LET US NOT, LIKE THE PHARISEES, WATCH FOR EVIL; BUT, LIKE OUR LORD, FOR OPPORTUNITIES OF DOING GOOD.

SECTION 67.—(G. 38-40.)—[Lesson 62.]-JESUS, WHILE EATING BREAD ON THE
SABBATH DAY IN THE HOUSE OF A CERTAIN RULER, A PHARISEE, HEALS A MAN
OF THE DROPSY. AFTER THIS, HE GIVES SUITABLE ADVICE TO THE GUESTS,
AND ALSO TO HI HOST; AND IN ANSWER TO AN OBSERVATION OF ONE OF THE
GUESTS, DELIVERS A PARABLE RELATING TO THE MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM.

HE WARNS THE MULTITUDES, WHO WERE FOLLOWING HIM IN HIS JOURNEY.
INGS, OF THE SELF-DENIAL, FORESIGHT, AND PERSEVERANCE, NECESSARY FOR
THOSE WHO WOULD BECOME HIS DISCIPLES.-Luke xiv.

INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS.

Lu. xiv. 1-6. Jesus on the sabbath day goes into the house of a chief Pharisee to eat bread, and is watched;-heals a man of the dropsy, and boldly vindicates his conduct. His enemies are silent, giving him an opportunity of improving the occasion by suitable discourse.

7-11. Seeing the guests choose the chief places, Jesus takes occasion to address them upon the impropriety of their conduct, advising them to take the lowest place; and not the highest, except upon invitation.

of the people have been invited, the gospel is sent unto Gentiles, by whom the house is to be filled, to the rejection of those who were first invited. Lu. xiv. 25-.7. Great multitudes go with Jesus; he turns, and tells them of the only terms upon which any can become his disciple: he must deny himself to all that is dear to him, and be prepared for shame, and for suffering even unto the death. 28-30. Jesus, from the case of a man who began to build and was not able to finish, shews the propriety of counting the cost, before professing 12-.4. Jesus next addresses his host, to be his disciple. telling him, that when he makes a dinner or supper, 31, .2. He farther illustrates the same he should not invite the rich, but those who cannot subject, from the case of a king going to make war. recompense him; and for the kindness shewn to Except a man know his own. whom, he will be truly blessed, in being 'recompoverty, so as to forsake all that he hath, he cannot pensed at the resurrection of the just.' be Jesus' disciple. 34, .5. Under the figure of salt that has lost its savour, and which is then good for nothing but to be cast out, Jesus describes the case of those who, after having made profession of godliness, cease to manifest the power of the truth.

33.

15-24. One having said, 'Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God,' Jesus takes occasion to deliver the parable of a Great Supper: shewing how little the blessedness referred to is appreciated by the wealthy; and how, after the poor No. 67.-(G. 38.)-Jesus, while eating bread on the sabbath day in the house of a certain ruler, a Pharisee, heals a man of the dropsy.-Luke xiv. 1-6.

1

And it-came-to-pass, as he went into the-house of-one of-the chief Pharisees to-eat 2 bread on-the-sabbath-day, that they watched пoav πараτпроvuevo him. And, behold, 3 there was a-certain man before him which-had-the-dropsy. And Jesus answering spake 4 unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is-it-lawful to-heal on-the sabbath-day? And they held-their-peace. And he-took eiλaßoμevos him, and-healed him, and let-him-go; 5 and answered them, saying, Which of-you shall have an-ass or an-ox fallen into a-pit, 6 and will not straightway -pull-him-out on the sabbath day? And they-could not answer-him-again to these-things.

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

Lu. xiv. 1. watched him-see Is. xxix. 20, .1, and on 5. an ass or an ox-In the case of the withered Lu. vi. 7, § 25, p. 195, the scribes and Pharisees hand, the allusion was to a sheep-see Mt. xii. 11, .2 watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath-The law required that a brother's ass or ox fallen day; that they might find an accusation against him.' down by the way should be helped up again, De. 3. Is it lawful, c-Jesus here asks the question xxii. 4-nay, even one belonging to an enemy, Ex. which was put to himself when about to heal the xxiii. 5, If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee man with the withered hand, Mt. xii. 10, § ib., p. 196, lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to and which he then also put in another form, saying, help him, thou shalt surely help with him.'-When ch. vi. 9, ib., Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do about to cure the woman that had an infirmity good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?' eighteen years, Jesus said, 'Doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass,' &c., Lu. xiii. 4. held their peace-so upon the occasion referred 15-7, § 65, pp. 175, ..6. to, supra-see Mk. iii. 4, ib. took him, and healed him, &c.-In the former case, he spake and it was done, Lu. vi. 10, § ib. p. 197.

