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REMEMBER, TENDER LAMBS, THOUGH STRAYING, MUST BE GENTLY LED BACK TO THE FOLD.

(G. 5.) Mary visits Elisabeth. Luke i. 39-55. In the Hill Country of Judea.

39 And Mary arose in those days, and-went into the hill-country with haste, into a-city 40 of-Juda; and entered into the house of-Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

41

And it-came-to-pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe 42 leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was-filled with-the-Holy Ghost: And she-spake

out with-a-loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the 43 fruit of-thy womb. And whence is this to-me, that the mother of-my Lord should44 come to me? For, lo, as-soon-as the voice of-thy salutation sounded in mine ears, 45 the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that-believed: for thereshall-be a-performance of-those-things TeλetwσIS TOIS which-were-told her from the46 Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth-magnify the Lord, 47 and my spirit hath48 rejoiced in God my Saviour eπ TW Dew Twp σwτnρ μov. For he-hath-regarded the low-estate TaTevwo of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all genera49 tions shall-call-me-blessed. For he that-is-mighty hath-done to-me great-things; MARGINAL READINGS:- Completion or perfection to. b Littleness; insignificance. Majestic things; magnificences

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

39. hill country-where the children of Aaron had [ portions, Jos. xxi. 4-19.

42. blessed-those that trust in the Son, Ps. ii. 12 -they that hear the word of God and keep it, Lu. xi. 27..8, § 62-John the Baptist, Mt. xi. 6, § 29-this truth declared to Thomas, Jno. xx. 29, § 95.

45. performance-of the oath to Abraham, Ge. xxii. 15-8-performance promised to Isaac, xxvi. 3confirmed to Jacob, xxviii. 13-.5-same in the prophets, Je. xxxiii. 14; Mi. vii. 20-God did not become the Son of man, that he should repent, Nu. xxiii. 19-but in order to confirm the promises made unto the fathers, Ro. xv. 8-performance continuous from its commencement at Philippi, Ph. i. 6; ii. 16where the gospel began to be preached in Europe, Ac. xvi. 6-12.

46. my soul-Hannah so rejoiced in song, 1 Sa. ii. 1-10-David, Ps. xxxiv. 2, 3-s all the seed of Israel shall glory, Is. xlv. 25.

be blessed, Ge. xii. 1-3-all nations, Ps. lxxii. 17-9 48. all generations-all families of the earth to -call you blessed, Mal. iii. 12-the word to a thousand generations, Ps. cv. 6-10-the blessing upon the nations, through Christ, Ga. iii. 13, .4.

49. holy-glorious in holiness, Ex. xv. 11-holy in all his works, Ps. cxlv. 17-Holy, holy, holy, Is. vi. 3; Re. iv. 8-His name Holy, Is. lvii. 15; Ps. xcix. 3 the holy One of God: his coming disturbed the unclean spirits in the synagogue, Lu. iv. 34, § 17-the saints to reflect his holiness, Le. xix. 2; 1 Pe. i. 15, .6; 1 Co. vi. 19, 20.

NOTES.

39. Arose, and went into the hill country of Juda. The region south of Jerusalem, about eighteen miles distant. The principal city was Hebron, which, with other neighbouring cities, was given to the priests. It is now principally in ruins, and much venerated by Jews, Arabs, and Christians; because in it were buried Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah. Zacharias probably lived at Juttah, near to Hebron.See Geography, p. 14.

40. Saluted Elisabeth.

Expressed great joy and gratification at seeing her, and used the customary tokens of affectionate salutation.

