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v03200
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1994-03-01
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03209
#25-30 Christ proclaimed aloud, that they were in error in their
thoughts about his origin. He was sent of God, who showed
himself true to his promises. This declaration, that they knew
not God, with his claim to peculiar knowledge, provoked the
hearers; and they sought to take him, but God can tie men's
hands, though he does not turn their hearts.
03215
#31-36 The discourses of Jesus convinced many that he was the
Messiah; but they had not courage to own it. It is comfort to
those who are in the world, but not of it, and therefore are
hated by it and weary of it, that they shall not be in it
always, that they shall not be in it long. Our days being evil,
it is well they are few. The days of life and of grace do not
last long; and sinners, when in misery, will be glad of the help
they now despise. Men dispute about such sayings, but the event
will explain them.
03221
#37-39 On the last day of the feast of tabernacles, the Jews
drew water and poured it out before the Lord. It is supposed
that Christ alluded to this. If any man desires to be truly and
for ever happy, let him apply to Christ, and be ruled by him.
This thirst means strong desires after spiritual blessings,
which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and
comforting influences of the Holy Spirit, were intended by the
waters which Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. The
comfort flows plentifully and constantly as a river; strong as a
stream to bear down the opposition of doubts and fears. There is
a fulness in Christ, of grace for grace. The Spirit dwelling and
working in believers, is as a fountain of living, running water,
out of which plentiful streams flow, cooling and cleansing as
water. The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit we do not expect,
but for his more common and more valuable influences we may
apply. These streams have flowed from our glorified Redeemer,
down to this age, and to the remote corners of the earth. May we
be anxious to make them known to others.
03224
#40-53 The malice of Christ's enemies is always against reason,
and sometimes the staying of it cannot be accounted for. Never
any man spake with that wisdom, and power, and grace, that
convincing clearness, and that sweetness, wherewith Christ
spake. Alas, that many, who are for a time restrained, and who
speak highly of the word of Jesus, speedily lose their
convictions, and go on in their sins! People are foolishly
swayed by outward motives in matters of eternal moment, are
willing even to be damned for fashion's sake. As the wisdom of
God often chooses things which men despise, so the folly of men
commonly despises those whom God has chosen. The Lord brings
forward his weak and timid disciples, and sometimes uses them to
defeat the designs of his enemies.
03238
* The Pharisees and the adulteress. (1-11) Christ's discourse
with the Pharisees. (12-59)
#1-11 Christ neither found fault with the law, nor excused the
prisoner's guilt; nor did he countenance the pretended zeal of
the Pharisees. Those are self-condemned who judge others, and
yet do the same thing. All who are any way called to blame the
faults of others, are especially concerned to look to
themselves, and keep themselves pure. In this matter Christ
attended to the great work about which he came into the world,
that was, to bring sinners to repentance; not to destroy, but to
save. He aimed to bring, not only the accused to repentance, by
showing her his mercy, but the prosecutors also, by showing them
their sins; they thought to ensnare him, he sought to convince
and convert them. He declined to meddle with the magistrate's
office. Many crimes merit far more severe punishment than they
meet with; but we should not leave our own work, to take that
upon ourselves to which we are not called. When Christ sent her
away, it was with this caution, Go, and sin no more. Those who
help to save the life of a criminal, should help to save the
soul with the same caution. Those are truly happy, whom Christ
does not condemn. Christ's favour to us in the forgiveness of
past sins should prevail with us, Go then, and sin no more.
03249
#12-16 Christ is the Light of the world. God is light, and
Christ is the image of the invisible God. One sun enlightens the
whole world; so does one Christ, and there needs no more. What a
dark dungeon would the world be without the sun! So would it be
without Jesus, by whom light came into the world. Those who
follow Christ shall not walk in darkness. They shall not be left
without the truths which are necessary to keep them from
destroying error, and the directions in the way of duty,
necessary to keep them from condemning sin.