6. could not answer-so ch. xiii. 17, § ib., 'all his adversaries were ashamed:'

NOTES.

Lu. xiv. 1. Eat bread. It appears from ver. 7-16, that this was a set feast, and that our Lord, from the circumstances in which he was placed, gave various lessons and admonitions; first, to the guests in general, inculcating not only a lesson of humility, but a rule of good manners, ver. 7; next, to the host, ver. 12; and lastly, to one of the guests in particular, to whom he addressed the parable of the great supper, ver. 16.'-Lonsdale and Hale. 3. Answering spake. Spake with reference to the present occasion. This expression is often used in

the gospels. It implies a reference either to something which has been done or said just before, or to something passing in the mind either of the speaker, or of those to whom he is speaking.-See Mt. xvii. 4, § 51, p. 54; xxii. 1, § 84. p. 291; xxviii. 5, § 93; Mk. ix. 38, § 52, p. 75; xi. 14, § 83, p. 275; Lu. xiii. 14, § 65, p. 175.

Is it lawful. The law did not forbid it, but Jesus gave them an opportunity to object if they pleased, that they might be without excuse afterwards. PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

[Lu. xiv. 1. Let us beware of professing religious | salvation of men, as we would be to deliver from dezeal, or of exercising hospitality, in the spirit of the struction the inferior animals. Let us ever be ready accuser of the brethren '] both to do, and to defend, the right.

3, 4 ver. Let the followers of Christ make the Lord's day a day of deliverance for the distressed, of shewing mercy to the afflicted, as well as of receiving blessing for themselves.

procured a quiet audience for himself, by confound6 ver. Jesus, before proceeding with his discourse, ing the adversaries. It is often the truest prudence boldly to maintain the cause of justice, mercy, and truth.

5, 6 ver. Let us be at least equally ready to seek the VOL. II.] STRENGTHEN THOU ME ACCORDING UNTO THY WORD.-Psalm cxix. 28.

R

[181

HE THAT RULETH OVER MEN MUST BE JUST, RULING IN THE FEAR OF GOD.-2 Sam. xxiii. 3.

IT IS THE DUTY OF THOSE WHO HAVE POWER AND INFLUENCE TO EXALT HUMBLE WORTH;

(G. 39.)-Jesus gives suitable advice to the guests, and also to his host; and in answer to an observation of one of the guests, delivers a parable relating to the mysteries of the kingdom.-Luke xiv. 7-24.

7

And he-put-forth a-parable to those which-were-bidden, when-he-marked enexwv how 8 they-chose-out the chief-rooms; saying unto them, When thou-art-bidden of any man to a-wedding, sit-not-down in the highest-room; lest a-more-honourable-man than9 thou be bidden of him; and he that-bade thee and him come and-say to-thee, Give this10 man place; and thou-begin with shame to-take the lowest room. But when thou-artbidden, go and-sit-down in the lowest room; that when he that-bade thee cometh, hemay-say unto-thee, Friend, go-uр πроσаvаßnot higher avwтepov: then shalt thou-have 11 worship in-the-presence of-them that-sit-at-meat-with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall-be-abased; and he that-humbleth himself shall-be-exalted. 12

Then said-he also to-him that-bade him, When thou-makest a-dinner or a-supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest 13 they also bid- thee -again, and a-recompencе avтаπоdoua be-made thee. But when 14 thou-makest a-feast doxny, call the-poor, the-maimed, the-lame, the-blind: and thou

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

11. whosoever exalleth himself-1 Sa. xv. 17, 'And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel ? -Of those who seek to be at peace with God, submitting themselves to his instruction and guidance, Eliphaz says, Job xxii. 29, When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.'-And in Ps. xviii. 27, David, addressing the Lord, says, For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.'-Pr. xv. 33, The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.'-ch. xxix. 23, A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.'-Ho. xiii. 1, 'When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.'-See Mt. xxiii. 12, § 85, p. 315; Lu. xviii. 14, § 73, p. 217.-Ja. iv. 6, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.'

