reason, why they should not stumble at the
|
|
hardest sufferings. They are reminded of this saying,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:20">John xv. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is a proverbial expression, <I>The servant is not better than his
|
|
master,</I> and, therefore, let him not expect to fare <I>better.</I>
|
|
Note, <I>First,</I> Jesus Christ is our <I>Master,</I> our teaching
|
|
<I>Master,</I> and we are his disciples, to learn of him; our ruling
|
|
<I>master,</I> and we are his servants to obey him: He is <I>Master</I>
|
|
of the house, <B><I>oikodespotes</I></B>, has a despotic power in the
|
|
church, which is his family. <I>Secondly,</I> Jesus Christ our Lord and
|
|
Master met with very hard usage from the world; they called him
|
|
Beelzebub, the god of flies, the name of the chief of the devils, with
|
|
whom they said he was in league. It is hard to say which is here more
|
|
to be wondered at, the wickedness of men who thus abused Christ, or the
|
|
patience of Christ, who suffered himself to be thus abused; that he who
|
|
was the God of glory should be stigmatized as the god of flies; the
|
|
King of Israel, as the god of Ekron; the Prince of light and life, as
|
|
the prince of the powers of death and darkness; that Satan's greatest
|
|
Enemy and Destroyer should be run down as his confederate, and yet
|
|
<I>endure such contradiction of sinners. Thirdly,</I> The consideration
|
|
of the ill treatment which Christ met with in the world, should engage
|
|
us to expect and prepare for the like, and to bear it patiently. Let us
|
|
not think it strange, if they who hated him hate his followers, for his
|
|
sake; nor think it hard if they who are shortly to be made <I>like him
|
|
in glory,</I> be now made <I>like him in sufferings.</I> Christ began
|
|
in the <I>bitter cup,</I> let us be willing to pledge him; his bearing
|
|
the cross made it easy for us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[5.] That <I>there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
We understand this, <I>First,</I> Of the revealing of the gospel to all
|
|
the world. "Do you <I>publish</I> it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
for it shall be published. The truths which are now, as mysteries, hid
|
|
from the children of men, shall all be made known, to all nations, in
|
|
their own language,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:11">Acts ii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
The <I>ends of the earth must see this salvation.</I> Note, It is a
|
|
great encouragement to those who are doing Christ's work, that it is a
|
|
work which shall certainly be done. It is a plough which God will
|
|
speed. Or, <I>Secondly,</I> Of the clearing up of the innocency of
|
|
Christ's suffering servants, that are called Beelzebub; their true
|
|
character is now invidiously disguised with false colours, but however
|
|
their innocency and excellency are now <I>covered,</I> they <I>shall be
|
|
revealed;</I> sometimes it is in a great measure done in this world,
|
|
when the righteousness of the saints is made, by subsequent events, to
|
|
<I>shine forth as the light:</I> however it will be done at the great
|
|
day, when their glory shall be manifested to all the world, angels and
|
|
men, to whom they are now <I>made spectacles,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:9">1 Cor. iv. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
All their reproach shall be rolled away, and their graces and services,
|
|
that are now <I>covered, shall be revealed,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:5">1 Cor. iv. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, It is matter of comfort to the people of God, under all the
|
|
calumnies and censures of men, that there will be a resurrection of
|
|
<I>names</I> as well as of <I>bodies,</I> at the last day, when <I>the
|
|
righteous shall shine forth as the sun.</I> Let Christ's ministers
|
|
faithfully reveal his truths, and then leave it to him, in due time, to
|
|
reveal their integrity.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[6.] That the providence of God is in a special manner conversant about
|
|
the saints, in their suffering,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:29-31"><I>v.</I> 29-31</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is good to have recourse to our first principles, and particularly
|
|
to the doctrine of God's universal providence, extending itself to all
|
|
the creatures, and all their actions, even the smallest and most
|
|
minute. The light of nature teaches us this, and it is comfortable to
|
|
all men, but especially to all good men, who can in faith call this God
|
|
their Father, and for whom he has a tender concern. See here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> The general extent of providence to all the creatures,
|
|
even the least, and least considerable, to the <I>sparrows,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>.
