* The disciples pluck corn on the sabbath. (1-5) Works of mercy
suitable to the sabbath day. (6-11) The apostles chosen. (12-19)
Blessings and woes declared. (20-26) Christ exhorts to mercy. (27-36)
And to justice and sincerity. (37-49)... [ Continue Reading ]
1-5 Christ justifies his disciples in a work of necessity for
themselves on the sabbath day, and that was plucking the ears of corn
when they were hungry. But we must take heed that we mistake not this
liberty for leave to commit sin. Christ will have us to know and
remember that it is his day, ther... [ Continue Reading ]
6-11 Christ was neither ashamed nor afraid to own the purposes of his
grace. He healed the poor man, though he knew that his enemies would
take advantage against him for it. Let us not be drawn either from our
duty or from our usefulness by any opposition. We may well be amazed,
that the sons of men... [ Continue Reading ]
12-19 We often think one half hour a great deal to spend in meditation
and secret prayer, but Christ was whole nights engaged in these
duties. In serving God, our great care should be not to lose time, but
to make the end of one good duty the beginning of another. The twelve
apostles are here named;... [ Continue Reading ]
20-26 Here begins a discourse of Christ, most of which is also found
in Luke 6:5; Luke 6:7. But some think that this was preached at
another time and place. All believers that take the precepts of the
gospel to themselves, and live by them, may take the promises of the
gospel to themselves, and live... [ Continue Reading ]
27-36 These are hard lessons to flesh and blood. But if we are
thoroughly grounded in the faith of Christ's love, this will make his
commands easy to us. Every one that comes to him for washing in his
blood, and knows the greatness of the mercy and the love there is in
him, can say, in truth and sin... [ Continue Reading ]
37-49 All these sayings Christ often used; it was easy to apply them.
We ought to be very careful when we blame others; for we need
allowance ourselves. If we are of a giving and a forgiving spirit, we
shall ourselves reap the benefit. Though full and exact returns are
made in another world, not in... [ Continue Reading ]