Christ having justified his own conduct from the censure of Pharisesal pride, justifies all his disciples for not observing unnecessary sufferings; and vindicates them for plucking the ears of corn on the sabbath-day to satisfy their hunger. 1. The disciples of John, who, after their master's example, failed often; and the Pharises, who placed great dependance on this bodily exercise, expects their wonder that Jesus rejoined no such rigid rules on his disciples as they published. So ready are those who fancy their own strictest meritorious, to censure all who come short of their standard of excellence. Christ answers their question, and vindicates his disciples; they were but beginners, and it was improper to put them on the more difficult exercises of self-denial, least they should be discouraged thereby, and contract a disgust to the service. Besides, during his presence with them, like a newly married bride, it became them to rejoice: it would be time enough when he should be taken from them, to mourn and fast. Thus should we learn not to exact too much from young converts, and the lambs of the flock; and especially in fasting we should consider the great end and use of it, and that of relief, it is no farther good, than these are obtained. 2. The Phariseses soon seized another occasion of offence, from the disciples plucking the ears of corn on the sabbath-day, as they passed through the fields. Rigidly scrupulous, as many others like them still are, about the form of godliness, and severe in judging all who do not coincide with them; yet blind to the deep-rooted evil and abominations of their hearts. Christ vindicates them by a precedent the Phariseses will not dispute, and reasons with them by arguments they cannot disprove. David had done what deemed a much more exceptional thing in eating the shew-bread; and Abhathar, who succeeded his father soon after as high-priest, had consented to it, because ceremonial observances must give way to the great law of charity and self-preservation. Besides, the very institution of the sabbath was designed for man's benefit, to give rest to his body, and time to spend in the immediate service of God, and caring for his soul; and therefore doth not require him to abstain from what is more immediately necessary for the support and preservation of his life: the provision for which was a law of nature, and subsisted previous to the institution of the Sabbath. The Messiah, therefore, who can best interpret his own laws, and is Lord of the Sabbath, has an undoubted right to permit this liberty to his disciples, as such refreshment of their bodies will enable them more effectually to discharge the duties of the holy day. Note, (1.) Our Sabbath should be our delight; and therefore must not, by unreasonable strictness, be made a burden. (2.) Though we are allowed to eat and drink, as shall best enable us for the service of the Sabbath, it is a gross violation of the day, by indulging our appetite to supply our faculties, and render body and soul utterly unfit for the exercises of devotion. 3. Multitudes attended him, and appeared deeply afflicted with John's disbarredness, confiding their sins, and abiding to be admitted to his baptism. The word of the gospel is powerful. The doctrines of repentance and faith, when urged upon the heart, awaken the conscience: and all who truly preach Jesus Christ will affordly see the success of their minifications. They who have never known themselves instrumental to the convincing and converting one sinner, have demonstrative evidence before them, that they are not the messengers of Christ, and do not preach his truth. 9. "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. 11. And there came a voice from heaven, saying, "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13. And he was there in the wilderness's forty days pretenced of Satan, and was with the wild beasts, and the angels minifited unto him. 9. 9—13. The account of Christ's ministry and temptations Matthew hath recorded more at large, ch. in iv. 1. He was baptized of John in Jordan. Not that he had any sins to confite, though in the likeness of fearful faith; but he would comply with every infiltrated ordinance of God: and now also he was eminently to be pointed out as the Messiah, and to enter upon his mission. Accordingly the heavens were opened, the Holy Ghost visibly descended upon him, and God himself by an audible voice bore testimony to him as his Son, and declared his perfect satisfaction in the undertaking in which he was engaged. Note, (1.) If God is ever well-pleased with us, it can only be in and through his dear Son. (2.) Whenever we are truly baptized into Christ, the Spirit of God will as really be communicated to us as it visibly descended upon him. 2. He immediately entered upon his temptation, led by the Holy Spirit from the brink of Jordan into the howling wilderness, to make his abode with beasts, whilst Satan sharpened every poisoned arrow in his quiver against him; but, to his bitter disappointment, though in this lonely desert, he found all his arm folded by this second Adam, which even in Eden he had practised with such success upon the first. Thus forty days Christ bore with all the temper's malice, and baffled all his wiles; till Satan, despairing, at last quitted the field, unable to make the least impression: and then the angelic hosts, who had with admiration beheld the dreadful conflict, appeared to congratulate the Saviour's victory, and to minister to his hunger. Note, (1.) Every converted soul must prepare for temptation. (2.) Solitude often proves a dangerous snare. (3.) Christ knows what fore temptations mean. He tenderly compassionates his suffering people, and is near to furcour and defend them. (4.) The angels minister to the heirs of salvation: yes, the Lord upon their right hand is their defence, and keepeth them, that the wicked one toucheth them not. 14. "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15. And saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand!" report ye, and believe the gospel. 16. "Now, as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, calling a net into the sea: (for they were fishers). 17. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship, mending their nets. 20. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship, with the hired servants, and went after him. 21. And they went into Capernaum, and straightway on the sabbath-day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the fortress. 9. 