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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>M A T T H E W.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XVIII.</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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The gospels are, in short, a record of what Jesus began both to do and
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to teach. In the foregoing chapter, we had an account of his doings, in
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this, of his teachings; probably, not all at the same time, in a
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continued discourse, but at several times, upon divers occasions, here
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put together, as near akin. We have here,
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I. Instructions concerning humility,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
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II. Concerning offences in general
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:7">ver. 7</A>),
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particularly offences given,
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1. By us to ourselves,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:8,9">ver. 8, 9</A>.
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2. By us to others,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:10-14">ver. 10-14</A>.
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3. By others to us; which are of two sorts,
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(1.) Scandalous sins, which are to be reproved,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:15-20">ver. 15-20</A>.
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(2.) Personal wrongs, which are to be forgiven,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:21-35">ver. 21-35</A>.
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See how practical Christ's preaching was; he could have revealed
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mysteries, but he pressed plain duties, especially those that are most
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displeasing to flesh and blood.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Mt18_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_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 Importance of Humility.</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 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who
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is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
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2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the
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midst of them,
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3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and
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become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of
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heaven.
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4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little
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child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
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5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name
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receiveth me.
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6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe
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in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about
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his neck, and <I>that</I> he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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As there never was a greater pattern of humility, so there never was a
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greater preacher of it, than Christ; he took all occasions to command
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it, to commend it, to his disciples and followers.</P>
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<P>
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I. The occasion of this discourse concerning humility was an unbecoming
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contest among the disciples for precedency; they <I>came to him,
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saying,</I> among themselves (for they were ashamed to ask him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+9:34">Mark ix. 34</A>),
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<I>Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?</I> They mean not,
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<I>who</I> by character (then the question had been good, that they
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might know what graces and duties to excel in), but <I>who</I> by name.
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They had heard much, and preached much, of the kingdom of heaven, the
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kingdom of the Messiah, his church in this world; but ass yet they were
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so far from having any clear notion of it, that they dreamt of a
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temporal kingdom, and the external pomp and power of it. Christ had
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lately foretold his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, that
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he should rise again, from whence they expected his kingdom would
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commence; and now they thought it was time to put in for their places
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in it; it is good, in such cases, to speak early. Upon other discourses
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of Christ to that purport, debates of this kind arose
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:19,20,Lu+22:22,24"><I>ch.</I> xx. 19, 20; Luke xxii. 22, 24</A>);
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he spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet
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they fasten upon that, and overlook the other; and, instead of asking
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how they might have strength and grace to suffer with him, they ask
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him, "Who shall be highest in reigning with him." Note, Many love to
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hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the
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thoughts of work and trouble. They look so much at the crown, that
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they forget the yoke and the cross. So the disciples here did, when
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they asked, <I>Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?</I></P>
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<P>
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1. They suppose that all who have a place in that kingdom are great,
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for it is a kingdom of priests. Note, Those are truly great who are
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truly good; and they will appear so at last, when Christ shall own them
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as his, though ever so mean and poor in the world.</P>
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<P>
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2. They suppose that there are degrees in this greatness. All the
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saints are honourable, but not all alike so; <I>one star differs from
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another star in glory.</I> All David's officers were not worthies, nor
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all his worthies of the first three.</P>
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<P>
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3. They suppose it must be some of them, that must be prime ministers
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of state. To whom should King Jesus delight to do honour, but to them
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who had left all for him, and were now his companions in patience and
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tribulation?</P>
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<P>
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4. They strive who it should be, each having some pretence or other to
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it. Peter was always the chief speaker, and already had the keys given
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him; he expects to be lord-chancellor, or lord-chamberlain of the
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household, and so to be the greatest. Judas had the bag, and therefore
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he expects to be lord-treasurer, which, though now he come last, he
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hopes, will then denominate him the greatest. Simon and Jude are nearly
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related to Christ, and they hope to take place of all the great
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officers of state, as princes of the blood. John is the beloved
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disciple, the favourite of the Prince, and therefore hopes to be the
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greatest. Andrew was first called, and why should not he be first
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preferred? Note, We are very apt to amuse and humour ourselves with
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foolish fancies of things that will never be.</P>
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<P>
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II. The discourse itself, which is a just rebuke to the question,
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<I>Who shall be greatest?</I> We have abundant reason to think, that if
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Christ ever intended that Peter and his successors at Rome should be
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heads of the church, and his chief vicars on earth, having so fair an
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occasion given him, he would now have let his disciples know it; but so
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far is he from this, that his answer disallows and condemns the thing
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itself. Christ will not lodge such an authority or supremacy any where
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in his church; whoever pretend to it are usurpers; instead of settling
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any of the disciples in this dignity, he warns them all not to put in
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for it.</P>
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<P>
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Christ here teacheth them to be humble,</P>
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<P>
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1. By a sign
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>);
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<I>He called a little child to him, and set him in the midst of
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them.</I> Christ often taught by signs or sensible representations
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(comparisons to the eye), as the prophets of old. Note, Humility is a
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lesson so hardly learned, that we have need by all ways and means to be
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taught it. When we look upon a little child, we should be put in mind
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of the use Christ made of this child. Sensible things must be improved
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to spiritual purposes. <I>He set him in the midst of them;</I> not that
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they might play with him, but that they might learn by him. Grown men,
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and great men, should not disdain the company of little children, or
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think it below them to take notice of them. They may either speak to
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them, and give instruction to them; or look upon them, and receive
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instruction from them. Christ himself, when a child, was <I>in the
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midst of the doctors,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+2:46">Luke ii. 46</A>.</P>
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<P>
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2. By as sermon upon this sign; in which he shows them and us,</P>
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<P>
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(1.) The necessity of humility,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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His preface is solemn, and commands both attention and assent;
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<I>Verily I say unto you, I, the Amen, the faithful Witness,</I> say
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it, <I>Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall
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not enter into the kingdom of heaven.</I> Here observe,</P>
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<P>
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[1.] What it is that he requires and insists upon.</P>
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<P>
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<I>First,</I> "You must be converted, you must be of another mind, and
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in another frame and temper, must have other thoughts, both of
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yourselves and of the kingdom of heaven, before you be fit for a place
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in it. The pride, ambition, and affectation of honour and dominion,
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which appear in you, must be repented of, mortified, and reformed, and
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you must come to yourselves." Note, Besides the first conversion of a
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soul from a state of nature to a state of grace, there are
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after-conversions from particular paths of backsliding, which are
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equally necessary to salvation. Every step out of the way by sin, must
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be a step into it again by repentance. When Peter repented of his
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denying his Master, he was converted. <I>Secondly,</I> You must
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<I>become as little children.</I> Note, Converting grace makes us like
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little children, not foolish as children
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+14:20">1 Cor. xiv. 20</A>),
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nor fickle
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:14">Eph. iv. 14</A>),
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nor playful
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:16"><I>ch.</I> xi. 16</A>);
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but, <I>as children,</I> we must <I>desire the sincere milk of the
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word</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+2:2">1 Pet. ii. 2</A>);
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as children, we must be careful for nothing, but leave it to our
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heavenly Father to care for us
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+6:31"><I>ch.</I> vi. 31</A>);
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we must, as children, be harmless and inoffensive, and void of malice
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+14:20">1 Cor. xiv. 20</A>),
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governable, and under command
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+4:2">Gal. iv. 2</A>);
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and (which is here chiefly intended) we must be humble as little
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children, who do not take state upon them, nor stand upon the
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punctilios of honour; the child of a gentleman will play with the child
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of a beggar
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+12:16">Rom. xii. 16</A>),
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the child in rags, if it have the breast, is well enough pleased, and
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envies not the gaiety of the child in silk; little children have no
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great aims at great places, or projects to raise themselves in the
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world; they <I>exercise not themselves in things too high for them;</I>
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and we should in like manner <I>behave, and quiet ourselves,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+131:1,2">Ps. cxxxi. 1, 2</A>.
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As children are little in body and low in stature, so we must be little
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and low in spirit, and in our thoughts of ourselves. This is a temper
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which leads to other good dispositions; the age of childhood is the
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learning age.</P>
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<P>
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[2.] What stress he lays upon this; Without this, <I>you shall not
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enter into the kingdom of heaven.</I> Note, Disciples of Christ have
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need to be kept in awe by threatenings, that they may fear <I>lest they
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seem to come short,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:1">Heb. iv. 1</A>.
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The disciples, when they put that question
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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thought themselves sure of the kingdom of heaven; but Christ awakens
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them to be jealous of themselves. They were ambitious of being
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<I>greatest in the kingdom of heaven;</I> Christ tells them, that,
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except they came to a better temper, they should never come thither.
