Romans 2 Cross References - Mace

¹ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art, that condemnest another, for by condemning them, you condemn yourself; since you that condemn them, do the same things. ² but we know that the judgment of God against those who commit such crimes, is just. ³ do you think then, O man, who do what you condemn in others, that you shall escape the judgment of God? ⁴ or do you despise the riches of his kindness, and forbearance, and long-suffering; not considering that the kindness of God invites you to repentance? ⁵ however by your impenitence, and the insensibility of your heart, you treasure up for yourself wrath against the day of wrath, and of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God, ⁶ who will render to every man according to his actions: eternal life to those, 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: ¹¹ since with God there is no respect of persons. ¹² For as many as have sinned without the law, shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned under the law, shall be condemned by the law, ¹³ for not the bare hearers of the law, but they who observe the law, are such as shall be justified, before God. ¹⁴ when the Gentiles who have not the law, do by nature what the law prescribes, tho' these have not the law, they are a law to themselves: ¹⁵ for they shew that the duties prescrib'd by the law, are written in their hearts, their consciences bearing witness to it, by their own reasonings alternately accusing and excusing them. ¹⁶ in the day, when according to my gospel, God shall judge the secret actions of men by Jesus Christ. ¹⁷ 'Tis true, you bear the name of a Jew, you depend upon the law, and boast of your worship: ¹⁸ you know the divine will, and what is contrary thereto, having been educated in the law: ¹⁹ you think you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, ²⁰ an instructer of the ignorant, a teacher to the weak, because you have a clear view of the true meaning of the law. ²¹ you therefore who instruct others don't you instruct yourself? ²² you who preach against stealing, do you steal? you who declaim against adultery, do you commit adultery? you who abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege? ²³ and you, who glory in the law, do you dishonour God by the violation of the law? ²⁴ for (as it is written) the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles by your miscarriages. ²⁵ Circumcision indeed is an advantage, if you keep the law: but if you violate the law, your being a Jew makes you no better than a heathen. ²⁶ if therefore an uncircumcised Gentile keep the moral precepts contained in the law, shall not he be reckon'd, as if he were circumcised? ²⁷ and shall not a Gentile, tho' he is not actually circumcised, if he fulfil the law, condemn thee, who, tho' literally circumcised, dost yet transgress the law? ²⁸ for it is not the Jew in outward appearance, neither is it the external mark of circumcision: ²⁹ but it is the Jew, who is so inwardly, and it is the circumcision of the heart, according to the spiritual, not the literal sense, which have the approbation, I do not say of men, but of God.

¹ Judge not, that ye be not judged. ² for according as ye judge others, ye shall be judged yourselves: the measure you mete, shall be measured to you again. ³ why do you observe the mote that is in your brother's eye, and not consider the beam that is in your own eye? ⁴ with what assurance can you say, brother, let me take that mote out of your eye; when there is such an apparent beam in your own eye? ⁵ thou hypocrite, first get rid of the beam in your own eye; and then see how to remove the mote out of thy brother's eye.

²⁹ wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, ³⁰ and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. ³¹ whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets,

³⁷ don't judge others, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven.

²² wicked slave, said he, from your own mouth will I convict thee. "you knew I was a hard master, exacting what I never gave, and reaping where I never sowed:

⁷ and as they pressed him to answer, he rais'd himself, and said to them, he that is without sin among you, let him be the first that throws a stone at her. ⁸ then stooping down again, he wrote on the ground. ⁹ but they who heard that, being convicted by their own conscience, they all went old and young one after another, so that Jesus was left alone with the woman, who still kept her place.

¹⁸ there the divine wrath is revealed from heaven against all impiety, and injustice of men, who wickedly suppress the truth. ¹⁹ because what should be known of God they are acquainted with; for God hath manifested it unto them. ²⁰ for ever since the creation of the world, his eternal power and divinity, things in themselves invisible, are clearly seen, being perceived by the things that are made; so that they are without excuse:

³ do you think then, O man, who do what you condemn in others, that you shall escape the judgment of God?

²¹ you therefore who instruct others don't you instruct yourself? ²² you who preach against stealing, do you steal? you who declaim against adultery, do you commit adultery? you who abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege? ²³ and you, who glory in the law, do you dishonour God by the violation of the law?

²⁶ if therefore an uncircumcised Gentile keep the moral precepts contained in the law, shall not he be reckon'd, as if he were circumcised? ²⁷ and shall not a Gentile, tho' he is not actually circumcised, if he fulfil the law, condemn thee, who, tho' literally circumcised, dost yet transgress the law?

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?"

¹⁶ O wife, but you may save your husband? or how do you know, O man, but you may save your wife?

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

¹¹ Don't, my brethren, treat one another with detraction. he that reflects upon his brother, and censures his brother, reflects upon the law, and censures the law: if you censure the law, instead of obeying it, you set up for a judge.

³¹ because he has fix'd the day, when he will judge in equity, by that man, whom he has appointed thereto: of which he has given full proof to all the world, by having raised him from the dead."

⁵ however by your impenitence, and the insensibility of your heart, you treasure up for yourself wrath against the day of wrath, and of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

⁴ the faithfulness of God of no effect? by no means; yea, let God be acknowledged to be true, tho' men should be all deceivers; as it is written, " that you might be justified in your sayings, and might overcome when you are judged." ⁵ but say you, "if our unfaithfulness displays the veracity of God, what shall we say? is it not injustice in God to inflict punishment?"

¹⁴ What do we say then? is there injustice in God?

⁵ by which you may be assur'd, that they will be punish'd by the divine justice, and that you shall be rewarded with the kingdom of God, for which you suffer; ⁶ since it is agreeable to his justice to afflict those in their turn, who afflict you: ⁷ and that you, who are distress'd, should obtain your repose, together with us, when the Lord Jesus, with his angels, the ministers of his power, shall descend from heaven, ⁸ in flaming fire, to take vengeance on those, who know not God, and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁹ the Lord shall punish them with everlasting destruction, when he shall appear in the glory of his power, ¹⁰ and come to be glorified by his saints, and to be the object of admiration to all who believed, that the testimony we gave you, would be justified in that day.

³ and they sung the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the lamb, saying, "great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou king of ages. ⁴ who will not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: and all nations shall come to adore thee; because thy judgments have been display'd."

⁵ and I heard the angel of the waters say, "thou art just, who art, and hast always been holy, because thou hast judged thus:

² for just and right are his judgments; for he hath condemned the grand prostitute, who corrupted the earth with her licentiousness, and hath avenged the blood of his servants that were shed by her hand."

