James Cross References - Mace

¹ James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the TWELVE TRIBES dispers'd thro' the world, sends greeting. ² Consider the various tryals that surround you, my brethren, as matter of great joy; knowing this, ³ that the bringing your faith to the test, produces constancy. ⁴ but constancy should be brought to its perfection, that you may be entirely accomplished, without any defect. ⁵ If any of you is deficient in prudence, let him ask it of God, who liberally gives to all without upbraiding: and he will give it. ⁶ but let him be fully persuaded of the lawfulness of what he asks: for he that is diffident about that, is like the waves that fluctuate with the wind. ⁷ such a man must not expect any answer from the Lord. ⁸ a diffident man is inconstant in all his actions. ⁹ Let him that is poor triumph in the advantages of being a christian. ¹⁰ let the rich be humbled by his instability: for he is as transitory as a flower in the field. ¹¹ the sun is up and darts its rays, the grass is wither'd, its flowers droop, and all their beautiful appearance vanishes away. just so the rich man fades with all his projects. ¹² happy is he that can stand the tryal: for when he has undergone the test, he shall receive that crown of life which the Lord has promised to those that love him. ¹³ Let no man under temptation, say, it is God that tempts him; for as he is incapable of moral evil, he can't influence any one thereto. ¹⁴ a man is instigated, and drawn into the snare by his own vicious passions, which once indulg'd, are productive of sin, ¹⁵ and the genuine offspring of sin is death. ¹⁶ Don't be deluded, my brethren; ¹⁷ every thing that is valuable, every gift that leads to perfection is deriv'd from heaven, it descends from that original light, which knows no change, no shadow, or decline: ¹⁸ 'tis he that has voluntarily renew'd us by the oracles of truth, that we might be the first converts of the new creation. ¹⁹ Wherefore, my dear brethren, let every one be eager to hear, averse to contradiction, and deaf to passion. ²⁰ for he that is not dispassionate is a stranger to the practice of true virtue. ²¹ throw off then your vices as dregs and scum: and receive with docility that genuine doctrine, which is effectual to your salvation. ²² Don't delusively content your selves with being of the audience, but put what you hear in practice: ²³ for a bare auditor without practice is like one who sees his image form'd by a mirror: ²⁴ he takes a view, turns away, and instantly loses his appearance. ²⁵ whereas, he that attentively considers the perfect law of liberty, and is attach'd thereto, he is not a forgetful hearer, but reduces it to practice, and his conduct is crown'd with hapiness. ²⁶ If a person of an ungovernable tongue pretends to religion, he abuses himself: for his religion is meer illusion. ²⁷ pure and unadulterated religion, in the eye of God our father, consists in taking care of orphans and widows in their distress: and in keeping clear of the vices of the age.

³ James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the publican, James the son of Alpheus, and Labbeus, whose sirname was Thaddeus, Simon the zelot,

⁵⁵ is not this the carpenter's son? is not Mary his mother? and James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas, are they not his brothers?

²⁸ Jesus reply'd, I declare unto you, that in the new age, when the son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye that have followed me shall likewise sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon the Canaanite,

¹⁵ Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon surnamed the Zelot,

³⁰ that you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom, and seated on thrones may judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

³⁵ upon which the Jews said among themselves, whither will he go, that we cannot find him? will he go to the dispersed Jews among the Greeks, and instruct the Greeks?

²⁶ if any man would serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my servant be: whoever serves me, him will my father reward.

¹³ When they were arrived there, they went up into an upper room, where Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, Simon the Zelot, and Judas the brother of James used to resort,

⁵ now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world.

¹ and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,

¹⁷ but he made a sign to them with his hand, to be silent: and related to them, how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. go, said he, and acquaint James and the other brethren with this affair. after which he departed and went to another place.

¹³ After they had done speaking, James assum'd the discourse, and said, my brethren, give me your attention.

²¹ for as to the law of Moses, that has been published in every city a considerable time, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.

²³ whom they charg'd with this letter. The apostles, the presbyters, and the brethren, to the Gentile brethren at Antioch, in Syria, and Cilicia, send greeting.

¹⁸ the next day Paul went with us to James, where all the pastors assembled.

²⁶ CLAUDIUS LYSIAS to the most excellent governour FELIX wishes health.

⁷ which our twelve tribes by their continual services, night and day, hope themselves to obtain: yet for that hope, king Agrippa, do the Jews now accuse me.

¹ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, chosen to declare the gospel dispensation,

¹⁹ but other of the apostles saw I none, except James the Lord's brother.

⁹ Peter, and John, who were esteemed to be pillars, perceived the favour that was bestowed on me, they admitted me and Barnabas into fellowship, and agreed, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.

¹² for till certain Jews came thither from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, for fear of those, who were for circumcision:

¹ the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the christians that are at Philippi, to the bishops, and to the deacons.

²¹ endeavour to come before winter. Eubulus, Prudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren salute you.

¹ Paul a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to declare the faith which recommends men to the divine favour, and to convince them of that truth, which leads to piety,

¹ PETER an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the foreigners dispers'd thro' Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, whom God the father has chosen in pursuance of his decree,

¹ Simon Peter the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who equally share with us in the advantages of faith, thro' the veracity of our God, and of Jesus Christ.

¹ Jude the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those that are sanctified by God the father, and by their vocation are reserved for Jesus Christ.

⁴ And I heard the number of those who were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred forty and four thousand, of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

¹⁰ Blessed are they who are persecuted upon the account of righteousness: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹ 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. ¹² Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

²² blessed are you, when men shall hate you, discard you, reproach you, and treat you as infamous, for your attachment to the son of man. ²³ then you may triumph with joy; secure of being greatly rewarded in heaven: for such was the treatment the prophets received from their forefathers.

⁴¹ full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.

¹⁷ and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; although we now suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. ¹⁸ for I consider, that the sufferings of this present life are infinitely over-ballanc'd by that glory which shall hereafter be discovered to us.

³⁵ what shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or penury, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ for as it is written, "for thy sake we are sacrificed every day; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter:" ³⁷ yet after all we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us.

⁹ but he said to me, "my favour is sufficient for thee: for my strength is shown to be perfect by thy weakness." with pleasure therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may be seen to dwell in me. ¹⁰ I take pleasure then in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am afflicted, then it is I have fortitude.

²⁹ for it is a favour bestowed upon you, that you not only believe on Christ, but suffer also for his sake,

¹⁷ and if my blood should serve as a libation to ratify your faith, I should rejoice and congratulate with you all thereupon;

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and am filling up the measure of those remaining afflictions, which in my turn I am to suffer in this life, in the cause of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the church:

³⁴ for you were passionately affected for those who were in bonds, and were pleas'd at the seizing of your goods, knowing that you have what is more excellent and lasting.

³⁶ others suffer'd cruel indignities and scourgings, besides chains and imprisonment. ³⁷ they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandred about in sheepskins, and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented: ³⁸ (of whom the world was not worthy) they wandred in desarts, and in mountains, having no retreat but the dens and caves of the earth.

