The Bruised Reed, Richard Sibbes

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The Bruised Reed

by Richard Sibbes

Contents

Publisher’s Foreword
1. The Reed and the Bruising
Christ‘s calling - How Christ pursues his calling - What it is to be bruised - The good effects of bruising
2. Christ Will Not Break the Bruised Reed
Christ’s dealings with the bruised reed - For ourselves - Who are the bruised reeds?
3. The Smoking Flax
Grace is little at first - Grace is mingled with corruption
4. Christ Will Not Quench the Smoking Flax
The least spark of grace is precious - Support the weak
5. The Spirit of Mercy Should Move Us
Simplicity and humility - Sound judgment - How those in authority should act - We are debtors to the weak
6. Marks of the Smoking Flax
Our rule is the covenant of grace - The presence of the heavenly fire
7. Help for the Weak
Temptations which hinder comfort - Weakness should not keep us from duty
8. Duties and Discouragements
We should persist in duties - Overcoming discouragements - The source of discouragements - Some scruples removed - What are sins of infirmity?
9. Believe Christ, Not Satan
How we should think of Christ - When Christ seems to be an enemy - When doubt assails us
10. Quench Not the Spirit
False despair of Christ’s mercy - False hope of Christ’s mercy - Resisting Christ’s mercy - Presuming on Christ’s mercy - Seeking another source of mercy - Taking advantage of the bruised - Despising the simple means of mercy
11. Christ’s Judgment and Victory
Christ’s judgment established in us - Christ’s mildness and his government - Pardon leads to obedience - Justification leads to sanctification
12. Christ’s Wise Government
Judgment and wisdom - The need for heavenly light - When Christ’s government is set up - How Christ governs us - The effects of this in practice
13. Grace Shall Reign
Why Christ’s kingdom must prevail - Why the enemy seems victorious - Consolations for weak Christians - Evidences of Christ’s rule in us
14. Means to Make Grace Victorious
Rules for right judgment - Keeping our judgment clear - Reasons for seeming lack of progress - All should side with Christ
15. Christ’s Public Triumph
The open glory of Christ in his members - Follow sincerity and truth - Christ alone advances this government - We must not look to ourselves - Christ makes us feel our dependence - The triumph of grace
16. Through Conflict to Victory
Why Christ’s government is opposed - We must expect opposition - Our victory in Christ is certain - Treasure the least degree of grace - Encouragement to come to Christ - Christ is the hope of the church - Faith will prevail

Electronic Version Notes


Publisher’s Foreword
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‘Our books may come to be seen where ourselves shall never be heard. These may preach where the author cannot, and (which is more) when he is not.’ This prediction by one of the great Puritans has had many fulfilments. An ungodly Welsh clergyman, shopping at a fair in the eighteenth century, bought an article which happened to be wrapped in a page torn from an old Puritan folio. The reading of that one page led to his sound conversion. As Luther said, ‘Satan hates the use of pens,’ and never were pens more powerfully wielded in the cause of God than by the Puritan divines of the seventeenth century. Nor have their books outlived their usefulness. Although the original volumes are worn with age, the truths found in them are as fresh as the new formats in which they are now appearing.
There is no better introduction to the Puritans than the writings of Richard Sibbes, who is, in many ways, a typical Puritan. ‘Sibbes never wastes the student’s time,’ wrote C. H. Spurgeon, ‘he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands.’
The facts concerning Sibbes’ life can be briefly stated (there is a full account in Volume 1 of the Banner of Truth Trust edition of his Works). He was born at Tostock, Suffolk, in 1577 and went to school at Bury St Edmunds. His father intended Richard to follow his own trade as a wheelwright, but, with the help of friends, he went up to St John’s College, Cambridge, in 1595. Here he was converted under the powerful preaching of Paul Bayne, the successor of William Perkins in the pulpit of Great St Andrew’s Church. After earning his B.D. in 1610, he was appointed a lecturer at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge. He was removed from this post five years later, however, because of his Puritan tendencies. Through the influence of powerful friends, he was chosen to be the preacher at Gray’s Inn, London, in 1617, and remained there till 1626. In that year he returned to Cambridge as Master of St Catherine’s Hall, and later returned to Holy Trinity, this time as its vicar. He was granted a Doctorate in Divinity in 1627, and was thereafter frequently referred to as ‘the heavenly Doctor Sibbes,’ on account of both the matter and the manner of his preaching. He continued to exercise his ministry, at Gray’s Inn, London, as well as at Holy Trinity, Cambridge, while also remaining Master of St Catherine’s, until his death on 6 July 1635, at the age of 58. Of him Izaak Walton later wrote: ‘Of this blest man, let this just praise be given: heaven was in him, before he was in heaven.’
‘The Lord took him away,’ wrote a contemporary, ‘that his eyes might not see the great evils which were about to break out upon the land.’ These great evils came to a head in the Civil War of the 1640s. Behind that event lay a movement away from the doctrines and practices of the Reformation on the part of a powerful faction in the Church of England, headed by William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, and backed by royal favour. It was the Puritans who stood together to meet these inroads. To them moderation in maintaining the truth of God’s Word was but sinful lukewarmness. ‘A curse lies upon those,’ said Sibbes, ‘that, when the truth suffers, have not a word to defend it.’ For his boldness, Sibbes was reprimanded in 1627, and in 1632, along with eleven other Puritan ministers, he was sentenced to banishment. The sentence was never carried out, but Sibbes lived to see many of his dear friends, such as Samuel Ward, Thomas Goodwin, John Cotton, Thomas Hooker and others, imprisoned or forced into exile in Holland or New England. Concerning the final issue of this conflict Sibbes was in no doubt. Gardiner, in his History of the Puritan Revolution, writes, ‘Sibbes is distinguished by his triumphant confidence . . . [while] even Laud and Wentworth acknowledged to themselves that the chances were against them. Eliot in his prison, and Sibbes in his pulpit, are jubilant with exultation.’
Sibbes himself says:

A Christian is an impregnable person. He is a person that never can be conquered. Emmanuel became man to make the church and every Christian to be one with him. Christ’s nature is out of danger of all that is hurtful. The sun shall not shine, the wind shall not blow, to the church’s hurt. For the church’s Head ruleth over all things and hat all things in subjection. Therefore let all the enemies consult together, this king and that power, there is a counsel in heaven which will disturb and dash all their counsels. Emmanuel in heaven laugheth them to scorn. And as Luther said, ‘Shall we weep and cry when God laugheth?’

Since its first publication in 1630, The Bruised Reed has been remarkably fruitful as a source of spiritual help and comfort. Richard Baxter records: ‘A poor pedlar came to the door... and my father bought of him Sibb’s Bruised Reed . . . It suited my state . . . and gave me a livelier apprehension of the mystery of redemption and how much I was beholden to Jesus Christ . . . Without any means but books was God pleased to resolve me to himself.’ Such testimonies could be multiplied. Speaking of the preacher’s need to suit his reading to the varying conditions he finds within, Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones says in his Preaching and Preachers:

You will find, I think, in general that the Puritans are almost invariably helpful . . .I shall never cease to be grateful to one of them called Richard Sibbes who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil. In that state and condition... what you need is some gentle, tender treatment for your soul. I found at that time that Richard Sibbes, who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as ‘the heavenly Doctor Sibbes,’ was an unfailing remedy. His books The Bruised Reed and The Soul’s Conflict quietened, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me.

The complete works of Sibbes were published in seven volumes in the Nichol Series between 1862 and 1864, and again by the Banner of Truth Trust, between 1973 and 1982. The present book is taken from the first volume in that series and is the first of Sibbes’ writings to be published separately in the present series. Some of the language and punctuation of the earlier edition have been modernized and headings have been introduced with the intention of making the work more accessible to present-day readers.
Sibbes once said to Thomas Goodwin, ‘Young man, if ever you would do good, you must preach the gospel and the free grace of God in Christ Jesus.’ The Bruised Reed shows us how Sibbes himself did this. May he, by this work, though dead, yet speak (Hebrews 11:4), both to readers who are already familiar with his writings and to those who have still to discover him.


1. The Reed and the Bruising
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The prophet Isaiah, being lifted up and carried with the wing of a prophetical spirit, passes over all the time between him and the appearing of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Seeing with the eye of prophecy, and with the eye of faith, Christ as present, he presents him, in the name of God, to the spiritual eye of others, in these words: ‘Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth’ (Isaiah 42:1-3). These words are alleged by Matthew as fulfilled now in Christ (Matthew 12:15-20). In them are propounded, first, the calling of Christ to his office; secondly, the manner in which he carries it out.

CHRIST’S CALLING

God calls him here his servant. Christ was God’s servant in the greatest piece of service that ever was, a chosen and a choice servant who did and suffered all by commission from the Father. In this we may see the sweet love of God to us, in that he counts the work of our salvation by Christ his greatest service, and in that he will put his only beloved Son to that service. He might well prefix it with ‘Behold’ to raise up our thoughts to the highest pitch of attention and admiration. In time of temptation, apprehensive consciences look so much to the present trouble they are in that they need to be roused up to behold him in whom they may find rest for their distressed souls. In temptations it is safest to behold nothing but Christ the true brazen serpent, the true ‘Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29). This saving object has a special influence of comfort to the soul, especially if we look not only on Christ, but upon the Father’s authority and love in him. For in all that Christ did and suffered as Mediator, we must see God in him reconciling the world unto himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

What a support to our faith is this, that God the Father, the party offended by our sins, is so well pleased with the work of redemption! And what a comfort is this, that, seeing God’s love rests on Christ, as well pleased in him, we may gather that he is as well pleased with us, if we be in Christ! For his love rests in a whole Christ, in Christ mystical, as well as Christ natural, because he loves him and us with one love. Let us, therefore, embrace Christ, and in him God’s love, and build our faith safely on such a Saviour that is furnished with so high a commission.
See here, for our comfort, a sweet agreement of all three persons: the Father gives a commission to Christ; the Spirit furnishes and sanctifies to it, and Christ himself executes the office of a Mediator. Our redemption is founded upon the joint agreement of all three persons of the Trinity.

HOW CHRIST PURSUES HIS CALLING

This is here said to be done modestly, without making a noise, or raising dust by any pompous coming, as princes are accustomed to do. ‘His voice shall not be heard.’ His voice indeed was heard, but what voice? ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden’ (Matthew 11:28). He cried, but how? ‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters’ (Isaiah 55:1). And as his coming was modest, so it was mild, which is set down in these words: ‘A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench.’

We see, therefore, that the condition of those with whom he was to deal was that they were bruised reeds and smoking flax; not trees, but reeds; and not whole, but bruised reeds. The church is compared to weak things: to a dove amongst the fowls; to a vine amongst the plants; to sheep amongst the beasts; to a woman, which is the weaker vessel.
God’s children are bruised reeds before their conversion and oftentimes after. Before conversion all (except such as, being brought up in the church, God has delighted to show himself gracious to from their childhood) are bruised reeds, yet in different degrees, as God sees fit. And as there are differences with regard to temperament, gifts and manner of life, so there are in God’s intention to use men in the time to come; for usually he empties such of themselves, and makes them nothing, before he will use them in any great services.

WHAT IT IS TO BE BRUISED

The bruised reed is a man that for the most part is in some misery, as those were that came to Christ for help, and by misery he is brought to see sin as the cause of it, for, whatever pretenses sin makes, they come to an end when we are bruised and broken. He is sensible of sin and misery, even unto bruising; and, seeing no help in himself, is carried with restless desire to have supply from another, with some hope, which a little raises him out of himself to Christ, though he dare not claim any present interest of mercy. This spark of hope being opposed by doubtings and fears rising from corruption makes him as smoking flax; so that both these together, a bruised reed and smoking flax, make up the state of a poor distressed man. This is such an one as our Saviour Christ terms ‘poor in spirit’ (Matthew 5:3), who sees his wants, and also sees himself indebted to divine justice. He has no means of supply from himself or the creature, and thereupon mourns, and, upon some hope of mercy from the promise and examples of those that have obtained mercy, is stirred up to hunger and thirst after it.

THE GOOD EFFECTS OF BRUISING

This bruising is required before conversion that so the Spirit may make way for himself into the heart by leveling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature. We love to wander from ourselves and to be strangers at home, till God bruises us by one cross or other, and then we ‘begin to think’, and come home to ourselves with the prodigal (Luke 15:17). It is a very hard thing to bring a dull and an evasive heart to cry with feeling for mercy. Our hearts, like criminals, until they be beaten from all evasions, never cry for the mercy of the Judge.

Again, this bruising makes us set a high price upon Christ. Then the gospel becomes the gospel indeed; then the fig-leaves of morality will do us no good. And it makes us more thankful, and, from thankfulness, more fruitful in our lives; for what makes many so cold and barren, but that bruising for sin never endeared God’s grace to them?
Likewise this dealing of God establishes us the more in his ways, having had knocks and bruisings in our own ways. This is often the cause of relapses and apostasy, because men never smarted for sin at the first; they were not long enough under the lash of the law. Hence this inferior work of the Spirit in bringing down high thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5) is necessary before conversion. And, for the most part, the Holy Spirit, to further the work of conviction, joins with it some affliction, which, when sanctified, has a healing and purging power.
After conversion we need bruising so that reeds may know themselves to be reeds, and not oaks. Even reeds need bruising, by reason of the remainder of pride in our nature, and to let us see that we live by mercy. Such bruising may help weaker Christians not to be too much discouraged, when they see stronger ones shaken and bruised. Thus Peter was bruised when he wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75). This reed, till he met with this bruise, had more wind in him than pith when he said, ‘Though all forsake thee, I will not’ (Matthew 26:33). The people of God cannot be without these examples. The heroic deeds of those great worthies do not comfort the church so much as their falls and bruises do. Thus David was bruised until he came to a free confession, without guile of spirit (Psalms 32:3-5); nay, his sorrows did rise in his own feeling unto the exquisite pain of breaking of bones (Psalms 51:8). Thus Hezekiah complains that God had ‘broken his bones’ as a lion (Isaiah 38:13). Thus the chosen vessel Paul needed the messenger of Satan to buffet him lest he should be lifted up above measure (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Hence we learn that we must not pass too harsh judgment upon ourselves or others when God exercises us with bruising upon bruising. There must be a conformity to our head, Christ, who ‘was bruised for us’ (Isaiah 53:5) that we may know how much we are bound unto him. Ungodly spirits, ignorant of God’s ways in bringing his children to heaven, censure broken-hearted Christians as miserable persons, whereas God is doing a gracious, good work with them. It is no easy matter to bring a man from nature to grace, and from grace to glory, so unyielding and intractable are our hearts.


2. Christ Will Not Break the Bruised Reed
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In pursuing his calling, Christ will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, in which more is meant than spoken, for he will not only not break nor quench, but he will cherish those with whom he so deals.

CHRIST’S DEALINGS WITH THE BRUISED REED

Physicians, though they put their patients to much pain, will not destroy nature, but raise it up by degrees. Surgeons will lance and cut, but not dismember. A mother who has a sick and self-willed child will not therefore cast it away. And shall there be more mercy in the stream than in the spring? Shall we think there is more mercy in ourselves than in God, who plants the affection of mercy in us?

But for further declaration of Christ’s mercy to all bruised reeds, consider the comfortable relationships he has taken upon himself of husband, shepherd and brother, which he will discharge to the utmost. Shall others by his grace fulfill what he calls them unto, and not he who, out of his love, has taken upon him these relationships, so thoroughly founded upon his Father’s assignment, and his own voluntary undertaking? Consider the names he has borrowed from the mildest creatures, such as lamb and hen, to show his tender care. Consider his very name Jesus, a Saviour, given him by God himself. Consider his office answerable to his name, which is that he should ‘bind up the broken-hearted’ (Isaiah 61:1). At his baptism the Holy Ghost rested on him in the shape of a dove, to show that he should be a dove-like, gentle Mediator.
See the gracious way he executes his offices. As a prophet, he came with blessing in his mouth, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’ (Matthew 5:3), and invited those to come to him whose hearts suggested most exceptions against themselves, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden’ (Matthew 11:28). How did his heart yearn when he saw the people ‘as sheep having no shepherd’ (Matthew 9:36)! He never turned any back again that came to him, though some went away of themselves. He came to die as a priest for his enemies. In the days of his flesh he dictated a form of prayer unto his disciples, and put petitions unto God into their mouths, and his Spirit to intercede in their hearts. He shed tears for those that shed his blood, and now he makes intercession in heaven for weak Christians, standing between them and God’s anger. He is a meek king; he will admit mourners into his presence, a king of poor and afflicted persons. As he has beams of majesty, so he has a heart of mercy and compassion. He is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). Why was he tempted, but that he might ‘succour them that are tempted’ (Hebrews 2:18)? What mercy may we not expect from so gracious a Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) who took our nature upon him that he might be gracious? He is a physician good at all diseases, especially at the binding up of a broken heart. He died that he might heal our souls with a plaster of his own blood, and by that death save us, which we were the procurers of ourselves, by our own sins. And has he not the same heart in heaven? ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?’ cried the Head in heaven, when the foot on earth was trodden on (Acts 9:4). His advancement has not made him forget his own flesh. Though it has freed him from passion, yet not from compassion towards us. The lion of the tribe of Judah will only tear in pieces those that ‘will not have him rule over them’ (Luke 19:14). He will not show his strength against those who prostrate themselves before him.

FOR OURSELVES

1. What should we learn from this, but to ‘come boldly to the throne of grace’ (Hebrews 4:16) in all our grievances? Shall our sins discourage us, when he appears there only for sinners? Are you bruised? Be of good comfort, he calls you. Conceal not your wounds, open all before him and take not Satan’s counsel. Go to Christ, although trembling, as the poor woman who said, ‘If I may but touch his garment’ (Matthew 9:21). We shall be healed and have a gracious answer. Go boldly to God in our flesh; he is flesh of our flesh, and bone of our bone for this reason, that we might go boldly to him. Never fear to go to God, since we have such a Mediator with him, who is not only our friend but our brother and husband. Well might the angel proclaim from heaven, ‘Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy’ (Luke 2:10). Well might the apostle stir us up to ‘rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice’ (Philippians 4:4). Paul was well advised upon what grounds he did it. Peace and joy are two main fruits of Christ’s kingdom. Let the world be as it will, if we cannot rejoice in the world, yet we may rejoice in the Lord. His presence makes any condition comfortable. ‘Be not afraid,’ says he to his disciples, when they were afraid, as if they had seen a ghost, ‘It is I’ (Matthew 14:26, 27), as if there were no cause of fear where he was present.
2. Let this support us when we feel ourselves bruised. Christ’s way is first to wound, then to heal. No sound, whole soul shall ever enter into heaven. Think when in temptation, Christ was tempted for me; according to my trials will be my graces and comforts. If Christ be so merciful as not to break me, I will not break myself by despair, nor yield myself over to the roaring lion, Satan, to break me in pieces.
3. See the contrary disposition of Christ on the one hand and Satan and his instruments on the other. Satan sets upon us when we are weakest, as Simeon and Levi upon the Shechemites, ‘when they were sore’ (Genesis 34:25), but Christ will make up in us all the breaches which sin and Satan have made. He ‘binds up the broken-hearted’ (Isaiah 61:1). As a mother is tenderest to the most diseased and weakest child, so does Christ most mercifully incline to the weakest. Likewise he puts an instinct into the weakest things to rely upon something stronger than themselves for support. The vine stays itself upon the elm, and the weakest creatures often have the strongest shelters. The consciousness of the church’s weakness makes her willing to lean on her beloved, and to hide herself under his wing.

WHO ARE THE BRUSED REEDS?

But how shall we know whether we are such as may expect mercy?
Answer: (1) By the bruised here is not meant those that are brought low only by crosses, but such as, by them, are brought to see their sin, which bruises most of all. When conscience is under the guilt of sin, then every judgment brings a report of God’s anger to the soul, and all lesser run into this great trouble of conscience for sin. All corrupt humours run to the diseased and bruised part of the body, and as every creditor falls upon the debtor when he is once arrested, so when conscience is once awakened, all former sins and present crosses join together to make the bruise the more painful. Now, he that is thus bruised will be content with nothing but with mercy from him who has bruised him. He has wounded, and he must heal (Hosea 6:1). The Lord who has bruised me deservedly for my sins must bind up my heart again. Again, a man truly bruised judges sin the greatest evil, and the favour of God the greatest good. (3) He would rather hear of mercy than of a kingdom. (4) He has poor opinions of himself, and thinks that he is not worth the earth he treads on. (5) Towards others he is not censorious, as being taken up at home, but is full of sympathy and compassion to those who are under God’s hand. (6) He thinks that those who walk in the comforts of God’s Spirit are the happiest men in the world. (7) He trembles at the Word of God (Isaiah 66:2), and honours the very feet of those blessed instruments that bring peace unto him (Romans 10:15). (8) He is more taken up with the inward exercises of a broken heart than with formality, and is yet careful to use all sanctified means to convey comfort.

But how shall we come to this state of mind?
Answer: First, we must conceive of bruising either as a state into which God brings us, or as a duty to be performed by us. Both are here meant. We must join with God in bruising ourselves. When he humbles us, let us humble ourselves, and not stand out against him, for then he will redouble his strokes. Let us justify Christ in all his chastisements, knowing that all his dealing towards us is to cause us to return into our own hearts. His work in bruising tends to our work in bruising ourselves. Let us lament our own perversity, and say: Lord, what a heart have I that needs all this, that none of this could be spared! We must lay siege to the hardness of our own hearts, and aggravate sin all we can. We must look on Christ, who was bruised for us, look on him whom we have pierced with our sins. But all directions will not prevail, unless God by his Spirit convinces us deeply, setting our sins before us, and driving us to a standstill. Then we will cry out for mercy. Conviction will breed contrition, and this leads to humiliation. Therefore desire God that he would bring a clear and a strong light into all the corners of our souls, and accompany it with a spirit of power to lay our hearts low.

A set measure of bruising of ourselves cannot be prescribed, but it must be so far as (1) that we may prize Christ above all, and see that a Saviour must be had; and (2) that we reform that which is amiss, though it be to the cutting off of our right hand, or pulling out of our right eye. There is a dangerous slighting of the work of humiliation, some alleging this for a pretense for their casual dealing with their own hearts, that Christ will not break the bruised reed; but such must know that every sudden terror and short grief is not that which makes us bruised reeds; not a little ‘bowing down our heads like a bulrush’ (Isaiah 58:5), but a working our hearts to such a grief as will make sin more odious unto us than punishment, until we offer a ‘holy violence’ against it. Else, favouring ourselves, we make work for God to bruise us, and for sharp repentance afterwards. It is dangerous, I confess, in some cases, with some spirits, to press too much and too long this bruising, because they may die under the wound and burden before they be raised up again. Therefore it is good in mixed assemblies to mingle comfort that every soul may have its due portion. But if we have this for a truth, that there is more mercy in Christ than in us, there can be no danger in thorough dealing. It is better to go bruised to heaven than sound to hell. Therefore let us not take off ourselves too soon, nor pull off the plaster before the cure be wrought, but keep ourselves under this work till sin be the sourest, and Christ the sweetest, of all things. And when God’s hand is upon us in any way, it is good to divert our sorrow for other things to the root of all, which is sin. Let our grief run in that channel, that as sin bred grief, so grief may consume sin.

But are we not bruised unless we grieve more for sin than we do for punishment?
Answer: Sometimes our grief from outward grievances lie heavier upon the soul than grief for God’s displeasure because, in such cases, the grief works upon the whole man, both outward and inward, and has to support it, but a little spark of faith. This faith, by reason of the violent impression of the grievance, is suspended in the exercises of it. This is most felt in sudden distresses which come upon the soul as a torrent land-flood, and especially in bodily sicknesses which, by reason of the sympathy between the soul and the body, work upon the soul so far as to hinder not only the spiritual, but often the natural acts. Therefore, James wishes us in affliction to pray ourselves, but in case of sickness to ‘send for the elders’ (James 5:14). These may, as those in the Gospels, offer up to God in their prayers the sick person who is unable to present his own case. Hereupon God admits of such a plea from the sharpness and bitterness of the grievance, as in David (Psalms 6). The Lord knows our frame; he remembers that we are but dust (Psalms 103:14), that our strength is not the strength of steel.

This is a branch of his faithfulness to us as his creatures, whence he is called ‘a faithful Creator’ (1 Peter 4:19). ‘God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able’ (1 Corinthians 10:13). There were certain commandments which the Jews called the hedges of the law. So as to fence men off from cruelty, God commanded that they should not take the dam with the young, nor ‘seethe a kid in his mother’s milk’ (Exodus 23:19), nor ‘muzzle the mouth of the ox’ (1 Corinthians 9:9). Does God take care of beasts, and not of his more noble creature? And therefore we ought to judge charitably of the complaints of God’s people which are wrung from them in such cases. Job had the esteem with God of a patient man, notwithstanding those passionate complaints. Faith overborne for the present will gain ground again; and grief for sin, although it come short of grief for misery in terms of violence, yet it goes beyond it in constancy; as a running stream fed with a spring holds out, when a sudden swelling brook fails.
For the concluding of this point, and our encouragement to a thorough work of bruising, and patience under God’s bruising of us, let all know that none are fitter for comfort than those that think themselves furthest off. Men, for the most part, are not lost enough in their own feeling for a Saviour. A holy despair in ourselves is the ground of true hope. In God the fatherless find mercy (Hosea 14:3); if men were more fatherless, they should feel more God’s fatherly affection from heaven, for the God who dwells in the highest heavens dwells likewise in the lowest soul (Isaiah 57:15). Christ’s sheep are weak sheep, and lacking in something or other; he therefore applies himself to the necessities of every sheep. He seeks that which was lost, and brings again that which was driven out of the way, and binds up that which was broken, and strengthens the weak (Ezekiel 34:16). His tenderest care is over the weakest. The lambs he carries in his bosom (Isaiah 40:11). He says to Peter, ‘Feed my lambs’ (John 21:15). He was most familiar and open to troubled souls. How careful he was that Peter and the rest of the apostles should not be too much dejected after his resurrection! ‘Go your way, tell his disciples and Peter’ (Mark 16:7). Christ knew that guilt of their unkindness in leaving of him had dejected their spirits. How gently did he endure the unbelief of Thomas and stooped so far unto his weakness, as to suffer him to thrust his hand into his side.


3. The Smoking Flax
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In pursuing his calling, Christ will not quench the smoking flax, or wick, but will blow it up till it flames. In smoking flax there is but a little light, and that weak, as being unable to flame, and that little mixed with smoke. The observations from this are that, in God’s children, especially in their first conversion, there is but a little measure of grace, and that little mixed with much corruption, which, as smoke, is offensive; but that Christ will not quench this smoking flax.

GRACE IS LITTLE AT FIRST

There are several ages in Christians, some babes, some young men. Faith may be as ‘a grain of mustard seed’ (Matthew 17:20). Nothing so little as grace at first, and nothing more glorious afterward. Things of greatest perfection are longest in coming to their growth. Man, the most perfect creature, comes to perfection by little and little; worthless things, as mushrooms and the like, like Jonah’s gourd, soon spring up, and soon vanish. A new creature is the most excellent creature in all the world, therefore it grows up by degrees. We see in nature a mighty oak rises from an acorn. It is with a Christian as it was with Christ who sprang out of the dead stock of Jesse, out of David’s family (Isaiah 53:2), it was at the lowest, but he grew up higher than the heavens. It is not with the trees of righteousness as it was the trees of paradise, which were created all perfect the first. The seeds of all the creatures in the present goodly frame of the world were hid in the chaos, in that confused mass at the first, out of which God commanded all creatures to arise. In the small seeds of plants lie hidden both bulk and branches, bud and fruit. In a few principles lie hidden all comfortable conclusions of holy truth. All these glorious fireworks of zeal and holiness in the saints had their beginning from a few sparks.

Let us not therefore be discouraged at the small beginnings of grace, but look on ourselves as elected to be ‘holy and without blame’ (Ephesians 1:4). Let us look on our imperfect beginning only to enforce further striving to perfection, and to keep us in a low opinion of ourselves. Otherwise, in case of discouragement, we must consider ourselves as Christ does, who looks on us as those he intends to fit for himself. Christ values us by what we shall be, and by what we are elected unto. We call a little plant a tree, because it is growing up to be so. ‘Who has despised the day of small things?’ (Zechariah 4:10). Christ would not have us despise little things.
The glorious angels disdain not attendance on little ones - little in their own eyes, and little in the eyes of the world. Grace, though little in quantity, yet is much in vigour and worth. It is Christ that raises the worth of little and mean places and persons. Bethlehem was the least (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6), and yet not the least; the least in itself, not the least in respect that Christ was born there. The second temple (Haggai 2:9) came short of the outward magnificence of the former; yet it was more glorious than the first because Christ came into it. The Lord of the temple came into his own temple. The pupil of the eye is very little, yet sees a great part of the heaven at once. A pearl, though little, yet is of much esteem. Nothing in the world is of so good use as the least grain of grace.

