WE DO NOT GET FORWARD BY KEEPING OTHERS BACK; BUT BY ASSISTING THEM TO THE UTMOST IN GAINING THE PRIZE. MATTHEW xviii. 14-.9. 14 more of that sheep, than of the ninety-and-nine which-went- not-astray. Even-so it-is not the will of eλnua euπρоoder your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little-ones should-perish. 15 Moreover if thy brother shall- trespass against thee ȧuaprnon eis σe, go and tell him'his-fault eλeyou between thee and him alone: if he-shall-hear thee, thou-hast-gained 16 Exeρonσas thy brother. But if he-will-not-hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the-mouth of-two or three-witnesses every word may-be-established σraon. 17 And if he-shall-neglect-to-hear параkovσn them, tell it unto-the church: but if heneglect-to-hear the church, let-him-be unto-thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I-say unto-you, Whatsoever ye-shall-bind on earth shall-be bound in heaven: 19 and whatsoever ye-shall-loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I-say unto SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS. parable, ver. 23-34, is of his second advent-see on the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, xvi. 19-28, § 50, pp. 39-43 Patience of the good Shepherd in seeking out the lost sheep, Lu. xv. 4-7, § 68, p. 189-as had been predicted with regard to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Eze. xxxiv. 11-6, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out... I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away,' &c.-also Je. xxxi. 8, Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth'And Is. xli. 9, Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee,... I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away'-see § 51, p. 67, ADDENDA, Proph. concern, the Restor. of all Israel. Mt. xviii. 13. rejoiceth, &c.-see the joy of the father at the recovery of the lost son, Lu. xv. 22-.4, 32, § 68, p. 193, and comp. Je. xxxi. 20. 14. Even so, &c.-Lu. xii. 32, § 63-Jno. vi. 39, 40, § 43, p. 329-Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed,' He. xii. 12, 3 And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you,' Eph. iv. 32. 15. if thy brother, &c.- Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him,' Le. xix. 17-Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil,' &c. Ps. cxii. 5- Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness,' &c. Ga. vi. 1. gained thy brother-' He that winneth souls is wise,' Pr. xi. 30-A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,' XV. 4-see also ver. 1, 2-Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him,' &c., Ja. v. 19, 20. 16. two or three witnesses, &c.-see De. xix. 15also Jno. viii. 17, § 55; 2 Co. xiii. 1; He. x. 28Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses,' 1 Ti. v. 19. 17. tell it unto the church-so upon the 'murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews,' The twelve called the multitude of the disciples,' and proposed removing the occasion of offence by the election of deacons, Ac. vi. 1-3-The apostle urges obedience to our Saviour's rule, of referring offences. to the judgment of the church: Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints ?" &c., 1 Co. vi. 1—4— Under Divine direction the church exercised authority not only over private members, but even with regard to apostles, Ac. xiii. 1-3. let him be, &c.- Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine. . . such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple,' Rom. xvi. 17, 8-Put away from among yourselves that wicked person,' I Co. v. 13Withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly,' 2 Th. iii. 6. 18. bind, loose, &c.-so to Peter, ch. xvi. 19, § 50, p. 39-It is done for us in heaven as we do to each other upon earth, Ps. xviii. 25, With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful-ver. 26, And with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward' -'If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses,' Mt. vi. 14, .5, § 19, p. 133-see this principle of the Divine government afterwards illustrated in the parable of the king who took account of his servants, and who bound over for punishment him that had laid his fellow-servant in bonds, ver. 23-34, p. 81. NOTES. grazed by sheep. So Eze. xxxiv. 6, My sheep wandered through all the mountains,' and 2 Chr. xviii. 16. Mt. xviii. 13. He rejoices more. We are not to infer from this similitude, that God sets more value, or looks with more complacency and approbation, on one repenting sinner, than on many righteous persons who have uniformly and devoutly served him. The meaning of the parable is, that God greatly delights in the conversion and salvation of men, and is at as much pains to reclaim them as a shepherd is to bring back a sheep that is strayed from his flock. 