³³ ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna?

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?

¹⁴ but Jesus answer'd him, who made me a judge, or an arbitrator between you?

⁵⁸ a little while after another seeing him, said, you are even one of them. but Peter said to him, man, I am not.

⁶⁰ Peter reply'd, man, I don't know what you would say, and immediately while he was yet speaking, the cock crew.

³² who knowing the divine rule of right, did not perceive that they who commit such things are worthy of death, and not only they who do the same, but they who give countenance to those that do them.

³ whilst they flatter themselves with peace and safety, destruction shall fall upon them, like the pangs of a woman in travail, and they shall not escape.

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;

²⁵ Take care that you be not deaf to him that speaketh: for if they did not escape, who disregarded the oracles pronounc'd on earth, much less shall we escape, if we turn away from him that delivered the oracles from heaven:

⁴⁸ but if he be dishonest, and says to himself, my Lord delays coming, ⁴⁹ and shall pretend to assault his fellow-servants, and spend his time with sots:

¹⁷ at length coming to himself, how many, said he, does my father keep in pay, who have bread in abundance, whilst I am dying here with hunger? ¹⁸ I will depart, and go to my father, and say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against thee; ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son: treat me as one of your hir'd servants.

⁵ as soon as Jesus came at the place, he look'd up, and seeing him, Zaccheus, said he, make haste down; for I intend to dine at your house to-day. ⁶ so down he came in great haste, and gave Jesus a joyful reception. ⁷ upon seeing this, they all murmur'd, saying, he is going to be treated by a dissolute person. ⁸ but Zaccheus address'd himself to Jesus, and said, Lord, half my estate I give to the poor; and if I have wrong'd any man, I will give him four times the value.

²⁵ whom God had ordained, thro' faith, to be the propitiatory victim by his blood, for the manifestation of his goodness, by patiently passing over their past transgressions: to manifest,

¹ Do we then conclude thus, let us continue in sin, that the divine favour may be more fully display'd?

¹⁵ What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under the gospel?

²² if the divine Being has patiently bore with those objects of his displeasure, that had been working out their own destruction, why may he not reveal himself to make them feel his vindictive power, ²³ and display his infinite goodness to such objects of mercy, as he had prepared for glory?

¹² In reality there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile: they have all the same Lord, who is bountiful to all that call upon him.

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.

³³ O the depth of the divine goodness, wisdom, and contrivance! how impenetrable are his decrees, and his ways past finding out!

⁷ who has by his blood obtained for us the redemption, even the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace,

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.

⁴ then it was that God, who is rich in mercy, thro' his great love, wherewith he loved us,

⁷ that in the ages to come, he might shew the immense riches of his gracious kindness towards us, through Christ Jesus.

⁸ upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ;

¹⁶ that by his immense power he would strengthen the faculties of your minds by his spirit:

¹⁹ for which may my God crown all your desires with glory by Christ Jesus.

²⁷ to whom God does disclose the glorious advantages of this mystery to you Gentiles, to wit, "that by Christ you may have the expectation of glory."

² that their hearts might be comforted, and that being firmly united in love, they might possess the highest and fullest persuasion of the truth of this doctrine, by entring into this mystery, even of God the father, and of Christ,

¹⁶ however I obtained mercy, that Jesus Christ might demonstrate the greatness of his clemency, by making me an eminent instance of it to those who should hereafter believe in him, in order to eternal life.

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;

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, ⁶ thro' Jesus Christ our saviour:

²⁰ those antient rebels in the time of Noah, when the divine forbearance waited, till the ark was quite finish'd, in which only eight persons were saved by means of the water.

³ Above all things you are to know, that in these last times, impostors will appear, who will abandon themselves to their own sensual passions, whose cry will be,

⁹ the Lord does not delay the accomplishment of his promise, as some do imagine. but he waits with patience upon our account, as being unwilling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

¹⁵ that the patience of our Lord is for your advantage: as our dear brother Paul, according to the information he receiv'd, has writ to you,

²⁰ behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, I will sup with him, and he shall afterwards be entertain'd by me.

¹⁸ there the divine wrath is revealed from heaven against all impiety, and injustice of men, who wickedly suppress the truth.

² but we know that the judgment of God against those who commit such crimes, is just. ³ do you think then, O man, who do what you condemn in others, that you shall escape the judgment of God?

²² if the divine Being has patiently bore with those objects of his displeasure, that had been working out their own destruction, why may he not reveal himself to make them feel his vindictive power,

²⁵ I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this secret, (for fear you should presume too much on your selves) that blindness has fallen upon a part of Israel, until the time when the Gentiles shall be fully come in.

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

¹⁵ which is imply'd by, "to-day since ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as at Meriba."

⁷ he pointed out another time in the words, which were spoken by David, a long time after their going into Canaan, in the passage just now quoted, "today since ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

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.

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.

⁷ but the heavens and the earth now existing are kept in store by his Logos, reserv'd for the conflagration of doomsday, when the impious shall be involv'd in perdition.

⁶ and the angels which kept not their original dignity, but deserted their proper abode, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness, to the judgment of the great day.

¹⁷ for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to subsist?"

²⁷ for the son of man shall come in the glory of his father, with his angels; and then shall be make retribution to every man according to his works.

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.

²² keep the persuasion you have, to your own conscience. blessed is he that approves himself to God, without making any difference about meats:

⁸ he that planteth, and he that watereth, have the same design: and each shall receive his proper reward, in proportion to his own labour.

⁵ therefore suspend your judgment till the Lord comes, who will bring to light the secrets of darkness, and expose the counsels of mens hearts: and then shall every man have his due reward from God.

¹⁰ for we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ; that every one may receive the retribution, according as his actions in the body were either good or evil.

⁷ be not deceived, God will not be mocked: for what a man soweth, that shall he also reap: ⁸ he that soweth to his vices, shall reap the deadly fruit of his vices; but he that sows to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap everlasting life.

²³ I will strike her children dead; and all the churches shall know that I am he who searcheth the reins and the heart: and I will give to every one of you according to your works.

¹² and I saw the dead, small and great, stand before the throne; the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out. of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

¹² behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

¹² and as iniquity becomes more flagrant, the zeal of many will grow cool. ¹³ but he that shall persevere unto the end, shall be preserved.

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.

⁴⁴ how can you believe, who are catching at honour one from another, regardless of that glory that comes from God only?

