Matthew 26:24 But woe unto that man by whom, &c.
He bewails not himself, but Judas.
So should we do those by whom we are traduced and injured. They, poor wretches, have the worst of it. Continue reading “I lament the infidelity of England”
Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (John 2:7)
God permits his people an honest affluence.
Christ supplies them here with great store of wine, to the quantity of a thousand and eight hundred pounds, as Beza computes. No small gifts fall from so great a hand, #Jas 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
As for John Baptist, he professeth himself to be no more than a voice. And so indeed he was totus vox, all voice.
His apparel, his diet, his conversation did preach holiness as well as his doctrine,
#Mr 6:20: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
See also John 3:25-36. (Comm. on Mark 1:1)
The painting: Herri met de Bles – Landscape with Saint John the Baptist Preaching
Matthew 26: Ver. 9. For this ointment might have been sold.
True, and better it had been sold, had it been a superfluous and idle expence; such as is today ordinary in fine clothes, sumptuous feasts, over stately buildings, &c. Continue reading “B & B & B”
Mark 5, Ver. 13. Jesus gave them leave.
If Christ condescended to the devils, though to the loss of others, will he not hear us?
Matthew 28, Ver. 10. Go tell my brethren.
Brethren still, though foully fallen, #Jer 3:1.
Infirmities discard us not, if bewailed, disclaimed, set against.
Matthew 24:Ver. 37. So shall the coming of the Son of man be… Sudden and unexpected.
Luther observeth, that it was in the spring that the flood came, when everything was in its prime and pride, and nothing less looked for than a flood; men sinned securely, as if they had lived out of the reach of God’s rod, but he found them out.
Continue reading “Carelessness is most often the beginning of a catastrophy”
Matt. 27: Ver. 43. He trusted in God (said the chief priests), let God deliver him now.
These were cruel mockings, as those were called, #Heb 11:36.
Nothing troubled David more than to be hit in the teeth with his God, to have his religion laid in his dish, #Ps 42:1-43:5. Continue reading “Mocked by the priest for trusting God. Oh dear.”
It was a saying of the same Mr Fox, that his graces did him most hurt, and his sins most good. A paradox; but by our temptations, we know his meaning. As pain easeth a Christian, death revives him, dissolution unites him, so corruption clarifies him.
I dare be bold to say (saith Augustine) that it is good for proud persons to fall into some foul sin, that they may be humbled, as Peter was, and so saved.