15. If thy brother shall trespass against thee. In this passage (ver. 15-.7) there are evident allusions to the laws and customs of the Jews, who, for the conviction of any offender, required the testimony of at least two witnesses (see ch. xxvi. 60-.5, § 89, p. 427); and in the case of notorious and obstinate offenders, reproved them publicly before the synaBut the obvious nieaning in regard to ourselves is, that even against those who have ill-treated and injured us, we should not immediately proceed gogue. to extreme severity and rigour; but first try the effects of private, gentle, and friendly admonition. (This should not be blazoned abroad. It can do no good. It does injury. It is what the enemies of religion wish. Christ is often wounded in the house of his friends; and religion, as well as an injured brother, often suffers by spreading his faults before the world.) If that fail, then call in two or three persons of character and reputation, to add weight and authority to our remonstrances; and if that has no effect, we are then justified in bringing the offender before the proper tribunal-to the particular congregation to which we belong; to be censured or punished as he deserves. 17. Let him be unto thee as, &c. It means that we should disown him as a christian brother, and treat him as we do other men not connected with church. the 18. Whatsoever ye shall bind, &c. It is said that the phrases to bind and to loose were Jewish, and most frequent in their writings. It belonged only to the teachers among the Jews to bind and to loose. PRACTICAL REFLECTION. Mt. xviii. 13, .4. We are to use all diligence in seeking | it is the will of God they should fall, and be left to to recover to the way of righteousness those that have perish. It is not the will of your Father which is in formerly appeared to walk therein. We are not to heaven,' in whom yourselves have found mercy,' that take it for granted that because they have stumbled, one of these little ones should perish.' VOL. 11.] TO BE CARNALLY MINDED IS DEATH;-Rom. viii. 6. HE, THAT BEING OFTEN REPROVED HARDENETH HIS NECK, SHALL SUDDENLY BE DESTROYED, AND THAT WITHOUT REMEDY.-Prov. xxix. 1. [83 MATTHEW 17. 9–4 * to him, zudant lot low-t 22 brother-sin winst me. Men Hall may not unto thee, Cal The paratit of a tony woning won'ra us iebtors. is the Asian ikonet en kng, which won't take Bellete was-brought unto if two of • stessi repref-The anyone to write al the members are to be viewed, Eph. f 1. ar 0 rum sed his t seiples, say- Your joy may be full-li thras discipline should he %! Cock 413, and as in His would be forgiven, 2 Co. ii. 10 voice of unity in the body; in refer The P: I FILTI DI 1 De forbearance: # the elem f God, holy and beloved, Z . Cl at 12-5. asiami, be - This second parable in uns a reference more particularly to of Chess, when the Lord will rea acroring to his works-see on the 15-25 $ 300, p. 39 Every one of anum ad imself to God.' Rom. xi. AL anmar before the judgment seat Be not deceived; God is not FOR WELTARET & man soweth, that shall be Ga - 7—at $30, p. 46, ADDENDA, on Re Of his servants. His collectors of the revenues, or governors of provinces, who would have to pay a certain annual sum for their government, as is cus tomary in Turkey and in the East. Hence the immense sum said to be due, which we may suppose would be in arrears, since in the East sometimes governors of provinces are deeply in arrears, and do not pay till compelled by an armed force. 24. Ten thousand talents. Namely, of silver; for mall numbers occurring in ancient authors, gold is never to be supposed, unless mentioned. Yet a vast Sama i comparison with a hundred pence, and therecre well decoting the immense difference between Sur ens agst God, and those of ourselves one agilist another. A SOUL FROM DEATH, AND SHALL HIDE A MULTITUDE OF SINS. Jas. MEASURES, BOTH OF THEM ARE ALIKE ABOMINATION TO THE LORD.-Prov. xx. 10. DIVERS WEIGHTS, AND DIVE MATTHEW xviii. 25-35. 25 him, which-owed operλerns him ten-thousand talents. But forasmuch-as he had not topay, his lord commanded him to-be-sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he26 had, and payment-to-be-made. The servant therefore fell-down, and-worshipped him, saying, Lord, have-patience with me uaкpobvuncov en euoi, and I-will-pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was-moved-with-compassion, and-loosed him, and forgave 28 him the debt. But the same servant went-out, and-found one of-his-fellow-servants, which owed him an-hundred pence: and he-laid-hands-on him, and-took-him-by-the 29 throat eviye, saying, Pay me that thou-owest. And his fellow-servant fell-down at his 30 feet, and-besought him, saying, Have-patience with