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Shall call me blessed. Highly favoured. This certainly does not warrant us to worship her, or to pray to her. Abraham was blessed in being the father of the faithful; Paul in being the apostle to the Gentiles; Peter in first preaching the gospel to them: but who would think of worshipping or praying to Abraham, Paul, or Peter? It is from the honour conferred on Mary, the Romanists have determined that it is right to worship the Virgin, and to offer prayers to her; which is idolatry. For, 1st. It is nowhere commanded in the Bible. 2nd. It is expressly forbidden to worship any being but God, Ex. xx. 4, 5; xxxiv. 14; De. vi. 13, .4; Is. xlv. 20. 3rd. It is 41. Filled with the Holy Ghost. With extra-idolatry to worship or pray to a creature. 4th. It is ordinary gifts,' with a spirit of prophecy,' by which absurd to suppose that the Virgin Mary can be in all she knew that the Messiah was conceived, and that places at the same time, to hear the prayers of thouMary was the mother of her Lord. sands at once, or that she can aid them.-See Ro. i. 25. 43. Whence is this to me? 49. Great things. Wonderful benefits; distinguishing mercies:-God hath conferred unspeakable mercy in making me the mother of Messias. Holy is his name. Holy and to be reverenced is his name. 'Name' is often put for God. That name is holy, and to be regarded as holy; and to make a common or profane use of it, is solemnly forbidden in the third commandment, Ex. xx. 7

An expression of humility. Why is it that the mother of my Lord

should come to me, as if to honour me?

46. And Mary said, &c. Most of these phrases are borrowed from the Old Testament, especially from the song of Hannah, 1 Sa. ii. 1-10. The spirit of prophecy frequently uses expressions before given. 48. All gener. The children of God in all after ages.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

39 ver. It is good for us not to neglect the signs which God is pleased to point out for the confirmation of our faith. The long and difficult journey of Mary to Elisabeth was abundantly rewarded. 40 ver. It is blessed to have the communion of saints -especially of those who are older and have a similar experience with ourselves in the things of God. Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LouD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name,' Mal. iii. 16

41-4 ver. The word of the Lord is, indeed, found to be truth, by such as believingly inquire into his faithfulness; Mary's own case, and that of Elisabeth, which was given as a sign, were at once witnessed to by the Spirit in Elisabeth, with increased confirmation to her who had believed the words of the heavenly messenger. However mighty the messenger, it is as from the Lord that the message should be received.

That

[45 ver. There is not only blessing in believing obedience now, but especially in the glorious triumph of Messiah's kingdom, chiefly concerning which were the things spoken of by the angel. kingdom is equally the subject of promise to all that believe, as it was to the believing and obedient Mary. The blessing of being related to Christ in the flesh was great, but a greater may be ours, for thus said. our Lord himself, Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it,' Lu. xi. 28, § 62.]

46, .8 ver. However highly favoured, we should ever remember that it is all through Grace; that, along with the most vile, we require salvation through Him who had been promised to Mary, and of whom she sang, saying, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour?

Let us, with Mary, magnify the Lord for his most favourable regard to the poor.

[49 ver. The mighty One doth not only put forth power on behalf of his people, but in them, so as to sanctify them unto his service- Holy is his name.']

THE DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS.-Haggai ii. 7.

[11]

A MAN'S HEART DEVISETH HIS WAY: BUT THE LORD DIRECTETH HIS STEPS.

Prov. xvi. 9.

THE LIPS OF THE RIGHTEOUS KNOW WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE BUT

50 ueyaleta and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that-fear him from-gene51 ration to-generation." He-hath-shewed strength eroɩnte kρatos with εις γενεάς γενεών. 52 his arm; he-hath-scattered the-proud in-the-imagination of-their hearts. He-hath-put53 down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them-of-low-degree. He-hath-filled the54 hungry with-good things; and the-rich he-hath-sent- empty-away. He-hath-holpen 55 avтeλaßeTo his servant Israel, in-remembrance vnoonva of-his-mercy, (as he-spake to our fathers,) to Abraham, and to-his seed for ever. εις τον αιώνα. [56 ver., see p. 14.] MARGINAL READINGS:- Unto generations of generations. b Heart or inner part. Child or son. d To remember mercies. Unto the age.