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Note, many that set up for great ones in the church, prove not only
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little, but nothing, and are found to <I>have no part or lot in the
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matter.</I> Our Lord designs here to show the great danger of pride and
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ambition; whatever profession men make, if they allow themselves in
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this sin, they will be rejected both from God's tabernacle and from his
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holy hill. Pride threw the angels that sinned out of heaven, and will
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keep us out, if we be not converted from it. They that are lifted up
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with pride, <I>fall into the condemnation of the devil;</I> to prevent
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this, we must become as little children, and, in order to do that,
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<I>must be born again, must put on the new man,</I> must be like <I>the
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holy child Jesus;</I> so he is called, even after his ascension,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:27">Acts iv. 27</A>.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) He shows the honour and advancement that attend humility
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>),
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thus furnishing a direct but surprising answer to their question. He
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that humbles himself as a little child, though he may fear that hereby
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he will render himself contemptible, as men of timid minds, who thereby
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throw themselves out of the way of preferment, yet <I>the same is
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greatest in the kingdom of heaven.</I> Note, The humblest Christians
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are the best Christians, and most like to Christ, and highest in his
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favour; are best disposed for the communications of divine grace, and
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fittest to serve God in this world, and enjoy him in another. They are
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great, for God overlooks heaven and earth, to look on such; and
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certainly those are to be most respected and honoured in the church
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that are most humble and self-denying; for, though they least seek it,
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they best deserve it.</P>
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<P>
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(3.) The special care Christ takes for those that are humble; he
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espouses their cause, protects them, interests himself in their
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concerns, and will see that they are not wronged, without being
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righted.</P>
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<P>
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Those that thus humble themselves will be afraid,</P>
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<P>
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[1.] That nobody will receive them; but
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
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<I>Whoso shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth
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me.</I> Whatever kindnesses are done to such, Christ takes as done to
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himself. Whoso entertains a meek and humble Christian, keeps him in
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countenance, will not let him lose by his modesty, takes him into his
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love and friendship, and society and care, and studies to do him a
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kindness; and doth this in Christ's name, for his sake, because he
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bears the image of Christ, serves Christ, and because Christ has
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received him; this shall be accepted and recompensed as an acceptable
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piece of respect to Christ. Observe, Though it be but one such little
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child that is received in Christ's name, it shall be accepted. Note,
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The tender regard Christ has to his church extends itself to every
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particular member, even the meanest; not only to the whole family, but
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to every child of the family; the less they are in themselves, to whom
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we show kindness, the more there is of good will in it to Christ; the
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less it is for their sakes, the more it is for his; and he takes it
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accordingly. If Christ were personally among us, we think we should
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never do enough to welcome him; <I>the poor, the poor in spirit, we
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have always with us,</I> and they are his receivers. See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+25:35-40"><I>ch.</I> xxv. 35-40</A>.</P>
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<P>
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[2.] They will be afraid that every body will abuse them; the basest
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men delight to trample upon the humble; <I>Vexat censura
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columbas--Censure pounces on doves.</I> This objection he obviates
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>),
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where he warns all people, as they will answer it at their utmost
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peril, not to offer any injury to one of Christ's little ones. This
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word makes a wall of fire about them; he that touches them, touches the
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apple of God's eye.</P>
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<P>
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Observe, <I>First,</I> The crime supposed; <I>offending one of these
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little ones that believe in Christ.</I> Their believing in Christ,
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though they be little ones, unites them to him, and interests him in
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their cause, so that, as they partake of the benefit of his sufferings,
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he also partakes in the wrong of theirs. Even the little ones that
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|
believe have the same privileges with the great ones, for they have all
|
|
obtained like precious faith. There are those that offend these little
|
|
ones, by drawing them to sin
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+8:10,11">1 Cor. viii. 10, 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
grieving and vexing their righteous souls, discouraging them, taking
|
|
occasion from their mildness to make a prey of them in their persons,
|
|
families, goods, or good name. Thus the best men have often met with
|
|
the worst treatment in this world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The punishment of this crime; intimated in that word,
|
|
<I>Better for him that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.</I> The
|
|
sin is so heinous, and the ruin proportionably so great, that he had
|
|
better undergo the sorest punishments inflicted on the worst of
|
|
malefactors, which can only kill the body. Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Hell is worse than the depth of the sea; for it is a bottomless pit,
|
|
and it is a burning lake. The depth of the sea is only killing, but
|
|
hell is tormenting. We meet with one that had comfort in the depth of
|
|
the sea, it was Jonah
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+2:2,4,9"><I>ch.</I> ii. 2, 4, 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
but never any had the least grain or glimpse of comfort in hell, nor
|
|
will have to eternity.
|
|
|
|
2. The irresistible irrevocable doom of the great Judge will sink
|
|
sooner and surer, and bind faster, than <I>a mill-stone hanged about
|
|
the neck.</I> It fixes a great gulf, which can never be broken through,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+16:26">Luke xvi. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
Offending Christ's little ones, though by omission, is assigned as the
|
|
reason of that dreadful sentence, <I>Go ye cursed,</I> which will at
|
|
last be the doom of proud persecutors.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_7"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_8"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_9"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_10"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_11"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Cautions against Offences.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be
|
|
that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence
|
|
cometh!
|
|
8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off,
|
|
and cast <I>them</I> from thee: it is better for thee to enter into
|
|
life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to
|
|
be cast into everlasting fire.
|
|
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast <I>it</I>
|
|
from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye,
|
|
rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
|
|
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for
|
|
I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the
|
|
face of my Father which is in heaven.
|
|
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
|
|
12 How think ye? if a man have a hundred sheep, and one of
|
|
them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and
|
|
goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
|
|
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he
|
|
rejoiceth more of that <I>sheep,</I> than of the ninety and nine which
|
|
went not astray.
|
|
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in
|
|
heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Our Savior here speaks of offences, or scandals,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. In general,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Having mentioned the offending of little ones, he takes occasion to
|
|
speak more generally of offences. That is an offence,
|
|
|
|
1. Which occasions guilt, which by enticement or affrightment tends to
|
|
draw men from that which is good to that which is evil.
|
|
|
|
2. Which occasions grief, which <I>makes the heart of the righteous
|
|
sad.</I> Now, concerning offences, Christ here tells them,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) That they were certain things; <I>It must needs be, that offences
|
|
come.</I> When we are sure there is danger, we should be the better
|
|
armed. Not that Christ's word necessitates any man to offend, but it is
|
|
a prediction upon a view of the causes; considering the subtlety and
|
|
malice of Satan, the weakness and depravity of men's hearts, and the
|
|
foolishness that is found there, it is morally impossible but that
|
|
there should be offences; and God has determined to permit them for
|
|
wise and holy ends, that both <I>they which are perfect, and they which
|
|
are not, may be made manifest.</I> See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+11:19,Da+11:35">1 Cor. xi. 19; Dan. xi. 35</A>.
|
|
|
|
Being told, before, that there will be seducers, tempters, persecutors,
|
|
and many bad examples, let us stand upon our guard,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+24:24,Ac+20:29,30"><I>ch.</I> xxiv. 24; Acts xx. 29, 30</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That they would be woeful things, and the consequence of them
|
|
fatal. Here is a double woe annexed to offences:</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] A woe to the careless and unguarded, to whom the offence is given;
|
|
<I>Woe to the world because of offences.</I> The obstructions and
|
|
oppositions given to faith and holiness in all places are the bane and
|
|
plague of mankind, and the ruin of thousands. This present world is an
|
|
evil world, it is so full of offences, of sins, and snares, and
|
|
sorrows; a dangerous road we travel, full of stumbling-blocks,
|
|
precipices, and false guides. Woe to the world. As for those whom God
|
|
hath chosen and called out of the world, and delivered from it, they
|
|
are preserved by the power of God from the prejudice of these offences,
|
|
are helped over all these stones of stumbling. <I>They that love God's
|
|
law have great peace, and nothing shall offend them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+119:165">Ps. cxix. 165</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] A woe to the wicked, who wilfully give the offence; <I>But woe to
|
|
that man by whom the offence comes.</I> Though it must needs be, that
|
|
the offence will come, that will be no excuse for the offenders. Note,
|
|
Though God makes the sins of sinners to serve his purposes, that will
|
|
not secure them from his wrath; and the guilt will be laid at the door
|
|
of those who give the offence, though they also fall under a woe who
|
|
take it. Note, They who any way hinder the salvation of others, will
|
|
find their own condemnation the more intolerable, like <I>Jeroboam, who
|
|
sinned, and made Israel to sin.</I> This woe is the moral of that
|
|
judicial law
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+21:33-22:6">Exod. xxi. 33, 34-22:6</A>),
|
|
|
|
that he who opened the pit, and kindled the fire, was accountable for
|
|
all the damage that ensued. The antichristian generation, by whom came
|
|
the great offence, will fall under this woe, for their delusion of
|
|
sinners
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Th+2:11,12">2 Thess. ii. 11, 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
and their persecutions of saints
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+17:1,2,6">Rev. xvii. 1, 2, 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
for the righteous God will reckon with those who ruin the eternal
|
|
interests of precious souls, and the temporal interests of precious
|
|
saints; for <I>precious in the sight of the Lord is</I> the blood of
|
|
souls and <I>the blood of saints;</I> and men will be reckoned with,
|
|
not only for their doings, but for the fruit of their doings, the
|
|
mischief done by them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. In particular, Christ here speaks of offences given,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. By us to ourselves, which is expressed by our hand or foot offending
|
|
us; in such a case, it must be <I>cut off,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:8,9"><I>v.</I> 8, 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
This Christ had said before
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:29,30"><I>ch.</I> v. 29, 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
where it especially refers to seventh-commandment sins; here it is
|
|
taken more generally. Note, Those hard sayings of Christ, which are
|
|
displeasing to flesh and blood, need to be repeated to us again and
|
|
again, and all little enough. Now observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) What it is that is here enjoined. We must part with an <I>eye,</I>
|
|
or a <I>hand,</I> or a <I>foot,</I> that is, that, whatever it is,
|
|
which is dear to us, when it proves unavoidably an occasion of sin to
|
|
us. Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Many prevailing temptations to sin arise from within ourselves;
|
|
our own eyes and hands offend us; if there were never a devil to tempt
|
|
us, we should be drawn away of our own lust: nay, those things which in
|
|
themselves are good, and may be used as instruments of good, even
|
|
those, through the corruptions of our hearts, prove snares to us,
|
|
incline us to sin, and hinder us in duty.
|
|
|
|
[2.] In such a case, we must, as far as lawfully we may, part with that
|
|
which we cannot keep without being entangled in sin by it.