GRACE IS MINGLED WITH CORRUPTION

But grace is not only little, but mingled with corruption; therefore a Christian is said to be smoking flax. So we see that grace does not do away with corruption all at once, but some is left for believers to fight with. The purest actions of the purest men need Christ to perfume them; and this is his office. When we pray, we need to pray again for Christ to pardon the defects of our prayers. Consider some instances of this smoking flax:

Moses at the Red Sea, being in a great perplexity, and knowing not what to say, or which way to turn, groaned to God. No doubt this was a great conflict in him. In great distresses we know not what to pray, but the Spirit makes request with sighs that cannot be expressed (Romans 8:26). Broken hearts can yield but broken prayers.
When David was before the king of Gath (1 Samuel 21:13) and disfigured himself in an uncomely manner, in that smoke there was some fire also. You may see what an excellent psalm he makes upon that occasion, Psalm 34, in which, on the basis of experience, he says, ‘The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart’ (Psalms 34:18). ‘I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes.’ There is smoke. ‘Nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications’ (Psalms 31:22). There is fire. ‘Lord, save us: we perish’ (Matthew 8:25), cry the disciples. Here is smoke of infidelity, yet so much light of faith as stirred them up to pray to Christ. ‘Lord, I believe.’ There is light. ‘Help thou mine unbelief.’ There is smoke (Mark 9:24). Jonah cries, ‘I am cast out of thy sight.’ There is smoke. ‘Yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.’ There is light (Jonah 2:4).
‘O wretched man that I am!,’ says Paul, with a sense of his corruption. Yet he breaks out into thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:24 - 8:1).
‘I sleep,’ says the church in the Song of Solomon, ‘but my heart waketh’ (Song of Solomon 5:2). In the seven churches, which for their light are called ‘seven golden candlesticks’ (Revelation 2 and 3), most of them had much smoke with their light.
The reason for this mixture is that we carry about us a double principle, grace and nature. The end of it is especially to preserve us from those two dangerous rocks which our natures are prone to dash upon, security and pride, and to force us to pitch our rest on justification, not sanctification, which, besides imperfection, has some stains. Our spiritual fire is like our ordinary fire here below, that is, mixed. Fire is most pure in its own element above; so shall all our graces be when we are where we would be, in heaven, which is our proper element.
From this mixture arises the fact that the people of God have so different judgments of themselves, looking sometimes at the work of grace, sometimes at the remainder of corruption, and when they look upon that, then they think they have no grace. Though they love Christ in his ordinances and children, yet they dare not claim so near acquaintance as to be his. Even as a candle in the socket sometimes shows its light, and sometimes the show of light is lost; so sometimes they are well persuaded of themselves, sometimes at a loss.


4. Christ Will Not Quench the Smoking Flax
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The second observation concerning the weak and small beginnings of grace is that Christ will not quench the smoking flax. This is so for two principal reasons. First, because this spark is from heaven: it is his own, it is kindled by his own Spirit. And secondly, it tends to the glory of his powerful grace in his children that he preserves light in the midst of darkness, a spark in the midst of the swelling waters of corruption.

THE LEAST SPARK OF GRACE IS PRECIOUS

There is an especial blessing in that little spark. ‘As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants’ sakes’ (Isaiah 65:8). We see how our Saviour Christ bore with Thomas in his doubting (John 20:27), and with the two disciples that went to Emmaus, who wavered as to whether he came to redeem Israel or not (Luke 24:21). He quenched not that little light in Peter, which was smothered: Peter denied him, but he denied not Peter (Luke 22:61). ‘If thou wilt, thou canst,’ said one poor man in the Gospel (Matthew 8:2). ‘If thou canst do anything,’ said another (Mark 9:22). Both were smoking flax. Neither of them was quenched. If Christ had stood upon his own greatness, he would have rejected him that came with his ‘if.’ But Christ answers his ‘if’ with a gracious and absolute grant, ‘I will, be thou clean.’ The woman that was diseased with an issue did but touch, with a trembling hand, and but the hem of his garment, yet she went away both healed and comforted. In the seven churches (Revelation 2 and 3), we see that Christ acknowledges and cherishes anything that was good in them. Because the disciples slept due to infirmity, being oppressed with grief, our Saviour Christ frames a comfortable excuse for them, ‘The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’ (Matthew 26:41).

If Christ should not be merciful, he would miss of his own ends: ‘There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared’ (Psalms 130:4). Now all are welcome to come under that banner of love which he spreads over his own: ‘Unto thee shall all flesh come’ (Psalms 65:2). He uses moderation and care, ‘lest the spirit should fail before him, and the souls which he hath made’ (Isaiah 57:16). Christ’s heart yearned, the text says, when he saw the people without meat, ‘lest they faint in the way’ (Matthew 15:32); much more will he have regard for the preventing of our spiritual faintings.

SUPPORT THE WEAK

Here see the opposite dispositions in the holy nature of Christ and the impure nature of man. Man for a little smoke will quench the light. Christ, we see, ever cherishes even the least beginnings. How he bore with the many imperfections of his poor disciples! If he did sharply check them, it was in love, and that they might shine the brighter. Can we have a better pattern to follow than this from him by whom we hope to be saved? ‘We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak’ (Romans 15:1). ‘I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some’ (1 Corinthians 9:22). Oh, that this gaining and winning disposition were more in many! Many, so far as in us lies, are lost for want of encouragement. See how that faithful fisher of men, the apostle Paul, labours to catch his judge: ‘I know that thou believest the prophets’ (Acts 26:27), and then wishes him all saving good, but not bonds. He might have added them too, but he would not discourage one that responded. He would therefore wish Agrippa only that which was good in religion. How careful was our blessed Saviour of little ones, that they might not be offended! How he defends his disciples from malicious imputations of the Pharisees! How careful not to put new wine into old vessels (Matthew 9:17), not to alienate new beginners with the austerities of religion (as some do indiscreetly). Oh, says he, they shall have time to fast when I am gone, and strength to fast when the Holy Ghost is come upon them.

It is not the best way, to assail young beginners with minor matters, but to show them a more excellent way and train them in fundamental points. Then other things will not gain credence with them. It is not amiss to conceal their defects, to excuse some failings, to commend their performances, to encourage their progress, to remove all difficulties out of their way, to help them in every way to bear the yoke of religion with greater ease, to bring them to love God and his service, lest they acquire a distaste for it before they know it. For the most part we see that Christ plants in young beginners a love which we call their ‘first love’ (Revelation 2:4), to carry them through their profession with more delight, and does not expose them to crosses before they have gathered strength; as we bring on young plants and fence them from the weather until they be rooted. Mercy to others should move us to deny ourselves in our liberties oftentimes, in case of offending weak ones. It is the ‘little ones’ that are offended (Matthew 18:6). The weakest are most ready to think themselves despised; therefore we should be most ready to give them satisfaction.
It would be a good contest amongst Christians, one to labor to give no offense, and the other to labour to take none. The best men are severe to themselves, tender over others. Yet people should not tire and wear out the patience of others: nor should the weaker so far demand moderation from others as to rely upon their indulgence and so to rest in their own infirmities, with danger to their own souls and scandal to the church.
Neither must they despise the gifts of God in others, which grace teaches to honour wheresoever they are found, but know their parts and place, and not undertake anything above their measure, which may make their persons and their case obnoxious to scorn. When blindness and boldness, ignorance and arrogance, weakness and willfulness, meet together in men, it renders them odious to God, burdensome in society, dangerous in their counsels, disturbers of better purposes, intractable and incapable of better direction, miserable in the issue. Where Christ shows his gracious power in weakness, he does it by letting men understand themselves so far as to breed humility, and magnify God’s love to such as they are. He does it as a preservative against discouragements from weakness, to bring men into a less distance from grace, as an advantage to poverty of spirit, rather than greatness of condition and parts, which yield to corrupt nature fuel for pride. Christ refuses none for weakness of parts, that none should be discouraged, but accepts none for greatness, that none should be lifted up with that which is of so little reckoning with God. It is no great matter how dull the scholar be when Christ takes upon him to be the teacher, who, as he prescribes what to understand, so he gives understanding itself, even to the simplest.
The church suffers much from weak ones, therefore we may assert our liberty to deal with them, though mildly, yet oftentimes directly. The scope of true love is to make the party better, which concealment oftentimes hinders. With some a spirit of meekness prevails most, but with some a rod. Some must be ‘pulled out of the fire’ (Jude 23) with violence, and they will bless God for us in the day of their visitation. We see that our Saviour multiplies woe upon woe when he has to deal with hard-hearted hypocrites (Matthew 23:13), for hypocrites need stronger conviction than gross sinners, because their will is bad, and therefore usually their conversion is violent. A hard knot must have an answerable wedge, else, in a cruel pity, we betray their souls. A sharp reproof sometimes is a precious pearl and a sweet balm. The wounds of secure sinners will not be healed with sweet words. The Holy Ghost came as well in fiery tongues as in the likeness of a dove, and the same Holy Spirit will vouchsafe a spirit of prudence and discretion, which is the salt to season all our words and actions. And such wisdom will teach us ‘to speak a word in season’ (Isaiah 50:4), both to the weary, and likewise to the secure soul. And, indeed, he has need of ‘the tongue of the learned’ that shall either raise up or cast down, though in this place I speak of mildness towards those that are weak and are sensible of it. These we must bring on gently, and drive softly, as Jacob did his cattle (Genesis 33:14), according to their pace, and as his children were able to endure.
Weak Christians are like glasses which are hurt with the least violent usage, but if gently handled will continue a long time. This honour of gentle use we are to give to the weaker vessels (1 Peter 3:7), by which we shall both preserve them and likewise make them useful to the church and ourselves.
In diseased bodies, if all ill humours be purged out, you shall purge life and all away. Therefore, though God says that he will ‘refine them as silver is refined’ (Zechariah 13:9), yet he said he had ‘refined thee, but not with silver’ (Isaiah 48:10), that is, not so exactly as that no dross remains, for he has respect to our weakness. Perfect refining is for another world, for the world of the souls of perfect men.


5. The Spirit of Mercy Should Move Us
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Preachers need to take heed therefore how they deal with young believers. Let them be careful not to pitch matters too high, making things necessary evidences of grace which agree not to the experience of many a good Christian, and laying salvation and damnation upon things that are not fit to bear so great a weight. In this way men are needlessly cast down and may not soon be raised up again by themselves or others. The ambassadors of so gentle a Saviour should not be overbearing, setting up themselves in the hearts of people where Christ alone should sit as in his own temple. Too much respect to man was one of the inlets of popery. ‘Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 4:1), neither more nor less, just so much. How careful was Paul in cases of conscience not to lay a snare upon any weak conscience.

SIMPLICITY AND HUMILITY

Preachers should take heed likewise that they hide not their meaning in dark speeches, speaking in the clouds. Truth fears nothing so much as concealment, and desires nothing so much as clearly to be laid open to the view of all. When it is most unadorned, it is most lovely and powerful. Our blessed Saviour, as he took our nature upon him, so he took upon him our familiar manner of speech, which was part of his voluntary abasement. Paul was a profound man yet he became as a nurse to the weaker sort (1 Thessalonians 2:7).

That spirit of mercy that was in Christ should move his servants to be content to abase themselves for the good of the meanest. What made the kingdom of heaven ‘suffer violence’ (Matthew 11:12) after John the Baptist’s time, but that comfortable truths were laid open with such plainness and evidence that the people were so affected with them as to offer a holy violence to obtain them?
Christ chose those to preach mercy who had felt most mercy, as Peter and Paul, that they might be examples of what they taught. Paul became all things to all men (1 Corinthians 9:22), stooping unto them for their good. Christ came down from heaven and emptied himself of majesty in tender love to souls. Shall we not come down from our high conceits to do any poor soul good? Shall man be proud after God has been humble? We see the ministers of Satan turn themselves into all shapes to ‘make one proselyte’ (Matthew 23:15). We see ambitious men study accommodation of themselves to the humours of those by whom they hope to be raised, and shall not we study application of ourselves to Christ, by whom we hope to be advanced, nay, are already sitting with him in heavenly places? After we are gained to Christ ourselves, we should labour to gain others to Christ. Holy ambition and covetousness will move us to put upon ourselves the disposition of Christ. But we must put off ourselves first.
Again we should not rack their wits with curious or ‘doubtful disputations’ (Romans 14:1), for so we shall distract and tire them, and give occasion to make them cast off the care of all. That age of the church which was most fertile in subtle questions was most barren in religion; for it makes people think religion to be only a matter of cleverness, in tying and untying of knots. The brains of men inclining that way are hotter usually than their hearts.
Yet notwithstanding, when we are cast into times and places wherein doubts are raised about principal points, here people ought to labour to be established. God suffers questions oftentimes to arise for trial of our love and exercise of our abilities. Nothing is so certain as that which is certain after doubts. Shaking settles and roots. In a contentious age, it is a wise thing to be a Christian, and to know what to pitch our souls upon. It is an office of love here to take away the stones, and to smooth the way to heaven. Therefore, we must take heed that, under pretense of avoidance of disputes, we do not suffer an adverse party to get ground upon the truth; for thus may we easily betray both the truth of God and souls of men.
And likewise those are failing that, by overmuch austerity, drive back troubled souls from having comfort by them, for as a result of this, many smother their temptations, and burn inwardly, because they have none into whose bosom they may vent their grief and ease their souls.
We must neither bind where God looses, nor loose where God binds, neither open where God shuts, nor shut where God opens. The right use of the keys is always successful. In personal application, there must be great heed taken; for a man may be a false prophet, and yet speak the truth. If it be not a truth to the person to whom he speaks, if he grieve those whom God has not grieved by unseasonable truths, or by comforts in an ill way, the hearts of the wicked may be strengthened. One man’s meat may be another’s poison.
If we look to the general temper of these times, rousing and waking Scriptures are fittest; yet there are many broken spirits who need soft and comforting words. Even in the worst time the prophets mingled sweet comfort for the hidden remnant of faithful people. God has comfort. The prophet is told, ‘Comfort ye my people’ (Isaiah 40:1), as well as, ‘Lift up thy voice as a trumpet’ (Isaiah 58:1).

SOUND JUDGMENT

And here likewise there needs a caveat. Mercy does not rob us of our right judgment, so as to take stinking fire-brands for smoking flax. None will claim mercy more of others than those who deserve due severity. This example does not countenance lukewarmness, nor too much indulgence to those that need quickening. Cold diseases must have hot remedies. It made for the just commendation of the church of Ephesus that it could not bear them which were evil (Revelation 2:2). We should so bear with others as to manifest also a dislike of evil. Our Saviour Christ would not forbear sharp reproof where he saw dangerous infirmities in his most beloved disciples. It brings under a curse to do the work of the Lord deceitfully (Jeremiah 48:10), even where it is a work of just severity, as when it is sheathing the sword in the bowels of the enemy. And those whom we suffer to be betrayed by their worst enemies, their sins, will have just cause to curse us one day.

It is hard to preserve just bounds of mercy and severity without a spirit above our own, by which we ought to desire to be led in all things. That wisdom which dwells with prudence (Proverbs 8:12) will guide us in these particulars, without which virtue is not virtue, truth not truth. The rule and the case must be laid together; for if there be not a keen insight, seeming likeness in conditions will give rise to errors in our opinions of them. Those fiery, tempestuous and destructive spirits in popery that seek to promote their religion by cruelty show that they are strangers to that wisdom which is from above, which makes men gentle, peaceable and ready to show that mercy which they themselves have felt. It is a way of prevailing agreeable both to Christ and to man’s nature to prevail by some forbearance and moderation.
And yet often we see a false spirit in those that call for moderation. Their doing so is but to carry their own projects with the greater strength; and if they prevail they will hardly show that moderation to others which they now call for from others. And there is a proud kind of moderation likewise, when men will take upon them to censure both parties, as if they were wiser than both, although, if the spirit be right, an onlooker may see more than those that are in conflict.

HOW THOSE IN AUTHORITY SHOULD ACT

In the censures of the church, it is more suitable to the spirit of Christ to incline to the milder part, and not to kill a fly on the forehead with a mallet, nor shut men out of heaven for a trifle. The very snuffers (wick-trimmers) of the tabernacle were made of pure gold, to shew the purity of those censures whereby the light of the church is kept bright. The power that is given to the church is given for edification, not destruction. How careful was Paul that the incestuous Corinthian (2 Corinthians 2:7), if he repented, should not be swallowed up with too much grief. Civil magistrates, for civil exigencies and reasons of state, must let the law have its course; yet thus far they should imitate this mild king, as not to mingle bitterness and passion with authority derived from God. Authority is a beam of God’s majesty, and prevails most where there is least mixture of that which is man’s. It requires more than ordinary wisdom to manage it aright. This string must not be too tight, nor too loose. Justice is a harmonious thing. Herbs hot or cold beyond a certain degree, kill. We see even contrary elements preserved in one body by wisely tempering them together. Justice in rigour is often extreme injustice, where some considerable circumstances should incline to moderation; and the reckoning will be easier for bending rather to moderation than rigour.

Insolent behaviour toward miserable persons, if humbled, is unseemly in any who look for mercy themselves. Misery should be a lodestone of mercy, not a footstool for pride to trample on. Sometimes it falls out that those who are under the government of others are most injurious by waywardness and harsh censures, herein disparaging and discouraging the endeavours of superiors for public good. In so great weakness of man’s nature, and especially in this crazy age of the world, we ought to take in good part any moderate happiness we enjoy by government, and not be altogether as a nail in the wound, exasperating things by misconstruction. Here love should have a mantle to cast upon lesser errors of those above us, Oftentimes the poor man is the oppressor by unjust clamours. We should labour to give the best interpretation to the actions of governors that the nature of the actions will possibly bear.

WE ARE DEBTORS TO THE WEAK

In the last place, there is something for private Christians, even for all of us in our common relations, to take notice of: we are debtors to the weak in many things.

1. Let us be watchful in the use of our liberty, and labour to be inoffensive in our behaviour, that our example compel them not. There is a commanding force in an example, as there was in Peter (Galatians 2). Looseness of life is cruelty to ourselves and to the souls of others. Though we cannot keep those who will perish from perishing, yet if we do that which is apt of itself to destroy the souls of others their ruin is imputable to us.

2. Let men take heed of taking up Satan’s office, in misrepresenting the good actions of others, as he did Job’s case, ‘Doth Job fear God for nought?’ (Job 1:9), or slandering their persons, judging of them according to the wickedness that is in their own hearts. The devil gets more by such discouragements and reproaches that are cast upon religion than by fire and faggot. These, as unseasonable frosts, nip all gracious inclinations in the bud, and as much as in them lies, with Herod, labour to kill Christ in young professors. A Christian is a hallowed and a sacred thing, Christ’s temple; and he that destroys his temple, him will Christ destroy (1 Corinthians 3:17).

3. Among the things that are to be taken heed of, there is among ordinary Christians a bold usurpation of censure towards others, not considering their temptations. Some will unchurch and unbrother in a passion. But ill humours do not alter true relations; though the child in a fit should disclaim the mother, yet the mother will not disclaim the child.

There is therefore in these judging times good ground of James’s caveat that there should not be ‘many masters’ (James 3:1), that we should not smite one another by hasty censures, especially in things of an indifferent nature; some things are as the mind of him is that does them, or does them not; for both may be unto the Lord.
A holy aim in things neither clearly right nor wrong makes the judgments of men, although seemingly contrary, yet not so much blameable. Christ, for the good aims he sees in us, overlooks any ill in them, so far as not to lay it to our charge. Men must not be too curious in prying into the weaknesses of others. We should labour rather to see what they have that is for eternity, to incline our heart to love them, than into that weakness which the Spirit of God will in time consume, to estrange us. Some think it strength of grace to endure nothing in the weaker, whereas the strongest are readiest to bear with the infirmities of the weak.
Where most holiness is, there is most moderation, where it may be without prejudice of piety to God and the good of others. We see in Christ a marvelous temper of absolute holiness, with great moderation. What would have become of our salvation, if he had stood upon terms, and not stooped thus low unto us? We need not affect to be more holy than Christ. It is no flattery to do as he does, so long as it is to edification.
The Holy Ghost is content to dwell in smoky, offensive souls. Oh, that that Spirit would breathe into our spirits the same merciful disposition! We endure the bitterness of wormwood, and other distasteful plants and herbs, only because we have some experience of some wholesome quality in them; and why should we reject men of useful parts and graces, only for some harshness of disposition, which, as it is offensive to us, so it grieves themselves?
Grace, while we live here, is in souls which, because they are imperfectly renewed, dwell in bodies subject to several humours, and these will incline the soul sometimes to excess in one passion, sometimes to excess in another. Bucer was a deep and a moderate divine. After long experience he resolved to refuse none in whom he saw quid Christi, something of Christ. The best Christians in this state of imperfection are like gold that is a little too light, which needs some grains of allowance to make it pass. You must grant the best their allowance. We must supply out of our love and mercy that which we see wanting in them. The church of Christ is a common hospital, wherein all are in some measure sick of some spiritual disease or other, so all have occasion to exercise the spirit of wisdom and meekness.
So that we may do this the better, let us put upon ourselves the Spirit of Christ. There is a majesty in the Spirit of God. Corruption will hardly yield to corruption in another. Pride is intolerable to pride. The weapons of this warfare must not be carnal (2 Corinthians 10:4). The great apostles would not set upon the work of the ministry until they were ‘endued with power from on high’ (Luke 24:49). The Spirit will only work with his own tools. And we should think what affection Christ would carry to the party in this case. That great physician, as he had a quick eye and a healing tongue, so had he a gentle hand, and a tender heart.
Further, let us take to ourselves the condition of him with whom we deal. We are, or have been, or may be in that condition ourselves. Let us make the case our own, and also consider in what near relation a Christian stands to us, even as a brother, a fellow-member, heir of the same salvation. And therefore let us take upon ourselves a tender care of them in every way; and especially in cherishing the peace of their consciences. Conscience is a tender and delicate thing, and must be so treated. It is like a lock: if its workings are faulty, it will be troublesome to open.


6. Marks of the Smoking Flax
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To determine whether we are this smoking flax which Christ will not quench, we must remember these rules:
We must have two eyes, one to see imperfections in ourselves and others, the other to see what is good. ‘I am black,’ says the church, ‘but comely’ (Song of Solomon 1:5). Those who are given to quarreling with themselves always lack comfort, and through their infirmities they are prone to feed on such bitter things as will most nourish that disease which troubles them. These delight to be looking on the dark side of the cloud only.
We must not judge of ourselves always according to present feeling, for in temptations we shall see nothing but smoke of distrustful thoughts. Fire may be raked up in the ashes, though not seen. Life in the winter is hid in the root.
We must beware of false reasoning, such as: because our fire does not blaze out as others, therefore we have no fire at all. By false conclusions we may come to sin against the commandment in bearing false witness against ourselves. The prodigal would not say he was no son, but that he was not worthy to be called a son (Luke 15:19). We must neither trust to false evidence, nor deny true; for so we should dishonour the work of God’s Spirit in us, and lose the help of that evidence which would cherish our love to Christ, and arm us against Satan’s discouragements. Some are as faulty in this way as if they had been hired by Satan, the ‘accuser of the brethren’ (Revelation 12:10), to plead for him in accusing themselves.

OUR RULE IS THE COVENANT OF GRACE

We must acknowledge that in the covenant of grace God requires the truth of grace, not any certain measure; and a spark of fire is fire, as well as the whole element. Therefore we must look to grace in the spark as well as in the flame. All have not the like strong, though they have the like precious, faith (2 Peter 1:1), whereby they lay hold of, and put on, the perfect righteousness of Christ. A weak hand may receive a rich jewel. A few grapes will show that the plant is a vine, and not a thorn. It is one thing to be deficient in grace, and another thing to lack grace altogether. God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace he requires no more than he gives, but gives what he requires, and accepts what he gives: ‘If she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtle doves’ (Leviticus 12:8). What is the gospel itself but a merciful moderation, in which Christ’s obedience is esteemed ours, and our sins laid upon him, wherein God, from being a judge, becomes our Father, pardoning our sins and accepting our obedience, though feeble and blemished? We are now brought to heaven under the covenant of grace by a way of love and mercy.

It will prove a special help to know distinctly the difference between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, between Moses and Christ. Moses, without any mercy, breaks all bruised reeds, and quenches all smoking flax. For the law requires personal, perpetual and perfect obedience from the heart, and that under a most terrible curse, but gives no strength. It is a severe task-master, like Pharaoh’s, requiring the whole tale of bricks and yet giving no straw. Christ comes with blessing after blessing, even upon those whom Moses had cursed, and with healing balm for those wounds which Moses had made.
The same duties are required in both covenants, such as to love the LORD with all our hearts and with all our souls (Deuteronomy 6:5). In the covenant of works, this must be fulfilled absolutely, but under the covenant of grace it must have an evangelical mitigation. A sincere endeavour proportionable to grace received is accepted (and so it must be understood of Josiah, and others, when it is said they did that which was right in the sight of the LORD).
The law is sweetened by the gospel, and becomes delightful to the inner man (Romans 7:22). Under this gracious covenant, sincerity is perfection. This is the death in the pot of the Roman religion, that they confound the two covenants, and it deadens the comfort of drooping ones that they cannot distinguish them. And thus they suffer themselves to be held under bondage when Christ has set them free, and stay in the prison when Christ has set open the doors before them.
We must remember that grace sometimes is so little as to be indiscernible to us. The Spirit sometimes has secret operations in us which we know not for the present, but Christ knows. Sometimes, in bitterness of temptation, when the spirit struggles with a sense of God’s anger, we are apt to think God an enemy. A troubled soul is like troubled water: we can see nothing in it, and, so far as it is not cleansed, it will cast up mire and dirt. It is full of objections against itself, yet for the most part we may discern something of the hidden life, and of these smothered sparks. In a gloomy day there is so much light that we may know it to be day and not night; so there is something in a Christian under a cloud whereby he may be discerned to be a true believer and not a hypocrite. There is no mere darkness in the state of grace, but some beam of light whereby the kingdom of darkness does not wholly prevail.

THE PRESENCE OF THE HEAVENLY FIRE

Applying these rules, we may say:

First, if there be any holy fire in us, it is kindled from heaven by the Father of lights, who ‘commanded the light to shine out of darkness’ (2 Corinthians 4:6). As it is kindled by the use of means, so it is fed. The light in us and the light in the Word spring the one from the other and both from the one Holy Spirit. Therefore, in the case of those that regard not the Word, it is ‘because there is no light in them’ (Isaiah 8:20). Heavenly truths must have a heavenly light to discern them. Natural men see heavenly things, not in their own proper light, but by an inferior light. In every converted man, God puts a light into the eye of his soul proportionable to the light of truths revealed to him. A carnal eye will never see spiritual things.

Secondly, the least divine light has heat with it in some measure. Light in the understanding produces heat of love in the affections. In the measure that the sanctified understanding sees a thing to be true or good, in that measure the will embraces it. Weak light produces weak inclinations, strong light, strong inclinations. A little spiritual light is of strength enough to answer strong objections of flesh and blood, and to see beyond all earthly allurements and opposing hindrances, presenting them as far inferior to those heavenly objects it beholds. All light that is not spiritual, because it lacks the strength of sanctifying grace, yields to every little temptation, especially when it is fitted and suited to personal inclinations. This is the reason why Christians that have light that is little for quantity, but heavenly for quality, persevere, when men of larger apprehensions sink. This prevailing of light in the soul is because, together with the spirit of illumination, there goes, in the godly, a spirit of power (1 Timothy 1:7) to subdue the heart to truth revealed, and to put a taste and relish into the will, suitable to the sweetness of the truth; otherwise a will that is merely natural will rise against supernatural truths, as having an antipathy and enmity against them. In the godly, holy truths are conveyed by way of a taste; gracious men have a spiritual palate as well as a spiritual eye. Grace alters the spiritual taste.

Thirdly, where this heavenly light is kindled it directs in the right way. For it is given for that use, to show us the best way, and to guide us in the particular passages of life; otherwise, it is but common light, given only for the good of others. Some have light of knowledge, yet follow not that light, but are guided by carnal reason and policy, such as those the prophet speaks of, ‘All ye that kindle a fire , , , walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow’ (Isaiah 50:11). God delights to confound carnal wisdom, as enmity to him, and robbing him of his prerogative, who is God only wise. We must, therefore, walk by his light, not the blaze of our own fire. God must light our candle (Psalms 18:28) or else we will abide in darkness. Those sparks that are not kindled from heaven are not strong enough to keep us from lying in sorrow, though they make a greater blaze and show than the light from above, as madmen do greater things than sober men, but by a false strength: so the excess of these men’s joy arises from a false light. ‘The light of the wicked shall be put out’ (Job 18:5). The light which some men have is like lightning which, after a sudden flash, leaves them more in darkness. They can love the light as it shines, but hate it as it discovers and directs. A little holy light will enable us to keep Christ’s Word, and not betray religion nor deny his name, as Christ speaks of the church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:8).

Fourthly, where this fire is, it will sever things of diverse natures, and show a difference between such things as gold and dross. It will sever between flesh and spirit, and show that this is of nature, this of grace. All is not ill in a bad action, or good in a good action. There is gold in ore, which God and his Spirit in us can distinguish. A carnal man’s heart is like a dungeon, wherein nothing is to be seen but horror and confusion. This light makes us judicious and humble, upon clearer sight of God’s purity and our own uncleanness, and makes us able to discern the work of the Spirit in another.

Fifthly, so far as a man is spiritual, so far is light delightful to him. He is willing to see anything amiss that he may reform, and any further service discovered that he may perform, because he truly hates ill and loves good. If he goes against light discovered, he will soon be reclaimed, because light has a friendly party within him. Therefore, at a little sight of his error, he is soon open to counsel, as David was in his intention to kill Nabal; and he blessed God afterwards, when he was stopped in an ill way (1 Samuel 25:32).

