Jeremiah 41:8 But ten men were found among them that said to Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley… The vilest Roman emperors were those who least persecuted the Church — Tiberius, Commodus, &c. They were too absorbed in their own indulgences to trouble about the Christians. II. BUT THESE OTHER WAYS LEAVE MEN AS GREAT SINNERS AS BEFORE. The question is not as to your freedom from transgression so much, but — what kept you free? Only the first and best way is accepted of God. III. NEVERTHELESS, LET US BE THANKFUL THAT SIN IS SELF-DESTRUCTIVE IN ITS VERY NATURE. It is a blessed anarchy, for it protects many who would otherwise suffer. IV. BUT FOR OURSELVES LET US SEEK THAT SIN MAY BE DESTROYED BY CHRIST. (W. Clarkson, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren. |
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