different application of these sentences, Matth. vii. 16. § 26. shews them to be proverbial. They are here connected with the following words. 45. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And the meaning of the whole is this: As a tree is known to be either good or bad by its fruit, so a man is known to be either good or bad by his words; especially when he speaks of the characters and actions of others, or pretends to rebuke them. On such occasions, he will either by the charitable and mild constructions which he puts upon the doubtful actions of others, shew himself to be a good man; or by his uncharitable and harsh interpretations, demonstrate the badness of his own heart.-46. And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Though I have thus spoken in praise of good words, you must take notice that it is in a particular case only, which indeed frequently occurs; namely, when the characters and actions of others are spoken of and censured. Good words on many other occasions are of no avail, but especially in religion; for the best advices to others, ver. 42. or the fairest speeches imaginable to me your master, and your giving me the highest titles of respect, are of no manner of signification, if you do not keep my commandments. 47. Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doth them, I will shew you to whom he is like. 48. He is like a man who built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock; and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded upon a rock. 49. But he that heareth and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth, against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great. See on Matth. vii. 24,--27. § 26. G. CAW, Printer I END OF VOL. 1. |