14—22. When John's ministry was finished by his imprisonment, Christ came into Galilee, and there, 1. He preached the gospel of the kingdom of God, inviting all his countrymen to come and partake of the inestimable blessings of that dispensation of grace which he was commissioned to publish; the time being fulfilled which had been marked out for the appearing of the Messiah by the prophets, and decreed in the concels of God; and therefore, as his kingdom was immediately to be erected, he exhorted all his hearers to repent, and believe the gospel, to discover, acknowledge, and beware their offences against God's holy Jew; to renounce their vain confidences in themselves; to change their mistaken Sentiments concerning the nature of the Messiah's kingdom; and, instantly turning to him, to receive the glad tidings he brought of the salvation he came to procure for them, even pardon, peace, righteousness, and eternal life, the gift of God through the sacrifice and obedience to death of his Son. Note, (1.) The gospel will be glad tidings to none who do not see and feel their misery and guilt; and, instead of flattering themselves in their own eyes, now change their minds, and stand convinced of their lost estate. (2.) Faith in the gospel word entitles us to claim the fulfilment of all the promises: nor is it any presumption, repelling all confidence in ourselves, to be confident of the Saviour's love and faithfulness. 2. He called four of his disciples to a more constant attendance upon him, that they might be better qualified for the work in which he designed to employ them. (1.) They were fishers; for the kingdom of Jesus was not to be erected by the wisdom of men, but by the power of God. (2.) He found them at their vacation. Honest industry in his fight is highly commendable. (3.) They were two pair of brothers: and that in an additional happiness, when they, who are to near to each other in blood, are united together in one Lord. (4.) They left all to follow Christ. When he calls we must count nothing too dear to part with for his sake. 3. With these disciples, his attendants, he entered into Capernaum, and on the sabbath preached in the synagogue, to the astonishment of the auditory; such a divine power and authority attended his teaching, as the people had never found under their scribes and rabbies. Note, The gospel word is mighty and powerful. No marvel then if the preachers of it are distinguished from the infidel doctors of moral virtue, philosophical disquisitions, or empty formality. 23. "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, 24. Saying, Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?" Art thou come to destroy us? "I know thee who thou art," the holy One of God. 25. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27. And they were all amazed, inasmuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. 9. 23—28. Christ confirmed his mission by his miracles. And, to give the greater weight to his discourse, we find him here. 1. Citing out a devil from one possessed, He is called an unclean spirit; for he is such in his own nature; by his suggestions he defiles the consciences of men, and, by the temptations he prefers before them, induces them into all impunity of body and soul. Dreading the pretence and power of Jesus, he cried out, using the man's organs of speech, saying, let us come, what have we to do with this? They knew themselves unable to contend, and therefore tremble at the thought of being dispossessed of their prey: but, to do him all the mischief in their power, this send them to reproach to call him Jesus of Nazareth: and though he adds, I know that who thus art, the holy One of God, there was probably the most malicious delight couched under that fair confession, even to raise a suspicion of confederacy between Jesus and Satan. Christ therefore discovers him, disdaining to receive a testimony from him, and disappointing his malicious designs: with a sharp rebuke he bids him instantly quit his prey, and leave the body which he had possessed, and, though furious at being dispossessed, with a fearful outcry, as if he would have rent the man in pieces, or designing to terrify the spectators, he departs; compelled, though with reluctance, to yield to the commanding voice of Jesus. Note, (1.) Though such possessions may not now be found, how many, under the influence of an unclean spirit, are still led captive by the devil at his will? (2.) The grace of Jesus is still the same, and he can and does subdue the strongest power of Satan in the sinner's heart. (3.) Many a poor soul, when Christ first approaches him with the gospel word, is grievously hartsified, and cries out, as if his misery was now greater than ever before; but these terrors are the forerunners of peace and joy in believing. 2. The people were all amazed at what they heard and saw, and could not help saying one to another, What thing is this? Never was such astonishing power before exerted? What new doctrine is this? delivered with such majesty, and confirmed by such miracles. He asks not to covert, by chance and insecutions; but with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they obey him, unable to make the least resistance. Hereupon the fame of his preaching and miracles began to be exceedingly spread through all the region round about Galilee. Note, Christ's doctrine was not new, but the old doctrine which 3 X had had been from the beginning; but had for a long time been for forgotten and neglected, that it appeared now quite uncommon. As in these days, the doctrines of the gospel are by many called new doctrines, because, alas! we have for a long season in general to grievously departed from them. 19. And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and soon they tell him of her. 31. And he came and took her by the hand, and lift her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she re-timed into them. 32. And at even, when the sun did see, they brought unto him all that were dissected, and them that were possessed with devils. 33. And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils, and suffered not the devils; to speak, because they knew him. 35. And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36. And Simon, and they that were with him, followed after him. 37. And when they had found him, they laid unto him, All men seek for thee. 38. And he laid unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39. And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. Wherever Jesus went he left the glorious marks of his power and grace. 1. Soon after he had retired from the synagogue to Simon's house to take some refreshment, some of the company informed him of the illness of Peter's mother, confined to her bed with a fever. Immediately he arose, went to her bed-side, lifted her up, and instantly the fever left her. The cure was perfect; not to touch as any weakness remained; but the immediately rose, and waited on Jesus and the gentle. Now, When we have experienced the Redeemer's healing grace, it becomes us to shew our gratitude by immediately employing the strength he hath given us in his service. 