me, and I-will-pay thee all. And 31 he would not: but went and-cast him into prison, till he-should-pay the debt. So whenhis fellow-servants-saw what was-done, they-were-very-sorry, and came and-told 32 decapnoav unto-their lord all that was-done. Then his lord, after-that-he-had-called him, said unto-him, O-thou-wicked servant, I-forgave thee all that debt, because thou33 desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have-had-compassion-on eλengar thy fellow34 servant, even as I had-pity-on thee? And his lord was-wroth opylobes, 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 heartsforgive not every-one his brother their trespasses. [Ch. xix. 1, lxxi. p. 209.] SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS. Mt. xviii. 27. loosed him, &c.-see the loosing exemplified in the Jewish remnant, Ezr. ix. 8, 9,And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail [or, a pin: that is, a constant and sure abode] in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. For we... Bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage,' &c.-15, O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this '-see also Ps. lxxviii. 38. 30. And he would not-The Jews had been mercifully dealt with, Ho. i. 7, yet they refused to shew mercy to even the Holy One and the Just; and that although 'Pilate was determined to let him go,' Ac. iii. 13-5. 34. his lord was wroth, &c.-Paul, speaking of the Jews, says, 1 Th. ii. 15, .6, Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the attermostas our Lord predicted, Mt. xxiii. 35, 6, &c., § 85, p. 319. 35. So likewise, &c.-see on bind, loose,' &c. ver. 18, p. 84-Pr. xxi. 13, see border, p. 86-He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword,' Rev. xiii. 10- Just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints,' xv. 3-see on Mt. vi. 15; vii. 12, § 19, pp. 133,..9 God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel,' Rom. ii. 16-In that day only those will be acknowledged to have been believers who, in their tempers, disposition, and conduct have made confession of the truth-comp. Mt. x. 32, .3, § 39; xvi. 27, § 50: xxv. 31-46, § 86.-One of the first lessons taught in the gospel, according to which we are to be judged, is forgiveness, Eph. iv. 32, Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." NOTES. Mt. xviii. 25. Commanded him to be sold, and his wife, &c. A custom for the satisfaction of creditors, which, how cruel soever we justly esteem it, was in early ages established by the laws of many countries, in Europe as well as Asia, republican as well as monarchial.-See Ex. xxii. 3; Le. xxv. 39-47; 2 Ki. iv. 1. 28. An hundred pence. The Roman denarius was equivalent to sevenpence halfpenny; consequently a hundred denarii would be about 31. 2s. 6d. sterling. Took him by the throat. The Greek word Invy is here used in its proper signification; for when a man is taken by the collar, and haled along_against his will, he is in danger of being strangled. Perhaps no word more fully expresses the meaning of Envy than the Anglo-Saxon term throttle: it signifies (like the Greek) to half choke a person by seizing his throat. 34. To the tormentors. To the jailers or keepers of the prison. Bacaviors properly denotes examiner, particularly one who has it in charge to examine by torture. Hence it came to signify jailer, for on such, in those days, did this charge commonly devolve. They were commanded, by any means, and by every kind of cruelty, to extort payment from the wretched debtor. And if he had nothing, to wrest the sum owed from the compassion of his relatives and friends; who, to release an unhappy creature for whom they had a regard, from such extreme misery, might be induced to pay the debt: for the person of the insolvent debtor was at the disposal of the creditor. Till he should pay all. Which, from its great amount, could never be. Consequently, as Mr. Greswell observes, the punishment was eternal, so far as that which can never cease to be inflicted while it is capable of being endured, may be said to be so. made of the far greater favours-the richer display of grace, given under the present dispensation. May we be prepared to render our account with joy.] 24, .8 ver. As an hundred pence is as nothing compared with ten thousand talents, great indeed is the disproportion between that for which we have to forgive our brother, and that for which we require to be ourselves forgiven of God. PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS. [Mt. xviii. 