|
|
<I>First,</I> It is certain, the inward lust must be mortified, though
|
|
it be dear to us as an eye, or a hand. <I>The flesh, with its
|
|
affections and lusts, must be mortified,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+5:24">Gal. v. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>The body of sin must be destroyed;</I> corrupt inclinations and
|
|
appetites must be checked and crossed; the beloved lust, that has been
|
|
rolled under the tongue as a sweet morsel, must be abandoned with
|
|
abhorrence. <I>Secondly,</I> The outward occasions of sin must be
|
|
avoided, though we thereby put as great a violence upon ourselves as it
|
|
would be to cut off a hand, or pluck out an eye. When Abraham quitted
|
|
his native country, for fear of being ensnared in the idolatry of it,
|
|
and when Moses quitted Pharaoh's court, for fear of being entangled in
|
|
the sinful pleasures of it, there was a right hand cut off. We must
|
|
think nothing too dear to part with, for the keeping of a good
|
|
conscience.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Upon what inducement this is required; <I>It is better for thee to
|
|
enter into life maimed, than, having two hands, to be cast into
|
|
hell.</I> The argument is taken from the future state, from heaven and
|
|
hell; thence are fetched the most cogent dissuasives from sin. The
|
|
argument is the same with that of the apostle,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:13">Rom. viii. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
[1.] <I>If we live after the flesh, we shall die;</I> having two eyes,
|
|
no breaches made upon the body of sin, inbred corruption like Adonijah
|
|
never displeased, we shall <I>be cast into hell-fire.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] <I>If we through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, we
|
|
shall live;</I> that is meant by our <I>entering into life maimed,</I>
|
|
that is, the body of sin maimed; and it is but maimed at the best,
|
|
while we are in this world. If the right hand of the old man be cut
|
|
off, and its right eye be plucked out, its chief policies blasted and
|
|
powers broken, it is well; but there is still an eye and a hand
|
|
remaining, with which it will struggle. They that are Christ's have
|
|
nailed the flesh to the cross, but it is not yet dead; its life is
|
|
prolonged, but its <I>dominion taken away</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+7:12">Dan. vii. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
and the deadly wound given it, that shall not be healed.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Concerning offences given by us to others, especially Christ's
|
|
little ones, which we are here charged to take heed of, pursuant to
|
|
what he had said,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The caution itself; <I>Take heed that ye despise not one of these
|
|
little ones.</I> This is spoken to the disciples. As Christ will be
|
|
displeased with enemies of his church, if they wrong any of the members
|
|
of it, even the least, so he will be displeased with the great ones of
|
|
the church, if they despise the little ones of it. "You that are
|
|
striving who shall be greatest, take heed lest in this contest you
|
|
despise the little ones." We may understand it literally of little
|
|
children; of them Christ was speaking,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:2,4"><I>v.</I> 2, 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
The infant seed of the faithful belong to the family of Christ, and are
|
|
not to be despised. Or, figuratively; true but weak believers are
|
|
these little ones, who in their outward condition, or the frame of
|
|
their spirits, are like little children, the lambs of Christ's
|
|
flock.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] We must not despise them, not think meanly of them, as lambs
|
|
despised,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+12:5">Job xii. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
We must not make a jest of their infirmities, not look upon them with
|
|
contempt, not conduct ourselves scornfully or disdainfully toward them,
|
|
as if we cared not what became of them; we must not say, "Though they
|
|
be offended, and grieved, and stumble, what is that to us?" Nor should
|
|
we make a slight matter of doing that which will entangle and perplex
|
|
them. This despising of the little ones is what we are largely
|
|
cautioned against,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+14:3,10,15,20,21">Rom. xiv. 3, 10, 15, 20, 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
We must not impose upon the consciences of others, nor bring them into
|
|
subjection to our humours, as they do who say to men's souls, <I>Bow
|
|
down, that we may go over.</I> There is a respect owing to the
|
|
conscience of every man who appears to be conscientious.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] We must take heed that we do not despise them; we must be afraid
|
|
of the sin, and be very cautious what we say and do, lest we should
|
|
through inadvertency give offence to Christ's little ones, lest we put
|
|
contempt upon them, without being aware of it. There were those that
|
|
hated them, and cast them out, and yet said, <I>Let the Lord be
|
|
glorified.</I> And we must be afraid of the punishment; "Take heed of
|
|
despising them, for it is at your peril if you do."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The reasons to enforce the caution. We must not look upon these
|
|
little ones as contemptible, because really they are considerable. Let
|
|
not earth despise those whom heaven respects; let not <I>those</I> be
|
|
looked upon by us with respect, as his favourites. To prove that the
|
|
little ones which believe in Christ are worthy to be respected,
|
|
consider,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] The ministration of the good angels about them; <I>In heaven their
|
|
angels always behold the face of my Father.</I> This Christ saith to
|
|
us, and we may take it upon <I>his</I> word, who came from heaven to
|
|
let us know what is done there by the world of angels. Two things he
|
|
lets us know concerning them,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> That they are the little ones' angels. God's angels are
|
|
theirs; for all his is ours, if we be Christ's.
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+3:22">1 Cor. iii. 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
They are theirs; for they have a charge concerning them to minister for
|
|
their good
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+1:14">Heb. i. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
to pitch their tents about them, and bear them up in their arms. Some
|
|
have imagined that every particular saint has a guardian angel; but why
|
|
should we suppose this, when we are sure that every particular saint,
|
|
when there is occasion, has a guard of angels? This is particularly
|
|
applied here to the little ones, because they are most despised and
|
|
most exposed. They have but little that they can call their own, but
|
|
they can look by faith on the heavenly hosts, and call them theirs.
|
|
While the great ones of the world have honourable men for their retinue
|
|
and guards, the little ones of the church are attended with glorious
|
|
angels; which bespeaks not only their dignity, but the danger those run
|
|
themselves upon, who despise and abuse them. It is bad being enemies to
|
|
those who are so guarded; and it is good having God for our God, for
|
|
then we have his angels for our angels.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> That <I>they always behold the face of the Father in
|
|
heaven.</I> This bespeaks,
|
|
|
|
1. The angels' continual felicity and honour. The happiness of heaven
|
|
consists in the vision of God, seeing him face to face as he is,
|
|
beholding his beauty; this the angels have without interruption; when
|
|
they are ministering to us on earth, yet even then by contemplation
|
|
they behold the face of God, for they are <I>full of eyes within.</I>
|
|
Gabriel, when speaking to Zecharias, yet stands in the presence of God,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+4:8,Lu+1:19">Rev. iv. 8; Luke i. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
The expression intimates, as some think, the special dignity and honour
|
|
of the little ones' angels; the prime ministers of state are said to
|
|
<I>see the king's face</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Es+1:14">Esth. i. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
as if the strongest angels had the charge of the weakest saints.
|
|
|
|
2. It bespeaks their continual readiness to minister to the saints.
|
|
They behold the face of God, expecting to receive orders from him what
|
|
to do for the good of the saints. <I>As the eyes of the servant are to
|
|
the hand of his master,</I> ready to go or come upon the least beck, so
|
|
the eyes of the angels are upon the face of God, waiting for the
|
|
intimations of his will, which those winged messengers fly swiftly to
|
|
fulfil; they <I>go and return like a flash of lightning,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+1:14">Ezek. i. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
If we would behold the face of God in glory hereafter, as the angels do
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+20:36">Luke xx. 36</A>),
|
|
|
|
we must behold the face of God now, in readiness to our duty, as they
|
|
do,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+9:6">Acts ix. 6</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The gracious design of Christ concerning them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.</I> This is
|
|
a reason, <I>First,</I> Why the little ones' angels have such a charge
|
|
concerning them, and attend upon them; it is in pursuance of Christ's
|
|
design to save them. Note, The ministration of angels is founded in the
|
|
mediation of Christ; through him angels are reconciled to us; and, when
|
|
they celebrated God's goodwill toward men, to it they annexed their
|
|
own. <I>Secondly,</I> Why they are not to be despised; because Christ
|
|
came to save them, to save them that are lost, the little ones that are
|
|
lost in their own eyes
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+66:3">Isa. lxvi. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
that are at a loss within themselves. Or rather, the children of men.
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Our souls by nature are lost souls; as a traveller is lost, that is
|
|
out of his way, as a convicted prisoner is lost. God lost the service
|
|
of fallen man, lost the honour he should have had from him.
|
|
|
|
2. Christ's errand into the world was to <I>save that which was
|
|
lost,</I> to reduce us to our allegiance, restore us to our work,
|
|
reinstate us in our privileges, and so to put us into the right way
|
|
that leads to our great end; to save those that are spiritually lost
|
|
from being eternally so.
|
|
|
|
3. This is a good reason why the least and weakest believers should not
|
|
be despised or offended. If Christ put such a value upon them, let us
|
|
not undervalue them. If he denied himself so much for their salvation,
|
|
surely we should deny ourselves for their edification and consolation.
|
|
See this argument urged,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+14:15,1Co+8:11,12">Rom. xiv. 15; 1 Cor. viii. 11, 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
Nay, if Christ came into the world to save souls, and his heart is so
|
|
much upon that work, he will reckon severely with those that obstruct
|
|
and hinder it, by obstructing the progress of those that are setting
|
|
their faces heavenward, and so thwart his great design.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] The tender regard which our heavenly Father has to these little
|
|
ones, and his concern for their welfare. This is illustrated by a
|
|
comparison,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:12-14"><I>v.</I> 12-14</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe the gradation of the argument; the angels of God are their
|
|
servants, the Son of God is their Saviour, and, to complete their
|
|
honour, God himself is their Friend. <I>None shall pluck them out of my
|
|
Father's hand,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+10:28">John x. 28</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is, <I>First,</I> The comparison,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:12,13"><I>v.</I> 12, 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
The owner that had lost one sheep out of a hundred, does not slight it,
|
|
but diligently enquires after it, is greatly pleased when he has found
|
|
it, and has in that a sensible and affecting joy, more than in the
|
|
ninety and nine that wandered not. The fear he was in of losing that
|
|
one, and the surprise of finding it, add to the joy. Now this is
|
|
applicable,
|
|
|
|
1. To the state of fallen man in general; he is strayed like a lost
|
|
sheep, the angels that stood were as the ninety-nine that never went
|
|
astray; wandering man is sought upon the mountains, which Christ, in
|
|
great fatigue, traversed in pursuit of him, and he is found; which is a
|
|
matter of joy. Greater joy there is in heaven for returning sinners
|
|
than for remaining angels.
|
|
|
|
2. To particular believers, who are offended and put out of their way
|
|
by the stumbling-blocks that are laid in their way, or the wiles of
|
|
those who seduce them out of the way. Now though but one of a hundred
|
|
should hereby be driven off, as sheep easily are, yet that one shall be
|
|
looked after with a great deal of care, the return of it welcomed with
|
|
a great deal of pleasure; and therefore the wrong done to it, no doubt,
|
|
will be reckoned for with a great deal of displeasure. If there be joy
|
|
in heaven for the finding of one of these little ones, there is wrath
|
|
in heaven for the offending of them. Note, God is graciously concerned,
|
|
not only for his flock in general, but for every lamb, or sheep, that
|
|
belongs to it. Though they are many, yet out of those many he can
|
|
easily miss one, for he is a <I>great</I> Shepherd, but not so easily
|
|
lose it, for he is a <I>good</I> Shepherd, and takes a more particular
|
|
cognizance of his flock than ever any did; for he <I>calls his own
|
|
sheep by name,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+10:3">John x. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
See a full exposition of this parable,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+34:2,10,16,19">Ezek. xxxiv. 2, 10, 16, 19</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The application of this comparison
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>It is not the will of your Father, that one of these little ones
|
|
should perish.</I> More is implied than is expressed. It is not his
|
|
will that any should perish, but,
|
|
|
|
1. It is his will, that these little ones should be saved; it is the
|
|
will of his design and delight: he has designed it, and set his heart
|
|
upon it, and he will effect it; it is the will of his precept, that all
|
|
should do what they can to further it, and nothing to hinder it.
