Thematic Bible: Select readings
Thematic Bible
Christ » Devotions of » Select readings
One day Jesus had been praying in a certain place, and as soon as he had done, one of his disciples said to him, instruct us about prayer, as John the baptist instructed his disciples. he said therefore to them, when ye pray, say, "our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth, as in heaven. give us every day our portion of bread. read more.
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged. saying, in a certain city there was a judge, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary. read more.
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
Daily duty » Select readings
Don't allow any one to return evil for evil, but strive to do all the good you can to one another, and to all the world. be always chearful. pray upon all occasions. read more.
be thankful to God for every thing, for so christians are oblig'd to be. don't abuse the gifts of the spirit. don't despise the prophetic gift. bring every thing to the test: if it be proof, abide by that: if it has the least appearance of evil, reject it. Now may the God of peace make you intirely holy: may every part of you, your spirit, soul, and body be preserved irreprovable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. he that has called you, is faithful, and this he will effect. My brethren, pray for us. salute all the brethren with an holy kiss. I conjure you by the Lord, that this epistle may be read to all our christian brethren. the favour of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. AMEN.
be thankful to God for every thing, for so christians are oblig'd to be. don't abuse the gifts of the spirit. don't despise the prophetic gift. bring every thing to the test: if it be proof, abide by that: if it has the least appearance of evil, reject it. Now may the God of peace make you intirely holy: may every part of you, your spirit, soul, and body be preserved irreprovable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. he that has called you, is faithful, and this he will effect. My brethren, pray for us. salute all the brethren with an holy kiss. I conjure you by the Lord, that this epistle may be read to all our christian brethren. the favour of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. AMEN.
The Dead » Resurrection of » Select readings
Now I would not have you, my brethren, be mistaken about the state of the dead, lest you should be as greatly afflicted as those, who have no hope. for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we must believe that God by Jesus will raise the dead, and assemble them with him. for one thing I have in charge to tell you from the Lord, that we, who shall be found still alive at the coming of the Lord, shall not get the advance of those that are dead: read more.
for the Lord himself will descend from heaven, and by the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet of God, resound the summons: they who died christians shall rise first: then we, who shall be still alive, shall be convey'd together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall ever be with the Lord. therefore comfort one another with this information.
for the Lord himself will descend from heaven, and by the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet of God, resound the summons: they who died christians shall rise first: then we, who shall be still alive, shall be convey'd together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall ever be with the Lord. therefore comfort one another with this information.
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, who was of Bethany, the town of Mary, and of Martha her sister. (it was that Mary who perfum'd the Lord with ointment, after having wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) his two sisters therefore sent this message to Jesus; he, Lord, whom you love, is sick. read more.
when Jesus heard that, he said, the disease is not to be mortal, but is design'd for the glory of God, that the son of God might be glorified thereby. now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. however, he stay'd in the place where he was, even two days after he had heard that Lazarus was sick. and then he said to his disciples, let us return to Judea. upon which his disciples said, master, it is not long since the Jews attempted to stone you; and are you for going thither again? Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? he that travels by day does not stumble, because he has the light of this world to see by. but if a man travels by night he stumbles, because there is no light for him. thus he entertain'd them: and after that, he said to them, our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I am going to awake him. then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he will recover; though Jesus meant it of Lazarus's death: but they understood it of the natural rest in sleep. then Jesus told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there (to the intent you may believe) but now, let us go to him. then said Thomas, that is, Didymus, to his fellow-disciples, let us also go, that we may die with him. When Jesus was arriv'd, he found that Lazarus had been then four days in the grave. now Bethany being distant from Jerusalem but about fifteen furlongs, many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to condole with them upon the loss of their brother. Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him: but Mary stay'd at home. Lord, said Martha to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. but yet even now whatever you shall ask of God, I know God will grant it to you. Jesus said to her, your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again at the resurrection of the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me shall live even though he were dead: and no man living that believeth in me, shall ever die. do you believe this? yes, Lord, said Martha, I believe that thou art the Messiah the son of God, who was to come into the world. When she had said this, she went privately to call Mary her sister, saying, the master is come, and calls for you. no sooner she heard that, but she arose with all speed, and came to him. for Jesus was not yet arrived in the town, but staid at the place were Martha met him. the Jews then who were with Mary in the house to comfort her, when they saw that she rose in such haste, and went out, followed her, saying, she is going to the grave to weep there. Mary being come to the place where Jesus was, as soon as she saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying, Lord, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. when Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he sighed from his heart, and was troubled, and said, where have ye laid him? they said to him, Lord, come and see. then Jesus wept. upon which the Jews said, see how he loved him. but some of them said, this man who has given sight to the blind, could not he have prevented Lazarus's death? Jesus then again sighing, came to the sepulchre which was a cave, shut up by a stone. Jesus said, take away the stone. Martha, sister to the deceas'd, said to him, Lord, by this time he is offensive: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus said to her, did I not tell you, that if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? then they took away the stone from the place where the corps was laid. and Jesus lifting up his eyes to heaven said, "father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I know that thou hearest me always: but I say this, because of the people here present, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." when he had spoke this, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. and he that was dead came forth, his body wrapt in a winding sheet: and his face bound about with a napkin. loose him, said Jesus, and let him go.
when Jesus heard that, he said, the disease is not to be mortal, but is design'd for the glory of God, that the son of God might be glorified thereby. now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. however, he stay'd in the place where he was, even two days after he had heard that Lazarus was sick. and then he said to his disciples, let us return to Judea. upon which his disciples said, master, it is not long since the Jews attempted to stone you; and are you for going thither again? Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? he that travels by day does not stumble, because he has the light of this world to see by. but if a man travels by night he stumbles, because there is no light for him. thus he entertain'd them: and after that, he said to them, our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I am going to awake him. then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he will recover; though Jesus meant it of Lazarus's death: but they understood it of the natural rest in sleep. then Jesus told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there (to the intent you may believe) but now, let us go to him. then said Thomas, that is, Didymus, to his fellow-disciples, let us also go, that we may die with him. When Jesus was arriv'd, he found that Lazarus had been then four days in the grave. now Bethany being distant from Jerusalem but about fifteen furlongs, many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to condole with them upon the loss of their brother. Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him: but Mary stay'd at home. Lord, said Martha to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. but yet even now whatever you shall ask of God, I know God will grant it to you. Jesus said to her, your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again at the resurrection of the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me shall live even though he were dead: and no man living that believeth in me, shall ever die. do you believe this? yes, Lord, said Martha, I believe that thou art the Messiah the son of God, who was to come into the world. When she had said this, she went privately to call Mary her sister, saying, the master is come, and calls for you. no sooner she heard that, but she arose with all speed, and came to him. for Jesus was not yet arrived in the town, but staid at the place were Martha met him. the Jews then who were with Mary in the house to comfort her, when they saw that she rose in such haste, and went out, followed her, saying, she is going to the grave to weep there. Mary being come to the place where Jesus was, as soon as she saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying, Lord, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. when Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he sighed from his heart, and was troubled, and said, where have ye laid him? they said to him, Lord, come and see. then Jesus wept. upon which the Jews said, see how he loved him. but some of them said, this man who has given sight to the blind, could not he have prevented Lazarus's death? Jesus then again sighing, came to the sepulchre which was a cave, shut up by a stone. Jesus said, take away the stone. Martha, sister to the deceas'd, said to him, Lord, by this time he is offensive: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus said to her, did I not tell you, that if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? then they took away the stone from the place where the corps was laid. and Jesus lifting up his eyes to heaven said, "father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I know that thou hearest me always: but I say this, because of the people here present, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." when he had spoke this, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. and he that was dead came forth, his body wrapt in a winding sheet: and his face bound about with a napkin. loose him, said Jesus, and let him go.