23-34. The justice of God took effect upon the Jews at the time of their being delivered But forup into captivity under the Babylonians. asmuch as they made submission unto him whom they had offended, and craved release, it was so far granted unto them, and the debt was not immediately charged upon them. As, however, after their return they manifested the most intolerant and unforgiving spirit, persecuting those who offended against them with the most relentless fury, we see that the sentence hath been put into execution: His lord was uroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. Nor can the Jews be now released until they accept of the punishment of their iniquity, Le. xxvi. 43; Is. liii. 3-8.] 35 ver. All that has happened to the self-righteous and persecuting Jews, is for warning to us, and we are to know that we want the sign of being ourselves forgiven of God, if we from the heart forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.' As living thus in practical denial of the gospel, we are as unprepared for the second advent of our blessed Redeemer, as the Jews were for the first. Let us seek that in that day it may be found, that we have indeed from [By the judgment which hath, before all eyes, so long lain upon the once favoured people, the Jews, we are sufficiently warned, that God will most certainly call the Christian world to account for the use the heart obeyed the gospel. VOL. II.] BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER.-Gal. v. 13. [85 EVEN A CHILD IS KNOWN BY HIS DOINGS, WHETHER HIS WORK BE PURE, AND WHETHER IT BE RIGHT. -Prov, xx. 11. HE WHICH CONVERTETH THE SINNER FROM THE ERROR OF HIS WAY SHALL SAVE MATTHEW Xviii. 20-.4. you, That if two of you shall-agree onμpwvno wow on earth as-touching any thing rep TATOS рTos that they-shall-ask, it-shall be-done for-them of rapa my Father which 20 is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered-together in my name, there am-I in the-midst of them. 21 Then came Peter to-him, and-said, Lord, how-oft shall- my brother -sin against me, 22 and I-forgive him? till seven-times? Jesus saith unto-him, I-say not unto thee, Until seven-times: but, Until seventy-times seven. The parable of a king holding account with his debtors. 23 Therefore is-the kingdom of heaven likened unto-a-certain king, which would take 24 account of his servants. And when he -had-begun to-reckon, one was-brought unto SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS. ence to which all the members are to be viewed, Eph. iv. 15, .6- One body in Christ,' Rom. xii. 5. 21. seven times, &c.-The number of times in a day, mentioned, Lu. xvii. 4, § 70, p. 206. Mt. xviii. 19. if two of you shall agree, &c.-The offended brother was to take with him one or two more, in dealing with the offender, ver. 16, and they are to approach the case in the spirit of united prayer-so Jude 20-3, &c., praying in the Holy Ghost, 21, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking 22. Until seventy times seven, &c. Da. ix. 24— for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternalSeventy weeks (or seventy times seven, 490 years) life. 22, And of some have compassion, making a are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy difference: 23, and others save with fear,' &c. city, to finish the transgression,' &c.-comp. He. ix. : such was the example of Divine forbearance: Put bowels of mercies,' &c., Col. iii. 12.5. on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, 20. in my name-Jesus promised his disciples, saying, Jno. xiv. 26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things,' &c.-The Holy Ghost teaches what to ask in prayer, Rom. viii. 26. For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered '-Praying in the Spirit, or in the name, or by the power of Christ, we have the assurance of being heard-so Jno. xvi. 23, .4, § 87, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full'-It is in the name of Christ that discipline should be exercised in the church, 1 Co. v. 4-13; and as in His presence the offender should be forgiven, 2 Co. ii. 10 -Christ is the centre of unity in the body; in refer 23. take account, &c. This second parable in the discourse has a reference more particularly to the second advent of Christ, when the Lord will reward every man according to his works-see on the two keys, ch. xvi. 19-28, § 50, p. 39- Every one of us shall give account of himself to God,' Rom. xiv. 12- We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,' 2 Co. v. 10 Be not deceived; God is not mocked. for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap,' Ga. vi. 7-see § 50, p. 46, ADDENDA, on Rewards in general.' 21. ten thousand talents Of a talent of pure gold' was the candlestick with its furniture made, Ex. xxv. 39-the hill of Samaria was bought by Omri, king of Israel 'for two talents of silver,' 1 Ki. xvi. 24. NOTES. Mt. xviii. 