|
|
|
|
2. This care extends itself to every particular member of the flock,
|
|
even the meanest. We think if but <I>one</I> or <I>two</I> be offended
|
|
and ensnared, it is no great matter, we need not mind it; but God's
|
|
thoughts of love and tenderness are above ours.
|
|
|
|
3. It is intimated that those who do any thing by which any of these
|
|
little ones are brought into danger of perishing, contradict the will
|
|
of God, and highly provoke him; and though they cannot prevail in it,
|
|
yet they will be reckoned with for it by him, who, in his saints, as in
|
|
other things, is jealous of his honour, and will not bear to have it
|
|
trampled on. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+3:15">Isa. iii. 15</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>What mean ye, that ye beat my people?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+76:8,9">Ps. lxxvi. 8, 9</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Observe, Christ called God,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>my Father which is in heaven;</I> he calls him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>your Father which is in heaven;</I> intimating that he is not
|
|
ashamed to call his poor disciples <I>brethren;</I> for have not he and
|
|
they one Father? <I>I ascend to my Father and your Father</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+20:17">John xx. 17</A>);
|
|
|
|
therefore ours because his. This intimates likewise the ground of the
|
|
safety of his little ones; that God is their Father, and is therefore
|
|
inclined to succour them. A father takes care of all his children, but
|
|
is particularly tender of the little ones,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+33:13">Gen. xxxiii. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
He is their Father in heaven, a place of prospect, and therefore he
|
|
sees all the indignities offered them; and a place of power, therefore
|
|
he is able to avenge them. This comforts offended little ones, that
|
|
their Witness is in heaven
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+16:19">Job xvi. 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
their Judge is there,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+68:5">Ps. lxviii. 5</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt18_20"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Removal of Offences.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and
|
|
tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear
|
|
thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
|
|
16 But if he will not hear <I>thee, then</I> take with thee one or
|
|
two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word
|
|
may be established.
|
|
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell <I>it</I> unto the
|
|
church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto
|
|
thee as a heathen man and a publican.
|
|
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth
|
|
shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth
|
|
shall be loosed in heaven.
|
|
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on
|
|
earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done
|
|
for them of my Father which is in heaven.
|
|
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
|
|
there am I in the midst of them.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Christ, having cautioned his disciples not to give offence, comes next
|
|
to direct them what they must do in case of offences given them; which
|
|
may be understood either of personal injuries, and then these
|
|
directions are intended for the preserving of the peace of the church;
|
|
or of public scandals, and then they are intended for the preserving of
|
|
the purity and beauty of the church. Let us consider it both ways.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Let us apply it to the quarrels that happen, upon any account, among
|
|
Christians. If thy brother trespass against thee, by grieving thy soul
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+8:12">1 Cor. viii. 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
by affronting thee, or putting contempt or abuse upon thee; if he
|
|
blemish thy good name by false reports or tale-bearing; if he encroach
|
|
on thy rights, or be any way injurious to thee in thy estate; if he be
|
|
guilty of any of those trespasses that are specified,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+6:2,3">Lev. vi. 2, 3</A>;
|
|
|
|
if he transgress the laws of justice, charity, or relative duties;
|
|
these are trespasses against us, and often happen among Christ's
|
|
disciples, and sometimes, for want of prudence, are of very mischievous
|
|
consequence. Now observe what is the rule prescribed in this case,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. <I>Go, and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.</I> Let
|
|
this be compared with, and explained by,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+19:17">Lev. xix. 17</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart;</I> that is, "If thou
|
|
hast conceived a displeasure at thy brother for any injury he hath done
|
|
thee, do not suffer thy resentments to ripen into a secret malice (like
|
|
a wound, which is most dangerous when it bleed inwardly), but give vent
|
|
to them in a mild and grave admonition, let them so spend themselves,
|
|
and they will expire the sooner; do not go and rail against him behind
|
|
his back, but <I>thou shalt in any ways reprove him.</I> If he has
|
|
indeed done thee a considerable wrong, endeavour to make him sensible
|
|
of it, but let the rebuke be private, between thee and him alone; if
|
|
thou wouldest convince him, do not expose him, for that will but
|
|
exasperate him, and make the reproof look like a revenge." this agrees
|
|
with
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+25:8,9">Prov. xxv. 8, 9</A>,
|
|
|
|
"<I>Go not forth hastily to strive,</I> but <I>debate thy cause with
|
|
thy neighbour himself,</I> argue it calmly and amicably; and <I>if he
|
|
shall hear thee,</I> well and good, <I>thou hast gained thy
|
|
brother,</I> there is an end of the controversy, and it is a happy end;
|
|
let no more be said of it, but let the falling out of friends be the
|
|
renewing of friendship."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. "<I>If he will not hear thee,</I> if he will not own himself in a
|
|
fault, nor come to an agreement, yet do not despair, but try what he
|
|
will say to it, if thou take <I>one or two or more,</I> not only to be
|
|
witnesses of what passes, but to reason the case further with him; he
|
|
will be the more likely to hearken to them because they are
|
|
disinterested; and if reason will rule him, the word of reason in the
|
|
mouth of two or three witnesses will be better spoken to him" (<I>Plus
|
|
vident oculi quam oculus--Many eyes see more than one</I>), "and more
|
|
regarded by him, and perhaps it will influence him to acknowledge his
|
|
error, and to say, <I>I repent.</I>"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. "If <I>he shall neglect to hear them,</I> and will not refer the
|
|
matter to their arbitration, then <I>tell it to the church,</I> to the
|
|
ministers, elders, or other officers, or the most considerable persons
|
|
in the congregation you belong to, make them the referees to
|
|
accommodate the matter, and do not presently appeal to the magistrate,
|
|
or fetch a writ for him." This is fully explained by the apostle
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+6:1-20">1 Cor. vi.</A>),
|
|
|
|
where he reproves those that went to law before the unjust, and not
|
|
before the saints
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
and would have the saints to judge those small matters
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>)
|
|
|
|
that pertain to this life,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
If you ask, "Who is <I>the church</I> that must be told?" the apostle
|
|
directs there
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Is there not a wise man among you?</I> Those of the church that are
|
|
presumed to be most capable of determining such matters; and he speaks
|
|
ironically, when he says
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
"<I>Set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church;</I> those,
|
|
if there be no better, those, rather than suffer an irreconcileable
|
|
breach between two church members." This rule was then in a special
|
|
manner requisite, when the civil government was in the hands of such as
|
|
were not only aliens, but enemies.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. "If he will not <I>hear the church,</I> will not stand to their
|
|
award, but persists in the wrong he has done thee, and proceeds to do
|
|
thee further wrong, <I>let him be to thee as a heathen man, and a
|
|
publican;</I> take the benefit of the law against him, but let that
|
|
always be the last remedy; appeal not to the courts of justice till
|
|
thou hast first tried all other means to compromise the matter in
|
|
variance. Or thou mayest, if thou wilt, break off thy friendship and
|
|
familiarity with him; though thou must by no means study revenge, yet
|
|
thou mayest choose whether thou wilt have any dealings with him, at
|
|
least, in such a way as may give him an opportunity of doing the like
|
|
again. Thou wouldest have healed him, wouldest have preserved his
|
|
friendship, but he would not, and so has forfeited it." If a man cheat
|
|
and abuse me once, it is his fault; if twice, it is my own.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Let us apply it to scandalous sins, which are an offence to the
|
|
little ones, of bad example to those that are weak and pliable, and of
|
|
great grief to those that are weak and timorous. Christ, having taught
|
|
us to indulge the weakness of our brethren, here cautions us not to
|
|
indulge their wickedness under pretence of that. Christ, designing to
|
|
erect a church for himself in the world, here took care for the
|
|
preservation,
|
|
|
|
1. Of its purity, that it might have an expulsive faculty, a power to
|
|
cleanse and clear itself, like a fountain of living waters, which is
|
|
necessary as long as the net of the gospel brings up both good fish and
|
|
bad.
|
|
|
|
2. Of its peace and order, that every member may know his place and
|
|
duty, and the purity of it may be preserved in a regular way and not
|
|
tumultuously. Now let us see,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) What is the case supposed? <I>If thy brother trespass against
|
|
thee.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] "The offender is a brother, one that is in Christian communion,
|
|
that is baptized, that hears the word, and prays with thee, with whom
|
|
thou joinest in the worship of God, statedly or occasionally." Note,
|
|
Church discipline is for church members. <I>Them that are without God
|
|
judges,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+5:12,13">1 Cor. v. 12, 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
When any trespass is done against us, it is good to remember that the
|
|
trespasser is a brother, which furnishes us with qualifying
|
|
consideration.
|
|
|
|
[2.] "The offense is a trespass against thee; if thy brother sin
|
|
against thee (so the word is), if he do any thing which is offensive to
|
|
thee as a Christian." Note, A gross sin against God is a trespass
|
|
against his people, who have a true concern for his honour. Christ and
|
|
believers have twisted interests; what is done against them Christ
|
|
takes as done against himself, and what is done against him they cannot
|
|
but take as done against themselves. <I>The reproaches of them that
|
|
reproached thee are fallen upon me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+69:9">Ps. lxix. 9</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) What is to be done in this case. We have here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] The rules prescribed,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:15-17"><I>v.</I> 15-17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Proceed in this method:</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First, "Go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.</I> Do
|
|
not stay till he comes to thee, but go to him, as the physician visits
|
|
the patient, and the shepherd goes after the lost sheep." Note, We
|
|
should think no pains too much to take for the recovering of a sinner
|
|
to repentance. "<I>Tell him his fault,</I> remind him of what he has
|
|
done, and of the evil of it, <I>show him his abominations.</I>" Note,
|
|
People are loth to see their faults, and have need to be told of them.
|
|
Though the fact is plain, and the fault too, yet they must be put
|
|
together with application. Great sins often amuse conscience, and for
|
|
the present stupify and silence it; and there is need of help to awaken
|
|
it. David's own heart smote him, when he had cut off Saul's skirt, and
|
|
when he had numbered the people; but (which is very strange) we do not
|
|
find that it smote him in the matter of Uriah, till Nathan told him,
|
|
<I>Thou art the man.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
"Tell him his fault, <B><I>elenxon auton</I></B>--<I>argue the case with
|
|
him</I>" (so the word signifies); "and do it with reason and argument,
|
|
not with passion." Where the fault is plain and great, the person
|
|
proper for us to deal with, and we have an opportunity for it, and
|
|
there is no apparent danger of doing more hurt than good, we must with
|
|
meekness and faithfulness tell people of what is amiss in them.