⁶⁶ From that time many of his disciples withdrew, and associated no longer with him. ⁶⁷ upon which Jesus said to the twelve, will not ye likewise go away? ⁶⁸ but Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ and we have believed and we have acknowledged that you are the Christ, the son of God.

¹⁰ but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that acts right, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

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

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.

²⁴ for we are saved but by hope: but hope supposes things not yet present; for how can a man hope for what he has now in possession? ²⁵ but if we hope for what is yet to come, our patience does necessarily intervene.

²³ and display his infinite goodness to such objects of mercy, as he had prepared for glory?

⁵³ for this corruptible body must be invested with incorruptibility, this mortal be invested with immortality. ⁵⁴ but when this corruptible shall be invested with incorruptibility, and this mortal with immortality, then shall be fulfilled that passage of scripture, " death is swallowed up for ever."

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.

¹⁶ for which cause I am not discouraged, but tho' my body decays, yet my mind is daily renewed. ¹⁷ for the light affliction, which I at present suffer, will be infinitely over-ballanced by an eternal weight of glory; ¹⁸ for I have no regard to the things which are visible, but to such as are invisible: since visible things are temporary, but the invisible are eternal.

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

¹⁰ has now been display'd by the coming of Jesus Christ our saviour, who has defeated the power of death, by bringing a life of immortality to light thro' the gospel.

⁷ I have struggled in a glorious cause: I have finish'd my career: I have stood to the faith: 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.

¹² but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them.

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

³⁵ don't therefore quit that resolution you have, which will be attended with so great a reward. ³⁶ for it is necessary you should persevere, that after having perform'd what God has commanded, you may receive what he has promised.

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.

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.

²⁵ and this is the reward that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

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. ¹¹ he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith to the churches, he that overcometh, shall not be hurt by the second death."

¹⁸ he that believeth on him, shall not be condemned: but he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the only begotten son of God. ¹⁹ and this is the subject of their condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men have loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ for every one that doth evil, hateth the light, and shunneth the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. ²¹ but he that doth right, cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, because they are agreeable to the will of God.

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

¹⁶ 'tis true, faith comes by preaching, and preaching is by the divine appointment.

¹⁸ for I will not offer to mention any thing, but what Christ has wrought by me, to make the Gentiles christians, both in profession and practice:

¹⁶ but if any man has a mind to be contentious, I answer, we have no such custom, nor any of the churches of God.

⁸ in flaming fire, to take vengeance on those, who know not God, and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

¹⁰ and with all the vile methods of imposture, to the ruin of those, who are averse to the truth, by which they might be saved. ¹¹ wherefore God will suffer a spirit of delusion to work them into the belief of a lye: ¹² to the condemnation of all those, who instead of embracing the gospel, had pleasure in iniquity.

³ If any one deviate from this doctrine, not adhering to the wholesome instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ, the true doctrine of piety, ⁴ he is full of pride and ignorance, touch'd with a spirit of chicanery and wrangling, productive of envy, contention, calumny,

⁹ but avoid frivolous enquiries about genealogies, and vexatious disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

¹² Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you such incredulity as to make you desert the living God. ¹³ but exhort one another daily while the day lasts, lest any of you be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin.

⁹ and by a perfect obedience he procured eternal salvation for all that obey him;

²⁷ and nothing is to be expected but that dreadful judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour all such adversaries.

⁸ 'Twas by faith that he who was named Abraham, showed his obedience in travelling to a foreign country, which he was afterwards to inherit; and began his journey without knowing where he was going.

¹ Let the married women be subservient to their husbands, that if they happen to disbelieve the gospel, they may be gain'd by the instructive conduct of their wives,

¹⁷ for now is the time when God will begin his judgments with his own church. now if he begins with us, what will the conclusion be to those who do not obey the divine gospel?

¹⁰ he shall drink of the wine of the divine vengeance, the strongest wine that can be poured out of the cup of his indignation; He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the lamb:

¹⁹ and the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

²⁰ Then he began to upbraid the towns where most of his miracles were wrought, for their not being converts. ²¹ wo unto thee, Chorazin, wo unto thee, Bethsaida: for if the miracles which were done among you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. ²² I declare unto you, Tyre and Sidon shall be treated with less severity at the day of judgment than you. ²³ and thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be brought to destruction: for if the miracles which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have subsisted even to this day. ²⁴ I tell you likewise, that in the day of judgment, Sodom shall be treated with less severity than you.

²⁶ what advantage is it to a man to gain the whole world at the price of his life? or what would not a man pay down to preserve his life?

³⁰ for mine eyes have beheld the saviour, ³¹ whom thou hast provided for all mankind, a light to lighten the Gentiles, ³² and the glory of thy people Israel."

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.

⁴⁷ and that repentance and remission of sins should be preach'd in his name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

²⁶ it is to you that God first of all sent his son Jesus, having raised him up to bless you, provided you all renounce your iniquities.

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.

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.

⁴⁶ but Paul and Barnabas told them boldly, you indeed were the first, to whom the word of God was to be preach'd: but since you reject it, and judge your own selves unworthy of eternal life, be assur'd, we shall make the same offer to the Gentiles: ⁴⁷ for thus has the Lord commanded us, "I have appointed you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the remotest parts of the earth."

⁵ and when Silas and Timothy were arriv'd from Macedonia, Paul with great concern remonstrated to the Jews, that Jesus was the Messiah: ⁶ but as they oppos'd him with invectives, he shook his garment, and said, "you your selves be answerable for your own destruction, I am clear: and for the future I shall address my self to the Gentiles."

²¹ remonstrating both to Jews and Gentiles the advantages of a sincere repentance, and of believing

²⁰ first I warn'd the people of Damascus, of Jerusalem, of all Judea, and then the Gentiles, to repent, and turn to God, by acting suitably to their repentance.

¹⁷ three days after, Paul sent for the chief of the Jews: and when they were assembled, he said to them, "my brethren, tho' I have done nothing against the Jews, or against the customs of our fathers, I was made a prisoner at Jerusalem, and put into the hands of the Romans:

²⁸ take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.

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.

²⁹ is God the God of the Jews only, and not of the Gentiles? surely he is of the Gentiles too; ³⁰ since it is one God, who will justify both the Jews and the Gentiles, through faith.

