SUMMARY.-Notwithstanding the advantages of the Jews, the Apostle declares them to be sinners equally with the Gentiles, and that they could not be saved by the deeds of the law in which they rested. He then teaches that the way of salvation for all is by faith in Jesus Christ, and that this faith gives no license to sin.

I. THE HELPLESSNESS OF SINFUL MAN.-V. 9-20. Are we better, through the advantage we have, v. 1, 2. No!-not as to justification before God, for we have before proved, &c., (Margin, charged,") properly convicted, or brought in guilty, ch. i. 20 -32; ch. ii. Under sin,-its tyranny and curse, from which the law cannot release us, v. 20. As it is written,— speaking to Jews, he quotes the authority of their own Scriptures. V. 10-18 are quotations from the Psalms and Prophets, showing what these sacred writers thought of the moral state of the Jews: (1.) As to disposition and pursuits, v. 11, 12. Unprofitable,— "putrid and offensive, like fruit that is spoiled." (2.) As to conversation, v. 13, 14. Open sepulchre,-their speech is corrupt, and loathsome. Poison, &c.,— i.e., using slanderous, cursing, words of bitterness. (3.) As to conduct, v. 15— 18. When not murderous, theirs is not the way of peace; and, at the best, the fear of God has no place in their heart. V. 19. Now we know,

all allow this. The law, the Old Testament. To them, to whom it was specially given. That,-judged by its teachings and convicted, every mouth, &c. All the world,-Jews as well as Gentiles.

Become, &c.-See Margin. V. 20. Therefore,- -or because v. 20 is true, the latter part of v. 19 is established. Be justified, forgiven for that of which he is found guilty, v. 9. The knowledge, the conduct of man being shown to be in sad contrast with the claims of the law, ch. vii. 7.

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II. THE STRENGTH OF GOD'S GRACE THROUGH FAITH.-V. 21-31. But now, -that the guilt and hopelessness of man are proved. The righteousness, &c. -God's plan of justifying men, ch. i. 17. Without,-regard to personal obedience to the law. Being witnessed,being taught in the Old Testament, Acts xxvi. 22, 23. V. 22. By faith,without works, ch. iv. 5, 6. No difference, -in natural state and desert, v. 23; nor in privilege, v. 24. Freely,-without money or price, Isai. lv. 1. The redemption, "the price Christ has paid." V. 25. Whom,-He was Himself the price. Set forth, "foreordained," 1 Peter i. 20. A propitiation,-a sacrifice to appease an offended God. His blood, or death, as the precise object of faith. Remission,(Margin, "passing over,") or forgiveness. V. 26. To declare, &c. - To

manifest both His justice and mercy. That He might be just,-show Himself to be strictly righteous, and yet the merciful Pardoner of him, &c. V. 27. Excluded, shut out from Jew as well as Gentile. V. 28. We conclude,-this is the sum of the argument. V. 30. One God,-of all men, will save all on the same terms. V. 31. We establish,by showing how its authority is upheld, and its wrath averted from man, v. 25, 26; Gal. iii. 13.

REFLECTIONS.-1. "All have sinned;" all are equally helpless and hopeless.

2. All are redeemed by Christ, v. 22, 24-26. His precious blood is the purchase of our pardon and peace

3. All must come in the same way for salvation, v. 30.-No matter to what nation, to what religious sect, to what social class he may belong. See John iii. 36.

4. All should give to God the glory of His grace and wisdom.-1 Cor. i. 24; Rom. xi. 32, 33.

QUESTIONS.-What advantage had the Jew? v. 2. Why did not this avail for his acceptance with God? v. 9. How does St. Paul impress the Jews with their own sinfulness? What does he say about their character? conversation? conduct? What is the state of all men before God? Is there any hope for them? How? Why can God be gracious to sinners? What is Christ? v. 26. In what way will God justify us? May all be saved thus?