2. A multitude of other cures were wrought by him the same day. For no sooner was the Sabbath ended (before which they might scruple to carry the sick to him) than the door was crowded with patients, and not one went away without a cure; and many devils were ejected by his word, whom he permitted not to say that they knew him (as the words may best be rendered) not chusing to have them speak ought concerning him, but it should give occasion to suggest there was a confederacy between him and them. 3. After some needful repose, very early in the morning, long before break of day, he retired to a solitary place, that he might, uninterrupted, enjoy sweet communion with his Father in Rome, and pour out his soul in prayer before him. Note, (1.) Early rising is as profitable to the soul as the body; with both is alike hurtful to both. (2.) When our spirits are most fresh and vigorous, it is then the properest time to retire for prayer and communion with God. 4. Peter and his companions no sooner milled him in the morning than they fought him out, and desired him to return to Capernaum, there being so great enquiries made after him. But Christ could not confine himself there; the rest of the country must share his ministrations, being sent for this purpose to go about preaching and working miracles through the whole land: and accordingly he did so, his disciples attending him in his travels, hearing his divine teaching, and beholding the wonders of his power and love. 40. And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will, be thou clean. 42. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. 43. And he finally charged him, and forthwith sent him away; 44. And saith unto him, 'See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things' which Moses commanded for a testimony unto them. 45. But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomniest that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter. This miracle was before recorded, Mat. vii. a. We are taught by it. 1. What we are: poor, disliked, loathsome sinners, under the incurable disease of a corrupted woman, and desperate, unless the great Physician of Souls enter his healing power on our behalf. 2. Whether we must go: to Jesus; bowed down under the sense of our violence, and unworthiness to approach him; yet casting ourselves at his feet as alone able to relieve us from our misery, and with a humble persuasion he will not spurn us from him, but that he is willing as well as able to help and heal us. 3. Christ never rejects the souls of the miserable that fly to him: his bowels of compassion yearn over them; the hand of his grace is sure to be stretched out towards them. And though we often come trembling, between fear and hope whether he will receive, pardon, help, and save us, he is pleased to remove our doubts, and saith to our souls, I will, and power instantly accompany his promise. 4. To those whom Christ cares he gives a strict charge; and they must carefully obey his injunctions, and especially beware not to return unto folly, lest a worst thing happen unto them; but daily they are called to present themselves, body, soul, and spirit, before the great High-prest of their profession, that he, who hath made them clean, may keep them clean. 5. They who have tailed the love of Jesus delight to spread the favour of his name, and to testify their gratitude towards him both with their lips and in their lives. In this chapter we have, 1. Christ's healing a man that had a withered hand on the sabbath-day, and the combination of his enemies against him for it, ver. 1—6. 2. The universal report of people to him from all parts to be healed, and the relief they all found with him, ver. 7—12. 3. His ordaining his mother applies to be attendants on him, and the preachers of his gospel, ver. 13—21. 4. His answer to the blasphemous cavil of the scribes, who imputed his power to cast out devils, to a confederacy with the prince of the devils, ver. 22—30. 5. His evening his disciples for his warrish and dearest relations, ver. 31—35. 1. AND he entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there which had a withered hand. 2. And they watched him, whither he would heal him on the sabbath-day, that they might accuse him. 3. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. 4. And he saith unto them, Our Lord proceeds to teach them under other parabolic representations. 1. By the ufe we make of a candle when lighted up, Christ informs them what he juftly expected of them, even to fhine as fights in the world; communicating to others the truths they in fecerit learnt of him, and keeping fuck nothing of the whole counfci of God. Whatever gifte of nature or grace we enjoy, they are to be employed for God's glory and the good of mankind, and not through love of ease, or falfe fhaine, concealed or neglected. It is not enough that we walk in the light ourselves, we muft let our light aflo fhine before men. 2. He warns them of the danger of negligence in improving the means and mercies they enjoyed. They are called upon to hear, and to take heed what they hear, that they may not let the word flip, nor be deluded; but by a careful ufe of their meafure of the gift of grace to increafe their ftore, God being ready in communicate more abundant knowledge to fuch attentive hearers, and to give farther affiftances of spiritual light and ftrength to thofe who employ aright in the fervice of Christ and immortal fouls the portion they have received, whilft he punfhes the negligent and inattentive, by withdrawing from them the privileges wherewith he had favoured them. 3. He defcribes the progrefs of his gofpel in the world, and of the feed of divine grace in the heart, by the growth of corn which, though unfeen for a while, and covered with earth, fhoots up, increafes infenfibly till the harveft, and then produces the ripe ear. Thus the miniftry of Jefus at firft was fcarce perceived, but the feed he fowed afterwards fprang up, continues through his word and fpirit ffull to grow, and fhall fhorfiy fill the face of the whole world with fruit. And fo allo in every heart, where the feed of eternal life is fown by any minifter of God, it grows without his care, when perhaps he is removed far away, or fleeps in death; it is watered with the dew of heavenly influences; and though the manner of the fpirit's operation in the divine change which is wrought is myfterious, as the manner how the corn vegetates, yet the effects are edifoly, the foul is renewed day by day; the feed of grace, from fmall beginnings, fhoots infenfibly upwards till the time of harveft, when the ripe corn is