⁹ Is this happiness then for the circumcised only, or for the uncircumcised also? for we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. ¹⁰ how was it then accounted? whilst he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? he was not then circumcised, but uncircumcised: ¹¹ and he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the justification by that faith, which the uncircumcised have: that he might be the father of all those who believe, tho' they are uncircumcised, that it might be accounted to them also for righteousness: ¹² and the father of the circumcised, that is of those who are not barely circumcised, but who imitate that faith which our father Abraham had, being yet uncircumcised.

²⁴ to such as we, whom he has called, both from among the Jews, and from among the Gentiles.

⁸ for I tell you, that Jesus Christ was a minister to the Jews, to manifest the veracity of God in fulfilling the promises made to the fathers: ⁹ and you Gentiles ought to glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, "for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name ."

¹⁵ We are Jews by birth, and not of the sinful race of the Gentiles, ¹⁶ yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in him, and not by the works of the law, by which there is no justification.

²⁸ there is now no distinction of Jew or Greek, of bond or free, of male or female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

¹¹ Wherefore remember that you were heretofore Gentiles, being denominated the uncircumcised, by those who are the circumcised by a manual operation; ¹² that at that time ye were without all knowledge of the Messiah, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and living in the world without any true knowledge of God. ¹³ but now you who were formerly at a distance, are brought near by the death of Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ for he is our peace-maker, who hath united both Jew and Gentile, and hath by his flesh broken down the middle wall of partition ¹⁵ (which kept us at variance) by abolishing the dogmatical injunctions of the law, that having made the peace, he might incorporate the two into one new body under himself; ¹⁶ that he might reconcile both in one body unto God by the cross, wherefore he destroyed the enmity that was between them: ¹⁷ and being come, he preached the glad tidings of peace to YOU who were afar off, and to US that were nigh.

¹¹ by which there is now neither Greek, or Jew; circumcised, or uncircumcised; Barbarian, or Scythian; slave, or freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

⁶ since it is agreeable to his justice to afflict those in their turn, who afflict you:

¹³ if the family be worthy, your benediction shall have its effect; but if it be not worthy, it shall only redound to your own advantage.

⁷⁹ to enlighten those, who are in darkness, and in the shadow of death, and to direct our steps into the ways of peace."

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.

³⁷ happy those servants, whom the master at his arrival shall find thus watching: I assure you, he shall gird himself, and make them sit at table, and will come to serve them.

⁴² in these words, "O that thou hadst consider'd, at least in this very day, the opportunity you had of being happy! but now alas! it is vanish'd from your eyes."

¹⁴ The hour of eating being come, he, and the twelve apostles sat down to table.

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.

²⁷ I bid you farewell! I give you my last farewell; but I do not give it out of common formality: don't be concern'd for me, or apprehensive for your selves.

³³ these things I have appriz'd you of, that ye might repose your confidence in me. the world shall give you trouble: but take courage, I have overcome the world.

³⁵ but in every nation, he that feareth him, and acts justly, is acceptable to him.

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

⁹ tribulation and anguish to every one that doth evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.

¹ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ,

⁶ now sensual inclinations lead to death; but spiritual affections to a life of tranquillity.

²¹ is not the potter the master of his own clay, of the same mass to make one vessel for use and ornament, and another for a meaner purpose?

¹⁷ for the gospel dispensation does not consist in meats and drinks, but in piety and peace, and spiritual joy.

¹³ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the holy spirit.

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

²² but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, sweetness of disposition, beneficence, faithfulness, meekness, temperance:

⁷ and the favour of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall keep your hearts and mind attach'd to Jesus Christ.

²² don't you see his actions and his faith conspir'd, and that his faith had its perfect effect in his conduct?

¹³ Whoever is a skilful moralist, let him show by his virtuous conduct, that he practises the humble precepts of wisdom.

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:

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

¹⁶ they dispatch'd therefore some of their disciples, together with the Herodians, who thus address'd themselves to him; master, we know that you are sincere, and faithfully teach the divine law without fear or flattery: for you have no regard to the outward quality of men.

²¹ they address'd him therefore in this manner; master, we know that what you say and teach is all right. you are not influenc'd by the quality of men, but explain the divine law with sincerity:

³⁴ then Peter thus began, now I plainly perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

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.

⁹ and you masters have a just regard to them, by softning your authority: knowing that both their and your master is in heaven, where there is no respect of persons with him.

²⁵ but he that does wrong shall be punish'd for his injustice: for no regard will be shown to the external characters of men.

¹⁷ and since you invoke him as your father, who without respect of persons judges every one according to his actions; while you are passing thro' this world, be fearful of offending him:

²² I declare unto you, Tyre and Sidon shall be treated with less severity at the day of judgment than you.

²⁴ I tell you likewise, that in the day of judgment, Sodom shall be treated with less severity than you.

¹² I declare unto you, that the people of Sodom shall be treated with less severity in the day of judgment, than that city. ¹³ wo unto thee Chorazin; wo unto thee Bethsaida: for if the miracles, which have been wrought among you, had been wrought in Tyre and Sidon, they would long since have lain repenting in sackcloth and ashes. ¹⁴ therefore Tyre and Sidon shall be treated with less severity in the day of judgment, than you. ¹⁵ and thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to the sky, shall be plung'd into an abyss.

¹¹ Jesus answered, you could not have any power over me, except you deriv'd it from above: therefore they who delivered me into your hands are the most culpable.

³⁰ God has been pleas'd to over-look this state of ignorance: but now he enjoins all men every where to repent: ³¹ because he has fix'd the day, when he will judge in equity, by that man, whom he has appointed thereto: of which he has given full proof to all the world, by having raised him from the dead."

¹⁸ there the divine wrath is revealed from heaven against all impiety, and injustice of men, who wickedly suppress the truth. ¹⁹ because what should be known of God they are acquainted with; for God hath manifested it unto them. ²⁰ for ever since the creation of the world, his eternal power and divinity, things in themselves invisible, are clearly seen, being perceived by the things that are made; so that they are without excuse: ²¹ because when they knew God, they did not with gratitude glorify him as God, but their reasoning became extravagance, and their minds, void of judgment, were involv'd in darkness.

³² who knowing the divine rule of right, did not perceive that they who commit such things are worthy of death, and not only they who do the same, but they who give countenance to those that do them.

¹⁴ when the Gentiles who have not the law, do by nature what the law prescribes, tho' these have not the law, they are a law to themselves: ¹⁵ for they shew that the duties prescrib'd by the law, are written in their hearts, their consciences bearing witness to it, by their own reasonings alternately accusing and excusing them. ¹⁶ in the day, when according to my gospel, God shall judge the secret actions of men by Jesus Christ.