¹² happy is he that can stand the tryal: for when he has undergone the test, he shall receive that crown of life which the Lord has promised to those that love him.

⁶ This it is that fills you with joy, notwithstanding the various tryals, which still necessarily afflict you, ⁷ that your faith being put to a more advantageous proof, than that of gold, which loses by the essay, may redound to your praise and highest honour at the appearance of Jesus Christ: ⁸ whom though you have not seen, you love: and though he is not now the object of your view, yet you believe in him, and triumph with such a laudable transport, as cannot be express'd:

¹³ on the contrary, rejoice at the share you have of sufferings, as well as Christ: that you may likewise triumph, when he shall appear in his glory. ¹⁴ if you suffer indignities in the cause of Christ, you are happy: for the glorious spirit of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ take care therefore not to suffer upon the account of homicide, or thievery, or for any criminal, or pragmatical practices. ¹⁶ but whoever suffers as a christian, let him not be asham'd, but rather give thanks to God upon that account.

⁹ I say, the Lord will deliver those, who fear him, from their affliction, and reserve the wicked to be punish'd at the day of judgment. ¹⁰ fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

⁷ who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality;

³ and not only so, but we triumph in tribulation also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, probation; ⁴ and probation, hope:

²⁵ but if we hope for what is yet to come, our patience does necessarily intervene.

²⁸ We know too, that all things co-operate for the good of those who love God, who, pursuant to his purpose, has now called them:

⁴ now whatever was heretofore writ, was writ for our instruction; that we through patience and the comfortable promises of the scriptures might have hope.

¹⁷ for the light affliction, which I at present suffer, will be infinitely over-ballanced by an eternal weight of glory;

¹¹ being fortified in so effectual a manner, as to sustain your trials with constancy and joy:

⁴ so that you are the subject of our glorying in the churches of God, for the constancy of your faith, under all the persecutions and afflictions you endure from men,

⁵ may the Lord qualify your hearts with divine affection, and a patient expectation of Jesus Christ.

³⁶ for it is necessary you should persevere, that after having perform'd what God has commanded, you may receive what he has promised.

¹ Wherefore, since we are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every incumbrance, and the sin which does so easily embarrass us, and let us pursue with constancy the course that is proposed to us:

⁷ that your faith being put to a more advantageous proof, than that of gold, which loses by the essay, may redound to your praise and highest honour at the appearance of Jesus Christ:

⁶ to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety:

⁴⁸ be ye therefore perfect, even as your father who is in heaven is perfect.

²² and ye shall be hated by all the world for professing my name: but he that perseveres unto the end, shall escape.

²⁰ the young man answer'd, all these things have I practis'd from my youth: what is it that is further required?

²¹ then Jesus looking upon him with a favourable eye, said, there is one thing still to be done; go, sell all your estate, and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; then come, take up the cross, and follow me.

¹⁵ but by the good ground is meant such persons as have received the doctrine with simplicity and sincerity, abide by it, and practise it with perseverance.

²² upon hearing that, Jesus said to him, one thing you have yet to do: sell all you have, and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: then come, and follow me.

¹⁹ by your perseverance you will save your souls.

²³ I in them, and thou in me, that they may have a perfect union, and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

⁶ However, what we preach is wisdom, to those who are thoroughly instructed: yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who will soon come to nothing.

⁹ let us then not be weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we be not tired.

¹² for I am not yet secure of the prize, I have not yet finish'd my course: but I press to obtain the reward, which Jesus Christ invited me to. ¹³ I don't imagine, my brethren, that I am arriv'd at the goal; but this I do, unmindful of what is pass'd, I stretch towards that which is in view, ¹⁴ I press towards the mark for the prize to which God has called me from above by Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ Let us therefore, who have been instructed, have this in view: and if you are sollicitous about any thing else, God will reveal even that unto you.

¹² have cordially reliev'd me. Epaphras a servant of Christ, and your countryman, salutes you, who is always very earnest in his prayers, that you may be perfectly acquainted with, and constantly observe,

¹⁷ that the minister of God may be perfectly accomplished for every office of religion.

²¹ the sheep) make you perfect in every virtue, to the accomplishment of his will: effecting that in you by Jesus Christ, which is agreeable to him: to whom be glory thro' all ages.

⁵ If any of you is deficient in prudence, let him ask it of God, who liberally gives to all without upbraiding: and he will give it.

² for we are all liable to frequent mistakes. he that does not give too great a loose to his tongue, is an accomplish'd person and fit to moderate the whole church.

⁷ As for you, my brethren, bear your sufferings with constancy, till the advent of the Lord. the farmer, from the prospect of a golden crop, patiently expects the showers of the spring and the autumn. ⁸ be you equally patient, and exercise your fortitude, for the advent of the Lord is nigh. ⁹ don't repine, my brethren, against one another, for fear you should be condemn'd. behold, the judge is at the gate. ¹⁰ let the prophets, my brethren, who were commission'd by the Lord, be your examples; suffer persecution with constancy like them. ¹¹ we pronounce those happy, who have so endur'd. you have heard of the constancy of Job, you know with what success he was crown'd by the Lord, who is all mercy and compassion.

¹⁰ but may the all-gracious God, who has called us to eternal glory, perfect, confirm, fortify, and settle you, during the short interval of your sufferings.

⁹ but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins.

¹⁷ the divine love to us will be in the highest degree, if our condition in this world be the same as was that of Christ Jesus; so that we may appear with confidence in the day of judgment. ¹⁸ Fear is a stranger to love; for perfect loves excludes all fear: since pain is the object of fear, he that is affected with fear, cannot be sincere in his love.

⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. ⁸ for every one that asks, does receive: he that seeks, does find: and he that knocks at the door, is admitted. ⁹ is there any of you that would offer his son a stone when he ask'd for bread? ¹⁰ or instead of a fish, would he give him a serpent? ¹¹ if ye then, as wicked as ye are, know how to bestow proper gifts upon your children; how much more shall your heavenly father give good things to them that ask him?

²⁰ Then he began to upbraid the towns where most of his miracles were wrought, for their not being converts.

¹⁴ 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.

⁹ I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. ¹⁰ for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. ¹¹ 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? ¹² or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? ¹³ 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?

²⁰ 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. ²¹ 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. ²² 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.

¹⁰ Jesus answered her, if you knew the dispensation of God, and who it is that says to you, give me to drink; you would have asked of him, and he would have given you living water.

¹³ and if in my name ye shall ask any thing of the father, whereby he may be glorified by the son, I will effect it.

⁷ if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and you shall obtain it.

²³ tho' then you cannot ask any thing of me in person, whatever ye shall ask the father in my name, I assure you he will grant it. ²⁴ hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be compleat.

¹⁶ by the one my preaching is taken as a deadly poison, to the other it is a reviving potion. and who is so sufficient for such a commission?

¹⁷ every thing that is valuable, every gift that leads to perfection is deriv'd from heaven, it descends from that original light, which knows no change, no shadow, or decline:

¹⁷ but wisdom deriv'd from heaven is first dispassionate, then pacific, equitable, and obsequious: full of beneficence, and all social virtue, free from partiality, and hypocrisy.

