Pagina-afbeeldingen
PDF
ePub

THE GOSPEL

ACCORDING TO THE

APOSTLE MATTHEW.

HAP.

III.

ear

: of n the

tist.

Now

III.

in those days, while Jesus | them, "O! brood of vipers! who CHAP: dwelt at Nazareth, cometh hath warned you to flee from the John the Baptist in the desert of wrath that is approaching? Bring S Judea, saying, "Repent ye, for forth therefore fruits suitable to rethe kingdom of heaven, (the gos-pentance, and say not within yourpel dispensation) draweth near." selves, We have Abraham for 9 3 This is he who was spoken of by our father; for I say unto you, xl. 3. Isaiah the Prophet, saying, "The that from these stones God is able voice of one crying in the desert, to raise up children unto Abraham : Prepare ye the way of Jehovah, and even now the axe is laid to the 10 make straight a high-way for our root of the trees, so that every tree, 4 God." And this John had his which beareth not good fruit, will raiment of camel's hair, with a lea-be cut down and cast into the fire. thern girdle about his loins, and I indeed baptize you with water un- 11 his food was 3 locusts and wild to repentance: but he who is com5 honey. Then many of the people ing after me is mightier than I, of Jerusalem, and of all parts of whose sandals I am not worthy to Judea, and of all the country about carry; he will baptize you with a 6 Jordan, went out to him: and purifying spirit and with fire: for 12 were baptized by him in the river his fan is in his hand, and he will Jordan, upon confession of their thoroughly cleanse his floor, and 7 sins. lay up his wheat in the garner, but will burn up the chaff with * unquenchable fire."

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto

4

The

This gospel is generally believed to guage; but it is of little moment. have been written about A: D. 64, in some best employment of Christians is, to endeapart of Judea, or near it; for the use of your to catch the noble spirit which it the Hebrews, to confirm those who had em- breathes, and to conform their lives to the braced the Christian religion, and to con-excellent precepts which it inculcates. vert if possible those who had not. We The translation of the books of the New need not suppose that Matthew wrote the Testament is from Archbishop Newcome whole book, in the same sense in which we and Mr. Wakefield. now speak of a writer's composing a work. It is enough to be satisfied that he furnished materials for the principal parts of the book, and approved of the whole, as giving a fair and just account of what it relates. It has been doubted, whether the original gospel was written in the Hebrew or Greek lan

The gospel is called the way of Jehovah, because it proved his interposition for the benefit of mankind.

3 Locusts are still dried for food in some hot countries.

* That ceases not to burn whilst any thing remains to be consumed.

B

1

CHAP.

IV.

IV.

vi. 13.

Then cometh Jesus from Gali-"All these things I will give thee CHAP. lee to Jordan, unto John, to be if thou wilt fall down, and worship Baptism of baptized by him. But John re- me." Then saith Jesus unto him, 10 Jesus. fused, saying, "I have need to be" Begone, thou adversary, for it is 14 baptized by thee, and comest thou written, Thou shalt worship the Deut. to me?" And Jesus answered and Lord thy God, and pay religious 15 said unto him, "Suffer me now, service to him only." Then the 11 for thus it becometh us to perform devil leaveth him, and angels every righteous ordinance." Then came and ministered unto him. 16 John suffereth him. And as soon as Jesus was baptized and gone up out of the water, lo! the heavens were opened unto John and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Jesus. 17 And behold! a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

CHAP.
IV.

tion of

Jesus.

Deut.

viii. 3.

1

[ocr errors]

2

Then was Jesus led up by the spirit into the desert, to be tried Tempta- by the devil: And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterwards hungered, and the tempter came to him, and said, "As thou art the Son of God, command that these stones be 4 made bread." But he answered, and said, "It is written, Man liveth not by bread alone, but by every thing which is appointed by God'." 5 Then the devil taketh Jesus with him to the holy city, and setteth him on a wing of the temple, and 6 saith unto him, "As thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, He shall give his Psalm xci. angels charge concerning thee, and they will bear thee upon their hands lest thou strike thy foot 7 against a stone'." Jesus said unto him, "It is also written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy 8 God'." Again, the devil taketh Jesus with him to a very high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and saith unto him,

II, 12.

Deut. vi. 16.