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

51. strength-sung of by Moses at the Red Sea, Ex. xv. 1-19-by David, Ps. lxv. 6; xeviii. 1-arm of the Lord to put on strength, Is. li. 9, 11-Zion to put on strength, lii. 1-made bare his arm, lii. 9, 10mine own arm, lxiii. 5, 6-strong to judge Babylon, Re. xviii. 8.

Eze. xxxviii. 14-23; xxxix.; Re. xix. 17-21; Zep. iii. 8-13; Joel iii. 11-7.

55. Abraham-first promise to, Ge. xii. 1-7vision, xv.--covenant, xvii. 1-8-confirmed with an oath, xxii. 16-.8-fulfilment anticipated, in the new song, Ps. xeviii. 3-to be fulfilled to her that was reckoned barren and desolate, Is. liv. 1, 9, 10-the promise secured, and only to be enjoyed in Christ, Ga. iii. 16, 7, 29-the promise immutable, He. vi. 13-.8. NOTES.

scattered the proud-same sung by Moses, Ex. xv. 1-10-and by Hannah, I Sa. ii. 1-10-and by David, Ps. ii.-to be fulfilled in great future deliverances,

50. That fear him. That reverence or honour him. One kind of fear is that which a servant has of a cruel master, or a man has of a precipice, the plague, or danger. This is not the fear which we ought to have of God. It is the fear which a dutiful child has of a kind and virtuous father: a fear of dishonouring him by our life; of doing anything which he would disapprove. It is on those who have such fear of God that his mercy descends. This is the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom, Ps. exi. 10; Job xxviii. 28, And unto man he said, Behold, the evil is understanding.'

fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from

From generation to generation. From one age to another; it continues; is unceasing; and abounds. 51. He hath shewed strength with his arm. metaphor derived from putting to flight a defeated enemy. He utterly discomfits. The arm is the symbol of strength. The expression in this and the subsequent verses has no particular reference to his mercy to Mary. Having sung of her Saviour, the promised seed of the woman, she reaches forward, in the spirit of prophecy, to a contemplation of his ultimate triumph, in bruising the serpent's head.

Scattered the proud, &c. He frustrates their schemes, and brings their counsels to nought. [But we are to consider that Mary prophesied in this song, and thus spoke of the ultimate triumph as if already come. It was secured by the coming of the conqueror, the seed of the woman, which shall bruise the head of the serpent.]

prepared, and truly fulfil the mercy promised to
Abraham and to his seed for ever.]
In rememb. of his mercy. Of his promised mercy.
ing, to give a fresh proof of mercy and favour to
[The expression has here peculiar emphasis, mean-
Israel, in addition to the ancient mercies shewn to
that people. The fulfilment of all the promises made
to the fathers, as to the multitude, power, and blessed-
ness of the chosen seed, was secured in God's giving
his only begotten Son into the world.1

hath dealt mercifully with the children of Israel, ac55. As he spake to our fathers, &c. That is, He cording as he promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, &c. Seeing that God did not withhold his own Son, there could be now no doubt as to the full accomAplishment of the promises made to the fathers, however difficult that accomplishment may at one time. have appeared to be. As truly as the Prince hath come of Judah, his people Israel shall be found, and find in Him the blessing & the deliverance promised. Abraham. First called Abram, or Great father.' It was promised that a great nation would proceed of him, Ge. xii. 2. Afterwards his name was changed to Abraham, sig. Father of a great multitude,' Ge. xvii. 5, 6; and it was predicted that he should be the father of many nations.' He was called to leave his father's country, and go into a land which the Lord would shew him, Ge. xii. 1. Being led into the land of Canaan, this was wholly promised to his seed, Ge. xii. 7. (He was, however, long in being given the son of whom the promised "one seed" (Christ) and the multitudinous seed were to come; and nei ther Isaac, nor his grandson Jacob, obtained possession of the promised land. Nor, when brought out of Egypt, were the children of Israel given possession, according to the free covenant made with Abraham. The possession then obtained was under the law. But the possession promised through the covenant of grace, remains to be given to Abraham's descendants, when they obey the call. Look unto Abraham your father, Is. li. 1-3. When, as possessing the same simplicity of faith, they exemplify the same willing obedience as Abraham, Is. lvii. 13, .4. Abraham is called the friend of God, Is. xli. 8. Believers, being all one in Christ Jesus, are in Christ, Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise, Ga. iii. 28, .9.]