SUMMARY.-Moses being still unwilling to go into Egypt, the Lord appoints his brother Aaron to go with him, and speak for him. Moses obtains leave of Jethro to go, and is further instructed by God. The Lord sends Aaron to meet Moses; the two go down together, and so persuade the children of Israel, that they believe and worship.

I. THE LAST OBJECTION MET.-V. 10-17. Not eloquent,- (Margin, not "a man of words,") "not a good speaker." Heretofore, &c.-See Margin: not before Thy appearance to me, nor since. Slow, &c.,-" speaking with hesitation and interruption of voice," yet what he did say was with power, Acts vii. 22. V. 11. Have not I,power to unloose thy tongue and make thy speech graceful and flowing? V. 12. Now therefore,-trust in this My promise, I will not only give thee power of speech, but of argument. V. 13. O my Lord,-as though he had said, "Do not be angry with me for replying again." Send,- a man better qualified than I am." V. 14. Anger.. kindled, &c.,- because this entreaty

implied unbelief of God's power and promise, v. 11, 12. The Levite,-so called by anticipation, or as being then a prominent man in the tribe. Speak well,-is eloquent. Cometh forth,— shall come at My request, v. 27. Will be glad,-to share this mission and burden with thee, and, although thy elder brother, will not envy thy superior calling and place. V. 15, 16. In this way the chain of communication was made complete: God would give them both a rich qualification; He would dictate to Moses, Moses to Aaron, and Aaron would be spokesman,-effectively setting forth to the people God's will and gracious instructions. V. 17. This rod, -as "ensign of Divine authority and power," v. 20. Do signs,-before the people and Pharaoh as I have before thee, v. 2—4.

II. A DOUBLE CONSENT.-V. 1826. Moses went,-consenting at length to the will of God. Returned,-from Horeb to Jethro's tents, ch. iii. 1. My brethren,-" kindred and countrymen." Yet alive,-Moses had been away from them forty years. Go, thus Jethro,

in turn, consents to part with Moses. V. 19. In Midian,-another appearance and command. The men are dead, &c.-An encouragement which, probably, was much needed, ch. ii. 15, 23. V. 20. Upon an ass,-or asses: he had several, no doubt; one could not carry them all. Returned,- for he had come out of Egypt. V. 21. In thine hand, given the power to do, v. 6-9. I will harden,- suffer to be hardened; i.e., leave him to himself, refusing softening grace. V. 22. Shalt say, the first fulfilment of God's promise, v. 12, 15. My firstborn,--a term of endearment and love, Ps. lxxxix. 27. V. 23. Thy firstborn,-beloved ones; a dark prophecy fearfully fulfilled, ch. xii. 29.

III. MOSES AND AARON AS CoWORKERS.-V. 27-31. Said to Aaron, -probably in Egypt. In the mount of God, so that, either he was plainly told to go there, or else he was secretly influenced to go. Kissed him, the

usual mode of salutation in the East. V. 28. All the signs,-to persuade him that God had spoken the words. V. 29. Went,-"co-workers with their God." The elders,-heads of the tribes.

V.

31. The people believed,-convinced by the signs which Moses and Aaron showed them. Had visited,-i.e., seen, ch. iii. 7, 16. Affliction, for such their life of slavery really was. Bowed their heads, the outward sign of worshipping in the East, as kneeling is with us, Gen. xxiv. 26.

REFLECTIONS.-1. It is wise frankly to acknowledge our infirmities, especially if they are likely to hinder us in the work of the Lord.-Moses was none the less qualified for his mission because he felt his infirmity of speech. And we are never likely to be better

6

thought of, or qualified for any office, by an attempt to hide our deficien

cies.

2. But these should not lead us to distrust God's promise, or disobey His command.-With Moses the sense of infirmity was greater than his faith in God's word, and so he was in danger of disobedience. God's command should over-rule all scruples; God's promise should raise us above all objections.

