Several particulars are here worthy of our observation and imitation. Note, 1. The freedom of our Lord's conversation with men: he delighted in human society, and was of. sociable temper; we do not find, that whenever he was invited to. dinner, he disdained to go, not so much for the pleasure of ea... [ Continue Reading ]
It was observed before, that our blessed Saviour dined publicly on the sabbath day with several Pharisees and lawyers: that which is here worthy of our notice is this; how holy and suitable our Lord's discourse was to the solemnity of that day; may it be the matter of our imitation! It is not unlawf... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, that it is not an absolute denial of calling brethren and kinsfolk, and rich neighbors: but Christ forbids the bidding of them alone, and requires that the poor be refreshed at or from our table: for when the rich feast one another, and let the poor fast and pine; this is very sinful.... [ Continue Reading ]
One of them that sat at meat with our Saviour in the Pharisee's house, hearing Christ speak of being recompensed at the resurrection of the just, repeated that known saying among the Rabbins, BLESSED IS HE THAT SHALL EAT BREAD IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD: that is, who shall be partakers of the joys of hea... [ Continue Reading ]
Our Saviour by these expressions does not condemn natural love and affection, either to our relations, or our own lives, but only regulates and directs it. Showing that our first and chief love ought to be bestowed upon himself; we may have, and ought to cherish, tender and relenting affections tow... [ Continue Reading ]
Our blessed Saviour, by these two parables, advises all his followers to sit down and consider, to weigh well, and cast up beforehand, what it is likely to cost them to go through with their profession of religion: this, he tells us, common prudence will direct men to do in other cases; particularly... [ Continue Reading ]
Our Saviour here compares his disciples to salt, thereby denoting their usefulness, salt being one of the most useful things in nature; and pointing out also their duty, which is to season themselves and others with sound doctrine. But hypocritical professors are like unsavory salt; they are neither... [ Continue Reading ]