In the case of a carnal man, the light breaks in on him, but he labours to block its entrance. He has no delight in coming to the light. It is impossible, before the Spirit of grace has subdued the heart, that it should not sin against the light, either by resisting it, or keeping it prisoner under base lusts and burying it, as it were, in the earth, or perverting it, and so making it an agent and factor for the flesh, in searching out arguments to plead for it, or abusing that little measure of light men have, so as to keep out a greater, higher, and more heavenly light. So, at length, they make the light they have a misleading guide to utter darkness. And the reason is because the light has no friend within. The soul is in a contrary frame, and light always hinders that sinful peace that men are willing to promise themselves. Hence we see that light often enrages men more, as the sun in spring-time brings on feverish illnesses when it stirs up bodily humours rather than overcoming them.
There is nothing in the world more uneasy than the heart of a wicked man made to listen to spiritual instruction, until, like a thief, he puts out the candle so that he may sin with less restraint. Spiritual light is distinct. It apprehends spiritual good and applies it to ourselves; but common light is confused, and lets sin lie quiet. Where fire is, in any degree, it will fight everything contrary to it. God put irreconcilable hatred between light and darkness from the first; so also between good and ill, flesh and Spirit (Galatians 5:17). Grace will never join with sin, any more than fire with water. Fire will mingle with nothing contrary, but preserves its own purity, and is never corrupted as other elements are. Therefore, those that plead and plot for liberties for the flesh show themselves strangers from the life of God. Feeling this strife, gracious men often complain that they have no grace. But they contradict themselves in their complaints, as if a man that sees should complain he cannot see, or complain that he is asleep; whereas the very complaint, springing from a displeasure against sin, shows that there is something in him opposite to sin. Can a dead man complain? Some things, though bad in themselves, yet reveal good, as smoke reveals the presence of fire. A violent reaction in the body shows bodily vigour. Some infirmities show more good than some seemingly beautiful actions. Excess of passion in opposing evil, though not to be justified, yet shows a better spirit than a calm temper where there is just cause of being moved. It is better that the water should run somewhat muddily than not run at all. Job had more grace in his ill temper than his friends in their seemingly wise demeanor. Actions stained with some defects are more acceptable than empty compliments.

Sixthly, fire, where it is present, is in some degree active. So the least measure of grace works, as springing from the Spirit of God, who, from his operations, is compared to fire. Even in sins, when there seems nothing active but corruption, there is a contrary principle, which breaks the force of sin, so that it is not boundlessly sinful, as in those that are carnal (Romans 7:13).

Seventhly, fire makes metals pliable and malleable. So grace, where it is given, makes the heart pliable and ready to receive all good impressions. Obstinate spirits show that they are not so much as smoking flax.

Eighthly, fire, as much as it can, sets everything on fire. So grace labours to produce a gracious impression in others, and make as many good as it can. Grace also makes a gracious use even of natural and civil things, and spiritualizes them. What another man does only in a civil way a gracious man will do holily. Whether he eats or drinks or whatsoever he does, he does all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), making everything serviceable to that ultimate end.

Ninthly, sparks by nature fly upwards. So the Spirit of grace carries the soul heaven-ward and sets before us holy and heavenly aims. As it was kindled from heaven, so it carries us back to heaven. The part follows the whole: fire mounts upward, so every spark to its own element. Where the aim and bent of the soul is towards God, there is grace, though opposed. The least measure of it is seen in holy desires, springing from faith and love, for we cannot desire anything which we do not believe first to be, and the desire of it issues from love. Hence desires are counted a part of the thing desired, in some measure. But these desires must be (1) constant, for constancy shows that they are supernaturally natural, and not enforced; (2) directed to spiritual things, such as to believe, to love God, not because of a particular emergency, in that one thinks one might escape some danger if one had grace, but as a loving heart is carried to the thing loved for the sake of some excellency in it; (3) accompanied with grief when the desire is hindered, so as to stir us up to pray: ‘Oh that my ways were directed that I might keep thy statutes!’ (Psalms 119:5); ‘O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me?’ (Romans 7:24); and (4) such desires as drive us onward still: ‘Oh, that I might serve God with more liberty. Oh, that I were more free from these offensive, unsavoury, hateful lusts!’

Tenthly, fire, if it has any matter to feed on, enlarges itself and mounts higher and higher, and, the higher it rises, the purer is the flame. So where true grace is, it grows in measure and purity. Smoking flax will grow to a flame; and, as it increases, so it discards what is contrary to itself and refines itself more and more. Ignis, quo magis lucet, eo minus fumat (As fire gives more light, it gives less smoke). Therefore, it argues a false heart to set ourselves a low standard in grace and to rest in beginnings, alleging that Christ will not quench the smoking flax. This merciful disposition in Christ is joined with perfect holiness, shown in perfect hatred to sin; for, rather than that sin should not have its deserved punishment, he became a sacrifice for sin. In this his Father’s holiness and his own shone most of all. And besides this, in the work of sanctification, though he favours his work in us, yet he does not favour sin in us; for he will never take his hand from his work, until he has taken away sin, even in its very being, from our natures. The same Spirit that purified his holy human nature cleanses us by degrees to be suitable to so holy a Head, and frames the judgment and affections of all to whom he shows mercy to concur with his own, in labouring to further his end of abolishing sin out of our natures.


7. Help for the Weak
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By meditation on these rules and signs, much comfort may be brought to the souls of the weakest. That it may be in greater abundance, let me add something to help them over some few ordinary objections and secret thoughts against themselves which, getting within the heart, oftentimes keep them low.

TEMPTATIONS WHICH HINDER COMFORT

1. Some think they have no faith at all because they have no full assurance, whereas the fairest fire that can be will have some smoke. The best actions will smell of the smoke. The mortar wherein garlic has been stamped will always smell of it; so all our actions will savour something of the old man.
2. In weakness of body some think grace dies, because their performances are feeble, their spirits, which are the instruments of their souls’ actions, being weakened. But they do not consider that God regards the hidden sighs of those that lack abilities to express them outwardly. He that pronounces those blessed that consider the poor will have a merciful consideration of such himself.
3. Some again are haunted with hideous representations to their imaginations, and with vile and unworthy thoughts of God, of Christ, of the Word, which, as busy flies, disquiet and molest their peace. These are cast in like wildfire by Satan, as may be discerned by the strangeness, the strength and violence, and the horribleness of them even to corrupt nature. A pious soul is no more guilty of them than Benjamin was when Joseph’s cup was put into his sack. Among other helps recommended by godly writers, such as detestation of them and diversion from them to other things, let this be one, to complain to Christ against them, and to fly under the wings of his protection, and to desire him to take our part against his and our enemy. Shall every sin and blasphemy of man be forgiven, and not these blasphemous thoughts, which have the devil for their father, when Christ himself was molested in this way so that he might succour all poor souls in this condition?

But there is a difference between Christ and us in this case. Because Satan had nothing of his own in Christ his suggestions left no impression at all in his holy nature, but, as sparks falling into the sea, were presently quenched. Satan’s temptations of Christ were only suggestions on Satan’s part, and apprehensions of the vileness of them on Christ’s part. To apprehend ill suggested by another is not ill. It was Christ’s grievance, but Satan’s sin. But thus he yielded himself to be tempted, that he might both pity us in our conflicts, and train us up to manage our spiritual weapons as he did. Christ could have overcome him by power, but he did it by argument. But when Satan comes to us, he finds something of his own in us, which holds correspondence and has intelligence with him. There is the same enmity in our nature to God and goodness, in some degree, that is in Satan himself. Therefore his temptations fasten, for the most part, some taint upon us. And if there were no devil to suggest, yet sinful thoughts would arise from within us, though none were cast in from without. We have a mint of them within. These thoughts, if the soul dwell on them so long as to suck or draw from and by them any sinful delight, then they leave a more heavy guilt upon the soul, hinder our sweet communion with God, interrupt our peace, and put a contrary relish into the soul, disposing it to greater sins. All scandalous actions are only thoughts at the first. Ill thoughts are as little thieves, which, creeping in at the window, open the door to greater. Thoughts are seeds of actions. These, especially when they are helped forward by Satan, make the life of many good Christians almost a martyrdom. In this case it is an unsound comfort that some minister, that ill thoughts arise from nature, and what is natural is excusable. We must know that nature, as it came out of God’s hands in the beginning, had no such risings out of it. The soul, as inspired of God, had no such unsavoury breathings. But since it betrayed itself by sin it is, in some sort, natural to it to forge sinful imaginations, and to be a furnace of such sparks. And this is an aggravation of the sinfulness of natural corruption, that it is so deeply rooted and so generally spread in our nature.
It promotes humiliation to know the whole breadth and depth of sin. But the fact that our nature now, so far as it is unrenewed, is so unhappily fruitful in ill thoughts, ministers this comfort, that it is not our case alone, as if our condition in this were different from others, as some have been tempted to think, even almost to despair. None, say they, have such a loathsome nature as I have. This springs from ignorance of the spreading of original sin, for what can come from an unclean thing but that which is unclean? ‘As in water face answereth to face, so the [polluted] heart of man to man’ (Proverbs 27:19), where grace has not made some difference. As in annoyances from Satan, so here, the best way is to lay open our complaints to Christ, and cry with Paul, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?’ (Romans 7:24). On giving vent to his distress, he presently found comfort, for he breaks into thanksgiving, ‘I thank God.’ And it is good to profit from this, to hate this offensive body of death more, and to draw nearer to God, as that holy man did after his ‘foolish’ and ‘beastly’ thoughts (Psalms 73:22 and 28), and so to keep our hearts closer to God, seasoning them with heavenly meditations in the morning, storing up good matter, so that our heart may be a good treasury, while we beg of Christ his Holy Spirit to stop that cursed issue and to be a living spring of better thoughts in us. Nothing more abases the spirits of holy men that desire to delight in God after they have escaped the common defilements of the world than these unclean issues of spirit, as being most contrary to God, who is a pure Spirit. But the very irksomeness of them yields matter of comfort against them. They force the soul to all spiritual exercises, to watchfulness and a more near walking with God, and to raise itself to thoughts of a higher nature, such as those which the truth of God, the works of God, the communion of saints, the mystery of godliness, the terror of the Lord, and the excellency of the state of a Christian and a conversation suitable to it, do abundantly minister. They discover to us a necessity of daily purging and pardoning grace, and of seeking to be found in Christ, and so bring the best often upon their knees.
Our chief comfort is that our blessed Saviour, as he bade Satan depart from him, after he had given way awhile to his insolence (Matthew 4:10), so he will command him to be gone from us, when it shall be good for us. He must be gone at a word. And Christ can and will likewise, in his own time, rebuke the rebellious and extravagant stirrings of our hearts and bring all the thoughts of the inner man into subjection to himself.

4. Some think, when they become more troubled with the smoke of corruption than they were before, therefore they are worse than they were. It is true that corruptions appear now more than before, but they are less.

For, first, the more sin is seen, the more it is hated, and therefore it is less. Dust particles are in a room before the sun shines, but they only appear then.
Secondly, the nearer contraries are one to another, the sharper is the conflict between them. Now, of all enemies the spirit and the flesh are nearest one to another, being both in the soul of a regenerate man, in the faculties of the soul, and in every action that springs from those faculties, and therefore it is no marvel that the soul, the seat of this battle, thus divided within itself, is as smoking flax.
Thirdly, the more grace, the more spiritual life, and the more spiritual life, the more antipathy to the contrary. Therefore none are so aware of corruption as those whose souls are most alive.
Fourthly, when men give themselves up to self-indulgence, their corruptions do not trouble them, as not being bound and tied up; but when once grace suppresses their extravagant and licentious excesses, then the flesh boils, as disdaining to be confined. Yet they are better now than they were before. That matter which yields smoke was in the torch before it was lighted, but it is not offensive till the torch begins to burn. Let such know that if the smoke be once offensive to them, it is a sign that there is light. It is better to enjoy the benefit of light, though with smoke, than to be altogether in the dark.
Nor is smoke so offensive to us as light is pleasant to us, since it yields an evidence of the truth of grace in the heart. Therefore, though it is cumbersome in the conflict, yet it is comfortable as evidence. It is better that corruption should offend us now than, by giving way to it to gain a little peace, to lose comfort afterwards. Let such therefore as are at variance and odds with their corruptions look on this text as their portion of comfort.

WEAKNESS SHOULD NOT KEEP US FROM DUTY

It should encourage us to duty that Christ will not quench the smoking flax, but blow on it till it flames. Some are loath to do good because they feel their hearts rebelling, and duties turn out badly. We should not avoid good actions because of the infirmities attending them. Christ looks more at the good in them which he means to cherish than the ill in them which he means to abolish. Though eating increases a disease, a sick man will still eat, so that nature may gain strength against the disease. So, though sin cleaves to what we do, yet let us do it, since we have to deal with so good a Lord, and the more strife we meet with, the more acceptance we shall have. Christ loves to taste of the good fruits that come from us, even though they will always savour of our old nature.

A Christian complains he cannot pray. ‘Oh, I am troubled with so many distracting thoughts, and never more than now!’ But has he put into your heart a desire to pray? Then he will hear the desires of his own Spirit in you. ‘We know not what we should pray for as we ought’ (nor how to do anything else as we ought), but the Spirit helps our infirmities with ‘groanings which cannot be uttered’ (Romans 8:26), which are not hid from God. ‘My groaning is not hid from thee’ (Psalms 38:9). God can pick sense out of a confused prayer. These desires cry louder in his ears than your sins. Sometimes a Christian has such confused thoughts that he can say nothing but, as a child, cries, ‘O Father’, not able to express what he needs, like Moses at the Red Sea. These stirrings of spirit touch the heart of God and melt him into compassion towards us, when they come from the Spirit of adoption, and from a striving to be better.
‘Oh, but is it possible,’ thinks the misgiving heart, ‘that so holy a God should accept such a prayer?’ Yes, he will accept that which is his own, and pardon that which is ours. Jonah prayed in the fish’s belly (Jonah 2:1), being burdened with the guilt of sin, yet God heard him. Let not, therefore, infirmities discourage us. James takes away this objection (James 5:17). Some might object, ‘If I were as holy as Elijah, then my prayers might be regarded.’ ‘But,’ says he, ‘Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are.’ He had his passions as well as we, or do we think that God heard him because he was without fault? Surely not. But look at the promises: ‘Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee’ (Psalms 50:15). ‘Ask, and it shall be given you’ (Matthew 7:7) and others like these. God accepts our prayers, though weak, because we are his own children, and they come from his own Spirit; because they are according to his own will; and because they are offered in Christ’s mediation, and he takes them, and mingles them with his own incense (Revelation 8:3).
There is never a holy sigh, never a tear we shed, which is lost. And as every grace increases by exercise of itself, so does the grace of prayer. By prayer we learn to pray. So, likewise, we should take heed of a spirit of discouragement in all other holy duties, since we have so gracious a Saviour. Pray as we are able, hear as we are able, strive as we are able, do as we are able, according to the measure of grace received. God in Christ will cast a gracious eye upon that which is his own.
Would Paul do nothing because he could not do the good that he would? No, he ‘pressed toward the mark.’ Let us not be cruel to ourselves when Christ is thus gracious. There is a certain meekness of spirit whereby we yield thanks to God for any ability at all, and rest quiet with the measure of grace received, seeing it is God’s good pleasure it should be so, who gives the will and the deed, yet not so as to rest from further endeavours. But when, with faithful endeavour, we come short of what we would be, and short of what others are, then know for our comfort, Christ will not quench the smoking flax, and that sincerity and truth, as we said before, with endeavour of growth, is our perfection.
What God says of Jeroboam’s son is comforting, ‘He only shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel’ (1 Kings 14:13), though only ‘some good thing.’ ‘Lord, I believe’ (Mark 9:24), with a weak faith, yet with faith; love thee with a faint love, yet with love; endeavour in a feeble manner, yet endeavour. A little fire is fire, though it smokes. Since thou hast taken me into thy covenant to be thine from being an enemy, wilt thou cast me off for these infirmities, which, as they displease thee, so are they the grief of my own heart?


8. Duties and Discouragements
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From what has been said it will not be difficult, with a little further discussion, to resolve that question which some require help in, namely, whether we ought to perform duties when our hearts are altogether averse to them. To be satisfied on this point, we must take account of certain things.

WE SHOULD PERSIST IN DUTIES

1. Our hearts of themselves are reluctant to give up their liberty, and are only with difficulty brought under the yoke of duty. The more spiritual the duty is, the more reluctance there is. Corruption gains ground, for the most part, in every neglect. It is as in rowing against the tide, one stroke neglected will not be gained in three; and therefore it is good to keep our hearts close to duty, and not to listen to the excuses they are ready to frame.
2. As we set about duty, God strengthens the influence that he has in us. We find a warmness of heart and increase of strength, the Spirit going along with us and raising us up by degrees, until he leaves us as it were in heaven. God often delights to take advantage of our averseness, that he may manifest his work the more clearly, and that all the glory of the work may be his, as all the strength is his.
3. Obedience is most direct when there is nothing else to sweeten the action. Although the sacrifice is imperfect, yet the obedience with which it is offered is accepted.
4. What is won as a spoil from our corruptions will have as great a degree of comfort afterwards as it has of obstruction for the present. Feeling and freeness of spirit are often reserved until duty is discharged. Reward follows work. In and after duty we find that experience of God’s presence which, without obedience, we may long wait for, and yet go without. This does not hinder the Spirit’s freedom in blowing upon our souls when he pleases (John 3:8), for we speak only of such a state of soul as is becalmed and must row, as it were, against the stream. As in sailing the hand must be to the helm and the eye to the star, so here we must put forth that little strength we have to duty and look up for assistance, which the Spirit, as freely as seasonably, will afford.

Yet in these duties that require the body as well as the soul there may be a cessation till strength is restored. Whetting a tool does not hinder, but prepares. In sudden passions, also, there should be a time to compose and calm the soul, and to put the strings in tune. The prophet asked for a minstrel to bring his soul into frame (2 Kings 3:15).

OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENTS

Suffering brings discouragements, because of our impatience. ‘Alas!,’ we lament, ‘I shall never get through such a trial.’ But if God brings us into the trial he will be with us in the trial, and at length bring us out, more refined. We shall lose nothing but dross (Zechariah 13:9). From our own strength we cannot bear the least trouble, but by the Spirit’s assistance we can bear the greatest. The Spirit will add his shoulders to help us to bear our infirmities. The Lord will give his hand to heave us up (Psalms 37:24). ‘Ye have heard of the patience of Job,’ says James (James 5:11). We have heard of his impatience too, but it pleased God mercifully to overlook that. It yields us comfort also in desolate conditions, such as contagious sicknesses and the like, in which we are more immediately under God’s hand, that then Christ has a throne of mercy at our bedside and numbers our tears and our groans. And, to come to the matter we are now about, the Sacrament, it was ordained not for angels, but for men; and not for perfect men, but for weak men; and not for Christ, who is truth itself, to bind him, but because we are ready, by reason of our guilty and unbelieving hearts, to call truth itself into question.

Therefore it was not enough for his goodness to leave us many precious promises, but he gives us confirming tokens to strengthen us. And even if we are not so prepared as we should be, yet let us pray as Hezekiah did: ‘The good LORD pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary’ (2 Chronicles 30:18, 19). Then we come comfortably to this holy sacrament, and with much fruit. This should carry us through all duties with much cheerfulness, that, if we hate our corruptions and strive against them, they shall not be counted ours. ‘It is no more I that do it,’ says Paul, ‘but sin that dwelleth in me’ (Romans 7:17). For what displeases us shall never hurt us, and we shall be esteemed by God to be what we love and desire and labour to be. What we desire to be we shall be, and what we desire truly to conquer we shall conquer, for God will fulfill the desire of them that fear him (Psalms 145:19). The desire is an earnest of the thing desired. How little encouragement will carry us to the affairs of this life! And yet all the helps God offers will hardly prevail with our backward natures.

THE SOURCE OF DISCOURAGEMENTS

Where, then, do these discouragements come from?
1. Not from the Father, for he has bound himself in covenant to pity us as a father pities his children (Psalms 103:13) and to accept as a father our weak endeavours. And what is wanting in the strength of duty, he gives us leave to take up in his gracious indulgence. In this way we shall honour that grace in which he delights as much as in more perfect performances. Possibilitas tua mensura tua.
2. Nor from Christ, for he by office will not quench the smoking flax. We see how Christ bestows the best fruits of his love on persons who are mean in condition, weak in abilities, and offensive for infirmities, nay, for grosser falls. And this he does, first, because thus it pleases him to confound the pride of the flesh, which usually measures God’s love by some outward excellency; and secondly, in this way he delights to show the freedom of his grace and confirm his royal prerogative that ‘he that glorieth’ must ‘glory in the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 1:31).

In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, among that cloud of witnesses, we see Rahab, Gideon and Samson ranked with Abraham, the father of the faithful (Hebrews 11:31-32). Our blessed Saviour, as he was the image of his Father, so in this he was of the same mind, glorifying his Father for revealing the mystery of the gospel to simple men, neglecting those that carried the chief reputation of wisdom in the world (Matthew 11:25-26).
It is not unworthy of being recorded, what Augustine speaks of a simple man in his time, destitute almost altogether of the use of reason, who, although he was most patient of all injuries done to himself, yet from a reverence of religion he would not endure any injury done to the name of Christ, so much so that he would cast stones at those that blasphemed, not even sparing his own governors. This shows that none have abilities so meager as to be beneath the gracious regard of Christ. Where it pleases him to make his choice and to exalt his mercy he passes by no degree of understanding, though never so simple.
3. Neither do discouragements come from the Spirit. He helps our infirmities, and by office is a comforter (Romans 8:26; John 14:16). If he convinces of sin, and so humbles us, it is that he may make way for his office of comforting us. Discouragements, then, must come from ourselves and from Satan, who labours to fasten on us a loathing of duty.

SOME SCRUPLES REMOVED

Among other causes of discouragement, some are much vexed with scruples, even against the best duties; partly by disease of body, helped by Satan’s malice in casting dust in their eyes in their way to heaven; and partly from some remainder of ignorance, which, like darkness, breeds fears - ignorance especially of this merciful disposition in Christ, the persuasion of which would easily banish false fears. They conceive of him as one on watch for all advantages against them, in which they may see how they wrong not only themselves but his goodness. This scrupulosity, for the most part, is a sign of a godly soul, as some weeds are of a good soil. Therefore they are the more to be pitied, for it is a heavy affliction, and the ground of it in most is not so much from trouble of conscience as from a disordered imagination. The end of Christ’s coming was to free us from all such groundless fears. There is still in some such ignorance of that comfortable condition we are in under the covenant of grace as to discourage them greatly. Therefore we must understand that:
1. Weaknesses do not break covenant with God. They do not break the covenant between husband and wife, and shall we make ourselves more pitiful than Christ who makes himself a pattern of love to all other husbands?
2. Weaknesses do not debar us from mercy; rather they incline God to us the more (Psalms 78:39). Mercy is a part of the church’s marriage inheritance. Christ betroths her to him ‘in mercy’ (Hosea 2:19). The husband is bound to bear with the wife, as being the ‘weaker vessel’ (1 Peter 3:7), and shall we think Christ will exempt himself from his own rule, and not bear with his weak spouse?
3. If Christ should not be merciful to our weaknesses, he should not have a people to serve him. Suppose therefore we are very weak, yet so long as we are not found amongst malicious opposers and underminers of God’s truth, let us not give way to despairing thoughts; we have a merciful Saviour.

But lest we flatter ourselves without good grounds, we must know that weaknesses are to be reckoned either imperfections cleaving to our best actions, or actions proceeding from immaturity in Christ, whilst we are babes, or the effects of want of strength, where ability is small, or sudden unintended breakings out, contrary to our general bent and purpose, whilst our judgment is overcast with the cloud of a sudden temptation, after which we feel our infirmity, grieve for it and from grief, complain, and, with complaining, strive and labour to reform; finally, in labouring, we make some progress against our corruption.
Weaknesses so considered, although a matter of humiliation and the object of our daily mortification, yet may be consistent with boldness with God, nor is a good work either extinguished by them or tainted so far as to lose all acceptance with God. But to plead for an infirmity is more than an infirmity; to allow ourselves in weaknesses is more than a weakness. The justification of evil shuts our mouths, so that the soul cannot call God Father with childlike liberty, or enjoy sweet communion with him, until peace be made by shaming ourselves, and renewing our faith. Those that have ever been bruised for sin, if they fall, are soon recovered. Peter was recovered with a gracious look of Christ, David by Abigail’s words. If you tell a thief or a vagrant that he is out of the way, he pays no heed, because his aim is not to walk in any particular way, except as it suits his purpose.

WHAT ARE SINS OF INFIRMITY?

To clarify this further, we must understand that:
1. Wherever sins of infirmity are in a person, there must be the life of grace begun. There can be no weakness where there is no life.
2. There must be a sincere and general bent to the best things. Though a godly man may suddenly be drawn or driven aside in some particulars, yet, by reason of that interest the Spirit of Christ has in him, and because his aims are right in the main, he will either recover of himself, or yield to the counsel of others.
3. There must be a right judgment, allowing of the best ways, or else the heart is rotten. Then it will infuse corruption into the whole conversation, so that all men’s actions become infected at the spring-head. They then justify looseness and condemn God’s ways as too much strictness. Their principles whereby they work are not good.
4. There must be a conjugal love to Christ, so that there are no terms on which they will change their Lord and husband, and yield themselves absolutely over to be ruled by their own lusts, or the lusts of others.

A Christian’s behaviour towards Christ may in many things be very offensive, and cause some strangeness; yet he will own Christ, and Christ him; he will not resolve upon any way wherein he knows he must break with Christ. Where the heart is thus in these respects qualified, there we must know this, that Christ counts it his honour to pass by many infirmities, nay, in infirmities he perfects his strength. There are some almost invincible infirmities, such as forgetfulness, heaviness of spirit, sudden passions and fears which, though natural, yet are for the most part tainted with sin. Of these, if the life of Christ be in us, we are weary, and would fain shake them off, as a sick man his fever; otherwise it is not to be esteemed weakness so much as willfulness, and the more will, the more sin. And little sins, when God shall awaken the conscience and ‘set them in order’ before us (Psalms 50:21) will prove great burdens, and not only bruise a reed, but shake a cedar. Yet God’s children never sin with full will, because there is a contrary law in their minds by which the dominion of sin is broken and which always has some secret working against the law of sin. Nevertheless there may be so much will in a sinful action as may destroy our comfort to a remarkable degree afterwards and keep us long on the rack of a disquieted conscience, God in his fatherly dispensation suspending the sense of his love. To the extent that we give way to our will in sinning, to that extent we set ourselves at a distance from comfort. Sin against conscience is as a thief in the candle, which spoils our joy, and thereby weakens our strength. We must know, therefore, that willful breaches in sanctification will much hinder the sense of our justification.
What course shall such take to recover their peace? They must condemn themselves sharply, and yet cast themselves upon God’s mercy in Christ, as at their first conversion. And now they must embrace Christ the more firmly, as they see more need in themselves; and let them remember the mildness of Christ here, that he will not quench the smoking flax. Often we see that, after a deep humiliation, Christ speaks more peace than before, to witness the truth of this reconciliation, because he knows Satan’s enterprises in casting such down lower, because they are most abased in themselves and are ashamed to look Christ in the face, because of their ingratitude.
We see that God did not only pardon David but, after much bruising, gave him wise Solomon to succeed him in the kingdom. We see in Song of Solomon 6:4 that, after the church has been humbled for her slighting of Christ, he sweetly entertains her again, and begins to commend her beauty. We must know for our comfort that Christ was not anointed to this great work of Mediator for lesser sins only, but for the greatest, if we have but a spark of true faith to lay hold on him. Therefore, if there be any bruised reed, let him not make an exception of himself, when Christ does not make an exception of him. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden’ (Matthew 11:28). Why should we not make use of so gracious a disposition? We are only poor for this reason, that we do not know our riches in Christ. In time of temptation, believe Christ rather than the devil. Believe truth from truth itself. Hearken not to a liar, an enemy and a murderer.


9. Believe Christ, Not Satan
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Since Christ is thus comfortably set out to us, let us not believe Satan’s representations of him. When we are troubled in conscience for our sins, Satan’s manner is then to present Christ to the afflicted soul as a most severe judge armed with justice against us. But then let us present him to our souls as offered to our view by God himself, holding out a sceptre of mercy, and spreading his arms to receive us.

HOW WE SHOULD THINK OF CHRIST

When we think of Joseph, Daniel, John the Evangelist, we frame conceptions of them with delight, as of mild and sweet persons. Much more when we think of Christ, we should conceive of him as a mirror of all meekness. If the sweetness of all flowers were in one, how sweet must that flower be? In Christ all perfections of mercy and love meet. How great then must that mercy be that lodges in so gracious a heart? Whatever tenderness is scattered in husband, father, brother, head, all is but a beam from him; it is in him in the most eminent manner. We are weak, but we are his; we are deformed, but yet carry his image upon us. A father looks not so much at the blemishes of his child as at his own nature in him; so Christ finds matter of love from that which is his own in us. He sees his own nature in us: we are diseased, but yet his members. Who ever neglected his own members because they were sick or weak? None ever hated his own flesh. Can the head forget the members? Can Christ forget himself? We are his fullness, as he is ours. He was love itself clothed with man’s nature, which he united so near to himself, that he might communicate his goodness the more freely to us. And he took not our nature when it was at its best, but when it was abased, with all the natural and common infirmities it was subject to.

Let us therefore abhor all suspicious thoughts, as either cast in or cherished by that damned spirit who, as he laboured to divide between the Father and the Son by jealousies, by saying, ‘If thou be the Son of God’ (Matthew 4:6), so his daily study is to divide between the Son and us by breeding false opinions in us of Christ, as if there were not such tender love in him to such as we are. It was Satan’s art from the beginning to discredit God with man, by calling God’s love into question with our first father Adam. His success then makes him ready at that weapon still.

WHEN CHRIST SEEMS TO BE AN ENEMY

‘But for all this, I feel not Christ so to me,’ says the smoking flax, ‘but rather the clean contrary. He seems to be an enemy to me. I see and feel evidences of his just displeasure.’

