Sidor som bilder
PDF
ePub

93

CXXXV.

Reflections on the duties of a married and a single life.

were so born from their mother's womb

and

are some en

and there be eunuchs,

ven's sake. He that is

SECT. natural temper and inclination is in this respect some eunuchs, which peculiar ; and there are [some] eunuchs who Mat. were made eunuchs by the wickedness of men, there XIX. 12. who drive on that scandalous traffick which the nuchs, which were luxury and effeminacy of the eastern world has made eunuchs of men: rendered so common; and there are [some] eu- which have made nuchs who have, as it were, made themselves themselves eunuchs eunuchs on account of the kingdom of heaven, that for the kingdom of hea is, who, by a resolute guard on their appetites able to receive it, let and passions, have conquered the propensities of him receive it. nature, that being free from the incumbrances of marriage, and devoting themselves to a life of more sublime devotion, they might promote the interest of my gospel. (Compare 1 Cor. vii. 7, 37.) He therefore, on the whole, that finds he is able to receive [this saying], let him receive it; or let him that is in his own conscience persuaded that he can glorify God most by a single life, choose it. Others may, and ought to marry; but let none lightly rush into that state on a supposition that the bond of it may be broken through at pleasure.

IMPROVEMENT.

Ver. FROM what we have been reading we may justly take occasion 4 to adore the wisdom and goodness of Divine Providence in creating the human species male and female, and providing for his new formed creature Adam so suitable and so amiable a companion, to enliven every other object of delight, and to crown the pleasures of paradise itself.

Let us also acknowledge the apparent interposition of a wise and kind providence in maintaining such a proportion between the sexes, even to this day, which so apparently tends to the benefit of both, as well as to the support of the race in future ages; as also in perpetuating in their hearts through succeeding genera5 tions that mutual tenderness for each other which the purest bosoms may feel and avow, and which is the foundation of such an union of souls as no other friendship will admit.

6

11, 12

Let those who are married, considering the indissoluble bond by which God has joined them together, make it their constant care to promote the confort and happiness of each other: and let them most cautiously guard against every degree of contention, or even of distaste, which might at length occasion an alienation in their affections, and render so close a bond proportionably grievous. Let none rashly run into these important engagements, nor determine their choice by light considerations, of a low and transitory

nature

Reflections on Christ's raising Lazarus from the dead.

him, and let him go.

125

saith unto them, Loose coming forth in this confined posture, says to SECT. them that stood by, Unbind him, and let him exl. go: for nothing more was needful to be done in John a miraculous way, and he had strength enough XI. 44. to walk, his health and vigour being perfectly

45 Then many of

the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen

the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

recovered with his life.

Thus was this illustrious miracle completely 45 and publicly accomplished: and such was the effect of it, that many of the Jews therefore, who had come to visit Mary, and beheld what Jesus did, were so affected with this marvellous instance of his power, that they believed on him as the Messiah. But some of them were so obsti- 46 nate and perverse, that they went away to the them what things Je- Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done, on purpose that they might inflame them, and stir them up to take some method to prevent his growing influence among the people.

46 But some of them went their ways to the Prisees, and told

sus had done.

IMPROVEMENT.

25

LET us by faith continually regard Jesus (as his discourses and Ver. actions concur to represent him) as the resurrection and the life; believing on this glorious specimen here given of it, that he can, and will finally cause all that are in the graves to hear his voice, and to come forth, (John v. 28, 29.) A most delightful thought, which we should often apply both to ourselves and to our pious friends! Let the consideration, that they are to arise in 24 the resurrection at the last day, moderate our sorrows for their removal, and forbid our mourning as others that have no hope; (1 Thess. iv. 13.) Were a resurrection on earth expected, though at the distance of several years, we should consider them only as persons absent on a long journey, and expect their return with patience and cheerfulness: but oh, how much more certain is the resurrection of the just than the issue of any of our journeys or expectations in life!

We often go, in our thoughts at least, to the grave to weep; but 31 let us not forget to raise our contemplations higher, even to Jesus, 35 who here expressed such tender sentiments of compassion, and wept when he saw the tears of others, though he knew he was go

the face was not covered with it, but it only went round the forehead and under the chin, so that on his returning to life he might easily see his way out of the sepulchre.

ing

have in this a most amazing instance of
incorrigible hardness of heart, and a dread-
ful confirmation of our Lord's remark, If
they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither
will they be persuaded, though one rose from
the dead. Luke xvi. 31. sect. cxxv.

Went away to the Pharisees, &c.] We

126

cxl.

Reflections on Christ's raising Lazarus from the dead.

SECT. ing to wipe them away by restoring that friend whom they lamented.-He afflicted himself, and it may be proper for us sometimes to Ver, do it, and to hold down our thoughts to those views of things which 33 may give us pain and regret; if that attention be so adjusted and attempered as only to produce a sadness of the countenance that may improve the heart. (Eccles. vii. 3.)

39

Let the modesty with which our Lord conducted this grand and solemn scene teach us to avoid all mean transports of self-ap41, 42 plause, and all fondness for ostentation and parade. Like Jesus, let us in all our ways acknowledge God, and maintain a continual dependance on his influence, to be sought by fervent prayer; and then we may go forth to every duty with a courageous and cheerful assurance that he will carry us honourably and comfortably 40 through it. Let us but stedfastly believe, and we shall see the glory of God: he will manifest his power for our help; and when our case appears to be remediless, then is the time for his almighty

43, 44

hand to save.