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

1 A divine impulse.

dence at

Now, when Jesus had heard that 12 John was delivered up to prison, His resi he withdrew into Galilee. And Capernaum having left Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is on i3 the north side of the lake of Tiberias, in the borders of Zebulon and Naphtali; so that it was fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet Isaiah, "The land of Ze- 14 bulon, and the land of Naphtali, Isa. ix. countries near the lake, by the side 1, 2. of Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles; the people who sat in darkness 16 have seen a great light, and to those who sat in the region of the shadow of death, light hath sprung up." From that time Jesus began 17 to preach, and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven draweth near."

drew,

Now as he was walking by the 18 lake of Galilee, he saw two bre- Calls Pethren, Simon called Peter, and ter, AnAndrew his brother, casting a net James, and into the lake, for they were fish- John. ers; and he saith unto them, "Come 19 with me, and I will make you fishers of men ;" and immediately 20 they left their nets and followed him. And going forward thence, 21 he saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the vessel with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them; and immedi- 22 ately they left the vessel and their father, and followed him.

trial.

Having firmly resolved to resist all the temptations to which he should be exposed; he enjoyed the most solacing reflections.

4 By having the temptations to do evil, to which he would be exposed, strongly presented to his mind.

3 Distrustingly put his goodness to the

CHAP

V.

ous dis

ises.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, ures va- and preaching the glad-tidings of his kingdom, and curing every disease and every infirmity among 24 the people. And his fame went through all Syria; and they brought unto him all that were disordered ; people afflicted with various diseases and torments; demoniacs, lunatics, and those that had palsies; 23 and he cured them; and great multitudes followed him from Galilee, and Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea,and from the side of Jordan.

CHAP.

V.

2

1

and so were persecuted the teachers CHAP. that were before you.

V.

good ex

"Ye are the salt of the earth, 13 but if this salt have lost its savour, Duty of with what shall it be seasoned? it setting a is no longer good for any thing ample. but to be cast out, and trodden underfoot by men. Ye are the light 14 of the world. A city which is placed on a hill cannot be hidden, nor is a lamp lighted to be put un- 15 der a bushel, but on a stand, and it shineth to all that are in the house. In like manner, let your 16 light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

law of

And when he saw the multitudes he went up a mountain, and sat Think not that I am come to 17 Who are down; and his disciples came un- destroy the spirit and end of the The moral ruly lappy. to him. And he opened his mouth law or the prophets; I am not part of the and taught them, saying, "Happy come to destroy, but to establish Moses 3 are the poor in spirit, for theirs is them; for verily I say unto you, established 4 the kingdom of heaven. Happy The heaven and the earth will by Christ. are those who mourn for their sooner pass away, than one jot or sins, for they shall be comforted. one tittle of the law be destroyed 5 Happy are the meek, for they shall or fail of its accomplishment. 6 possess the land in peace. Happy Whosoever therefore shall break 19 are those that hunger and thirst one of the least of these my comafter righteousness, for they shall mandments, and teach men so, he be filled with all necessary in- will be least in the kingdom of 7struction in their duty. Happy heaven, but whoever shall perform are the compassionate, for they and teach them will be greatest in 8 shall obtain compassion. Happy the kingdom of heaven. For I say 20 are the pure in heart, for they shall unto you, except your righteous9'see God. Happy are the peace-ness exceed the righteousness of makers, for they shall be called the the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall 10 sons of God. Happy are those by no means enter into the kingthat suffer wrong for righteousness' dom of heaven. sake; for their's is the kingdom of 11 heaven. Happy are ye when men reproach you, and persecute you, and speak all kind of evil against 12 you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven;

Madmen, vulgarly supposed to be possessed by demons, or the souls of dead

men.

A part of Syria, containing ten cities, lying on the east of the lake of Galilee.

3 The lowly and unambitious, such were most likely to become Christ's disciples,

[ocr errors]

13. Numb.

"Ye have heard that it was said 21 to those of old, Thou shalt do no Of murder, murder, and whosoever commit- Exod. xx. teth murder, shall be liable to the xxxv. 30. judgment of the common courts of justice.' But I say unto you, 22 Whosoever is angry with his bro

and to be happy eternally.

4 Have the best knowledge of him on earth, and be in the highest degree sensible of his p esence hereafter.

5 He may profess to be my disciple, but he will be unwo thy of the name..

V.

V.

causeth her to commit adultery; CHAP. and whosoever shall marry her who hath been divorced, committeth adultery.

66

ing.

xxx 2.