12. nor thy rich neighbours-God hath said, Pr. xxii. 16, He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich shall surely come to want.' lest they also, &c.-so the very thing which men naturally seek after, the Christian is to endeavour to avoid-He is to sow in time, that he may reap in eternity-see ch. xii. 33, § 63, p. 166.

13. call the poor, &c.-Ne. viii. 10, .2, 'send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared:' &c.-Job reckoned himself to be well deserving of curse, if he had eaten his morsel himself alone, and if the fatherless had not eaten thereof with him, Job xxxi. 17. Of kindness to the poor, God himself hath given us example, Ps. Ixviii. 10, Thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.'-Is. lv. 1, He that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.'-Mary sang in anticipation of Messiah's reign, Lu. i. 53, § 2, p. 12, He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. With pronouncing blessing upon the poor Jesus commenced his sermon on the mount, Mt. v. 1-3, § 19, p. 120-and his sermon in the plain, Lu. vi. 20, § 27, p. 207-and when replying to the messengers of John, he concludes by saying, Mt. xi. 5, 6, § 29, p. 223, The poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.'

NOTES.

Lu. xiv. 7. Chief rooms. The highest places.' 'The principal seats." To take the highest place when not our due is public vanity; obstinately to refuse it when offered is another instance of the same vice, though private and concealed. Humility takes as much care to avoid the ostentation of an affected refusal, as the open seeking of a superior place.

10. Worship. Respect, honour, reverence.

11. Whosoever exalleth himself, &c. This is the conduct of God in his dealings with men.-See Da. iv. 30-.7; 1 Sa. ii. 1-8; Lu. i. 46-55, § 2, p. 11, SCRIP. ILLUS., supra. The saying was proverbial with reference to worldly interests, but our Lord has applied it to the great concern of religion. The apostles James and Peter have strongly enforced this great lesson of their Master, Ja. iv. 10; 1 Pe. v. 5, 6. 12. Call not thy friends, &c. It is here implied that we should be sparing in entertaining those who need

it not, in order that, with what is saved from need-
less entertainments, we may assist those who do need.
Christ by no means condemns friendly and festive
intercourse among acquaintance. He himself sanc-
tioned this by his example. But we must not make
such entertainments to the neglect of the poor, the
maimed, &c. On the contrary, he encourages us
chiefly to devote our substance to the support of
such; and if in this we are influenced by love to God
ward, Mt. xxv. 31, &c., § 86, p. 351.
and inan, he assures us that great shall be our re-

13. Call the poor, &c. May allude to religious feasts made by the Jews on the sabbath.

This was an admonition to his host, and through him to all such as the providence of God has blessed with ability, what selection to make of the objects of their hospitality, as fittest and meetest, and in the hope of what return, as most consistent with the true spirit of benevolence.'-Greswell.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

[Lu. xiv. 7. Pride, no less than cunning, characterizes the opposers of Christ: but let his disciples humbly follow him in the manifestation of truth and love.]

[8-10 ver. At our meals, as well as upon every other occasion, let us seek by our conversation to glorify God and benefit our neighbour. It may not always become us to take the lead, but we may at least endeavour to prompt and encourage others to what is useful. The presence of enemies who watch for our halting, should not be allowed to prevent us from duty.]

182]

Jesus hath done that to which he directs others. He humbled himself and took the lowest place; and is therefore highly exalted far above all. Like him, let us give an example in ourselves, of that which we require in others.

[11 ver. Let the risings of pride warn of approaching dishonour. Be humbly submissive to the will of God, in being now the servant of all.

[12 ver. In distributing that wherewith he is en trusted, let the Christian feel that he is in the hand of God, and let him give as in the view of eternity.]

O LORD, PUT ME NOT TO SHAME.-Psalm cxix. 31.