52. Put down the mighty. Speaking prophetically of the destruction of Satan's kingdom, and the establishment of the kingdom of Messiah.

Exalted them, &c. In the first coming of Christ an assurance was given, that all the promises shall be fulfilled. The meek shall inherit the earth: the poor in spirit shall be given the kingdom of heaven.

53. The hungry with good things. This is a celebration of the general mercy of God: but more particularly for the abundance of blessing which our God hath designed for his chosen people.

The rich he hath sent, &c.-See Ps. xxxvii. 54. He hath holpen. Hath succoured. [Whatever may threaten, he will defend his servant Israel in possession of the goodness he hath

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

50-5 ver. We may, with Mary, and as in the general language of prophecy, speak of that as done, which God hath begun to do. It should be to us as much a reality. Thus may we walk by faith.

51 ver. The counsels of the proud will produce their own discomfiture.

52 ver. The exaltation of the wicked will but prepare for their greater downfall.

53 ver. It is not the full and self-satisfied that may be expected to enjoy the promised good, but those who, knowing their own folly, weakness, and poverty, are willing to be guarded, upheld, and provided for simply as the Lord may choose.

[54 ver. As the high priest had the names of the children of Israel upon his shoulders and upon his 12]

breastplate, for remembrance before God, so of God our Saviour it shall yet be said, 'He hath holpen,' &c.] [54, .5 ver. As truly as the Lord will give help to his servant Israel, in raising up the tribes of Jacob. so truly will he remember to perform the fulness of the mercy promised to Abraliam, and to his seed for ever. Let us prove that we are truly the children of Abraham, by our having the same faith, and manifesting it by the same patient waiting and ready doing the will of our God.-Let us see the grace of God as manifested in these, the very first instances of prophesying as recorded in the New Testament. They are both by woman, who was first in the transgression. And with the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, he hath thus honoured both youth and old age.]

BY HIS STRENGTH HE SETTETH FAST THE MOUNTAINS.-Psalm lxv. 6.

THE MOUTH OF THE WICKED SPEAKETH FROWARDNESS.-Prov. x. 32.

t

51. STRENGTH.

sung of by Moses at the Red Sea :-Ex. xv. 1-19. 1, Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 2, The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. 3, The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. 4, Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. 5, The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. 6, Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. 7, And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consamed them as stubble. 8, And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. 9, The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. 10, Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters. 11, Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? 12, Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. 13, Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. 14, The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. 15, Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. 16, Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. 17, Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in. in the Sanctuary, O LORD, which thy hands have established. 18, The LORD shall reign for ever and ever. 19, For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst

of the sea.'

by David:-Ps. 1xv. 6, Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power.'-xcviii. 1, 'O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.'

arm of the Lord to put on strength :-Is. li. 9-11. 9, 'Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? 10. Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? 11, Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.'

Zion to put on strength:-Is. lii. 1, 'Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.' made bare his arm:-Is. lii. 9, 10. 9, Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 10, The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.'

mine own arm:-Is. lxiii. 5, 6-see p. (56). 5, And I looked, and there was none to help,' &c.

strong to judge Babylon:-Rev. xviii. 8, Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.'