When the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, after having bought aromatic drugs to embalm him, went to the sepulchre very early in the morning, the first day of the week, at sun-rising. and they said to one another, who will remove the stone from the mouth of the sepulchre for us? read more.
(for it was very great.) but when they were near in view, they perceiv'd that the stone was roll'd away. upon their entring into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting towards the right, cloathed in a long white garment: at which they were frighted. but he said to them, don't be frightned: you look for Jesus the Nazarene: he is risen, he is not here: see the place where he lay. go, tell Peter and the rest of his disciples, that he is gone before you into Galilee: there you will see him, as he foretold you. at this they started out, and fled from the sepulchre in a violent consternation, without speaking a word to any by the way: they were so frighted. Now Jesus being risen early on the first day of the week, he appear'd first to Mary Magdalene, whom he had dispossess'd of seven demons. immediately she went to those who frequented Jesus, and were then bemoaning themselves in tears, and acquainted them with it. but though they heard that he was alive, and had appear'd to her, they did not believe. after that, he appear'd under another form to two of them, as they were taking a walk into the country. and they went and acquainted the rest: but neither did they believe them. afterwards he appear'd to the eleven, as they were all sitting at table, and he reproved them for their incredulity and obstinacy in not giving credit to those, who had seen him after his resurrection.
(for it was very great.) but when they were near in view, they perceiv'd that the stone was roll'd away. upon their entring into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting towards the right, cloathed in a long white garment: at which they were frighted. but he said to them, don't be frightned: you look for Jesus the Nazarene: he is risen, he is not here: see the place where he lay. go, tell Peter and the rest of his disciples, that he is gone before you into Galilee: there you will see him, as he foretold you. at this they started out, and fled from the sepulchre in a violent consternation, without speaking a word to any by the way: they were so frighted. Now Jesus being risen early on the first day of the week, he appear'd first to Mary Magdalene, whom he had dispossess'd of seven demons. immediately she went to those who frequented Jesus, and were then bemoaning themselves in tears, and acquainted them with it. but though they heard that he was alive, and had appear'd to her, they did not believe. after that, he appear'd under another form to two of them, as they were taking a walk into the country. and they went and acquainted the rest: but neither did they believe them. afterwards he appear'd to the eleven, as they were all sitting at table, and he reproved them for their incredulity and obstinacy in not giving credit to those, who had seen him after his resurrection.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they went to the sepulchre with the spices they had provided, accompanied by several others. and having found that the stone had been remov'd from the sepulchre, they entred in, but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
whilst they were in great perplexity about it, all of a sudden, two men appear'd before them in robes of light. upon which they were frightned, and bowed themselves to the very ground: but the men said to them, why do you look among the dead for one that is alive? he is not here, but is risen: remember what he told you, when he was yet in Galilee, that the son of man must be deliver'd into the hands of sinful men; be crucified; and the third day rise again. then they remembred his words; and upon their return from the sepulchre, they related the whole matter to the eleven, and all the other disciples. it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others with them, who gave the apostles this relation: which however appear'd to them such a delirious tale, they could not give credit to any of them. yet Peter got up, and ran to the sepulchre, where stooping down he saw nothing but the linnen lying there: upon which he went away wondring with himself at such an event. The same day two of them went to a village named Emmaus, which was distant about threescore furlongs from Jerusalem: and their conversation ran upon all that had lately happened. now while they were conferring and debating together, Jesus himself join'd them and walk'd along with them. but their eyes were affected so as not to discern who he was. and he said to them, what is the subject of your debate in the way, and why do you look so sad? one of them, Cleopas by name, reply'd, are you such a stranger in Jerusalem as not to know what has so lately happen'd there? what about? said he. why, about Jesus the Nazarean, said they, who was a prophet, eminently recommended, by his doctrine and his works, to the approbation of God and of all the people; and of his being deliver'd up by our chief priests and magistrates to be condemn'd to die, whom they actually crucified: though we expected he would have been the Messiah, that was to deliver Israel: and besides all this, it is now three days since these things were done. 'tis true, some women of our company threw us into a surprize: for going to the sepulchre early in the morning, and not finding his body there, they came to tell us, that they had seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. whereupon some of us went to the sepulchre, and found matters just as the women had related; but him they did not see. then Jesus said to them, how stupidly incredulous are you not to believe things that have been all predicted by the prophets! was not the Messiah to have suffer'd thus, and after that enter into his glory? then beginning at Moses he explain'd all the passages there, and in all the prophets, which related to himself. and they drew nigh the village where they were going: and he seemed as if he would have pass'd on further. but they press'd him, saying, stay with us, for it is late and begins to be dark. so he went in to tarry with them. and as he was at table with them, he took bread, and gave thanks, then brake it and gave it to them; when looking upon him more intently, they perceiv'd that it was Jesus. but he vanish'd out of sight. Upon this, they said to one another, to what ardor did not our affections rise, while he talk'd with us by the way, and while he expounded to us the scriptures? and immediately they set out, and return'd to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven, and the rest of their company, all assembled, who said, the Lord is actually risen, and hath appeared to Simon. Thereupon the two disciples related what had hapned on the road, and how they first discover'd who Jesus was at his breaking of bread. While they were thus talking, Jesus himself appear'd in the midst of them, and said to them, peace be with you. but they were in a consternation and fright, imagining, that they saw a spirit. upon which he said to them, why are you in this confusion? what is it, that your minds are so perplex'd? behold my hands, and my feet. for I am bodily present, touch me and consider me; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me have: all the while holding out his hands and his feet, as he was speaking. but as they were diffident of so joyful an event, and still in amaze, he said to them, have you any thing here to eat? and they gave him a piece of broil'd fish, and of a honey-comb; which he took, and did eat in their presence. then he said, this is what I told you, while I was yet with you, that what has been written concerning me in the law of Moses, in the prophets, and in the psalms, must be all accomplished. then he open'd their minds to make them understand the scriptures, and said to them, thus it is written, and thus it behov'd Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
