that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ninth Sunday after Trinity.

The Collect.

GRANT to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful;

(x) v. 21. "Saith," i. e. "I require not "professions, but acts." The antithesis is between "saith," and "doeth."

(y) St. Paul's object seems to be, to convince the Corinthian converts that no interpositions of God's protection, however great, no pledges of adoption however strong, would be a security to them against future visitations of God's wrath, if they deserved it: Unless they acted up to their duty, and placed the fullest confidence in him from whom they had received so much, they might still be objects of his vengeance: and with this view he reminds them, that though God had displayed the most signal instances of his power in delivering their forefathers from the Egyptians, yet when they were disobedient, he visited them with signal punishments. His favours, however mighty, are no pledge for continuing blessings, unless man does his part to deserve them; on the contrary, the man on whom such blessings are bestowed ought to have the fullest conviction of God's power, the firmest reliance on his protection, the highest gratitude for what he has vouchsafed: and if he on whom God has the strongest claims is found wanting, it is to be expected that on him the punishment will be most exemplary; for "to whom much is given, of him also " will much be required." St. Paul had just been stating what he, who had been so highly favoured, thought himself bound to do, lest he should be a cast-away, and this naturally led him to press upon the converts, that they also, notwithstanding what they had received, might be castaways likewise, if they relapsed into sin, distrusted God's protection, or in any respect shrunk back from their duty. The same argument occurs, Jude 5. post, -. "I will therefore put you in remembrance,

The Epistle. 1 Cor. x. 1. (y)

BRETHREN, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all (z) our fathers were under (a) the cloud, and all passed (b) through the sea; 2. and were all (c) baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3. and did all eat the

" though ye once knew this, how that the " Lord, having saved the people out of the "land of Egypt, afterwards destroyed them " that believed not: and the angels which "kept not their first estate, but left their " own habitation, he hath reserved in "everlasting chains under darkness, unto "the judgment of the great day." See Jones's Lect. 160. See also Heb. vi. 4. 6. Heb. x. 26. 2 Pet. ii. 20.

(z) v. 1. " All." This term, which occurs five times in this and the three following verses, was probably used, to shew that the very persons who were afterwards so signally destroyed were amongst those upon whom these singular instances of protection were conferred.

(a) "Under the cloud," i.e. "partakers of " God's extraordinary interposition on the " departure from Egypt;" when (according to Exod. xiii. 21.) he "went before "them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to "lead them the way, and by night in a " pillar of fire, to give them light, to go by "day and night:" or he might refer to what is mentioned, Numb. ix. 15. &c. that in the subsequent journeyings through the wilderness there was a cloud which rested upon the tabernacle when they were to stop, and which was taken up from the tabernacle and went before them, when they were to move.

(6) "Passed through the sea," i. e. "in the well-known instance, when God "divided the waters of the Red Sea, to " open a passage for the Israelites, when "the Egyptians pursued them." See Exod. xiv. 21.

(c) v. 2. "Baptized unto Moses," i. e. "ranged under him, put under his ban"ners, in a degree identified with him, so " as to have on that account an additional "prospect of God's favour."

same spiritual (d) meat; 4. and did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that (e) spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was (g) Christ. 5. But (h) with many (i) of them God was not well pleased; for they were overthrown (k) in the wilderness. 6. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil

(d) v. 3. "Spiritual meat," i. e. "The "quails and manna, Exod. xvi. 11., &c." called spiritual, (perhaps,) from the miraculous manner in which they were produced, and from their tendency on that account to inspire the people with gratitude and confidence towards God.

(e) v. 4. “Spiritual rock." This refers to the miraculous supply of water to the Israelites whilst they were wandering in the wilderness; they had no water, and murmured greatly for want thereof, and God commanded Moses to take his rod and smite the rock in Horeb, and told him that water should come out of it so that the people might drink; and Moses struck the rock and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. Exod. xvii. 1 to 6. Numb. xx. 1 to 12.

(g) "Was Christ," i. e. (probably) "a "type or resemblance of Christ;" for as it gave them a constant supply of natural water, so Christ constantly supplies his proselytes with spiritual water; with what, spiritually, prevents future thirst. As our Saviour says, (John iv. 14.) "Whosoever "drinketh of the water that I shall give "him, shall never thirst, but the water "that I shall give him, shall be in him a " well of water springing up into everlast"ing life;" and (John vi. 35.) "he that "cometh to me, shall never hunger; and he "that believeth on me, shall never thirst."

(h) v. 5. “ But, &c." i. e. "Notwithstand"ing these signal marks of favour gene"rally to all, he took vengeance upon "such of them as offended."

(1) "Many," in opposition to "all" in the four preceding verses.

