promised to them that love him? ii. 5. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever, 1 Pet. i. 23. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin, because he is born of God, 1 John iii.

2.9.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side, 19. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel, Gen. iii. 15. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it, John viii. 44. And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? Acts xiii. 10. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things), Phil. iii. 18, 19. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil, 1 John iii. 8. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother,

10.

VER. 39.

Ὁ δὲ ἐχθρὸς ὁ σπείρας αὐτὰ, ἔστιν ὁ διάβολος· Ὁ δὲ θερισμός, συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος ἐστιν· οἱ δὲ περισταί, ἄγγελοί εἰσιν.

b

a

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The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; cand the reapers are the angels.

a But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way, 25. He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up, 28. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ, 2 Cor. xi. 3. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works, 13-15. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, Eph. ii. 2. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, vi. 11, 12. And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, 2 Thess. ii. 8-11. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, 1 Pet. v. 8. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world : he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him,

from the four winds, from the utter most part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven, Mark xiii. 27. And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire, Heb. i. 6, 7. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 14.

b So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 49. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! xviii. 7. Now, I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple, Rom. xvi. 17, 18. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, 2 Pet. ii. 1, 2.

C

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity, Matt. vii. 22, 23. Then shall ye begin to say, we have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall

say,

I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity, Luke xiii. 26, 27. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath, Rom. ii. 8. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gos

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pel, 16. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life, Rev. xxi. 27.

VER. 42.

Καὶ βαλοῦσιν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός· ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων.

And shall a cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be b wailing and gnashing of teeth.

a See on clause 8. ver. 22. ch. v. b And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing But and gnashing of teeth, 50. the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, viii. 12. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, xxii. 13. There shall be weeping and gnashye ing of teeth, when shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out, Luke xiii. 28.

And

a Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, Matt. xxv. 34. these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal, 46. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever, Dan. xii. 3. There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in

glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption;

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it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit: Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that fesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God ; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory, 1 Cor. xv. 4154. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new, Rev. xxi. 3--5. And he said unto me, Write for these words are true and faithful. And I saw no temple therein for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it

:

A. D. 31. for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof, 22, 23.

b But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom, Luke xxvi. 29. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom, Luke xii. 32. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me, xxii. 29. Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James ii. 5.

e See on clause 3. ver. 9. chap. v.
VER. 44.

Πάλιν ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν θησαυρῷ κεκρυμμένῳ ἐν τῷ, αγρῷ, ὃν εὑρὼν ἄνθρωπος ἔκρυψε, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς αὐτοῦ, ὑπάγει, καὶ πάντα ὅσα ἔχει, πωλεῖ, καὶ ȧyogáεi Tòv ȧygòv ÉXETVOV.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

a

a Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me, Matt. xix. 21. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 27. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life, 29. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple, Luke xiv. 33. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God ! xviii. 23, 24. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And

Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, restore him fourfold, xix. 6-8. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved. Acts ii. 44-47. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own ; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the Apostles' feet

:

and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need, iv. 32-35. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith, Phil. iii. 7-9. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance, Heb. x. 34. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than

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the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward, xi. 24—26.

b Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding, Prov. xxiii. 23. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price, Isa. lv. 1. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see, Rev. iii. 18.

VER. 45.

Πάλιν ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ ἐμπόρῳ, ζητοῦντι καλοὺς μαργα ρίτας

Again, the kingdom of heaven is a like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls:

a For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul, Matt. xvi. 26. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise, xxii. 5. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her and happy is every one that retaineth her, Prov. iii. 13–18. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be com pared to it, viii. 10, 11. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness,