expression should lose any part of its energy, strength, or meaning. The marginal notes in the old edition, which were principally in the Greek and Latin languages, have been omitted in this. The propriety of this retrenchment must be self-evident; as they tended rather to embarrass than instruct the great bulk of those into whose hands this little work might fall, while at the same time they greatly enhanced the price.

The publisher well apprised of the value of the tract which he now offers, has been anxious to render it as cheap as possible; and he sincerely hopes, that it may be the happy means of converting some from the miserable ways of sin and death, to the paths of righteousness and everlasting life.

That this may be the happy lot of all into whose hands this may come, is the sincere wish of ~

THE PUBLISHER,

NEW YORK, MARCH 26, 1810.

Christian Soldier, &c.

MATTHEW xi. 12.

The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force.

JOHN BAPTIST hearing in prison the fame of Christ, sends two of his disciples to him with this question, art thou he that should come or do we look for another? verse 3. Not. (as Tertullian thinks) that John Baptist knew not that Jesus Christ was the true Messiah: for he was confirmed in this both by the spirit of God, and by a sign from Heaven, John i. 33. But John Baptist hereby endeavoured to correct the ignorance of his own disciples, who had a greater respect for him than for Christ,

In the fourth verse Christ answers their question, go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see; the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, &c. Jesus Christ demonstrates himself to be the true Messiah, by his miracles which were real and occular proofs of his divinity. Johns disciples being departed, Christ

B

falls into an high elogium and commendation of John Baptist. Verse 7. What went ye out into the wilderness to see, a reed shaken with the wind? As if Christ had said, John Baptist was no unconstant man, fluctuating in his mind, and being shaken as a reed from one opinion to another; he was no Reuben, `unstable as water, but was fixed and resolute in religion, and a prison could make no alteration in him.

Verse 8. but what went ye out for to see a man-cloathed in soft raiment? John did not indulge his senses; he wore not silks, but camels hair; nor did he affect to live at court, . but in a wilderness, Matt. iii. 3, 4.

Again, Christ commends John as being his forerunner, who prepared the way before him; verse 10. He was the morning star which did precede the sun of righteousness; and that Christ might sufficiently honour this holy man, he doth not only parallel him with, but prefer him before, the chief of the prophets. Verse 9. What went ye out for to see, a prophet? yea I say unto you, and more than a prophet. Verse 11. Among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: he was eminent both for dignity of office, and perspicuity of doctrine; and so the text is ushered in: From the days of John the Baptist, until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. In which words

there is,

1. The preface or introduction; from the lays of John the Baptist until now. John Baptist was a zealous preacher; a Boanerges, or son of Thunder, and after his preaching people began to be awakened out of their sins.

Hence learn, what kind of ministry is like to do most good, namely, that which works upon the consciences of men, John Baptist did lift up his voice like a trumpet, he preached the doctrine of repentance with power, Matt. iii. 2. Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand: He came hewing and cutting down mens sins, and afterwards preached Christ to them. First, He poured in the vinegar of the law, then the wine of the gospel. This was that preaching made men studiously seek after Heaven: John did not so much preach to please, as to profit; he chose rather to discover mens sins, than to shew his own eloquence. That is the best looking-glass, not which is most gilded, but which shews the truest face. That preaching is to be preferred, which makes the truest discovery of mens sins, and shews them their hearts. John Baptist was a burning and shining light; he did burn in his doctrine, and shine in his life; and from that time men pressed into Heaven. Peter (who was filled with a spirit of zeal) having humbled his hearers for their sins, and opened to them a fountain in Christs blood, they were then pricked at their heart, Acts. ii. 37. 'Tis the greatest mercy to have a soulsearching ministry. If one had a desperate

wound, he would desire to have it searched to the bottom: who would not be content to have their souls searched, so they may have them saved?

2. The matter in the text, the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

What is meant by the Kingdom of Heaven? Some interpret it of the doctrine of the gospel, which reveals Christ and Heaven. Erasmus.

So

But, I rather by the Kingdom of Heaven understand glory and so learned Beza and others.

This Kingdom suffereth violence.

'Tis a metaphor from a town or castle that holds out in war, and is not taken but by storm. So the Kingdom of Heaven will not be taken without violence; The violent take it by force. The earth is inherited by the meek, Matt.

Heaven is inherited by the violent.-Our life is military, Christ is our captain, the gospel is the banner, the graces are our spiritual artillery, and Heaven is only taken in a forcible way. The words fall into two parts. 1. The combat, suffereth violence.

2. The conquest, the violent take it by force. The right way to take Heaven is by storm: or thus, none get into Heaven but violent This violence hath a double aspect.

ones.

It concerns men as magistrates; they must be violent.