CHAP. ther without a cause, shall be in danger of the judgment, and whoever shall say to his brother without a cause, Thou empty, senseless fellow!' shall be liable to the coun- Again, ye have heard that it 33 cil or supreme court, and whoever was said to those of old, Thou Of comshall say without cause, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt mon swearworthless, unprincipled wretch!' perform unto the Lord thine oaths.' shall be in danger of hell fire. But I say unto you, Swear not on Numb. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to any account; either by the heaven, the altar and there remember that thy for it is God's throne; or by the 35 brother hath a complaint against earth, for it is his footstool; or by 24 thee; leave there thy gift before Jerusalem, for it is the city of the the altar, and go; first be reconcil- great king. Neither shalt thou 36 ed to thy brother, and then come swear by thy head, for thou canst 25 and offer thy gift. Agree with not make one hair white or black. thine adversary quickly, whilst thou But let your discourse be Yes, 37 art on the way to the magistrate yes, no, no :' for whatever is more with him; lest the adversary deli-than these proceedeth from evil. ver thee over to the judge, and the "Ye have heard that it was said, 38 judge to the officer, and thou be An eye for an eye, and a tooth of retali 26 cast into prison. Verily I say unto for a tooth.' But I say unto you, Exod. thee, Thou mayest not come out Rather than this, resist not the xxi. 24. thence, till thou hast paid the utter-injurious person; but whosoever most farthing. shall strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also; and 40 whosoever will sue thee at law for thy coat, give to him thy cloke also. And whosoever shall force 41 thee to go one mile, go with him two. Be disposed to give to him 42 that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away.

tery.

Exod.

XX. 14.

27

[ocr errors]

"Ye have heard that it was said Of Adul- to those of old, Thou shalt not commit adultery.' But I say unto you, Whosoever looketh on a woman, so as to indulge unlawful desires towards her, hath already committed wickedness with her in 29 his heart. Therefore, if even thy right eye lead thee to sin, pluck it out and cast it from thee; for it is better for thee that one of thy members perish, than that thy 30 whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand lead thee to sin, cut it off and cast it from thee; for it is better for thee that one of thy members perish, than that thy whole body be cast into hell. 31 "And it was said, Whosoever Of divorce. divorceth his wife, let him give her a writing of separation.' But I say unto you, Whosoever shall di32 vorce his wife, unless for adultery,

Deut. xxiv. I,

6

[blocks in formation]

ation.

of enemies.

"Ye have heard that it was said, 43 Thou shalt love thy neighbour, Treatment and hate thine enemy.' But I say unto you, Love your enemies, 44 and to show that you do love them, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those that treat you injuriously and persecute you; that you 45 may be the sons of your Father, who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and he sendeth rain on the just and unjust; for if ye love 46

3 This was an inference which the Jews made from the books of Moses; but without good grounds.

VI.

CHAP.

VI.

2

1

3

VI.

CHAP. those who love you, what is your "Our Father, who art in hea- CHAP. reward? Do not even the publi-ven, hallowed be thy name. Thy 47 cans the same? And if ye salute kingdom come. Thy will be done A form of your brethren only, what good on earth, as it is in heaven. Give prayer. will this do you? Do not the us this day the bread sufficient for 11 Gentiles act in the same manner? us and forgive us our trespasses, 12 48 Be ye therefore perfect, as your as we forgive those who trespass Father that is in heaven is perfect. against us, and bring us not into "Take heed not to perform temptation; but deliver us from 13 your good deeds before men, that evil: for thine is the kingdom, and Of alms- ye may be seen by them; other- the power, and the glory for ever. giving, wise ye have no reward with your Amen! For if ye forgive men 14 2 Father, who is in heaven. There- their offences, your heavenly Father fore when thou doest thy alms, will also forgive you, but if ye forgive 15 sound not a trumpet before thee; not men their offences, neither will as the hypocrites do in the syna- your Father forgive your offences. gogues and in the streets, that they may receive honour from men. Verily I say unto you, that they 3 have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth; 4 that thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, will reward thee openly.

5

"And when thou prayest, be not Of prayer. as the hypocrites are, for they love to pray,standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of streets, that they may be seen by men. Verily I say unto you, They have their 6 reward. But thou, when thou prayest, go into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will 7 reward thee openly. And when ye pray, use not babbling repetitions, like the heathen: for they think they will be heard for their 8 much speaking. Be not therefore like them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him. In this manner therefore pray ye:

1 The collectors or farmers of the Ro-
man taxes and customs. Men of bad cha-
racter, and frequently ranked with sinners.

Imitate the excellence and perfection of
God, as much as lies in your power

This petition must be so connected with
the following, as if both had been expressed

"Moreover, when ye fast, be not 16 like the hypocrites, of a gloomy Of fasting. countenance, for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast: verily I say unto you, They have their reward; 17 but when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; that 18 thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret will reward thee openly.

[blocks in formation]
« VorigeDoorgaan »