¹⁶ confess then to one another the offences you have committed, and pray for one another, that you may be healed; the fervent prayer of a virtuous man has great influence.

²² whatever we ask, we shall receive it of him, because we keep his commandments, and do what is agreeable to him.

¹⁴ Besides, we have this confidence in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he will hear us. ¹⁵ and since we are sure that he hears all our prayers, we are sure that the petitions we presented to him, will be answered.

²¹ Jesus answered them, I declare to you, if ye have a full assurance of faith, ye shall not only be able to do this to a fig-tree, but if ye should even say to this mountain, be thou removed, and cast into the sea; it should be done. ²² and whatever ye shall ask in prayer, with faith, ye shall receive.

²² but Jesus replied, and said to them, rely upon God. ²³ for I assuredly tell you, that whoever shall say to this mountain, be removed, and cast into the sea, having no doubt in his mind, but believing what he says shall be effected, what he pronounces shall actually be accomplished. ²⁴ therefore whenever you pray, be fully persuaded of obtaining your request, and I assure you it shall be granted, whatever it be.

¹⁴ that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit:

⁸ I direct therefore that the men pray in publick and private, lifting up their hands to heaven with innocence, charity, and composure.

²³ Let us stedfastly maintain the hope which we have avow'd, since he is faithful that has promised:

⁶ now without faith it is impossible to be acceptable to him: for he that presents himself to God, cannot but believe he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who make their addresses to him.

⁹ for the mind is better improv'd by the gospel-dispensation, than by the distinctions about meats, in which some have been so uselesly vers'd.

¹⁷ These are wells without water; clouds agitated with a tempest, who are consigned to the obscurity of eternal darkness.

¹² they are a disgrace to your love-feasts, they indulge themselves at your festivals without reserve: clouds without water, transported with every wind: trees whose fruit soon withers and is useless, twice dead and rooted up: ¹³ raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame: wandering lights, to whom is reserv'd the thickest darkness for ever.

³ you would not obtain it, because you wickedly request to have your passions gratified.

²² the eye is the light of the body: now if your eye be clear, your whole body will be enlightned.

²⁴ no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or he will be attach'd to the one, and neglectful of the other. ye cannot serve God and Mamon.

⁸ address your selves to God, and you will find him present with you: cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, you that are diffident.

¹⁴ their eyes are inflam'd with adultery, and unextinguishable vice: they insnare the souls of the inconstant. their minds are practis'd in the arts of avarice: an execrable race, who have deserted the right way,

¹⁶ as it were in all his epistles, where he takes notice of these things: in which there are some passages that are difficult to understand, which the illiterate, and unstable wrest, as they do the rest of the scriptures, to their own ruin.

⁵² he has cast down princes from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree,

⁴⁸ whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me: and he that receives me, receives him that sent me. for he that is least among you all, he shall be greatest.

²⁰ however, let not this be the matter of your rejoicing, that the spirits are subject to you: but rejoice, that you have a title to the joys of heaven.

² who has given us access by faith to that degree of favour, we are in, by which we triumph in the hopes of divine glory. ³ and not only so, but we triumph in tribulation also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, probation;

¹⁷ and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; although we now suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.

¹⁰ as sorrowful, though always cheerful; as poor, tho' inriching many; as having nothing, though contented with every thing.

³ for we are the genuine sons of Abraham, who worship God in the spiritual manner, and value no other dependance than that on Jesus Christ, without confiding in any external advantages:

¹⁴ I press towards the mark for the prize to which God has called me from above by Jesus Christ.

⁵ consider, my dear brethren, has not God chose the poor of this world to be rich by faith, and to inherit the kingdom he has promised to those who love him? ⁶ but you, who despise the poor, are not you oppress'd by the rich? is it not they who drag you to their tribunals?

⁹ and this they were destin'd to. but you are the chosen race, you are kings and priests, the holy nation, the peculiar people, that you might display his glory, who called you out

¹ Consider what proof the father has given us of his love, in allowing us to be called the sons of God: therefore the world does not know us, because it knew him not. ² beloved, we are now the sons of God, tho' it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, that when this change shall be, his immediate presence will give us a divine resemblance. ³ he that hath such an expectation should purify himself, even as he is pure.

⁹ "I know thy works, thy tribulation and poverty (tho' thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of satan.

⁹ and they sung a new song, saying, "thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and language, and people, and nation; ¹⁰ and hast made us kings and priests unto our God: and we shall reign on the earth."

⁹ After this I beheld, and there was a great multitude, which no man could number, of every nation, tribe, people, and language, who stood before the throne, and before the lamb cloathed in white robes, having palms in their hands. ¹⁰ They cried with a loud voice, "salvation from our God who sits upon the throne, and unto the lamb.'

³ Blessed are they, that are of an humble spirit, for of such is the kingdom of the Messias.

³⁰ 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?

³¹ and they that possess this world, as those that can't make an ill use of it. for the scene of this world is continually shifting. I would have you free from anxiety.

⁸ nay I think them disadvantages when put in competition with the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord: for whose sake I abandon all these things, and count them as straw, that I may gain Christ,

¹⁷ Charge those that are rich in this world, not to be elated, not to depend upon their perishable wealth, but upon the God of life, who furnishes us with every thing in plenty for our enjoyment;

¹⁴ how do you know, what will happen to-morrow? for, "what is your life?" a vapour that just appears, and then vanishes.

²⁴ for human nature is like grass, and all their glory like the flower of the herb, the herb withers, the flower droops,

¹⁷ and the world is passing away, with all its vices: but he that obeys the divine will, shall enjoy a life of immortality.

⁶ so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away.

⁶ but when the sun was up, it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away.

¹⁶ to which purpose he propos'd to them this parable: a rich man had some land that was very fruitful. ¹⁷ and thus he reason'd with himself, what shall I do for want of room to store up my crop? ¹⁸ this will I do, said he, I will pull down my barns, and build greater: and there I will bestow all my rich product. ¹⁹ 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. ²⁰ but God said to him, thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee: who then shall enjoy what thou hast provided? ²¹ such is he, who heaps up his treasure here, and makes no provision for another world.

¹⁹ There was a rich man, who used to dress in purple and fine linnen, and pass his days in pomp and luxury. ²⁰ a certain beggar named Lazarus, was lying at his gate, and tho' cover'd with ulcers, the very dogs came and fawned upon him. ²¹ but he wanted to be fed with the crumbs, that fell from the rich man's table. ²² at length the beggar died: and was conveyed by the angels to Abraham's bower. the rich man died too, and was buried. ²³ and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. ²⁴ 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. ²⁵ 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.