¹⁹ Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law: that every one may be silenc'd, and all the world plead guilty before God. ²⁰ for by the observation of the law no one shall be justified in his sight, since it is the law that takes cognizance of sin.

¹⁵ because the effect of the law is punishment: for if there had been no law, there could have been no transgression.

⁷ Do we then conclude, that the law is the cause of sin? by no means; but I should not have had such a notion of sin, had it not been for the law: for I should not have known concupiscence was a sin, unless the law had said, "thou shalt not covet." ⁸ but sin receiving strength by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. for before the law sin appear'd dead. ⁹ then it was I once liv'd secure; but when the prohibition came, sin exerted it self, and I was in a dying condition: ¹⁰ and the commandment which leads to life was instrumental to my ruin. ¹¹ for sin getting power by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

³ God having sent his own son invested with a body like that of sinful men, as a sacrifice for sin, thereby destroyed its power; which the law could not effect, human nature being in such a corrupted state.

²¹ to those who are without the law, as without that law, (not as being under no law to God, but as under the law to Christ) that I might gain those who are without the law.

⁷ now if the law engraven on stone, the letter of whose sanction is death, was delivered with such glory, that the children of Israel could not steadily behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance, tho' it was transient; ⁸ shall not the ministration of the spirit be more glorious? ⁹ for if the ministration of condemnation was illustrious, the ministration of righteousness will be much more glorious.

¹⁶ yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in him, and not by the works of the law, by which there is no justification. ¹⁷ Now if it be a sin to seek for justification by Christ, then is Christ the minister of sin, which cannot be. ¹⁸ on the contrary, if I re-establish what I have demolish'd, I show myself a prevaricator. ¹⁹ for by one law, I am dead to the other law, that I might live unto God:

¹⁰ but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:"

²² but the scripture has declar'd all guilty of sin, that the blessing promised on condition of faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

¹⁰ for he that violates but one precept of the whole law, is as obnoxious to punishment, as if he had broke thro' all the rest.

¹² and I saw the dead, small and great, stand before the throne; the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out. of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. ¹³ the sea gave up the dead which were in it; death and the grave delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every one according to their works. 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.

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.

²¹ but he answered them, my mother and brethren are these, who attend to the word of God, and practise it.

²⁵ Then a doctor of the law stood up to try him, saying, master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? ²⁶ to whom he answered, how does the law run in that case? what do you find? ²⁷ he replied, 'tis thus, "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy understanding; and thy neighbour as thy self." ²⁸ you have answered well, replied Jesus, do this, and you shall live. ²⁹ but he being desirous to clear himself, said to Jesus, but what is meant by our neighbour?

¹⁴ I tell you this man went home approv'd as just, and not the other. for whoever exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

³⁹ by him, every one who believes, is purged from all that guilt, for which the law of Moses had made no such provision.

²⁵ Circumcision indeed is an advantage, if you keep the law: but if you violate the law, your being a Jew makes you no better than a heathen.

²⁰ for by the observation of the law no one shall be justified in his sight, since it is the law that takes cognizance of sin.

²³ for all having sinned, all have forfeited eternal glory:

³⁰ since it is one God, who will justify both the Jews and the Gentiles, through faith.

² for if Abraham was justified by works, he had matter of pretension, whereas he had no such claim from God. ³ for what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." ⁴ the reward is not counted as a favour to him that has done good actions, but as a debt: ⁵ whereas he that trusts in God to be made righteous, tho' he has not done such actions, shall find his faith accounted as righteousness.

⁵ For Moses describes the justice that was to be had by the law, thus : "the man who performeth the things here required, shall have life thereby."

¹⁶ yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in him, and not by the works of the law, by which there is no justification.

¹¹ but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." ¹² now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them."

⁴ Christ is of no use to you, whoever of you seek to be justified by the law; you have lost all interest in the gospel-dispensation.

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.

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?

²⁹ since you know that God is the source of virtue, you know that every one who has virtue, derives it from him.

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

¹⁶ who in past ages has let all Nations proceed in their own ways.

³⁰ God has been pleas'd to over-look this state of ignorance: but now he enjoins all men every where to repent:

¹² For as many as have sinned without the law, shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned under the law, shall be condemned by the law,

²⁷ and shall not a Gentile, tho' he is not actually circumcised, if he fulfil the law, condemn thee, who, tho' literally circumcised, dost yet transgress the law?

¹ What advantage then hath the Jew? or what benefit is there from circumcision? ² much every way: chiefly, because they were intrusted with the oracles of God.

¹⁴ does not settled custom show it is a shame for a man to have long hair?

¹² that at that time ye were without all knowledge of the Messiah, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and living in the world without any true knowledge of God.

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.

⁹ but they who heard that, being convicted by their own conscience, they all went old and young one after another, so that Jesus was left alone with the woman, who still kept her place.

¹ Then Paul directing himself to the council, thus said, "hitherto I have liv'd strictly conscientious, as God knows."

¹⁶ and 'tis my endeavour to preserve a conscience free from reproach both with respect to God, and with respect to men.

¹⁸ there the divine wrath is revealed from heaven against all impiety, and injustice of men, who wickedly suppress the truth. ¹⁹ because what should be known of God they are acquainted with; for God hath manifested it unto them.

¹ I call Christ, and the holy spirit to witness with my conscience, that I speak the truth without guile, when I say,

¹² for this is to me matter of glorying, the testimony of my conscience, that without artifice, and with religious sincerity, not by worldly wisdom, but by God's favourable assistance I have behaved my self towards all men, but more particularly to you.

¹¹ Shall I then, who know this terrible judgment of the Lord, endeavour to appease men? as for God, I am approved by him, and I trust also you are convinced of my being so approved.

² broach'd by hypocrititical impostors, whose consciences are cauteriz'd,

¹⁵ to the pure all things are pure: but to corrupt infidels nothing is pure; whose very mind and conscience is polluted.

¹⁹ Hereby we shall know that we are true professors, and set our consciences securely at rest. ²⁰ for if our conscience condemn us, God knows us better than we do our selves, he knoweth all things. ²¹ beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we may securely confide in God.

³¹ When the son of man shall come in his majesty, accompanied with all his holy angels, he shall sit upon the throne of his glory. ³² then all nations shall be assembled before him, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats. ³³ and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

¹⁷ whatever is now obscure, shall hereafter be made clear; whatever is now conceal'd, shall then be publickly known.