SCATTERED THE PROUD.

same sung by Moses :-Ex. xv. 1-10-see above, ver. 51. and by Hannah:-see 1 Sa. ii. 1-10, under ver. 46, 'MY SOUL' p. (11).

and by David:-Ps. ii.-see p. (7), Why do the,' &c. to be fulfilled in future deliverances :-Eze. xxxviii. 14-23. 14, Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GoD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it 15, And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty

army: 16, and thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctifled in thee, O Gog, before their eyes. 17, Thus saith the Lord GoD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them? 18, And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. 19, For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; 20, so that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. 21, And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my moun tains, saith the Lord GoD: every man's sword shall be against his brother. 22, And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone, 23, Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.'-See ch. xxxix.; and Rev. xix. 17-21-see ch. xix p. (46), And I saw an angel standing,' &c.-Zep. iii. 8-20. 8, Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may as semble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. 9, For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. 10, From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, eren the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering. 11, In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain. 12, I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD. 13, The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. 14, Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. 15, The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. 16, In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. 17, The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. 18, I will gather them. that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. 19, Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. 20, At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD' Joel iii. 11-7.-See p. (29), Assemble yourselves, and come,' &c. 55. ABRAHAM.

D

first promise to:-Ge. xii. 1-7-see ch. xii. p. (32), Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out,' &c. vision:-Ge. ch. xv.-see p. (5).

covenant:-Ge. xvii. 1-8-see ch. xvii. (49). confirmed with an oath:-Ge. xxii. 16-8-see p. (1). fulfilment anticipated in the new song:-Ps. xcviii. 3see p. (17), under ver. 72, REMEMBER,' the Lord's re membrance,' &c.

to be fulfilled to her that was reckoned barren and deso late:-Is. liv. 1, 9, 10. 1, Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.' 9, For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth,' &c.

the promise secured, and only to be enjoyed in Christ :Ga. iii. 16, .7, 29-see p. (16).

the promise immutable-He. vi. 13-8-see p. (7).

(13)

19. JUST.

light ariseth to such in the darkness:-Ps. exii. 4, Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous." walketh in his integrity:-Pr. xx. 7, The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.'

Simeon, a just man, waited for the consolation of Israel: -Lu. ii. 25, § 4. p. 24.

God compassionates the ignorance of the sincere:'Cornelius,' Ac. x. 22, 'And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.'

Paul:-1 Ti. i. 12, 3. 12, And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13, who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelier.' PUBLIC EXAMPLE.

Judah would have dealt severely with Tamar:-Ge. Xxxviii. 24. And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.'

the law directed that the adulteress should be stoned: De. xxii. 21, .2. 21, Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you. 22, If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.'-Jno. viii. 4, 5, § 55. Jesus allowed such to be put away:-Mt. v. 32, § 19, Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication,' &c.

and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9, The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10, All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.'-Pr. iii. 5, 6. 5, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6, In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.'-Is. xxvi. 7, The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.'

DREAM.

Jacob's:-Ge. xxviii. 12-see ch. xxviii. p. (88).

Joseph's:-Ge. xxxvii. 5-11. 5, And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. 6, And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 7, for, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. 8, And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. 9, And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. 10, And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? 11, And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.'

Solomon's:-1 Ki. iii. 5-15. 5, In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6, And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou the house of Israel had been so dealt with:-Je. iii. 8, hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backslid-7, And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a ing Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8, And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.' hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor -See ch. iii. p. (39). counted for multitude. 9, Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10, And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11, And God. said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12, behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13, And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. 14, And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. 15, And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.'

yet the Lord hated putting away:-Mal. ii. 10-.6. 10, Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? 11, Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. 12, The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. 13, And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14, Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee

and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 15, And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16, For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.' and promised to espouse her unto himself in faithfulness: -Ho. ii. 14-23-see ch. ii. p. (31). 14, Therefore,' &c. gave himself for his church:-Ep. v. 25-33. 25, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28, So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29, For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30, for we are men bers of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32, This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33, Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.'

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use of them:-Job xxxiii. 15-7. 17, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride,' &c. promise with regard to -Joel ii. 28, And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.' Pilate's wife:-Mt. xxvii. 19, § 90.