¹ As for you that are rich: weep, and lament the miserys that are falling upon you. ² your wealth is wasted, your wardrobe is devour'd by the worm, ³ and your gold and silver by rust: that rust shall convict you: that rust shall corrode your flesh like a caustic, which you have treasur'd up against the last days. ⁴ hark! what a noise there is of hire, of which you cheated the labourers, who gather'd in your harvest! the cries of the reapers have reach'd even the Lord of the celestial militia. ⁵ you have liv'd on the earth in voluptuousness and luxury: you have indulg'd your selves as in a day of sacrifice: ⁶ you have condemn'd the just, you have put him to death, though he did not oppose you. ⁷ As for you, my brethren, bear your sufferings with constancy, till the advent of the Lord. the farmer, from the prospect of a golden crop, patiently expects the showers of the spring and the autumn.

⁴ in the enjoyment of a state, that can never change or decay, a state reserv'd in heaven for us,

⁴ that when the sovereign pastor shall appear, you may carry off a glorious crown, that will never fade.

²⁸ Jesus reply'd, I declare unto you, that in the new age, when the son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye that have followed me shall likewise sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹ and every one that abandons his family, his brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my sake, shall receive in that age an hundred times the value, and shall inherit hereafter everlasting life.

³⁴ the king shall say to those on his right hand, come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

²⁸ but since you did not abandon me in my trials, ²⁹ I commit the kingdom to you, as my father committed it to me; ³⁰ that you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom, and seated on thrones may judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

⁷ who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality; ⁸ but unto those who are contentious, and do not yield to the truth, but give way to injustice, indignation and wrath, ⁹ tribulation and anguish to every one that doth evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. ¹⁰ but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that acts right, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

⁹ but, as it is written, "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entred into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

³ but if a man love God, the same is taught by him.

²⁵ every one that strives for the mastery, is extremely temperate: now, they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.

⁸ I have nothing more to do, but to receive the crown of virtue reserv'd for me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me in that day: and not only to me, but to those also, who have long'd for his appearance.

¹⁵ and after he had patiently waited, he obtained what was promised.

³² Call to remembrance the former times, in which after ye were illuminated, you were forc'd to struggle with sufferings,

¹⁷ 'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good:

⁵ have you forgot the exhortation which is address'd to you, as to children? "my son, despise not thou the chastning of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.

² Consider the various tryals that surround you, my brethren, as matter of great joy; knowing this, ³ that the bringing your faith to the test, produces constancy. ⁴ but constancy should be brought to its perfection, that you may be entirely accomplished, without any defect.

⁵ consider, my dear brethren, has not God chose the poor of this world to be rich by faith, and to inherit the kingdom he has promised to those who love him?

¹¹ we pronounce those happy, who have so endur'd. you have heard of the constancy of Job, you know with what success he was crown'd by the Lord, who is all mercy and compassion.

¹⁴ However, if you suffer in the cause of virtue, it is your happiness: and instead of being over-awed by their threats, and struck with concern,

¹³ on the contrary, rejoice at the share you have of sufferings, as well as Christ: that you may likewise triumph, when he shall appear in his glory.

¹⁹ let us love him; since he first loved us.

¹⁹ as many as I love, I rebuke and chastise: be warm therefore with zeal, and repent.

²¹ to him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my father in his throne.

¹⁹ But you will object, why does he then find fault? for "who can resist his will?" ²⁰ nay, but, O man, who art thou, to raise a dust against heaven? shall the pitcher say to him that formed it, "why hast thou made me thus?"

² Consider the various tryals that surround you, my brethren, as matter of great joy; knowing this,

²⁸ but I tell you, that whosoever looks on a woman with impure desires is already guilty of approving the fact.

¹⁸ but what proceeds out of the mouth, is deriv'd from the heart, and that defiles the man.

²⁰ these are the things which defile a man: but to eat without washing one's hands, that does not defile a man.

²¹ for from within, from the heart of man proceed wicked designs, adulteries, fornications, murders; thefts, ²² avarice, malice, fraud, impudence, envy, scandal, pride, vanity.

¹¹ for sin getting power by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

¹³ was it then good that brought death upon me? no, but it was sin, that sin might show it self by being able to bring death upon me by means of that which is good; that sin, I say, by the commandment might appear to be exceedingly destructive.

²² to quit the vicious habits of your former conversation, corrupted by deceitful passions:

¹³ but exhort one another daily while the day lasts, lest any of you be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin.

¹ you breathe slaughter and revenge for what you cannot obtain. ² you quarrel and go to war, but without success, because you don't petition for it: and if you did,

¹⁴ Then one of the twelve, Judas Iscariot by name, went to the chief priests,

⁴⁸ now he that was to betray him, gave them this signal, the person I shall kiss, is the very man, be sure to secure him. ⁴⁹ and immediately advancing to Jesus, he said, master, I salute you, and kissed him. ⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, friend, what are you come about? when the others advancing, seized upon Jesus, and secur'd him. ⁵¹ At which, one of Jesus's company laying his hand upon his sword, drew it, and striking at a servant of the high priest's, took off his ear. ⁵² but Jesus said to him, put up your sword in its place: for all that take to the sword, shall perish by the sword. ⁵³ do you think my father, if I should now desire it of him, would not instantly send me more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ but how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, which say, that thus it must happen? ⁵⁵ At the same time Jesus said to the company, you come to apprehend me with swords and clubs, as if in pursuit of a robber; I was every day with you teaching in the temple, and ye did not then seize upon me. ⁵⁶ but all this was to be done, in pursuance of what the prophets had predicted. then all the disciples abandon'd him, and fled. ⁵⁷ And they that had apprehended Jesus, led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the Scribes and the senators were assembled. ⁵⁸ but Peter followed him at a distance to the high priest's palace, and going in, he sat with the officers to see the event. ⁵⁹ Now the chief priests, the senators and the whole council, endeavour'd to get false evidence against Jesus, that he might be condemn'd to die.

¹ Now there was a certain man named Ananias who with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, ² and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought the rest which he laid at the apostles feet. ³ upon which Peter said, Ananias, how could satan inspire thine heart to lye to the holy ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

¹² Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, so death by this sin; and thereby death passed upon all men, who all by his means became mortal. ¹³ sin indeed was in the world all the time before the law: but then sin is not punished when there is no law. ¹⁴ nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned by violating a positive law, as did Adam, who is ¹⁵ the type of him that was to come: but yet the damage of the fall does not exactly correspond to the advantages of the divine favour: for tho' through the fall of one, mankind became mortal, yet this is greatly over-ballanced by the favour and bounty of God, in the benevolence of one man, Jesus Christ, to all mankind. ¹⁶ neither is the gift, as was the fall by one sin: for the sentence of condemnation, was for one offence; but the divine favour extends to justification from a multitude of sins. ¹⁷ for tho' death reigned thro' the single offence of one, they who receive the most valuable favour, even the gift of righteousness, shall much more easily reign by the life of one, even Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ Therefore as by one offence all men fell under condemnation: even so by one act of righteousness, all men are restored to life. ¹⁹ for as by one man's disobedience many receiv'd the punishment of sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many receive the reward of the righteous. ²⁰ the law was introduc'd, that the greatness of the fall might fully appear; but the more sin display'd its enormity, the divine favour was so much the more transcendent. ²¹ that as sin prevailed unto death, even so might the divine favour prevail by righteousness unto eternal life, thro' Jesus Christ our Lord.