[VOL. II.

AND NOT TO ENCOURAGE THE PRESUMPTUOUS IN THEIR VANITY AND PRIDE.

LUXURIOUS FEASTING ROBS THE POOR, AND ABUSES THE BOUNTY OF GOD.

LUKE xiv. 15-20.

shalt-be blessed; for they-can not recompense thee: for thou shalt-be-recompensed at the resurrection of-the just.

15 And when- one of them that-sat-at-meat-with him -heard these-things, he-said unto16 him, Blessed is he-that shall-eat bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he unto-him, 17 A-certain man made a-great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper 18 time to-say to-them that-were-tidden, Come; for all-things are now ready. And theyall with one consent ano pas began to-make-excuse Tapaiтelobai. The first said untohim, I-have-bought a-piece-of-ground, and I-must needs exw avayκny go and see it: I19 pray thee have me excused rapηnuevov. And another said, I-have-bought five yoke ofand I-go to-prove dokuara them: I-pray thee have me excused. And another

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

NOTES.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

ter able to bear the ill return we may sometimes receive from men in the present time.

[15, .6 ver. In our use of things temporal, let us have an eye to things eternal; and for this purpose be ever ready to improve the suggestions of others, however imperfect their views, or from whatever motive presented.]

18 ver. Let us beware of following the multitude in treating with indifference the gospel invitation.

LET THE PROUD BE ASHAMED;-Psalm cxix. 78.

MAY WE BE FAITHFUL IN OUR STEWARDSHIP, WHETHER IT BE OF LITTLE OR MUCH.

O THAT MY WAYS WERE DIRECTED TO KEEP THY STATUTES!-Psalm cxix. 5.

LUKE xiv. 21-.7.

21 said, I-have-married a-wife, and therefore I-can not come. So that servant came, andshewed his lord these-things. Then the master-of-the-house being-angry said to his servant, Go-out quickly into the streets and lanes of-the city, and bring-in hither the 22 poor, and the-maimed, and the-halt, and the-blind. And the servant said, Lord, it-is23 done as thou-hast-commanded, and yet there-is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go-out into the highways and hedges, and compel avaykaσov them to-come-in, 24 that my house may-be-filled. For I-say unto-you, That none of those men which werebidden shall-taste of my supper.

(G. 40.)—Jesus warns the multitudes, who were following him in his journeyings, what was necessary to any one desiring to become his disciple.-Luke xiv. 25-35.

25

And there-went-great multitudes-with him: and he-turned, and-said unto them, 26, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and 27 brethren, and sisters, yea, and his-own life also, he-can not be my disciple. And whoSCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

Lu. xiv. 20. marriea a wife-see ver. 26-1 Co. vii. 29, 32, .3, But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none.... 32, But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33, but he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.'

21. angry-Ps. ii. 12, Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.'

Go out, &c.-see on Mt. xxii. 9, § 84, p. 293.

the poor-1 Sa. ii. 8, 'He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory'-so Ps. cxiii. 7, 8-Zep. iii. 12, ‘I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.'-Zec. xi. 7, I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock.'-ver. 11-and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD.'-And see on ver. 13, p. 182, and Mt. xi. 5, § 29, p. 223.

halt-Mi. iv. 6, 7, In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; and I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.'-He. xii. 13, And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.'

we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.'

22. and yet there is room-Ps. cxxx. 7, 'Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption."

23. compel-such compulsion as was used to the king of Israel, by his servants, when they compelled him to eat, 1 Sa. xxviii. 23-Jesus himself was constrained to go in with the two disciples at Emmaus, Lu. xxiv. 29, § 91-such force as Paul put forth, 2 Co. v. 11, 20, Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; 20, Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. And to which he exhorts Timothy, 2 Ti. iv. 2, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.'-And which he presents as an example to the Ephesian elders, Ac. xx. 31, Watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.'