|
|
Christian reproof is an ordinance of Christ for the bringing of sinners
|
|
to repentance, and must be managed as an ordinance. "Let the reproof be
|
|
private, between thee and him alone; that it may appear you seek not
|
|
his reproach, but his repentance." Note, It is a good rule, which
|
|
should ordinarily be observed among Christians, not to speak of our
|
|
brethren's faults to others, till we have first spoken of them to
|
|
themselves, this would make less reproaching and more reproving; that
|
|
is, less sin committed, and more duty done. It will be likely to work
|
|
upon an offender, when he sees his reprover concerned not only for his
|
|
salvation, in telling him his fault, but for his reputation in telling
|
|
him of it privately.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
"<I>If he shall hear thee</I>" --that is, "heed thee--if he be wrought
|
|
upon by the reproof, it is well, <I>thou hast gained thy brother;</I>
|
|
thou hast helped to save him from sin and ruin, and it will be thy
|
|
credit and comfort,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+5:19,20">James v. 19, 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, The converting of a soul is the winning of that soul
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+11:30">Prov. xi. 30</A>);
|
|
|
|
and we should covet it, and labour after it, as gain to us; and, if the
|
|
loss of a soul be a great loss, the gain of a soul is sure no small
|
|
gain.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> If that doth not prevail, <I>then take with thee one
|
|
or two more,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, We must not be weary of well-doing, though we see not presently
|
|
the good success of it. "If he will not hear thee, yet do not give him
|
|
up as in a desperate case; say not, It will be to no purpose to deal
|
|
with him any further; but go on in the use of other means; even those
|
|
that harden their necks must be often reproved, and those that oppose
|
|
themselves instructed in meekness." In work of this kind we must
|
|
<I>travail in birth again</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+4:19">Gal. iv. 19</A>);
|
|
|
|
and it is after many pains and throes that the child is born.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
"<I>Take with thee one or two more;</I>
|
|
|
|
1. To assist thee; they may speak some pertinent convincing word which
|
|
thou didst not think of, and may manage the matter with more prudence
|
|
than thou didst." note, Christians should see their need of help in
|
|
doing good, and pray in the aid one of another; as in other things, so
|
|
in giving reproofs, that the duty may be done, and may be done well.
|
|
|
|
2. "To affect him; he will be the more likely to be humbled for his
|
|
fault, when he sees it witnessed against by <I>two or three.</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+19:15">Deut. xix. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Those should think it high time to repent and reform, who see
|
|
their misconduct become a general offence and scandal. Though in such a
|
|
world as this it is rare to find one good whom <I>all men speak well
|
|
of,</I> yet it is more rare to find one good whom <I>all men speak ill
|
|
of.</I>
|
|
|
|
3. "To be witnesses of his conduct, in case the matter should afterward
|
|
be brought before the church." None should come under the censure of
|
|
the church as obstinate and contumacious, till it be very well proved
|
|
that they are so.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly, If he neglect to hear them,</I> and will not be humbled,
|
|
<I>then tell it to the church,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
There are some stubborn spirits to whom the likeliest means of
|
|
conviction prove ineffectual; yet such must not be given over as
|
|
incurable, but let the matter be made more public, and further help
|
|
called in. Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Private admonitions must always go before public censures; if
|
|
gentler methods will do the work, those that are more rough and severe
|
|
must not be used,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Tit+3:10">Tit. iii. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those that will be reasoned out of their sins, need not be shamed out
|
|
of them. Let God's work be done effectually, but with as little noise
|
|
as may be; his kingdom comes with power, but not with observation. But,
|
|
|
|
2. Where private admonition does not prevail, there public censure must
|
|
take place. The church must receive the complaints of the offended, and
|
|
rebuke the sins of the offenders, and judge between them, after an
|
|
impartial enquiry made into the merits of the cause.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Tell it to the church.</I> It is a thousand pities that this
|
|
appointment of Christ, which was designed to end differences, and
|
|
remove offences, should itself be so much a matter of debate, and
|
|
occasion differences and offences, through the corruption of men's
|
|
hearts. What church must be told--is the great question. The civil
|
|
magistrate, say some; The Jewish sanhedrim then in being, say others;
|
|
but by what follows,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>,
|
|
|
|
it is plain that he means a Christian church, which, though not yet
|
|
formed, was now in the embryo. "<I>Tell it to the church,</I> that
|
|
particular church in the communion of which the offender lives; make
|
|
the matter known to those of that congregation who are by consent
|
|
appointed to receive informations of that kind. Tell it to the guides
|
|
and governors of the church, the minister or ministers, the elders or
|
|
deacons, or (if such the constitution of the society be) tell it to the
|
|
representatives or heads of the congregation, or to all the members of
|
|
it; let them examine the matter and, if they find the complaint
|
|
frivolous and groundless, let them rebuke the complainant; if they find
|
|
it just, let them rebuke the offender, and call him to repentance, and
|
|
this will be likely to put an edge and an efficacy upon the reproof,
|
|
because given,"
|
|
|
|
1. "With greater solemnity," and,
|
|
|
|
2. "With greater authority." It is an awful thing to receive a reproof
|
|
from a church, from a minister, a reprover by office; and therefore it
|
|
is the more regarded by such as pay any deference to an institution of
|
|
Christ and his ambassadors.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Fourthly, "If he neglect to hear the church,</I> if he slight the
|
|
admonition, and will neither be ashamed of his faults, nor amend them,
|
|
<I>let him be unto thee as a heathen man and publican;</I> let him be
|
|
cast out of the communion of the church, secluded from special
|
|
ordinances, degraded from the dignity of a church member, let him be
|
|
put under disgrace, and let the members of the society be warned to
|
|
withdraw from him, that he may be ashamed of his sin, and they may not
|
|
be infected by it, or made chargeable with it." Those who put contempt
|
|
on the orders and rules of a society, and bring reproach upon it,
|
|
forfeit the honours and privileges of it, and are justly laid aside
|
|
till they repent and submit, and reconcile themselves to it again.
|
|
Christ has appointed this method for the vindicating of the church's
|
|
honour, the preserving of its purity, and the conviction and
|
|
reformation of those that are scandalous. But observe, he doth not say,
|
|
"Let him be to thee as a devil or damned spirit, as one whose case is
|
|
desperate," but "as a heathen and a publican, as one in a capacity of
|
|
being restored and received in again. Count him not as an enemy, but
|
|
admonish him as a brother." The directions given to the church of
|
|
Corinth concerning the incestuous person, agree with the rules here; he
|
|
must be <I>taken away from among them</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+5:2">1 Cor. v. 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
must be <I>delivered to Satan;</I> for if he be cast out of Christ's
|
|
kingdom, he is looked upon as belonging to Satan's kingdom; they must
|
|
not keep company with him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:11,13"><I>v.</I> 11, 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
But when by this he is humbled and reclaimed, he must be welcomed into
|
|
communion again, and all shall be well.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] Here is a warrant signed for the ratification of all the church's
|
|
proceedings according to these rules,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
What was said before to Peter is here said to all the disciples, and in
|
|
them to all the faithful office-bearers in the church, to the world's
|
|
end. While ministers preach the word of Christ faithfully, and in their
|
|
government of the church strictly adhere to his laws (<I>clave non
|
|
errante--the key not turning the wrong way</I>), they may be assured
|
|
that he will own them, and stand by them, and will ratify what they say
|
|
and do, so that it shall be taken as said and done by himself. He will
|
|
own them,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> In their sentence of suspension; <I>Whatsoever ye shall
|
|
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.</I> If the censures of the
|
|
church duly follow the institution of Christ, his judgments will follow
|
|
the censures of the church, his spiritual judgments, which are the
|
|
sorest of all other, such as the rejected Jews fell under
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+11:8">Rom. xi. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
a <I>spirit of slumber;</I> for Christ will not suffer his own
|
|
ordinances to be trampled upon, but will say <I>amen</I> to the
|
|
righteous sentences which the church passes on obstinate offenders. How
|
|
light soever proud scorners may make of the censures of the church, let
|
|
them know that they are confirmed in the court of heaven; and it is in
|
|
vain for them to appeal to that court, for judgment is there already
|
|
given against them. They that are shut out from the <I>congregation of
|
|
the righteous</I> now shall not <I>stand in it</I> in the great day,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+1:5">Ps. i. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ will not own those as his, nor receive them to himself, whom the
|
|
church has duly delivered to Satan; but, if through error or envy the
|
|
censures of the church be unjust, Christ will graciously find those who
|
|
are so cast out,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+9:34,35">John ix. 34, 35</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> In their sentence of absolution; <I>Whatsoever ye
|
|
shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
1. No church censures bind so fast, but that, upon the sinner's
|
|
repentance and reformation, they may and must be loosed again.
|
|
Sufficient is the punishment which has attained its end, and the
|
|
offender must then be forgiven and comforted,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+2:6">2 Cor. ii. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
There is no unpassable gulf fixed but that between hell and heaven.
|
|
|
|
2. Those who, upon their repentance, are received by the church into
|
|
communion again may take the comfort of their absolution in heaven, if
|
|
their hearts be upright with God. As suspension is for the terror of
|
|
the obstinate, so absolution is for the encouragement of the penitent.
|
|
St. Paul speaks in the person of Christ, when he saith, <I>To whom ye
|
|
forgive any thing, I forgive also,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+2:10">2 Cor. ii. 10</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Now it is a great honour which Christ here puts upon the church, that
|
|
he will condescend not only to take cognizance of their sentences, but
|
|
to confirm them; and in the following verses we have two things laid
|
|
down as ground of this.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) God's readiness to answer the church's prayers
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>If two of you shall agree</I> harmoniously, <I>touching any thing
|
|
that they shall ask, it shall be done for them.</I> Apply this,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] In general, to all the requests of the faithful praying seed of
|
|
Jacob; they shall not <I>seek God's face in vain.</I> Many promises we
|
|
have in scripture of a gracious answer to the prayers of faith, but
|
|
this gives a particular encouragement to the joint-prayer; "the
|
|
requests which two of you agree in, much more which many agree in." No
|
|
law of heaven limits the number of petitioners. Note, Christ has been
|
|
pleased to put an honour upon, and to allow a special efficacy in, the
|
|
joint-prayers of the faithful, and the common supplications they make
|
|
to God. If they join in the same prayer, if they meet by appointment to
|
|
come together to the throne of grace on some special errand, or, though
|
|
at a distance, agree in some particular matter of prayer, they shall
|
|
speed well. Besides the general regard God has to the prayers of the
|
|
saints, he is particularly pleased with their union and communion in
|
|
those prayers. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ch+5:13,Ac+4:31">2 Chron. v. 13; Acts iv. 31</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] In particular, to those requests that are put up to God about
|
|
binding and loosing; to which this promise seems more especially to
|
|
refer. Observe, <I>First,</I> That the power of church discipline is
|
|
not here lodged in the hand of a single person, but two, at least, are
|
|
supposed to be concerned in it. When the incestuous Corinthian was to
|
|
be cast out, the church was gathered together
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+5:4">1 Cor. v. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
and it was a punishment inflicted of many,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+2:6">2 Cor. ii. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
In an affair of such importance, <I>two are better than one, and in the
|
|
multitude of counsellors there is safety. Secondly,</I> It is good to
|
|
see those who have the management of church discipline, agreeing in it.