|
|
|
|
These little animals are of so small account, that one of them is not
|
|
valued; there must go two to be worth <I>a farthing</I> (nay, you shall
|
|
have five for a halfpenny,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+12:6">Luke xii. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
and yet they are not shut out of the divine care; <I>One of them shall
|
|
not fall to the ground without your Father:</I> That is,
|
|
|
|
1. They do not light on <I>the ground</I> for food, to pick up a grain
|
|
of corn, but <I>your</I> heavenly <I>Father,</I> by his providence,
|
|
laid it ready for them. In the parallel place,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+12:6">Luke xii. 6</A>,
|
|
|
|
it is thus expressed, <I>Not one of them is forgotten before God,</I>
|
|
forgotten to be provided for; <I>he feedeth them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+6:26"><I>ch.</I> vi. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now he that feeds the sparrows, will not starve the saints.
|
|
|
|
2. They do <I>not fall to the ground</I> by death, either a natural or
|
|
a violent death, without the notice of God: though they are so small a
|
|
part of the creation, yet even their death comes within the notice of
|
|
the divine providence; much more does the death of his disciples.
|
|
Observe, The birds that soar above, when they die, <I>fall to the
|
|
ground;</I> death brings the highest to the earth. Some think that
|
|
Christ here alludes to the <I>two sparrows</I> that were used in
|
|
cleansing the leper
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+14:4-6">Lev. xiv. 4-6</A>);
|
|
|
|
the two birds in the margin are called <I>sparrows;</I> of these one
|
|
was killed, and so <I>fell to the ground,</I> the other was let go. Now
|
|
it seemed a casual thing which of the two was killed; the persons
|
|
employed took which they pleased, but God's providence designed, and
|
|
determined which. Now this God, who has such an eye to the sparrows,
|
|
because they are his creatures, much more will have an eye to you, who
|
|
are his children. If a sparrow die not <I>without your Father,</I>
|
|
surely a man does not,--a Christian,--a minister,--my friend, my child.
|
|
A bird falls not into the fowler's net, nor by the fowler's shot, and
|
|
so comes not to be sold in the market, but according to the direction
|
|
of providence; your enemies, like subtle fowlers, <I>lay snares for</I>
|
|
you, and <I>privily shoot at</I> you, but they cannot take you, they
|
|
cannot hit you, unless God give them leave. Therefore be not afraid of
|
|
death, for your enemies have no power against you, but what is <I>given
|
|
them from above.</I> God can break their bows and snares
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+38:12-15,64:4,7">Ps. xxxviii. 12-15; lxiv. 4, 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
and make our souls to <I>escape as a bird</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+124:7">Ps. cxxiv. 7</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Fear ye not, therefore,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, There is enough in the doctrine of God's providence to silence
|
|
all the fears of God's people: <I>Ye are of more value than many
|
|
sparrows.</I> All men are so, for the other creatures were made for
|
|
man, and <I>put under his feet</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+8:6-8">Ps. viii. 6-8</A>);
|
|
|
|
much more the disciples of Jesus Christ, who are the excellent ones of
|
|
the earth, however contemned, as if not worth one sparrow.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The particular cognizance which providence takes of
|
|
the disciples of Christ, especially in their sufferings
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.</I> This is a
|
|
proverbial expression, denoting the account which God takes and keeps
|
|
of all the concernments of his people, even of those that are most
|
|
minute, and least regarded. This is not to be made a matter of curious
|
|
enquiry, but of encouragement to live in a continual dependence upon
|
|
God's providential care, which extends itself to all occurrences, yet
|
|
without disparagement to the infinite glory, or disturbance to the
|
|
infinite rest, of the Eternal Mind. If God numbers their hairs, much
|
|
more does he number their heads, and take care of their lives, their
|
|
comforts, their souls. It intimates, that God takes more care of them,
|
|
than they do of themselves. They who are solicitous to number their
|
|
money, and goods, and cattle, yet were never careful to number their
|
|
hairs, which fall and are lost, and they never miss them: but God
|
|
<I>numbers the hairs of</I> his people, and <I>not a hair of their head
|
|
shall perish</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+21:18">Luke xxi. 18</A>);
|
|
|
|
not the least hurt shall be done them, but upon a valuable
|
|
consideration: so precious to God are his saints, and their lives and
|
|
deaths!</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[7.] That he will shortly, in the day of triumph, own those who now own
|
|
him, in the day of trial, when those who deny him shall be for ever
|
|
disowned and rejected by him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:32,33"><I>v.</I> 32, 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, <I>First,</I> It is our duty, and if we do it, it will hereafter
|
|
be our unspeakable honour and happiness, to <I>confess Christ before
|
|
men.</I>
|
|
|
|
1. It is our duty, not only to believe in Christ, but to profess that
|
|
faith, in suffering for him, when we are called to it, as well as in
|
|
serving him. We must never be ashamed of our relation to Christ, our
|
|
attendance on him, and our expectations from him: hereby the sincerity
|
|
of our faith, is evidenced, his name glorified, and others edified.
|
|
|
|
2. However this may expose us to reproach and trouble now, we shall be
|
|
abundantly recompensed for that, <I>in the resurrection of the
|
|
just,</I> when it will be our unspeakable honour and happiness to hear
|
|
Christ say (what would we more?) "<I>Him will I confess,</I> though a
|
|
poor worthless worm of the earth; this is one of mine, one of my
|
|
friends and favourites, who loved me and was beloved by me; the
|
|
purchase of my blood, the workmanship of my Spirit; <I>I will confess
|
|
him before my Father,</I> when it will do him the most service; I will
|
|
speak a good word for him, when he appears before <I>my Father</I> to
|
|
receive his doom; I will present him, will represent him to <I>my
|
|
Father.</I>" Those who honour Christ he will thus honour. They honour
|
|
him <I>before men;</I> that is a <I>poor</I> thing: he will honour them
|
|
<I>before</I> his <I>Father;</I> that is a <I>great</I> thing.
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> It is a dangerous thing for any to deny and disown
|
|
<I>Christ before men;</I> for they who so do will be disowned by him
|
|
<I>in the great day,</I> when they have most need of him: he will not
|
|
own them for his servants who would not own him for their master: <I>I
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tell you, I know you not,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+7:23"><I>ch.</I> vii. 23</A>.
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In the first ages of Christianity, when for a man to <I>confess
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Christ</I> was to venture all that was dear to him in this world, it
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was more a trial of sincerity, than it was afterwards, when it had
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secular advantages attending it.</P>
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<P>
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[8.] That the foundation of their discipleship was laid in such a
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temper and disposition, as would make sufferings very light and easy to
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them; and it was upon the condition of a preparedness for suffering,
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that Christ took them to be his followers,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:37-39"><I>v.</I> 37-39</A>.
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He told them at first, that they were <I>not worthy of</I> him, if they
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were not willing to part with all for him. Men hesitate not at those
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|
difficulties which necessarily attend their profession, and which they
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|
counted upon, when they undertook that profession; and they will either
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|
cheerfully submit to those fatigues and troubles, or disclaim the
|
|
privileges and advantages of their profession. Now, in the Christian
|
|
profession, they are reckoned unworthy the dignity and felicity of it,
|
|
that put not such a value upon their interest in Christ, as to prefer
|
|
that before any other interests. They cannot expect the gains of a
|
|
bargain, who will not come up to the terms of it. Now thus the terms
|
|
are settled; if religion be worth <I>any</I> thing, it is worth
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|
<I>every</I> thing: and, therefore, all who believe the truth of it,
|
|
will soon come up to the price of it; and they who make it their
|
|
business and bliss, will make every thing else to yield to it. They who
|
|
like not Christ on these terms, may leave him at their peril. Note, It
|
|
is very encouraging to think, that whatever we leave, or lose, or
|
|
suffer for Christ, we do not make a hard bargain for ourselves.
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|
Whatever we part with for this pearl of price, we may comfort ourselves
|
|
with this persuasion, that it is well worth what we give for it. The
|
|
terms are, that we must prefer Christ.</P>
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|
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<P>
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<I>First,</I> Before our nearest and dearest relations; <I>father or
|
|
mother, son or daughter.</I> Between these relations, because there is
|
|
little room left for envy, there is commonly more room for love, and,
|
|
therefore, these are instanced, as relations which are most likely to
|
|
affect us. Children must love their parents, and parents must love
|
|
their children; but if they love them better than Christ, they are
|
|
unworthy of him. As we must not be <I>deterred</I> from Christ by the
|
|
hatred of our relations which he spoke of
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:21,35,36"><I>v.</I> 21, 35, 36</A>),
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|
|
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so we must not be <I>drawn</I> from him, by their love. Christians must
|
|
be as Levi, who <I>said to his father, I have not seen him,</I>
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+33:9">Deut. xxxiii. 9</A>.</P>
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<P>
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|
<I>Secondly,</I> Before our ease and safety. We must <I>take up our cross</I>
|
|
and <I>follow him,</I> else we are <I>not worthy</I> of him. Here
|
|
observe,
|
|
|
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1. They who would <I>follow Christ,</I> must expect <I>their cross</I>
|
|
and <I>take it up.</I>
|
|
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2. In taking <I>up the cross,</I> we must <I>follow Christ's</I>
|
|
example, and bear it as he did.