whilst they were in great perplexity about it, all of a sudden, two men appear'd before them in robes of light. upon which they were frightned, and bowed themselves to the very ground: but the men said to them, why do you look among the dead for one that is alive? he is not here, but is risen: remember what he told you, when he was yet in Galilee, that the son of man must be deliver'd into the hands of sinful men; be crucified; and the third day rise again. then they remembred his words; and upon their return from the sepulchre, they related the whole matter to the eleven, and all the other disciples. it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others with them, who gave the apostles this relation: which however appear'd to them such a delirious tale, they could not give credit to any of them. yet Peter got up, and ran to the sepulchre, where stooping down he saw nothing but the linnen lying there: upon which he went away wondring with himself at such an event. The same day two of them went to a village named Emmaus, which was distant about threescore furlongs from Jerusalem: and their conversation ran upon all that had lately happened. now while they were conferring and debating together, Jesus himself join'd them and walk'd along with them. but their eyes were affected so as not to discern who he was. and he said to them, what is the subject of your debate in the way, and why do you look so sad? one of them, Cleopas by name, reply'd, are you such a stranger in Jerusalem as not to know what has so lately happen'd there? what about? said he. why, about Jesus the Nazarean, said they, who was a prophet, eminently recommended, by his doctrine and his works, to the approbation of God and of all the people; and of his being deliver'd up by our chief priests and magistrates to be condemn'd to die, whom they actually crucified: though we expected he would have been the Messiah, that was to deliver Israel: and besides all this, it is now three days since these things were done. 'tis true, some women of our company threw us into a surprize: for going to the sepulchre early in the morning, and not finding his body there, they came to tell us, that they had seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. whereupon some of us went to the sepulchre, and found matters just as the women had related; but him they did not see. then Jesus said to them, how stupidly incredulous are you not to believe things that have been all predicted by the prophets! was not the Messiah to have suffer'd thus, and after that enter into his glory? then beginning at Moses he explain'd all the passages there, and in all the prophets, which related to himself. and they drew nigh the village where they were going: and he seemed as if he would have pass'd on further. but they press'd him, saying, stay with us, for it is late and begins to be dark. so he went in to tarry with them. and as he was at table with them, he took bread, and gave thanks, then brake it and gave it to them; when looking upon him more intently, they perceiv'd that it was Jesus. but he vanish'd out of sight. Upon this, they said to one another, to what ardor did not our affections rise, while he talk'd with us by the way, and while he expounded to us the scriptures? and immediately they set out, and return'd to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven, and the rest of their company, all assembled, who said, the Lord is actually risen, and hath appeared to Simon. Thereupon the two disciples related what had hapned on the road, and how they first discover'd who Jesus was at his breaking of bread. While they were thus talking, Jesus himself appear'd in the midst of them, and said to them, peace be with you. but they were in a consternation and fright, imagining, that they saw a spirit. upon which he said to them, why are you in this confusion? what is it, that your minds are so perplex'd? behold my hands, and my feet. for I am bodily present, touch me and consider me; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me have: all the while holding out his hands and his feet, as he was speaking. but as they were diffident of so joyful an event, and still in amaze, he said to them, have you any thing here to eat? and they gave him a piece of broil'd fish, and of a honey-comb; which he took, and did eat in their presence. then he said, this is what I told you, while I was yet with you, that what has been written concerning me in the law of Moses, in the prophets, and in the psalms, must be all accomplished. then he open'd their minds to make them understand the scriptures, and said to them, thus it is written, and thus it behov'd Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
God » Wisdom of » Select readings
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
On this head we have many things to say, not easily to be comprehended, because of your prejudices. for though by this time you ought to be capable of teaching others, you want to be instructed anew in the first principles of the divine oracles; and are in such a state as to stand in need of milk, rather than of solid nourishment. now he that is disciplined like a child, is not prepared for the doctrine of justification: read more.
such solid nourishment is only fit for such as are arriv'd at their full growth and strength, whose senses have been exercis'd in distinguishing what is good, and what is prejudicial.
such solid nourishment is only fit for such as are arriv'd at their full growth and strength, whose senses have been exercis'd in distinguishing what is good, and what is prejudicial.
Therefore omitting for the present the principles of the christian doctrine, we shall proceed to something more sublime, without mentioning those fundamental articles of repentance from destructive vices, and of divine faith: the doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment: of which we shall treat another time, if God permit. read more.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned, and have received the heavenly gifts, communicated by the holy spirit, and have known by experience the truth of the divine promises, and the miracles of the age that was to come; it is impossible, if they shall fall away, to re-instate themselves by repentance: seeing, as far in them lies, they crucify the son of God afresh, and expose him to open shame. for the earth which drinks up the frequent show'rs that fall upon it, and produces plants fit for the use of him that cultivates it, is stiled heavenly land: but that which bears thorns and briars, is look'd upon as lying under a curse; whose end will be to be burnt. But though we speak in this manner, my dear brethren, we expect better things of you, and such as are more suitable to your salvation. for God is too just to his promise not to regard your piety, and the love which you have shewn to the christian religion by the assistance ye have given to the saints, and still continue to give. but we desire that every one of you may shew the same concern, continuing to discharge the condition upon which your hopes are founded: that ye be not unactive, but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them. For when God gave his promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, saying, "surely I will heap blessings upon thee, and will give thee a numerous posterity." and after he had patiently waited, he obtained what was promised. for when men swear by a superior, the ratifying what they say with an oath, puts an end to all further debate.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned, and have received the heavenly gifts, communicated by the holy spirit, and have known by experience the truth of the divine promises, and the miracles of the age that was to come; it is impossible, if they shall fall away, to re-instate themselves by repentance: seeing, as far in them lies, they crucify the son of God afresh, and expose him to open shame. for the earth which drinks up the frequent show'rs that fall upon it, and produces plants fit for the use of him that cultivates it, is stiled heavenly land: but that which bears thorns and briars, is look'd upon as lying under a curse; whose end will be to be burnt. But though we speak in this manner, my dear brethren, we expect better things of you, and such as are more suitable to your salvation. for God is too just to his promise not to regard your piety, and the love which you have shewn to the christian religion by the assistance ye have given to the saints, and still continue to give. but we desire that every one of you may shew the same concern, continuing to discharge the condition upon which your hopes are founded: that ye be not unactive, but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them. For when God gave his promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, saying, "surely I will heap blessings upon thee, and will give thee a numerous posterity." and after he had patiently waited, he obtained what was promised. for when men swear by a superior, the ratifying what they say with an oath, puts an end to all further debate.
Heavenly » Home heavenly home the final dwelling place of the saints » Select readings
I advise you in like manner to lay out your fallacious treasure in acts of charity, that when you die, they may secure to you everlasting habitations.
Importunity » Select readings
One day Jesus had been praying in a certain place, and as soon as he had done, one of his disciples said to him, instruct us about prayer, as John the baptist instructed his disciples. he said therefore to them, when ye pray, say, "our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth, as in heaven. give us every day our portion of bread. read more.
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged. saying, in a certain city there was a judge, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary. read more.
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
Prayer » Select readings
One day Jesus had been praying in a certain place, and as soon as he had done, one of his disciples said to him, instruct us about prayer, as John the baptist instructed his disciples. he said therefore to them, when ye pray, say, "our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth, as in heaven. give us every day our portion of bread. read more.