²¹ what benefit had you then in those things whereof you are now ashamed? since they terminated all in death. ²² but now being set free from sin, and actually in the service of God, the present advantage you reap is holiness, and the future everlasting life. ²³ for the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

¹⁴ and death and the grave were cast into the lake of fire: this is the second death. ¹⁵ and whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire.

²⁹ Jesus answered them, you are mistaken, for want of a true notion of the scriptures, and of the divine power.

²⁴ for they all married her. Jesus answered them, don't you see you are in a mistake, by being unacquainted with the scriptures, as well as with the power of God?

²⁷ he is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: and therefore you greatly mistake the meaning.

⁹ Know you not that the unjust shall not inherit the kingdom of God? be not deceived: neither the licentious, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor the brutal,

⁷ be not deceived, God will not be mocked: for what a man soweth, that shall he also reap:

¹² Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obey'd the gospel, not only when I was with you, but much more now while I am absent, continue the work of your own salvation, whatever persecutions you apprehend:

¹ Wherefore, my dearly beloved brethren, my joy and my crown, whom I long to see, continue firm in your christian profession, my beloved.

⁴ I mention this, lest any one should deceive you by specious pretences.

⁸ beware lest any one seduce you by the vain illusions of philosophy, founded upon human traditions, and meer shadows, and not upon Christ:

¹⁸ they have deserted the faith themselves, and debauch'd the faith of others, by maintaining, "the resurrection is already past."

¹ Let brotherly love still reign.

¹⁹ Wherefore, my dear brethren, let every one be eager to hear, averse to contradiction, and deaf to passion.

¹¹ if ye then, as wicked as ye are, know how to bestow proper gifts upon your children; how much more shall your heavenly father give good things to them that ask him?

²⁵ At the same time Jesus, continuing his discourses, said, "I thank thee, O father, Lord of heaven and earth, for having revealed unto babes what thou hast hid from the wise and prudent. ²⁶ even so it is, father, for such has been thy will.

¹¹ to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. ¹² for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath.

¹³ 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?

⁹ HE was the true Light who came into the world, to enlighten every man.

²⁷ but John made them this answer, a man can have no authority, but what he derives from heaven.

¹² Jesus then having reassumed his discourse, said to them, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

³¹ him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins.

¹⁸ Having heard this, they were appeas'd, and glorified God, saying, God has then granted salvation likewise to the gentiles, on the terms of their repentance.

²³ for the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

²⁹ for the divine gifts and vocation are irrevocable. ³⁰ as you in times past did not obey God, yet have now obtained mercy upon the occasion of their disobedience:

⁶ having then different gifts, according to the respective favour bestowed upon us; if it be prophecy, let him prophesy according to the proportion of his gift. ⁷ if it be the ministry, let him attend on that ministry; and he that teacheth, on teaching; he that exhorteth, ⁸ on exhortation: he that giveth, let him be disinterested; he that presideth, let him be diligent; he that sheweth mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness.

⁷ for who has distinguish'd thee above another? or what have you, that you did not receive? now if you did receive it, why do you glory as if you had not received it?

⁴ Now there are different gifts, but the same spirit. ⁵ and there are different offices, but the same Lord. ⁶ and there are different operations, but it is the same God who performs them all in every one. ⁷ now to particular men the spirit gives particular gifts, that they may be displayed to greater advantage. ⁸ for to one the spirit gives the knowledge of the prophetical writings; to another the same spirit gives the knowledge of the doctrines of religion; ⁹ to another faith; to another the gifts of healing; ¹⁰ to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages. ¹¹ but all are wrought by one and the same spirit, distributing to every one in particular, as he thinks fit. ¹² For as the body is one, tho' it has many members, and all the members of that one body, tho' many, are one body: so also is the body of Christ.

⁶ for God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to enlighten others in the knowledge of the glory of God, which shines in the person of Jesus Christ.

¹⁸ an enlightned understanding, that ye may see what great expectations he has called you to, and what abundant glory it is to the saints to be the lot of his inheritance.

³ of which number we all have formerly been, leading our dissolute lives in gratifying the desires of our sensual imaginations: and were indeed obnoxious to the divine displeasure, as other. Gentiles were: ⁴ then it was that God, who is rich in mercy, thro' his great love, wherewith he loved us, ⁵ did raise us all, who were in that deadly state of sin, to life by Christ, for by grace ye are saved:

⁸ for by grace are ye saved, thro' faith (and that not from us:

⁸ wherefore 'tis said, " when he ascended up on high, he made a number of captives, and gave gifts to men." ⁹ now his having ascended, what does it mean, but that he had descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ he that descended, is the same too that ascended far above all heavens, to perfect all things. ¹¹ It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers:

³ for even we ourselves were once inconsiderate, disobedient, deluded, addicted to variety of passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, the deserving objects of mutual hatred. ⁴ but when the kindness and love of God our saviour display'd itself to mankind, ⁵ he saved us not in consideration of any virtuous actions which we had done, but out of his meer mercy, by the baptism of regeneration, he form'd us anew, by the plentiful effusion of the holy spirit,

¹¹ they shall perish, but thou shalt remain: and they all shall come to an end like an old garment; ¹² as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall never end."

⁸ Jesus Christ is always the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. be not then misled by artful, novel doctrines:

¹⁵ such wisdom is not derived from heaven; but is terrestrial, sensual, demoniacal.

⁵ This then is the commission we have from him, to declare unto you, that God is light, and in him there is no darkness.

¹⁰ and what heightens his love, was this, that it was not we who first loved God, but it was he that first loved us, and sent his son to expiate our sins.

¹¹ Now what is testified, is this, that God has given to us eternal life: and this life is by his son. ¹² he that receives the son, is intitled to life; and he that does not receive the son of God, has no title to life.

²³ the city had no need either of the sun, or of the moon to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamb is the luminary thereof.

⁵ no night shall be there, nor any need of a lamp, or of the light of the sun; for the Lord God will give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

¹³ a birth which they had not from circumcision, nor from the constitution of the body, nor the institution of man, but from God.

³ Jesus answered him, I declare unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ⁴ Nicodemus replied, how can a man be born when he is old? can he enter into his mother, and be born a second time? ⁵ Jesus answered, I tell thee, except a man be renewed by the spiritual baptism, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

¹⁷ " I have made thee a father of many nations," then existing in the sight of God, whom he believed, who gives life to the dead, and calls forth things that are not, as if they were:

²⁹ for whom he before approv'd, he predispos'd to follow the example of his son, who was to conduct them all as their elder brother; ³⁰ but whom he predispos'd, he calls: and whom he has call'd, he justifies: and whom he has justified, he glorifies. ³¹ What shall we conclude then from this? if God be for us, who can be against us?