Christ may act the part of an enemy a little while, as Joseph did, but it is to make way for acting his own part of mercy in a more seasonable time. He cannot restrain his bowels of mercy long. He seems to wrestle with us, as with Jacob, but he supplies us with hidden strength to prevail at length. Faith pulls off the mask from his face and sees a loving heart under contrary appearances. Fides Christo larvam detrahit. At first he answered the woman of Canaan, who was crying after him, not a word. Then he gave her a denial. After that he gave an answer tending to her reproach, calling her a dog, as being outside the covenant. Yet she would not be so beaten off, for she considered the end of his coming. As his Father was never nearer him in strength to support him than when he was furthest off in sense of favour to comfort him, so Christ is never nearer us in power to uphold us than when he seems most to hide his presence from us. The influence of the Sun of righteousness pierces deeper than his light. In such cases, whatever Christ’s present bearing is towards us, let us oppose his nature and office against it. He cannot deny himself, he cannot but discharge the office his Father has laid upon him. We see here the Father has undertaken that he shall not ‘quench the smoking flax,’ and Christ has also undertaken to represent us to the Father, appearing before him for us until he presents us blameless before him (John 17:6, 11). The Father has given us to Christ, and Christ gives us back again to the Father.

WHEN DOUBT ASSAILS US

‘This would be good comfort,’ says one, ‘if I were but as smoking flax.’

It is well that this objection pinches on yourself, and not on Christ. It is well that you give him the honour of his mercy towards others, though not to yourself. Yet do not wrong the work of his Spirit in your heart. Satan, as he slanders Christ to us, so he slanders us to ourselves. If you are not so much as smoking flax, then why do you not renounce your interest in Christ, and disclaim the covenant of grace? This you dare not do. Why do you not give yourself up wholly to other pleasures? This your spirit will not allow you to do. Where do these restless groanings and complaints come from? Lay your present state alongside the office of Christ to such, and do not despise the consolation of the Almighty nor refuse your own mercy. Cast yourself into the arms of Christ, and if you perish, perish there. If you do not, you are sure to perish. If mercy is to be found anywhere, it is there.
In this appears Christ’s care to you, that he has given you a heart in some degree sensitive. He might have given you up to hardness, security and profaneness of heart, of all spiritual judgments the greatest. He who died for his enemies, will he refuse those, the desire of whose soul is towards him? He who, by his messengers, desires us to be reconciled, will he put us off when we earnestly seek it at his hand? No, doubtless, when he goes before us by kindling holy desires in us, he is ready to meet us in his own ways. When the prodigal set himself to return to his father, his father did not wait for him, but met him in the way. When he prepares the heart to seek, he causes his ear to hear (Psalms 10:17). He cannot find in his heart to hide himself long from us. If God should bring us into such a dark condition as that we should see no light from himself or the creature, then let us remember what he says by the prophet Isaiah, ‘Who is among you . . . that walketh in darkness, and hath no light?’ - no light of comfort, no light of God’s countenance - ‘let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God’ (Isaiah 50:10). We can never be in such a condition that there will be just cause of utter despair. Therefore let us do as mariners do, cast anchor in the dark. Christ knows how to pity us in this case. Look what comfort he felt from his Father when he was broken (Isaiah 53:5). This is what we shall feel from himself in our bruising.
The sighs of a bruised heart carry in them a report, both of our affection to Christ, and of his care to us. The eyes of our souls cannot be towards him unless he has cast a gracious look upon us first. The least love we have to him is but a reflection of his love first shining upon us. As Christ did, in his example to us, whatever he charges us to do, so he suffered in his own person whatever he calls us to suffer, so that he might the better learn to relieve and pity us in our sufferings. In his desertion in the garden and on the cross he was content to be without that unspeakable solace which the presence of his Father gave, both to bear the wrath of the Lord for a time for us, and likewise to know the better how to comfort us in our greatest extremities. God sees fit that we should taste of that cup of which his Son drank so deep, that we might feel a little what sin is, and what his Son’s love was. But our comfort is that Christ drank the dregs of the cup for us, and will succour us, so that our spirits may not utterly fail under that little taste of his displeasure which we may feel. He became not only a man but a curse, a man of sorrows, for us. He was broken that we should not be broken; he was troubled, that we should not be desperately troubled; he became a curse, that we should not be accursed. Whatever may be wished for in an all-sufficient comforter is all to be found in Christ:
1. Authority from the Father. All power was given to him (Matthew 28:18).
2. Strength in himself. His name is ‘The mighty God’ (Isaiah 9:6).
3. Wisdom, and that from his own experience, how and when to help (Hebrews 2:18).
4. Willingness, as being bone of our bones and flesh of our flesh (Genesis 2:23; Ephesians 5:30).


10. Quench Not the Spirit
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We are now to take notice of various sorts of men that offend deeply against this merciful disposition of Christ.

FALSE DESPAIR OF CHRIST’S MERCY

There are those who go on in all ill courses of life on this pretense, that it would be useless to go to Christ, because their lives have been so bad; whereas, as soon as we look to heaven, all encouragements are ready to meet us and draw us forward. Among others, this is one allurement, that Christ is ready to welcome us and lead us further. None are damned in the church but those that are determined to be, including those who persist in having hard thoughts of Christ, that they may have some show of reason to fetch contentment from other things, as that unprofitable servant (Matthew 25:30) who would needs take up the opinion that his master was a hard man, thereby to flatter himself in his unfruitful ways, in not improving the talent which he had.

FALSE HOPE OF CHRIST’S MERCY

There are those who take up a hope of their own, that Christ will suffer them to walk in the ways to hell, and yet bring them to heaven; whereas all comfort should draw us nearer to Christ. Otherwise it is a lying comfort, either in itself or in our application of it.

RESISTING CHRIST’S MERCY

There are those who take it on themselves to cast water on those sparks which Christ labours to kindle in them, because they will not be troubled with the light of them. Such must know that the Lamb can be angry, and that they who will not come under his sceptre of mercy shall be crushed in pieces by his sceptre of power (Psalms 2:9). Though he will graciously tend and maintain the least spark of true grace, yet where he finds not the spark of grace but opposition to his Spirit striving with them, his wrath, once kindled, shall burn to hell. There is no more just provocation than when kindness is churlishly refused.

When God would have cured Babylon, and she would not be cured, then she was given up to destruction (Jeremiah 51:9). When Jerusalem would not be gathered under the wing of Christ, then their habitation is left desolate (Matthew 23:37, 38). When wisdom stretches out her hand and men refuse, then wisdom will laugh at men’s destruction (Proverbs 1:26). Salvation itself will not save those that spill the medicine and cast away the plaster. It is a pitiful case, when this merciful Saviour shall delight in destruction; when he that made men shall have no mercy on them (Isaiah 27:11).
Oh, say the rebels of the time, God has not made us to damn us. Yes, if you will not meet Christ in the ways of his mercy, it is fitting that you should ‘eat of the fruit of your own way, and be filled with your own devices’ (Proverbs 1:31). This will be the hell of hell, when men shall think that they have loved their sins more than their souls; when they shall think what love and mercy has been almost enforced upon them, and yet they would perish. The more accessory we are in pulling a judgment upon ourselves, the more the conscience will be confounded in itself. Then they shall acknowledge Christ to be without any blame, themselves without any excuse.
If men appeal to their own consciences, they will tell them that the Holy Spirit has often knocked at their hearts, as willing to have kindled some holy desires in them. How else can they be said to resist the Holy Ghost, but that the Spirit was readier to draw them to a further degree of goodness than was consistent with their own wills? Therefore those in the church that are damned are self-condemned before. So that here we need not rise to higher causes, when men carry sufficient cause in their own bosoms.

PRESUMING ON CHRIST’S MERCY

And the best of us all may offend against this merciful disposition if we are not watchful against that liberty which our carnal disposition will be ready to take from it. Thus we reason, if Christ will not quench the smoking flax, what need we fear that any neglect on our part can bring us into a comfortless condition? If Christ will not do it, what can?

You know the apostle’s prohibition, notwithstanding, ‘Quench not the Spirit’ (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Such cautions of not quenching are sanctified by the Spirit as a means of not quenching. Christ performs his office in not quenching by stirring up suitable endeavours in us; and there are none more solicitous in the use of the means than those that are most certain of their good success. The reason is this: the means that God has set apart for the effecting of any thing are included in the purpose that he has to bring that thing to pass. And this is a principle taken for granted, even in civil matters; for who, if he knew before that it would be a fruitful year, would therefore hang up his plough and neglect tillage?
Hence the apostle stirs us up from the certain expectation of a blessing (1 Corinthians 15:57, 58), and this encouragement from the good issue of victory is intended to stir us up, and not to put us off. If we are negligent in the exercise of grace received and the use of the means prescribed, suffering our spirits to be oppressed with many and various cares of this life, and take not heed of the discouragements of the times, for this kind of neglect God in his wise care suffers us often to fall into a worse condition in our feelings than those that were never so much enlightened. Yet in mercy he will not suffer us to be so far enemies to ourselves as wholly to neglect these sparks once kindled. Were it possible that we should be given up to abandon all endeavour wholly, then we could look for no other issue but quenching; but Christ will tend this spark and cherish this small seed, so that he will always preserve in the soul some degree of care.
If we would make a comfortable use of this, we must consider all those means whereby Christ preserves grace begun; such as, first, holy communion, by which one Christian warms another. ‘Two are better than one’ (Ecclesiastes 4:9). ‘Did not our heart burn within us?’, said the disciples (Luke 24:32). Secondly, much more communion with God in holy duties, such as meditation and prayer, which not only kindles but adds a luster to the soul. Thirdly, we feel by experience the breath of the Spirit to go along with the breath of his ministers. For this reason the apostle knits these two together: ‘Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings’ (1 Thessalonians 5:19, 20). Nathan, by a few words, blew up the decaying sparks in David. Rather than that God will suffer his fire in us to die, he will send some Nathan or other, and something always is left in us to join with the Word, as of the same nature with it; as a coal that has fire in it will quickly gather more fire to it. Smoking flax will easily take fire. Fourthly, grace is strengthened by the exercise of it: ‘Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee’ (1 Chronicles 22:16), said David to his son Solomon. Stir up the grace that is in you, for in this way holy motions turn to resolutions, resolutions to practice, and practice to a prepared readiness to every good work.
However, let us remember that grace is increased, in the exercise of it, not by virtue of the exercise itself, but as Christ by his Spirit flows into the soul and brings us nearer to himself, the fountain, so instilling such comfort that the heart is further enlarged. The heart of a Christian is Christ’s garden, and his graces are as so many sweet spices and flowers which, when his Spirit blows upon them, send forth a sweet savour. Therefore keep the soul open to entertain the Holy Ghost, for he will bring in continually fresh forces to subdue corruption, and this most of all on the Lord’s day. John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, even in Patmos, the place of his banishment (Revelation 1:10). Then the gales of the Spirit blow more strongly and sweetly.
As we look, therefore, for the comfort of this doctrine, let us not favour our natural sloth but exercise ourselves rather to godliness (1 Timothy 4:7), and labour to keep this fire always burning upon the altar of our hearts. Let us dress our lamps daily, and put in fresh oil, and wind up our souls higher and higher still. Resting in a good condition is contrary to grace, which cannot but promote itself to a further measure. Let none turn this grace ‘into lasciviousness’ (Jude 4). Infirmities are a ground of humility, not a plea for negligence, nor an encouragement to presumption. We should be so far from being evil because Christ is good that those coals of love should melt us. Therefore those may well suspect themselves in whom the consideration of this mildness of Christ does not work that way. Surely where grace is, corruption is ‘as vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes’ (Proverbs 10:26). And therefore they will labour, with respect to their own comfort, as likewise for the credit of religion and the glory of God, that their light may break forth. If a spark of faith and love is so precious, what an honour will it be to be rich in faith! Who would not rather walk in the light, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, than live in a dark, perplexed state? And not rather be carried with full sail to heaven than be tossed always with fears and doubts? The present trouble in conflict against a sin is not so much as that disquiet which any corruption favoured will bring upon us afterward. True peace is in conquering, not in yielding. The comfort intended in this text is for those that would fain do better, but find their corruptions clog them; that are in such a mist, that often they cannot tell what to think of themselves; that fain would believe, and yet often fear that they do not believe; and that think that it cannot be that God should be so good to such sinful wretches as they are, and yet they do not permit these fears and doubts in themselves.

SEEKING ANOTHER SOURCE OF MERCY

And among others, how do they wrong themselves and him that will have other mediators to God for them than he! Are any more pitiful than he who became man to that end, that he might be pitiful to his own flesh? Let all, at all times, repair to this meek Saviour, and put up all our petitions in his prevailing name. What need do we have to knock at any other door? Can any be more tender over us than Christ? What encouragement we have to commend the state of the church in general, or of any broken-hearted Christian, to him by our prayers, of whom we may speak to Christ, as they did of Lazarus, ‘Lord, the church which thou lovest, and gavest thyself for, is in distress’; ‘Lord, this poor Christian, for whom thou wast bruised (Isaiah 53:5) is bruised and brought very low.’ It cannot but touch his heart when the misery of those so dear to him is spread before him.

MISTREATING THE HEIRS OF MERCY

Again, considering this gracious nature in Christ, let us think with ourselves thus: when he is so kind to us, shall we be cruel against him in his name, in his truth, in his children? How shall those that delight to be so terrible to ‘the meek of the earth’ (Zephaniah 2:3) hope to look so gracious a Saviour in the face? They that are so boisterous towards his spouse shall know one day that they had to deal with himself in his church. So it cannot but cut the heart of those that have felt this love of Christ to hear him wounded who is the life of their lives and the soul of their souls. This makes those that have felt mercy weep over Christ whom they have pierced with their sins. There cannot but be a mutual and quick sympathy between the head and the members. When we are tempted to any sin, if we will not pity ourselves, yet we should spare Christ, in not putting him to new torments. The apostle could not find out a more heart-breaking argument to enforce a sacrifice of ourselves to God than to appeal to us ‘by the mercies of God’ in Christ (Romans 12:1).

STRIFE AMONG THE HEIRS OF MERCY

This mercy of Christ should also move us to commiserate the state of the poor church, torn by enemies without, and rending itself by divisions at home. It cannot but affect any soul that ever felt comfort from Christ to consider what an affectionate entreaty the apostle makes to mutual agreement in judgment and affection. ‘If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded’ (Philippians 2:1), as if he should say, ‘Unless you will disclaim all consolation in Christ, labour to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’ What a joyful spectacle is this to Satan and his faction, to see those that are separated from the world fall in pieces among themselves! Our discord is our enemy’s melody.

The more to blame are those that for private aims affect differences from others, and will not suffer the wounds of the church to close and meet together. This must not be understood as if men should dissemble their judgment in any truth where there is just cause of expressing themselves; for the least truth is Christ’s and not ours, and therefore we are not to take liberty to affirm or deny at our pleasure. There is something due on a penny as well as on a pound, therefore we must be faithful in the least truth, when the season calls for it. Then our words are ‘like apples of gold in pictures of silver’ (Proverbs 25:11). One word spoken in season will do more good than a thousand out of season. But in some cases peace, through having our faith to ourselves before God (Romans 14:22), is of more consequence than the open discovery of some things we take to be true, considering that the weakness of man’s nature is such that there can hardly be a discovery of any difference in opinion without some estrangement of affection. So far as men are not of one mind, they will hardly be of one heart, except where grace and the peace of God bear great rule in the heart (Colossians 3:15). Therefore open show of difference is only good when it is necessary, although some, from a desire to be somebody, turn into by-ways and yield to a spirit of contradiction in themselves. Yet, if Paul may be judge, they ‘are yet carnal’ (1 Corinthians 3:3). If it be wisdom, it is wisdom from beneath: for the wisdom from above, as it is pure, so it is peaceable (James 3:17). Our blessed Saviour, when he was to leave the world, what did he press upon his disciples more than peace and love? And in his last prayer, with what earnestness did he beg of his Father that ‘they all may be one,’ as he and the Father were one (John 17:21). But what he prayed for on earth, we shall only enjoy perfectly in heaven. Let this make the meditation of that time the more sweet unto us.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE BRUISED

And further, to expose offenders of this kind, what spirit shall we think them to be of that take advantage of the bruisedness and infirmities of men’s spirits to relieve them with false peace for their own worldly ends? A wounded spirit will part with anything. Most of the gainful points of popery, such as confession, satisfaction, merit and purgatory, spring from hence, but they are physicians of no value, or tormentors and not physicians at all. It is a greater blessing to be delivered from the sting of these scorpions (Revelation 9:5) than we are thankful for. Spiritual tyranny is the greatest tyranny, and then especially when it is where most mercy should be shown; yet even there some, like cruel surgeons, delight in making long cures, to serve themselves through the misery of others. It brings men under a terrible curse that they ‘remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man,’ that they might ‘even slay the broken in heart’ (Psalms 109:16).

In the same way, to such as raise temporal advantage to themselves out of the spiritual misery of others we must add such as raise estates by betraying the church, and are unfaithful in the trust committed unto them, when the children cry for the bread of life, and there is none to give them, bringing thus upon the people of God that heavy judgment of a spiritual famine, starving Christ in his members. Shall we so requite so good a Saviour who counts the love and mercy shown in feeding his lambs (John 21:15) as shown to himself?

DESPISING THE SIMPLE MEANS OF MERCY

Lastly, they carry themselves very unkindly towards Christ who stumble at his low stooping to us in his government and ordinances, that are ashamed of the simplicity of the gospel, that count preaching foolishness. They, out of the pride of their heart, think that they may do well enough without the help of the Word and sacraments, and think Christ did not take enough dignity upon him; and therefore they will mend the matter with their own devices so that they may give better satisfaction to flesh and blood, as in popery. What greater unthankfulness can there be than to despise any help that Christ in mercy has provided for us? In the days of his flesh the proud Pharisees took offense at his familiar conversing with sinful men, though he only did so as a physician to heal their souls. What defenses was Paul driven to make for himself, for his plainness in unfolding the gospel? The more Christ, in himself and in his servants, shall descend to exalt us, the more we should, with all humility and readiness, entertain that love and magnify the goodness of God, that has put the great work of our salvation, and laid the government, upon so gentle a Saviour as will carry himself so mildly in all things wherein he is to deal between God and us, and us and God. The lower Christ comes down to us, the higher let us lift him up in our hearts. So will all those do that have ever found the experience of Christ’s work in their hearts.


11. Christ’s Judgment and Victory
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We come now to the last part of our text, concerning the constant progress of Christ’s gracious power, until he has set up an absolute government in us which shall prevail over all corruptions. It is said here that he will cherish his beginnings of grace in us until he bring forth ‘judgment unto victory’ (Matthew 12:20).

CHRIST’S JUDGMENT ESTABLISHED IN US

By judgment here is meant the kingdom of grace in us, that government whereby Christ sets up a throne in our hearts. Governors among the Jews were first called judges, then kings, whence this inward rule is called judgment, as also because it agrees with the judgment of the Word, which the Psalmist often calls judgment (as in Psalm 72:1, 2) because it agrees with God’s judgment. Men may read their doom in God’s Word. What it judges of them God judges of them. By this judgment set up in us, good is discerned, allowed, and performed; sin is judged, condemned, and executed. Our spirit, being under the Spirit of Christ, is governed by him, and, so far as it is governed by Christ, it governs us graciously.

Christ and we are of one judgment and of one will. He has his will in us, and his judgments are so invested with authority in us as that they are turned into our judgment, we carrying his law in our hearts, written there by his Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33). The law in the inner man and the law written answer to each other as counterparts.
The meaning then is that the gracious frame of holiness set up in our hearts by the Spirit of Christ shall go forward until all contrary power is subdued. The spirit of judgment will be a spirit of burning (Isaiah 4:4) to consume whatever opposed corruption eats into the soul like rust. If God’s builders fall into errors and build stubble on a good foundation, God’s Spirit, as a spiritual fire, will reveal this in time (1 Corinthians 3:13), and destroy it. The builders shall, by a spirit of judgment, condemn their own errors and courses. The whole work of grace in us is set out under the name of judgment, and sometimes wisdom, because judgment is the chief and leading part in grace, so that the gracious work of repentance is called a change of the mind, and an after-wisdom. On the other hand, in the learned languages the words that express wisdom imply also a general relish and savour of the whole soul, and rather more the judgment of taste than of sight or any other sense, because taste is the most necessary sense, and requires a nearer application of the object than all other senses. So, in spiritual life, it is most necessary that the Spirit should alter the taste of the soul so that it might savour the things of the Spirit so deeply that all other things should be out of relish.
And as it is true of every particular Christian that Christ’s judgment in him shall be victorious, so likewise of the whole body of Christians, the church. The government of Christ, and his truth, whereby he rules as by a sceptre, shall at length be victorious in spite of Satan, antichrist, and all enemies. Christ, riding on his white horse (Revelation 6:2), has a bow and goes forth conquering, in the ministry, that he may overcome either to conversion or to confusion. But yet I take judgment principally for Christ’s kingdom and government within us, firstly, because God especially requires the subjection of the soul and conscience as his proper throne; and, secondly, because, if judgment should prevail in all others about us and not in our own hearts, it would not yield comfort to us; and therefore it is the first thing that we desire when we pray, ‘Thy kingdom come’, that Christ would come and rule in our hearts. The kingdom of Christ in his ordinances serves but to bring Christ home into his own place, our hearts.
The words being thus explained, that judgment here includes the government of mind, will and affections, there are various conclusions that naturally spring from them.

CHRIST’S MILDNESS AND HIS GOVERNMENT

The first conclusion from the connection of this part of the verse with the former is that Christ is mild in the way that we have seen so that he may then set up his government in those whom he is so gentle and tender over. He pardons in this way so as to be obeyed as a king; he takes us to be his spouse so as to be obeyed as a husband. The same Spirit that convinces us of the necessity of his righteousness to cover us convinces us also of the necessity of his government to rule us. His love to us moves him to frame us to be like himself, and our love to him stirs us up to be such as he may take delight in, neither do we have faith or hope any further than we have a concern to be purged as he is pure. He makes us subordinate governors, yea, kings under himself, giving us grace not only to fight but to subdue in some measure our base affections. It is one main fruit of Christ’s exaltation that he may turn every one of us from our wickedness (Acts 3:26). ‘For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living’ (Romans 14:9). God has bound himself by an oath that he would grant us that ‘we might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him’ (Luke 1:75), and not only before the world.

PARDON LEADS TO OBEDIENCE

This may serve for a trial to discern who may lay just claim to Christ’s mercy. Only those that will take his yoke and count it a greater happiness to be under his government than to enjoy any liberty of the flesh; that will take a whole Christ, and not single out of him what may stand with their present contentment; that will not divide Lord from Jesus, and so make a Christ of their own, may make this claim. None ever did truly desire mercy for pardon but desired mercy for healing. David prays for a new spirit, as well as for a sense of pardoning mercy (Psalms 51:10).

JUSTIFICATION LEADS TO SANCTIFICATION

This also shows that those are misled that make Christ to be only righteousness to us and not sanctification, except by imputation, whereas it is a great part of our happiness to be under such a Lord, who was not only born for us, and given to us, but has the government likewise upon his shoulder (Isaiah 9:6, 7). He is our Sanctifier as well as our Saviour, our Saviour as well by the effectual power of his Spirit from the power of sin as by the merit of his death from the guilt thereof; provided these things are remembered:
1. The first and chief ground of our comfort is that Christ as a priest offered himself as a sacrifice to his Father for us. The guilty soul flies first to Christ crucified, made a curse for us. Thence it is that Christ has right to govern us; thence it is that he gives us his Spirit as our guide to lead us home.
2. In the course of our life, after we are in a state of grace, if we are overtaken with any sin, we must remember to have recourse first to Christ’s mercy to pardon us, and then to the promise of his Spirit to govern us.
3. And when we feel ourselves cold in affection and duty, the best way is to warm ourselves at this fire of his love and mercy in giving himself for us.
4. Again, remember this, that Christ rules us by a spirit of love, from a sense of his love, whereby his commandments are easy to us. He leads us by his free Spirit, a Spirit of liberty. His subjects are voluntaries. The constraint that he lays upon his subjects is that of love. He draws us sweetly with the cords of love. Yet remember also that he draws us strongly by a Spirit of power, for it is not sufficient that we have motives and encouragements to love and obey Christ from that love of his, whereby he gave himself for us to justify us; but Christ’s Spirit must likewise subdue our hearts, and sanctify them to love him, without which all motives would be ineffectual.

Our disposition must be changed. We must be new creatures. They seek for heaven in hell that seek for spiritual love in an unchanged heart. When a child obeys his father it is from reasons persuading him, as likewise from a child-like nature which gives strength to these reasons. It is natural for a child of God to love Christ so far as he is renewed, not only from inducement of reason so to do, but likewise from an inward principle and work of grace, whence those reasons have their chief force. First we are made partakers of the divine nature, and then we are easily induced and led by Christ’s Spirit to spiritual duties.


12. Christ’s Wise Government
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The second conclusion from the final part of the text is that Christ’s government in his church and in his children is a wise and well-ordered government because it is called judgment, and judgment is the life and soul of wisdom. Of this conclusion there are two branches: first, that the spiritual government of Christ in us is joined with judgment and wisdom, and secondly, wherever true spiritual wisdom and judgment are, there likewise the Spirit of Christ has brought in his gracious government.

JUDGMENT AND WISDOM

As to the first, a well-guided life by the rules of Christ stands with the strongest and highest reason of all; and therefore holy men are called ‘wisdom’s children’ (Luke 7:35), and are able to justify, both by reason and experience, all the ways of wisdom. Opposite courses are folly and madness. Hereupon Paul says that ‘he that is spiritual judgeth all things’ (1 Corinthians 2:15) that appertain to him, and is judged of none that are of an inferior rank, because they lack spiritual light and sight to judge. Yet this sort of men will judge and ‘speak evil of the things that they understand not’ (2 Peter 2:12); they step from ignorance to prejudice and rash censure, without taking right judgment in their way, and therefore their judgment comes to nothing. But the judgment of a spiritual man, so far as he is spiritual, shall stand, because it is agreeable to the nature of things. As things are in themselves, so they are in his judgment. As God is in himself infinite in goodness and majesty, so he is to him. He ascribes to God in his heart his divinity and all his excellencies. As Christ is in himself the only Mediator, and all in all in the church (Colossians 3:11), so he is to him, by making Christ so in his heart. As all things are dung in comparison with Christ (Philippians 3:8), so they are to Paul, a sanctified man. As the very worst thing in religion, ‘the reproach of Christ,’ is better than ‘the pleasures of sin for a season’ (Hebrews 11:25-26), so it is to Moses, a man of a right esteem. As one day in the courts of God is better than a thousand elsewhere (Psalms 84:10), so it is to David, a man of a reformed judgment. There is a conformity of a good man’s judgment to things as they are in themselves, and according to the difference or agreement put by God in things, so does his judgment differ or agree.

Truth is truth, and error, error, and that which is unlawful is unlawful, whether men think so or not. God has put an eternal difference between light and darkness, good and ill, which no creature’s conceit can alter; and therefore no man’s judgment is the measure of things further than it agrees to truth stamped upon things themselves by God. For this reason, because a wise man’s judgment agrees to the truth of things, a wise man may in some sense be said to be the measure of things, and the judgment of one holy wise man to be preferred before a thousand others. Such men usually are immovable as the sun in its course, because they think, and speak and live by rule. A Joshua and his house will serve God (Joshua 24:15), whatsoever others do, and will run a course contrary to the world, because their judgments lead them a contrary way. Hence it is that Satan has a spite at the eye of the soul, the judgment, to put it out by ignorance and false reason, for he cannot rule in any until either he has taken away or perverted judgment. He is a prince of darkness, and rules in darkness of the understanding. Therefore he must first be cast out of the understanding by the prevailing of truth and planting of it in the soul. Those, therefore, that are enemies of knowledge help Satan and antichrist, whose kingdom, like Satan’s, is a kingdom of darkness, to erect their throne. Hence it is promised by Christ, that the Holy Ghost shall convince the world of righteousness or judgment (John 16:8); that is, that he is resolved to set up a throne of government, because the great lord of misrule, Satan, ‘the prince of this world’, is judged by the gospel, and the Spirit accompanying it. His impostures are discovered, his enterprises laid open. Therefore when the gospel was spread the oracles ceased, Satan fell from heaven like lightning (Luke 10:18). Men were translated out of his kingdom into Christ’s. Where prevailing is by lies, discovery is victory: ‘they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men’ (1 Timothy 3:9). So that manifestation of error gives a stop to it, for none will willingly be deceived. Let truth have full scope without check or restraint, and let Satan and his instruments do their worst, they shall not prevail, as Jerome says of the Pelagians in his time: ‘The discovery of your opinions is the vanquishing of them, your blasphemies appear at the first blush.’

THE NEED FOR HEAVENLY LIGHT

Hence we learn the necessity that the understanding should be grounded in knowledge which is above nature for a well-ordered Christian life. There must be light to discover an end beyond nature, because of which we are Christians, and a rule suitable to direct to that end, which is the will of God in Christ, discovering his good pleasure toward us, and our duty towards him. And in virtue of this discovery we do all that we do which may in any way further what we reckon to be true. The eye must first be single, and then the whole body and frame of our conduct will be light (Matthew 6:22); otherwise both we and our course of life are nothing but darkness. The whole conduct of a Christian is nothing else but knowledge reduced to will, affection and practice. If the digestion of food in the stomach is not good, the working of the liver cannot be good; so if there is error in the judgment it mars the whole of practice, as an error in the foundation does a building. God will have no blind sacrifices, no unreasonable services (Isaiah 1:13), but will have us to love him with all our mind (Romans 12:2), that is, with our understanding part, as well as with all our hearts (Luke 10:27), that is, the feeling part of the soul.