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged. saying, in a certain city there was a judge, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary. read more.
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
Select readings » The raising of lazarus
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, who was of Bethany, the town of Mary, and of Martha her sister. (it was that Mary who perfum'd the Lord with ointment, after having wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) his two sisters therefore sent this message to Jesus; he, Lord, whom you love, is sick.
now Bethany being distant from Jerusalem but about fifteen furlongs, many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to condole with them upon the loss of their brother. Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him: but Mary stay'd at home. read more.
Lord, said Martha to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. but yet even now whatever you shall ask of God, I know God will grant it to you. Jesus said to her, your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again at the resurrection of the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me shall live even though he were dead: and no man living that believeth in me, shall ever die. do you believe this? yes, Lord, said Martha, I believe that thou art the Messiah the son of God, who was to come into the world. When she had said this, she went privately to call Mary her sister, saying, the master is come, and calls for you. no sooner she heard that, but she arose with all speed, and came to him. for Jesus was not yet arrived in the town, but staid at the place were Martha met him. the Jews then who were with Mary in the house to comfort her, when they saw that she rose in such haste, and went out, followed her, saying, she is going to the grave to weep there. Mary being come to the place where Jesus was, as soon as she saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying, Lord, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. when Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he sighed from his heart, and was troubled, and said, where have ye laid him? they said to him, Lord, come and see. then Jesus wept. upon which the Jews said, see how he loved him. but some of them said, this man who has given sight to the blind, could not he have prevented Lazarus's death? Jesus then again sighing, came to the sepulchre which was a cave, shut up by a stone. Jesus said, take away the stone. Martha, sister to the deceas'd, said to him, Lord, by this time he is offensive: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus said to her, did I not tell you, that if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? then they took away the stone from the place where the corps was laid. and Jesus lifting up his eyes to heaven said, "father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I know that thou hearest me always: but I say this, because of the people here present, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." when he had spoke this, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. and he that was dead came forth, his body wrapt in a winding sheet: and his face bound about with a napkin. loose him, said Jesus, and let him go. many therefore of the Jews who came to see Mary, and had seen what Jesus had done, believed on him. But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done.
Lord, said Martha to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. but yet even now whatever you shall ask of God, I know God will grant it to you. Jesus said to her, your brother shall rise again. Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again at the resurrection of the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me shall live even though he were dead: and no man living that believeth in me, shall ever die. do you believe this? yes, Lord, said Martha, I believe that thou art the Messiah the son of God, who was to come into the world. When she had said this, she went privately to call Mary her sister, saying, the master is come, and calls for you. no sooner she heard that, but she arose with all speed, and came to him. for Jesus was not yet arrived in the town, but staid at the place were Martha met him. the Jews then who were with Mary in the house to comfort her, when they saw that she rose in such haste, and went out, followed her, saying, she is going to the grave to weep there. Mary being come to the place where Jesus was, as soon as she saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying, Lord, if you had been here, my brother had not been dead. when Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he sighed from his heart, and was troubled, and said, where have ye laid him? they said to him, Lord, come and see. then Jesus wept. upon which the Jews said, see how he loved him. but some of them said, this man who has given sight to the blind, could not he have prevented Lazarus's death? Jesus then again sighing, came to the sepulchre which was a cave, shut up by a stone. Jesus said, take away the stone. Martha, sister to the deceas'd, said to him, Lord, by this time he is offensive: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus said to her, did I not tell you, that if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? then they took away the stone from the place where the corps was laid. and Jesus lifting up his eyes to heaven said, "father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I know that thou hearest me always: but I say this, because of the people here present, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." when he had spoke this, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. and he that was dead came forth, his body wrapt in a winding sheet: and his face bound about with a napkin. loose him, said Jesus, and let him go. many therefore of the Jews who came to see Mary, and had seen what Jesus had done, believed on him. But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done.
Select readings » David's lament over absalom
Select readings » The betrayal of jesus by judas iscariot
Before he had done speaking, the company appears, Judas one of the twelve marching in front, who advanc'd to Jesus to give him a kiss. but Jesus said to him, Judas is it thus you betray the son of man, with a kiss? they who were about him seeing what would happen, said to him, shall we smite with the sword? read more.
and one of them struck a servant of the high priest, and slash'd off his right ear. but Jesus oppos'd, and said, forbear, stop there. and having touch'd his ear, he healed him. then said Jesus to the chief priests, the officers of the temple, and the rulers, who were come to take him, are you come here with swords and staves as in pursuit of a robber? I was daily with you in the temple, and you never offer'd to seize me: but now you have your hour, and the prince of darkness his day. Then they seized him and carried him away to the high priest's house, and Peter followed at a distance. now as they had made a fire in the middle of the hall, and people were sitting all round it, Peter too sat down among them. but one of the servants seeing him by the fire, star'd him in the face, and said, this man was with him too. but he renounc'd Jesus, saying, woman, I don't know him. a little while after another seeing him, said, you are even one of them. but Peter said to him, man, I am not. about an hour after another confidently affirm'd, saying, this fellow was certainly with him; for he too is a Galilean. Peter reply'd, man, I don't know what you would say, and immediately while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. whereupon the Lord turned about, and look'd upon Peter. then Peter remembred what the Lord had said to him, "before the cock-crowing you shall deny me thrice." and Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
and one of them struck a servant of the high priest, and slash'd off his right ear. but Jesus oppos'd, and said, forbear, stop there. and having touch'd his ear, he healed him. then said Jesus to the chief priests, the officers of the temple, and the rulers, who were come to take him, are you come here with swords and staves as in pursuit of a robber? I was daily with you in the temple, and you never offer'd to seize me: but now you have your hour, and the prince of darkness his day. Then they seized him and carried him away to the high priest's house, and Peter followed at a distance. now as they had made a fire in the middle of the hall, and people were sitting all round it, Peter too sat down among them. but one of the servants seeing him by the fire, star'd him in the face, and said, this man was with him too. but he renounc'd Jesus, saying, woman, I don't know him. a little while after another seeing him, said, you are even one of them. but Peter said to him, man, I am not. about an hour after another confidently affirm'd, saying, this fellow was certainly with him; for he too is a Galilean. Peter reply'd, man, I don't know what you would say, and immediately while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. whereupon the Lord turned about, and look'd upon Peter. then Peter remembred what the Lord had said to him, "before the cock-crowing you shall deny me thrice." and Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Select readings » The parable of the good samaritan
Then a doctor of the law stood up to try him, saying, master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? to whom he answered, how does the law run in that case? what do you find? he replied, 'tis thus, "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy understanding; and thy neighbour as thy self." read more.