¹⁵ God forbid. for he saith to Moses, "I will show favour to whom I will show favour, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." ¹⁶ so that this is a matter not dependent on him that wills or runs, but on God, who shews mercy. ¹⁷ for 'tis said in scripture to Pharaoh, "even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." ¹⁸ thus some he pursues with his favours, and abandons others to their obduracy, according as he thinks fit.

¹⁵ for though you may have ten thousand christian preceptors, you cannot have many fathers; since it was I that first instructed you in the gospel of Christ Jesus:

¹² that we should celebrate his glory, who were the first that plac'd our hopes in Christ.

²⁰ and having made peace by the blood of his cross, to reconcile all things to himself, both those in heaven, and those upon earth. ²¹ You then that formerly were alienated from God, and were enemies by your imaginations and wicked practices, even you has Jesus Christ now reconciled to the body of his church,

¹³ As for you, my brethren, the favourites of the Lord, we are oblig'd to render perpetual thanks to God, for having chosen you from the beginning, in purifying you by his spirit, upon your believing the gospel. ¹⁴ to this he has called you, to a life of glory with our Lord Jesus Christ.

²³ the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

²¹ throw off then your vices as dregs and scum: and receive with docility that genuine doctrine, which is effectual to your salvation.

³ Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has regenerated us, and given us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the expectation of immortal life,

²³ since your regeneration is not owing to any corruptible principles, but to the unchangeable word of the immortal God.

⁹ whosoever is born of God, does not commit sin; for the divine principle remaineth in him: he will not sin, because he is born of God.

⁴ these are they who were not defiled with women: for they are virgins: these are they who follow the lamb wherever he goes: these were ransom'd from among men, being the first fruits unto God, and to the lamb.

²² but I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause, shall be punish'd by the tribunal: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be punish'd by the Sanhedrim: but whosoever shall say, thou fool, shall be punish'd by the fire of Gehenna.

² so great a company assembled, that there was no room for them in the house, nor even about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

³⁷ now since David himself calls him Lord, how can he be David's son? and the common people heard him with pleasure.

¹ Then many of the Publicans, and people of a bad reputation gather'd about Jesus to hear him;

⁴⁸ but they could not find the means of effecting it; for all the populace were strongly attach'd to his doctrine.

⁴² they continued stedfastly in the apostolical doctrine of a community, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

³³ immediately I sent to you; and you have done well to come. now here we are all in the presence of God, to hear whatever he has given you in charge.

⁴² When Paul and Barnabas were gone out of the Jewish synagogue, the Gentiles desired them to entertain them on the same subject, the following sabbath. ⁴³ when the assembly was separated, many Jews and religious proselytes followed after, to whom the apostles address'd themselves, and exhorted them to persevere in the divine dispensation. ⁴⁴ The next sabbath-day almost the whole city assembled to hear the word of God.

⁴⁸ when the Gentiles heard this, they received the word with joy, glorifying the Lord: and as many as were dispos'd to eternal life, believed.

¹¹ the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures.

²⁰ brutality, idolatry, poisoning, enmities, quarrels, emulations, animosities, strife, seditions, factions, envyings, ²¹ drunkenness, revellings, and such like, concerning which I forewarn you now, as heretofore I have done, that they who practise such vices, shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

²⁶ are you angry? have a care you don't sin. "let not the sun go down upon your wrath,"

³¹ banish all resentment and indignation, anger, vehemence, detraction, and every thing like malice.

⁸ but now renounce them all, as well as anger, animosity, malice: let calumny and obscene discourse be banish'd from your lips.

¹⁵ may the peace of Christ, to which you are called to be but one body, influence your hearts, to be benevolent.

¹³ nor do we fail of giving thanks to God continually, that, when you received the word of God, which we preach, you did not receive it as the doctrine of men, but as a doctrine that appears to be truly divine, by the influences it displays in you, who believe.

²⁶ If a person of an ungovernable tongue pretends to religion, he abuses himself: for his religion is meer illusion.

¹ My brethren, don't affect many of you to be doctors, considering, that those of us who are such, shall be tried with the greater severity. ² for we are all liable to frequent mistakes. he that does not give too great a loose to his tongue, is an accomplish'd person and fit to moderate the whole church.

²¹ I have not written to you, as to people unacquainted with the truth of the gospel: but as to such who know it, and know that it cannot give rise to any imposture.

²⁴ a christian must not be litigious, but easy to all men, qualify'd to instruct, ²⁵ with great temper and meekness informing those, who differ in opinion; because he does not know, but God may change their minds, by convincing them of the truth.

¹⁷ but wisdom deriv'd from heaven is first dispassionate, then pacific, equitable, and obsequious: full of beneficence, and all social virtue, free from partiality, and hypocrisy. ¹⁸ they who cultivate peace, enjoy the reward of their virtue.

⁵ Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶³ it is the action of the mind that vivifies, that of the body profits nothing: the words that I have delivered to you, spiritually understood, give life.

⁶⁸ but Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life.

²⁶ It is to you, my brethren, who are the children of Abraham, and to all who fear God among you, that this salutary news is sent.

¹⁶ for I am not ashamed of the gospel, since it is divinely effectual to salvation, to everyone that believes, to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile.

¹⁷ but God be thanked, that you, who were the vassals of sin, have sincerely obeyed in the manner the gospel prescribed.

¹⁷ if then, some of the branches are broken off, and thou like a wild olive, were grafted in their place to partake of the root and sap of the olivestock;

¹² the night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore throw off the habits of darkness, and be invested with the ornaments of light. ¹³ let us behave with decency as in open view; not with rioting and drunkenness, not with lewdness and brutality, not with strife and envy.

² by which also you will be saved, if you so retain it as I preached it to you, unless you have believed without sufficient grounds.

¹ since then, we have these promises, my dear brethren, let us cleanse our selves from all impurity, whether of body or mind, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

¹³ by whom you also have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: and having believed in him, ye were mark'd with the seal of the holy spirit, which was promised:

⁴ nor buffoonry, which they call pleasantry, but is indecent: be you rather exercised in social virtue.

⁵ Mortify therefore your sensual appetites, fornication, impurity, irregular passions, wicked desires, and that licentiousness practised by idolaters. ⁶ these are vices which draw down the divine vengeance upon unbelieving nations; ⁷ among whom you had your conversation, when you followed their practices. ⁸ but now renounce them all, as well as anger, animosity, malice: let calumny and obscene discourse be banish'd from your lips.

⁵ since the gospel we preach'd, did not consist only of words, but was fully confirm'd by miracles and gifts of the holy spirit, you yourselves being witnesses, what we did among you and for you.

¹⁵ and that from your infancy you were acquainted with the sacred writings, which point you the way to salvation, by believing in Christ Jesus: ¹⁶ for all divinely inspired writings are conducive to instruction, to conviction, to reformation, and the practice of virtue; ¹⁷ that the minister of God may be perfectly accomplished for every office of religion.

¹¹ For the divine savour has display'd its salutary effects to all mankind:

³ how shall we escape, if we neglect that salutary doctrine? which was first published by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those that heard him;

² for to us was the good promise made, as well as to them: but the word address'd to them was not effectually receiv'd with faith by those that heard it.

⁹ since the salvation of your souls is the reward you receive for your faith.

¹ Renouncing therefore every kind of malice, and knavery, hypocrisy, envy, and detraction, as new-born infants desire that mystical milk,

¹¹ but at present have obtain'd it. I exhort you, my dear brethren, as strangers and travellers to avoid all sensual passions, as destructive to your

²¹ 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. ²² 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? ²³ and then will I make this declaration to them: I never knew you: depart from me ye that have practised iniquity. ²⁴ 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: ²⁵ 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. ²⁶ 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: ²⁷ the rain descends, the flood rushes on, the winds blow, and beat upon the house: down it falls, and wide are its ruins.

⁵⁰ for whosoever shall do the will of my father, who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.

²⁰ teaching them to observe every thing which I have enjoin'd you: and be assured I shall be always with you to the end of the world.

⁴⁶ Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not observe what I say? ⁴⁷ I will show you, who that man is like, who comes to me, and practises what I prescribe. ⁴⁸ he is like a man who in building a house, digg'd deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: an inundation came, the current beat impetuously upon that house, but could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

²⁸ but rather, said he, happy are they who hear the word of God, and put it in practice.

⁴⁷ but the servant, who knows his master's will, and prepares not himself, nor executes his orders, shall receive many stripes. ⁴⁸ whereas he that does not know it, and does things worthy of chastisement, shall receive fewer stripes. for to whom much is given, of him shall much be required, and the more a man has been trusted, the greater will be the demand.

¹⁷ if ye comprehend these things, happy are ye if ye put them in practice.

¹³ for not the bare hearers of the law, but they who observe the law, are such as shall be justified, before God.

¹⁸ let no man deceive himself: if any among you pretends to worldly wisdom, let him commence fool, in order to be truly wise.

³³ be not deceived : "vicious conversation corrupts good morals."

³ for if a man thinks himself to be considerable, when he is not, he deceives himself.

⁸ Finally, my brethren, whatever has the character of truth, of dignity, of justice, of chastity, whatever can procure you esteem and reputation, in a word, if there be any thing virtuous or praise-worthy, let that be the object of your enquiry.

¹⁷ let your discourse and your actions be all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father by him.

¹³ as for these impious impostors, they will go on from bad to worse, seducing others, and deluding themselves.

³ for even we ourselves were once inconsiderate, disobedient, deluded, addicted to variety of passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, the deserving objects of mutual hatred.

¹⁴ What advantage is it, my brethren, for a man to say he has faith, if he has no beneficence? can such a faith save him? ¹⁵ suppose one of your brethren should be destitute of cloths, and of his daily nourishment, ¹⁶ and one of you should thus address him; "go and prosper, I wish you a warm fire, and a full meal:" without relieving his wants, would he be the better for your wish? ¹⁷ just so faith, if it be not operative, is intirely lifeless. ¹⁸ it will be said, "you have a speculative faith, but mine is practical. where is your faith, if no effects appear? as for me, my actions will vouch for my faith. ¹⁹ you believe there is but one God, very well: the demons believe as much, and tremble." ²⁰ Vain man, must I show you how lifeless a thing faith is, without its effects?

¹⁷ he then that knows what is virtuous, and does not practise it, is a criminal.

¹³ they place their felicity in daily pleasure: they are a vile scandal to religion: when they are present at your love-feasts they indulge their luxury:

⁸ If we say that we are without sin, we deceive ourselves, and have no regard to truth.

³ if we keep his commandments, that is a proof that we know him.

⁷ dear children, let no man deceive you: only he that acts justly is just, as he is just.

¹¹ my beloved, don't imitate vice, but virtue. he that does good, is a child of God: he that does evil, is not acquainted with God.

⁹ the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, call'd the devil or satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were precipitated with him.

⁷ I shall soon come: happy is he that attends to the prophecies of this book."

⁷ now the Scribes and Pharisees were upon the watch to see if he would work a cure upon the sabbath-day, and so have matter of accusation against him.

⁴⁷ I will show you, who that man is like, who comes to me, and practises what I prescribe.

¹⁴ What advantage is it, my brethren, for a man to say he has faith, if he has no beneficence? can such a faith save him? ¹⁵ suppose one of your brethren should be destitute of cloths, and of his daily nourishment, ¹⁶ and one of you should thus address him; "go and prosper, I wish you a warm fire, and a full meal:" without relieving his wants, would he be the better for your wish? ¹⁷ just so faith, if it be not operative, is intirely lifeless. ¹⁸ it will be said, "you have a speculative faith, but mine is practical. where is your faith, if no effects appear? as for me, my actions will vouch for my faith. ¹⁹ you believe there is but one God, very well: the demons believe as much, and tremble." ²⁰ Vain man, must I show you how lifeless a thing faith is, without its effects? ²¹ was not our father Abraham treated as just, in consequence of his actions, when he had attempted to sacrifice his son upon the altar? ²² don't you see his actions and his faith conspir'd, and that his faith had its perfect effect in his conduct? ²³ it was then, that those words of scripture were accomplished, "Abraham believed God, and he was regarded for it as a man of virtue, and was the favourite of God." ²⁴ you see then, that a man is accounted just for his actions, and not for his bare faith. ²⁵ was it not likewise for her actions, that Rahab, formerly a loose liver, was accounted as just, for having entertain'd the messengers of Joshuah, and dismiss'd them the securest way? ²⁶ as the body then without the soul is a meer carcase, so faith without its effects is lifeless.

²⁷ but the crew were all amaz'd; what is this man, said they, that even the winds and the sea obey him?

⁶⁶ and made an impression upon all that heard of them. what a child will this be? said they, for the divine influence does attend him.

³⁹ which the Pharisee, who had invited him, observing, he thus argued with himself, if this man were a prophet, he could not but know that the woman, who is so busy with him, is a person of a loose character.

¹¹ Since then this whole system is to be destroyed, how holy should your conduct be, and how ardent your piety?

⁴⁷ I will show you, who that man is like, who comes to me, and practises what I prescribe. ⁴⁸ he is like a man who in building a house, digg'd deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: an inundation came, the current beat impetuously upon that house, but could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. ⁴⁹ but he that does not practise what he hears, is like a man who built his house upon the loose earth without any foundation: the current beat impetuously against it: in the instant down it fell, and great were its ruins.

³¹ Jesus said therefore to those Jews who believed on him, if you adhere to my doctrine, then will you be my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, ³² and the truth shall make you free.

³⁶ if the son therefore shall make you free, you will be free indeed.

⁹ as the father has loved me, and I have loved you: so do you persevere in your love to me. ¹⁰ your love to me will be in keeping my commandments: even as I love my father by keeping his commandments.

⁴³ when the assembly was separated, many Jews and religious proselytes followed after, to whom the apostles address'd themselves, and exhorted them to persevere in the divine dispensation.