gathered in, and perfected in hollnefs the faints of God enter their eternal reft. Lord, quicken this feed fown in our fouls day by day! 4. Much to the fame purpofe as the former, is the parable of the grain of muftard-feed, and reprefenta, (1.) The progrefs of the gofpel; which, from the fmalleft beginnings of the miniftry of twelve poor fithermen, hath fpread through the earth, and fhall in due time reach from pole to pole, when all the kingdoms of the world fhall become the kingdoms of the Lord and his Christ. (2.) The work of grace upon the heart. At firft, like a grain of muftard-feed, it is fcarce perceptible, but increafing with the increafe of God, the herb grows into a tree, and erect to be tranplanted among the cedars of glorified faints in the paradiife of God. 5. He added many other like parables, that by line upon line, in this familiar manner, he might communicate spiritual truths under material objects; and without a parable fpake he not seen them. They who defired to underfand might eafily do it; and where difficulties arofe, he was always ready, when alone, to explain them to the disciples; whilft thofe who fuperficially heard, neglected and forgot the word preached, were juftly left in their native blindnefs and ignorance. 35. And the fame day when the even was come, he faith unto them, Let us pafs over unto the other fide. 26. And when they had fent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the fhip, and there were allo with him other fittle fhips. 37. And there arofe a great ftorm of wind, and the waves beat into the fhip, fo that it was now full. 38. And he was in the hinder part of the fhip, aafteep on a pillow: and they awake him, and fay unto him, Maffer, careft thou not that we perifh? 39. And he arofe, and rebuked the wind, and faid unto the fea, Peace, be ffull: and the wind ceafed, and there was a great calm. 40. And he faid unto them, Why are ye fo fearful? how is it that you have no faith? 41. And they feared exceedingly, and faid one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the fea obey him? No fooner had Christ finfited his difcourfe, and difmified the people, than he hida the disciples crofs the fake, having work that calla him to the other fide. Jefus was never weary in well-doing, neither fhould we. 1. The disciples, without freftation, obey; ready to follow their mufter wherever he led them; and exceedingly they fet fail in the fame veffel which had been his pulpit, and a number of other boats accompanied them. For though the multitude departed, thofe whofe hearts were affected with what they had heard, chofe to cleave to the Lord, and fallow him witherfoever he went, by land or by water. Niet. (1.) They who are Christ's disciples indeed, will never leave nor forfake him, whatever dangers may threaten. (2.) If Christ be with us, we may boldly launch forth; his presence and bleffing will be our fupport and comfort. 2. A dreadful and fudden ftorm brought them into the moft imminent danger; and, covered with waves, and full almoft of water, the boat was ready to founder. Niet, The church, and every faithful foul in it, hath at times been brought into the moft perilous circumftances; nothing hath kept either from finking but this, that Christ was there. 3. He stept fecurely in the stern on a pillow, tired with the labours of the day: the ftorm that drove the disciples to their wits end, semued but to rock him fuffer to repose. Niet, When we are in our deepft difteffes, Christ sometimes appears to disregard our danger, as if he stept, inattentive to our cries; but he fees, he hears, and will be found a very present help in trouble. 4. The disciples in a fright awake him with their cries; Maffer, careft thou not that we perifh? art thou indifferent about our danger; and wilt thou fuffer us to be drowned? Their application to him bespoke their faith, but their adderfs breathed the language of impatience and difhonourable fear. Such a mixture of grace and corruption often appears in the beft of men. 5. The Lord, whom winds and waves obey, arofe; and at his commanding word, Peace, be ffull, the billows in a moment ceafed to roar, the fuelling fca substled, the winds were husted, not a breath of air dumped the ocean, not a whisper broke the solemn science. When our unruly pallious are like the troubled foe which cannot rest, Isa. Ivii. 20. the voice of Jefus, heard by faith, sobdues their violence, and calms their rage—Under deep afflictions and temptations, when we are ready to abandon ourselves to defpair, he silences our fears, and stills our griefs; speaking that inward peace to the confluence, that in the musft of sortows can make us rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 6. He rebukes their unbelieving fears. Why are ye fo fearful? fo unnecestarily, fo inordinately fearful? Hear is it that ye have no faith? not in execrise at leall; though they had faith in him in general, in this particular their fears prevailed. How often do we under our trials deserve the fame rebuke? 7. The miracle filled the mariners with moft reverential fear of the mayesty in which Jefus now appeared, and with amazement they observed to each other, that he muft be furely more than man, whom stormy winds and raging waves fo instantly obey. In this chapter we have, 1. Christ's calling the legion of devils out of the man possified, and suffering them to enter into the spines, ver. 1—20. Christ's healing the woman with the bloody ssion in the way as he was going to reose 'Spiral's daughter to life, ver. 21—43. They three miracles we had the stery of before, Mat. viii. 28, &c. and Mat. ix. 18, &c. but more fully related here. 1. AND they came over unto the other fide of the fea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2. 18. Ibid. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs, a man with an unclean spirit, 3. Who had his dwelling among the tombs, and no man could bind him, no nut with chains: 4. Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. 5. And always night and day he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying and cutting himself with stones. 6. But when he saw Jefus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, 7. And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jefus, thou Son of the moft high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. 8. (For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit). 9. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. 10. And he besought him much, that he would not send them away out of the country. 11. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains, a great herd of swine feeding. 12. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. 