|
|
Heats and animosities, among those whose work it is to remove offences,
|
|
will be the greatest offence of all. <I>Thirdly,</I> Prayer must
|
|
evermore go along with church discipline. Pass no sentence, which you
|
|
cannot in faith ask God to confirm. The binding and loosing spoken of
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+16:19"><I>ch.</I> xvi. 19</A>)
|
|
|
|
was done by preaching, this by praying. Thus the whole power of gospel
|
|
ministers is resolved into the word and prayer, to which they must
|
|
wholly give themselves. He doth not say, "If you shall agree to
|
|
sentence and decree a thing, it shall be done" (as if ministers were
|
|
judges and lords); but, "If you agree to ask it of God, from him you
|
|
shall obtain it." Prayer must go along with all our endeavours for the
|
|
conversion of sinners; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+5:16">Jas. v. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Fourthly,</I> The unanimous petitions of the church of God, for the
|
|
ratification of their just censures, shall be heard in heaven, and
|
|
obtain an answer; "<I>It shall be done,</I> it shall be bound and
|
|
loosed in heaven; God will set his fiat to the appeals and applications
|
|
you make to him." If Christ (who here speaks as one having authority)
|
|
say, "It shall be done," we may be assured that it is done, though we
|
|
see not the effect in the way that we look for it. God doth especially
|
|
own and accept us, when we are praying for those that have offended him
|
|
and us. <I>The Lord turned the captivity of Job,</I> not when he prayed
|
|
for himself, but when he prayed for his friends who had trespassed
|
|
against him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The presence of Christ in the assemblies of Christians,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
Every believer has the presence of Christ with him; but the promise
|
|
here refers to the meetings where two or three are gathered in his
|
|
name, not only for discipline, but for religious worship, or any act of
|
|
Christian communion. Assemblies of Christians for holy purposes are
|
|
hereby appointed, directed, and encouraged.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] They are hereby appointed; the church of Christ in the world
|
|
exists most visibly in religious assemblies; it is the will of Christ
|
|
that these should be set up, and kept up, for the honour of God, the
|
|
edification of men, and the preserving of a face of religion upon the
|
|
world. When God intends special answers to prayer, he calls for a
|
|
solemn assembly,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joe+2:15,16">Joel ii. 15, 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
If there be no liberty and opportunity for large and numerous
|
|
assemblies, yet then it is the will of God that two or three should
|
|
gather together, to show their good-will to the great congregation.
|
|
Note, When we cannot do what we would in religion, we must do as we
|
|
can, and God will accept us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] They are hereby directed to gather together in Christ's name. In
|
|
the exercise of church discipline, they must <I>come together in the
|
|
name of Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+5:4">1 Cor. v. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
That name gives to what they do an authority on earth, and an
|
|
acceptableness in heaven. In meeting or worship, we must have an eye to
|
|
Christ; must come together by virtue of his warrant and appointment, in
|
|
token of our relation to him, professing faith in him, and in communion
|
|
with all that in every place call upon him. When we come together, to
|
|
worship God in a dependence upon the Spirit and grace of Christ as
|
|
Mediator for assistance, and upon his merit and righteousness as
|
|
Mediator for acceptance, having an actual regard to him as our Way to
|
|
the Father, and our Advocate with the Father, then we are met together
|
|
in his name.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] They are hereby encouraged with an assurance of the presence of
|
|
Christ; <I>There am I in the midst of them.</I> By his common presence
|
|
he is in all places, as God; but this is a promise of his special
|
|
presence. Where his saints are, his sanctuary is, and there he will
|
|
dwell; it is his rest
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+132:14">Ps. cxxxii. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
it is his walk
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+2:1">Rev. ii. 1</A>);
|
|
|
|
he is in the midst of them, to quicken and strengthen them, to refresh
|
|
and comfort them, as the sun in the midst of the universe. He is in the
|
|
midst of them, that is, in their hearts; it is a spiritual presence,
|
|
the presence of Christ's Spirit with their spirits, that is here
|
|
intended. <I>There am I,</I> not only <I>I will be</I> there, but <I>I
|
|
am there;</I> as if he came first, is ready before them, they shall
|
|
find him there; he repeated this promise at parting
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:20"><I>ch.</I> xxviii. 20</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Lo, I am with you always.</I> Note, The presence of Christ in the
|
|
assemblies of Christians is promised, and may in faith be prayed for
|
|
and depended on; <I>There am I.</I> This is equivalent to the
|
|
Shechinah, or special presence of God in the tabernacle and temple of
|
|
old,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+40:34,2Ch+5:14">Exod. xl. 34; 2 Chron. v. 14</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Though but two or three are met together, Christ is among them; this is
|
|
an encouragement to the meeting of a few, when it is either,
|
|
<I>First,</I> of choice. Besides the secret worship performed by
|
|
particular persons, and the public services of the whole congregation,
|
|
there may be occasion sometimes for two or three to come together,
|
|
either for mutual assistance in conference or joint assistance in
|
|
prayer, not in contempt of public worship, but in concurrence with it;
|
|
there Christ will be present. Or, <I>Secondly,</I> By constraint; when
|
|
there are not more than two or three to come together, or, if there be,
|
|
they dare not, <I>for fear of the Jews,</I> yet Christ will be <I>in
|
|
the midst of them,</I> for it is not the multitude, but the faith and
|
|
sincere devotion, of the worshippers, that invites the presence of
|
|
Christ; and though there be but two or three, the smallest number that
|
|
can be, yet, it Christ make one among them, who is the principal one,
|
|
their meeting is as honourable and comfortable as if they were two or
|
|
three thousand.</P>
|
|
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|
<A NAME="Mt18_21"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_22"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_23"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_24"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_25"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_26"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_27"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_28"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_29"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_30"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_31"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_32"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_33"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_34"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt18_35"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christian Worshippers Encouraged; The Cruel Creditor.</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>21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my
|
|
brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
|
|
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven
|
|
times: but, Until seventy times seven.
|
|
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain
|
|
king, which would take account of his servants.
|
|
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him,
|
|
which owed him ten thousand talents.
|
|
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him
|
|
to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and
|
|
payment to be made.
|
|
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying,
|
|
Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
|
|
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and
|
|
loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
|
|
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his
|
|
fellow-servants, which owed him a hundred pence: and he laid
|
|
hands on him, and took <I>him</I> by the throat, saying, Pay me that
|
|
thou owest.
|
|
29 And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought
|
|
him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
|
|
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he
|
|
should pay the debt.
|
|
31 So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very
|
|
sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
|
|
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him,
|
|
O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou
|
|
desiredst me:
|
|
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy
|
|
fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee?
|
|
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors,
|
|
till he should pay all that was due unto him.
|
|
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye
|
|
from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their
|
|
trespasses.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
This part of the discourse concerning offences is certainly to be
|
|
understood of personal wrongs, which is in our power to forgive. Now
|
|
observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Peter's question concerning this matter
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Lord, how oft shall my brother trespass against me, and I forgive
|
|
him?</I> Will it suffice to do it <I>seven times?</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He takes it for granted that he must forgive; Christ had before
|
|
taught his disciples this lesson
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+6:14,15"><I>ch.</I> vi. 14, 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Peter has not forgotten it. He knows that he must not only not bear
|
|
a grudge against his brother, or meditate revenge, but be as good a
|
|
friend as ever, and forget the injury.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He thinks it is a great matter to forgive till seven times; he means
|
|
not <I>seven times a day,</I> as Christ said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+17:4">Luke xvii. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
but seven times in his life; supposing that if a man had any way abused
|
|
him seven times, though he were ever so desirous to be reconciled, he
|
|
might then abandon his society, and have no more to do with him.
|
|
Perhaps Peter had an eye to
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+24:16">Prov. xxiv. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>A just man falleth seven times;</I> or to the mention of <I>three
|
|
transgressions,</I> and <I>four,</I> which God would no more pass by,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Am+2:1">Amos ii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, There is a proneness in our corrupt nature to stint ourselves in
|
|
that which is good, and to be afraid of doing too much in religion,
|
|
particularly of forgiving too much, though we have so much forgiven
|
|
us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Christ's direct answer to Peter's question; <I>I say not unto thee,
|
|
Until seven times</I> (he never intended to set up any such bounds),
|
|
but, <I>Until seventy times seven;</I> a certain number for an
|
|
indefinite one, but a great one. Note, It does not look well for us to
|
|
keep count of the offences done against us by our brethren. There is
|
|
something of ill-nature in scoring up the injuries we forgive, as if we
|
|
would allow ourselves to be revenged when the measure is full. God
|
|
keeps an account
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+32:34">Deut. xxxii. 34</A>),
|
|
|
|
because he is the Judge, and vengeance is his; but we must not, lest we
|
|
be found stepping into his throne. It is necessary to the preservation
|
|
of peace, both within and without, to pass by injuries, without
|
|
reckoning how often; to forgive, and forget. God multiplies his
|
|
pardons, and so should we,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+77:38,40">Ps. lxxvii. 38, 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
It intimates that we should make it our constant practice to forgive
|
|
injuries, and should accustom ourselves to it till it becomes
|
|
habitual.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. A further discourse of our Saviour's, by way of parable, to show
|
|
the necessity of forgiving the injuries that are done to us. Parables
|
|
are of use, not only for the pressing of Christian duties; for they
|
|
make and leave an impression. The parable is a comment upon the fifth
|
|
petition of the Lord's prayer, <I>Forgive us our trespasses, as we
|
|
forgive them that trespass against us.</I> Those, and those only, may
|
|
expect to be forgiven of God, who forgive their brethren. The parable
|
|
represents the <I>kingdom of heaven,</I> that is, the church, and the
|
|
administration of the gospel dispensation in it. The church is God's
|
|
family, it is his court; there he dwells, there he rules. God is our
|
|
master; his servants we are, at least in profession and obligation. In
|
|
general, the parable intimates how much provocation God has from his
|
|
family on earth, and how untoward his servants are.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
There are three things in the parable.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The master's wonderful clemency to his servant who was indebted to
|
|
him; he forgave him ten thousand talents, out of pure compassion to
|
|
him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:23-27"><I>v.</I> 23-27</A>.