19. If two of you, &c. This would be especially appropriate for two of the disciples of Christ met together for the purpose of regaining an erring brother. A proper preparation for the work of reconciliation, is being ourselves agreed in prayer to God, our heavenly Father. 20. For where two or three are, &c. The reason of our success in prayer is, that Christ is one with us, and we one with Christ; and never more so than when seeking, in the spirit of humble prayer, and earnest longing love, for the recovery of the lost. In my name. See Scrip. Illus.' supra. There am I in the, &c. This is such a spiritual and efficient presence as implies Divinity, involving the attribute of omnipresence. Comp. ch. xxviii. 20, § 96. 21. Till seven times? Though seven was a number of perfection among the Hebrews, and often meant much more than the units in it imply; yet it is evident that St. Peter uses it here in its plain literal sense, as our Lord's words sufficiently testify. It was a maxim amongst the Jews to forgive only thrice. 22. Until seventy times seven. So that the duty of forgiving injuries has no limit; how frequently soever a Christian is injured, if real penitence and contrition follow the offence, he is always bound to forgive.-See PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS. The gos 23. The kingdom of heaven likened, &c. pel dispensation, or the conduct of God therein, may be compared with that of a king in the following parable. God will deal with the members of his church, as a certain king did with his servants. He will call all to a strict account, and to the unmerciful he will shew no mercy. Of his servants. His collectors of the revenues, or governors of provinces, who would have to pay a certain annual sum for their government, as is customary in Turkey and in the East. Hence the immense sum said to be due, which we may suppose would be in arrears, since in the East sometimes governors of provinces are deeply in arrears, and do not pay till compelled by an armed force. 24. Ten thousand talents. Namely, of silver; for in all numbers occurring in ancient authors, gold is never to be supposed, unless mentioned. Yet a vast sum in comparison with a hundred pence, and therefore well denoting the immense difference between our sins against God, and those of ourselves one against another. PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS. [Mt. xviii. 19, 20. Disagreements among God's children hinder their prayers from being heard; but he will hear the unanimous cry of his people, praying, in the Spirit, in the name of Him whom the Father heareth alway."] [21, 2 ver. It may be worthy of remark, that the 'seventy times seren,' or 'seventy weeks, was the number determined upon the Jews themselves, during which the Divine forbearance would not be exhausted; but after, upon the expiration of the seventy weeks, or four hundred and ninety times, 84] THEY THAT ARE IN THE FLESH CANNOT PLEASE GOD.-Rom. viii. S. [VOL. 1: A SOUL FROM DEATH, AND SHALL HIDE A MULTITUDE OF SINS.-Jas. v. 20. DIVERS WEIGHTS, AND DIVERS MEASURES, BOTH OF THEM ARE ALIKE ABOMINATION TO THE LORD.-Prov. xx. 10. MATTHEW xviii. 25-35. 25 him, which-owed opeλerns him ten-thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not topay, his lord commanded him to-be-sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he26 had, and payment-to-be-made. The servant therefore fell-down, and-worshipped him, saying, Lord, have-patience with me uaкpodvunov en eμo, and I-will-pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of-that servant was-moved-with-compassion, and-loosed him, and forgave 28 him the debt. But the same servant went-out, and-found one of-his-fellow-servants, which owed him an-hundred pence: and he-laid-hands-on him, and-took-him-by-the 29 throat envye, saying, Pay me that thou-owest. And his fellow-servant fell-down at his 30 feet, and-besought him, saying, Have-patience with me, and I-will-pay thee all. And 31 he would not: but went and-cast him into prison, till he-should-pay the debt. So whenhis fellow-servants-saw what was-done, they-were- very-sorry, and came and-told 32 dieσapnoav unto-their lord all that was-done. Then his lord, after-that-he-had-called him, said unto-him, O-thou-wicked servant, I-forgave thee all that debt, because thou33 desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have-had-compassion-on eXenoa thy fellow34 servant, even as I had-pity-on thee? And his lord was-wroth opyiobels, 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. [Ch. xix. 1, 2 lxxi. p. 209.] SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS. Mt. xviii. 27. loosed him, &c.-see the loosing exemplified in the Jewish remnant, Ezr. ix. 8, 9, And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail [or, a pin: that is, a constant and sure abode] in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. For we... bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage,' &c.