(4) "Overthrown, &c." God had promised the Israelites the land of Canaan; but because they were terrified at the gigantic appearance of the inhabitants, he kept them in the wilderness forty years,

things, as they also lusted (1). 7. Neither be ye idolators (m), as were some of them; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat " and drink, and rose up to play." 8. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and (n) fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted (o), and were de

until all the people that were men of war when they came out of Egypt were consumed. See ante, 3. note on Ps. xcv. 8.

(1) v. 6. "Lusted." This probably alludes to their lusting for flesh, notwithstanding the supply of manna. According to Numb. xi. 4. the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting; and the children of Israel wept, and said, who shall give us flesh to eat? and God gave them a supply of quails, but before they had finished eating them, he smote them with a very great plague; and he called the name of the place Kibroth Hattaavah, because they buried there the people that lusted. Numb. xi. 32 to 34.; and see Ps. cvi. 14.

(m) v. 7. "Idolators, &c." Alluding to their worshipping the golden calf: when the calf was made, they said, "These be " thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee

up out of the land of Egypt;" and after Aaron had built an altar before it, and proclaimed a feast on the morrow to the Lord, "they rose up early on the morrow, " and offered burnt-offerings, and brought "peace-offerings, and the people sat down " to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. "Exod. xxxii. 4 to 6."

(n) v. 8. "Fell, &c." i. e. " by the " plague which visited them for their inter"course with the daughters of Moab." See Numb. xxv. 1 to 9.

(0) v. 9. “Tempted, &c." i. e. "dis"trusted." This occurred also in the wilderness. The people spake against God, and against Moses, saying, “Wherefore " have ye brought us up out of Egypt to "die in the wilderness? for there is no " bread, neither is there any water, and " our soul loatheth this light bread, (viz. " the manna)," "and the Lord sent fiery " serpents among the people, and they bit "the people, and much people of Israel "died. Numb. xxi. 5, 6.'

stroyed of serpents. 10. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also (p) murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the (q) ends of the world are come. 12. Wherefore (r) let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13. There hath

no (s) temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The Gospel. Luke xvi. 1. (t)

JESUS said unto his disciples,

"There was a certain rich man "which had a steward; and the "same was accused unto him "that he had wasted his goods. "2. And he called him, and said "unto him, How is it that I hear "this of thee? give an account "of thy stewardship; for thou "mayest be no longer steward.

(p) v. 10. "Murmured, &c." In the instance of the men who were sent to look at the land of Canaan, and who made an ill report of it, who "died by the plague "before the Lord. Numb. xiv. 37."

(q) v. 11. "The ends of the world." The time when the Jewish establishment was drawing towards its close. One of the periods often referred to under the expression of "the day of the Lord," called (1 John ii. 18.) " the last time." See ante, 28. note on Rom. xiii. 11.

(r) v. 12. "Wherefore, &c." Let none assume from what has been conferred upon him that he is beyond the chance of falling; let each take heed.

(s) v. 13. "Temptation," i. e. "trial," πειρασμός, the same word as is used, 1 Pet. iv. "the fiery trial, which is to try you."

(t) The object of this parable seems to be, by drawing into notice the foresight

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every one of his lord's debtors "unto him, and said unto the "first, How much owest thou "unto my lord? 6. And he " said, An hundred measures of "oil. And he said unto him, "Take thy bill, and sit down " quickly, and write fifty. 7. Then "said he to another, And how " much owest thou ? And he said, "An hundred measures of wheat. "And he said unto him, Take "thy bill, and write fourscore. "8. And the lord (r) commended "the unjust steward (y), because "he had done wisely: for the "children of this world are in " their (z) generation wiser than "the children of light. 9. And "I say unto you, Make (a) to "yourselves friends of the mam

worldly men display to advance their temporal interests, to inculcate it as a duty upon Christians to use as much prudence, wisdom, and exertion to promote their future spiritual welfare. See 2 Tillot. 481. Clarke's 18 Sermons, p. 341.

(u) v. 4. " They, &c." i.e. impersonally, " you may be received into men's houses." (x) v. 8. " Commended." Not that he approved of his dishonesty, but admired his foresight.

(y) " Because," i. e. "in as far as." It was his prudence only that was applauded. (z) " In their generation," i. e. " in the " concerns of this life; with a view to their " temporal interests."

(a) v. 9. " Make, &c." i. e. " so use " your riches, as to make him your friend, "who, when you are put out of your "earthly stewardship, will receive you " into heaven."

(b) " Mammon of unrighteousness," i.e. "riches."

(c) "Fail," i. e. " die."

(d) "They may receive you," i. e. "you " may be received."

(e) " Everlasting habitations," i. e. "heaven, eternal life."