24. none of those men-Pr. i. 24-.6, Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;' &c.-Mt. xxi. 43, § 84, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.'ch. xxii. 8, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.'-Ac. xiii. 46, seeing ye put it from you:.... lo, we turn to the Gentiles." He. xii. 25, 'See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:" 26. If any The law required that the nearest and dearest relatives should be denied, if they sought to entice away to the worship of other gods, De. xiii. 6-8. yea, and his own life-Jesus had before said, Mt. x. 39, § ib. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and NOTES.

the blind-Rom. xi. 25, For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.'-1 Co. xiii. 9, For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.'-ver. 12, For now

is a serious matter. Neighbours and friends are em- | only, in matters of religion, was used by Christ and ployed to judge of them, and their fitness for the his apostles. plough is tried in every way.

The principle, indeed, which ran through these various excuses was a contempt of the feast, by a decided preference to other avocations.'-Bloomfield. Lu. xiv. 23. Compel them to come in. The original word here means not to compel by force,' but to press earnestly.' It is used in a similar sense in Ga. ii. 3, 14; vi. 12; in the last it is constrain.' They were to compel with all the violence of love, and the force of God's word. Such compulsion, and such

25. Went.... with him. Accompanied him as he journeyed toward Jerusalem.-Comp. ch. xiii. 22, § 66, p. 177.

He turned, and said, &c. Thus warning them of the sacrifice those must make who become his disciples.

26. And hate not, &c. Strictly speaking, this would be unnatural, and contrary to the genius of the gospel; but in scripture, one thing is said to be loved and another hated, when the former is much preferred, and the latter neglected and forsaken.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

[Lu. xiv. 21. Let messengers of the gospel remember that their mission requires dispatch; and that now it is not so much to those who can make a reward to them in time, but to those whom the world is too apt to treat with neglect, and in whose behalf they must labour only as to God.]

Let us pray that all who have to communicate to others the gospel message, may labour as those that must give in their account; and may they now have

184]

much communion with God, regarding the progress of their work.

that it is as much his duty to go out, as for those that [23 ver. May the preacher of the gospel remember are without to come in; an that he has not yet fulfilled his ministry, if he has delivered his message to those only who come to him. May he be urgent in overcoming, by moral means, all obstacles to belief of the message, and compliance with its invitation. Let

IN THE DAY OF PROSPERITY BE JOYFUL,-Eccles. vii. 14.

[VOL. II.

BLESSED ART THOU, O LORD TEACH ME THY STATUTES.-Psalm cxix. 12.

LET THE FOLLOWER OF CHRIST NOT ONLY LOOK TO THE JOY BEFORE HIM:

LUKE xiv. 28-34.

soever doth-not-bear Baσrace his cross, and come after me, can not be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to-build a-tower, sitteth-not-down first, and-counteth the 29 cost, whether he-have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after- he -hath-laid the-foun30 dation, and is-not-able to-finish it, all that behold it begin to-mock eμračev him, say31 ing, This man began to-build, and was-not-able to-finish. Or what king, going to-make war against another king, sitteth-not-down first, and-consulteth whether he-be able 32 with ten thousand to-meet him that-cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while- the-other-is yet a-great-way-off, he-sendeth an-ambassage, and-desireth 33 conditions of peace та s . So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh añоτаσσeτаι not all that he hath, he-can not be my disciple. 34 Salt is good: but if the salt have-lost-his-savour, wherewith shall-it-be-seasoned? SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.' Paul could say, Ac. xx. 24, But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy,'-Aná of those that overcome, it is said, Rev. xii. 11, They loved not their lives unto the death.'-And of such are they who enjoy the first resurrection, ch. xx. 1. Lu. xiv. 27. bear his cross-see Mt. x. 38, § 39, p. 302, and on Mt. xvi. 24, § 50, p. 42.

28. build a tower, &c.-Pr. xxiv. 27, Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house."

31. going to make war, &c.-Pr. xx. 18, Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good

advice make war.'

32. conditions of peace-Is. viii. 12, .3, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.'-Eph.

vi. 10-20, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God,' &c.-1 Ti. vi. 12- Fight the good fight of faith,' &c.-Peter, in his own strength, rashly encountered the enemy, and was induced to accept unworthy conditions of peace, Lu. xxii. 31-4, 54-61, §§ 87, .9, pp. 376,425, which brought him. into bitter anguish, ver. 62- He afterwards knew where strength is to be found, and he directs accordingly, 1 Pe. v. 6-9.