Let us adore and trust in him who was armed with so divine a power as to be able to rescue the prisoners of death, and to recover 26 the trophies of the all-conquering and devouring grave. And if we are true believers, let us learn to take our part in the triumph with a joyful assurance, that though we putrify in the dust, and 39 after the skin worms devour our bodies, yet in our flesh we shall at length see God. (Job xix. 26.)

It was surely a happy time that succeeded all the lamentations of these affectionate mourners. With what mutual congratulations and unutterable endearments did Lazarus and his sisters bebold each other! With what humble gratitude and adoration did they all prostrate themselves at the feet of their Almighty Saviour! But who can conceive the greater transports which shall run through the whole redeemed world at the resurrection day, when piety and friendship shall be perfected, and those who were dearest to each other, both in the bonds of nature and of grace, shall spring up together to an immortal undivided life! In the mean time, let us trust our friends with him (with whom, if we are Christians indeed, we have trusted our souls), believing that the separations he appoints are prudent and kind, and that even our prayers for their recovery are denied in mercy.

SECT.

Reflections on the kind regard of Christ to children.

101

alled them unto him, tle children, but having called them to him, and SECT. and] took them up in ordered the infants to be brought, he took them cxxxvi. his arms [and] put his hands upon them, and up in his arms, tenderly embracing them with blessed them; [and de- a holy complacency and love; and, as a farther X. 16. parted thence] [MAT. token of the overflowing kindness and benevo

XIX. 15. LUKE
XVIII. 16.-]

lence of his heart towards them, he laid his
hands upon them, and blessed them, recommend-
ing them in a solemn manner to the Divine
blessing and favour; which accordingly descend-
ed upon them, to strengthen their constitutions,
and to sanctify their hearts. And, after this,
he departed from thence to another place in the
neighbourhood, where the young ruler attended
him, as will be presently related.

Mark

IMPROVEMENT.

Mark

X. 16.

LET us make a pause here, that we may more attentively review this delightful and instructive sight; that we may see this compassionate Shepherd of Israel, thus gathering the lambs in his arms and carrying them in his bosom with all the tokens of tender regard, (Isa. xl. 11.) rebuking his disciples who forbade their coming and laying his gracious hands upon them to bless them. How 14 condescending and engaging a behaviour! how encouraging and amiable an image!

Let his ministers view it, to teach them a becoming regard to the lambs of their flock, who should early be taken notice of and instructed; and for and with whom they should frequently pray; remembering how often Divine grace takes possession of the heart in the years of infancy, and sanctifies the children of God almost from the womb. Let every first impression made upon their tender minds be cherished; and let not those whom Christ himself is ready to receive be disregarded by his servants, who upon all occasions should be gentle unto all, and apt to teach. (2 Tim. ii. 24.)

Let parents view this sight with pleasure and thankfulness : let 13 it encourage them to bring their children to Christ by faith, and to commit them to him in baptism, and by prayer. And if he who has the keys of death and the unseen world, (Rev. i. 18.) see fit to remove those dear creatures from us in their early days, let the remembrance of this story comfort us, and teach us to hope that he who so graciously received these children has not forgotten ours, but that they are sweetly fallen asleep in him, and will be the everlasting objects of his care and love; for of such is the 14 kingdom of God.

Let children especially observe this. The great and glorious 14 Redeemer

N 2

102

[ocr errors]

À rich young man inquires the way to eternal life. SECT. Redeemer did not despise these little ones; nay, he was much displeased with those who would have prevented their being brought to him. As kindly would he, no doubt, have received you, ye dear children, who read or hear this; as kindly will he still receive you, if you go to him in the sincerity of your hearts, and ask his blessing in humble and earnest prayer. Though you see not Christ, he sees and hears you; he is now present with you, to receive you, to bless you, and to save you. Happy the weakest of you when lodged in the arms of Christ! nothing can pluck you from thence, or ever hurt you there.

15

SECT.

cxxxvii.

Mark

In a word, let us all commit ourselves to him; and let us be disposed to become as little children, if we desire to enter into his kingdom. Let us not govern ourselves by the vain maxims of a corrupt and degenerate age. Let not pride, ambition, lust, or avarice, possess, torment, and enslave our minds; but, with the amiable simplicity of children, let us put ourselves into the wise and kind hands of Jesus, as our Guardian, and refer ourselves to his pastoral and parental care, to be clothed and fed, to be. guided and disposed of, as he shall see fit. For this purpose, O God, may we be born again by thy Spirit, and formed anew by thy grace! since by this method alone we can be made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, (Col. i. 12.) and be so the children of God, as to be at length the children of the resurrection.

SECT. CXXXVII.

A rich young man applying himself to Christ for direction in the way to eternal life, and afterwards parting with him out of regard to his possessions, gives our Lorde occasion of cautioning his disciples concerning the danger of riches. Mat. XIX. 16, to the

end. Mark X. 17-31. Luke XVIII. 18-30.

AND

MARK X. 17.

MARK X. 17.

gone forth into the

behold,] there

one [LUKE, a

as he went out from thence, into the AND when he was way to some other place which he designed way, to visit, behold, a most remarkable occurrence came X. 17. happened; for there came one, even a certain certain ruler] running, magistrate, or ruler, who was a young person in very plentiful circumstances, running with an eager desire to converse with Jesus before he left that place; and he no sooner was come near

a As he went out from thence.] Both Matthew and Luke relate this story of the young ruler immediately after that in the preceding section; but Mark is more de

him,

and

terminate than either of them in the connection, and more circumstantial in the narration.

Good

« FöregåendeFortsätt »