²² but by the divine favour I am still preserv'd alive, testifying to the small and to the great nothing but what Moses and the prophets have predicted should happen: "that Christ should suffer:

⁷ who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality; ⁸ but unto those who are contentious, and do not yield to the truth, but give way to injustice, indignation and wrath,

¹² wherefore the law is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

²² for my mind takes delight in the law of God, ²³ but I perceive in the animal part of me another law warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my animal part.

¹⁵ for the spirit you have received is not servile to keep you still in fear; but it is the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, that is, father.

²² consider then the divine benignity, and his severity: his severity to those who fell, and his benignity to you, provided you adhere thereto; otherwise you likewise will be lopt off.

⁵⁸ therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye inflexibly steady, and continually surpass others in the work of the Lord, knowing that he will not leave your christian labour unrewarded.

¹⁷ for the spiritual meaning of the law centers in him, and the spirit of the law is gospel-liberty: ¹⁸ but as we lay aside the veil, the divine light gradually informs the mind, according as we attend to that spiritual sense, which points out the Lord.

⁵ Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; bring yourselves to the proof; are you so little acquainted with yourselves, as not to know whether Jesus Christ be in you? but if you are destitute of proofs,

⁴ and as to the false brethren, who insidiously crept in to spy out our liberty which we have by Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into servitude;

¹ Stand fast therefore, and be not hampered again with the yoke of bondage.

²³ provided you continue well-grounded and settled in the faith, and do not abandon that hope which has been offer'd to you by the gospel, and is proclaim'd to all mankind; of which I Paul am made a minister.

¹⁵ however the women may be saved by educating their children, and persevering themselves in faith, in charity, in holiness and chastity. this may be depended upon as true.

¹⁶ take care how you behave, and what you teach. persevere in these duties: for by the practice of them, you will save both yourself, and those who hear you.

¹⁵ take care not to deprive yourselves of the divine favour: and that no poisonous root spring up, and spread a general infection among you.

²³ for a bare auditor without practice is like one who sees his image form'd by a mirror: ²⁴ he takes a view, turns away, and instantly loses his appearance.

¹² speak and act as those, who are to be judged by the law of liberty.

¹⁶ men. You are free, don't let your liberty serve as a pretext for vice: but act as the servants

²⁴ adhere therefore to what ye have learnt from the beginning. if you adhere to what ye have heard from the beginning, you will still persist to own both the son and the father.

¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven, saying to me, "write, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; yes, from henceforth, saith the spirit, they shall rest from their labours; and the recompence of their labours shall follow them."

¹⁴ blessed are they who wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

⁹ but in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men."

⁷ in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men."

¹⁸ improve therefore what you hear: for he that improves what he has, shall have more; but he that does not, shall lose even that, which he thinks he possesses.

¹⁵ yea, and we are no better than enthusiastic impostors by affirming that God raised up Christ, when he never did raise him up.

⁶ But as for those who were men of real eminency, how considerable soever they were heretofore, it does not any ways affect me; God accepts not the person of any man: for they who were of note, in conference with me, had nothing new to add.

⁴ have you suffered so many things in vain?

²⁹ let no obscene language defile your mouth, use only such as tends to edification, that it may be beneficial to the hearers.

⁶ let an air of modesty appear in all your discourse; and let it be seasoned with discretion, in making a proper reply, when you are call'd into question.

²² Don't delusively content your selves with being of the audience, but put what you hear in practice:

²⁰ Vain man, must I show you how lifeless a thing faith is, without its effects?

² for we are all liable to frequent mistakes. he that does not give too great a loose to his tongue, is an accomplish'd person and fit to moderate the whole church. ³ you see how manageable horses are made by the application of a bit, which makes them take what motion we please. ⁴ a ship too of the greatest burthen, tho' the wind bears hard, by means of an inconsiderable helm, veers about as the hand of the pilot directs her. ⁵ so the tongue is but a small part of the body, yet how grand are its pretensions. a spark of fire! what quantities of timber will it blow into a flame? ⁶ the tongue is a brand that sets the world in a combustion: it is but one of the numerous organs of the body, yet it can blast whole assemblies: tipp'd with infernal sulphur it sets the whole train of life in a blaze.

¹⁰ " He that desires to live in prosperity, must restrain his tongue from detraction, and his lips from uttering falsehood:

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

³⁴ the king shall say to those on his right hand, come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ³⁵ for I was prest with hunger, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: ³⁶ naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye took care of me: I was in prison, and ye visited me. ³⁷ then will the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see thee in hunger, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? ³⁸ when did we see thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? ³⁹ or when did we see thee sick, or in prison, and visited thee? ⁴⁰ and the king will reply, I declare unto you, your having done this for one of the least of these my brethren, is the same thing as doing it for me. ⁴¹ then will he say to those on the left, depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² for I was prest with hunger, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: ⁴³ I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. ⁴⁴ then will they answer, Lord, when did we see thee in hunger, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? ⁴⁵ to this he will reply, I declare unto you, your not doing this for one of the least of these, is the same thing as not doing it for me. ⁴⁶ and these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

⁶ they were both of them sincerely pious; observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord; with unspotted reputation.

¹⁴ I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. ¹⁵ I do not pray you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the malignity of it.

² and be not conformed to the present age: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may perceive what God requires of you is good, and acceptable, and perfect.

⁴ that he might deliver us from the vices of this present age, according to the will of God, even our father: to

⁶ for in the christian-dispensation, neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but an active benevolent faith.

⁹ let us then not be weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we be not tired. ¹⁰ therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good offices to all men, especially to the family of believers.

¹⁴ but far be it from me that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world is as contemptible to me, as I am to the world.

¹ If then you are risen with Christ, seek the things, that are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. ² let the things above, and not such worldly matters be the object of your thoughts. ³ for you are dead to them, and Christ has secured your life with God.

⁵ such a charge will produce that charity, which arises from purity, from a good conscience, and a sincere belief:

⁴ if a widow has children or grand-children, let them above all things instruct their own family to be religious, and let them be grateful to their parents, for this is acceptable to God.

⁴ Degenerate race, don't you know that friendship with vice is hostility against heaven. he that is a friend to the vicious world, is an enemy to God.

¹⁵ Love not the world, nor let worldly things engage your affections. he that is worldly affected is a stranger to divine love. ¹⁶ for what the world is so full of, sensuality, avarice, and pride, is not deriv'd from the creator, but is the offspring of a vicious world. ¹⁷ and the world is passing away, with all its vices: but he that obeys the divine will, shall enjoy a life of immortality.

¹⁷ he that possesses the enjoyments of life, and seeing his brother in want, has no compassion for him, how can he be said to have any divine love? ¹⁸ my dear children, let not our love be only in the language of our lips, but in the real effects of the heart. ¹⁹ Hereby we shall know that we are true professors, and set our consciences securely at rest.

⁴ for he that is a true christian, overcomes the world: by obtaining faith, we have gain'd a victory over the world. ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the son of God?

¹⁸ we know that a true christian will not commit such a sin, for he that is the child of God keeps upon his guard, so that the wicked spirit does not approach him.