33. all that he hath-Paul had thus counted the cost, Ph. iii. 7, 8, But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and

I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord :' &c.

34. Salt is good-Mk. ix. 50, § 52, p. 78-see also on ver. 49, ib.

his savour-see Mt. v. 13, § 19, p. 122-Paul uses another figure, but the same word, in expressing the same idea, 2 Co. ii. 14-.6.

NOTES.

When we read, Rom. ix. 13, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated,' the meaning simply is, I have loved Jacob, the Israelites, more than Esan, the Edomites; and that this is no arbitrary interpretation of the word hate, but one agreeable to the Hebrew idiom, appears from what is said in Ge. xxix. 30, 1, where Leah's being hated is explained by Rachel's being loved more than Leah-See also De. xxi. 15-7; Mt. vi. 24, § 19, p. 134.

Religion is a work of soberness, of calm and fixed purpose, and no man can properly enter on it who does not resolve by the grace of God to fulfil all His requirements, and make it the business of his life. It will cost the mortification of sin, and a life of selfdenial, and a conflict with our lusts, and the enmity and ridicule of the world. It may cost us our lives and liberties, and all that is dear to us. Paul says, Ph. iii. 7, 8, But,' &c.-See SCRIP. ILLUS., ver. 33. Lu. xiv. 28. Intending to build a tower. See Mt. xxi. 33, § 84, p. 287. A tower was a place of defence or observation, erected on high places, or in vineyards. It was made high, so as to enable to see an enemy when he approached, and strong, so that it could not be easily taken. Upon elegant turrets and kiosks the eastern people of fortune spend a considerable part of their time.

By these parabolical comparisons, Christ counsels them (and all of us of future ages), before we enter on the christian life, to seriously weigh the difficulty of the duties required of us, the sacrifices to be made, and the temptations to be resisted; so that knowing them beforehand, and having sought and obtained the necessary strength from above, we may not afterwards be moved by them to abandon our christian

course.

32. Or else. The sense of the original is, 'And if he be not able.'

An ambassage. Persons to treat with an enemy, and propose terms of peace.

comparisons contained in verses 28-32 is this:- As 33. So likewise, &c.-The application of the two no man can hope to accomplish any important work, or to succeed in any hazardous enterprise, unless he has first considered well whether he be provided with the means which are necessary to carry it into effect, so no man can be my stedfast disciple, and "endure unto the end," unless he have first considered well whether he be prepared to meet the difficulties with which my followers will have to contend, and to make the sacrifices which will be required of them.'Lonsdale and Hale.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

him labour and pray that he may be the happy means of moving the heart to an accordance with the grace of God, without which none can partake of the gospel feast.]

Lu. xiv. 24. However rich and free the grace of God under the gospel, let none flatter himself that he may neglect the time of God's good pleasure, and come when it suits his own convenience.

[As we would be blessed in Christ, let Kim have the highest place in our hearts. Let us prefer the Author of our salvation above all the gifts of his providence. Practical religion must begin with denying even ourselves, and upon such considerations and principles, as will dispose us to endure all things for his sake, who hath borne the curse for us.]

28-30 ver. We cannot begin well, much less can we finish, if we think that of ourselves we have whereVOL. II.]

with to build for eternity. Let us give ourselves to God, and He will give us all that is needful.

31, 2 ver. Our enemy is stronger than we are, but God is stronger than our enemy. Let us put our trust in the Captain of our salvation; and, in humble obedience to Him, we shall never be put to shanie.

32 ver. Let us beware of being frightened into con. ditions of peace with the enemy; rather let us flee for refuge to the hope set before us; and taking to us, and using manfully, the whole armour of God.

[34 ver. Salvation does not consist with a man's having given himself up to be a prey to corruption; or even with ceasing to diffuse the savour of salvation around him.]

34, .5 ver. No people are so absolutely lost as those who have been given the gospel, and from whom the power thereof hath departed.

IN THE DAY OF ADVERSITY CONSIDER:-Eccles. vii. 14.

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LET HIM CALCULATE UPON THE TOILS AS WELL AS THE JOYS OF VICTORY.