13. And forthwith Jefus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine, and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the fea, (they were about two thousand) and were choked in the fea. 14. And they that fed fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. 15. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16. And they that saw it, told them how it befel to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. 17. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. 18. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil, prayed him that he might be with him. 19. Howbeit, Jesus suffered him not, but faith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compa- sion on thee. 20. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis, how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. What a miserable creature is man, when left to the power of the devil? What a mercy that Jesus is come to destroy the works of the devil, and to take the prey from the mighty. An eminent instance of this here appears. We have, 1. The wretched cale of a poor demoniaick, driven by an unclean spirit, to dwell among the tombs; a terror to himself, and to all who approached him; so raging, that none could soothe him; so strong, no fetters could bind him. Though it had been often attempted, he broke the hands in funder, and fled; living in the mountains, and in the tombs; uttering bored yelling, and cutting himself with the sharp floors, till the blood gaffed out. Nite, (1.) We have here a lively emblem of the natural man; his mind and confidence are defiled; his passions drive him furiously on, and will be refrained by no return of God's law; under the power of Satan he is hurried to the excess of riot, madly wounding his own soul by sin, and dangerous to all around him; indebable to every fearful consequence, and wilful in disobedience. (2.) Solitude gives peculiar advantage to the temptations of an anchor spirit. 2. No sooner was Jesus disembarked, than the man in whom the devil was, ran and worshipped him: the wicked spirit being saved by his pretence, or his power was now fudgended. Matthew says they were two; perhaps Mark mentions one only, as being the more fierce, and to him the Lord directed his discourse. 3. On beholding so pitiable an object, Jesus bid the unclean spirit depart, nor could his expostulation or intramy prevail; though in the greatest dread and horror the devil addressed him, acknowledging his divine power and glory; importunately begging, since he could have no interest in him, he might have nothing to do with him; and that he would not send him into the place of torment, and compel him to retire from the world to the prison of hell before the day of final judgment. Nite, (1.) The confession of the devil was orthodox, but it is not a form of sound words, but the work of the Holy Ghost upon the heart, that can avail to our salvation. (2.) When Christ comes to visit our souls, he calls out the unclean spirit, gives a new heart, and puts a right spirit within us. 4. To these his own power over the sends of darkness, Christ demanded the name of this evil spirit, and was answered, My name is legion, for we are many. A legion of Roman soldiers some reckon at six thousand, whilst others increase it to more than twelve; and this intimates the immense numbers of these fallen spirits which war against the souls of men; their vast power, regular order, and unanimity: what need then have we, who wrestle with these principalities and powers, to put on the whole armour of God, and to be continuously looking up for the strength of our God, that we may be able to stand in the evil day. 5. Since they must quit their present hold, the devils earnestly be bought him not to expel them from that heathen country, if he dispossessed them from Judea. And there being a herd of swine feeding near the place, they desired permission to enter those unclean animals; hoping by destroying them, to prejudice the people against Jesus, and to gratify their own delight in mischief; and for wise and just reasons Christ permitted their request; when instantly the devils seized the whole herd, about two thousand; and filling them with madness, hurried them down a precipice into the lake, where they perished in the waters. 6. The keepers, who fled affrighted, spread through all the country the amazing story of the cure of the demoniaick, and the destruction of the swine. On which a vast concourse of people assembled to see this strange fight; and, to their great surprise, found the man who had been possessed, and a terror to the country, now peaceably sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in the perfect exercise of his reason: and they who had been eye-witnesses of the cure, reported all the circumstances concerning the recovery of the man, and the destruction of the swine. Hereupon afraid, left Jesus should punish them yet more condignly if he tattered them, and more concerned for their temporal than eternal interests, they intreated him to depart out of the country. And since they thus sinned against their own mercies, Jesus abandons them to the delusions they had chosen. 7. Though his countrymen rejected Christ, the poor man who was cured, would fain have followed him; but Jesus bid him rather return, and bear testimony to the miracle of grace he had experienced, and awaken thereby the concern of his friends to seek after the Lord, who had done so great things for him. Accordingly the man obeyed his command; and transported with gratitude, published every where in that country what Jesus had done for him, to the great astonishment of all who heard the story. Nite, (1.) They who know the blessing of Christ's pretence, long to be ever near him, and cannot but lament if their lot be cast among the unto of Kedar, where his gospel hath on place. (2.) They who are referred by Jesus to their right mind, from that moment begin to live to his glory, and to speak his praise. (3.) What the Lord doth for the so-fed soul are great things indeed, for which we can never enough adore and thank him. 21. And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him, and he was right unto the sea. 22. And behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the Synagogue, Jairus, by name, and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 23. And be bought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death, I pray thee come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed, and the shall live. 24. And Jesus went with him, and much people followed him, and thronged him. 25. And a certain woman which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26. And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the preth behind, and touched his garment. 28. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up: and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30. And Jesus immediately knowing in himself, that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the preth, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31. And his disciples said unto him, Thou seeft the multitude thronging thee, and sayeft thou, Who touched me? 32. And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole: go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. Since the Gadarnes rejected him, Christ crosses the lake to Capernaum, where he expected a more welcome reception. Hereupon, 1. A ruler of the Synagogue, with deepest respect, made his application to him, in behalf of his little daughter, who lay a dying when he came out from his house, and was even then dead; yet such was his faith in the power of Jesus, that he was persuaded, desperate as the case appeared, he could still restore her to life and health. Nite, The first of the former dead in trespasses and sins, is to human view irrecoverably desperate, but nothing is impossible with God. 2. As Jesus went with the ruler, a poor diseased woman stole a cure. Her malady discouraged her from making an open application to Jesus, and her faith persuaded her it was needless; the very touch of his garments being, in her apprehension, sufficient for her cure; even though her disorder had baffled the physician's still, and under their hands her pockets had not only been emptied, but her complaints aggravated. Nor was she mistaken; for no sooner had she through the crowd got near enough to touch his garment, than immediately on so doing, her disease was removed, she felt her health perfectly restored, and was retiring with wonder and thankfulness. But Jesus, who perceived the virtue which had gone out of him, for the manifestation of his own glory, and the confirmation of the poor patient's faith, turning himself, demanded who touched him? which the disciples answered with a kind of surprise and rudeness, as if, considering the crowd, such a question was very strange. But Jesus overlooked their crows, and calling his eyes round to discover the person he meant, the poor woman, conscious of what had passed, and trembling least the Lord should be disbanded at the manner in which she had forreptitiously obtained her cure, came and fell at his feet, declaring all that had passed. Whereupon, far from being angry, Jesus encouraged and comforted her, making honourable mention of her faith; and dismissed her not only with a cure, but with his peace and benediction, which was infinitely better. Note, (1.) We are generally driven to Christ by mere necessity, having in vain tried all other methods, and convinced at half that he must save us freely, or we must perish. (2.) All our spiritual diseases can only be removed by the touch of faith; till virtue come out of Christ, we can have no health in ourselves. (3.) Where he works, a universal blessed change appears in all the tempers of the mind, and in the whole outward conduct and conversation. (4.) When we are discouraged with fear, at the feet of Jesus we should lay our burdens, and he will speak peace to our troubled souls. 35. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, certain which said, Thy daughter is dead, why troubled thou the Master any further? 36. As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, he not afraid, only believe. 37. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. 38. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeeth the tumult, and them that wept and walked greatly. 39. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this safe, and weep? The damsel is not dead, but sheepeth. 40. And they laughed him to scorn: but when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entreth in where the damsel was lying. 41. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha corm, which is being interpreted, Damsel (I say unto thee) arise. 42. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years: and they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43. And he charged them greatly, that no man should know it: and commanded that something should be given her to eat. A discouraging message met the afflicted Jairus as Jesus was now on the way with him. Tidings were brought that his daughter was dead, and his friends conclude it was in vain to trouble Christ any further; supposing that though he cured the sick, to raise the dead was beyond his power. But, 1. Our Lord encourages the afflicted parents, both him not to give way to despondence, but only believe, and he should still see that death, as well as disease, was under his controul. Note, Faith is the great preservative from all our fears: when those who are nearest and dearest to us are removed, we have a ground of abiding consolation, that we shall meet them at the resurrection of the just. 2. When he came to the house, he suffered none to enter with him but Peter, James, and John, enough to be witnesses of the miracle, with the father and mother of the child: and rebuking the excessive lamentations of those who were within, he assured them there was no real cause for them, as the damsel was not irrecoverable, as they apprehended; but though sleeping in the arms of death, he would awake her. But they, fully assured of her death, treated with derision this suggestion. Unworthy, therefore, to be witnesses of his wondrous power and grace, he put them all out, and permitting only his three disciples, and the parents of the damsel, to be with him, he went to where the child lay, took her by the hand, and hid her wife; when instantly her spirit returned, she arose, being about twelve years old, and, to the exceeding amazement of her parents, walked about in perfect health; and to shew she still retained her former animal life, and that her appetite was restored with her health, he hid them give her something to eat. Note, (1.) We are dead in trespasses and sins, as this child, till by the perfect word awakened Jesus imparts the effectual power, and enables us to arise at his command to newness of life. (2.) When Christ gives spiritual life, it must be daily fed in the use of those means of grace, whereby he continues to minister strength and nourishment to the soul. 3. He gave them all a strict charge not to divulge this miracle. He knew how his growing fame would exasperate his enemies, and as his hour was not yet come, he used every prudent means to preserve his life, till he had finished the work which was given him to do. Here is, 1. Christ continued by his countrymen, vers. 1-6. 2. The power he gave his apostles ever unclean spirits, vers. 7-13. 3. A strange notion which liberal and other had of Christ, upon which religion, we have the story of the martyrdom of John Baptist, vers. 14-29. 