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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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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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<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. III.</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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At the start of this chapter, concerning the baptism of John, begins
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the gospel
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+1:1">Mark i. 1</A>);
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what went before is but preface or introduction; this is "the beginning
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of the gospel of Jesus Christ." And Peter observes the same date,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:22">Acts i. 22</A>,
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beginning from the baptism of John, for then Christ began first to
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appear in him, and then to appear to him, and by him to the world. Here
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is,
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I. The glorious rising of the morning-star--John the Baptist,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:1">ver. 1</A>.
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1. The doctrine he preached,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:2">ver. 2</A>.
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2. The fulfilling of the scripture in him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:3">ver. 3</A>.
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3. His manner of life,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:4">ver. 4</A>.
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4. The resort of multitudes to him, and their submission to his baptism,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:5,6">ver. 5, 6</A>.
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5. His sermon that he preached to the Pharisees and Sadducees, wherein
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he endeavours to bring them to repentance
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:7-10">ver. 7-10</A>),
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and so to bring them to Christ,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:11,12">ver. 11, 12</A>.
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II. The more glorious shining forth of the Sun of righteousness,
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immediately after: where we have,
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1. The honour done by him to the baptism of John,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:13-15">ver. 13-15</A>.
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2. The honour done to him by the descent of the Spirit upon him, and a
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voice from heaven,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:16,17">ver. 16, 17</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Mt3_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt3_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt3_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt3_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt3_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt3_6"> </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 Preaching of John the Baptist.</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 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the
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wilderness of Judea,
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2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
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3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias,
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saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the
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way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
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4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a
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leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and
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wild honey.
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5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the
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region round about Jordan,
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6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here an account of the preaching and baptism of John, which
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were the dawning of the gospel-day. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. The time when he appeared. <I>In those days</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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or, <I>after those days,</I> long after what was recorded in the
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foregoing chapter, which left the child Jesus in his infancy. <I>In
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those days,</I> in the time appointed of the Father for the beginning
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of the gospel, when the <I>fulness of time</I> was come, which was
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often thus spoken of in the <I>Old Testament, In those days.</I> Now
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the last of Daniel's weeks began, or rather, the latter half of the
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week, when the Messiah was to <I>confirm the covenant with many,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+9:27">Dan. ix. 27</A>.
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Christ's appearances are all in their season. Glorious things were
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spoken both of John and Jesus, at and before their births, which would
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have given occasion to expect some extraordinary appearances of a
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divine presence and power with them when they were very young; but it
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is quite otherwise. Except Christ's disputing with the doctors at
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twelve years old, nothing appears remarkable concerning either of them,
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till they were about thirty years old. Nothing is recorded of their
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childhood and youth, but the greatest part of their life is
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<I>tempos,</I> <B><I>adelon</I></B>--<I>wrapt up in darkness and
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obscurity:</I> these children differ little in outward appearance from
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other children, as the heir, while he is under age, differs nothing
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from a servant, though he be <I>lord of all.</I> And this was to show,
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1. That even when God is acting as the God of Israel, the
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<I>Saviour,</I> yet <I>verily he is a God that hideth himself</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+45:15">Isa. xlv. 15</A>).
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<I>The Lord is in this place and I knew it not,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+28:16">Gen. xxviii. 16</A>.
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Our beloved stands behind the wall long before he <I>looks forth at the
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windows,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+2:9">Cant. ii. 9</A>.
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2. That our faith must principally have an eye to Christ in his office
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and undertaking, for there is the <I>display</I> of his power; but in
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his person is the <I>hiding</I> of his power. All this while, Christ
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was god-man; yet we are not told what he said or did, till he appeared
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as a prophet; and then, <I>Hear ye him.</I>
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3. That young men, though well qualified, should not be forward to put
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forth themselves in public service, but be humble, and modest, and
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self-diffident, <I>swift to hear, and slow to speak.</I></P>
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<P>
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Matthew says nothing of the conception and birth of John the Baptist,
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which is largely related by St. Luke, but finds him at full age, as if
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dropt from the clouds to preach in the wilderness. For above three
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hundred years the church had been without prophets; those lights had
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been long put out, that <I>he</I> might be the more desired, who was to
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be the great prophet. After Malachi there was no prophet, nor any
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pretender to prophecy, till John the Baptist, to whom therefore the
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prophet Malachi points more directly than any of the Old Testament
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prophets had done
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+3:1">Mal. iii. 1</A>);
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<I>I send my messenger.</I></P>
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<P>
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II. The place where he appeared first. <I>In the wilderness of
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Judea.</I> It was not an uninhabited desert, but a part of the country
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not so thickly peopled, nor so much enclosed into fields and vineyards,
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as other parts were; it was such a wilderness as had six cities and
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their villages in it, which are named,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+15:61,62">Josh. xv. 61, 62</A>.
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In these cities and villages John preached, for thereabouts he had
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hitherto lived, being born hard by, in Hebron; the scenes of his action
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began there, where he had long spent his time in contemplation; and
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even when he showed himself to Israel, he showed how well he loved
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retirement, as far as would consist with his business. The <I>word of
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the Lord</I> found John here in a <I>wilderness.</I> Note, No place is
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so remote as to shut us out from the visits of divine grace; nay,
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commonly the sweetest intercourse the saints have with Heaven, is when
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they are withdrawn furthest from the noise of this world. It was in
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this <I>wilderness</I> of Judah that David penned the
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+63:1-11">63d Psalm</A>,
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which speaks so much of the sweet communion he then had with God,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+2:14">Hos. ii. 14</A>.
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In a wilderness the law was given; and as the <I>Old Testament,</I> so
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the <I>New Testament Israel</I> was first found in the desert land, and
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there God <I>led him about and instructed him,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+32:10">Deut. xxxii. 10</A>.
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John Baptist was a priest of the order of Aaron, yet we find him
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preaching in a <I>wilderness,</I> and never officiating in the
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<I>temple;</I> but Christ, who was not a son of Aaron, is yet often
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found in the temple, and sitting there as one having authority; so it
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was foretold,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+3:1">Mal. iii. 1</A>.
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<I>The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple;</I> not the
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<I>messenger</I> that was to prepare his way. This intimated that the
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priesthood of Christ was to thrust out that of Aaron, and drive it into
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a wilderness.</P>
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<P>
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The beginning of the gospel in a wilderness, speaks comfort to the
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deserts of the Gentile world. Now must the prophecies be fulfilled,
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<I>I will plant in the wilderness the cedar,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+41:18,19">Isa. xli. 18, 19</A>.
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The wilderness shall be <I>a fruitful field,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+32:15">Isa. xxxii. 15</A>.
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And the <I>desert shall rejoice,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+35:1,2">Isa. xxxv. 1, 2</A>.
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The Septuagint reads, <I>the deserts of Jordan,</I> the very wilderness
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in which John preached. In the Romish church there are those who call
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themselves <I>hermits,</I> and pretend to follow John; but when they
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say of Christ, <I>Behold, he is in the desert, go not forth,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+24:26"><I>ch.</I> xxiv. 26</A>.