²² besides, the father judgeth no man; but hath committed the full power of judging unto the son: ²³ that all men should honour the son, even as they honour the father. he that honoureth not the son, honoureth not the father who hath sent him. ²⁴ I declare unto you, he that heareth my doctrine, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come under condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. ²⁵ I declare unto you, the time is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the son of God: and they that hear shall live. ²⁶ for as the father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the son, to have life in himself; ²⁷ and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the son of man. ²⁸ let not this surprize you: for the time is coming, when all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and they that have done good, ²⁹ shall rise to the possession of life; and they that have done evil, shall rise to their condemnation.

⁴⁸ he that rejecteth me, and does not embrace my doctrine, hath one that condemns him: the doctrine that I have delivered, that shall condemn him in the last day.

⁴² and he commanded us to publish, and to testify to the people, that he was the person whom God had constituted to be the judge of the living, and of the dead.

⁶ not at all: for then how could God judge the world?

¹⁰ why then dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou think contemptibly of thy brother? since we shall all of us be brought before the judgment-seat of Christ. ¹¹ for it is written, "as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." ¹² Since then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God;

²⁵ Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, conformable to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret from antient times, but now is laid open,

¹¹ I certify to you, brethren, that the gospel, which has been preached by me, is not the result of human artifice:

¹¹ with the salutary doctrine of the gospel of immortality, which the blessed God committed to my trust.

⁸ Remember that Jesus Christ, who is of the posterity of David, is raised from the dead, according to my gospel,

¹ I conjure you in the name of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is to judge the living and the dead, at his appearance in his kingdom,

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.

²⁷ as then it is appointed that men should die but once, after which the judgment ensues;

⁵ but they will be call'd to account by him, who is ready to judge both the living and the dead.

¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose presence the earth and the heaven fled away, so that they disappear'd.

⁹ and don't pretend to say within your selves, We have Abraham for our father: for I tell you, that God is able out of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham:

¹¹ and I declare unto you, that many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit at table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the heavenly kingdom. ¹² but the heirs to the kingdom shall be cast into the darkness without: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

²⁸ you have answered well, replied Jesus, do this, and you shall live.

⁴⁵ don't imagine that I shall accuse you to my father: even Moses himself in whom you confide, will be your accuser.

¹⁹ was it not Moses who gave you the law, and yet none of you observe that law?

³³ they answered him, we are Abraham's offspring, and were never slaves to any man: why then do you say, "ye shall be made free?"

⁴¹ your actions are like your father. at this they reply'd, we are no bastards; we have but one father, even God.

²⁸ then they reviled him, and said, thou art his disciple; but we are Moses disciples. ²⁹ we know that God commission'd Moses: as for this fellow, we don't know who sent him.

²³ and you, who glory in the law, do you dishonour God by the violation of the law?

²⁸ for it is not the Jew in outward appearance, neither is it the external mark of circumcision: ²⁹ but it is the Jew, who is so inwardly, and it is the circumcision of the heart, according to the spiritual, not the literal sense, which have the approbation, I do not say of men, but of God.

⁴ who are Israelites; who had the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, the form of divine worship, and the promises; ⁵ who are the offspring of the patriarchs, and of whom as to the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. ⁶ However, the divine promise cannot but have its effect. for they are not the whole of Israel, who are descended from Israel: ⁷ neither are they who are the race of Abraham, all children: but 'tis said, "in Isaac shall thy posterity be called."

³² why? because they sought it not by faith, but indeed by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone;

²² Are they Hebrews? so am I: are they Israelites? so am I: are they of the race of Abraham?

¹⁵ We are Jews by birth, and not of the sinful race of the Gentiles,

¹¹ Wherefore remember that you were heretofore Gentiles, being denominated the uncircumcised, by those who are the circumcised by a manual operation;

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: ⁴ which I might do more justly than any other man can pretend to: ⁵ being circumcised the eighth day, of the family of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew by descent, by sect a Pharisee. ⁶ if zeal is to be regarded, I persecuted the church; if the integrity prescrib'd by the law, I am without reproach; ⁷ these advantages I renounce for Christ,

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.

¹ And unto the angel of the church in Sardis, write, "THESE things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast the reputation of being alive, but art dead.

⁹ you shall see I will make those of the synagogue of satan, who say they are Jews, and are not, but do lye: you shall see I will make them come, and throw themselves at your feet, and they shall know that you are the objects of my love.

⁴⁷ but the servant, who knows his master's will, and prepares not himself, nor executes his orders, shall receive many stripes.

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

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.

¹ Now as to things offered to idols, 'tis certain that the knowledge you all pretend to have, swells you with pride, but 'tis charity that edifieth. ² and if any man be conceited of his own knowledge, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know it.

¹⁰ that being capable to distinguish what is best, you may remain stedfastly sincere until the day of Christ,

²¹ bring every thing to the test: if it be proof, abide by that:

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.

¹⁴ such solid nourishment is only fit for such as are arriv'd at their full growth and strength, whose senses have been exercis'd in distinguishing what is good, and what is prejudicial.

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

¹⁶ the people which sat in darkness, saw a great light: and to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up."

¹⁴ ye are the light of the world. a city that is situated on an hill, cannot be hid;

²³ but if your eye be bad, your whole body will be dark: if therefore that, which should be light to you, be dark; how great is that darkness?

¹⁴ let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. now if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

¹⁶ wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ¹⁷ ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? ¹⁸ again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ¹⁹ ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? ²⁰ whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. ²¹ and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. ²² and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. ²³ wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ²⁴ ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. ²⁵ wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. ²⁶ thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean.

¹⁵ I declare unto you, he that shall pretend to be admitted into the kingdom of God, and has not the temper of a little child, shall not enter therein.

⁴⁶ the officers answered, never did man speak like this man. ⁴⁷ upon which the Pharisees answered, are ye also seduced? ⁴⁸ have any of the rulers, or of the Pharisees believed on him? ⁴⁹ but the populace, who are ignorant of the law, are such wretches.

³⁴ they answered, you were a vicious fellow from your very birth, and do you pretend to preach to us? and then they excommunicated him.

⁴⁰ some of the Pharisees who were then present hearing this, said to him, are we likewise blind? ⁴¹ Jesus said to them, if you were blind, you would be excusable; but since you own that you see, you stand convicted.

¹⁸ and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and partake of the inheritance of the saints, by believing on me."

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

¹⁰ we are made fools for our attachment to Christ, while you, who are christians too, still pass for the wise: we are in poverty, but you are in power: you meet with esteem, but we find contempt.