|
|
|
|
Where observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Every sin we commit is a debt to God; not like a debt to an equal,
|
|
contracted by buying or borrowing, but to a superior; like a debt to a
|
|
prince when a recognizance is forfeited, or a penalty incurred by a
|
|
breech of the law or a breach of the peace; like the debt of a servant
|
|
to his master, by withholding his service, wasting his lord's goods,
|
|
breaking his indentures, and incurring the penalty. We are all debtors;
|
|
we owe satisfaction, and are liable to the process of the law.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) There is an account kept of these debts, and we must shortly be
|
|
reckoned with for them. This king <I>would take account of his
|
|
servants.</I> God now reckons with us by our own consciences;
|
|
conscience is an auditor for God in the soul, to call us to account,
|
|
and to account with us. One of the first questions that an awakened
|
|
Christian asks, is, <I>How much owest thou unto my Lord?</I> And unless
|
|
it be bribed, it will tell the truth, and not write fifty for a
|
|
hundred. There is another day of reckoning coming, when these accounts
|
|
will be called over, and either passed or disallowed, and nothing but
|
|
the blood of Christ will balance the account.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) The debt of sin is a very great debt; and some are more in debt,
|
|
by reason of sin, than others. When he <I>began to reckon,</I> one of
|
|
the first defaulters appeared to owe <I>ten thousand talents.</I> There
|
|
is no evading the enquiries of divine justice; your sin will be sure to
|
|
find you out. The debt was ten thousand talents, a vast sum, amounting
|
|
by computation to one million eight hundred and seventy-five thousand
|
|
pounds sterling; a king's ransom or a kingdom's subsidy, more likely
|
|
than a servant's debt; see what our sins are,
|
|
|
|
[1.] For the heinousness of their nature; they are talents, the
|
|
greatest denomination that ever was used in the account of money or
|
|
weight. Every sin is the load of a talent, <I>a talent of lead, this is
|
|
wickedness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+5:7,8">Zec. v. 7, 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
The trusts committed to us, as stewards of the grace of God, are each
|
|
of them a talent
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+25:15"><I>ch.</I> xxv. 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
a talent of gold, and for every one of them buried, much more for every
|
|
one of them wasted, we are a talent in debt, and this raises the
|
|
account.
|
|
|
|
[2.] For the vastness of their number; they are ten thousand, a myriad,
|
|
more than <I>the hairs on our head,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+40:12">Ps. xl. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
Who can understand <I>the number of his errors, or tell how oft he
|
|
offends?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+19:12">Ps. xix. 12</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) The debt of sin is so great, that we are not able to pay it; <I>He
|
|
had not to pay.</I> Sinners are insolvent debtors; the scripture,
|
|
<I>which concludes all under sin,</I> is a statute of bankruptcy
|
|
against us all. Silver and gold would not pay our debt,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+49:6,7">Ps. xlix. 6, 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Sacrifice and offering would not do it; our good works are but God's
|
|
work in us, and cannot make satisfaction; we are without strength, and
|
|
cannot help ourselves.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) If God should deal with us in strict justice; we should be
|
|
condemned as insolvent debtors, and God might exact the debt by
|
|
glorifying himself in our utter ruin. Justice demands satisfaction,
|
|
<I>Currat, lex--Let the sentence of the law be executed.</I> The servant
|
|
had contracted this debt by his wastefulness and wilfulness, and
|
|
therefore might justly be left to lie by it. <I>His lord commanded him
|
|
to be sold,</I> as a bond-slave into the galleys, sold to grind in the
|
|
prison-house; <I>his wife and children to be sold, and all that he had,
|
|
and payment to be made.</I> See here what every sin deserves; this is
|
|
<I>the wages of sin.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] To be sold. Those that <I>sell themselves to work wickedness,</I>
|
|
must be sold, to make satisfaction. Captives to sin are captives to
|
|
wrath. He that is sold for a bond-slave is deprived of all his
|
|
comforts, and has nothing left him but his life, that he may be
|
|
sensible of his miseries; which is the case of damned sinners.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Thus he would have <I>payment to be made,</I> that is, something
|
|
done towards it; though it is impossible that the sale of one so
|
|
worthless should amount to the payment of so great a debt. By the
|
|
damnation of sinners divine justice will be to eternity in the
|
|
satisfying, but never satisfied.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(6.) Convinced sinners cannot but humble themselves before God, and
|
|
pray for mercy. <I>The servant,</I> under this charge, and this doom,
|
|
<I>fell down</I> at the feet of his royal master, <I>and worshipped
|
|
him;</I> or, as some copies read it, <I>he besought him;</I> his
|
|
address was very submissive and very importunate; <I>Have patience with
|
|
me, and I will pay thee all,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
The servant knew before that he was so much in debt, and yet was under
|
|
no concern about it, till he was called to an account. Sinners are
|
|
commonly careless about the pardon of their sins, till they come under
|
|
the arrests of some awakening word, some startling providence, or
|
|
approaching death, and then, <I>Wherewith shall I come before the
|
|
Lord?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+6:6">Mic. vi. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
How easily, how quickly, can God bring the proudest sinner to his feet;
|
|
Ahab to his sackcloth, Manasseh to his prayers, Pharaoh to his
|
|
confessions, Judas to his restitution, Simon Magus to his supplication,
|
|
Belshazzar and Felix to their tremblings. The stoutest heart will fail,
|
|
when God sets the sins in order before it. This servant doth not deny
|
|
the debt, nor seek evasions, nor go about to abscond.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
But,
|
|
|
|
[1.] He begs time; <I>Have patience with me.</I> Patience and
|
|
forbearance are a great favour, but it is folly to think that these
|
|
alone will save us; reprieves are not pardons. Many are borne with, who
|
|
are not thereby <I>brought to repentance</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+2:4">Rom. ii. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
and then their being borne with does them no kindness.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He promises payment; <I>Have patience</I> awhile, <I>and I will
|
|
pay thee all.</I> Note, It is the folly of many who are under
|
|
convictions of sin, to imagine that they can make God satisfaction for
|
|
the wrong they have done him; as those who, like a compounding
|
|
bankrupt, would discharge the debt, by giving their <I>first-born for
|
|
their transgressions</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+6:7">Mic. vi. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
who <I>go about to establish their own righteousness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+10:3">Rom. x. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
He that <I>had nothing to pay</I> with
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>)
|
|
|
|
fancied he could pay <I>all.</I> See how close pride sticks, even to
|
|
awakened sinners; they are convinced, but not humbled.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(7.) The God of infinite mercy is very ready, out of pure compassion,
|
|
to forgive the sins of those that humble themselves before him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>The lord of that servant,</I> when he might justly have ruined him,
|
|
mercifully released him; and, since he could not be satisfied by the
|
|
payment of the debt, he would be glorified by the pardon of it. The
|
|
servant's prayer was, <I>Have patience with me;</I> the master's grant
|
|
is a discharge in full. Note,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The pardon of sin is owing to the mercy of God, to his tender
|
|
mercy
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:77,78">Luke i. 77, 78</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>He was moved with compassion.</I> God's reasons of mercy are fetched
|
|
from within himself; he has mercy <I>because he will have mercy.</I>
|
|
God looked with pity on mankind in general, because miserable, and sent
|
|
his Son to be a Surety for them; he looks with pity on particular
|
|
penitents, because sensible of their misery (their hearts broken and
|
|
contrite), and accepts them in the Beloved.
|
|
|
|
[2.] There is forgiveness with God for the greatest sins, if they be
|
|
repented of. Though the debt was vastly great, he <I>forgave it
|
|
all,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though our sins be very numerous and very heinous, yet, upon gospel
|
|
terms, they may be pardoned.
|
|
|
|
[3.] The forgiving of the debt is the loosing of the debtor; <I>He
|
|
loosed him.</I> The obligation is cancelled, the judgment vacated; we
|
|
never walk at liberty till our sins are forgiven. But observe, Though
|
|
he discharged him from the penalty as a debtor, he did not discharge
|
|
him from his duty as a servant. The pardon of sin doth not slacken, but
|
|
strengthen, our obligations to obedience; and we must reckon it a
|
|
favour that God is pleased to continue such wasteful servants as we
|
|
have been in such a gainful service as his is, and should therefore
|
|
<I>deliver us, that we might serve him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:74">Luke i. 74</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>I am thy servant, for thou hast loosed my bonds.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The servant's unreasonable severity toward his fellow-servant,
|
|
notwithstanding his lord's clemency toward him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:28-30"><I>v.</I> 28-30</A>.
|
|
|
|
This represents the sin of those who, though they are not unjust in
|
|
demanding that which is not their own, yet are rigorous and unmerciful
|
|
in demanding that which is their own, to the utmost of right, which
|
|
sometimes proves a real wrong. <I>Summum jus summa injuria--Push a
|
|
claim to an extremity, and it becomes a wrong.</I> To exact
|
|
satisfaction for debts of injury, which tends neither to reparation nor
|
|
to the public good, but purely for revenge, though the law may allow
|
|
it, <I>in terrorem--in order to strike terror,</I> and for the hardness
|
|
of men's hearts, yet savours not of a Christian spirit. To sue for
|
|
money-debts, when the debt or cannot possibly pay them, and so let him
|
|
perish in prison, argues a greater love of money, and a less love of
|
|
our neighbour, than we ought to have,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ne+5:7">Neh. v. 7</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
See here,
|
|
|
|
(1.) How small the debt was, how very small, compared with the <I>ten
|
|
thousand talents</I> which his lord forgave him; <I>He owed him a
|
|
hundred pence,</I> about three pounds and half a crown of our money.