you have answered well, replied Jesus, do this, and you shall live. but he being desirous to clear himself, said to Jesus, but what is meant by our neighbour? to which Jesus answered, a certain man, as he was going from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among thieves, who stripp'd him, and beat him, then march'd off leaving him half dead. a certain priest happen'd to be travelling that way, who look'd upon him, and then pass'd on. a Levite too came to the same place, gave him a look, and pass'd on. but a certain Samaritan being on the road, came where he was, and when he saw him, he took compassion on him, went up to him, dress'd his wounds by applying oil and wine, then set him upon his own mule, and brought him to an inn, where he took care of him. upon his departure the next day, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the master of the house, take care of him, said he, and I will repay you all the charges you are at, upon my return. which now of the three do you think was neighbour to the man that was robb'd. he, reply'd the doctor, who took pity on him. then said Jesus to him, go then, and imitate his example.
you have answered well, replied Jesus, do this, and you shall live. but he being desirous to clear himself, said to Jesus, but what is meant by our neighbour? to which Jesus answered, a certain man, as he was going from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among thieves, who stripp'd him, and beat him, then march'd off leaving him half dead. a certain priest happen'd to be travelling that way, who look'd upon him, and then pass'd on. a Levite too came to the same place, gave him a look, and pass'd on. but a certain Samaritan being on the road, came where he was, and when he saw him, he took compassion on him, went up to him, dress'd his wounds by applying oil and wine, then set him upon his own mule, and brought him to an inn, where he took care of him. upon his departure the next day, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the master of the house, take care of him, said he, and I will repay you all the charges you are at, upon my return. which now of the three do you think was neighbour to the man that was robb'd. he, reply'd the doctor, who took pity on him. then said Jesus to him, go then, and imitate his example.
Select readings » Elijah's miraculous preservation
Select readings » The parable of the prodigal son
Again he said: a certain man had two sons; the younger of which said to his father, father, give me that portion of the estate which falls to my share. accordingly he divided his estate among them. a little while after the younger son turn'd all he had into money, and travell'd into a foreign country, where he squander'd away his fortune in luxurious living. read more.
when he had spent all, there happen'd to be a severe famine in that country; and he was reduced to want, which forc'd him to make his application to one of the inhabitants there, who sent him to his farm to look after his swine. for he would have been contented to have liv'd upon the carruways, with which they usually fed the swine: but nobody would supply him. at length coming to himself, how many, said he, does my father keep in pay, who have bread in abundance, whilst I am dying here with hunger? I will depart, and go to my father, and say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against thee; I am no longer worthy to be called your son: treat me as one of your hir'd servants. so he departed and went to his father. but while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and mov'd with compassion, ran and threw himself upon his neck, and kissed him. then the son said to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son. but the father said to his servants, bring hither the finest robe, and put it on him: put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet. take the fatted calf, and kill it: let us eat and be merry: for this son of mine was dead, and is come to life: he was lost, and is found again. and then they began their feast. In the mean time his elder son was in the country. at his return, when he came near home, he heard the musick and dancing: and calling one of the servants, he ask'd what was the occasion of it, who reply'd, your brother is return'd, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in good health. upon this he was full of resentment, and refused to go in: and when his father came out to persuade him, he replied to his father, how many years have I serv'd you, without having ever disobey'd your orders? and yet you never bestow'd a kid upon me, to make merry with my friends: whereas this son of yours, who has eat up his fortune among a pack of loose creatures, is no sooner come but you must kill the fatted calf for him. son, said he to him, you shall continue to be with me, and all that I have shall be thine. but it was necessary to feast and rejoice, because your brother here was dead, and is again alive: he was lost and is now found.
when he had spent all, there happen'd to be a severe famine in that country; and he was reduced to want, which forc'd him to make his application to one of the inhabitants there, who sent him to his farm to look after his swine. for he would have been contented to have liv'd upon the carruways, with which they usually fed the swine: but nobody would supply him. at length coming to himself, how many, said he, does my father keep in pay, who have bread in abundance, whilst I am dying here with hunger? I will depart, and go to my father, and say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against thee; I am no longer worthy to be called your son: treat me as one of your hir'd servants. so he departed and went to his father. but while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and mov'd with compassion, ran and threw himself upon his neck, and kissed him. then the son said to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son. but the father said to his servants, bring hither the finest robe, and put it on him: put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet. take the fatted calf, and kill it: let us eat and be merry: for this son of mine was dead, and is come to life: he was lost, and is found again. and then they began their feast. In the mean time his elder son was in the country. at his return, when he came near home, he heard the musick and dancing: and calling one of the servants, he ask'd what was the occasion of it, who reply'd, your brother is return'd, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in good health. upon this he was full of resentment, and refused to go in: and when his father came out to persuade him, he replied to his father, how many years have I serv'd you, without having ever disobey'd your orders? and yet you never bestow'd a kid upon me, to make merry with my friends: whereas this son of yours, who has eat up his fortune among a pack of loose creatures, is no sooner come but you must kill the fatted calf for him. son, said he to him, you shall continue to be with me, and all that I have shall be thine. but it was necessary to feast and rejoice, because your brother here was dead, and is again alive: he was lost and is now found.
Select readings » The brevity of life
Select readings » Paul on mars' hill
Then Paul being plac'd in the middle of the Areopagus, said thus, "I observe, O Athenians, that you are in a manner too devout. for considering, as I pass'd along, the deitys, which you adore, I met with an altar that had this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. now that GOD whom you worship without knowing him, is the same that I denounce to you. the GOD who made the world and every thing therein, and is the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples erected by men: read more.
he receives no service from their officiousness: he is self-sufficient: it is he that gives to all their life and breath and every thing they have. he he has deduced all mankind from one parent, to inhabit the surface of the whole earth, having pre-establish'd the appointed periods, and the boundarys of their dominions: by which they might enquire, and by due reflection investigate the supreme being, although he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, are moved, and do exist: even as some of your own poets have said, WE ARE EVEN HIS OFFSPRING. since then we are the offspring of God, we should not imagine that the Deity bears any resemblance to the form which Gold, or Silver, or Stone has receiv'd from human art and industry. God has been pleas'd to over-look this state of ignorance: but now he enjoins all men every where to repent: because he has fix'd the day, when he will judge in equity, by that man, whom he has appointed thereto: of which he has given full proof to all the world, by having raised him from the dead."
he receives no service from their officiousness: he is self-sufficient: it is he that gives to all their life and breath and every thing they have. he he has deduced all mankind from one parent, to inhabit the surface of the whole earth, having pre-establish'd the appointed periods, and the boundarys of their dominions: by which they might enquire, and by due reflection investigate the supreme being, although he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, are moved, and do exist: even as some of your own poets have said, WE ARE EVEN HIS OFFSPRING. since then we are the offspring of God, we should not imagine that the Deity bears any resemblance to the form which Gold, or Silver, or Stone has receiv'd from human art and industry. God has been pleas'd to over-look this state of ignorance: but now he enjoins all men every where to repent: because he has fix'd the day, when he will judge in equity, by that man, whom he has appointed thereto: of which he has given full proof to all the world, by having raised him from the dead."
