28. — the first] The principal, "the great," Matt. xxii. 36. 31. — There is none other commandment greater than these.] That is, there is nothing in religion of a higher obligation than these two precepts. All the duties of religion must be governed by these two principles. Beyond them there is nothing greater, nothing to limit or restrain them: but by them must every thing else be limited and restrained. Bp. Sherlock. 36. — said by the Holy Ghost,] Here is a most clear and express proof that David wrote the Psalms under the influence of the Holy Ghost. Dr. Whitby. From this passage also, compared with Luke i. 68, 70, it appears that the Holy Ghost is "the Lord God of Israel." For from Luke i. 68, 70, we find that the Lord God of Israel "spake by the mouth of His holy Prophets." But here we read, that David spake "by the Holy Ghost;" therefore the Holy Ghost is the Lord God of Israel. 38. — love to go in long clothing,] They "enlarged the borders of their garments," Matt. xxiii. 5, by which their clothing was longer. Bp. Pearce. That which is expressed in these three verses, 38, 39, 40, is set forth at large in the whole twenty-third chapter of St. Matthew. 40. — for a pretence] For the sake of outward appearance, and not with sincere piety. Abp. Newcome. 41. — the treasury,] The chest where the treasure arising from the offerings was kept. It appears from 42. — two mites,] This was the lowest denomination of Hebrew money. 44. — even all her living,] Her whole stock; all her means of living for that day. Dr. Whitby. Thus God judges of men's actions, not by the measure of the outward work, but by the inward disposition and affection of the heart. Dr. S. Clarke. Thus our offerings to God, and our alms of charity to the poor, are not rated by the largeness of the gift, but by the good intention of the giver. Bp. Mann. Chap. XIII. ver. 1. And as he went out &c.] Respecting this chapter, see further notes at Matt. xxiv. 2. — Peter and James &c.] St. Matthew mentions in general terms that "the disciples" came to Him, Matt. xxiv. 3. 4. — when shall these things be? It is clear that these words refer to the destruction of the temple, of which Jesus had just been discoursing. St. Matthew, chap. xxiv. 3, gives the expression, "What shall be the sign of Thy coming?" which has a parallel sense; and 3. — ointment of spikenard] "Spikenard, or nard, is a plant growing in the East, whose root is very small and slender; it puts forth a long small stalk, and has several ears or spikes even with the ground, whence it has the name of spikenard." Calmet. — she brake the box,] It is probably meant, that Anno DOMINI 53. 6. — Take heed lest any man &c.] The account of this discourse, as given by St. Matthew, is larger and more regular, as to the order of it, than that here given by St. Mark. Bp. Pearce. 11. — take no thought beforehand] See notes at Matt. x. 19. L 2  The manner of Christ's coming to judgment. S. MARK. A conspiracy against him. Anno DOMINI 52. and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 33. Take ye heed,] Take heed that ye be not surprised and overtaken by that time, which is ever most uncertain. Abp. Tillotson. 34. — gave authority to his servants,] Gave to the chief and most trusty of his slaves power over the rest. Abp. Newcome. 35. — at even or at midnight, &c.] As the Jews in our Saviour's time divided the night into four periods or watches, allusion is made to these, in the expressions here used by our Saviour; the evening watch, or nine o'clock; midnight; three o'clock in the morning; and six in the morning. Bp. Pearce. Chap. XIV. ver. 1. After two days &c.] Respecting this chapter, see notes at Matt. xxvi.