3. God wisely distributes His gifts among men, so that they are mutually dependent.-Moses has judgment, Aaron has eloquence, and thus they are fitted for two necessary parts of one great work. So God ever arranges it. See 1 Cor. xii. 18-27.

4. Domestic affections and sympathies must never prevent us from going on God's errands.-Jethro cheerfully consented that Moses should go, though, rrobably, he knew not the object of his going. And our Saviour has said "He that loveth," &c. Matt. x.

to us, 37, 38.

5. God has only to withhold His grace, and man's heart will harden itself.We should, therefore, be careful never to grieve the Holy Spirit.

6. When men come to us with the authority of God, we should gladly receive their message.-See v. 31.

QUESTIONS.-Why did Moses still hesitate to go down into Egypt? What did God promise him? Did he yet object? Did this please the Lord? Whom did He say should go with Moses? What did the Lord say of Aaron? What was Moses to take in his hand? What reason did Moses give Jethro for wishing to go into Egypt? Did Jethro consent? What did God say He would do to Pharaoh? v. 21. What does this mean? Why does the Lord call Israel His "firstborn?" Where did Moses and Aaron meet? What did they do before the children of Israel? Did the people believe? What else?

SUMMARY.-Jesus exposes the folly of those who accuse Him of being in league with Satan, and pronounces a severe judgment against them. He is told that His kinsmen, who thought Him mad, wish to speak with Him; but He answers that He recognises none as brethren save those who do the will of God.

I. HIS WORST FOES.-V. 20-30. Cometh together,-surrounding His home, v. 19. Not so much as,-"room, or opportunity, to get food." V. 21. Friends,-(Margin, "kinsmen,") "those belonging to Him," v. 31. Heard,-of His appointing the Apostles, and of His great zeal. To lay hold,-to put a restraint on Him, and take Him away. They said. It was the common report. Beside Himself,-out of His mind; they could not understand His earnestness. V. 22. Said, because He had cast out a devil, Matt. xii. 22. Beelzebub,-the name of an idol: here applied to Satan. See 2 Kings i. 2, 6. Casteth He out.He could not do it Himself; we are sure God does not help Him; it must, therefore, be Satan. Called them,-knowing their thoughts, Matt. xii. 25. V. 23. In parables, proposing something which would puzzle them, as How can Satan, &c.? V. 26. Hath an end,-destroys his kingdom and his hopes. V. 27. No man can enter, &c.-If, then, I have been able not only to spoil his goods, but cast Satan himself out, surely I am stronger than he. V. 28. Blasphemies, "reproachful speeches uttered against God." V. 29. Against the Holy Ghost, ascribing his miraculous works to the agency of Satan, v. 30. Hath never forgiveness.-What a terrible thought! Eternal damnation, -everlasting punishment, Matt. xii. 32.

II. HIS BEST FRIENDS.-V. 31-35. His brethren, the children of Mary, the wife of Cleopas, or Alphæus, His mother's sister; or, see ch. vi. 3. Standing without, the circle of people that sat about Him. Calling Him,-to come forth. V. 32. The multitude..

said, for either He did not hear His brethren, or took no notice of their calling. Who is My mother, &c. ?—Not said out of disrespect, but to fix the attention of His hearers upon the important truth He was about to utter. V. 34. Looked round about, to give yet deeper impressiveness to His words. Whosoever,-whether My near relation by nature, or belonging to My own nation, or to an alien and strange race.

REFLECTIONS.-1. How eager were the people to hear the words of Christ, v. 20.

-We should be like them; if we do not hear Christ, we cannot obey Him. It is a sad proof of godless indifference when people have no desire either to hear or read the word of God.

2. Zeal for God is often accounted madness by the world, v. 21.-Festus said to Paul: "Thou art beside thyself!" Acts xxvi. 24. Men may be

zealous and enthusiastic in other things,-in pleasure, business, war, &c., --and nothing is said; but, as soon as a man becomes earnest in religion, he is called a fanatic. Yet in nothing ought a man to be so fervent as in the cause of God and of souls. That is a noble saying of St. Paul, 2 Cor. v. 14, 15.