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There was a seducer that led his followers <I>into the wilderness,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+21:38">Acts xxi. 38</A>.</P>
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<P>
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III. His preaching. This he made his business. He came, not fighting,
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nor disputing, but <I>preaching</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>);
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for by the foolishness of preaching, Christ's kingdom must be set
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up.</P>
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<P>
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1. The doctrine he preached was that of repentance
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>);
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<I>Repent ye.</I> He preached this in <I>Judea,</I> among those that
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were called <I>Jews,</I> and made a profession of religion; for even
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they needed repentance. He preached it, not in Jerusalem, but in the
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wilderness of Judea, among the plain country people; for even those who
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think themselves most out of the way of temptation, and furthest from
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the vanities and vices of the town, cannot wash their hands in
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innocency, but must do it in repentance. John Baptist's business was to
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call men to <I>repent</I> of their sins;
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<B><I>Metanoeite</I></B>--<I>Bethink yourselves;</I> "Admit a second
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<I>thought,</I> to correct the errors of the first--an
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<I>afterthought.</I> Consider your ways, <I>change your minds;</I> you
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have thought amiss; <I>think again,</I> and <I>think aright.</I>" Note,
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True penitents have <I>other thoughts</I> of God and Christ, and sin
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and holiness, and this world and the other, than they have had, and
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stand otherwise affected toward them. The change of the <I>mind</I>
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produces a change of the <I>way.</I> Those who are truly sorry for what
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they have done amiss, will be careful to do so no more. This
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repentance is a necessary duty, in obedience to the command of God
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+17:30">Acts xvii. 30</A>);
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and a necessary preparative and qualification for the comforts of the
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gospel of Christ. If the heart of man had continued upright and
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unstained, divine consolations might have been received without this
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painful operation preceding; but, being sinful, it must be first pained
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before it can be laid at ease, must <I>labour</I> before it can be at
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rest. The sore must be searched, or it cannot be cured. <I>I wound</I>
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and <I>I heal.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. The argument he used to enforce this call was, <I>For the kingdom of
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heaven is at hand.</I> The prophets of the <I>Old Testament</I> called
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people to <I>repent,</I> for the obtaining and securing of temporal
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national mercies, and for the preventing and removing of temporal
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national judgments: but now, though the duty pressed is the same, the
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reason is new, and purely evangelical. Men are now considered in their
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personal capacity, and not so much as then in a social and political
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one. Now repent, for the <I>kingdom of heaven is at hand;</I> the
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gospel dispensation of the covenant of grace, the opening of the
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kingdom of heaven to all believers, by the death and resurrection of
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Jesus Christ. It is a <I>kingdom</I> of which Christ is the Sovereign,
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and we must be the willing, loyal subjects of it. It is a kingdom of
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<I>heaven,</I> not of this world, a spiritual kingdom: its original
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from heaven, its tendency to heaven. John preached this as <I>at
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hand;</I> then it was at the door; to us it is come, by the pouring out
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of the Spirit, and the full exhibition of the riches of gospel-grace.
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Now,
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(1.) This is a great <I>inducement</I> to us <I>to repent.</I> There is
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nothing like the consideration of divine grace to break the heart, both
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<I>for sin</I> and <I>from sin.</I> That is evangelical repentance,
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that flows from a sight of Christ, from a sense of his love, and the
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hopes of pardon and forgiveness through him. Kindness is conquering;
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abused kindness, humbling and melting. What a wretch was I to sin
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against such grace, against the law and love of such a kingdom!
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(2.) It is a <I>great encouragement</I> to us <I>to repent;</I>
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"Repent, for your sins shall be pardoned upon your repentance. Return
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to God in a way of duty, and he will, through Christ, return to you in
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a way of mercy." The proclamation of pardon discovers, and fetches in,
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the malefactor who before fled and absconded. Thus we are drawn to it
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with the cords of man, and the bands of love.</P>
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<P>
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IV. The <I>prophecy</I> that was fulfilled in him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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This is he that was spoken of in the beginning of that part of the
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prophecy of Esaias, which is mostly evangelical, and which points at
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gospel-times and gospel-grace; see
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+40:3,4">Isa. xl. 3, 4</A>.
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John is here spoken of,</P>
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<P>
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1. As the <I>voice of one crying in the wilderness.</I> John owned it
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himself
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:23">John i. 23</A>);
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<I>I am the voice,</I> and that is all, God is the Speaker, who makes
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known his mind by John, as a man does by his voice. The word of God
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must be received as such
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:13">1 Thess. ii. 13</A>);
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what else is Paul, and what is Apollos, but the voice! John is called
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the <I>voice,</I> <B><I>phone boontos</I></B>--<I>the voice of one
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crying</I> aloud, which is startling and awakening. Christ is called
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<I>the Word,</I> which, being distinct and articulate, is more
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instructive. John as the <I>voice,</I> roused men, and then Christ, as
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the <I>Word,</I> taught them; as we find,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+14:2">Rev. xiv. 2</A>.
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The voice of many waters, and of a great thunder, made way for the
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melodious voice of <I>harpers</I> and the <I>new song,</I>
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
Some observe that, as Samson's mother must drink no <I>strong
|
|
drink,</I> yet he was designed to be a <I>strong man;</I> so John
|
|
Baptist's father was struck dumb, and yet he was designed to be the
|
|
<I>voice of one crying.</I> When the crier's voice is begotten of a
|
|
dumb father, it shows the <I>excellency of the power to be of God, and
|
|
not of man.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. As one whose business it was to <I>prepare the way of the Lord, and
|
|
to make his paths straight;</I> so it was said of him before he was
|
|
born, that he should <I>make ready a people prepared for the Lord</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:17">Luke i. 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
as Christ's harbinger and forerunner: he was such a one as intimated
|
|
the nature of Christ's kingdom, for he came not in the gaudy dress of a
|
|
herald at arms, but in the homely one of a hermit. Officers were sent
|
|
before great men to clear the way; so John prepares the way of the
|
|
Lord.
|
|
|
|
(1.) He himself did so among the men of that generation. In the Jewish
|
|
church and nation, at that time, all was out of course; there was a
|
|
great decay of piety, the vitals of religion were corrupted and eaten
|
|
out by the traditions and injunctions of the elders. The <I>Scribes</I>
|
|
and <I>Pharisees,</I> that is, the greatest hypocrites in the world,
|
|
had the key of knowledge, and the key of government, at their girdle.
|
|
The people were, generally, extremely proud of their privileges,
|
|
confident of justification by their own righteousness, insensible of
|
|
sin; and, though now under the most <I>humbling</I> providences, being
|
|
lately made a province of the Roman Empire, yet they were
|
|
<I>unhumbled;</I> they were much in the same temper as they were in
|
|
Malachi's time, insolent and haughty, and ready to contradict the word
|
|
of God: now John was sent to level these mountains, to take down their
|
|
high opinion of themselves, and to show them their sins, that the
|
|
doctrine of Christ might be the more acceptable and effectual.
|
|
|
|
(2.) His doctrine of repentance and humiliation is still as necessary
|
|
as it was then to prepare the way of the Lord. Note, There is a great
|
|
deal to be done, to make way for Christ into a soul, to <I>bow the
|
|
heart</I> for the reception of the Son of David
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+19:14">2 Sam. xix. 14</A>);
|
|
|
|
and nothing is more needful, in order to this, than the discovery of
|
|
sin, and a conviction of the insufficiency of our own righteousness.
|
|
That which lets will let, until it be taken out of the way; prejudices
|
|
must be removed, high thoughts brought down, and captivated to the
|
|
obedience of Christ. Gates of brass must be broken, and bars of iron
|
|
cut asunder, ere the everlasting doors be opened for the King of glory
|
|
to come in. The way of sin and Satan is a <I>crooked way;</I> to
|
|
prepare a way for Christ, the paths must be <I>made straight,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+12:13">Heb. xii. 13</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. The garb in which he appeared, the figure he made, and the manner of
|
|
his life,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
They, who expected the Messiah as a temporal prince, would think that
|
|
his forerunner must come in great pomp and splendour, that his equipage
|
|
should be very magnificent and gay; but it proves quite contrary; he
|
|
shall be <I>great in the sight of the Lord,</I> but mean in the eyes of
|
|
the world; and, as Christ himself, having <I>no form or comeliness;</I>
|
|
to intimate betimes, that the glory of Christ's kingdom was to be
|
|
spiritual, and the subjects of it such as ordinarily were either
|
|
<I>found</I> by <I>it,</I> or <I>made</I> by it, poor and despised, who
|
|
derived their honours, pleasures, and riches, from another world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. His <I>dress</I> was <I>plain.</I> This same John had <I>his raiment
|
|
of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins;</I> he did not
|
|
go in <I>long clothing,</I> as the <I>scribes,</I> or <I>soft
|
|
clothing,</I> as the courtiers, but in the clothing of a country
|
|
husbandman; for he lived in a country place, and suited his
|
|
<I>habit</I> to his <I>habitation.</I> Note, It is good for us to
|
|
accommodate ourselves to the place and condition which God, in his
|
|
providence, has put us in. John appeared in this dress,
|
|
|
|
(1.) To show that, like Jacob, he was a <I>plain man,</I> and mortified
|
|
to this world, and the delights and gaieties of it. <I>Behold an
|
|
Israelite indeed!</I> Those that are <I>lowly in heart</I> should show
|
|
it by a holy negligence and indifference in their attire; and not make
|
|
the putting on of apparel their adorning, nor value others by their
|
|
attire.