-15, O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this '-see also Ps. lxxviii. 38. 30. And he would not-The Jews had been mercifully dealt with, Ho. i. 7, yet they refused to shew mercy to even the Holy One and the Just; and that although Pilate was determined to let him go,' Ac. iii. 13.5. 34. his lord was wroth, &c.-Paul, speaking of the Jews, says, 1 Th. ii. 15, .6, Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermostas our Lord predicted, Mt. xxiii. 35, .6, &c., § 85, p. 319. 35. So likewise, &c.-see on bind, loose,' &c. ver. 18, p. 84-Pr. xxi. 13, see border, p. 86- He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword,' Rev. xiii. 10- Just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints,' xv. 3-see on Mt. vi. 15; vií. 12, § 19, pp. 133,..9 God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel,' Rom. ii. 16-In that day only those will be acknowledged to have been believers who, in their tempers, disposition, and conduct have made confession of the truth-comp. Mt. x. 32, .3, § 39; xvi. 27, § 50; xxv. 31-46, § 86.-One of the first lessons taught in the gospel, according to which we are to be judged, is forgiveness, Eph. iv. 32, Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.' NOTES. Mt. xviii. 25. Commanded him to be sold, and his wife, &c. A custom for the satisfaction of creditors, which, how cruel soever we justly esteem it, was in early ages established by the laws of many countries, in Europe as well as Asia, republican as well as monarchial.-See Ex. xxii. 3; Le. xxv. 39-47; 2 Ki. iv. 1. 28. An hundred pence. The Roman denarius was equivalent to sevenpence halfpenny; consequently a hundred denarii would be about 31. 2s. 6d. sterling. Took him by the throat. The Greek word Invy is here used in its proper signification; for when a man is taken by the collar, and haled along against his will, he is in danger of being strangled. Perhaps no word more fully expresses the meaning of Enviy than the Anglo-Saxon term throttle: it signifles (like the Greek) to half choke a person by seizing his throat. 34. To the tormentors. To the jailers or keepers of the prison. Bacaviarns properly denotes examiner, particularly one who has it in charge to examine by torture. Hence it came to signify jailer, for on such, in those days, did this charge commonly devolve. They were commanded, by any means, and by every kind of cruelty, to extort payment from the wretched debtor. And if he had nothing, to wrest the sum owed from the compassion of his relatives and friends; who, to release an unhappy creature for whom they had a regard, from such extreme misery, might be induced to pay the debt: for the person of the insolvent debtor was at the disposal of the creditor. Till he should pay all. Which, from its great amount, could never be. Consequently, as Mr. Greswell observes, the punishment was eternal, so far as that which can never cease to be inflicted while it is capable of being endured, may be said to be so. PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS. [Mt. xviii. 23-34. The justice of God took effect upon the Jews at the time of their being delivered up into captivity under the Babylonians. But forasmuch as they made submission unto him whom they had offended, and craved release, it was so far granted unto them, and the debt was not immediately charged upon them. As, however, after their return. they manifested the most intolerant and unforgiving spirit, persecuting those who offended against them with the most relentless fury, we see that the sentence hath been put into execution: His lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.' Nor can the Jews be now released until they accept of the punishment of their iniquity, Le. xxvi. 43; Is. liii. 3-8.] [By the judgment which hath, before all eyes, so long lain upon the once favoured people, the Jews, we are sufficiently warned, that God will most certainly call the Christian world to account for the use VOL. II.] made of the far greater favours-the richer display 35 ver. All that has happened to the self-righteous and persecuting Jews, is for warning to us, and we are to know that we want the sign of being ourselves forgiven of God, if we from the heart forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.' As living thus in practical denial of the gospel, we are as unprepared for the second advent of our blessed Redeemer, as the Jews were for the first. Let us seek that in that day it may be found, that we have indeed from the heart obeyed the gospel. BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER.-Gal. v. 13. [85 EVEN A CHILD IS KNOWN BY HIS DOINGS, WHETHER HIS WORK BE PURE, AND WHETHER IT BE RIGHT Prov. xx. 11. |