(g) It may be of service to add our Saviour's comments upon this parable, and to explain such parts as require it.

10" He that is faithful in that which " is least, is faithful also in much: and " he that is unjust in the least, is unjust "also in much.

11 " If therefore ye have not been "faithful to the unrighteous * mammon, " who will commit to your trust † the true " riches?

12 " And if ye have not been faithful

* v. 11. " Unrighteous mammon," i. e, "the "riches of this world."

+ " The true riches," i. e. " the riches of the "world to come."

in the days of Claudius Cesar. 29. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea : 30. which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. xii. 1. Now about that time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church.

2. And

he killed James the brother of John (k) with the sword. 3. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.

The Gospel. Matt. xx. 20. THEN came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons (1), worshipping (m) him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21. And he said unto her, "What "wilt thou?" She saith unto him, "Grant that these my two "sons may sit, the one on thy " right hand, and the other on

" in that which is another man's, who " shall give you that & which is your own?" (h) For Acts xi. 27 to 30. see ante, 180. and for Acts xii. 1 to 3. see ante, 187, 188. (i) v. 28. "The world," i. e. "Judea." (k) v. 2. " John," the Evangelist. See the next note. (1) v. 20. "Her sons," i. e. James, who was killed by Herod, (Acts xii. 2.) and St. John the Evangelist.

(m) "Worshipping,” “προσκυνῶσα.” Another instance in which our Saviour allowed this homage to be paid.

† v. 12. " That which is another man's," i. e. "the riches of this world, which no man can truly "call his own. They may be lost: the proprietor " is under God a steward only and accountable " for their use, and, at death, they must be left."

§ "That which is your own," i. e. "the riches " of the world to come: which, if obtained, may " truly be called your own: "Treasures in heaven, " where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and "where thieves do not break through and steal. "Matt. vi. 20.-Luke xii. 33."

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"the left, in thy kingdom." 22. But Jesus answered and said, "Ye know not what ye ask. Are

ye able to drink (n) of the cup "that I shall drink of, and to be "baptized with the baptism that " I am baptized with?" They say unto him, "We are able." 23. And he saith unto them, “Ye "shall (o) drink indeed of my

cup, and be baptized with the "baptism that I am baptized "with; but to sit on my right " hand, and on my left, is not " mine to give, but it shall be "given to them for whom it is " prepared of my Father." 24. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. 25. But Jesus

called them unto him, and said, " Ye know that the princes of the "Gentiles exercise dominion over "them, and they that are great " exercise authority upon them. "26. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be "great among you, let him be "your minister; 27. and whoso

(n) v. 22. " To drink, &c." i. e. " to "bear whatever I shall bear."

(0) v. 23. "Shall, &c." St. James was accordingly killed by Herod. See Acts xii. 2.

(p) v. 28. "Not to be ministered unto, " &c." i. e. " not to live in worldly pomp, " but to serve and benefit mankind: not " to receive homage, but to do good."

(q) "A ransom, &c." See ante, 52. note (p) on Matt. i. 21. See also Is. liii. 10.- Matt. xxvi. 28. - Rom. iv. 25. Rom. v. 6. — 1 Cor. xv. 3. — 2 Cor. v. 21. -Gal. iii. 13. - Eph. v. 2.-1 Tim. ii. 6. Tit. ii. 14. - Hebr. ix. 28.-1 Pet. iii. 18. and Magee, i. 464.

(7) for all mankind, but for many; such as should look up to his intercession, endeavour to obey his commands, and rely not on their own works, but on his atonement and intercession. See ante, Mark xiv. 24. page 110.

"For many." Not indiscriminately

(3) The object of this part of St. Paul's

Tenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.

LET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. 1 Cor. xii. 1. (s)

CONCERNING spiritual gifts (t), brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2. Ye know that ye were Gentiles (u), carried away unto (r) these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no (y) man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed; and

epistle was, to remind the Corinthian converts that the extraordinary powers then conferred, were far beyond any thing they had before witnessed; to satisfy them that no powers had God's co-operation but those which tended to advance Christianity; to apprize them that those powers were conferred by God, and that they were all given to advance the true religion, and for no other purpose.

(t) v. 1. "Spiritual gifts," i. e. "the " extraordinary powers conferred upon "the first preachers and converts; such " as healing and speaking languages."

(u) v. 2. "Were Gentiles, &c." When neither you, nor any of your teachers, had any such powers; so that you may be satisfied these are new, appropriated to the religion of Christ, not acquired by man, but given by God.

(x) Omit "these,” τὰ ἔιδωλα τὰ ἄρωνα. (y) v. 3. "No man, &c." This is the test of each man's powers: if his object