|
|
|
|
(2.) To show that he was a <I>prophet,</I> for prophets wore <I>rough
|
|
garments,</I> as mortified men
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+13:4">Zech. xiii. 4</A>);
|
|
|
|
and, especially, to show that he was the Elias promised; for particular
|
|
notice is taken of Elias, that he was a <I>hairy man</I> (which, some
|
|
think, is meant of the hairy garments he wore), and that <I>he was girt
|
|
with a girdle of leather about his loins,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+1:8">2 Kings i. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
John Baptist appears no way inferior to him in mortification; this
|
|
therefore is <I>that</I> Elias <I>that was to come.</I>
|
|
|
|
(3.) To show that he was a man of resolution; his girdle was not
|
|
<I>fine,</I> such as were then commonly worn, but it was <I>strong,</I>
|
|
it was a <I>leathern girdle;</I> and blessed is that servant, whom his
|
|
Lord, when he comes, finds with <I>his loins girt,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+12:35,1Pe+1:13">Luke xii. 35; 1 Pet. i. 13</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. His <I>diet</I> was <I>plain;</I> his <I>meat</I> was <I>locusts</I>
|
|
and <I>wild honey;</I> not as if he never ate any thing else; but these
|
|
he frequently fed upon, and made many meals of them, when he retired
|
|
into solitary places, and continued long there for contemplation.
|
|
<I>Locusts</I> were a sort of flying insect, very good for food, and
|
|
allowed as clean
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+11:22">Lev. xi. 22</A>);
|
|
|
|
they required little dressing, and were light, and easy of digestion,
|
|
whence it is reckoned among the infirmities of old age, that the
|
|
<I>grasshopper,</I> or <I>locust,</I> is then <I>a burden</I> to the
|
|
stomach,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+12:5">Eccl. xii. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Wild honey</I> was that which <I>Canaan</I> flowed with,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:26">1 Sam. xiv. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
Either it was gathered immediately, as it fell in the dew, or rather,
|
|
as it was found in the hollows of trees and rocks, where bees built,
|
|
that were not, like those in hives, under the care and inspection of
|
|
men. This intimates that he ate <I>sparingly,</I> a little served his
|
|
turn; a man would be long ere he filled his belly with locusts and wild
|
|
honey: <I>John Baptist</I> came <I>neither eating nor drinking</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:18"><I>ch.</I> xi. 18</A>)--
|
|
|
|
not with the curiosity, formality, and familiarity that other people
|
|
do. He was so entirely taken up with spiritual things, that he could
|
|
seldom find time for a set meal. Now,
|
|
|
|
(1.) This agreed with the doctrine he preached of <I>repentance,</I>
|
|
and <I>fruits meet for repentance.</I> Note, Those whose business it is
|
|
to call others to mourn for sin, and to mortify it, ought themselves to
|
|
live a serious life, a life of self-denial, mortification, and contempt
|
|
of the world. John Baptist thus showed the deep sense he had of the
|
|
badness of the time and place he lived in, which made the preaching of
|
|
repentance needful; every day was a <I>fast-day</I> with him.
|
|
|
|
(2.) This agreed with his office as Christ's <I>forerunner;</I> by this
|
|
practice he showed that he knew what the <I>kingdom of heaven</I> was,
|
|
and had experienced the powers of it. Note, Those that are acquainted
|
|
with divine and spiritual pleasures, cannot but look upon all the
|
|
delights and ornaments of sense with a holy indifference; they know
|
|
better things. By giving others this example he made way for Christ.
|
|
Note, A conviction of the vanity of the world, and everything in it, is
|
|
the best preparative for the entertainment of the kingdom of heaven in
|
|
the heart. <I>Blessed are the poor in spirit.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VI. The people who attended upon him, and flocked after him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea.</I> Great multitudes
|
|
came to him from the city, and from all parts of the country; some of
|
|
all sorts, men and women, young and old, rich and poor, Pharisees and
|
|
publicans; they <I>went out to him,</I> as soon as they heard his
|
|
preaching the <I>kingdom of heaven,</I> that they might hear what they
|
|
heard so much of. Now,
|
|
|
|
1. This was a great <I>honour</I> put upon John, that so many attended
|
|
him, and with so much respect. Note, Frequently those have most real
|
|
honour done them, who least court the shadow of it. Those who live a
|
|
mortified life, who are humble and self-denying, and dead to the world,
|
|
command respect; and men have a secret value and reverence for them,
|
|
more than they would imagine.
|
|
|
|
2. This gave John a great opportunity of doing good, and was an
|
|
evidence that God was with him. Now people began to crowd and <I>press
|
|
into the kingdom of heaven</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+16:16">Luke xvi. 16</A>);
|
|
|
|
and a blessed sight it was, to see the <I>dew of the youth</I> dropping
|
|
<I>from the womb</I> of the gospel-morning
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+110:3">Ps. cx. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
to see the net cast where there were so many fish.
|
|
|
|
3. This was an evidence, that it was now a time of great expectation;
|
|
it was generally thought that the <I>kingdom of God</I> would presently
|
|
<I>appear</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+19:11">Luke xix. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
and therefore, when John showed himself to Israel, lived and preached
|
|
at this rate, so very different from the Scribes and Pharisees, they
|
|
were ready to say of him, that he was <I>the Christ</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+3:15">Luke iii. 15</A>);
|
|
|
|
and this occasioned such a confluence of people about him.
|
|
|
|
4. Those who would have the benefit of John's ministry must <I>go
|
|
out</I> to him in the wilderness, sharing in his reproach. Note, They
|
|
who truly desire the sincere milk of the word, it if be not brought to
|
|
them, will seek out for it: and they who would learn the doctrine of
|
|
repentance must <I>go out</I> from the hurry of this world, and be
|
|
still.
|
|
|
|
5. It appears by the issue, that of the many who came to John's
|
|
Baptism, there were but few that adhered to it; witness the cold
|
|
reception Christ had in Judea, and about Jerusalem. Note, There may be
|
|
a multitude of forward hearers, where there are but a few true
|
|
believers. Curiosity, and affectation of novelty and variety, may bring
|
|
many to attend upon good preaching, and to be affected with it for a
|
|
while, who yet are never subject to the power of it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+33:31,32">Ezek. xxxiii. 31, 32</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VII. The rite, or ceremony, by which he admitted disciples,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those who received his doctrine, and submitted to his discipline, were
|
|
<I>baptized of him in Jordan,</I> thereby professing their repentance,
|
|
and their belief that the kingdom of the Messiah was at hand.
