Here observe, 1. That our Saviour used the sea as well as the land in his passage from place to place to preach the gospel; and the reasons why he did so might probably be these: 1. To show Nature's intent in making of the sea: namely, to be sailed upon, as the land to be walked upon. 2. That Chri... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Our Saviour having delivered his doctrine to the people, confirms his doctrine with. miracle, and with such. miracle as did at once instruct and encourage his apostles; the miraculous number of fish which they caught did presage and prefigure their miraculous success in preaching, p... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The petitioner, that in. very humble and submissive manner sues unto Christ for cure and healing: A LEPER FELL ON HIS FACE, AND BESOUGHT HIM, SAYING, LORD, IF THOU WILT, THOU CANST MAKE ME CLEAN. He does not question Christ's power, but distrusts his willingness to help and heal hi... [ Continue Reading ]
The duty of private and solitary prayer is not more strictly enjoined by our Saviour's command, than it is recommended to us by his example. Observe, 1. The duty which our holy Lord performed: PRAYER. We have much more business with God in prayer than Christ had; he had no sins to be humbled for, n... [ Continue Reading ]
As the great end of our Saviour's miracles was to confirm his doctrine, so commonly after his preaching he wrought his miracles. The scribes and Pharisees, though they had no love for our Saviour's person, nor value for his ministry, yet they frequently accompanied him wherever he went, partly to ca... [ Continue Reading ]
The number of our Lord's apostles not being filled up, observe 1. What. free and gracious, what an unexpected and undeserved choice Christ makes. LEVI, that is MATTHEW, (for he had both names,). grinding publican, who gathered the tax for the Roman emperor, and was probably guilty, as others were, o... [ Continue Reading ]
An objection is here made against the disciples of our Saviour, that they did not fast so much and so often, as John Baptist's disciples did. John's disciples imitated their master, who was. man of an austere life; Christ's disciples imitated him who was of. more free conversation. Observe, therefo... [ Continue Reading ]