|
|
|
|
3. It is a great encouragement to us, when we meet with crosses, that
|
|
in bearing them we <I>follow Christ,</I> who has showed us the way; and
|
|
that if we follow him faithfully, he will lead us through sufferings
|
|
like him, to glory with him.</P>
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|
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|
<P>
|
|
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|
<I>Thirdly,</I> Before life itself,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:39"><I>v.</I> 39</A>.
|
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|
<I>He that findeth his life shall lose it;</I> he that thinks he had
|
|
found it when he has saved it, and kept it, by denying Christ, <I>shall
|
|
lose it</I> in an eternal death; but <I>he that loseth his life for
|
|
Christ's sake,</I> that will part with it rather than deny Christ,
|
|
<I>shall find it,</I> to his unspeakable advantage, an eternal life.
|
|
They are best prepared for the life to come, that sit most loose to
|
|
this present life.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[9.] That Christ himself would so heartily espouse their cause, as to
|
|
show himself a friend to all their friends, and to repay all the
|
|
kindnesses that should at any time be bestowed upon them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:40-42"><I>v.</I> 40-42</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>He that receiveth you, receiveth me.</I></P>
|
|
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|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> It is here implied, that though the generality would
|
|
reject them, yet they should meet with some who would receive and
|
|
entertain them, would bid the message welcome to their hearts, and the
|
|
messengers to their houses, for the sake of it. Why was the gospel
|
|
market made, but that if some will not, others will. In the worst of
|
|
times there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Christ's
|
|
ministers shall not <I>labour in vain.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> Jesus Christ takes what is done to his faithful ministers,
|
|
whether in kindness or in unkindness, as done to himself, and reckons
|
|
himself <I>treated</I> as they are <I>treated. He that receiveth you,
|
|
receiveth me.</I> Honour or contempt put upon an ambassador reflects
|
|
honour or contempt upon the prince that sends him, and ministers are
|
|
<I>ambassadors for Christ.</I> See how Christ may still be entertained
|
|
by those who would testify their respects to him; his people and
|
|
ministers we have always with us; and he is <I>with them always,</I>
|
|
even to the end of the world. Nay, the honour rises higher, <I>He that
|
|
receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.</I> Not only Christ takes it
|
|
as done to himself, but through Christ God does so too. By entertaining
|
|
Christ's ministers, they entertain not <I>angels unawares,</I> but
|
|
Christ, nay, and God himself, and <I>unawares</I> too, as appears,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+25:37"><I>ch.</I> xxv. 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>When saw we thee an hungered?</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> That though the kindness done to Christ's disciples be
|
|
never so small, yet if there be occasion for it, and ability to do no
|
|
more, it shall be accepted, though it be <I>but a cup of cold water
|
|
given to one of these little ones,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:42"><I>v.</I> 42</A>.
|
|
|
|
They are <I>little ones,</I> poor and weak, and often stand in need of
|
|
refreshment, and glad of the least. The extremity may be such, that a
|
|
<I>cup of cold water</I> may be a great favour. Note, Kindnesses shown
|
|
to Christ's disciples are valued in Christ's books, not according to
|
|
the cost of the gift, but according to the love and affection of the
|
|
giver. On that score the widow's mite not only passed current, but was
|
|
stamped high,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+21:3,4">Luke xxi. 3, 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus they who are truly rich in graces may be rich in good works,
|
|
though poor in the world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Fourthly,</I> That kindness to Christ's disciples which he will
|
|
accept, must b done with an eye to Christ, and for his sake. A prophet
|
|
must be received <I>in the name of a prophet,</I> and a <I>righteous
|
|
man</I> in the name of a <I>righteous man,</I> and one of those
|
|
<I>little ones</I> in <I>the name of a disciple;</I> not because they
|
|
are learned, or witty, nor because they are our relations or
|
|
neighbours, but because they are righteous, and so bear Christ's image;
|
|
because they are prophets and disciples, and so are sent on Christ's
|
|
errand. It is a believing regard to Christ that puts an acceptable
|
|
value upon the kindnesses done to his ministers. Christ does not
|
|
interest himself in the matter, unless we first interest him in it.
|
|
<I>Ut tibi debeam aliquid pro eo quod præstas, debes non tantum
|
|
mihi præstare, sed tanquam mihi--If you wish me to feel an
|
|
obligation to you for any service you render, you must not only perform
|
|
the service, but you must convince me that you do it for my sake.</I>
|
|
Seneca.</P>
|
|
|
|
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