|
|
|
|
1. They testified their repentance by <I>confessing their sins;</I> a
|
|
general confession, it is probable, they made to John that they were
|
|
<I>sinners,</I> that they were polluted by sin, and needed cleansing;
|
|
but to God they made a confession of particular sins, for he is the
|
|
party offended. The Jews had been taught to <I>justify</I> themselves;
|
|
but John teaches them to <I>accuse</I> themselves, and not to rest, as
|
|
they used to do, in the general confession of sin made for all Israel,
|
|
once a year, upon the day of atonement; but to make a particular
|
|
acknowledgment, every one, of the <I>plague of his own heart.</I> Note,
|
|
A penitent confession of sin is required in order to peace and pardon;
|
|
and those only are ready to receive Jesus Christ as their
|
|
Righteousness, who are brought with sorrow and shame to their own
|
|
guilt,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+1:9">1 John i. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. The benefits of the <I>kingdom of heaven,</I> now <I>at hand,</I>
|
|
were thereupon sealed to them by baptism. He washed them with water, in
|
|
token of this--that from all their iniquities God would <I>cleanse
|
|
them.</I> It was usual with the Jews to baptize those whom they
|
|
admitted proselytes to their religion, especially those who were only
|
|
<I>Proselytes of the gate,</I> and were not circumcised, as the
|
|
<I>Proselytes of righteousness</I> were. Some think it was likewise a
|
|
custom for persons of eminent religion, who set up for leaders, by
|
|
baptism to admit pupils and disciples. Christ's question concerning
|
|
John's Baptism, Was it <I>from heaven,</I> or <I>of men?</I> implied,
|
|
that there were baptisms of men, who pretended not to a divine mission;
|
|
with this usage John complied, but <I>his</I> was from heaven, and was
|
|
distinguished from all others by this character, It was <I>the baptism
|
|
of repentance,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+19:4">Acts xix. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
All Israel were baptized unto Moses,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+10:2">1 Cor. x. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
The <I>ceremonial law</I> consisted in <I>divers washings or
|
|
baptisms</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+9:10">Heb. ix. 10</A>);
|
|
|
|
but John's baptism refers to the remedial law, the law of repentance
|
|
and faith. He is said to baptize them in Jordan, that river which was
|
|
famous for Israel's passage through it, and Naaman's cure; yet it is
|
|
probable that John did not baptize in that river at first, but that
|
|
afterward, when the people who came to his baptism were numerous, he
|
|
removed Jordan. By baptism he obliged them to live a holy life,
|
|
according to the profession they took upon themselves. Note, Confession
|
|
of sin must always be accompanied with holy resolutions, in the
|
|
strength of divine grace, not to return to it again.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt3_7"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt3_8"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt3_9"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt3_10"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt3_11"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt3_12"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Preaching of John the Baptist.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to
|
|
his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath
|
|
warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
|
|
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
|
|
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to
|
|
<I>our</I> father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these
|
|
stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
|
|
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees:
|
|
therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn
|
|
down, and cast into the fire.
|
|
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that
|
|
cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy
|
|
to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and <I>with</I>
|
|
fire:
|
|
12 Whose fan <I>is</I> in his hand, and he will throughly purge his
|
|
floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up
|
|
the chaff with unquenchable fire.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The doctrine John preached was that of repentance, in consideration of
|
|
the <I>kingdom of heaven</I> being <I>at hand;</I> now here we have the
|
|
use of that doctrine. Application is the life of preaching, so it was
|
|
of John's preaching.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Observe,</I>
|
|
|
|
1. To whom he applied it; to the Pharisees and Sadducees that came to
|
|
his baptism,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
To others he thought it enough to say, <I>Repent, for the kingdom of
|
|
heaven is at hand;</I> but when he saw these Pharisees and Sadducees
|
|
come about him, he found it necessary to explain himself, and deal more
|
|
closely. These were two of the three noted sects among the Jews at that
|
|
time, the third was that of the Essenes, whom we never read of in the
|
|
gospels, for they affected retirement, and declined busying themselves
|
|
in public affairs. The Pharisees were zealots for the ceremonies, for
|
|
the power of the church, and the traditions of the elders; the
|
|
Sadducees ran into the other extreme, and were little better than
|
|
deists, denying the existence of spirits and a future state. It was
|
|
strange that they came to John's baptism, but their curiosity brought
|
|
them to be hearers; and some of them, it is probable, submitted to be
|
|
baptized, but it is certain that the generality of them did not; for
|
|
Christ says
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+7:29,30">Luke vii. 29, 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
that <I>when the publicans justified God, and were baptized of John,
|
|
the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against
|
|
themselves, being not baptized of him.</I> Note, Many come to
|
|
ordinances, who come not under the power of them. Now to them John here
|
|
addresses himself with all faithfulness, and what he said to them, he
|
|
said to the multitude
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+3:7">Luke iii. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
for they were all concerned in what he said.
|
|
|
|
2. What the application was. It is plain and home, and directed to
|
|
their consciences; he speaks as one that came not to preach
|
|
<I>before</I> them, but to preach <I>to</I> them. Though his education
|
|
was private, he was not bashful when he appeared in public, nor did he
|
|
fear the face of man, for he was full of the Holy Ghost, and of
|
|
power.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Here is a word of conviction and awakening. He begins harshly, calls
|
|
them not Rabbi, gives them not the titles, much less the applauses,
|
|
they had been used to.
|
|
|
|
1. The <I>title</I> he gives them is, <I>O generation of vipers.</I>
|
|
Christ gave them the same title;
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+12:34,23:23"><I>ch.</I> xii. 34; xxiii. 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were as <I>vipers;</I> though specious, yet venomous and
|
|
poisonous, and full of malice and enmity to every thing that was good;
|
|
they were a <I>viperous brood,</I> the seed and offspring of such as
|
|
had been of the same spirit; it was bred in the bone with them. They
|
|
gloried in it, that they were the seed of Abraham; but John showed them
|
|
that they were the serpent's seed (compare
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+3:15">Gen. iii. 15</A>);
|
|
|
|
of their father the Devil,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+8:44">John viii. 44</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were a <I>viperous gang,</I> they were all alike; though enemies
|
|
to one another, yet confederate in mischief. Note, A wicked generation
|
|
is a <I>generation of vipers,</I> and they ought to be told so; it
|
|
becomes the ministers of Christ to be bold in showing sinners their
|
|
true character.
|
|
|
|
2. The <I>alarm</I> he gives them is, <I>Who has warned you to flee
|
|
from the wrath to come?</I> This intimates that they were in danger of
|
|
the wrath to come; and that their case was so nearly desperate, and
|
|
their hearts so hardened in sin (the Pharisees by their parade of
|
|
religion, and the Sadducees by their arguments against religion), that
|
|
it was next to a miracle to effect anything hopeful among them. "What
|
|
brings you hither? Who thought of seeing you here? What fright have
|
|
you been put into, that you enquire after the kingdom of heaven?" Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) There is a <I>wrath to come;</I> besides present wrath, the vials
|
|
of which are poured out now, there is future wrath, the stores of which
|
|
are treasured up for hereafter.
|
|
|
|
(2.) It is the great concern of every one of us to flee from this
|
|
wrath.
|
|
|
|
(3.) It is wonderful mercy that we are fairly warned to flee from this
|
|
wrath; think--<I>Who has warned us?</I> God has warned us, who delights
|
|
not in our ruin; he warns by the written word, by ministers, by
|
|
conscience.
|
|
|
|
(4.) These warnings sometime startle those who seemed to have been very
|
|
much hardened in their security and good opinion of themselves.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Here is a word of <I>exhortation</I> and <I>direction</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
"<I>Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. Therefore,</I>
|
|
because you are <I>warned to flee from the wrath to come,</I> let the
|
|
terrors of the Lord persuade you to a holy life." Or,
|
|
"<I>Therefore,</I> because you profess repentance, and attend upon the
|
|
doctrine and baptism of repentance, evidence that you are true
|
|
penitents." Repentance is seated in the heart. There it is as a root;
|
|
but in vain do we pretend to have it there, if we do not <I>bring forth
|
|
the fruits</I> of it in a universal reformation, forsaking all sin, and
|
|
cleaving to that which is good; these are fruits, <B><I>axious tes
|
|
metanoias</I></B>--<I>worthy of repentance.</I> Note, Those are not
|
|
worthy the name of penitents, or their privileges, who say they are
|
|
sorry for their sins, and yet persist in them. They that profess
|
|
repentance, as all that are baptized do, must be and act as becomes
|
|
penitents, and never do any thing unbecoming a penitent sinner. It
|
|
becomes penitents to be humble and low in their own eyes, to be
|
|
thankful for the least mercy, patient under the greatest affliction, to
|
|
be watchful against all appearances of sin, and approaches towards it,
|
|
to abound in every duty, and to be charitable in judging others.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. Here is a word of caution, not to trust to their external
|
|
privileges, so as with them to shift off these calls to repentance
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our
|
|
father.</I> Note, There is a great deal which carnal hearts are apt to
|
|
say within themselves, to put by the convincing, commanding power of
|
|
the word of God, which ministers should labour to meet with and
|
|
anticipate; vain thoughts which lodge within those who are called to
|
|
<I>wash their hearts,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+4:14">Jer. iv. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
<B><I>Me doxete</I></B>--<I>Pretend not, presume not,</I> to say within
|
|
yourselves; be not of the opinion that this will save you; harbour not
|
|
such a conceit. "<I>Please not yourselves</I> with saying this" (so
|
|
some read); "rock not yourselves asleep with this, nor flatter
|
|
yourselves into a fool's paradise." Note, God takes notice of what we
|
|
say <I>within</I> ourselves, which we dare not speak out, and is
|
|
acquainted with all the false rests of the soul, and the fallacies with
|
|
which it deludes itself, but which it will not discover, lest it should
|
|
be undeceived. Many hide the lie that ruins them, in <I>their right
|
|
hand,</I> and roll it <I>under their tongue,</I> because they are
|
|
ashamed to own it; they keep in the Devil's interest, by keeping the
|
|
Devil's counsel. Now John shows them,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. What their pretence was; "<I>We have Abraham to our father;</I> we
|
|
are not sinners of the Gentiles; it is fit indeed that <I>they</I>
|
|
should be called to repent; but we are Jews, a holy nation, a peculiar
|
|
people, what is this to us?" Note, The word does us no good, when we
|
|
will not take it as it is spoken to us, and belonging to us. "Think not
|
|
that because you are the seed of Abraham, therefore,"
|
|
|
|
(1.) "You <I>need not repent,</I> you have nothing to repent of; your
|
|
relation to Abraham, and your interest in the covenant made with him,
|
|
denominate you so holy, that there is no occasion for you to change
|
|
your mind or way."