Select readings » Judah's defense
Select readings » Paul and silas in prison
One day as we went to the oratory, we happen'd to meet a slave, who had the spirit Python, and was very gainful to her masters by telling of fortunes. as she followed Paul and the rest of us, she cried out, these men are the servants of the most high God, who show you the way to salvation. this she did for several days, till Paul tir'd with it turn'd about, and said to the spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ I command you to quit her; and instantly he came out. read more.
her masters finding they had lost such a prospect of gain, seized upon Paul and Silas, and hawl'd them to the publick place before the magistrates. having presented them to the Officers, they said, these men, who are Jews, raise great disorders in our city, and preach such maxims, as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise. upon this the populace rose upon them, and the Officers order'd them to be stript and scourg'd. after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe. in consequence of this order he thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. At midnight Paul and Silas went to prayers, and sang praises to God, which the other prisoners heard: when all of a sudden there was such a great earthquake, that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors opened, and the setters dropp'd from the prisoners. the jayler waking, and seeing the prison-doors open, drew his sword, designing to dispatch himself from the apprehension that the prisoners had escaped. but Paul call'd to him aloud, and said, do thy self no harm, for we are all here. then having called for a light, he ran in, and with trembling fell down before Paul and Silas; and bringing them out, he said, sirs, what must I do to be saved? believe, said they, on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you, and your family. then they declared the word of the Lord to him, and to all his family. at the same time of night he washed their stripes, and immediately he was baptized, he, and all that belong'd to him. then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God. When it was day the officers sent their serjeants to bid the jayler let the men go. so the jayler told Paul, the magistrates had order'd them to be discharg'd. depart then, said he, and go in peace. but Paul replied, they have publickly scourg'd us, who are Romans, without any trial, they have thrown us into jayl, and now do they give us a private discharge? no, let them come themselves and release us. the serjeants having reported what he said, to their officers, they began to be apprehensive upon hearing they were Romans. so they came, and by persuasions brought them out, and desired them to leave the city. then they quitted the prison, and went to Lydia's house, where finding the brethren, they gave them an exhortation, and departed.
her masters finding they had lost such a prospect of gain, seized upon Paul and Silas, and hawl'd them to the publick place before the magistrates. having presented them to the Officers, they said, these men, who are Jews, raise great disorders in our city, and preach such maxims, as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise. upon this the populace rose upon them, and the Officers order'd them to be stript and scourg'd. after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe. in consequence of this order he thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. At midnight Paul and Silas went to prayers, and sang praises to God, which the other prisoners heard: when all of a sudden there was such a great earthquake, that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors opened, and the setters dropp'd from the prisoners. the jayler waking, and seeing the prison-doors open, drew his sword, designing to dispatch himself from the apprehension that the prisoners had escaped. but Paul call'd to him aloud, and said, do thy self no harm, for we are all here. then having called for a light, he ran in, and with trembling fell down before Paul and Silas; and bringing them out, he said, sirs, what must I do to be saved? believe, said they, on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you, and your family. then they declared the word of the Lord to him, and to all his family. at the same time of night he washed their stripes, and immediately he was baptized, he, and all that belong'd to him. then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God. When it was day the officers sent their serjeants to bid the jayler let the men go. so the jayler told Paul, the magistrates had order'd them to be discharg'd. depart then, said he, and go in peace. but Paul replied, they have publickly scourg'd us, who are Romans, without any trial, they have thrown us into jayl, and now do they give us a private discharge? no, let them come themselves and release us. the serjeants having reported what he said, to their officers, they began to be apprehensive upon hearing they were Romans. so they came, and by persuasions brought them out, and desired them to leave the city. then they quitted the prison, and went to Lydia's house, where finding the brethren, they gave them an exhortation, and departed.
Select readings » The majesty of God
Select readings » Song of moses when pharaoh and his army were overthrown
Select readings » The deliverance of the israelites from pharaoh
Select readings » The prophetic blessing of zacharias
Then Zacharias his father, inspired by the holy spirit, vented his divine enthusiasm in these words. "blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he hath regarded and wrought a deliverance for his people: he hath rais'd up a powerful saviour for us, in the family of his servant David, read more.
according to the antient promise he made by the mouth of the holy prophets, to deliver us from our enemies, and from the power of all that hate us: to show regard to our forefathers, in performing his holy covenant, the oath which he made to our father Abraham, to grant us this favour, that we should be delivered from the power of our enemies, and serve him with security, in the sincere practice of holiness and justice, all our days. and you, dear babe, you shall be the prophet of the most high: for you shall go before the Lord, in order to prepare his way, by acquainting his people how they may be saved by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun has visited us from on high, to enlighten those, who are in darkness, and in the shadow of death, and to direct our steps into the ways of peace." Now the child continued to grow, and greatly improv'd in sense; and was in the desarts till the time, when he was to be manifested to Israel.
according to the antient promise he made by the mouth of the holy prophets, to deliver us from our enemies, and from the power of all that hate us: to show regard to our forefathers, in performing his holy covenant, the oath which he made to our father Abraham, to grant us this favour, that we should be delivered from the power of our enemies, and serve him with security, in the sincere practice of holiness and justice, all our days. and you, dear babe, you shall be the prophet of the most high: for you shall go before the Lord, in order to prepare his way, by acquainting his people how they may be saved by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun has visited us from on high, to enlighten those, who are in darkness, and in the shadow of death, and to direct our steps into the ways of peace." Now the child continued to grow, and greatly improv'd in sense; and was in the desarts till the time, when he was to be manifested to Israel.
Select readings » Joseph revealing his identity
Select readings » Mankind in extremity
Select readings » Mary's magnificat
Then Mary said, "my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour, for he hath regarded the low estate of his servant: and future ages shall proclaim me blessed. read more.
the almighty hath distinguish'd me by the greatest marks of favour: his name be for ever reverenc'd. his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. he hath displayed the strength of his arm, and has confounded the proud by the devices of their hearts. he has cast down princes from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree, the needy he has furnished with plentiful enjoyments, and the rich he has reduced to poverty. he has taken Israel his servant into his protection, in pursuance of the mercy, which he promised to our forefathers, to Abraham, and to his posterity for ever." Now Mary stay'd about three months with Elizabeth, and then return'd to her own house.
the almighty hath distinguish'd me by the greatest marks of favour: his name be for ever reverenc'd. his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. he hath displayed the strength of his arm, and has confounded the proud by the devices of their hearts. he has cast down princes from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree, the needy he has furnished with plentiful enjoyments, and the rich he has reduced to poverty. he has taken Israel his servant into his protection, in pursuance of the mercy, which he promised to our forefathers, to Abraham, and to his posterity for ever." Now Mary stay'd about three months with Elizabeth, and then return'd to her own house.
