Observe here, 1. The duty directed to, almsgiving after. right manner; DO NOT YOUR ALMS BEFORE MAN: some copies read it, DO NOT YOUR RIGTEOUSNESS BEFORE MEN: because almsgiving is. considerable part of that righteousness and justice which we owe unto our neighbour: he that is uncharitable is unjust:... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our Saviour warns his disciples against the same Pharisaical hypocrisy in praying, which he had before reproved in almsgiving. It was lawful to pray in the synagogues, and to pray standing, and that before men; but to do this upon design to be applauded by men, is condemned by Christ. Our busin... [ Continue Reading ]
A vain-glorious ostentation in prayer was condemned by our Saviour in the former verse; here. vain-glorious multiplicity of words, by idle tautologies and impetinent repetitions, is condemned also; after the manner of the heathens, who expected to have their prayers granted by God, for the multiplic... [ Continue Reading ]
As if Christ had said, For preventing these and all other faults in prayer,. will myself give you. complete form of prayer, and an exact pattern and platform for your imitation when you pray. Note, That the Lord's Prayer is both. perfect form of prayer which ought to be used by us, and also. patter... [ Continue Reading ]
There being no duty to which our corrupt natures are more backward than this of forgiving injuries, our Saviour repeats that duty over and over, and frequently inculcates it in the holy Gospels; assuring us, that forgiving others is the indispensable condition upon which we are to expect forgiveness... [ Continue Reading ]
The next duty which our Saviour instructs his disciples in, is that of religious fasting; which is,. devoting of the whole man, soul and body, to. solemn and extaordinary attendance upon God, in. particular time set apart for that purpose; in order to the deprecating of his displeasure, and for the... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Something implied; namely, that every man has his treasure; and whatsoever or wheresover that treasure is, it is attractive, and draws the heart of men unto it: for every man's treasure is his chief good. 2. Something permitted, namely, the getting, possessing, and enjoying, of ear... [ Continue Reading ]
In the foregoing verses, our Saviour acquainted us what in our affections and judgments we should esteem as our chief treasure: now this judgment concerning our chief treasure, is by our Saviour here compared to the eye; as the eye is the candle of the body, that enlightens and directs it, so our un... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here. two-fold master spoken of, GOD and the WORLD. God is our master by creation, preservation, and redemption; he has appointed us our works, and secured us our wages. This world is our master by intrusion, usurpation, and. general estimation: too many esteeming it as their chief good, and... [ Continue Reading ]
The next sin which our Saviour cautions his disciples against, is immoderate care for the things of this life, such. solicitous and vexatious care for food and raiment as is accompanied with diffidence and distrust of God's fatherly providence over us, and provision for us; and the arguments which o... [ Continue Reading ]
Four arguments are here used by our Saviour to dissuade us from the sin of anxious care; it is needless, it is fruitless, it is heathenish, it is brutish. 1. It is needless; YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWETH THAT YE HAVE NEED OF THESE THINGS, and will certainly provide for you; and what need you take ca... [ Continue Reading ]
That is, let your first and chief care be to promote the kingdom of grace in this world, and to secure the kingdom of glory in the next; and in order unto both, seek after an universal holiness and righteousness, both of heart and life, and then fear not the want of these outward comforts, they shal... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our Saviour re-inforces his exhortation from solicitous care for worldly things, assuring us, that every day will bring with it. sufficient burden of trouble, and therefore we ought not to torment ourselves, by antedating our own sorrows, and foretelling what may or may not come to pass. Learn... [ Continue Reading ]