|
|
|
|
(2.) "That therefore you shall <I>fare well enough,</I> though you do
|
|
not <I>repent.</I> Think not that this will bring you off in the
|
|
judgment, and secure you from the wrath to come; that God will connive
|
|
at your impenitence, because you are Abraham's seed." Note, It is vain
|
|
presumption to think that our having good relations will save us,
|
|
though we be not good ourselves. What though we be descended from pious
|
|
ancestors; have been blessed with a religious education; have our lot
|
|
cast in families where the fear of God is uppermost; and have good
|
|
friends to advise us, and pray for us; what will all this avail us, if
|
|
we do not repent, and live a life of repentance? We have Abraham to our
|
|
father, and therefore are entitled to the privileges of the covenant
|
|
made with him; being his seed, we are <I>sons of the church, the temple
|
|
of the Lord,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+7:4">Jer. vii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Multitudes, by resting in the honours and advantages of their
|
|
visible church-membership, take up short of heaven.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. How foolish and groundless this pretence was; they thought that
|
|
being the seed of Abraham, they were the only people God had in the
|
|
world, and therefore that, if they were cut off, he would be at a loss
|
|
for a church; but John shows them the folly of this conceit; <I>I say
|
|
unto you</I> (whatever you say within yourselves), that <I>God is able
|
|
of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.</I> He was now
|
|
baptizing in Jordan at Bethabara
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:28">John i. 28</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>the house of passage,</I> where the children of <I>Israel passed
|
|
over;</I> and there were the twelve stones, one for each tribe, which
|
|
Joshua set up for a memorial,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+4:20">Josh. iv. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is not unlikely that he pointed to those stones, which God could
|
|
raise to be, more than in representation, the <I>twelve tribes of
|
|
Israel.</I> Or perhaps he refers to
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+51:1">Isa. li. 1</A>,
|
|
|
|
where Abraham is called <I>the rock out of which they were hewn.</I>
|
|
That God who raised Isaac out of such a rock, can, if there be an
|
|
occasion, do as much again, for with him <I>nothing is impossible.</I>
|
|
Some think he pointed to those <I>heathen soldiers</I> that were
|
|
present, telling the Jews that God would raise up a church for himself
|
|
among the Gentiles, and entail the blessing of Abraham upon them. Thus
|
|
when our first parents fell, God could have left them to perish, and
|
|
out of stones have raised up another Adam and another Eve. Or, take it
|
|
thus, "Stones themselves shall be owned as Abraham's seed, rather than
|
|
such hard, dry, barren sinners as you are." Note, As it is lowering to
|
|
the confidence of the sinners in Zion, so it is encouraging to the
|
|
hopes of the sons of Zion, that, whatever comes of the present
|
|
generation, God will never want a church in the world; if the Jews fall
|
|
off, the Gentiles shall be grafted in,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+21:43,Ro+11:12"><I>ch.</I> xxi. 43; Rom. xi. 12</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. Here is a word of terror to the careless and secure Pharisees and
|
|
Sadducees, and other Jews, that knew not the signs of the times, nor
|
|
the day of their visitation,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
"Now look about you, now that <I>the kingdom of God is at hand,</I> and
|
|
be made sensible."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. How strict and short your trial is; <I>Now the axe</I> is carried
|
|
before you, now it is <I>laid to the root of the tree,</I> now you are
|
|
upon <I>your good behavior,</I> and are to be so but a <I>while;</I>
|
|
now you are marked for ruin, and cannot avoid it but by a speedy and
|
|
sincere repentance. Now you must expect that God will make quicker work
|
|
with you by his judgments than he did formerly, and that they will
|
|
<I>begin at the house of God:</I> "where God allows more means, he
|
|
allows less time." <I>Behold, I come quickly.</I> Now they were put
|
|
upon their last trial; now or never.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. "How sore and severe your doom will be, if you do not improve this."
|
|
It is now declared with the axe at the root, to show that God is in
|
|
earnest in the declaration, that <I>every tree,</I> however <I>high</I>
|
|
in gifts and honours, however <I>green</I> in external professions and
|
|
performances, if it <I>bring not forth good fruit,</I> the fruits meet
|
|
for repentance, is <I>hewn down,</I> disowned as a tree in God's
|
|
vineyard, unworthy to have room there, and is <I>cast into the fire</I>
|
|
of God's wrath--the fittest place for barren trees: what else are they
|
|
good for? If not fit for fruit, they are fit for fuel. Probably this
|
|
refers to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, which was not, as
|
|
other judgments had been, like the lopping off of the branches, or
|
|
cutting down of the body of the tree, leaving the root to bud again,
|
|
but it would be the total, final, and irrecoverable extirpation of that
|
|
people, in which all those should perish that continued impenitent. Now
|
|
God would make a full end, wrath was coming on them to the utmost.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. A word of instruction concerning Jesus Christ, in whom all John's
|
|
preaching centered. Christ's ministers preach, not themselves, but him.
|
|
Here is,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The dignity and pre-eminence of Christ above John. See how meanly he
|
|
speaks of himself, that he might magnify Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
"<I>I indeed baptize you with water,</I> that is the utmost I can do."
|
|
Note, Sacraments derive not their efficacy from those who administer
|
|
them; they can only apply the sign; it is Christ's prerogative to give
|
|
the thing signified,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+3:6,2Ki+4:31">1 Cor. iii. 6; 2 Kings iv. 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
But <I>he that comes after me is mightier than I.</I> Though John had
|
|
much power, for he came in the <I>spirit and power of Elias,</I> Christ
|
|
has more; though John was truly great, great in the sight of the Lord
|
|
(not a greater was born of woman), yet he thinks himself unworthy to be
|
|
in the meanest place of attendance upon Christ, <I>whose shoes I am not
|
|
worthy to bear.</I> He sees,
|
|
|
|
(1.) How mighty Christ is, in comparison with him. Note, It is a great
|
|
comfort to the faithful ministers, to think that Jesus Christ is
|
|
mightier than they, can do that <I>for</I> them, and that <I>by</I>
|
|
them, which they cannot do; his strength is perfected in their
|
|
weakness.