Select readings » God's providence
consider the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor lay up any stores; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much greater value than they? who by all his sollicitude can add one moment to his age? And as for rayment, why should that give you pain? consider the lillies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin. read more.
and yet I tell you, even Solomon with all his magnificence, was not arrayed like one of these. now if God thus adorns the flower of the field, which thriving to day, is to morrow thrown into the oven, how much more shall he provide for you, if you have any degree of faith? therefore make no such sollicitous enquiries, as what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or how shall we be clothed? things which the Gentiles are so thoughtful about, and which your heavenly Father knows that you want. but first seek the kingdom of God, and that righteousness which leads to it, and all these things shall be superadded. be not therefore sollicitous about the morrow: for the morrow shall be taken up with the cares of the morrow, the trouble of the day is sufficient for one day.
and yet I tell you, even Solomon with all his magnificence, was not arrayed like one of these. now if God thus adorns the flower of the field, which thriving to day, is to morrow thrown into the oven, how much more shall he provide for you, if you have any degree of faith? therefore make no such sollicitous enquiries, as what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or how shall we be clothed? things which the Gentiles are so thoughtful about, and which your heavenly Father knows that you want. but first seek the kingdom of God, and that righteousness which leads to it, and all these things shall be superadded. be not therefore sollicitous about the morrow: for the morrow shall be taken up with the cares of the morrow, the trouble of the day is sufficient for one day.
Select readings » Naaman the leper
Select readings » The resurrection of jesus Christ
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they went to the sepulchre with the spices they had provided, accompanied by several others. and having found that the stone had been remov'd from the sepulchre, they entred in, but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
whilst they were in great perplexity about it, all of a sudden, two men appear'd before them in robes of light. upon which they were frightned, and bowed themselves to the very ground: but the men said to them, why do you look among the dead for one that is alive? he is not here, but is risen: remember what he told you, when he was yet in Galilee, that the son of man must be deliver'd into the hands of sinful men; be crucified; and the third day rise again. then they remembred his words; and upon their return from the sepulchre, they related the whole matter to the eleven, and all the other disciples. it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others with them, who gave the apostles this relation: which however appear'd to them such a delirious tale, they could not give credit to any of them. yet Peter got up, and ran to the sepulchre, where stooping down he saw nothing but the linnen lying there: upon which he went away wondring with himself at such an event.
whilst they were in great perplexity about it, all of a sudden, two men appear'd before them in robes of light. upon which they were frightned, and bowed themselves to the very ground: but the men said to them, why do you look among the dead for one that is alive? he is not here, but is risen: remember what he told you, when he was yet in Galilee, that the son of man must be deliver'd into the hands of sinful men; be crucified; and the third day rise again. then they remembred his words; and upon their return from the sepulchre, they related the whole matter to the eleven, and all the other disciples. it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others with them, who gave the apostles this relation: which however appear'd to them such a delirious tale, they could not give credit to any of them. yet Peter got up, and ran to the sepulchre, where stooping down he saw nothing but the linnen lying there: upon which he went away wondring with himself at such an event.
Select readings » Wise and foolish builders
Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but only they who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. many will cry out to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? have we not cast out devils in thy name? and in thy name have we not wrought many miracles? and then will I make this declaration to them: I never knew you: depart from me ye that have practised iniquity. read more.
therefore, whoever heareth these instructions of mine, and puts them in practice, I will compare him to the prudent man, who built his house upon a rock: the rain descended, the floods came, the winds blew, and beat upon that house: but it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. but every one that heareth these instructions of mine, and practiseth them not, shall be compared to a fool who built his house upon the sand: the rain descends, the flood rushes on, the winds blow, and beat upon the house: down it falls, and wide are its ruins.
therefore, whoever heareth these instructions of mine, and puts them in practice, I will compare him to the prudent man, who built his house upon a rock: the rain descended, the floods came, the winds blew, and beat upon that house: but it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. but every one that heareth these instructions of mine, and practiseth them not, shall be compared to a fool who built his house upon the sand: the rain descends, the flood rushes on, the winds blow, and beat upon the house: down it falls, and wide are its ruins.
Select readings » Peter on the day of pentecost
When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord. when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were. and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them: read more.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance. now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans? how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God. and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be? others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, and raising his voice, said to them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and observe what I say. these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is but the third hour of the day. but this is the accomplishment of what was said by the prophet Joel, "it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams: and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy: and I will shew prodigies in the heavens, and signs on the earth; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and illustrious day of the Lord shall come. and then whoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved." ye men of Israel attend to what I say; Jesus of Nazareth was a man whom God distinguished among you, by miracles, by prodigies, and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as you your selves also know: him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by means of the wicked, have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having delivered him from the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be overpower'd by it. for David says concerning him, "I had the Lord always present before me, he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. therefore did my heart rejoice, my tongue was glad: and my body shall rest in hope. because thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave, nor wilt thou give thine holy one a prey to corruption. thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy by thy presence." men and brethren, let me with assurance tell you of the patriarch David, who died and was buried here, his sepulchre being with us to this day: that, as he was a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him, to place the fruit of his loins upon his throne: foreseeing this, he spoke of the resurrection of Christ, when he said, "that his soul was not lest in the grave, neither did his body undergo corruption."' 'tis this Jesus whom God hath raised up, of which we all are witnesses. therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the father the promise of the holy spirit, he has diffused that spirit, the effects of which ye now see and hear. for David is not ascended to heaven: yet he saith himself, "the Lord said to my Lord, sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool." therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance. now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans? how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God. and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be? others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, and raising his voice, said to them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and observe what I say. these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is but the third hour of the day. but this is the accomplishment of what was said by the prophet Joel, "it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams: and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy: and I will shew prodigies in the heavens, and signs on the earth; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and illustrious day of the Lord shall come. and then whoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved." ye men of Israel attend to what I say; Jesus of Nazareth was a man whom God distinguished among you, by miracles, by prodigies, and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as you your selves also know: him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by means of the wicked, have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having delivered him from the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be overpower'd by it. for David says concerning him, "I had the Lord always present before me, he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. therefore did my heart rejoice, my tongue was glad: and my body shall rest in hope. because thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave, nor wilt thou give thine holy one a prey to corruption. thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy by thy presence." men and brethren, let me with assurance tell you of the patriarch David, who died and was buried here, his sepulchre being with us to this day: that, as he was a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him, to place the fruit of his loins upon his throne: foreseeing this, he spoke of the resurrection of Christ, when he said, "that his soul was not lest in the grave, neither did his body undergo corruption."' 'tis this Jesus whom God hath raised up, of which we all are witnesses. therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the father the promise of the holy spirit, he has diffused that spirit, the effects of which ye now see and hear. for David is not ascended to heaven: yet he saith himself, "the Lord said to my Lord, sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool." therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Select readings » Elisha and the widow's oil
Select readings » Stephen's defense
Then said the high priest, are these things so? Stephen answer'd, my brethren, and you my fathers, lend your attention. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him, quit your country, and your kindred, to go to the land which I shall shew thee. read more.
thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell. he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child. God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years. and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place." at length he gave him the covenant of circumcision: accordingly Abraham circumcised his son Isaac eight days after he was born, Isaac was father of Jacob, who was father of the twelve patriarchs. the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold. in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there. at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh. after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons. so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, till another king arose who knew not Joseph. this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race. in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son. at length Moses was instructed in all the sciences of the Egyptians, and had great influence by his counsels and actions. when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel. and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it. the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another? but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? will you kill me as you kill'd the Egyptian yesterday? at these words Moses fled, and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons. when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush. Moses was astonished at this vision: and as he drew near to observe it, he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." and Moses trembled so, he durst not observe any longer. then said the Lord to him, "put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. come immediately, and I will send you into Egypt." this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. he it was, who delivered them by doing prodigies and miracles in the land of Egypt, in the red sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition. "make us gods, said they to Aaron, to be our guides: for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." 'twas then they made a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, triumphing in the works of their own hands. then God left them, and abandon'd them to the worship of the celestial army; as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O ye house of Israel, is it to me that ye have offered victims, and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? on the contrary, ye carried the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: wherefore I will transport you beyond Babylon." our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, ordering Moses to make it according to the model that he had seen. which our fathers and Joshua having receiv'd, they carry'd it into the territory of those nations whom God drove out upon their arrival: where it staid to the time of David, who was favoured by God, and desired to have a settled tabernacle for the God of Jacob. it was Solomon however that built him a temple. altho' the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet said, "heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? hath not my hand made all these things?" stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd? you, I say, who received the law by the administration of angels, but have not however observ'd it. When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God.
thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell. he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child. God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years. and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place." at length he gave him the covenant of circumcision: accordingly Abraham circumcised his son Isaac eight days after he was born, Isaac was father of Jacob, who was father of the twelve patriarchs. the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold. in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there. at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh. after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons. so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, till another king arose who knew not Joseph. this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race. in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son. at length Moses was instructed in all the sciences of the Egyptians, and had great influence by his counsels and actions. when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel. and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it. the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another? but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? will you kill me as you kill'd the Egyptian yesterday? at these words Moses fled, and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons. when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush. Moses was astonished at this vision: and as he drew near to observe it, he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." and Moses trembled so, he durst not observe any longer. then said the Lord to him, "put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. come immediately, and I will send you into Egypt." this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. he it was, who delivered them by doing prodigies and miracles in the land of Egypt, in the red sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition. "make us gods, said they to Aaron, to be our guides: for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." 'twas then they made a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, triumphing in the works of their own hands. then God left them, and abandon'd them to the worship of the celestial army; as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O ye house of Israel, is it to me that ye have offered victims, and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? on the contrary, ye carried the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: wherefore I will transport you beyond Babylon." our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, ordering Moses to make it according to the model that he had seen. which our fathers and Joshua having receiv'd, they carry'd it into the territory of those nations whom God drove out upon their arrival: where it staid to the time of David, who was favoured by God, and desired to have a settled tabernacle for the God of Jacob. it was Solomon however that built him a temple. altho' the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet said, "heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? hath not my hand made all these things?" stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd? you, I say, who received the law by the administration of angels, but have not however observ'd it. When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Select readings » The beatitudes
Jesus, to avoid this crowd of people, went to a mountain: and when he was set down, his disciples came to him. and he addressed himself to them in these instructions. Blessed are they, that are of an humble spirit, for of such is the kingdom of the Messias. read more.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the pacific: for they shall be the children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted upon the account of righteousness: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt become insipid, how shall it recover its savour? it is no longer fit for any thing, but to be cast out and trod under foot. ye are the light of the world. a city that is situated on an hill, cannot be hid; and when men light a lamp, they do not put it under a bushel: but on the stand, to give light to all the family. even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the pacific: for they shall be the children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted upon the account of righteousness: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt become insipid, how shall it recover its savour? it is no longer fit for any thing, but to be cast out and trod under foot. ye are the light of the world. a city that is situated on an hill, cannot be hid; and when men light a lamp, they do not put it under a bushel: but on the stand, to give light to all the family. even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven.
Select readings » Old age
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United prayer » Select readings
One day Jesus had been praying in a certain place, and as soon as he had done, one of his disciples said to him, instruct us about prayer, as John the baptist instructed his disciples. he said therefore to them, when ye pray, say, "our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth, as in heaven. give us every day our portion of bread. read more.
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged. saying, in a certain city there was a judge, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary. read more.
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
Unwise prayers » Select readings
One day Jesus had been praying in a certain place, and as soon as he had done, one of his disciples said to him, instruct us about prayer, as John the baptist instructed his disciples. he said therefore to them, when ye pray, say, "our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth, as in heaven. give us every day our portion of bread. read more.
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Then he said to them, suppose any of you should go to his friend at midnight; and say to him, friend, lend me three loaves: for a friend of mine, a traveller, is come to my house, and I have nothing to entertain him with. and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you. I tell you, tho' he will not rise, to supply him, out of friendship: yet out of regard to his importunity, he will rise, and lend him whatever he has occasion for. I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?
Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged. saying, in a certain city there was a judge, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary. read more.
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?
Wealth » Accumulation of » Select readings
to which purpose he propos'd to them this parable: a rich man had some land that was very fruitful. and thus he reason'd with himself, what shall I do for want of room to store up my crop? this will I do, said he, I will pull down my barns, and build greater: and there I will bestow all my rich product. read more.
then I will say to my soul, soul, you have many enjoyments in reserve for a number of years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry. but God said to him, thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee: who then shall enjoy what thou hast provided? such is he, who heaps up his treasure here, and makes no provision for another world.
then I will say to my soul, soul, you have many enjoyments in reserve for a number of years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry. but God said to him, thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee: who then shall enjoy what thou hast provided? such is he, who heaps up his treasure here, and makes no provision for another world.
There was a rich man, who used to dress in purple and fine linnen, and pass his days in pomp and luxury. a certain beggar named Lazarus, was lying at his gate, and tho' cover'd with ulcers, the very dogs came and fawned upon him. but he wanted to be fed with the crumbs, that fell from the rich man's table. read more.
at length the beggar died: and was conveyed by the angels to Abraham's bower. the rich man died too, and was buried. and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. and he cry'd out, saying, father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. but Abraham said, son, remember you had your enjoyments, when you were alive, and Lazarus his misfortunes: but now he has his consolation, and you your torments. besides this, there is an unalterable chasm between us and you, so that the passage from one place to the other is impracticable to those who should attempt it. upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers, to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment. but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them. no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent. Abraham replied, if they disregard Moses and the prophets, they will not believe any one, though he rose from the dead.
at length the beggar died: and was conveyed by the angels to Abraham's bower. the rich man died too, and was buried. and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. and he cry'd out, saying, father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. but Abraham said, son, remember you had your enjoyments, when you were alive, and Lazarus his misfortunes: but now he has his consolation, and you your torments. besides this, there is an unalterable chasm between us and you, so that the passage from one place to the other is impracticable to those who should attempt it. upon which he said, father, I beg it of you, that you would send him to my father's family, where I have five brothers, to give them warning, lest they also come into this place of torment. but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them. no, father Abraham, said he, they will not: but if any of the dead went to them, they will certainly repent. Abraham replied, if they disregard Moses and the prophets, they will not believe any one, though he rose from the dead.