FEAR NOT.

·

to Jacob:-Ge. xlvi. 3, And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation.'

with the command to go forward:-Ex. xiv. 13-5. 13, And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to-day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14, The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. 15, And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.'-And see Lu. i. 13, § 1, p. 4.

21. BRING FORTH.

see promise to Sarah:-Ge. xvii. 19, 21. 19, And God [Continued-see next page.]

UNTO THE UPRIGHT THERE ARISETH LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS:

(G. 6.) Mary returns home, and is taken into the house of Joseph as his espoused wife. Matt. i. 18-25. Luke i. 56. At Nazareth.

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on-this-wise: when-as his mother Mary wasespoused to Joseph, before they came-together, she-was-found with-child of the-Holy 19 Ghost. Then de Joseph her husband, being a-just man, and not wiling to make-her20 a-publick-example, Tapaderuatioal was-minded to-put- her away privily.

But

And

while-he-thought-on aurou evovunbevтos these-things, behold, the-angel of-the-Lord appeared unto-him in a-dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of-David, fear not to-take-unto 21 thee Mary thy wife: for that which-is-conceived in her is of the-Holy Ghost. she-shall-bring-forth a-son, and-thou-shalt-call his name JESUS: for he shall-save his MARGINAL READINGS:- However or moreover. b While anxiously-meditating. SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

(Mt. i.) 19. just-light ariseth to such, in the 20. while he thought-the Lord teaches the meek, darkness, Ps. cxii. 4-walketh in his integrity, Pr. Ps. xxv. 8-10; Pr. iii. 5, 6; Is. xxvi. 7. xx. 7-Simeon, a just man, waited for the consolation of Israel, Lu. ii. 25 § 4-God compassionates the 5-11-Solomon's, 1 Ki. iii. 5-15-use of them, Job dream-Jacob's, Ge. xxviii. 12-Joseph's, xxxvii. ignorance of the sincere: Cornelius, Ac. x. 22-Paul, xxxiii. 15-7-promise with regard to, Joel ii. 28I Ti. i. 12, .3. Pilate's wife's, Mt. xxvii. 19, § 90.

public example-Judah would have dealt severely with Tamar, Ge. xxxviii. 24-the law directed that the adulteress should be stoned, De. xxii. 21, .2; Jno. viii. 4, 5, § 55-Jesus allowed such to be put away, Mt. v. 32, § 19-the house of Israel had been so dealt with, Je. iii. 8-yet the Lord hated putting away, Mal. ii. 10-6-and promised to espouse her to himself in faithfulness, Ho. ii. 14-23-gave himself for his church, Ep. v. 25-33.

fear not-to Jacob, Ge. xlvi. 3-with the command to go forward, Ex. xiv. 13-.5.-See Lu. i. 13, p. 4. 21. bring forth-see promise to Sarah, Ge. xvii. 19, 21 -the Shunammite, 2 Ki. iv. 16, .7.-See Lu. i. 31, p. 9. save his people, &c. - redeem Israel from all his iniquities, Ps. cxxx. 7, 8-all the ends of the earth to look to Jesus, Is. xlv. 22, 3-confirm., Jno. xii. 32, § 82.-See Jesus,' Lu. i. 31, § 2, p. 10.

NOTES.

(Mt. i. 18-25.) 18. Was espoused to Joseph. Espousing was a solemn engagement or contract of marriage, made before witnesses; after which the parties were accounted husband and wife, although they might live for some time after separate.

[No woman of Israel was married unless she had been first espoused. Generally six months or a year intervened between the espousals and nuptials, De. xx. 7.]

19. A just man. A lover of justice, and a man of uprightness and integrity. Strict in his obedience to all God's commandments; and so could not associate with Mary, were she guilty, as he supposed.