|
|
|
|
(2.) How mean he is in comparison with Christ, not worthy to carry his
|
|
shoes after him! Note, Those whom God puts honour upon, are thereby
|
|
made very humble and low in their own eyes; willing to be abased, so
|
|
that Christ may be magnified; to be any thing, to be nothing, so that
|
|
Christ may be all.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The design and intention of Christ's appearing, which they were now
|
|
speedily to expect. When it was prophesied that John should be sent as
|
|
Christ's forerunner
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+3:1,2">Mal. iii. 1, 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
it immediately follows, <I>The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly
|
|
come,</I> and shall <I>sit as a refiner,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
And after the coming of Elijah, <I>the day comes that shall burn as an
|
|
oven</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+4:1">Mal. iv. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
to which the Baptist seems here to refer. Christ will come to make a
|
|
distinction,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) By the powerful working of his grace; <I>He shall baptize you,</I>
|
|
that is, some of you, <I>with the Holy Ghost and with fire.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] It is Christ's prerogative to baptize <I>with the Holy Ghost.</I>
|
|
This he did in the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit conferred upon the
|
|
apostles, to which Christ himself applies these words of John,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:5">Acts i. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
This he does in the graces and comforts of the Spirit given to them
|
|
that ask him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+11:13,Joh+7:38,39">Luke xi. 13; John vii. 38, 39</A>;
|
|
|
|
See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+11:16">Acts xi. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] They who are baptized with the Holy Ghost are baptized as <I>with
|
|
fire;</I> the seven spirits of God appear as <I>seven lamps of
|
|
fire,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+4:5">Rev. iv. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Is fire enlightening? So the Spirit is a Spirit of illumination. Is it
|
|
warming? And do not their hearts burn within them? Is it consuming?
|
|
And does not the Spirit of judgment, as a <I>Spirit of burning,</I>
|
|
consume the dross of their corruptions? Does fire make all it seizes
|
|
like itself? And does it move upwards? So does the Spirit make the soul
|
|
holy like itself, and its tendency is heaven-ward. Christ says <I>I am
|
|
come to send fire,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+12:49">Luke xii. 49</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) By the final determinations of his judgment
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Whose fan is in his hand.</I> His ability to distinguish, as the
|
|
eternal wisdom of the Father, who sees all by a true light, and his
|
|
authority to distinguish, as the Person to whom all judgment is
|
|
committed, is the <I>fan</I> that is <I>in his hand,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+15:7">Jer. xv. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now he sits as a Refiner. Observe here
|
|
|
|
[1.] The visible church is Christ's floor; <I>O my threshing, and the
|
|
corn of my floor,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+21:10">Isa. xxi. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
The temple, a type of church, was built upon a threshing-floor.
|
|
|
|
[2.] In this floor there is a mixture of wheat and chaff. True
|
|
believers are as wheat, substantial, useful, and valuable; hypocrites
|
|
are as chaff, light, and empty, useless and worthless, and carried
|
|
about with every wind; these are now mixed, good and bad, under the
|
|
same external profession; and in the same visible communion.
|
|
|
|
[3.] There is a day coming when the floor shall be purged, and the
|
|
wheat and chaff shall be separated. Something of this kind is often
|
|
done in this world, when God calls his people out of Babylon,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+18:4">Rev. xviii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
But it is the day of the last judgment that will be the great
|
|
winnowing, distinguishing day, which will infallibly determine
|
|
concerning doctrines and works
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+3:13">1 Cor. iii. 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
and concerning persons
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+25:32,33"><I>ch.</I> xxv. 32, 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
when saints and sinners shall be parted for ever.
|
|
|
|
[4.] Heaven is the garner into which Jesus Christ will shortly gather
|
|
all his wheat, and not a grain of it shall be lost: he will gather them
|
|
as the ripe fruits were gathered in. Death's scythe is made use of to
|
|
gather them to their people. In heaven the saints are brought together,
|
|
and no longer scattered; they are safe, and no longer exposed;
|
|
separated from corrupt neighbours without, and corrupt affections
|
|
within, and there is no chaff among them. They are not only gathered
|
|
into <I>the barn</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+13:30"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
but into <I>the garner,</I> where they are thoroughly purified.
|
|
|
|
[5.] Hell is the <I>unquenchable fire,</I> which will burn up the
|
|
chaff, which will certainly be the portion and punishment, and
|
|
everlasting destruction, of hypocrites and unbelievers. So that here
|
|
are life and death, good and evil, set before us; according as we now
|
|
are in the <I>field,</I> we shall be then in the <I>floor.</I></P>
|
|
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<A NAME="Mt3_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt3_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt3_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt3_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt3_17"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Baptism of Jesus.</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>13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be
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baptized of him.
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14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of
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thee, and comest thou to me?
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15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer <I>it to be so</I> now:
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for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he
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|
suffered him.
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16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of
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the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw
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the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
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17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son,
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in whom I am well pleased.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Our Lord Jesus, from his childhood till now, when he was almost thirty
|
|
years of age, had lain hid in Galilee, as it were, buried alive; but
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|
now, after a long and dark night, behold, <I>the Sun of
|
|
righteousness</I> rises in glory. <I>The fulness of time was come</I>
|
|
that Christ should enter upon his prophetical office; and he chooses to
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|
do it, not at Jerusalem (though it is probable that he went thither at
|
|
the three yearly feasts, as others did), but there <I>where John was
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|
baptizing;</I> for to him resorted those who <I>waited for the
|
|
consolation of Israel,</I> to whom alone he would be welcome. John the
|
|
Baptist was six months older than our Saviour, and it is supposed that
|
|
he began to preach and baptize about six months before Christ appeared;
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|
so long he was employed in preparing his way, <I>in the region round
|
|
about Jordan;</I> and more was done towards it in these six months than
|
|
had been done in several ages before. Christ's coming from Galilee
|
|
<I>to Jordan, to be baptized,</I> teaches us not the shrink from pain
|
|
and toil, that we may have an opportunity of drawing nigh to God in
|
|
ordinance. We should be willing to go far, rather than come short of
|
|
communion with God. Those who will find must seek.</P>
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|
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|
<P>
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|
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|
Now in this story of Christ's baptism we may observe,</P>
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|
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<P>
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|
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|
I. How hardly John was persuaded to admit of it,
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:14,15"><I>v.</I> 14, 15</A>.
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|
It was an instance of Christ's great humility, that he would offer
|
|
himself <I>to be baptized of John;</I> that he <I>who knew no sin</I>
|
|
would submit to the baptism of repentance. Note, As soon as ever Christ
|
|
began to preach, he preached humility, preached it by his example,
|
|
preached it to all, especially the young ministers. Christ was designed
|
|
for the highest honours, yet in his first step he thus abases himself.
|
|
Note, Those who would rise high must begin low. <I>Before honour is
|
|
humility.</I> It was a great piece of respect done to John, for Christ
|
|
thus to come to him; and it was a return for the service he did him, in
|
|
giving notice of his approach. Note, Those that honour God he will
|
|
honour. Now here we have,</P>
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|
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|
<P>
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|
1. The objection that John made against baptizing Jesus,
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
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|
|
|
<I>John forbade him,</I> as Peter did, when Christ went about to wash
|
|
his feet,
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|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:6,8">John xiii. 6, 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Christ's gracious condescensions are so surprising, as to appear
|
|
at first incredible to the strongest believers; so deep and mysterious,
|
|
that even they who know his mind well cannot soon find out the meaning
|
|
of them, but, <I>by reason of darkness,</I> start objections against
|
|
the will of Christ. John's modesty thinks this an honour too great for
|
|
him to receive, and he expresses himself to Christ, just as his mother
|
|
had done to Christ's mother
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:43">Luke i. 43</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to
|
|
me?</I> John had now obtained a great name, and was universally
|
|
respected: yet see how humble he is still! Note, God has further
|
|
honours in reserve for those whose spirits continue low when their
|
|
reputation rises.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
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|
(1.) John thinks it necessary that he should be baptized of Christ;
|
|
<I>I have need to be baptized of thee</I> with the baptism of the Holy
|
|
Ghost, as of fire, for that was Christ's baptism,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
[1.] Though <I>John was filled with the Holy Ghost from the womb</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:15">Luke i. 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
yet he acknowledges he had need to be baptized with that baptism. Note,
|
|
They who have much of the Spirit of God, yet, while here, in this
|
|
imperfect state, see that they have need of more, and need to apply
|
|
themselves to Christ for more.
|
|
|
|
[2.] <I>John has need to be baptized,</I> though he was the <I>greatest
|
|
that ever was born of woman;</I> yet, being born of a woman, he is
|
|
polluted, as others of Adam's seed are, and owns he had need of
|
|
cleansing. Note, The purest souls are most sensible of their own
|
|
remaining impurity, and seek most earnestly for spiritual washing.