3. What an important truth is taught in v. 25-Only let a family live in union and love, and that "house" will stand; but no sooner do the members of the family begin to disagree and quarrel, than the interests of the family suffer; it is like loosening stones in a building, which surely prepares for its downfall.

4. How fearful the consequences of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, v. 29! -Similar consequences will follow vexing or grieving Him. We can no more be saved without the work of the Spirit, than we can without the blood of Christ. Therefore, Eph.

iv. 30.

5. We must not trust to any outward or professed relationship to Christ.-This is

well enough; but nothing short of spiritual union and actual obedience will avail us, Matt. vii. 21-23.

6. A rich reward is here promised to those who do the will of God:-intimate relationship with Christ involving many privileges and blessed prospects. See Rom. viii. 16-18; 1 John iii. 2; Rev. iii. 21.

Illustration.-"BY THE

QUESTIONS.-Why did the multitude come together again? What "friends" were they who sought to take Jesus? Why did they wish to take Him? What miracle had He just wrought? What did the scribes say about it? Who was Beelzebub? How did Jesus show the folly of this saying? What happens to a house divided against itself? What is "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost?" What are its consequences? Who stood "without," calling Jesus? Who are His true friends?

PRINCE OF THE DEVILS."

Went

I. THE PARABLE.-V. 1-9. Began again, "after the interruption," ch. iii. 31-35. Sea-side, at Capernaum, by the sea of Galilee. In the sea,-i.e., in the ship on the sea, Matt. xiii. 2. V. 2. By parables,-" similitudes taken from natural objects to illustrate spiritual or moral subjects." In his doctrine, or course of instruction. V. 3. Hearken,-give ear, give heed. out,-into the open country. V. 4. Wayside, beaten footpaths across the cultivated tract or plot. Fowls came and devoured, it was not covered by harrowing, as our corn is. V. 5. Stony ground,- -a thin covering of earth, and hard rock below it. Immediately.. because it had no depth, &c.-In striking downwards the fibre soon came into contact with the rock, which it could not penetrate, so it soon sprouted upwards; but the thin soil was not enough to nourish it in strength, and the first heat of the sun, consequently, withered it, v. 6. V. 7. Thorns,rough bushes, always to be found on open moors or commons. V. 8. Good ground,-where the soil was rich, deep, and well-worked with the plough, &c. Some an hundred.-See Illustration II.; and, for further explanation of the former verses, see Illustration I. V. 9.

Hath ears, a disposition to listen, a hearty desire to understand what is said. II. THE INTERPRETATION.-V. 10-20. Alone, -"retired apart from the multitude." About Him,-having the privilege of free access and unrestrained intercourse. V. 11. Unto you,-the inner circle of My friends, who are to be My witnesses to the world. Mystery,-secret, yet not something utterly incomprehensible, but to be concealed for a time. That are without, "obstinate unbelievers." V. 12. That seeing, &c.--They saw or heard the natural meaning, but could not understand the spiritual significance. Lest, &c.-Blindness from God had fallen on them for their determined rejection of the Lord's Messiah. See Matt. xiii. 13-15; Isai. vi. 9, 10. V. 13. Know ye not.. how then, &c. ?-This is plain and obvious enough; others are obscure and difficult. V. 15. Satan cometh,-like a fierce, foul bird of prey. V. 16, 17. Immediately receive it immediately offended. - Pleased at once with what they hear, and as quickly parting with it, if it is likely to cost comfort or reputation. V. 19. Lusts of other things, of which the world is full, Luke viii. 14; 1 John ii. 16. Choke,-as the thorns do the seed. V. 20. And receive,-"into an honest and good heart," Luke viii. 15.

REFLECTIONS.-1. The seed is the word of God; the soil is the human heart. As seed is sown by the husbandman broadcast over the face of