¹⁵ that you may be without reproach, the inoffensive spotless children of God in the midst of a depraved and perverse generation (among whom you should shine as stars in the world,

¹⁷ you say you are rich, and have increased your gain, and have need of nothing; but you do not consider that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. ¹⁸ I counsel thee to purchase of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayst be cloathed, and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear; and an ointment for thine eyes to make you see clear.

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.

¹ However, I could not speak to you, my brethren, as to the spiritual, or as to the dispassionate, but as to novices in christianity.

¹³ Keep that form of sound doctrine you receiv'd from me, which consists in christian faith and charity:

⁵ of which they wear the appearance, but disclaim its influence. have no intercourse with such.

¹⁶ they make a profession of knowing God; but in fact they deny him, being execrably incredulous, and utter strangers to all virtue.

¹³ now he that is disciplined like a child, is not prepared for the doctrine of justification:

² which is without any mixture, and will make you thrive. Since you have tasted how good the Lord is,

¹³ and said to them, it is written, " my house shall be the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves."

³ therefore whatever moral precepts they bid you observe, those observe and practise; but don't follow their example: for they preach one thing, and practise another. ⁴ for they load men with intolerable impositions, and will not take the least pains to ease them of the burthen: they do nothing but out of ostentation, ⁵ their phylacterys are broader, and the fringes of their garments are larger than those of others: ⁶ they affect the uppermost place at feasts, the principal chair in the synagogues, ⁷ to be saluted in publick places, and to have men address to them with the title of Doctor Doctor. ⁸ But don't you assume that title, for you have but one doctor, who is the Christ; as for you, you are all brethren alike. ⁹ don't stile any one among you, Father upon earth; for he alone is your father, who is in heaven. ¹⁰ neither take the title of masters, for you have but one master, who is the Messias. ¹¹ he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. ¹² for whosoever exalts himself, shall be abased; and he that humbles himself, shall be exalted. ¹³ Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. ¹⁴ wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. ¹⁵ wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. ¹⁶ wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ¹⁷ ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? ¹⁸ again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ¹⁹ ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? ²⁰ whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. ²¹ and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. ²² and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. ²³ wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ²⁴ ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. ²⁵ wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. ²⁶ thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. ²⁷ wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. ²⁸ just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

²³ upon which he said, no doubt you will urge me with this proverb, "physician heal thy self. what we have heard you perform'd in Capernaum, do likewise here in your own country."

⁴⁶ but Jesus said, wo unto you likewise, doctors of the law; for you load men with insupportable burthens, the least part of which you will not yourselves bear:

²⁷ but I mortify my body, and bring it into subjection: lest after having been a herald to others, I my self should be thrown out.

¹³ for even they who are circumcised, do not themselves observe the law in other respects; but they dedesire to have you circumcised, that they may have matter of glorying upon that account.

¹ As for you, teach nothing ² but what is agreeable to sound doctrine: advise the aged to be prudent, grave, temperate, sound in faith, ³ in charity, in patience: the aged women likewise, to behave with sanctity of manners, not false accusers, not given to tipling, ⁴ but to lectures on virtue, that they may teach the young women prudence, to love their husbands, ⁵ to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, good oeconimists, beneficent, submissive to their husbands, ⁶ that the word of God may not be blasphemed. the young men likewise exhort to be modest. ⁷ In all things show yourself a pattern of virtue: in teaching shewing uncorruptness,

³⁹ but he answered them, this wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no other miracle shall they have, except that of the prophet Jonas.

⁴ a wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no miracle shall they have beside that of the prophet Jonas. and so leaving them, he went away.

¹⁷ at the same time he explained himself to them in these words, is it not written, "my house shall be called a house of prayer to all nations?" but ye have made it a harbour for thieves.

³⁷ for the men you have brought here, have neither plunder'd your temples, nor inveigh'd against your goddess.

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.

¹⁷ and he said to him, why do you stile me good? there is but one that is good, that is God. but if you would enter into life, keep the commandments. ¹⁸ he reply'd, which? Jesus said, "thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, ¹⁹ honour thy father and thy mother: and, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." ²⁰ the young man answer'd, all these things have I practis'd from my youth: what is it that is further required?

¹¹ the Pharisee in a standing posture pray'd thus by himself, O God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men, a robber, a cheat, an adulterer, or like that Publican.

¹⁷ 'Tis true, you bear the name of a Jew, you depend upon the law, and boast of your worship:

² much every way: chiefly, because they were intrusted with the oracles of God.

⁴ who are Israelites; who had the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, the form of divine worship, and the promises;

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.

¹⁶ you triumph in your vain projects, but your presumption is vicious. ¹⁷ he then that knows what is virtuous, and does not practise it, is a criminal.

⁷ wo unto the world, because of such scandals: tho' it cannot be, but that such occasions of relapsing should happen: yet wo to that man by whom the scandal cometh.

¹⁴ I enjoin therefore the young women to marry, to detest abortion, to govern their families, and give our enemies no handle for reproach.

¹ Let those who are in a state of servitude, consider the entire respect due to their masters, that the name of God, and the doctrine of the gospel may not be blasphemed.

⁵ to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, good oeconimists, beneficent, submissive to their husbands,

⁸ gravity; let your doctrine be sound and inoffensive, that your opponents may be ashamed, and have nothing that is ill to say of us.

² many will follow their destructive maxims, and by their means christianity will be traduc'd.

⁵¹ stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye.

²⁸ for it is not the Jew in outward appearance, neither is it the external mark of circumcision:

³ for I testify to every man that is circumcised, that he is under an obligation to perform the whole law. ⁴ Christ is of no use to you, whoever of you seek to be justified by the law; you have lost all interest in the gospel-dispensation. ⁵ but as for us, our minds are possessed with the hopes of justification by faith. ⁶ for in the christian-dispensation, neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but an active benevolent faith.

¹⁵ for in the dispensation of Jesus Christ, neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but the new creation.

¹¹ Wherefore remember that you were heretofore Gentiles, being denominated the uncircumcised, by those who are the circumcised by a manual operation; ¹² that at that time ye were without all knowledge of the Messiah, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and living in the world without any true knowledge of God.

²⁸ then Jesus answered her, O woman, great is thy faith: as you desire, be it done. and her daughter was healed from that very hour.

² and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God. ³ one day about the ninth hour, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God, who addrest himself to him, and said, Cornelius! ⁴ and when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord? and he said to him, thy prayers and thine alms have been observ'd and approv'd by God.