|
|
|
|
[3.] He has <I>need to be baptized of</I> Christ, who can do that for
|
|
us, which no one else can, and which must be done for us, or we are
|
|
undone. Note, The best and holiest of men <I>have need</I> of Christ,
|
|
and the better they are, the more they see of that need.
|
|
|
|
[4.] This was said before the multitude, who had a great veneration for
|
|
John, and were ready to embrace him for the Messiah; yet he publicly
|
|
owns that he had <I>need to be baptized of</I> Christ. Note, It is no
|
|
disparagement to the greatest of men, to confess that they are undone
|
|
without Christ and his grace.
|
|
|
|
[5.] John was Christ's forerunner, and yet owns that he had <I>need to
|
|
be baptized of</I> him. Note, Even they who were born before Christ in
|
|
time depended on him, received from him, and had an eye to him.
|
|
|
|
[6.] While John was dealing with others about their souls, observe how
|
|
feelingly he speaks of the case of his own soul, <I>I have need to be
|
|
baptized of thee.</I> Note, Ministers, who preach to others, and
|
|
baptize others, are concerned to look to it that they preach to
|
|
themselves, and be themselves baptized with the Holy Ghost. Take heed
|
|
to thyself first; <I>save thyself,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+4:16">1 Tim. iv. 16</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He therefore thinks it very preposterous and absurd, that Christ
|
|
should be baptized by him; <I>Comest thou to me?</I> Does the holy
|
|
Jesus, that is separated from sinners, come to be baptized by a sinner,
|
|
as a sinner, and among sinners? How can this be? Or what account can we
|
|
give of it? Note, Christ's coming to us may well be wondered at.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The overruling of this objection
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Jesus said, Suffer it to be so now.</I> Christ accepted his
|
|
humility, but not his refusal; he will have the thing done; and it is
|
|
fit that Christ should take his own method, though we do not understand
|
|
it, nor can give a reason for it. See,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) How Christ insisted upon it; It must <I>be so now.</I> He does not
|
|
deny that <I>John had need to be baptized of</I> him, yet he will now
|
|
be <I>baptized of John.</I> <B><I>Aphes arti</I></B>--<I>Let it be yet
|
|
so; suffer it to be so now.</I> Note, Every thing is beautiful in its
|
|
season. But why <I>now?</I> Why yet?
|
|
|
|
[1.] Christ is <I>now</I> in a state of humiliation: he has emptied
|
|
himself, and <I>made himself of no reputation.</I> He is not only
|
|
<I>found in fashion as a man,</I> but is <I>made in the likeness of
|
|
sinful flesh,</I> and therefore now let him be <I>baptized of John;</I>
|
|
as if he needed to be washed, though perfectly pure; and thus he <I>was
|
|
made sin for us,</I> though he <I>knew no sin.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] John's baptism is now in reputation, it is that by which God is
|
|
now doing his work; that is the present dispensation, and therefore
|
|
Jesus will now be baptized with water; but his baptizing with the Holy
|
|
Ghost is reserved for hereafter, <I>many days hence,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:5">Acts i. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
John's baptism has <I>now</I> its day, and therefore honour must
|
|
<I>now</I> be put upon that, and they who attend upon it must be
|
|
encouraged. Note, They who are of greatest attainments in gifts and
|
|
graces, should yet, in their place, bear their testimony to instituted
|
|
ordinances, by a humble and diligent attendance on them, that they may
|
|
give a good example to others. What we see God owns, and while we see
|
|
he does so, we must own. John was now increasing, and therefore it
|
|
must be thus yet; shortly he will decrease, and then it will be
|
|
otherwise.
|
|
|
|
[3.] It must <I>be so now,</I> because now is the time for Christ's
|
|
appearing in public, and this will be a fair opportunity for it, See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:31-34">John i. 31-34</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus he must be made manifest to Israel, and be signalized by wonders
|
|
from heaven, in that act of his own, which was most condescending and
|
|
self-abasing.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The reason he gives for it; <I>Thus it becomes us to fulfil all
|
|
righteousness.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] There was a propriety in every thing that Christ did for us; it
|
|
was all graceful
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:10,7:26">Heb. ii. 10; vii. 26</A>);
|
|
|
|
and we must study to do not only that which behoves us, but that which
|
|
becomes us; not only that which is indispensably necessary, but that
|
|
which is <I>lovely, and of good report.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] Our Lord Jesus looked upon it as a thing well becoming him, <I>to
|
|
fulfil all righteousness,</I> that is (as Dr. Whitby explains it), to
|
|
own every divine institution, and to show his readiness to comply with
|
|
all God's righteous precepts. <I>Thus it becomes</I> him to justify
|
|
God, and approve his wisdom, in sending John to prepare his way by the
|
|
baptism of repentance. <I>Thus it becomes us</I> to countenance and
|
|
encourage every thing that is good, by pattern as well as precept.
|
|
Christ often mentioned John and his baptism with honour, which that he
|
|
might do the better, he was himself baptized. Thus Jesus began <I>first
|
|
to do, and then to teach;</I> and his ministers must take the same
|
|
method. Thus <I>Christ filled up the righteousness of the ceremonial
|
|
law,</I> which consisted in divers washings; thus he recommended the
|
|
gospel-ordinance of baptism to his church, put honour upon it, and
|
|
showed what virtue he designed to put into it. It became Christ to
|
|
submit to John's washing with water, because it was a divine
|
|
appointment; but it became him to oppose the Pharisees' washing with
|
|
water, because it was a human invention and imposition; and he
|
|
justified his disciples in refusing to comply with it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
With the will of Christ, and this reason for it, John was entirely
|
|
satisfied, and <I>then he suffered him.</I> The same modesty which made
|
|
him at first decline the honour Christ offered him, now made him do the
|
|
service Christ enjoined him. Note, No pretence of humility must make us
|
|
decline our duty.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. How solemnly Heaven was pleased to grace the baptism of Christ with
|
|
a special display of glory
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:16,17"><I>v.</I> 16, 17</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the
|
|
water.</I> Others that were baptized staid to <I>confess their sins</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>);
|
|
|
|
but Christ, having no sins to confess, <I>went up</I> immediately
|
|
<I>out of the water;</I> so we read it, but not right: for it is
|
|
<B><I>apo tou hydatos</I></B>--<I>from the water;</I> from the brink of
|
|
the river, to which he went down to be washed with water, that is, to
|
|
have his head or face washed
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:9">John xiii. 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
for here is no mention of the putting off, or putting on, of his
|
|
clothes, which circumstance would not have omitted, if he had been
|
|
baptized naked. <I>He went up straightway,</I> as one that entered upon
|
|
his work with the utmost cheerfulness and resolution; he would lose no
|
|
time. <I>How was he straitened till it was accomplished!</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Now, when he was coming <I>up out of the water,</I> and all the company
|
|
had their eye upon him,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. <I>Lo! the heavens were opened unto him,</I> so as to discover
|
|
something above and beyond the starry firmament, at least, to him. This
|
|
was,
|
|
|
|
(1.) To encourage him to go on in his undertaking, with the prospect of
|
|
the glory and <I>joy that were set before him.</I> Heaven is opened to
|
|
receive him, when he has finished the work he is now entering upon.
|
|
|
|
(2.) To encourage us to receive him, and submit to him. Note, In and
|
|
through Jesus Christ, the heavens are opened to the children of men.
|
|
Sin shut up heaven, put a stop to all friendly intercourse between God
|
|
and man; but now Christ <I>has opened the kingdom of heaven to all
|
|
believers.</I> Divine light and love are darted down upon the children
|
|
of men, and <I>we have boldness to enter into the holiest.</I> We have
|
|
receipts of mercy from God, we make returns of duty to God, and all by
|
|
Jesus Christ, who is the ladder that had its foot on earth and its top
|
|
in heaven, by whom alone it is that we have any comfortable
|
|
correspondence with God, or any hope of getting to heaven at last.