This ordering of Christ’s government by judgment is agreeable to the soul, and God delights to preserve the manner of working peculiar to man, that is, to do what he does out of judgment. As grace supposes nature, as founded upon it, so the frame of grace preserves the frame of nature in man. And, therefore Christ brings about all that is good in the soul through judgment, and that so sweetly that many, by a dangerous error, think that that good which is in them and issues from them is from themselves, and not from the powerful work of grace. So it is in evil, where the devil so subtly leads us according to the stream of our own nature that men think that Satan had no hand in their sin; but here a mistake is with little peril, because we are evil of ourselves, and the devil only promotes ill he finds in us. But there are no seeds of supernatural goodness at all in us. God finds nothing in us but enmity, only he has engraved in our nature an inclination in general to that which we judge to be good. Now when he clearly reveals what is good in particular, we are attracted to it; and when he shows us convincingly what is evil we abhor it as freely as we embraced it before.
From this we may know whether we work as we should do or not. That is, when we do what we do out of inward principles, when we do not choose what is good only because we were so brought up, or because such and such whom we respect do so, or because we will maintain a side, so making religion a faction; but out of judgment, when what we do that is good we first judge in ourselves so to be; and what we abstain from that is ill we first judge to be ill from an inward judgment. A sound Christian, as he enjoys the better part, so has he first made choice of it with Mary (Luke 10:42). He establishes every purpose by counsel (Proverbs 20:18). God, indeed, uses carnal men to very good service, but without a thorough altering and conviction of their judgment. He works by them, but not in them. Therefore they do neither approve the good they do nor hate the evil they abstain from.

WHERE CHRIST’S GOVERNMENT IS SET UP

The second branch of this conclusion is that, wherever true wisdom and judgment are, there Christ has set up his government, because where wisdom is it directs us, not only to understand, but to order our ways aright. Where Christ as a prophet teaches by his Spirit, he likewise as a king subdues the heart by his Spirit to obedience to what is taught. This is that teaching which is promised of God, when not only the brain but the heart itself is taught; when men do not only know what they should do but are taught the very doing of it. They are not only taught that they should love, fear and obey, but they are taught love itself, and fear and obedience themselves. Christ sets up his throne in the very heart and alters its direction, so making his subjects good, together with teaching them to be good. Other princes can make good laws, but they cannot write them in their people’s hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). This is Christ’s prerogative: he infuses into his subjects his own Spirit. Upon him there does not only rest the spirit of wisdom and understanding, but likewise the spirit of the fear of the LORD (Isaiah 11:2). The knowledge which we have of him from himself is a transforming knowledge (2 Corinthians 3:18). The same Spirit who enlightens the mind inspires gracious inclinations into the will and affections and infuses strength into the whole man. As a gracious man judges as he should, so he inclines to and does as he judges. His life is a commentary on his inward man. There is a sweet harmony among God’s truth, his judgment, and his whole conversation.

HOW CHRIST GOVERNS US

The heart of a Christian is like Jerusalem when it was at its best, a city compact within itself (Psalms 122:3), where are set up the thrones of judgment (Psalms 122:5). Judgment should have a throne in the heart of every Christian. Not that judgment alone will work a change. There must be grace to alter the bent and sway of the will before it will yield to be wrought upon by the understanding. But God has so joined these together that whenever he savingly shines on the understanding he gives a soft and pliable heart. For without a work upon the heart by the Spirit of God it will follow its own inclination to that which it loves, whatever the judgment shall say to the contrary. There is no natural proportion between an unsanctified heart and a sanctified judgment. For the unaltered heart will not give leave to the judgment coldly and soberly to conclude what is best, as a sick man, whilst his feverish illness corrupts his taste, is rather desirous to please that than to hearken to what the physician may say. Judgment has no power over itself where the will is unsubdued, for the will and affections bribe it to give sentence for them, when any profit or pleasure shall come in competition with that which the judgment only shall in general think to be good. And therefore it is, for the most part, in the power of the heart what the understanding shall judge and determine in particular things. Where grace has subdued the heart, unruly passions do not cast such a mist before the understanding that it does not see in particular cases what is best. Base considerations, springing from self-love, do not alter the case and bias the judgment into a contrary way; but that which is good in itself shall be good to us, although it crosses our particular worldly interests.

THE EFFECTS OF THIS IN PRACTICE

The right understanding of this has an influence on practice, which has drawn me to a more full explanation. This will teach us the right method of godliness: to begin with judgment, and then to beg of God, together with illumination, holy inclinations of our will and affections, that so a perfect government may be set up in our hearts, and that our knowledge may be ‘in all judgment’ (Philippians 1:9), that is, with experience and feeling. When the judgment of Christ is set up in our judgments, and thence, by the Spirit of Christ, brought into our hearts then it is in its proper place and throne. Until then, truth does us no good, but helps to condemn us. The life of a Christian is a regular life, and he that walks by the rule (Galatians 6:16) of the new creature, peace shall be upon him. He that despises God’s way and loves to live at large, seeking all liberty to the flesh, shall die (Proverbs 19:16). And it is made good by Paul, ‘If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die’ (Romans 8:13).

We learn likewise that men of an ill-governed life have no true judgment. No wicked man can be a wise man. Without Christ’s Spirit the soul is in confusion, without beauty and form, as all things were in the chaos before the creation. The whole soul is out of joint till it be set right again by him whose office is to ‘restore all things.’ The baser part of the soul, which should be subject, rules all and subdues what little truth is in the understanding, holding it captive to base affections. And Satan by corruption gets all the holds of the soul, till Christ, stronger than he, comes and drives him out, taking possession of all the powers and parts of soul and body to be weapons of righteousness, to serve him. Then it becomes true, ‘New lords, new laws.’ Christ as a new conqueror changes the fundamental laws of old Adam and establishes a government of his own.


13. Grace Shall Reign
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The third conclusion from the final part of the text is that Christ’s government will be victorious. Let us see the reasons for this.

WHY CHRIST’S KINGDOM MUST PREVAIL

1. Christ has conquered all in his own person first, and he is ‘over all, God blessed for ever’ (Romans 9:5), and therefore over sin, death, hell, Satan and the world. And, as he has overcome them in himself, so he overcomes them in our hearts and consciences. We commonly say that conscience makes a man kingly or contemptible, because it is planted in us to judge for God, either with us or against us. Now if natural conscience be so forcible, what will it be when, besides its own light, it has the light of divine truth put into it? It will undoubtedly prevail, either to make us hold up our heads with boldness or abase us beneath ourselves. If it subjects itself, by grace, to Christ’s truth, then it boldly faces death, hell, judgment and all spiritual enemies, because then Christ sets up his kingdom in the conscience and makes it a kind of paradise.

The sharpest conflict which the soul has is between the conscience and God’s justice. Now if the conscience, sprinkled with the blood of Christ, has prevailed over assaults fetched from the justice of God, now satisfied by Christ, it will prevail over all other opposition whatsoever.

2. We are to encounter accursed and damned enemies; therefore, if they begin to fall before the Spirit in us, they shall fall. If they rise up again, it is to have the greater fall.

3. The Spirit of truth, to whose tuition Christ has committed his church, and the truth of the Spirit, which is the sceptre of Christ, abide forever; therefore the soul begotten by the immortal seed of the Spirit (1 Peter 1:23), and this truth, must not only live for ever, but also prevail over all that oppose it, for both the Word and the Spirit are mighty in operation (Hebrews 4:12). And, if the wicked spirit is never idle in those whom God has delivered up to him, we cannot think that the Holy Spirit will be idle in those whose leading and government is committed to him. No, as he dwells in them, so he will drive out all that rise up against him, until he is all in all.

What is spiritual is eternal. Truth is a beam of Christ’s Spirit, both in itself and as it is engrafted into the soul. Therefore it, and the grace wrought by it, though little, will prevail. A little thing in the hand of a giant will do great things. A little faith strengthened by Christ will work wonders.

4. ‘Unto everyone that hath shall be given’ (Matthew 25:29). The victory over corruption or temptation is a pledge of final victory. As Joshua said when he set his foot upon the five kings whom he conquered, ‘Thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies’ (Joshua 10:25). Heaven is ours already, only we strive till we have full possession.

5. Christ as king brings in a commanding light into the soul and bows the neck, and softens the iron sinew of the inner man; and where he begins to rule, he rules for ever, ‘of his kingdom there shall be no end’ (Luke 1:33).

6. The purpose of Christ’s coming was to destroy the works of the devil, both for us and in us; and the purpose of the resurrection was, as well as sealing to us the assurance of his victory, so also (1) to quicken our souls from death in sin; (2) to free our souls from such snares and sorrows of spiritual death as accompany the guilt of sin; (3) to raise them up more comfortable, as the sun breaks forth more gloriously out of a thick cloud; (4) to raise us out of particular slips and failings stronger; (5) to raise us out of all troublesome and dark conditions of this life; and (6) at length to raise our bodies out of the dust. For the same power that the Spirit showed in raising Christ, our Head, from the sorrows of death and the lowest degree of his abasement, that power, obtained by the death of Christ from God, now appeased by that sacrifice, the Spirit will show in the church, which is his body, and in every particular member thereof.

And this power is conveyed by faith, by which, after union with Christ in his estates both of humiliation and of exaltation, we see ourselves, not only dead with Christ, but risen and sitting together with him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Now we, apprehending ourselves to be dead and risen, and therefore victorious over all our enemies in our Head, and apprehending that his scope in all this is to conform us to himself, we are by this faith changed into his likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18), and so become conquerors over all our spiritual enemies, as he is, by that power which we derive from him who is the storehouse of all spiritual strength for all his people. Christ at length will fulfill his purpose in us, and faith rests assured of it, and this assurance is very operative, stirring us up to join with Christ in his purposes.
And so, as to the church in general, by Christ it will have its victory. Christ is that little ‘stone cut out without hands’ which broke in pieces the goodly image (Daniel 2:34), that is, all opposite government, until it became ‘a great mountain, and filled the whole earth’ (Daniel 2:35). So that the stone that was cut out of the mountain becomes a mountain itself at length. Who art thou, then, O mountain, that think to stand up against this mountain? All shall lie flat and level before it. He will bring down all mountainous, high, exalted thoughts, and lay the pride of all flesh low. When chaff strives against the wind, or stubble against the fire, when the heel kicks against the pricks, when the potsherd strives with the potter, when man strives against God, it is easy to know on which side the victory will be. The winds may toss the ship wherein Christ is, but not overturn it. The waves may dash against the rock, but they only break themselves against it.

WHY THE ENEMY SEEMS VICTORIOUS

Objection: If this is so, why is it thus with the church of God, and with many a gracious Christian? The victory seems to be with the enemy.

To understand this, we should remember, firstly, that God’s children usually, in their troubles, overcome by suffering. Here lambs overcome lions, and doves eagles, by suffering, that herein they may be conformable to Christ, who conquered most when he suffered most. Together with Christ’s kingdom of patience there was a kingdom of power.

Secondly, this victory is by degrees, and therefore they are too hasty-spirited that would conquer as soon as they strike the first stroke, and be at the end of their race at the first setting forth. The Israelites were sure of their victory in their journey to Canaan, yet they must fight it out. God would not have us quickly forget what cruel enemies Christ has overcome for us. ‘Slay them not, lest my people forget,’ says the Psalmist (Psalms 59:11), so that, by the experience of that annoyance we have by them, we might be kept in fear to come under their power.

Thirdly, God often works by contraries: when he means to give victory, he will allow us to be foiled at first; when he means to comfort, he will terrify first; when he means to justify, he will condemn us first; when he means to make us glorious, he will abase us first. A Christian conquers, even when he is conquered. When he is conquered by some sins, he gets victory over others more dangerous, such as spiritual pride and security.

Fourthly, Christ’s work, both in the church and in the hearts of Christians, often goes backward so that it may go forward better. As seed rots in the ground in the winter time, but after comes up better, and the harder the winter the more flourishing the spring, so we learn to stand by falls, and get strength by weakness discovered - virtutis custos infirmitas. We take deeper root by shaking. And, as torches flame brighter by moving, thus it pleases Christ, out of his freedom, in this manner to maintain his government in us. Let us herein labour to exercise our faith, so that it may answer Christ’s way of dealing with us. When we are foiled, let us believe we shall overcome; when we have fallen, let us believe we shall rise again. Jacob, after he received a blow which made him lame, yet would not give over wrestling till he had obtained the blessing (Genesis 32:25-26). So let us never give up, but, in our thoughts, knit the beginning, progress and end together, and then we shall see ourselves in heaven out of the reach of all enemies. Let us assure ourselves that God’s grace, even in this imperfect state, is stronger than man’s free will in the state of original perfection. It is founded now in Christ, who, as he is the author, so will he be the finisher, of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We are under a more gracious covenant.
What some say of rooted faith, fides radicata, that it continues, while weak faith may come to nothing, seems to be contradicted by this Scripture; for, as the strongest faith may be shaken, so the weakest, where truth is, is so far rooted that it will prevail. Weakness with watchfulness will stand, when strength with too much confidence fails. Weakness, with acknowledgment of it, is the fittest seat and subject for God to perfect his strength in; for consciousness of our infirmities drives us out of ourselves to him in whom our strength lies.
From this it follows that weakness may be consistent with the assurance of salvation. The disciples, notwithstanding all their weaknesses, are bidden to rejoice that their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Failings, with conflict, in sanctification should not weaken the peace of our justification and assurance of salvation. It matters not so much what ill is in us, as what good; nor what corruptions, but how we regard them; not what our particular failings are so much as what the thread and tenor of our lives are, for Christ’s dislike of that which is amiss in us turns not to the hatred of our persons but to the victorious subduing of all our infirmities.
Some have, after conflict, wondered at the goodness of God that so little and such trembling faith should have upheld them in so great combats, when Satan had almost caught them. And, indeed, it is to be wondered at, how much a little grace will prevail with God for acceptance, and over our enemies for victory, if the heart is upright. Such is the goodness of our sweet Saviour that he delights still to show his strength in our weakness.

CONSOLATION FOR WEAK CHRISTIANS

The first use of this is for the great consolation of poor and weak Christians. Let them know that a spark from heaven, though kindled under greenwood that sobs and smokes, yet it will consume all at last. Love once kindled is strong as death. Many waters cannot quench it, and therefore it is called a vehement flame, or flame of God (Song of Solomon 8:6), kindled in the heart by the Holy Ghost. That little that is in us is fed with an everlasting spring. As the fire that came down from heaven in Elijah’s time (1 Kings 18:38) licked up all the water, to show that it came from God, so will this fire consume all our corruption. No affliction without or corruption within shall quench it. In the morning, we often see clouds gather about the sun, as if they would hide it, but the sun overcomes them little by little, till it comes to its full strength. At first, fears and doubts hinder the breaking out of this fire, until at length it gets above them all, and Christ prevails. And then he upholds his own graces in us. Grace conquers us first, and we, by it, conquer all else; whether corruptions within us, or temptations from outside us.

The church of Christ, begotten by the Word of truth, has the doctrine of the apostles for her crown, and tramples the moon, that is, the world and all worldly things, ‘under her feet’ (Revelation 12:1). Every one that is ‘born of God overcometh the world’ (1 John 5:4). Faith, whereby especially Christ rules, sets the soul so high that it looks down on all other things as far below, as having represented to it, by the Spirit of Christ, riches, honour, beauty and pleasures of a higher nature.

EVIDENCES OF CHRIST’S RULE IN US

Now, that we may not come short of the comfort intended, there are two things especially to be taken notice of by us: firstly, whether there is such a judgment or government set up in us to which this promise of victory is made, and secondly, how we are to conduct ourselves so that the judgment of Christ in us may indeed be victorious.

The evidences whereby we may come to know that Christ’s judgment in us is such as will be victorious, are:

1. Being able from experience to justify all Christ’s ways, let flesh and blood say what they can to the contrary, and willingly subscribing to that course which God has taken in Christ to bring us to heaven, still approving a further measure of grace than we have attained to, and projecting and planning for it. No other men can justify their courses, when their conscience is awakened.

2. Having reasons of religion the strongest reasons with us, prevailing more than reasons fetched from worldly policy.

3. Being so true to our ends and steadfast to our rule that no hopes or fears can sway us another way, but still we are inquiring what agrees with or differs from our rule.

4. Being able to ‘do nothing against the truth, but for the truth’ (2 Corinthians 13:8), the truth being dearer to us than our lives. Truth does not have this sovereignty in the heart of any carnal man.

5. If we had liberty to choose under whose government we would live, out of a delight in the inner man to Christ’s government, making choice of him only to rule us before any other. This argues that we are like-minded to Christ, a free and a willing people, and not compelled to Christ’s service otherwise than by the sweet constraint of love. When we are so far satisfied with the government of Christ’s Spirit that we are willing to resign up ourselves to him in all things, then his kingdom is come to us, and our wills are brought to his will. It is the bent of our wills that makes us good or ill.

6. Having a well-ordered, uniform life, not consisting of fits and starts, shows a well-ordered heart; as in a clock, when the hammer strikes well, and the hand of the dial points well, it is a sign that the wheels are rightly set.

7. When Christ’s will comes into competition with any earthly loss or gain, yet then, in that particular case, having the heart willing to stoop to Christ is a true sign; for the truest trial of the power of grace is in particular cases which touch us most closely, for there our corruption makes the greatest head. When Christ came nearest to home with the young man in the gospel, he lost a disciple of him (Matthew 19:22).

8. Being able to practice duties pleasing to Christ, though contrary to flesh and the course of the world, and being able to overcome ourselves in that evil to which our nature is prone and stands so much inclined, and which agrees to the ruling passion of the times, which others lie enthralled under, such as desire of revenge, hatred of enemies, private ends, etc., this shows that grace in us is above nature, heaven above earth, and will have the victory.

To make this clearer, and help us in our trial, we must know that there are three degrees of victory: first, when we resist though we are foiled; second, when grace gets the better, though with conflict; and third, when all corruption is perfectly subdued. When we have strength only to resist, we may know Christ’s government in us will be victorious, because what is said of the devil is true of all our spiritual enemies, ‘Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7); because ‘Greater is he that is in you,’ who takes the part of his own grace, ‘than he that is in the world’ (1 John 4:4). And if we may hope for victory from bare resistance, what may we not hope for when the Spirit has gained the upper hand?


14. Means to Make Grace Victorious
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As to directions on how we are to conduct ourselves so that the judgment of Christ in us may indeed be victorious, we must know that, though Christ has undertaken this victory, yet he accomplishes it by training us up to fight his battles. He overcomes in us by making us ‘wise unto salvation’ (1 Timothy 3:15); and, in the measure that we believe Christ will conquer, in that measure we will endeavour by his grace that we may conquer, for faith is an obedient and a wise grace. Christ makes us wise to ponder and weigh things, and to rank and order them accordingly, so that we may make the fitter choice of what is best. Some rules to help us in judging are these:

RULES FOR RIGHT JUDGMENT

We should judge of things as to whether they help or hinder our main purpose; whether they further or hinder our judgment; whether they make us more or less spiritual, and so bring us nearer to the fountain of goodness, God himself; whether they will bring us peace or sorrow at the last; whether they commend us more or less to God, and whether they are the thing in which we shall approve ourselves to him most. We should also judge of things now as we shall do hereafter when the soul shall be best able to judge, as when we are under any public calamity, or at the hour of death, when the soul gathers itself from all other things to itself. We should look back to former experience and see what is most agreeable to it, and what was best in our worst times. If grace is or was best then, it is best now. We should also labour to judge of things as he does who must judge us, and as holy men judge, who are led by the Spirit. More particularly, we should judge according to what those judge that have no interest in any benefit that may come by the thing which is in question; for outward things blind the eyes even of the wise. We see that papists are most corrupt in those things where their honour, ease, or profit is engaged; but in the doctrine of the Trinity, which does not touch on these things, they are sound. But it is not sufficient that judgment is right. It must also be ready and strong.

KEEPING OUR JUDGMENT CLEAR

1. Where Christ establishes his government, he inspires care to keep the judgment clear and fresh, for while the judgment stands straight and firm, the whole frame of the soul continues strong and impregnable. True judgment in us advances Christ, and Christ will advance it. All sin is either from false principles, or ignorance, or thoughtlessness, or unbelief of what is true. By lack of consideration and weakness of assent, Eve lost her hold at first (Genesis 3:6). It is good, therefore, to store up true principles in our hearts, and to refresh them often, that, in virtue of them, our affections and actions may be more vigorous. When judgment is fortified, evil finds no entrance, but good things have a side within us to entertain them. While true convincing light continues, we will not do the least ill of sin for the greatest ill of punishment. ‘In vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird’ (Proverbs 1:17). While the soul is kept aloft, there is little danger of snares below. We must lose our high estimation of things before we can be drawn to any sin.

2. And because knowledge and affection mutually help one another, it is good to keep up our affections of love and delight by all sweet inducements and divine encouragements; for what the heart likes best, the mind studies most. Those that can bring their hearts to delight in Christ know most of his ways. Wisdom loves him that loves her. Love is the best entertainer of truth; and when it is not entertained in the love of it (2 Thessalonians 2:10), lovely as it is, it leaves the heart, and will stay no longer. It has been a successful way of corrupting the judgment, to begin by withdrawing love, because, as we love, so we tend to judge. And therefore it is hard to be affectionate and wise in earthly things. But in heavenly things, where there has been a right informing of the judgment before, the more our affections grow, the better and clearer our judgments will be, because our affections, though strong, can never rise high enough to reach the excellency of the things. We see in the martyrs, when the sweet doctrine of Christ had once gained their hearts, it could not be removed again by all the torments the wit of cruelty could devise. If Christ has once possessed the affections, there is no dispossessing of him again. A fire in the heart overcomes all fires without.

3. Wisdom also teaches us where our weakness lies, and our enemy’s strength. By this means a jealous fear is stirred up in us, whereby we are preserved; for out of this godly jealousy we keep those provocations, which are active and working, from that which is passive and catching in us, as we keep fire from powder. Those who wish to hinder the generation of noisome creatures will hinder the conception first, by keeping male and female apart. This jealous care will be much furthered by observing strictly what has helped or hindered a gracious temper in us, and it will make us take heed that we consult not with flesh and blood in ourselves or others. Otherwise, how can we think that Christ will lead us out to victory, when we take counsel with his and our enemies?

4. Christ also makes us careful to use all means by which fresh thoughts and affections may be stirred up and preserved in us. Christ so honours the use of means, and the care he bestows on us, that he ascribes both preservation and victory to our care in keeping ourselves. ‘He that is begotten of God keepeth himself’ (1 John 5:18), though not by himself, but by the Lord, in dependence on him, in the use of means. We are only safe when we wisely make use of all good advantages that we have access to. By going out of God’s ways we go out of his government, and so lose our good frame of mind, and find ourselves overspread quickly with a contrary disposition. When we draw near to Christ (James 4:8), in his ordinances, he draws near to us.

5. We must keep grace in exercise. It is not sleepy habits, but grace in exercise, that preserves us. While the soul is in some civil or sacred employment, corruptions within us are much suppressed, and Satan’s ways of approach to us stopped. The Spirit then has a way open to enlarge his influence in us, and likewise the protection of angels is then closest to us. This course often prevails more against our spiritual enemies than direct opposition. Christ is in honour bound to maintain those that are in his work.

6. In following all these directions, we must look up to Christ, the quickening Spirit, and make our resolutions in his strength. Though we are exhorted to cleave to the Lord with full purpose of heart (Acts 11:23), yet we must pray with David, ‘Keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee’ (1 Chronicles 29:18). Our hearts are of themselves very loose and unsettled. ‘Unite my heart to fear thy name’ (Psalms 86:11), or else, without him, our best purposes will fall to the ground. It is a pleasing request, out of love to God, to beg such a frame of soul from him, that he may take delight in it; and therefore, in the use of all the means, we must send up our desires and complaints to him for strength and help, and then we may be sure that he will ‘send forth judgment unto victory.’

7. Lastly, it furthers the state of the soul to know what frame it should be in, that so we may order our souls accordingly. We should always be fit for communion with God, and be heavenly-minded in earthly business, and be willing to be taken off from it to redeem time for better things. We should be ready at all times to depart hence, and to live in such a condition as we would be content to die in. We should have hearts prepared for every good duty, open to all good opportunities, and shut to all temptations, keeping our watch, and being always ready armed. So far as we come short of these things, so far we have just cause to be humbled, and yet we should press forward, so that we may gain more upon ourselves, and make these things more familiar and lovely to us. And when we find our souls at all declining, it is best to raise them up presently by some awakening meditations, such as of the presence of God, of the strict reckoning we are to make, of the infinite love of God in Christ and the fruits of it, of the excellency of a Christian’s calling, of the short and uncertain time of this life, of how little good all those things that steal away our hearts will do us before long, and of how it shall be for ever with us hereafter, as we spend this short time well or ill. The more we make way for such considerations to sink into our hearts, the more we shall rise nearer to that state of soul which we shall enjoy in heaven. When we grow careless of keeping our souls, then God recovers our taste of good things again by sharp crosses. Thus David, Solomon and Samson were recovered. This taste of good things is much easier kept than recovered.

REASONS FOR SEEMING LACK OF PROGRESS

Objection: But, notwithstanding my striving, I seem to remain at a standstill.

1. Grace, as the seed in the parable, grows, we know not how. Yet at length, when God sees fittest, we shall see that all our endeavour has not been in vain. The tree falls upon the last stroke, yet all the strokes help the work forward.

2. Sometimes victory is suspended because some Achan is not found out, or because we are not humble enough, as Israel had the worst against the Benjamites till they fasted and prayed (Judges 20:26); or because we betray our helps, and do not stand on our guard, and do not soon yield to the motions of the Spirit, who puts us in mind always of the best things, if we would regard his prompting. Our own consciences will tell us, if we give them leave to speak, that some sinful favouring of ourselves is the cause. The way in this case to prevail is, first, to get the victory over the pride of our own nature by taking shame to ourselves, in humble confession to God; and then, secondly, to overcome the unbelief of our hearts by yielding to the promise of pardon; and then, thirdly, in confidence of Christ’s assistance, to set ourselves against those sins which have prevailed over us. So prevailing over ourselves, we shall easily prevail over all our enemies, and conquer all conditions we shall be brought into.

ALL SHOULD SIDE WITH CHRIST

The second use of the truth that Christ will have the victory is to establish the fact that the best course for nations and states is to ‘kiss the Son’ (Psalms 2:12), and to embrace Christ and his religion; to side with Christ, and to own his cause in the world. His side will prove the stronger side at last. Happy are we if Christ honours us so much as to use our help to fight his battle ‘against the mighty’ (Judges 5:23). True religion in a state is as the main pillar of a house and the post of a tent that upholds all. So also for families, let Christ be the chief governor of the family. And let every one be as a house of Christ, to dwell familiarly in, and to rule. Where Christ is, all happiness must follow. If Christ goes, all will go. Where Christ’s government, in his ordinances and his Spirit, is, there all subordinate government will prosper. Religion inspires life and grace into all other things. All other virtues without it are but as a fair picture without a head. Where Christ’s laws are written in the heart, there all other good laws are best obeyed. None despise man’s law but those that despise Christ’s first. Nemo humanam auctoritatem contemnit, nisi qui divinam prius contempsit. Of all persons, a man guided by Christ is the best; and of all creatures in the world, a man guided merely by will and affection, next to the devil, is the worst. The happiness of weaker things stands in being ruled by stronger. It is best for a blind man to be guided by him that has sight. It is best for sheep, and other feckless creatures, to be guided by man. And it is happiest for man to be guided by Christ, because his government is so victorious that it frees us from the fear and danger of our greatest enemies, and tends to bring us to the greatest happiness that our nature is capable of. This should make us rejoice when Christ reigns in us. When Solomon was crowned, the people rejoiced so that the city rang (1 Kings 1:45). Much more should we rejoice in Christ our king.

And likewise for those whose souls are dear to us, our endeavour should be that Christ may reign in them also, that they may be baptized by Christ with this fire (Matthew 3:11), that these sparks may be kindled in them. Men labour to cherish the spirit and mettle, as they term it, of those they train up, because they think they will have use of it in the manifold affairs and troubles of this life. Oh, but let us cherish the sparks of grace in them; for a natural spirit in great troubles will fail, but these sparks will make them conquerors over the greatest evils.
The third use of the truth of Christ’s victory is to observe that if Christ’s judgment shall be victorious, then popery, being an opposite frame, set up by the wit of man to maintain stately idleness, must fall. And it is fallen already in the hearts of those on whom the light of Christ has shone. It is a lie, and founded on a lie, on the infallible judgment of a man subject to sin and error. When that which is taken for a principle of truth becomes a principle of error, the more reliance on it, the more danger there is.


15. Christ’s Public Triumph
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It is not only said that judgment shall be victorious, but that Christ will bring it forth openly to victory. From this we observe that grace will become glory, and come forth into the sight of all. Now Christ conquers, and achieves his own ends, but he does so to some extent invisibly. His enemies in us and outside us seem to prevail. But he will bring forth judgment unto victory, in full view of all. The wicked that now shut their eyes to this shall see it to their torment. It shall not be in the power of subtle men to see or not see what they wish. Christ will have power over their hearts; and as his wrath shall immediately seize upon their souls against their wills, so will he have power over the eyes of their souls, that they may see and know what will increase their misery. Grief shall be fastened to all their senses, and their senses to grief.
Then all the false glosses which they put upon things shall be wiped off. Men are desirous to have the reputation of good, and yet the sweetness of ill; nothing is so cordially opposed by them as that truth which lays them open to themselves and to the eyes of others, their chief care being how to deceive the world and their own consciences. But the time will come when they shall be driven out of this fools’ paradise, and the more subtle their manipulation of things has been, the more shall be their shame.

THE OPEN GLORY OF CHRIST IN HIS MEMBERS

Christ, whom God has chosen to set forth the chief glory of his excellencies, is now veiled in relation to his body the church, but he will come before long to be glorious in his saints (2 Thessalonians 1:10), and not lose the clear manifestation of any of his attributes. He will declare to all the world what he is, and then there shall be no glory but that of Christ and his spouse. Those that are as smoking flax now shall then shine as the sun in the firmament (Matthew 13:43), and their judgment shall be brought forth as the noonday (Psalms 37:6).