4 public example. To expose her to public shame or infamy. Joseph was not only just, but merciful, and so was desirous that the separation he esteemed just, should be in a manner the least injurious to Mary. The infidelity of a betrothed woman was punished with death by stoning.

[To put her away privily. The law of Moses gave the husband the power of divorce, De. xxiv. 1. It was customary in a bill of divorce to specify the causes for which the divorce was made, and witnesses were also present to testify to the divorce. But in this case, it seems, Joseph resolved to put her away with out specifying the cause: for he was not willing to make her a public example.] [It was not necessary that it should be a public transaction. The man could give the woman a bill of divorce in private, delivering it into her hand or her bosom. Two witnesses only were necessary; it was not needful that any cause should be assigned.]

He

20. But while he thought on these things. reflected, meditated, turned the matter in his mind. His not acting rashly, but listening thus to the voice of mercy, gave occasion for the voice of mercy to reach himself.

[In the patriarchal times, as well as in the earlier ages of Judaism, God often revealed his will by dreams or visions, not only to his own people, but to the nations at large. The ancients in general much regarded them; and rules for their interpretation were formed, both among Jews and Gentiles; the former of whom were, however, forbidden to seek their interpretation from any but the prophets of the Lord, or the high priest. These significative dreams are supposed to have ceased from the time of Malachi, but this channel of communication from God was now reopened in the prophetic dream of Joseph.] Joseph, thou son of David. He was of the house and lineage of David: of whom the Messiah was promised. Thy wife. The Hebrews called the betrothed of a man, his wife, De. xxii. 24.

JESUS.-See Reflections,' p. 9, and infra, 21 ver. 21. He shall save. This expresses the same as the name, and on this account the name was given to him. He saves men by having died to redeem them; by giving the Spirit to renew them, Jno. xvi. 7, 8, § 87; by his power in enabling them to overcome their spiritual enemies; in defending them from danger; in guiding them in the path of duty; in sustaining them in trials & in death; & in rescuing them from the prison of the grave, & raising them up at the last day, to exalt them to be with him in his kingdom.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

(Mat. i. 18-25.) 18 ver. In the bestowment of his best of blessings, God is not restrained by the distinctions of rank that take place among men; she who was favoured among women, was an obscure but pious virgin, espoused to a just man, who was a carpenter.

Virtue is sometimes tried, not only by temptations, but most painfully by unjust and cruel suspicions; and sometimes even by unmerited punishinent and disgrace.

[We should not be rash in forming an uncharitable judgment of those with whom we have entered into friendly relations: those circumstances which at first appear the most suspicious, may arise from a cause the most opposite to that which was suspected.]

[19 ver. We should be careful lest our very sense of justice lead us, in our ignorance, to commit that which is most unjust, lest our very desire to shew mercy impel us to act with the greatest cruelty, as it would have been in Joseph to put away Mary with

out her being given an opportunity of explaining her innocence.]

[20 ver. It is best, in the spirit of ready obedience and humble submission, to leave our case in the hands of Him, who hath all wisdom & power to vindicate the cause of those who put their trust in Him.] his will unto men: it was by vision to Zacharias The ways of God are various in communicating and Mary; by the spirit of prophecy to Mary and Elisabeth; and now in a dream to Joseph.

21 ver. Let us never forget why the child of Mary was to be called Jesus, and see that it be legibly written in our lives, in our being indeed saved from our sins, otherwise we have not the evidence of being truly his people. Our Lord hath his name Jesus, not merely because he delivers from the wrath to come, but especially because he saves his people from their sins. He hath taken them away, justifyingly, by his blood; and he takes them away, sanctifyingly, by his Spirit, as applying to all who believe the good word of his grace.

SHEW ME THY WAYS, O LORD; TEACH ME THY PATHS.-Psalm xxv. 4.

[13

HE IS GRACIOUS, AND FULL OF COMPASSION, AND RIGHTEOUS.-Psalm cxii. 4.

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