|
|
<I>The heavens were opened</I> when Christ was baptized, to teach us,
|
|
that when we duly attend on God's ordinances, we may expect communion
|
|
with him, and communications from him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. <I>He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove,</I> or <I>as a
|
|
dove, and</I> coming or <I>lighting upon him.</I> Christ saw it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+1:10">Mark i. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
and John saw it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:33,34">John i. 33, 34</A>),
|
|
|
|
and it is probable that all the standers-by saw it; for this was
|
|
intended to be his public inauguration. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>He saw the Spirit of God descended, and lighted on him.</I> In
|
|
the beginning of the old world, <I>the Spirit of God moved upon the
|
|
face of the waters</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+1:2">Gen. i. 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>hovered</I> as a bird upon the nest. So here, in the beginning of
|
|
this new world, Christ, as God, needed not to receive the Holy Ghost,
|
|
but it was foretold that <I>the Spirit of the Lord should rest upon
|
|
him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+11:2,61:1">Isa. xi. 2; lxi. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
and here he did so; for,
|
|
|
|
[1.] He was to be a Prophet; and prophets always spoke by the Spirit of
|
|
God, who came upon them. Christ was to execute the prophetic office,
|
|
not by his divine nature (says Dr. Whitby), but by the afflatus of the
|
|
Holy Spirit.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He was to be the Head of the church; and <I>the Spirit descended
|
|
upon him,</I> by him to be derived to all believers, in his gifts,
|
|
graces, and comforts. <I>The ointment on the head ran down to the
|
|
skirts;</I> Christ <I>received gifts for men,</I> that he might give
|
|
<I>gifts to men.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He <I>descended on him like a dove;</I> whether it was a real,
|
|
living dove, or, as was usual in visions, the representation or
|
|
similitude of a dove, is uncertain. If there must be a bodily shape
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+3:22">Luke iii. 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
it must not be that of a man, for the being seen <I>in fashion as a
|
|
man</I> was peculiar to the second person: none therefore was more fit
|
|
than the shape of one of the fowls of heaven (heaven being now opened),
|
|
and of all fowl none was so significant as the dove.
|
|
|
|
[1.] The Spirit of Christ is a dove-like spirit; not like <I>a silly
|
|
dove, without heart</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+7:11">Hos. vii. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
but like an innocent dove, without gall. <I>The Spirit descended,</I>
|
|
not in the shape of an eagle, which is, though a royal bird, yet a bird
|
|
of prey, but <I>in the shape of a dove,</I> than which no creature is
|
|
more harmless and inoffensive. Such was the Spirit of Christ: <I>He
|
|
shall not strive, nor cry;</I> such must Christians be, <I>harmless as
|
|
doves.</I> The dove is remarkable for her eyes; we find that both the
|
|
eyes of Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+5:12">Cant. v. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
and the eyes of the church
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+1:15,4:1">Cant. i. 15; iv. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
are compared to <I>doves' eyes,</I> for they have the same spirit. The
|
|
dove mourns much
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+38:14">Isa. xxxviii. 14</A>).
|
|
|
|
Christ wept oft; and penitent souls are compared to <I>doves of the
|
|
valleys.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The dove was the only fowl that was offered in sacrifice
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+1:14">Lev. i. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Christ by the Spirit, <I>the eternal Spirit, offered himself
|
|
without spot to God.</I>
|
|
|
|
[3.] The tidings of the decrease of Noah's flood were brought by a
|
|
dove, with an olive-leaf in her mouth; fitly therefore are the glad
|
|
tidings of peace with God brought by the Spirit as <I>a dove.</I> It
|
|
speaks God's <I>good will towards men;</I> that his thoughts towards us
|
|
are <I>thoughts of good, and not evil.</I> By <I>the voice of the
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turtle heard in our land</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+2:12">Cant. ii. 12</A>),
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the Chaldee paraphrase understands, <I>the voice of the Holy
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Spirit.</I> That God is in Christ reconciling the world unto himself,
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is a joyful message, which comes to us upon the wing, <I>the wings of a
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dove.</I></P>
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<P>
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3. To explain and complete this solemnity, <I>there came a voice from
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heaven,</I> which, we have reason to think, was heard by all that were
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present. The Holy Spirit manifested himself in the likeness of a
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<I>dove,</I> but God the Father by <I>a voice;</I> for when the law was
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given they <I>saw no manner of similitude, only they heard a voice</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+4:12">Deut. iv. 12</A>);
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and so this gospel came, and gospel indeed it is, the best news that
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ever came from heaven to earth; for it speaks plainly and fully God's
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favour to Christ, and us in him.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) See here how God owns our Lord Jesus; <I>This is my beloved
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Son.</I> Observe,
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[1.] The relation he stood in to him; He <I>is my Son.</I> Jesus Christ
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is the Son of God, <I>by eternal generation,</I> as he was <I>begotten
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of the Father before all the worlds</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+1:15,Heb+1:3">Col. i. 15; Heb. i. 3</A>);
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and by supernatural conception; he was <I>therefore</I> called <I>the
|
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Son of God,</I> because he <I>was conceived by the power of the Holy
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Ghost</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:35">Luke i. 35</A>);
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yet this is not all; he is the Son of God by special designation to the
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work and office of the world's Redeemer. He was sanctified and sealed,
|
|
and sent upon that errand, <I>brought up with</I> the Father for it
|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:30">Prov. viii. 30</A>),
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appointed to it; <I>I will make him my First-born,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+89:27">Ps. lxxxix. 27</A>.
|
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|
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[2.] The affection the Father had for him; He <I>is my beloved Son;</I>
|
|
his dear Son, <I>the Son of his love</I>
|
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|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+1:13">Col. i. 13</A>);
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he has lain in his bosom from all eternity
|
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|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:18">John i. 18</A>),
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|
had been <I>always his delight</I>
|
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|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:30">Prov. viii. 30</A>),
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but particularly as Mediator, and in undertaking the work of man's
|
|
salvation, he was his <I>beloved Son.</I> He is <I>my Elect, in whom my
|
|
soul delights.</I> See
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+42:1">Isa. xlii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
Because he consented to the covenant of redemption, and delighted to do
|
|
that <I>will of God, therefore the Father loved him.</I>
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+10:17,Joh+3:35">John x. 17; iii. 35</A>.
|
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<I>Behold,</I> then, <I>behold,</I> and wonder, <I>what manner of love
|
|
the Father has bestowed on us,</I> that he should deliver up him that
|
|
was the Son of his love, to suffer and die for those that were the
|
|
generation of his wrath; nay,and that he <I>therefore</I> loved him,
|
|
<I>because he laid down his life for the sheep!</I> Now know we that he
|
|
loved us, <I>seeing he has not withheld his Son, his only Son, his
|
|
Isaac whom he loved,</I> but <I>gave him to be a sacrifice for our
|
|
sin.</I></P>
|
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|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) See here how ready he is to own us in him: He <I>is my beloved
|
|
Son,</I> not only <I>with</I> whom, but <I>in</I> whom, I am well
|
|
pleased. He is pleased with all that are in him, and are united to him
|
|
by faith. Hitherto God had been displeased with the children of men,
|
|
but now his anger is turned away, and he has made us <I>accepted in the
|
|
Beloved,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+50:6">Eph. l. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let all the world take notice, that this is the Peace-maker, the
|
|
Days-man, who has laid his hand upon us both, and that <I>there is no
|
|
coming to God</I> as a Father, <I>but by him</I> as Mediator,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:6">John xiv. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>In him our spiritual sacrifices are acceptable,</I> for his the
|
|
Altar that <I>sanctifies every gift,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+2:5">1 Pet. ii. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Out of Christ, God <I>is a consuming Fire,</I> but, in Christ, a
|
|
reconciled Father. This is the sum of the whole gospel; it <I>is a
|
|
faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that</I> God has
|
|
declared, <I>by a voice from heaven,</I> that Jesus Christ is his
|
|
<I>beloved Son, in whom he is well pleased,</I> with which we must by
|
|
faith cheerfully concur, and say, that he <I>is our beloved</I>
|
|
Saviour, <I>in whom we are well pleased.</I></P>
|
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