The image of God in Adam had a commanding majesty in it, so that all creatures reverenced him. Much more shall the image of God in its perfection command respect from all. Even now there is a secret awe put into the hearts of the greatest towards those in whom they see any grace to shine. So it was that Herod feared John the Baptist; but what will this be in the day of their bringing forth, which is called ‘the manifestation of the sons of God’ (Romans 8:19)?
There will be more glorious times when the kingdoms of this world shall be the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ (Revelation 11:15), and he shall reign for ever. Then shall judgment and truth have their victory. Then Christ will plead his own cause. Truth shall no longer be called heresy and schism, nor heresy catholic doctrine. Wickedness shall no longer go masked and disguised. Goodness shall appear in its own luster, and shine in its own beams. Things shall be what they are, ‘for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed’ (Matthew 10:26). Iniquity shall not be carried on in a mystery any longer. Deep dissemblers that think to hide their counsels from the Lord shall walk no longer invisible as in the clouds. As Christ will not quench the least spark kindled by himself, so will he damp the fairest blaze of goodly appearances which are not from above.

FOLLOW SINCERITY AND TRUTH

If this were believed, men would make more account of sincerity, which alone will give us boldness, and not seek for covers for their shame, confidence in which, as it makes men now more presumptuous, so it will expose them hereafter to the greater shame.

If judgment shall be brought forth to victory, then those that have been ruled by their own deceitful hearts and a spirit of error shall be brought forth to disgrace. The God that has joined grace and truth with honour has joined sin and shame together at last. All the wit and power of man will never be able to sever what God has coupled together. Truth and piety may be trampled upon for a time, but as the two witnesses (Revelation 11:11), after they were slain, rose again, and stood upon their feet, so whatever is of God shall at length stand upon its own foundation. There shall be a resurrection, not only of bodies but of reputations. Can we think that he that threw the angels out of heaven will suffer dust and worms’ meat to run a contrary course, and to continue always so? No, as truly as Christ is ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’ (Revelation 19:16), so will he dash all those pieces of earth which rise up against him, ‘as a potter’s vessel’ (Psalms 2:9). Was there ever anyone fierce against God and prospered (Job 9:4)? No, doubtless the wrath of man shall turn to Christ’s praise (Psalms 76:10). What was said of Pharaoh shall be said of all heady enemies, who would rather lose their souls than their wills, that they are but raised up for Christ to get himself glory in their confusion.
Let us, then, take heed that we follow not the ways of those men whose ends we shall tremble at. There is not a more fearful judgment which can befall the nature of man than to be given up to a reprobate judgment of persons and things, because it comes under a woe: ‘Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil’ (Isaiah 5:20).
How will those be laden with curses another day who abuse the judgment of others by sophistry and flattery, ‘deceiving and being deceived’ (1 Timothy 3:13)? Then the complaint of our first mother Eve will be taken up, but fruitlessly: ‘The serpent beguiled me’ (Genesis 3:13); Satan has deceived me in such and such; sin has deceived me; a foolish heart has deceived me. It is one of the highest points of wisdom to consider on what grounds we venture our souls. Happy men will they be who have, by Christ’s light, a right judgment of things, and suffer that judgment to prevail over their hearts.
The souls of most men are drowned in their senses, and carried away with weak opinions, raised from vulgar mistakes and shadows of things. And Satan is ready to enlarge the imagination of outward good and outward ill, and make it greater than it is, and spiritual things less, presenting them through false glasses. And so men, trusting in vanity, vanquish themselves in their own apprehensions. A woeful condition, when both we and that which we highly esteem shall vanish together. And this will be, as truly as Christ’s judgment shall come to victory; and in the measure that the vain heart of man has been enlarged to conceive a greater good in the things of this world than there is, by so much the soul shall be enlarged to be more aware of misery when it sees its error. This is the difference between a godly, wise man and a deluded worldling: that which the one now judges to be vain the other shall hereafter feel to be so when it is too late. But this is the vanity of our natures, that though we shun above all things to be deceived and mistaken in present things, yet in the greatest matters of all we are willingly ignorant and misled.

CHRIST ALONE ADVANCES THIS GOVERNMENT

A further conclusion is this, that this government is set up and advanced by Christ alone. He brings judgment to victory. We both fight and prevail ‘in the power of his might’ (Ephesians 6:10). We overcome by the Spirit, obtained by ‘the blood of the Lamb’ (Revelation 12:11).

It is he alone who teaches our hands to war and our fingers to fight (Psalms 144:1). Nature, as corrupted, favours its own being, and will maintain itself against Christ’s government. Nature, simply considered, cannot raise itself above itself to actions which are spiritual and of a higher order and nature. Therefore the divine power of Christ is necessary to carry us above all our own strength, especially in duties in which we meet with greater opposition; for there, not only nature will fail us, but ordinary grace, unless there is a stronger and a new supply. In taking up a burden that is weightier than ordinary, if there is not a greater proportion of strength than weight, the one who undertakes it will lie under the burden; so for every strong encounter there must be a new supply of strength, as in the case of Peter, who, when he was assaulted with a stronger temptation, being not upheld and shored up with a mightier hand, notwithstanding former strength, foully fell (Matthew 26:69-74). And being fallen, in our risings up again, it is Christ that must do the work, by (1) removing, or (2) weakening, or (3) suspending opposite hindrances; and (4) by advancing the power of his grace in us, to a further degree than we had before we fell. Therefore when we have fallen, and by falls have been bruised, let us go to Christ immediately to bind us up again.

WE MUST NOT LOOK TO OURSELVES

Let us know, therefore, that it is dangerous to look for that from ourselves which we must have from Christ. Since the fall, all our strength lies in him, as Samson’s in his hair (Judges 16:17). We are but subordinate agents, moving as we are moved, and working as we are first wrought upon, free in so far as we are freed, no wiser nor stronger than he makes us to be for the present in anything we undertake. It is his Spirit who actuates and enlivens, and applies that knowledge and strength we have, or else it fails and lies useless in us. We work when we work from a present strength; therefore dependent spirits are the wisest and the ablest. Nothing is stronger than humility, which goes out of itself, or weaker than pride, which rests on its own foundation. Frustra nititur qui non innititur. And this should be particularly observed because naturally we aspire to a kind of divinity, in setting about actions in the strength of our own abilities; whereas Christ says, ‘Without me ye,’ the apostles, who were in a state of grace, ‘can do nothing’ (John 15:5). He does not say, you can do a little, but nothing. Of ourselves, how easily are we overcome! How weak we are to resist! We are as reeds shaken with every wind. We shake at the very noise and thought of poverty, disgrace or losses. We give in immediately. We have no power over our eyes, tongues, thoughts or affections, but let sin pass in and out. How soon we are overcome by evil, whereas we should overcome evil with good. How many good purposes stick in the birth, and have no strength to come forth - all which shows that we are nothing without the Spirit of Christ. We see how weak the apostles themselves were, till they were endued with strength from above. Peter was blasted with the speech of a damsel (Matthew 26:69), but after the Spirit of Christ fell upon them, the more they suffered, the more they were encouraged to suffer. Their comforts grew with their troubles. Therefore in all, especially difficult encounters, let us lift up our hearts to Christ, who has Spirit enough for us all, in all our exigencies, and say with good Jehoshaphat, ‘We have no might .. . neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee’ (2 Chronicles 20:12); the battle we fight is thine, and the strength whereby we fight must be thine. If thou goest not out with us, we are sure to be foiled. Satan knows that nothing can prevail against Christ, or those that rely upon his power. Therefore his study is how to keep us in ourselves, and in the creature. But we must carry this always in our minds, that that which is begun in self-confidence ends in shame.

CHRIST MAKES US FEEL OUR DEPENDENCE

The manner of Christ’s bringing forth judgment to victory is by letting us see a necessity of dependence on him. Hence proceed those spiritual desertions in which he often leaves us to ourselves, in regard to both grace and comfort, that we may know the spring-head of these to be outside ourselves. Hence it is that in the mount, that is, in extremities, God is most seen (Genesis 22:14). Hence it is that we are saved by the grace of faith which carries us out of ourselves to rely upon another; and faith works best alone, when it has least outward support. Hence it is that we often fail in lesser conflicts and stand firm in greater, because in the lesser we rest more in ourselves, in the greater we fly to the rock of our salvation, which is higher than we (Psalms 61:2). Hence also it is that we are stronger after defeats, because hidden corruption, undiscerned before, is now discovered, and thence we are brought to make use of mercy pardoning and power supporting.

One main reason for this dispensation is that we should know it is Christ that gives both the will and the deed, and that as a voluntary work according to his own good pleasure. And therefore we should work out our salvation in a jealous fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), lest by irreverent and presumptuous conduct we give him cause to suspend his gracious influence and leave us to the darkness of our own hearts.

THE TRIUMPH OF GRACE

Those that are under Christ’s government have the spirit of revelation, whereby they see and feel a divine power sweetly and strongly enabling them to preserve faith when they feel the contrary, and hope in a state which is hopeless, and love to God under signs of his displeasure, and heavenly-mindedness in the midst of worldly affairs and allurements which draw a contrary way. They feel a power preserving patience, nay joy, in the midst of causes of mourning, inward peace in the midst of assaults. Whence is it that, when assaulted with temptation and compassed with troubles, we have stood firm, but from a secret strength upholding us? To make so little grace so victorious over so great a mass of corruption, this requires a spirit more than human. This is like preserving fire in the sea, and a part of heaven even, as it were, in hell. Here we know where to obtain this power, and to whom to return the praise of it. And it is our happiness that it is so safely hid in Christ for us, in one so near to God and us. Since the fall, God will not trust us with our own salvation, but it is both purchased and kept by Christ for us, and we for it through faith, wrought by the power of God, which we lay hold of. This power is gloriously set forth by Paul: it is (1) a great power; (2) an exceeding power; (3) a working and a mighty power; (4) such a power as was wrought in raising Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20). That grace which is but a persuasive offer and in our power to receive or refuse is not the grace which brings us to heaven. But God’s people feel a powerful work of the Spirit, not only revealing to us our misery and deliverance through Christ, but emptying us of ourselves, as being redeemed from ourselves, and infusing new life into us, and afterwards strengthening us and quickening us when we droop and hang the wing, never leaving us till the conquest is perfect.


16. Through Conflict to Victory
Back to Table of Contents

The text also implies that the prevailing of Christ’s government will not be without fighting. There can be no victory where there is no combat. In Isaiah it is said, ‘He shall bring forth judgment unto truth’ (Isaiah 42:3). In Matthew it is said that he shall ‘send forth judgment unto victory’ (Matthew 12:20). The word ‘send forth’ has a stronger sense in the original: to send forth with force; showing that, where his government is in truth, it will be opposed, until he gets the upper hand. Nothing is so opposed as Christ and his government are, both within us and outside us; and within us most in our conversion. Though corruption does not prevail so far as to make void the powerful work of grace, yet there is not only a possibility of opposing, but a proneness to oppose, and not only a proneness, but an actual withstanding of the working of Christ’s Spirit, and that in every action. Yet there is no prevailing resistance so far as to make void the work of grace, but corruption in the issue yields to grace.
It takes much trouble to bring Christ into the heart, and to set up a tribunal for him to judge there. There is an army of lusts in mutiny against him. The utmost
strength of most men’s endeavours and abilities is directed to keeping Christ from ruling in the soul. The flesh still labours to maintain its own government, and therefore it cries down the credit of whatever crosses it, such as God’s blessed ordinances, and highly prizes anything, though never so dead and empty, if it allows the liberty of the flesh.

WHY CHRIST’S GOVERNMENT IS OPPOSED

And no marvel if the spiritual government of Christ is so opposed:

First, because it is government, and that limits the course of the will and casts a bridle on its wanderings. Everything natural resists what opposes it; so the corrupt will labours to bear down all laws, and counts it a noble thing not to be awed, and an argument of a low spirit to fear any, even God himself, until unavoidable danger seizes on men. Then those that feared least when out of danger fear most in danger, as we see in the case of Belshazzar (Daniel 5:6).

Secondly, it is spiritual government, and therefore the flesh will endure it even less. Christ’s government brings the very thoughts and desires, which are the most immediate and free issue of the soul, into obedience. Though a man were of such controlled behaviour that his whole life were free from outward offenses, yet in Christ’s eyes to be carnally or worldly-minded is death (Romans 8:6). He looks on a worldly mind with a greater detestation than any one particular offense.

One may say, ‘But Christ’s Spirit is in those who are in some degree earthly-minded.’ True, but not as an allower and maintainer, but as an opposer, subduer, and in the end as a conqueror. Carnal men would like to bring Christ and the flesh together, and could be content, with some reservation, to submit to Christ. But Christ will be no underling to any base affection, and therefore, where there is allowance of ourselves in any sinful lust, it is a sign the keys were never given up to Christ to rule us.

Thirdly, this judgment is opposed, because it is judgment, and men do not like to be judged and censured. Now Christ, in his truth, arraigns them, gives sentence against them, and binds them over to the latter judgment of the great day, and therefore they take upon them to judge that truth which must judge them. But truth will be too strong for them. Man has a day now, which Paul calls ‘man’s day’ (1 Corinthians 4:3 [margin]), in which he gets on his bench and usurps a judgment over Christ and his ways; but God has a day in which he will set everything straight, and his judgment shall stand. And the saints shall have their time, when they shall sit in judgment on those that judge them now (1 Corinthians 6:2). In the meantime, Christ will rule in the midst of his enemies (Psalms 110:2), even in the midst of our hearts.

WE MUST EXPECT OPPOSITION

It is therefore no sign of a good condition to find all quiet, with no opposition; for can we think that corruption, which is the older element in us, and Satan, the strong man who has many holds over us, will yield possession quietly? No, there is not so much as a thought of goodness discovered by him, but he joins with corruption to kill it in the birth. And as Pharaoh’s cruelty was especially against the male children, so Satan’s malice is especially against the most religious and manly resolutions.

This, then, we are always to expect, that wherever Christ comes there will be opposition. When Christ was born, all Jerusalem was troubled; so when Christ is born in any man, the soul is in an uproar, and all because the heart is unwilling to yield up itself to Christ to rule it.
Wherever Christ comes he brings division, not only between man and himself, but between man and man, and between church and church; of which disturbance Christ is no more the cause than medicine is of trouble in a diseased body. Harmful agents are the real cause, for the purpose of medicine is to bring health. But Christ thinks it fit that the thoughts of men’s hearts should be revealed, and he is set for the fall as well as the rising of many in Israel (Luke 2:34).
Thus the desperate madness of men is laid open, that they would rather be under the guidance of their own lusts, and in consequence of Satan himself, to their endless destruction, than put their feet into Christ’s fetters and their necks under his yoke; though, indeed, Christ’s service is the only true liberty. His yoke is an easy yoke, his burden but as the burden of wings to a bird which make her fly the higher. Satan’s government is rather a bondage than a government, to which Christ gives up those that shake off his own, for then he gives Satan and his agents power over them. Since they will not ‘receive the love of the truth’ (2 Thessalonians 2:10), take him, Jesuit, take him, Satan, blind him and bind him and lead him to perdition. Those that take the most liberty to sin are the greatest slaves, because the most voluntary slaves. The will is either the best or the worst part in anything. The further men go on in a willful course, the deeper they sink in rebellion; and the more they oppose Christ, doing what they will, the more they shall one day suffer what they would not. In the meantime, they are prisoners in their own souls, bound over in their consciences to the judgment after death of him whose judgment they would not accept in their lives. And is it not just that they should find him a severe judge to condemn them when they would not have him as a mild judge to rule them?

OUR VICTORY IN CHRIST IS CERTAIN

In conclusion and as a general application to ourselves of all that has been said, we see the conflicting, but yet sure and hopeful, state of God’s people. The victory lies not with us, but with Christ, who has taken on him both to conquer for us and to conquer in us. The victory lies neither in our own strength to get it, nor in our enemies’ strength to defeat it. If it lay with us, we might justly fear. But Christ will maintain his own government in us and take our part against our corruptions. They are his enemies as well as ours. Let us therefore be ‘strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might’ (Ephesians 6:10). Let us not look so much at who our enemies are as at who our judge and captain is, nor at what they threaten, but at what he promises. We have more for us than against us. What coward would not fight when he is sure of victory? None is here overcome but he that will not fight. Therefore, when any base fainting seizes on us, let us lay the blame where it ought to be laid.

Discouragement rising from unbelief and the ill report brought upon the good land by the spies moved God to swear in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest. Let us take heed that a spirit of faint-heartedness, rising from the seeming difficulty and disgrace involved in God’s good ways, does not provoke God to keep us out of heaven. We see here what we may look for from heaven. O beloved, it is a comfortable thing to conceive of Christ aright, to know what love, mercy and strength we have laid up for us in the breast of Christ. A good opinion of the physician, we say, is half the cure. Let us make use of this mercy and power of his every day in our daily combats: ‘Lord Jesus, thou hast promised not to quench the smoking flax, nor to break the bruised reed. Cherish thy grace in me; leave me not to myself; the glory shall be thine.’ Let us not allow Satan to transform Christ to us, to make him other than he is to those that are his. Christ will not leave us till he has made us like himself, all glorious within and without, and presented us blameless before his Father (Jude 24).
What a comfort this is in our conflicts with our unruly hearts, that it shall not always be thus! Let us strive a little while, and we shall be happy for ever. Let us think when we are troubled with our sins that Christ has this in charge from his Father, that he shall not ‘quench the smoking flax’ until he has subdued all. This puts a shield into our hands to beat back ‘all the fiery darts of the wicked’ (Ephesians 6:16). Satan will object, ‘You are a great sinner.’ We may answer, ‘Christ is a strong Saviour.’ But he will object, ‘You have no faith, no love.’ ‘Yes, a spark of faith and love.’ ‘But Christ will not regard that.’ ‘Yes, he will not quench the smoking flax.’ ‘But this is so little and weak that it will vanish and come to nought.’ ‘Nay, but Christ will cherish it, until he has brought judgment to victory.’ And this much we have already for our comfort, that, even when we first believed, we overcame God himself, as it were, by believing the pardon of all our sins, notwithstanding the guilt of our own consciences and his absolute justice. Now, having been prevailers with God, what shall stand against us if we can learn to make use of our faith?
Oh, what a confusion is this to Satan, that he should labour to blow out a poor spark and yet should not be able to quench it; that a grain of mustard seed should be stronger than the gates of hell; that it should be able to remove mountains of oppositions and temptations cast up by Satan and our rebellious hearts between God and us. Abimelech could not endure that it should be said, ‘A woman slew him’ (Judges 9:54); and it must needs be a torment to Satan that a weak child, a woman, a decrepit old man should, by a spirit of faith, put him to flight.

TREASURE THE LEAST DEGREE OF GRACE

Since there is such comfort where there is a little truth of grace, that it will be so victorious, let us often try what God has wrought in us, search our good as well as our ill, and be thankful to God for the least measure of grace, more than for any outward thing. It will be of more use and comfort than all this world which passes away and comes to nothing. Yea, let us be thankful for that promised and assured victory which we may rely on without presumption, as Paul does: ‘But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (1 Corinthians 15:57). See a flame in a spark, a tree in a seed. See great things in little beginnings. Look not so much to the beginning as to the perfection, and so we shall be, in some degree, joyful in ourselves, and thankful to Christ.

Neither must we reason from a denial of a great measure of grace to a denial of any at all in us, for faith and grace do not consist in an indivisible amount, so that he who has not such and such a measure has none at all. But, as there is a great difference between a spark and a flame, so there is a great difference between the least measure of grace and the greatest; and he who has the least measure is within the compass of God’s eternal favour. Though he is not a shining light, yet he is a smoking wick, which Christ’s tender care will not allow him to quench.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO COME TO CHRIST

And let all that has been spoken allure those that are not yet in a state of grace to come under Christ’s sweet and victorious government, for, though we shall have much opposition, yet, if we strive, he will help us. If we fail, he will cherish us. If we are guided by him, we shall overcome. If we overcome, we are sure to be crowned. As for the present state of the church, we see now how forlorn it is, yet let us comfort ourselves that Christ’s cause shall prevail. Christ will rule, till his enemies become his footstool (Psalms 110:1), not only to trample upon, but to help him up to mount higher in glory. Babylon shall fall, ‘for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her’ (Revelation 18:8). Christ’s judgment, not only in his children, but also against his enemies, shall be victorious, for he is ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’ (Revelation 19:16). God will not always suffer antichrist and his supporters to revel and swagger in the church as they do.

CHRIST IS THE HOPE OF THE CHURCH

If we look to the present state of the church of Christ, it is as Daniel in the midst of lions, as a lily amongst thorns, as a ship not only tossed but almost covered with waves. It is so low that the enemies think they have buried Christ, with respect to his gospel, in the grave, and there they think to keep him from rising. But as Christ rose in his person, so he will roll away all stones and rise again in his church. How little support has the church and cause of Christ at this day! How strong a conspiracy is against it! The spirit of antichrist is now lifted up and marches furiously. Things seem to hang on a small and invisible thread. But our comfort is that Christ lives and reigns, and stands on Mount Zion in defense of those who stand for him (Revelation 14:1); and when states and kingdoms shall dash one against another Christ will have care of his own children and cause, seeing there is nothing else in the world that he much esteems. At this very time the delivery of his church and the ruin of his enemies are in progress. We see nothing in motion till Christ has done his work, and then we shall see that the Lord reigns.

Christ and his church, when they are at the lowest, are nearest rising. His enemies, at the highest, are nearest their downfall. The Jews are not yet come in under Christ’s banner; but God who has persuaded Japheth to come into the tents of Shem (Genesis 9:27) will persuade Shem to come into the tents of Japheth. The ‘fullness of the Gentiles’ has not yet come in (Romans 11:25), but Christ, who has the uttermost parts of the earth given to him for his possession (Psalms 2:8), will gather all the sheep his Father has given him into one fold, that there may be one sheepfold and one shepherd (John 10:16). The faithful Jews rejoiced to think of the calling of the Gentiles and why should we not rejoice to think of the calling of the Jews?
The gospel’s course has hitherto been as that of the sun, from east to west, and so in God’s time it may proceed yet further west. No creature can hinder the course of the sun, nor stop the influence of heaven, nor hinder the blowing of the wind, much less hinder the prevailing power of divine truth, until Christ has brought all under one head, and then he will present all to his Father: ‘These are those thou hast given to me; these are those that have taken me for their Lord and King, that have suffered with me. My will is that they may be where I am and reign with me.’ And then he will deliver up the kingdom, even to his Father, and put down all other rule, and authority, and power (1 Corinthians 15:24).

FAITH WILL PREVAIL

Let us then bring our hearts to holy resolutions, and set ourselves upon that which is good, and against that which is ill, in ourselves or others, according to our callings, with this encouragement, that Christ’s grace and power will go along with us. What would have become of that great work of reformation of religion in the latter-spring of the gospel if men had not been armed with invincible courage to overcome all hindrances, with this faith, that the cause was Christ’s, and that he would not fail to help his own cause? Luther ingenuously confessed that he often acted inconsiderately and moved by various passions. But when he acknowledged this, God did not condemn him for his errors, but, the cause being God’s, and his aims being holy, to promote the truth, and being a mighty man in prayer, and strong in faith, God by him kindled that fire which all the world shall never be able to quench. According to our faith, so is our encouragement to all duties, therefore let us strengthen faith, so that it may strengthen all other graces. The very belief that faith shall be victorious is a means to make it so indeed. Believe it, therefore, that, though it is often as smoking flax, yet it shall prevail. If it prevails with God himself in trials, shall it not prevail over all other opposition? Let us wait a while, ‘stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD’ (Exodus 14:13).

The Lord reveal himself more and more to us in the face of his Son Jesus Christ and magnify the power of his grace in cherishing those beginnings of grace in the midst of our corruptions, and sanctify the consideration of our own infirmities to humble us, and of his tender mercy to encourage us. And may he persuade us that, since he has taken us into the covenant of grace, he will not cast us off for those corruptions which, as they grieve his Spirit, so they make us vile in our own eyes. And because Satan labours to obscure the glory of his mercy and hinder our comfort by discouragements, the Lord add this to the rest of his mercies, that, since he is so gracious to those that yield to his government, we may make the right use of this grace, and not lose any portion of comfort that is laid up for us in Christ. And may he grant that the prevailing power of his Spirit in us should be an evidence of the truth of grace begun, and a pledge of final victory, at that time when he will be all in all, in all his, for all eternity. Amen.






































Scripture references are no longer abbreviated or italicized

This was done to make the book easier to hear in the event it is read by a text-reader program, which may not understand for example that “Psa.” should be pronounced “salms”.






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Some Scripture references have been added, not in the text of the book but as links

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followed by,

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Both of which are public domain.






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"Lord" changed to "LORD"

This restores the pattern of the KJV and indicates that "Yah/Yahweh/Jehovah" is in the underlying Old Testament Hebrew text.






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Old English Modernized

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Other Books Available

The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel,
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are also available in both formats. God willing, other Puritan Paperbacks will be added as time allows.






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Footnotes are now under links, not in the main text.

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Banner of Truth permission

From : Jack

To : briankdaniel@juno.com

Subject : Mystery Of Providence - Bruised Reed

Date : Tue, 25 Jun 2002 09:00:56 -0400

Brian,
Thanks for your email regarding Mystery of Providence. Of course we are thrilled that you have such an interest in our books and are thankful that you would be interested in putting them in electronic format, You are correct, there is not a copyright on either of the books you mentioned and you are free to scan them and use them however you feel would best benefit the kingdom. We would ask, if you are willing, that you would supply us with copies of what you scan, in each format that it is available. You are under no obligation to do this but it would be helpful to us.

Thanks again for your willingness to run this by us and I hope you will consider our request.

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Manager
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Hebrews 11:4.

American Standard Version:

4 ¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, {1} God bearing witness {2} in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh. {1) The Greek text in this clause is somewhat uncertain. 2) Or over his gifts}


King James Version:

4 ¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. {yet...: or, is yet spoken of}




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Isaiah 42:1-3.

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the {1} Gentiles. {1) Or nations (and elsewhere)}
2 He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth.


King James Version:

1 ¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. {smoking: or, dimly burning} {quench: Heb. quench it}





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Matthew 12:15-20

American Standard Version:

15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew from thence: and many followed him; and he healed them all,
16 and charged them that they should not make him known:
17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
18 {1} Behold, my {2} servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, And he shall declare judgment to the {3} Gentiles. {1) Isa 42:1 ff 2) See marginal note on Ac 3:13. 3) See marginal note on Mt 4:15}
19 He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.


King James Version:

15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
16 And charged them that they should not make him known:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.






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John 1:29

American Standard Version:

29 ¶ On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that {1} taketh away the sin of the world! {1) Or beareth the sin}


King James Version:

29 ¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. {taketh away: or, beareth}






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2 Corinthians 5:19

American Standard Version:

19 to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having {1} committed unto us the word of reconciliation. {1) Or placed in us}


King James Version:

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. {committed...: Gr. put in us}






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Isaiah 55:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.


King James Version:

1 ¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.






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Matthew 5:3

American Standard Version:

3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


King James Version:

3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.






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Luke 15:17

American Standard Version:

17 But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger!


King James Version:

17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!






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Matthew 26:75

American Standard Version:

75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.


King James Version:

75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.






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Matthew 26:33

American Standard Version:

33 But Peter answered and said unto him, If all shall be {1} offended in thee, I will never be {1} offended. {1) Gr caused to stumble}


King James Version:

33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. {offended: or, though the faith of other men should be shaken and fail, yet mine will be firm and constant}






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Psalms 32:3-5

American Standard Version:

3 When I kept silence, my bones wasted away Through my {1} groaning all the day long. {1) Heb roaring}
4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: My moisture was changed {1} as with the drought of summer. Selah {1) Or into the}
5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah


King James Version:

3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.






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Psalms 51:8

American Standard Version:

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.


King James Version:

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.






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Isaiah 38:13

American Standard Version:

13 {1} I quieted myself until morning; as a lion, so he breaketh all my bones: From day even to night wilt thou make an end of me. {1) Or I thought until morning, As a lion, so will he break etc}


King James Version:

13 I reckoned till morning, that, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.






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2 Corinthians 12:7

American Standard Version:

7 And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the {1} revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a {2} thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch. {1) Some ancient authorities read revelations--wherefore, that etc 2) Or stake}


King James Version:

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.






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Isaiah 53:5

American Standard Version:

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.


King James Version:

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. {wounded: or, tormented} {stripes: Heb. bruise}






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Matthew 11:28


American Standard Version:

28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.


King James Version:

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.






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2 Corinthians 10:5

American Standard Version:

5 casting down {1} imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; {1) Or reasonings; Ro 2:15}


King James Version:

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; {imaginations: or, reasonings}






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Isaiah 61:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the {1} meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and {2} the opening of the prison to them that are bound; {1) Or poor 2) Or opening of the eyes}


King James Version:

1 ¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;






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Matthew 5:3

American Standard Version:

3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


King James Version:

3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.






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Matthew 11:28

American Standard Version:

28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.


King James Version:

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.






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Matthew 9:36

American Standard Version:

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd.


King James Version:

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. {fainted...: or, were tired and lay down}






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Isaiah 9:6

American Standard Version:

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called {1} Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, {2} Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. {1) Or Wonderful counsellor 2) Heb Father of Eternity}


King James Version:

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.






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Hebrews 2:18

American Standard Version:

18 {1} For {2} in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. {1) Or For having been himself tempted in that wherein he hath suffered 2) Or wherein}


King James Version:

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.






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1 Timothy 2:5

American Standard Version:

5 For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,


King James Version:

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;






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Acts 9:4

American Standard Version:

4 and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?


King James Version:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?






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Luke 19:14

American Standard Version:

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us.


King James Version:

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.






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Hebrews 4:16

American Standard Version:

16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.


King James Version:

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.






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Matthew 9:21

American Standard Version:

21 for she said within herself, If I do but touch his garment, I shall be {1} made whole. {1) Or saved}


King James Version:

21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.






