Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall 19 break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, Lift up abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. John xii. 24. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me. Verily, verily, I say unto you, That one of you shall betray me. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow till thou hast denied me thrice. John xiii. 16. 20, 21. 38. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also. John xiv. 12. Verily, verily, I say unto you, That "ye" ("Christ's disciples") shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. John xvi. 20. 23. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest; but when "thou" ("Peter") shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. John xxi. 18. Till heaven and earth pass.] Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Mat. xxiv. 35. They (the heavens) shall perish, but thou shalt endure, yea, all of them shall wax old, like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed. Ps. cii. 26. your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation. Is. li. 6. It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Lu. xvi. 17. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Lu. xxi. 33. They (the earth and the heavens) shall perish, but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. He. i. 11, 12. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness; looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Pe. iii. 10, 11, 12, 13. I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. Re. xx. 11. Pass from the law.] For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. Ps. cxix. 89, 90. 152. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Is. xl. 8. The word of the Lord endureth for ever. 1 Pe. i. 25. 19 Shall break one, &c.] Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law (of Moses) to do them: and all the people shall say, Amen. De. xxvii. 26. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Thy testimonies are wonderful, therefore doth my soul keep them. Ps. cxix. 6. 129. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts, concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. Ps. cxix. 128. As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident; for the just shall live by faith, and the law is not of faith: but the man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Ga. iii. 10-13. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all; for he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor. Ja. ii. 10, 11. These least commandments.] Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint, and anise, and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Mat. xxiii. 23. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. De. xii. 32. Ye tithe mint, and rue, and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment, and the love of God. Lu. xi. 42. and Mat. xxiii. 23. Shall teach men so.] Why do ye also (said Jesus to the Scribes and Pharisees) transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in I say unto you, among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Mat. xi. 1). I said indeed (said the Lord to Eli) that thy house and the house of thy father should walk before me for ever; but now, be it far from me: for them that honour me, I will honour; and they that despise me, shall be lightly esteemed. 1 Sa. ii. 30. See Ch. xi. 11. for God commanded, saying, Honour thy father, and thy mother, and he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death; but ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Mat. xv.3-6. Woe unto you ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the Do and teach.] Teach all nations (said gold of the temple, he is a debtor. Ye fools, Jesus to the apostles), teaching them to observe and blind for whether is greater, the gold, all things whatsoever I have commanded or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? and you and lo I am with you alway, even unto whosoever shall swear by the altar it is the end of the world. Amen. Mat. xxviii. nothing, but whosoever sweareth by the gift 20. The former treatise have I made (said that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools, and St. Luke), O Theophilus, of all that Jesus blind for whether is greater, the gift, or the began both to do and to teach. Ac. i. I. altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso thereOwe no man anything, but to love one fore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, another, for he that loveth another hath fuland by all things thereon. And whoso shall filled the law; for this, thou shalt not commit swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by adultery, Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not him that dwelleth therein. And he that steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne shalt not covet, and if there be any other comof God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Mat. mandment, it is briefly comprehended in this xxiii. 16-22. Ye (the priests) are departed saying, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as out of the way, ye have caused many to thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour, stumble at the law: ye have corrupted the therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Ro. covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. xiii. 8, 9, 10. For all the law is fulfilled in Therefore have I also made you contemptible, one word, even in this: thou shalt love thy and base before all the people, according as ye neighbour as thyself. Walk in the spirit, have not kept my ways, but have been partial and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. in the law. Mal. ii. 8, 9. As some affirm If ye be led by the Spirit ye are not under that we say, Let us do evil that good may the law. Now the works of the flesh are come, whose damnation is just. Ro. iii. 8. manifest, which are these: adultery, forniShall we continue in sin that grace may cation, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, abound? Shall we sin because we are not witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, under the law, but under grace? God forbid! strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, Ro. vi. 1. 15. If any man teach otherwise drunkenness, revellings, and such like. But (than according to the apostle's doctrine), and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longconsent not to wholesome words, even the suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the temperance. And they that are Christ's have doctrine which is according to godliness: he crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about Ga. v. 14-24. Brethren, be ye followers questions and strifes of words; whereof cometh together of me, and mark them which walk envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings. 1 Ti. so, as ye have us for an ensample. (For many vi. 3, 4. I have a few things against "thee" walk, of whom I have told you often, and now ("the angel of the Church in Pergamos"), be- tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies cause thou hast there them that hold the of the cross of Christ: whose end is destrucdoctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast tion, who mind earthly things). Phi. iii. 17. a stumbling block before the children of 18, 19. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things Israel. So hast thou also them that hold the are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatdoctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I soever things are just, whatsoever things are hate. I have a few things against "thee" pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatso("the angel of the Church in Thyatira"), be- ever things are of good report; if there be cause thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, any virtue, if there be any praise, think on which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach, these things. Those things, which ye have both and to seduce my servants to commit forni- learned, and received, and heard, and seen in cation, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. me, do and the God of peace shall be with Re. ii. 14, 15. 20. you. Phi. iv. 8, 9. Ye are witnesses, and The least in the kingdom of heaven.] Verily God also, how holily, and justly, and un the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your 20 righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and blameably, we behaved ourselves among you that believe. As ye know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children; that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 1 The. ii. 10, 11, 12. We beseech you brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk, and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter, because that the Lord is the avenger of all such; for God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 1 The. iv, 1-7. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in Spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Ti. iv. 11, 12. Thou, O man of God, flee those things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Ti. vi. 11, 12. In all things shewing thyself (Titus) a pattern of good works; in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient, shewing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Tit. ii. 7-10. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. Tit. iii. 8. Great in the kingdom of heaven.] Ye which have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Mat xix. 28. Whosoever is great among you, let him be your minister. Mat. xx. 26. They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. Da. xii. 3. For "he" (" John") shall be great in the sight of the Lord (said the angel to Zacharias), and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. Lu. i. 15. He that is least among you all, the same shall be great. Lu. ix. 48. There was a strife among them (the disciples), which of them should be accounted the greatest. Lu. xxii. 24. He that is greatest among you (said Jesus), let him be as the younger, and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. Lu. xxii. 26. When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Pe. v. 4. See xix. 24. All 20 Exceed the righteousness.] The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. therefore, whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do. But do not ye after their works, for they say and do not; for they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men; they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments. Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men; but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Mat. xxiii. 3-5. 25-28. Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness; ye fools, did not he that made that which is without, make that which is within also; ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. Lu. xi. 39, 40. 44. Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Lu. xii. i. The Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things, and they derided him. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Lu. xvi. 14, 15. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you (said Jesus by this parable), this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself, shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted. Lu. Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the xviii. 10-14. Beware of the Scribes which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts, which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers; the same shall receive greater damnation. Lu. xx. 46, 47. What shall we say then? That the Gentiles which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith but Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law; for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone. Ro. ix. 30-32. I bear "them" (Israel) record, that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge; for they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Ro. x. 2, 3. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new. 2 Co. v. 17. I have suffered the loss of all things (said Paul), 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 that is of God by faith. Phi. iii. 9. Ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom, &c.] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees, therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Mat. iii. 10. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Mat. vii. 21. Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child (whom Jesus called unto him), the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Mat. xviii. 4. Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Mar. x. 15. 25. Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall in no wise enter therein. How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God; for it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Lu. xviii. 17. 24, 25. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John iii. 3. 5. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. He. xii. 14. There shall in no wise enter "it" (“ into the new Jerasalem") any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie; but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Re. xxi. 27. 21 It was said, &c.] See verse 27. 33. 43. They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel (of Bethmaachah), (said the wise woman to Joab). 2 Sa. xx. 18. Enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers (for we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow), shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart? Job viii. 8-10. Thou shalt not kill.] Surely (said God to Noah and his sons), your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man: whose sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed. Ge. ix. 5, 6. Thou shalt not kill. Ex. xx. 13. See De. v. 17. id. And whosoever shall kill.] He that smiteth a man so that he die, shall be surely put to death. And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand, then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee. But if man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile, thou shalt take him from mine altar that he may die. Ez. xxi. 12-14. And they (certain cities) shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the man-slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. Nu. XXXV. 12. If he (that killeth any person) smite him with an instrument of iron, or with throwing a stone, or with a hand-weapon of wood, the murderer shall surely be put to death. Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses; ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death. Blood, it defileth the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Nu. xxxv. 16-20. 30-34. "They" ("the elders of the city") shall say (respecting the murderer), Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. Be merciful, O Lord, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto the people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord. De. xxi. 7-9. Thou knowest (said David to judgment. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his 22 Solomon) also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the host of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. 1 Ki. ii. 5, 6. Fall upon "him" ("Joab"), and bury him (said Solomon to Benaiah), that thou mayest take away the innocent blood which Joab shed, from me, and from the house of my father. And the Lord shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof. 1 Ki. ii. 31, 32. 22 See verse 21. But I say unto you.] See verse 28. 34. 44. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mat. iii, 17. While he (Peter at the transfiguration) yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him. Mat. xvii. 5. I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him; and it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. De. xviii. 18, 19. And he shall send Jesus Christ (said Peter), which before was preached unto you, whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his prophets, since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people. Ac. iii. 20-23. This is that Moses (said Stephen) which said unto 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. Ac. vii. 37. And (Christ) being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. He. v. 9. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh; for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven. He. xii. 25. That whosoever is angry, &c.] Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell: and the VOL. II. Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? Ge. iv. 5, 6. And when "his" ("Joseph's") brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. Ge. xxxvii. 4. 8. So shall it be done to the man that killeth "him" ("Goliath," said the people to David, promising riches and the king's daughter), and Eliab his eldest brother heard when "he" ("David"), spake unto the men, and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? And with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 1 Sa. xvii. 27, 28. Saul was very wroth, and the saying (of the women as they played) displeased him, and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands; and what can he have more but the kingdom. And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. 1 Sa. xviii. 8, 9. Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom: wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? What hath he done? And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him, whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. 1 Sa. xx. 30-33. Hear now thou son of "Ahitub" ("Ahimelech"), Why have ye conspired against me (said Saul), thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me to lie in wait as at this day? Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law? Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? Be it far from me. And the king said, Thou shalt surely die Ahimelech, thou and all thy father's house. 1 Sa. xxii. 12—16. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased, because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers; and he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. 1 Ki. xxi. 4. G Then |