4. Christ's retirement into a desert place which his disciples; the crowds that followed him thicker to receive instruction from him, and his feeding few thousand of them with few leaves and two fishes, vers. 30-44. 5. Christ's walking upon the fee to his disciples, and the abundance of cares he verenght on the other side the water, vers. 45-50. 1. AND he went out from thence, and came into his own country, and his disciples follow him. 2. And when the Sabbath-day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him, were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 3. Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? and they were offended at him. 4. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. 7. And he went round about the villages, teaching. From Capernaum our Lord visited the place of his education, Nazareth, accompanied by his disciples. And there, as was his custom, 1. On the Sabbath-day he entered into the synagogue; and from the law and the prophets preached the things concerning himself with such dignity and education, as quite amazed his countrymen. He had been bred among them, a carpenter by trade, without any education; his family and relations were all persons of mean and low circumstances; how he should be able to discourse with such readiness, and perform such miraculous works, they could not conceive; and yet their prejudices against him, on account of his low birth and education, prevailed over their admiration; and notwithstanding all the wonders they beheld, they disband to be followers of a person for mean and despicable in their account. Note, (1.) The humiliation of Jesus, at which they were offended, should make him the dearer to us. (2.) If the Lord, in our nature, submitted to earn with the labour of his hands the bread he eat, let it reach us how commendable is industry, and never to depose any man because he is poor. 2. To rebuke their folly, and punish their unbelief, he reminds them how they verified that proverbial saying, if prophet is not without honour but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house; people ordinarily paying more respect to strangers and persons unknown, than to those with whom having been indulged in familiarity, they are ready to treat them with contempt. Therefore, except healing a few sick folk, he refused to exercise his power and grace among them. Their unbelief bound up, as it were, the hands of his omnipresence; and marveling at it, he left them, in just judgment, to the perversionate and impenitence of their hearts, carrying the glad tidings of salvation from them to the other villages of Galilee, where greater respect would be payed to his person and ministry. 7. 8. And he calfeth unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two, and gave them power ever unclean spirits. 8. And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only: no krip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9. But he shod with sandals: and not put on two coats. 10. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet, for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. 12. And they went out, and preached that men should repent. 13. And they cast out many devils, and a nointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. The twelve having now for a while attended their master, are here, 1. Sent forth to preach what they had learned of him, and endued with power to work miracles, and cast out devils, in confirmation of the doctrine they taught. For their mutual comfort and support, they were joined in pairs, and forbid to cumber themselves with cloaths or provisions; but must set off just as they were, with only their stick in their hand, the cloaths on their backs, and the sandals on their feet, trusting upon divine providence for a supply of their wants during their travels. Their message would deserve and procure them a welcome. Wherever therefore they came, and were received into a house, there they must fix their quarters till they removed to another city or village. But if in any place they were refused a The same of Jesus had by this time reached the ears of Herod. His guilty conscience suggested to him that John, whom he had murdered, was now risen from the dead, and invested with greater powers than before, perhaps to avenge his blood upon the head of his murderer. Others thought him to be Elijah, the forerunner of the Messiah; others one of the ancient prophets revived; others a new prophet sent of God, like those of old; but all mistook his true character, and knew him not as the Savior of the world. Herod, haunted with the guilty of his injustice and cruelty, perished in the conviction, that this was surely John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded. The narrative of which bloody transaction is related in nearly the same words as before, Mat. xiv. To what was there said, we may here farther observe. 1. How far a man may go in his convictions, without being over effectually wrought upon. Herod was in his conscience performed that John was a just man, and a holy; his whole demonition showed the Baptist to be such, and commanded verarction. And so far many go, as to be convinced of the integrity of God's ministers, and reverence their character; to observe them, to attend their ministry with seriousness and constancy. VOL. II. to do many things that are right through their preaching; yea, to take delight in their discourses, and to feel a transient joy whilst sitting under them: and yet like Herod, may never be divorced from their darling sins, nor their hearts at all effectually changed. 2. How commendable is fidelity! All the respect and kindness of Herod did not make John the least indulgent to his sins; he told him plainly, though a king, the guilt and danger of his state, and charged upon his conscience his lewdness, adultery, and incest in marrying his brother's wife: and such should we be, imitating this holy plainness and simplicity, neither moved by crusades, nor deterred by fear; but approving ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3. They who will be thus faithful, may repack to be often severely treated. The hearts of sinners will be exasperated, and malice will drive them, like Herodias, to conceive them mischief against their reprovers, and thus to revenge the honest rebukes, which they regard as premeditated affronts. 30. And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for 'there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure to much as to eat. 32. And 'they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 33. And the people saw them departing and many knew him, and ran a foot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. 34. And Jesus when he came out, saw much people, and 'was moved with compassion towards them,' because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. 35. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far pasted: 36. Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. 37. He answered and said unto them, 'Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, 'Shall we go and buy two hundred + penny-worth of bread, and give them to eat? 38. He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. 39. And he commanded them to make all fit down by companies upon the green grass. 40. And they sat down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties. 41. And when he had taken the five loaves, and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and 'bleffed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples, 'to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. 42. And they did all eat, and were filled. 43. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. 44. And they that did eat of the loaves, were about five thousand men. for the gospel of Jesus, will take many a weary step for the sake of attending that ministry, where it is dispensed with power. (2.) Is it a peculiar pleasure to preach to those, who appear a chief for the word of truth. 3. He not only sed their souls with the heavenly manna of his doctrine, but their bodies by miraculous food. The disciples, as the day drew to a close, reminded him how far the people were from any inhabited place, and that the night would soon come on; it would be necessary, therefore, they suggest, to dismiss the multitude, that they might get some refreshment after falling so long. But He, to prove their faith, bid them provide for them the necessary repast. In a surprise, they look not to his power, but to their own inability: Where should they get bread, or money to buy it, when two hundred pennyworth would not be sufficient to give a mortal to each? Perceiving they had no notion whence the supply should come, he enquired what store of provision they had with them? they told him only five barley loaves, and two filters, a quantity utterly insufficient to satisfy such a multitude. Commanding them to be brought, Jesus took the loaves; and having disposed the people in ranks, a hundred in depth, and fifty in length, he gave thanks, brake, and gave to his disciples, who waited on the goods; and far from want, there appeared enough and to spare: they not only made a hearty meal, but left fragments sufficient to fill twelve halfarts, which Christ commanded to be collected with care, not only to supply their future wants, but to make the miracle appear more illustrious. Nate, (1.) They who bore the word, will for the sake of it sometimes forage their necessary food. (2.) Barley loaves, with Christ's blessing, afford a favorite feast than the richest delicacies without it. (3.) Christ's disciples must be content with, and thankful for course fare. (4.) Wafes, even of crumbs of barley bread, is useful; no fragments are to be left, when there are so many who want them. 45. And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethleda, while he sent away the people. 46. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. 47. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48. And he saw them 'toiling in rowing: (for the wind was contrary unto them) and 'about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them,' walking upon the sea, and 'would have passed by them. 49. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out. 50. (For they all saw him, and were troubled) And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. 51. And he went up unto them into the ship, and the wind ceased: and they were bare amassed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. 52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves, the their heart was a hardened. 53. And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. 54. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, 55. And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and befought him 'that they might touch, if it were but the border of his garment: and 'as many as touched him, were made whole. The entertainment being finished, Christ bid his disciples first embark, and cross the lake, which they did with reluctance; thinking this a good opportunity for him to declare himself, and set up, as they expected, his temporal kingdom. But he, dismissing the multitude, retired into a mountain, as he was wont, to spend some time in prayer; to teach us the necessity of keeping up private communion with God, as the best means of enabling us to go comfortably through our public manifestations. Mean time we are told, 1. The distress of the disciples. The wind was tempelous, and directly a head, so that though they pulled hard, they got no way, and had advanced in many hours not above thirty furtongs. We may expect in Christ's service to meet with difficulties, but if we patiently persevere, all will be well. 2. After exercising their faith and patience till the morning wants, at last Christ came to them, walking upon the waters, and seemed as though he would have passed them; but they all discovered something walking on the water, and supposing it an apparition, shrieked out, exceedingly affrighted; till his well-known voice filled their fears, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid; and entering the boat, instantly the wind and waves soofed, to the exceeding astonishment of the apostles, who, forgetting the miracle of the loaves which they had just seen, were so dull and stupid in their hearts, as to be surprised at this new manifestation of their Master's divine power, though they were daily eye witnesses to his stupendous miracles. Nate, (1.) If Christ's people toil hard through a night of temptations, or desertion, the morning will come, a little faith and patience shall bring them to the light of peace and joy. (2.) Our fancies raise a thousand unnecessary fears; and in our distress we often helped that Christ is passing from us, when he is really coming to us. (3.) It is then comfortable with the troubled soul when Jesus reveals himself, and saith with the voice of love, It is I, be of good cheer. Lord, speak thou to my soul, and it shall rest from all its fears! 3. No sooner had they reached the shore, near Capernuon, than immediately the rumour of his arrival spread on every side, and vast multitudes crowded around him, bringing the sick and diseased; in every city, town, or village that he passed, they were laid on beds in the streets, and befought him, that they might touch, if but the border of his garment; and as many as touched him were perfectly cured, whatever was their malady. O Jesus, enable me to touch thee with my trembling hand of faith, and heal thou my sin-sick soul!