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Luke 2:10

American Standard Version:

10 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:


King James Version:

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.






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Philippians 4:4

American Standard Version:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.


King James Version:

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.






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Matthew 14:26, 27

American Standard Version:

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.


King James Version:

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.






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Genesis 34:25

American Standard Version:

25 ¶ And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city {1} unawares, and slew all the males. {1) Or boldly}


King James Version:

25 ¶ And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.






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Hosea 6:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Come, and let us return unto Jehovah; for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.


King James Version:

1 ¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.






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Isaiah 66:2

American Standard Version:

2 For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.


King James Version:

2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.






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Romans 10:15

American Standard Version:

15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, {1} How beautiful are the feet of them that bring {2} glad tidings of good things! {1) Isa 52:7. 2) Or a gospel}


King James Version:

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!






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Isaiah 58:5

American Standard Version:

5 Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Jehovah?


King James Version:

5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? {a day...: or, to afflict his soul for a day?}






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James 5:14

American Standard Version:

14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, {1} anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: {1) Or having anointed}


King James Version:

14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:






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Psalms 6

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ <> O Jehovah, rebuke me not in thine anger, Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. {1) Or the eighth}
2 Have mercy upon me, O Jehovah; for I am withered away: O Jehovah, heal me; for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul also is sore troubled: And thou, O Jehovah, how long?
4 Return, O Jehovah, deliver my soul: Save me for thy lovingkindness' sake.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: In Sheol who shall give thee thanks?
6 I am weary with my groaning; Every night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7 Mine eye wasteth away because of grief; It waxeth old because of all mine adversaries.
8 ¶ Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; For Jehovah hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9 Jehovah hath heard my supplication; Jehovah will receive my prayer.
10 All mine enemies shall be put to shame and sore troubled: They shall turn back, they shall be put to shame suddenly.


King James Version:

1 ¶ <> O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. {chief...: or, overseer} {Sheminith: or, the eighth}
2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. {all...: or, every night}
7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8 ¶ Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.






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Psalms 103:14

American Standard Version:

14 For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.


King James Version:

14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.






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1 Peter 4:19

American Standard Version:

19 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.


King James Version:

19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.






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1 Corinthians 10:13

American Standard Version:

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.


King James Version:

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. {common...: or, moderate}






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Exodus 23:19

American Standard Version:

19 The first of the first-fruits of thy ground thou shalt bring into the house of Jehovah thy God. Thou shalt not boil a kid in it mother's milk.


King James Version:

19 The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.






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1 Corinthians 9:9

American Standard Version:

9 For it is written in the law of Moses, {1} Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth, {1) De 25:4}


King James Version:

9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?






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Hosea 14:3

American Standard Version:

3 Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods; for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.


King James Version:

3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.






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Isaiah 57:15

American Standard Version:

15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.


King James Version:

15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.






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Ezekiel 34:16

American Standard Version:

16 I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice.


King James Version:

16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.






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John 21:15

American Standard Version:

15 ¶ So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of {1} John, {2} lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I {3} love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. {1) Gr Joanes; See John, 1:42 margin 2) 3) Love in these places represents two different Greek words}


King James Version:

15 ¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.






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Mark 16:7

American Standard Version:

7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.


King James Version:

7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.






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Isaiah 40:11

American Standard Version:

11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young.


King James Version:

11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. {that...: or, that give suck}






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Romans 14:17; Romans 15:13.

American Standard Version:

Romans 14:17;
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13.
13 ¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.


King James Version:

Romans 14:17;
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13.
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 Ghost.






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1 Peter 5:8.

American Standard Version:

1 Peter 5:8.
8 ¶ Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,
9 whom withstand stedfast in {1} your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are {2} accomplished in your {3} brethren who are in the world. {1) Or the 2) Gr being accomplished 3) Gr brotherhood}


King James Version:

1 Peter 5:8.
8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.






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Isaiah 53:5.

American Standard Version:

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.


King James Version:

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. {wounded: or, tormented} {stripes: Heb. bruise}






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Zechariah 12:10. John 19:37.

American Standard Version:

Zechariah 12:10.
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they shall look unto {1} me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born. {1) According to some MSS him}

John 19:37.
37 And again another scripture saith, {1} They shall look on him whom they pierced. {1) Zec 12:10}


King James Version:

And again another scripture saith, {1} They shall look on him whom they pierced. {1) Zec 12:10}

Zechariah 12:10.
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

John 19:37.
37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.






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Matthew 11:12. Mark 9:43.

American Standard Version:

Matthew 11:12.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force.

Mark 9:43.
Mark 9:43 And if thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into {1} hell, into the unquenchable fire. {1) Gr Gehenna}


King James Version:

Matthew 11:12.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. {suffereth...: or, is gotten by force, and they that thrust men}

Mark 9:43.
Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: {offend...: or, cause thee to offend}






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John 20:27

American Standard Version:

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.


King James Version:

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.






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Matthew 17:20

American Standard Version:

20 And he saith unto them, Because of your little faith: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.


King James Version:

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.






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Isaiah 53:2

American Standard Version:

2 For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; {1} and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. {1) Or that we should look upon him; nor beauty etc}


King James Version:

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.






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Ephesians 1:4

American Standard Version:

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before {1} him in love: {1) Or him: having in love foreordained us}


King James Version:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:






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Zechariah 4:10

American Standard Version:

10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel; these are the eyes of Jehovah, which run to and fro through the whole earth.


King James Version:

10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. {for they...: or, since the seven eyes of the LORD shall rejoice} {plummet: Heb. stone of tin}






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Micah 5:2

American Standard Version:

2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the {1} thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, {2} from everlasting. {1) Or families; See Jud 6:15. 2) Or from ancient days}


King James Version:

2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. {everlasting: Heb. the days of eternity}






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Matthew 2:6

American Standard Version:

6 {1} And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come forth a governor, who shall be shepherd of my people Israel. {1) Mic 5:2}


King James Version:

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. {rule: or, feed}






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Haggai 2:9

American Standard Version:

9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts.


King James Version:

9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.






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Romans 8:26

American Standard Version:

26 ¶ And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;


King James Version:

26 ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.






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1 Samuel 21:13

American Standard Version:

13 And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and {1} scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. {1) Or made marks}


King James Version:

13 And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. {scrabbled: or, made marks}






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Psalms 34:18

American Standard Version:

18 Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.


King James Version:

18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. {unto...: Heb. to the broken of heart} {of a contrite...: Heb. contrite of spirit}






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Psalms 31:22

American Standard Version:

22 As for me, I said in my {1} haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: Nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications When I cried unto thee. {1) Or alarm}


King James Version:

22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.






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Matthew 8:25

American Standard Version:

25 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish.


King James Version:

25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.






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Mark 9:24

American Standard Version:

24 Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said, {1} I believe; help thou mine unbelief. {1) Many ancient authorities add with tears}


King James Version:

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.






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Jonah 2:4

American Standard Version:

4 And I said, I am cast out from before thine eyes; Yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.


King James Version:

4 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.






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Romans 7:24

American Standard Version:

24 Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of {1} the body of this death? {1) Or this body of death}
25 {1} I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. {1) Many ancient authorities read But thanks be to God; Compare Ro 6:17}


King James Version:

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? {the body...: or, this body of death}25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.






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Song of Solomon 5:2

American Standard Version:

2 ¶ I {1} was asleep, but my heart waked: It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my {2} undefiled; For my head is filled with dew, My locks with the drops of the night. {1) Or sleep, but my heart waketh 2) Heb perfect}


King James Version:

2 ¶ I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.






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Revelation 2

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden {1} candlesticks: {1) Gr lampstands} 2 I know thy works, and thy toil and {1} patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; {1) Or stedfastness} 3 and thou hast {1} patience and didst bear for my name's sake, and hast not grown weary. {1) Or stedfastness} 4 But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love. 5 Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy {1} candlestick out of its place, except thou repent. {1) Gr lampstand} 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the {1} Paradise of God. {1) Or garden; as in Ge 2:8} 8 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who {1} was dead, and lived again: {1) Gr became} 9 I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the {1} blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they art not, but are a synagogue of Satan. {1) Or reviling} 10 Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; {1} and ye shall have {2} tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life. {1) Some ancient authorities read and may have 2) Gr a tribulation of ten days} 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. 12 ¶ and to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan's throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days {1} of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth. {1) The Greek text here is somewhat uncertain.} 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner. 16 Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it. 18 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished brass: 19 I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and {1} patience, and that thy last works are more than the first. {1) Or stedfastness} 20 But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest {1} the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my {2} servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. {1) Many authorities, some ancient, read thy wife 2) Gr bondservants} 21 And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication. 22 Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of {1} her works. {1) Many ancient authorities read their} 23 And I will kill her children with {1} death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works. {1) Or pestilence; Sept Ex 5:3, etc} 24 But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden. 25 Nevertheless that which ye have, hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the {1} nations: {1) Or Gentiles} 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of {1} iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father: {1) Or iron; as vessels of the potter, are they broken} 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.


King James Version:

1 ¶ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. 8 ¶ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 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 unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. 12 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. 18 ¶ And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.






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Revelation 3

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ And to 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 a name that thou livest, and thou art dead. 2 Be thou watchful, and establish the things that remain, which were ready to die: for I have {1} found no works of thine perfected before my God. {1) Many ancient authorities read not found thy works} 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. 7 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and none shall shut, and that shutteth and none openeth: 8 I know thy works (behold, I have {1} set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name. {1) Gr given} 9 Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and {1} worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. {1) The Greek word denotes an act of reverence, whether paid to a creature, or to the Creator.} 10 Because thou didst keep the word of my {1} patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of {2} trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole {3} world, to {4} try them that dwell upon the earth. {1) Or stedfastness 2) Or temptation 3) Gr inhabited earth 4) Or tempt} 11 I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown. 12 He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the {1} temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name. {1) Or sanctuary} 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. 14 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 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, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.


King James Version:

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 a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 7 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 14 ¶ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; {of the Laodiceans: or, in Laodicea} 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 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, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches






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Exodus 28:38

American Standard Version:

38 And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before Jehovah.


King James Version:

38 And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.






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Romans 15:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.


King James Version:

1 ¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.






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1 Corinthians 9:22

American Standard Version:

22 To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.


King James Version:

22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.






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Acts 26:27

American Standard Version:

27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.


King James Version:

27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.






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Matthew 9:17

American Standard Version:

17 Neither do men put new wine into old {1} wine-skins: else the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins perish: but they put new wine into fresh wine-skins, and both are preserved. {1) That is skins used as bottles}


King James Version:

17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. {bottles: or, sacks of skin, or, leather}






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Revelation 2:4

American Standard Version:

4 But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love.


King James Version:

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.






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Matthew 18:6

American Standard Version:

6 But whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that {1} a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea. {1) Gr a millstone turned by an ass}


King James Version:

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.






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Jude 23

American Standard Version:

23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.


King James Version:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.






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Matthew 23:13

American Standard Version:

13 ¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven {1} against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter. {1) Gr before}


King James Version:

13 ¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.






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Isaiah 50:4

American Standard Version:

4 ¶ The Lord Jehovah hath given me the tongue of {1} them that are taught, that I may know how {2} to sustain with words him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as {1} they that are taught. {1) Or disciples 2) Or to speak a word in season to him etc}


King James Version:

4 ¶ The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.






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Genesis 33:14

American Standard Version:

14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the cattle that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.


King James Version:

14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir. {according...: Heb. according to the foot of the work, etc., and according to the foot of the children}






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1 Peter 3:7

American Standard Version:

7 Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor {1} unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered. {1) Gr unto the female vessel, as weaker}


King James Version:

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.






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Zechariah 13:9

American Standard Version:

9 And I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God.


King James Version:

9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.






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Isaiah 48:10

American Standard Version:

10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not as silver; I have {1} chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. {1) Or tried}


King James Version:

10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. {with...: or, for silver}






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Isaiah 65:8

American Standard Version:

8 ¶ Thus saith Jehovah, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sake, that I may not destroy them all.


King James Version:

8 ¶ Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.






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John 20:27

American Standard Version:

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.


King James Version:

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.






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Luke 24:21

American Standard Version:

21 But we hoped that it was he who should redeem Israel. Yea and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things came to pass.


King James Version:

21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.






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Luke 22:61

American Standard Version:

61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, Before the cock crow this day thou shalt deny me thrice.


King James Version:

61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.






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Matthew 8:2

American Standard Version:

2 And behold, there came to him a leper and {1} worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. {1) See marginal note on Mt 2:2}


King James Version:

2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.






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Mark 9:22

American Standard Version:

22 And oft-times it hath cast him both into the fire and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.


King James Version:

22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.






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Psalms 130:4

American Standard Version:

4 But there is forgiveness with thee, That thou mayest be feared.


King James Version:

4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.






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Psalms 65:2

American Standard Version:

2 O thou that hearest prayer, Unto thee shall all flesh come.


King James Version:

2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.






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Isaiah 57:16

American Standard Version:

16 For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls that I have made.


King James Version:

16 For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.






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Matthew 15:32

American Standard Version:

32 And Jesus called unto him his disciples, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat: and I would not send them away fasting, lest haply they faint on the way.


King James Version:

32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.






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Matthew 26:41

American Standard Version:

41 {1} Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. {1) Or Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not}


King James Version:

41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.






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Acts 26:29

American Standard Version:

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that {1} whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except these bonds. {1) Or both in little and in great, i.e., in all respects}


King James Version:

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.






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Matthew 18:6. Matthew 18:10. Matthew 18:14. Mark 9:42.

American Standard Version:

Matthew 18:6.
But whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that {1} a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea. {1) Gr a millstone turned by an ass}

Matthew 18:10.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 18:14.
Even so it is not {1} the will of {2} your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. {1) Gr a thing willed before your Father 2) Some ancient authorities read my}

Mark 9:42.
And whosoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe {1} on me to stumble, it were better for him if {2} a great millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. {1) Many ancient authorities omit on me 2) Gr a millstone turned by an ass}


King James Version:

Matthew 18:6.
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Matthew 18:10.
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:14.
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Mark 9:42.
And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.






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Matthew 9:14-15

American Standard Version:

14 ¶ Then come to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast {1} oft, but thy disciples fast not? {1) Some ancient authorities omit oft}
15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the {1} sons of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast. {1) That is companions of the bridegroom}


King James Version:

14 ¶ Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.






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Acts 1:8

American Standard Version:

8 But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you:


King James Version:

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: {power...: or, the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you}






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1 Corinthians 4:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.


King James Version:

1 ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.






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1 Thessalonians 2:7

American Standard Version:

7 ¶ But we were {1} gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children: {1) Most of the ancient authorities read babes; Compare 1 Co 14:20}


King James Version:

7 ¶ But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:






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Matthew 11:12

American Standard Version:

12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force.


King James Version:

12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. {suffereth...: or, is gotten by force, and they that thrust men}






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1 Corinthians 9:22

American Standard Version:

22 To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.


King James Version:

22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.






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Matthew 23:15

American Standard Version:

15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is become so, ye make him twofold more a son of {1} hell than yourselves. {1) Gr Gehenna}


King James Version:

15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.






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Romans 14:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not {1} for decision of scruples. {1) Or to doubtful disputations}


King James Version:

1 ¶ Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. {not...: or, not to judge his doubtful thoughts}






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Isaiah 40:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.


King James Version:

1 ¶ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.






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Isaiah 58:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Cry {1} aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and declare unto my people their transgression, and to the house of Jacob their sins. {1) Heb with the throat}


King James Version:

1 ¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. {aloud: Heb. with the throat}






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Revelation 2:2

American Standard Version:

2 I know thy works, and thy toil and {1} patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; {1) Or stedfastness}


King James Version:

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:






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Jeremiah 48:10

American Standard Version:

10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of Jehovah {1} negligently; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. {1) Or deceitfully}


King James Version:

10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. {deceitfully: or, negligently}






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Proverbs 8:12

American Standard Version:

12 ¶ I wisdom have made prudence my dwelling, And find out {1} knowledge and discretion. {1) Or knowledge of witty inventions}


King James Version:

12 ¶ I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. {prudence: or, subtilty}






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2 Corinthians 2:7

American Standard Version:

7 so that contrariwise ye should {1} rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow. {1) Some ancient authorities omit rather}


King James Version:

7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.






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Galatians 2

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. 2 And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the {1} gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who {2} were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain. {1) See marginal note on Ga 1:6. 2) Or are} 3 But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 {1} and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: {1) Or but it was because of} 5 to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the {1} gospel might continue with you. {1) See marginal note on Ga 1:6} 6 But from those who {1} were reputed to be somewhat {2} (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man's person)--they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me: {1) Or are 2) Or what they once were} 7 but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the {1} gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the {1} gospel of the circumcision {1) See marginal note on Ga 1:6} 8 (for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles); 9 and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, {1} James and Cephas and John, they who {2} were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision; {1) Or Jacob 2) Or are} 10 only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do. 11 ¶ But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the {1} gospel, I said unto Cephas before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? {1) See marginal note on Ga 1:6} 15 We being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 yet knowing that a man is not {1} justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. {1) Or accounted righteous; and so elsewhere; Compare Ro 2:13} 17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. 21 I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought.


King James Version:

1 ¶ Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. {privately: or, severally} 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 11 ¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.






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Job 1:9

American Standard Version:

9 Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?


King James Version:

9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?






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1 Corinthians 3:17

American Standard Version:

17 If any man destroyeth the {1} temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the {1} temple of God is holy, {2} and such are ye. {1) Or sanctuary 2) Or which temple ye are}


King James Version:

17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. {defile: or, destroy}






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James 3:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive {1} heavier judgment. {1) Gr greater}


King James Version:

1 ¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. {condemnation: or, judgment}






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2 Corinthians 10:4

American Standard Version:

4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds),


King James Version:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) {through God: or, to God}






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2 Corinthians 10:4

American Standard Version:

4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds),


King James Version:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) {through God: or, to God}






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Luke 24:49

American Standard Version:

49 And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high.


King James Version:

49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.






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Song of Solomon 1:5

American Standard Version:

5 I am black, but comely, Oh ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, As the curtains of Solomon.


King James Version:

5 I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.






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Luke 15:19

American Standard Version:

19 I am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of thy hired servants.


King James Version:

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.






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Revelation 12:10

American Standard Version:

10 And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, {1} Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. {1) Or Now is the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom, become our God's, and the authority is become his Christ's}


King James Version:

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.






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2 Peter 1:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ {1} Simon Peter, a {2} servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained {3} a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of {4} our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ: {1) Many ancient authorities read Symeon; See Ac 15:14. 2) Gr bondservant; 3) Gr an equally precious 4) Or our God and Saviour; Compare 2 Pe 1:11; 2:20; 3:18; Tit 2:13}


King James Version:

1 ¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: {Simon: or, Symeon} {God...: Gr. of our God and Saviour}






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Leviticus 12:8

American Standard Version:

8 And if her means suffice not for a lamb, then she shall take two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons; the one for a burnt-offering, and the other for a sin-offering: and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.


King James Version:

8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean. {she be...: Heb. her hand find not sufficiency of}






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Deuteronomy 6:5

American Standard Version:

5 and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.


King James Version:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.






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They did that which was right in the sight of the LORD

American Standard Version:

1 Kings 15:11
And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, as did David his father.

2 Kings 12:2
And Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

2 Kings 14:3
And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, yet not like David his father: he did according to all that Joash his father had done.

2 Kings 15:3
And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.

2 Kings 15:34
And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah; he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

2 Kings 18:3
And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, according to all that David his father had done.

2 Kings 22:2
And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.


King James Version:

1 Kings 15:11
And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.

2 Kings 12:2
And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

2 Kings 14:3
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.

2 Kings 15:3
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;

2 Kings 15:34
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

2 Kings 18:3
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.

2 Kings 22:2
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left






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Romans 7:22

American Standard Version:

22 For I delight {1} in the law of God after the inward man: {1) Gr with}


King James Version:

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:






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2 Corinthians 4:6

American Standard Version:

6 Seeing it is God, that said, {1} Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the {2} light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. {1) Ge 1:3. 2) Gr illumination}


King James Version:

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. {hath: Gr. is he who hath}






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Isaiah 8:20

American Standard Version:

20 To the {1} law and to the testimony! {2} if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them. {1) Or teaching 2) Or surely according to this word shall they speak for whom there is no morning}


King James Version:

20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. {no...: Heb. no morning}






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2 Timothy 1:7

American Standard Version:

7 For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and {1} discipline. {1) Gr sobering}


King James Version:

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.






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Isaiah 50:11

American Standard Version:

11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that gird yourselves about with firebrands; walk ye in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of my hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.


King James Version:

11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.






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Psalms 18:28

American Standard Version:

28 For thou wilt light my lamp: Jehovah my God will lighten my darkness.


King James Version:

28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. {candle: or, lamp}






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Job 18:5

American Standard Version:

28 For thou wilt light my lamp: Jehovah my God will lighten my darkness.


King James Version:

28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. {candle: or, lamp}






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Revelation 3:8

American Standard Version:

8 I know thy works (behold, I have {1} set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name. {1) Gr given}


King James Version:

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.






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1 Samuel 25:32

American Standard Version:

32 ¶ And David said to Abigail, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, who sent thee this day to meet me:


King James Version:

32 ¶ And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:






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Galatians 5:17

American Standard Version:

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.


King James Version:

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.






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Romans 7:13

American Standard Version:

13 Did then that which is good become death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good;--that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful.


King James Version:

13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.






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1 Corinthians 10:31

American Standard Version:

31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.


King James Version:

31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.






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Psalms 119:5

American Standard Version:

5 Oh that my ways were established To observe thy statutes!


King James Version:

5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!






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Romans 7:24

American Standard Version:

24 Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of {1} the body of this death? {1) Or this body of death}


King James Version:

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? {the body...: or, this body of death}






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Romans 8:7

American Standard Version:

because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be:


King James Version:

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. {the carnal...: Gr. the minding of the flesh}






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God delights to confound carnal wisdom

American Standard Version:

19 For it is written, {1} I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought. {1) Isa 29:14}
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this {1} world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? {1) Or age}
21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the {1} preaching to save them that believe. {1) Gr thing preached}
27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
28 and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea {1} and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are: {1) Many ancient authorities omit and}
29 that no flesh should glory before God.


King James Version:

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.






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God only wise

American Standard Version:

Romans 16:27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, {1} to whom be the glory {2} for ever. Amen. {1) Some ancient authorities omit to whom 2) Gr unto the ages}


King James Version:

Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. <<Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.>>






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Proverbs 27:19

American Standard Version:

19 ¶ {1} As in water face answereth to face, So the heart of man to man. {1) Or As water showeth face to face, so the heart showeth man to man.}


King James Version:

19 ¶ As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.






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Romans 7:24

American Standard Version:

24 Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of {1} the body of this death? {1) Or this body of death}


King James Version:

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? {the body...: or, this body of death}






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Psalms 73:22

American Standard Version:

22 So brutish {1} was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast {2} before thee. {1) Or am 2) Heb with thee}
28 But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works.


King James Version:

22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. {ignorant: Heb. I knew not} {before Heb. with}
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.






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Matthew 4:10

American Standard Version:

10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, {1} Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. {1) De 6:13}


King James Version:

10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.






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Romans 8:26

American Standard Version:

26 ¶ And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;


King James Version:

26 ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.






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Psalms 38:9

American Standard Version:

9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; And my groaning is not hid from thee.


King James Version:

9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.






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Jonah 2:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Then Jonah prayed unto Jehovah his God out of the fish's belly.


King James Version:

1 ¶ Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly,






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James 5:17

American Standard Version:

17 Elijah was a man of like {1} passions with us, and he prayed {2} fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months. {1) Or nature 2) Gr with prayer}


King James Version:

17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. {subject...: of the same nature, that is, a fellow mortal} {earnestly: or, in his prayer}






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Psalms 50:15

American Standard Version:

15 And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.


King James Version:

15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.






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Matthew 7:7

American Standard Version:

7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:


King James Version:

7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:






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Revelation 8:3

American Standard Version:

3 And another angel came and stood {1} over the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should {2} add it unto the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. {1) Or at 2) Gr give}


King James Version:

3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. {offer...: or, add it to the prayers}






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Philippians 3:14

American Standard Version:

I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the {1} high calling of God in Christ Jesus. {1) Or upward}


King James Version:

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.






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1 Kings 14:13

American Standard Version:

13 And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him; for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward Jehovah, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam.


King James Version:

13 And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.






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Mark 9:24

American Standard Version:

24 Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said, {1} I believe; help thou mine unbelief. {1) Many ancient authorities add with tears}


King James Version:

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.






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Psalms 41:1

American Standard Version:

Psalms 41:1 ¶ <> Blessed is he that considereth {1} the poor: Jehovah will deliver him in the day of evil. {1) Or the weak}


King James Version:

Psalms 41:1 ¶ <> Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. {the poor: or, the weak, or, sick} {in time...: Heb. in the day of evil}






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Psalms 18:25

American Standard Version:

With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; With the perfect man thou wilt show thyself perfect;


King James Version:

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;






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Christ molested by Satan

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.
3 And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become {1} bread. {1) Gr loaves}
4 But he answered and said, It is written, {1} Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. {1) De 8:3}
5 Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the {1} pinnacle of the temple, {1) Gr wing}
6 and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, {1} He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone. {1) Ps 91:11, 12}
7 Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, {1} Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God. {1) De 6:16}
8 Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and {1} worship me. {1) See marginal note on Mt 2:2}
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, {1} Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. {1) De 6:13}


King James Version:

1 ¶ Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. {tempt: or, try, or, put to trial, or, proof}
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.






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Hebrews 2:17, 18

American Standard Version:

17 Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
18 {1} For {2} in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. {1) Or For having been himself tempted in that wherein he hath suffered 2) Or wherein}


King James Version:

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.






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John 14:30

American Standard Version:

John 14:30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing {1} in me; {1) Or in me. But that...I do, arise etc}


King James Version:

John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.






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sinful thoughts arise from within us

American Standard Version:

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, {1} evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, {1) Gr thoughts that are evil}
22 covetings, wickednesses, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, railing, pride, foolishness:
23 all these evil things proceed from within, and defile the man.


King James Version:

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: {covetousness...: Gr. covetousnesses, wickednesses}
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.






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John 3:8

American Standard Version:

8 {1} The wind bloweth where it will, and thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. {1) Or The Spirit breatheth}


King James Version:

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.






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2 Kings 3:15

American Standard Version:

15 But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of Jehovah came upon him.


King James Version:

15 But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.






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Zechariah 13:9

American Standard Version:

9 And I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God.


King James Version:

9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.






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Psalms 37:24

American Standard Version:

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah {1} upholdeth him with his hand. {1) Or upholdeth his hand}


King James Version:

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.






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James 5:11

American Standard Version:

11 Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the {1} patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful. {1) Or endurance}


King James Version:

11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.






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Footnote to "the Sacrament"

(marginal note in early editions reads, 'This was preached at the Sacrament').






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2 Chronicles 30:18, 19

American Standard Version:

18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, The good Jehovah pardon {1} every one {1) Or him that setteth his whole heart}
19 that setteth his heart to seek God, Jehovah, the God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.


King James Version:

18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one
19 That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.






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Romans 7:17

American Standard Version:

17 So now it is no more I that {1} do it, but sin which dwelleth in me. {1) Gr work}


King James Version:

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.






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Psalms 145:19

American Standard Version:

19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; He also will hear their cry and will save them.


King James Version:

19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.






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Psalms 103:13

American Standard Version:

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him.


King James Version:

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.






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1 Corinthians 1:31

American Standard Version:

31 that, according as it is written, {1} He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. {1) Jer 9:23 f}


King James Version:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.






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Hebrews 11:31-32

American Standard Version:

31 By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, having received the spies with peace.
32 ¶ And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets:


King James Version:

31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. {that...: or, that were disobedient}
32 ¶ And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:






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Matthew 11:25-26

American Standard Version:

25 ¶ At that season Jesus answered and said, I {1} thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: {1) Or praise}
26 yea, Father, {1} for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight. {1) Or that}


King James Version:

25 ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.






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Romans 8:26; John 14:16

American Standard Version:

Romans 8:26 ¶ And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;
John 14:16And I will {1} pray the Father, and he shall give you another {2} Comforter, that he may be with you for ever, {1) Gr make request of 2) Or Advocate; Or Helper; Gr Paraclete}


King James Version:

Romans 8:26 ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
John 14:16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;






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Psalms 78:39

American Standard Version:

39 And he remembered that they were but flesh, A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.


King James Version:

39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.






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Hosea 2:19

American Standard Version:

19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in justice, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.


King James Version:

19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.






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1 Peter 3:7

American Standard Version:

7 Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor {1} unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered. {1) Gr unto the female vessel, as weaker}


King James Version:

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.






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Psalms 50:21

American Standard Version:

21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself: But I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.


King James Version:

21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.






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Footnote to "a thief"

(note, “thief”: a flaw in a candle wick which causes guttering)






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Song of Solomon 6:4

American Standard Version:

4 ¶ Thou art fair, O my love, as Tirzah, Comely as Jerusalem, Terrible as {1} an army with banners. {1) Heb bannered hosts}


King James Version:

4 ¶ Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.






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Matthew 11:28

American Standard Version:

28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.


King James Version:

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.






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Possibilitas


(What is possible to you is what you will be measured by)






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Matthew 4:6

American Standard Version:

6 and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, {1} He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone. {1) Ps 91:11, 12}


King James Version:

6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.






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Fides Christo larvam detrahit


(Faith pulls away the mask from Christ)






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John 17:6, 11

American Standard Version:

6 ¶ I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word.
11 ¶ And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are.


King James Version:

6 ¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
11 ¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.