³⁴ then Peter thus began, now I plainly perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ but in every nation, he that feareth him, and acts justly, is acceptable to him.

³ and ask'd him, why did you go to eat with the uncircumcised? ⁴ but Peter represented the whole affair to them, ⁵ saying, as I was at prayers in Joppa, I saw something like a great sheet, tied at the four corners, which descended from heaven, and came just to me. ⁶ as I was considering it very attentively, I saw several quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. ⁷ then I heard a voice, which said, rise, Peter; kill and eat. ⁸ but I said, Lord, by no means: for I never did eat any thing impure, and defiled. ⁹ but the voice from heaven address'd it self to me again, and said, don't call that impure, which God has purified. ¹⁰ this was done three times, and then the whole scene was mounted to heaven. ¹¹ at that very instant three men, dispatch'd from Cesarea to me, were just arrived at the house, where I was. ¹² and the spirit bid me make no difficulty of going with them. these six brethren accompany'd me, and we went together to the man's house. ¹³ he told us how he had seen an angel, who had presented himself to him, and had said, send to Joppa, to fetch Simon, surnam'd Peter: ¹⁴ who will give you such instructions, as will be the means of saving both you and all your family. ¹⁵ and while I was speaking to them, the holy spirit descended upon them, as it did on us, at the beginning. ¹⁶ then I remember'd that expression of the Lord, "John baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the holy spirit." ¹⁷ if therefore God has bestow'd the same favour upon them, as on us, after we had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I make any opposition to the divine will? 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.

⁴ so that the moral obligations of the law might be fulfilled by us, in living according to the spiritual, and not the carnal tenor thereof:

¹⁸ does a Jew turn Christian? let him not pretend to be uncircumcised: does a Gentile turn Christian? let him not become circumcised. ¹⁹ circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, in comparison of obeying the divine commands.

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:

¹¹ by whom also ye have obtain'd the true spiritual circumcision, not effected by men, when you were by a christian circumcision divested of all your carnal affections,

¹⁵ and Jesus answer'd, Let it be so for the present, for it becometh us to do whatever is right. then John consented.

¹⁷ Don't think that I am come to abolish the law or the prophets: I am not come to abolish, but to complete them. ¹⁸ I assure you, heaven and earth may as well cease to be, as that one jot or one tittle of the law should fail of its completion. ¹⁹ whoever therefore shall break any commandment, tho' of the least importance, and shall teach men so to do, shall not have the least admittance into the kingdom of the Messias: but whoever shall do and teach them, he shall be great in the kingdom of the Messias. ²⁰ for I declare to you, that except your righteousness shall exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall not enter into the heavenly kingdom.

⁴¹ the men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment against this generation, and shall condemn it, because they were converted at the preaching of Jonas, and now there is one superiour to Jonas here. ⁴² the queen of the south shall rise up at the day of judgement against this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the remote parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now a greater than Solomon is here.

²² God removed Saul, and rais'd up David to be their king, to whom he gave this testimonial, " I have found David the son of Jesse: he is a man most acceptable to me, and he will execute all my orders."

²⁰ an instructer of the ignorant, a teacher to the weak, because you have a clear view of the true meaning of the law.

²⁹ but it is the Jew, who is so inwardly, and it is the circumcision of the heart, according to the spiritual, not the literal sense, which have the approbation, I do not say of men, but of God.

⁶ but now we are delivered by the death of the law, which held us in bondage: that we might serve according to the living spirit, and not in the dead letter of the law. ⁷ Do we then conclude, that the law is the cause of sin? by no means; but I should not have had such a notion of sin, had it not been for the law: for I should not have known concupiscence was a sin, unless the law had said, "thou shalt not covet." ⁸ but sin receiving strength by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. for before the law sin appear'd dead.

¹⁰ thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self." the benevolent never does wrong to his neighbour: therefore benevolence is the fulfilling of the law.

⁶ who also hath enabled me to be a minister of the new covenant, not of the literal sense, but of the spiritual meaning: it is the letter that denounces death, but the spirit gives life.

¹⁴ for all the law is comprehended in this one precept, "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

³ 'Tis by faith we learn that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the visible world was not made out of any thing that did appear.

⁴⁷ Jesus seeing Nathanael coming, said of him, there's a true Israelite, in whom is no guile. how do you know me?

³⁷ I know you are Abraham's offspring; but ye seek to kill me, because my doctrine doth not penetrate into you. ³⁸ what I have learnt from my father, that I tell: and what you have learnt from your father, that you do. ³⁹ they answered him, Abraham is our father. if you were Abraham's children, said Jesus, you would act like Abraham.

⁶ However, the divine promise cannot but have its effect. for they are not the whole of Israel, who are descended from Israel: ⁷ neither are they who are the race of Abraham, all children: but 'tis said, "in Isaac shall thy posterity be called." ⁸ that is, the children by natural descent are not thereby the children of God: but the children of the promise are alone considered as his posterity.

²¹ thus baptism, which corresponds to the deluge, does now save us, not as it is a cleansing from external filth, but as it is an engagement to lead a divine life, from the belief of the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

³⁹ upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality.

²¹ as see here! or see there! for even now the kingdom of God is commenc'd among you.

⁵ Jesus answered, I tell thee, except a man be renewed by the spiritual baptism, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶ the cleansing of the body is only external, but the purification of the spirit is spiritual. ⁷ be not surprized that I said to thee, you must be born again. ⁸ the wind bloweth where it listeth, and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell whence it comes, or whither it goes: such is the change in every one that is renewed by the spirit.

²³ but the time is coming, nay, is very nigh, when the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit and in truth: for they are the worshippers which he requires.

⁴³ for they preferr'd their own reputation to the glory of God.

⁶ but now we are delivered by the death of the law, which held us in bondage: that we might serve according to the living spirit, and not in the dead letter of the law.

¹⁸ for not he that commendeth himself, but he whom the Lord commendeth, is the approved.

¹¹ by whom also ye have obtain'd the true spiritual circumcision, not effected by men, when you were by a christian circumcision divested of all your carnal affections, ¹² which were buried (as Christ was) in your baptism, by virtue of which you rise (as he did) to a new life, through a belief of that divine power, which raised him from the dead.

⁴ we preach the gospel just as God thought fit to intrust it with us, not being studious to please men, but God, who approves our sincerity.

⁴ but in the internal qualities of the mind, in that purity, in that mild and dispassionate temper, which is so acceptable to the divine being.