|
|
Note, Offences done to men are nothing to those which are committed
|
|
against God. Dishonours done to a man like ourselves are but as
|
|
<I>peace, motes, gnats;</I> but dishonours done to God are as
|
|
<I>talents, beams, camels.</I> Not that <I>therefore</I> we may make
|
|
light of wronging our neighbour, for that is also a sin against God;
|
|
but <I>therefore</I> we should make light of our neighbour's wronging
|
|
us, and not aggravate it, or study revenge. David was unconcerned as
|
|
the indignities done to him; <I>I, as a deaf man, heard not;</I> but
|
|
laid much to heart the sins committed against God; for them, <I>rivers
|
|
of tears ran down his eyes.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) How severe the demand was; <I>He laid hands on him, and took him
|
|
by the throat.</I> Proud and angry men think, if the matter of their
|
|
demand be just, that will bear them out, though the manner of it be
|
|
ever so cruel and unmerciful; but it will not hold. What needed all
|
|
this violence? The debt might have been demanded without taking the
|
|
debtor by the throat; without sending for a writ, or setting the
|
|
bailiff upon him. How lordly is this man's carriage, and yet how base
|
|
and servile is his spirit! If he had been himself going to prison for
|
|
his debt to his lord, his occasions would have been so pressing, that
|
|
he might have had some pretence for going to this extremity in
|
|
requiring his own; but frequently pride and malice prevail more to make
|
|
men severe than the most urgent necessity would do.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) How submissive the debtor was; <I>His fellow servant,</I> though
|
|
his equal, yet knowing how much he lay at his mercy, <I>fell down at
|
|
his feet,</I> and humbled himself to him for this trifling debt, as
|
|
much as he did to his lord for that great debt; for <I>the borrower is
|
|
servant to the lender,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+22:7">Prov. xxii. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Those who cannot pay their debts ought to be very respectful to
|
|
their creditors, and not only give them good words, but do them all the
|
|
good offices they possibly can: they must not be angry at those who
|
|
claim their own, nor speak ill of them for it, no, not though they do
|
|
it in a rigorous manner, but in that case leave it to God to plead
|
|
their cause. The poor man's request is, <I>Have patience with me;</I>
|
|
he honestly confesses the debt, and puts not his creditor to the charge
|
|
of proving it, only begs time. Note, Forbearance, though it be no
|
|
acquittance, is sometimes a piece of needful and laudable charity. As
|
|
we must not be hard, so we must not be hasty, in our demands, but think
|
|
how long God bears with us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) How implacable and furious the creditor was
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>He would not have patience with him,</I> would not hearken to his
|
|
fair promise, but without mercy <I>cast him into prison.</I> How
|
|
insolently did he trample upon one as good as himself, that submitted
|
|
to him! How cruelly did he use one that had done him no harm, and
|
|
though it would be no advantage to himself! In this, as in a glass,
|
|
unmerciful creditors may see their own faces, who take pleasure in
|
|
nothing more than to swallow up and destroy
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+20:19">2 Sam. xx. 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
and glory in having their poor debtors' bones.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(5.) How much concerned the rest of the servants were; <I>They were
|
|
very sorry</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>),
|
|
|
|
sorry for the creditor's cruelty, and for the debtor's calamity. Note,
|
|
The sins and sufferings of our fellow-servants should be a matter of
|
|
grief and trouble to us. It is sad that any of our brethren should
|
|
either make themselves beast of prey, by cruelty and barbarity; or be
|
|
made beasts of slavery, by the inhuman usage of those who have power
|
|
over them. To see a fellow-servant, either raging like a bear or
|
|
trampled on like a worm, cannot but occasion great regret to all that
|
|
have any jealousy for the honour either of their nature of their
|
|
religion. See with what eye Solomon looked both upon <I>the tears of
|
|
the oppressed,</I> and <I>the power of the oppressors,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+4:1">Eccl. iv. 1</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(6.) How notice of it was brought to the master; <I>They came, and told
|
|
their lord.</I> They durst not reprove their fellow-servant for it, he
|
|
was so unreasonable and outrageous (<I>let a bear robbed of her whelps
|
|
meet a man, rather than such a fool in his folly</I>); but they went to
|
|
their lord, and besought him to appear for the oppressed against the
|
|
oppressor. Note, That which gives us occasion for sorrow, should give
|
|
us occasion for prayer. Let our complaints both of the wickedness of
|
|
the wicked and of the afflictions of the afflicted, be brought to God,
|
|
and left with him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The master's just resentment of the cruelty his servant was guilty
|
|
of. If the servants took it so ill, much more would the master, whose
|
|
compassions are infinitely above ours. Now observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) How he reproved his servant's cruelty
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:32,33"><I>v.</I> 32, 33</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>O thou wicked servant.</I> Note, Unmercifulness is wickedness, it is
|
|
great wickedness.
|
|
|
|
[1.] He upbraids him with the mercy he had found with his master; <I>I
|
|
forgive thee all that debt.</I> Those that will use God's favours,
|
|
shall never be upbraided with them, but those that abuse them, may
|
|
expect it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:20"><I>ch.</I> xi. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
Consider, It was <I>all that debt,</I> that great debt. Note, The
|
|
greatness of sin magnifies the riches of pardoning mercy: we should
|
|
think <I>how much has been forgiven us,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+7:47">Luke vii. 47</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He thence shows him the obligation he was under to be merciful to
|
|
his fellow-servant; <I>Shouldst not thou also have had compassion on
|
|
thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee?</I> Note, It is justly
|
|
expected, that such as have received mercy, should show mercy. <I>Dat
|
|
ille veniam facile, cui venia est opus--He who needs forgiveness,
|
|
easily bestows it.</I> Senec. Agamemn. He shows him, <I>First,</I> That
|
|
he should have been more compassionate to the distress of his fellow
|
|
servant, because he had himself experienced the same distress. What we
|
|
have had the feeling of ourselves, we can the better have the fellow
|
|
feeling of with our brethren. <I>The Israelites knew the heart of a
|
|
stranger, for they were strangers;</I> and this servant should have
|
|
better known the heart of an arrested debtor, than to have been thus
|
|
hard upon such a one. <I>Secondly,</I> That he should have been more
|
|
conformable to the example of his master's tenderness, having himself
|
|
experienced it, so much to his advantage. Note, The comfortable sense
|
|
of pardoning mercy tends much to the disposing of our hearts to forgive
|
|
our brethren. It was in the close of the day o atonement that the
|
|
jubilee trumpet sounded <I>a release of debts</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+25:9">Lev. xxv. 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
for we must have compassion on our brethren, as God has on us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) How he revoked his pardon and cancelled the acquittance, so that
|
|
the judgment against him revived
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>He delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was
|
|
due unto him.</I> Though the wickedness was very great, his lord laid
|
|
upon him no other punishment than the payment of his own debt. Note,
|
|
Those that will not come up to the terms of the gospel need be no more
|
|
miserable than to be left open to the law, and to let that have its
|
|
course against them. See how the punishment answers the sin; he that
|
|
would not forgive shall not be forgiven; <I>He delivered him to the
|
|
tormentors;</I> the utmost he could do to his fellow servant was but to
|
|
cast him into prison, but he was himself delivered to the tormentors.
|
|
Note, The power of God's wrath to ruin us, goes far beyond the utmost
|
|
extent of any creature's strength and wrath. The reproaches and terrors
|
|
of his own conscience would be his tormentors, for that is a worm that
|
|
dies not; devils, the executioners of God's wrath, that are sinners'
|
|
tempters now, will be their tormentors for ever. He was sent to
|
|
Bridewell till he should pay all. Note, Our debts to God are never
|
|
compounded; either all is forgiven or all is exacted; glorified saints
|
|
in heaven are pardoned all, through Christ's complete satisfaction;
|
|
damned sinners in hell are paying all, that is, are punished for all.
|
|
The offence done to God by sin is in point of honour, which cannot be
|
|
compounded for without such a diminution as the case will by no means
|
|
admit, and therefore, some way or other, by the sinner or by his
|
|
surety, it must be satisfied.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Lastly,</I> Here is the application of the whole parable,
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you.</I> The title
|
|
Christ here gives to God was made use of,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+18:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>,
|
|
|
|
in a comfortable promise; <I>It shall be done for them of my Father
|
|
which is in heaven;</I> here it is made use of in a terrible
|
|
threatening. If God's governing be fatherly, it follows thence, that it
|
|
is righteous, but it does not therefore follow that it is not rigorous,
|
|
or that under his government we must not be kept in awe by the fear of
|
|
the divine wrath. When we pray to God as <I>our Father in heaven,</I>
|
|
we are taught to ask for <I>the forgiveness of sins, as we forgive our
|
|
debtors.</I> Observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The duty of forgiving; we must <I>from our hearts</I> forgive. Note,
|
|
We do not forgive our offending brother aright, nor acceptably, if we
|
|
do not forgive from the heart; for that is it that God looks at. No
|
|
malice must be harboured there, nor ill will to any person, one or
|
|
another; no projects of revenge must be hatched there, nor desires of
|
|
it, as there are in many who outwardly appear peaceable and reconciled.
|
|
Yet this is not enough; we must from the heart desire and seek the
|
|
welfare even of those that have offended us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The danger of not forgiving; <I>So shall your heavenly Father
|
|
do.</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) This is not intended to teach us that God reverses his pardons to
|
|
any, but that he denies them to those that are unqualified for them,
|
|
according to the tenour of the gospel; though having seemed to be
|
|
humbled, like Ahab, they thought themselves, and others thought them,
|
|
in a pardoned state, and they made bold with the comfort of it.
|
|
Intimations enough we have in scripture of the forfeiture of pardons,
|
|
for caution to the presumptuous; and yet we have security enough of the
|
|
continuance of them, for comfort to those that are sincere, but
|
|
timorous; that the one may fear, and the other may hope. Those that do
|
|
not <I>forgive their brother's trespasses,</I> did never truly repent
|
|
of their own, nor ever truly believe the gospel; and therefore that
|
|
which is <I>taken away</I> is only what <I>they seemed to have,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+8:18">Luke viii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) This is intended to teach us, that <I>they shall have judgment
|
|
without mercy, that have showed no mercy,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+2:13">Jam. ii. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is indispensably necessary to pardon and peace, that we not only
|
|
<I>do justly,</I> but <I>love mercy.</I> It is an essential part of
|
|
that religion which is <I>pure and undefiled before God and the
|
|
Father,</I> of that <I>wisdom from above,</I> which <I>is gentle, and
|
|
easy to be entreated.</I> Look how <I>they</I> will answer it another
|
|
day, who, though they bear the Christian name, persist in the most
|
|
rigorous and unmerciful treatment of their brethren, as if the
|
|
strictest laws of Christ might be dispensed with for the gratifying of
|
|
their unbridled passions; and so they curse themselves every time they
|
|
say the Lord's prayer.</P>
|
|
|
|
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