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Psalms 10:17

American Standard Version:

17 Jehovah, thou hast heard the desire of the meek: Thou wilt {1} prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear; {1) Or establish}


King James Version:

17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: {prepare: or, establish}






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Isaiah 50:10

American Standard Version:

10 ¶ Who is among you that feareth Jehovah, that obeyeth the voice of his servant? {1} he that walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the name of Jehovah, and rely upon his God. {1) Or though he walketh},


King James Version:

10 ¶ Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.






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Isaiah 53:5

American Standard Version:

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.


King James Version:

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. {wounded: or, tormented} {stripes: Heb. bruise}






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Matthew 28:18

American Standard Version:

18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.


King James Version:

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.






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Isaiah 9:6

American Standard Version:

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called {1} Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, {2} Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. {1) Or Wonderful counsellor 2) Heb Father of Eternity}


King James Version:

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.






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Hebrews 2:18

American Standard Version:

18 {1} For {2} in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. {1) Or For having been himself tempted in that wherein he hath suffered 2) Or wherein}


King James Version:

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.






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Genesis 2:23; Ephesians 5:30

American Standard Version:

Genesis 2:23
And the man said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called {1} Woman, because she was taken out of {2} Man. {1) Heb Isshah 2) Heb Ish}

Ephesians 5:30
because we are members of his body.


King James Version:

Genesis 2:23
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. {Woman: Heb. Isha} {Man: Heb. Ish}

Ephesians 5:30
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.






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Ephesians 5:29

American Standard Version:

29 for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;


King James Version:

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:






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Colossians 2:10. John 1:16. Ephesians 1:23.

American Standard Version:

Colossians 2:10.
and in him ye are made full, who is the head of all principality and power:

John 1:16
For of his fulness we all received, and {1} grace for grace. {1) Or grace upon grace}

Ephesians 1:23.
which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.


King James Version:

Colossians 2:10.
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

John 1:16.
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Ephesians 1:23.
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.






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Romans 8:3.

American Standard Version:

Romans 8:3.
For what the law could not do, {1} in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of {2} sinful flesh {3} and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: {1) Or wherein 2) Gr flesh of sin 3) Or and as an offering for sin; Le 7:37; Heb 10:6; etc}


King James Version:

Romans 8:3.
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: {for sin: or, by a sacrifice for sin}






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Genesis 3:1-6


American Standard Version:

1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of {1} any tree of the garden? {1) Or all the trees}
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat:
3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as {1} God, knowing good and evil. {1) Or gods}
6 ¶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was {1} to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. {1) Or desirable to look upon}


King James Version:

1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? {Yea...: Heb. Yea, because, etc.}
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 ¶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. {pleasant: Heb. a desire}






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Matthew 25:30

American Standard Version:

30 And cast ye out the unprofitable {1} servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. {1) Gr bondservant}


King James Version:

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.






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Psalms 2:9

American Standard Version:

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.


King James Version:

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.






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Jeremiah 51:9

American Standard Version:

9 We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country; for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.


King James Version:

9 We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.






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Matthew 23:37, 38

American Standard Version:

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
38 Behold, your house is left unto you {1} desolate. {1) Some ancient authorities omit desolate}


King James Version:

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.






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Proverbs 1:26

American Standard Version:

26 I also will laugh in the day of your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;


King James Version:

26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;






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Isaiah 27:11

American Standard Version:

11 When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off; the women shall come, and set them on fire; for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have compassion upon them, and he that formed them will show them no favor.


King James Version:

11 When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.






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1 Thessalonians 5:19

American Standard Version:

19 Quench not the Spirit;


King James Version:

19 Quench not the Spirit.






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1 Corinthians 15:57, 58

American Standard Version:

57 but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not {1} vain in the Lord. {1) Or void}


King James Version:

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.






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Ecclesiastes 4:9

American Standard Version:

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.


King James Version:

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.






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Luke 24:32

American Standard Version:

32 And they said one to another, Was not our heart burning within us, while he spake to us in the way, while he opened to us the scriptures?


King James Version:

32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?






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1 Thessalonians 5:19, 20

American Standard Version:

19 Quench not the Spirit;
20 despise not prophesyings;


King James Version:

19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.






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1 Chronicles 22:16

American Standard Version:

16 of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and Jehovah be with thee.


King James Version:

16 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.






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Revelation 1:10

American Standard Version:

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet


King James Version:

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,






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1 Timothy 4:7

American Standard Version:

7 but refuse profane and old wives' fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness:


King James Version:

7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.






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Jude 4

American Standard Version:

4 For there are certain men crept in privily, even they who were of old {1} written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying {2} our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. {1) Or set forth 2) Or the only Master, and our Lord Jesus Christ}


King James Version:

4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.






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Proverbs 10:26

American Standard Version:

26 ¶ As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, So is the sluggard to them that send him.


King James Version:

26 ¶ As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.






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Isaiah 53:5

American Standard Version:

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.


King James Version:

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. {wounded: or, tormented} {stripes: Heb. bruise}






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Zephaniah 2:3

American Standard Version:

3 Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah's anger.


King James Version:

3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.






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Romans 12:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, {1} acceptable to God, which is your {2} spiritual {3} service. {1) Gr well-pleasing 2) Gr belonging to the reason 3) Or worship}


King James Version:

1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.






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Philippians 2:1-2

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any {1} consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, {1) Or persuasion}
2 make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, {1} of one mind; {1) Some ancient authorities read of the same mind}


King James Version:

1 ¶ If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.






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Proverbs 25:11

American Standard Version:

11 ¶ A word {1} fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver. {1) Or in due season}


King James Version:

11 ¶ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. {fitly...: Heb. spoken upon his wheels}






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Romans 14:22

American Standard Version:

22 The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he {1} approveth. {1) Or putteth to the test}


King James Version:

22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.






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Colossians 3:15

American Standard Version:

15 And let the peace of Christ {1} rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. {1) Gr arbitrate}


King James Version:

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.






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1 Corinthians 3:3

American Standard Version:

3 for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men?


King James Version:

3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? {divisions: or, factions} {as men: Gr. according to man?}






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James 3:17

American Standard Version:

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without {1} variance, without hypocrisy. {1) Or doubtfulness; Or partiality}


King James Version:

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. {partiality: or, wrangling}






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John 17:21

American Standard Version:

21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.


King James Version:

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.






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Revelation 9:5

American Standard Version:

5 And it was given them that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when it striketh a man.


King James Version:

5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.






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Psalms 109:16

American Standard Version:

16 Because he remembered not to show kindness, But persecuted the poor and needy man, And the broken in heart, to slay them.


King James Version:

16 Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.






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John 21:15

American Standard Version:

15 ¶ So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of {1} John, {2} lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I {3} love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. {1) Gr Joanes; See Joh 1:42 margin 2) 3) Love in these places represents two different Greek words}


King James Version:

15 ¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.






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Proverbs 1:31

American Standard Version:

31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own devices.


King James Version:

31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.






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Matthew 25:24-30

American Standard Version:

24 And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter;
25 and I was afraid, and went away and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own.
26 But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful {1} servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter; {1) Gr bondservant}
27 thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back mine own with interest.
28 Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him that hath the ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away.
30 And cast ye out the unprofitable {1} servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. {1) Gr bondservant}


King James Version:

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.






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John 13:34. John 13:35. John 15:12. John 15:13. John 15:17.

American Standard Version:

John 13:34.
A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; {1} even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. {1) Or even as I loved you, that ye also may love one another}

John 13:35.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 15:12.
This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.

John 15:13.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:17.
These things I command you, that ye may love one another.


King James Version:

John 13:34.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 15:12.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:13.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.






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2 Corinthians 11:3

American Standard Version:

3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your {1} minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. {1) Gr thoughts; See 2 Co 3:14}


King James Version:

3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.'






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1 Corinthians 1:18, 23

American Standard Version:

18 For the word of the cross is to them that {1} perish foolishness; but unto us who {2} are saved it is the power of God. {1) Or are perishing 2) Or are being saved}
23 but we preach {1} Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness; {1) Or a Messiah}


King James Version:

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;






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Matthew 12:20

American Standard Version:

20 A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.


King James Version:

20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.






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Psalm 72:1, 2

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ <<A Psalm of Solomon.>> Give the king thy judgments, O God, And thy righteousness unto the king's son.
2 ¶ {1} He will judge thy people with righteousness, And thy poor with justice. {1) Or Let him (and so throughout the Psalm)}


King James Version:

1 ¶ <<A Psalm for Solomon.>> Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. {for: or, of}
2 ¶ He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.






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Jeremiah 31:33

American Standard Version:

33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:


King James Version:

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.






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Isaiah 4:4

American Standard Version:

4 when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof, by the {1} spirit of justice, and by the {1} spirit of burning. {1) Or blast}


King James Version:

4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.






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1 Corinthians 3:13

American Standard Version:

13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; {1} and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. {1) Or and each man's work, of what sort it is, the fire shall prove it}


King James Version:

13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. {it shall be: Gr. it is}






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Revelation 6:2

American Standard Version:

2 And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer.


King James Version:

2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.






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Matthew 6:10

American Standard Version:

Thy kingdom come.


King James Version:

Thy kingdom come.






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Acts 3:26

American Standard Version:

26 Unto you first God, having raised up his {1} Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. {1) Or Child; See Mt 12:18; Isa 42:1; 52:13; 53:11}


King James Version:

26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.






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Romans 14:9

American Standard Version:

9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.


King James Version:

9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.






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Luke 1:73-75

American Standard Version:

73 The oath which he spake unto Abraham our father,
74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before him all our days.


King James Version:

73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.






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Psalms 51:10

American Standard Version:

10 Create {1} in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a {2} right spirit within me. {1) Or for me 2) Or stedfast}


King James Version:

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. {right: or, constant}






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Isaiah 9:6, 7

American Standard Version:

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called {1} Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, {2} Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. {1) Or Wonderful counsellor 2) Heb Father of Eternity}
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.


King James Version:

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.






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2 Corinthians 11:4

American Standard Version:

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different {1} gospel, which ye did not accept, ye do well to bear with him. {1) Gr good tidings; Compare 2 Co 2:12}


King James Version:

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. {with him: or, with me}






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Hosea 11:4

American Standard Version:

Hosea 11:4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws; and I laid food before them.


King James Version:

Hosea 11:4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. {take off: Heb. lift up}






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Luke 7:35

American Standard Version:

35 And wisdom {1} is justified of all her children. {1) Or was}


King James Version:

35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.






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1 Corinthians 2:15

American Standard Version:

15 But he that is spiritual {1} judgeth all things, and he himself is {2} judged of no man. {1) Or examineth 2) Or examined}


King James Version:

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. {judgeth: or, discerneth} {judged: or, discerned}






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2 Peter 2:12

American Standard Version:

12 But these, as creatures without reason, born {1} mere animals {2} to be taken and destroyed, railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their {3} destroying surely be destroyed, {1) Gr natural 2) Or to take and to destroy 3) Or corruption; Compare 1 Ti 6:9}


King James Version:

12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;






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Colossians 3:11

American Standard Version:

11 where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.


King James Version:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.






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Philippians 3:8

American Standard Version:

8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,


King James Version:

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,






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Hebrews 11:25-26

American Standard Version:

25 choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 accounting the reproach of {1} Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. {1) Or the Christ; Compare 1 Co 10:4}


King James Version:

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. {of Christ: or, for Christ}






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Psalms 84:10

American Standard Version:

10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather {1} be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. {1) Or stand at the threshold of etc}


King James Version:

10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. {I had...: Heb. I would choose rather to sit at the threshold}






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Joshua 24:15

American Standard Version:

15 ¶ And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.


King James Version:

15 ¶ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.






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John 16:8

American Standard Version:

8 And he, when he is come, will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:


King James Version:

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: {reprove: or, convince}






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Luke 10:18

American Standard Version:

18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven.


King James Version:

18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.






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2 Timothy 3:9

American Standard Version:

9 But they shall proceed no further. For their folly shall be evident unto all men, as theirs also came to be.


King James Version:

9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.






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Jerome [c. 347-419]

(Jerome [c. 347-419] in his Epistle to Ctesiphon.)






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Matthew 6:22

American Standard Version:

22 The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.


King James Version:

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.






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Isaiah 1:13

American Standard Version:

13 Bring no more {1} vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; new moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies,--{2} I cannot away with iniquity and the solemn meeting. {1) Heb an oblation of vanity 2) Or I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting}


King James Version:

13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. {iniquity: or, grief}






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Romans 12:2

American Standard Version:

2 And be not fashioned according to this {1} world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is {2} the good and {3} acceptable and perfect will of God. {1) Or age 2) Or the will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect 3) Gr well-pleasing}


King James Version:

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.






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Luke 10:42

American Standard Version:

42 {1} but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. {1) Many ancient authorities read but few things are needful, or one}


King James Version:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.






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Proverbs 20:18

American Standard Version:

18 ¶ Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war.


King James Version:

18 ¶ Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.






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Jeremiah 31:33

American Standard Version:

33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:


King James Version:

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.






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Isaiah 11:2

American Standard Version:

2 And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah.


King James Version:

2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;






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2 Corinthians 3:18

American Standard Version:

18 But we all, with unveiled face {1} beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. {1) Or reflecting as a mirror}


King James Version:

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. {by the...: or, of the Lord the Spirit}






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Psalms 122:3

American Standard Version:

3 Jerusalem, that art builded As a city that is compact together;


King James Version:

3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:






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Philippians 1:9

American Standard Version:

9 ¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;


King James Version:

9 ¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; {judgment: or, sense}






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Galatians 6:16

American Standard Version:

16 And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.


King James Version:

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.






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Proverbs 19:16

American Standard Version:

16 ¶ He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; But he that {1} is careless of his ways shall die. {1) Heb despiseth}


King James Version:

16 ¶ He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.






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Romans 8:13

American Standard Version:

13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the {1} deeds of the body, ye shall live. {1) Gr doings}


King James Version:

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.






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Romans 8:13

American Standard Version:

13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the {1} deeds of the body, ye shall live. {1) Gr doings}


King James Version:

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.






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luke 10:27

American Standard Version:

27 And he answering said, {1} Thou shalt love the Lord thy God {2} with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; {3} and thy neighbor as thyself. {1) De 6:5. 2) Gr from 3) Le 19:18}


King James Version:

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.






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Psalms 122:5

American Standard Version:

5 For there {1} are set thrones for judgment, The thrones of the house of David. {1) Or were}


King James Version:

5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. {are...: Heb. do sit}






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John 12:31

American Standard Version:

31 Now is {1} the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. {1) Or a judgment}


King James Version:

31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out






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Luke 11:20-22

American Standard Version:

20 But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.
21 When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace:
22 but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.


King James Version:

20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.






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Romans 6:13

American Standard Version:

13 neither present your members unto sin as {1} instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. {1) Or weapons; Compare 2 Co 10:4}


King James Version:

13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. {instruments: Gr. arms, or, weapons}






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Romans 9:5

American Standard Version:

5 whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the {1} flesh, who is over all, God blessed {2} for ever. Amen. {1) Or flesh; he who is over all, God, be blessed for ever 2) Gr unto the ages}


King James Version:

5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.






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1 Peter 1:23

American Standard Version:

23 having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of {1} God, which liveth and abideth. {1) Or God who liveth; Compare Da 6:26}


King James Version:

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.






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Hebrews 4:12

American Standard Version:

12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.


King James Version:

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.






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Matthew 25:29

American Standard Version:

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away.


King James Version:

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.






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Joshua 10:25

American Standard Version:

25 And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage: for thus shall Jehovah do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.


King James Version:

25 And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.






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Luke 1:33

American Standard Version:

33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob {1} for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. {1) Gr unto the ages}


King James Version:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.






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Ephesians 2:6

American Standard Version:

6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus:


King James Version:

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:






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2 Corinthians 3:18

American Standard Version:

18 But we all, with unveiled face {1} beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. {1) Or reflecting as a mirror}


King James Version:

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. {by the...: or, of the Lord the Spirit}






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Daniel 2:34

American Standard Version:

34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon its feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them in pieces.


King James Version:

34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. {without...: or, which was not in hands}






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Daniel 2:35

American Standard Version:

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great {1} mountain, and filled the whole earth. {1) Or rock}


King James Version:

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.






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Psalms 59:11

American Standard Version:

11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: {1} Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield. {1) Or Make them wander to and fro}


King James Version:

11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.






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Genesis 32:25

American Standard Version:

25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was strained, as he wrestled with him
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.


King James Version:

25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.






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Hebrews 12:2

American Standard Version:

2 looking unto Jesus the {1} author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. {1) Or captain}


King James Version:

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. {author: or, beginner}






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Luke 10:20

American Standard Version:

20 Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.


King James Version:

20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.






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Song of Solomon 8:6

American Standard Version:

6 Set me as a seal upon thy heart, As a seal upon thine arm: For love is strong as death; Jealousy is {1} cruel as Sheol; The flashes thereof are flashes of fire, {2} A very flame of {3} Jehovah. {1) Heb hard 2) Or A most vehement flame 3) Heb Jah}


King James Version:

6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. {cruel: Heb. hard}






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1 Kings 18:38

American Standard Version:

38 Then the fire of Jehovah fell, and consumed the burnt-offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.


King James Version:

38 Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.






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Revelation 12:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars;


King James Version:

1 ¶ And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: {wonder: or, sign}






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1 John 5:4

American Standard Version:

4 For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith.


King James Version:

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. {is born: Gr. has been born}






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2 Corinthians 13:8

American Standard Version:

8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.


King James Version:

8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.






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Matthew 19:22

American Standard Version:

22 But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.


King James Version:

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.






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James 4:7

American Standard Version:

7 Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.


King James Version:

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.






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1 John 4:4

American Standard Version:

4 ¶ Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.


King James Version:

4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.






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1 John 3:8

American Standard Version:

he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.


King James Version:

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.






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virtutis custos infirmitas


(weakness is the keeper of virtue)






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2 Corinthians 12:9

American Standard Version:

And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may {1} rest upon me. {1) Or cover me; Gr spread a tabernacle over me; See Re 7:15}


King James Version:

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.






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2 Timothy 3:15

American Standard Version:

15 And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.


King James Version:

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.






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Genesis 3:6

American Standard Version:

6 ¶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was {1} to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. {1) Or desirable to look upon}


King James Version:

6 ¶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. {pleasant: Heb. a desire}






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Proverbs 1:17

American Standard Version:

17 For in vain is the net spread In the sight of any bird:


King James Version:

17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. {in the...: Heb. in the eyes of every thing that hath a wing}






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2 Thessalonians 2:10

American Standard Version:

10 and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that {1} perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. {1) Or are perishing}


King James Version:

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.






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1 John 5:18

American Standard Version:

18 ¶ We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth {1} himself, and the evil one toucheth him not. {1) Some ancient authorities read him}


King James Version:

18 ¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. {is born: Gr. has been born}






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James 4:8

American Standard Version:

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.


King James Version:

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.






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Acts 11:23

American Standard Version:

23 who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, {1} that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord: {1) Some ancient authorities read that they would cleave unto the purpose of their heart in the Lord}


King James Version:

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.






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1 Chronicles 29:18

American Standard Version:

18 O Jehovah, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and {1} prepare their heart unto thee; {1) Or establish}


King James Version:

18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: {prepare: or, stablish}






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Psalms 86:11

American Standard Version:

11 Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; I will walk in thy truth: Unite my heart to fear thy name.


King James Version:

11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.






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Judges 20:26

American Standard Version:

26 ¶ Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto Beth-el, and wept, and sat there before Jehovah, and fasted that day until even; and they offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before Jehovah.


King James Version:

26 ¶ Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.






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Psalms 2:12

American Standard Version:

12 Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath {1} will soon be kindled. {2} Blessed are all they that take refuge in him. {1) Or may 2) Or Happy}


King James Version:

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.






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Judges 5:23

American Standard Version:

23 Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of Jehovah. Curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, Because they came not to the help of Jehovah, To the help of Jehovah {1} against the mighty. {1) Or among}


King James Version:

23 Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.






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Nemo humanam auctoritatem contemnit, nisi qui divinam prius contempsit

(No one despises human authority unless he first despises divine authority)






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1 Kings 1:45

American Standard Version:

45 and Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon; and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard.


King James Version:

45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon: and they are come up from thence rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that ye have heard.






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Matthew 3:11

American Standard Version:

11 I indeed baptize you {1} in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not {2} worthy to bear: he shall baptize you {1} in the Holy Spirit and in fire: {1) Or with 2) Gr sufficient}


King James Version:

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:






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1 Corinthians 10:23

American Standard Version:

¶ All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things {1} edify. {1) Gr build up}


King James Version:

¶ All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. {expedient: or, profitable}






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2 Timothy 2:15

American Standard Version:

Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, {1} handling aright the word of truth. {1) Or holding a straight course in the word of truth; Or rightly dividing the word of truth}


King James Version:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.






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Proverbs 23:32

American Standard Version:

At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder.

At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. {an...: or, a cockatrice}






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1 Corinthians 8:8 - 2 Corinthians 10:18

American Standard Version:

1 Corinthians 8:8 But food will not {1} commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, {2} are we the worse; nor, if we eat, {3} are we the better. {1) Gr present 2) Gr do we lack 3) Gr do we abound}
2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.


King James Version:

1 Corinthians 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. {are we the better: or, have we the more} {are we the worse: or, have we the less}
2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.






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Mark 4:26-28

American Standard Version:

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed upon the earth;
27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how.
28 The earth {1} beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. {1) Or yieldeth}


King James Version:

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.






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Feckless

Weak, irresponsible






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2 Thessalonians 1:10

American Standard Version:

10 when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.


King James Version:

10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.






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Matthew 13:43

American Standard Version:

43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears, {1} let him hear. {1) See verse 9}


King James Version:

43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.






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Psalms 37:6

American Standard Version:

6 And he will make thy righteousness to go forth as the light, And thy justice as the noon-day.


King James Version:

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.






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Romans 8:19

American Standard Version:

19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God.


King James Version:

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.






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Revelation 11:15

American Standard Version:

15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of out Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign {1} for ever and ever. {1) Gr unto the ages of the ages}


King James Version:

15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.






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Matthew 10:26

American Standard Version:

26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.


King James Version:

26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known






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Revelation 11:11

American Standard Version:

11 And after the three days and a half the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them that beheld them.


King James Version:

11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.






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Revelation 19:16

American Standard Version:

16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.


King James Version:

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.






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Psalms 2:9

American Standard Version:

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.


King James Version:

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.






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Job 9:4

American Standard Version:

4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered? --


King James Version:

4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?






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Psalms 76:10

American Standard Version:

10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou {1} gird upon thee. {1) Or restrain}


King James Version:

10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.






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Isaiah 5:20

American Standard Version:

20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!


King James Version:

20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! {call...: Heb. say concerning evil, It is good, etc}






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2 Timothy 3:13

American Standard Version:

13 But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.


King James Version:

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.






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Genesis 3:13

American Standard Version:

13 And Jehovah God said unto the woman, What is this thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.


King James Version:

13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.






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Ephesians 6:10

American Standard Version:

10 ¶ {1} Finally, {2} be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. {1) Or Henceforth 2) Gr be made powerful}


King James Version:

10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.






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Revelation 12:11

American Standard Version:

11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.


King James Version:

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.






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Psalms 144:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David.>> Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight:


King James Version:

1 ¶ <<A Psalm of David.>> Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: {strength: Heb. rock} {to war...: Heb. to the war, etc}






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Matthew 26:69-74

American Standard Version:

69 ¶ Now Peter was sitting without in the court: and a maid came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilaean.
70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and saith unto them that were there, This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.
72 And again he denied with an oath, I know not the man.
73 And after a little while they that stood by came and said to Peter, Of a truth thou also art one of them; for thy speech maketh thee known.
74 Then began he to curse and to swear, I know not the man. And straightway the cock crew.


King James Version:

69 ¶ Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.






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Judges 16:17

American Standard Version:

17 And he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon my head; for I have been a Nazirite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.


King James Version:

17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.






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Frustra nititur qui non innititur

(He strives in vain who is not dependent)






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John 15:5

American Standard Version:

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing.


King James Version:

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. {without me: or, severed from me}






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Matthew 26:69

American Standard Version:

69 ¶ Now Peter was sitting without in the court: and a maid came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilaean.


King James Version:

69 ¶ Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.






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2 Chronicles 20:12

American Standard Version:

12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.


King James Version:

12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.






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Genesis 22:14

American Standard Version:

14 And Abraham called the name of that place {1} Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of Jehovah {2} it shall be provided. {1) That is Jehovah will see, or provide 2) Or he shall be seen}


King James Version:

14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. {Jehovahjireh: that is, The Lord will see, or, provide}






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Psalms 61:2

American Standard Version:

2 From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart {1} is overwhelmed: Lead me to {2} the rock that is higher than I. {1) Or fainteth 2) Or a rock that is too high for me}


King James Version:

2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.






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Philippians 2:12

American Standard Version:

12 ¶ So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not {1} as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; {1) Some ancient authorities omit as}


King James Version:

12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.






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Ephesians 1:19-20

American Standard Version:

19 and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might


King James Version:

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, {his mighty power: Gr. the might of his power}






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2 Thessalonians 2:7

American Standard Version:

7 For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: {1} only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way. {1) Or only until he that now restraineth be taken etc}


King James Version:

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.






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Romans 9:17

American Standard Version:

17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, {1} For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth. {1) Ex 9:16}


King James Version:

17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.'






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Romans 9:17

American Standard Version:

5 For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth compacted out of water and {1} amidst water, by the word of God; {1) Or through}


King James Version:

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: {standing: Gr. consisting}






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that that which is begun in self-confidence ends in shame.

American Standard Version:

1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Proverbs 16:18 ¶ Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 11:2 ¶ When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 18:12 ¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility.
Proverbs 29:23 ¶ A man's pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.


King James Version:

1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Proverbs 16:18 ¶ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 11:2 ¶ When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Proverbs 18:12 ¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 29:23 ¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.






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Isaiah 42:3

American Standard Version:

3 A bruised reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth.


King James Version:

3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. {smoking: or, dimly burning} {quench: Heb. quench it}






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Matthew 12:20

American Standard Version:

20 A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.


King James Version:

20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.






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Daniel 5:6

American Standard Version:

6 Then the king's {1} countenance was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. {1) Aram brightness}


King James Version:

6 Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. {countenance: Chaldee, brightnesses} {was changed: Chaldee, changed it} {joints: or, girdles: Chaldee, bindings, or, knots}






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Romans 8:6

American Standard Version:

6 For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:


King James Version:

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. {to be carnally...: Gr. the minding of the flesh} {to be spiritually...: Gr. the minding of the Spirit}






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1 Corinthians 4:3

American Standard Version:

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be {1} judged of you, or of man's {2} judgment: yea, I {3} judge not mine own self. {1) Or examined 2) Gr day; See 1 Co 3:13. 3) Or examine}


King James Version:

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. {judgment: Gr. day}






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1 Corinthians 6:2

American Standard Version:

2 Or know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy {1} to judge the smallest matters? {1) Gr of the smallest tribunals}


King James Version:

2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?






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Psalms 110:2

American Standard Version:

2 Jehovah will {1} send forth the {2} rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. {1) Or stretch 2) Or sceptre}


King James Version:

2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.






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Luke 2:34

American Standard Version:

34 and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;


King James Version:

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;






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2 Thessalonians 2:10

American Standard Version:

10 and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that {1} perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. {1) Or are perishing}


King James Version:

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.






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Ephesians 6:10

American Standard Version:

10 ¶ {1} Finally, {2} be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. {1) Or Henceforth 2) Gr be made powerful}


King James Version:

10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.






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Ephesians 6:16

American Standard Version:

16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.


King James Version:

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.






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Judges 9:54

American Standard Version:

54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armorbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and kill me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.


King James Version:

54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.






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1 Corinthians 15:57

American Standard Version:

57 but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.


King James Version:

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.






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Psalms 110:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ <> Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.


King James Version:

1 ¶ <> The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.






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Revelation 18:8

American Standard Version:

8 Therefore in one day shall her plagues come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is {1} the Lord God who judged her. {1) Some ancient authorities omit the Lord}


King James Version:

8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.






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Revelation 19:16

American Standard Version:

16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.


King James Version:

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.






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Revelation 14:1

American Standard Version:

1 ¶ And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.


King James Version:

1 ¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.






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Genesis 9:27

American Standard Version:

27 God enlarge Japheth, And {1} let him dwell in the tents of Shem; And let Canaan be his servant. {1) Or he shall}


King James Version:

27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. {enlarge: or, persuade}






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Romans 11:25

American Standard Version:

25 For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in;


King James Version:

25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. {blindness: or, hardness}






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Psalms 2:8

American Standard Version:

8 Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.


King James Version:

8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.






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John 10:16

American Standard Version:

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must {1} bring, and they shall hear my voice: and {2} they shall become one flock, one shepherd. {1) Or lead 2) Or there shall be one flock}


King James Version:

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.






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1 Corinthians 15:24

American Standard Version:

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to {1} God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. {1) Gr the God and Father}


King James Version:

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.






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Exodus 14:13

American Standard Version:

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah, which he will work for you to-day: {1} for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. {1) Or for whereas ye have seen the Egyptians to-day}


King James Version:

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. {for the...: or, for whereas ye have seen the Egyptians to day}






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Jude 24

American Standard Version:

24 Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy,


King James Version:

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,






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Electronic Version Notes
Back to Table of Contents

This excellent work by Richard Sibbes is public domain and may be distributed freely. It was scanned from the Banner of Truth’s Puritan Paperback series (revised edition of 1998), with approval. No changes have been made except as follows:

1) Scripture references are no longer abbreviated;
2) Some Scripture references have been added as links;
3) Scripture links branch to the American Standard Version and the King James Versions of the Holy Bible.
4) Footnotes are under links.
5) Where appropriate, “Lord” was changed to “LORD.”
6) Some old English spellings have been modified to their modern equivalents.

Microsoft Word version.
To report errors.
Other books.

Brian Daniel
July 2002.


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