Both the Evangelists, St. Matthew and St. Luke, make mention of our Savior's pedigree; the former by his reputed father's side, the latter by his mother's side: the design of both was to present us with. general draught of our Lord's pedigree and descent, and not to be strict and accurate in enumera... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, Here are several women mentioned in our Savior's genealogy, and all, or most of them, have. brand of infamy upon them. Thamar was one, with whom her father-in-law, Judah, committed incest; Rahab is called an harlot; Ruth came of Moab, whom Lot begat of his own daughter; and Bathsheba, the w... [ Continue Reading ]
This is, the birth of Christ was not in the ordinary and natural way, but his mother Mary was found to be with child by the extraordinary and miraculous operation of the Holy Ghost. Here note, That the espousal of Mary to Joseph was for the safety of Christ, and for the credit and reputation of the... [ Continue Reading ]
That is, being an holy person, and. strict observer of the rites of his nation, he was unwilling to accompany with. defiled woman, and therefore minded to put her away, by giving. bill of divorce into her hand before two witnesses; but being kind and gentle, he intended TO PUT HER AWAY PRIVILY, lest... [ Continue Reading ]
Two things here are observable; namely, the care that Almighty God takes; 1. For Joseph's satisfaction. 2. For vindicating the virgin's reputation. For Joseph's satisfaction, an angel is dispatched to give him assurance that the virgin was not defiled by. man, but overshadowed by the Holy Ghost. W... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. prediction of our Savior's birth; the virgin SHALL BRING FORTH. SON. 2.. precept for the imposition of his name; THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS, that is,. Savior. 3. The reason why that name was given him; because HE SHOULD SAVE HIS PEOPLE, not temporarily, as Joshua did the Israe... [ Continue Reading ]
Of all the prophets of the Old Testament, the Prophet Isaiah has the honor to be the first recited in the New. Here the Evangelist quotes his prophecy of Christ's incarnation, BEHOLD,. VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD. Learn thence, That the great mystery of our Savior's wonderful incarnation was, (thoug... [ Continue Reading ]
Joseph is no sooner assured that Mary is with child by the overshadowing power of the Holy Ghost, but he instantly obeys the Lord's command, and takes Mary to him, without further disputing or delaying. Learn thence, That. gracious person,when once satisfied in God's word of command, disputes no fu... [ Continue Reading ]
It is piously believed, though not positively in scripture asserted,that the Virgin had no other child but our Savior: it is. very probable opinion, though not an infallible article of faith, as the Church of Rome would make it: for the word UNTIL signifies in scripture as much as NEVER. So Genesis... [ Continue Reading ]