Matthew 14:23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. From the behaviour of our Lord, as it is here described, we may draw these observations for our own use. I. THAT WE OUGHT TO SET APART SOME PORTIONS OF OUR TIME FOR PRIVATE AND SILENT ACTS OF RELIGION for conversation with God and our own hearts. The duties of such times consist — (1) in a recollection of our past transgressions, in resolutions of amendment and improvement, and in prayers to God to forgive and assist us. (2) In a review of the favours and mercies which we have received from Him, and in a grateful acknowledgment of them. (3) In meditations on the shortness and uncertainty of life, on the duties which more particularly belong to our station, on the abilities and opportunities we have of improving our heart and understanding, and of doing the work of Him who has sent us into the world. (4) In general, in a study of religious truths. In all times and places there are many who pass a thoughtless life in perpetual unconcern for religion, who are entirely taken up with the follies, the amusements, the hurry and business of this world. Trace out the causes of this unreasonable conduct. (1) A bad education; (2) the common practice of the world when we are grown up; (3) desire for company.By securing times of meditation, we may hope to keep ourselves free from vicious habits; to learn what the defects are to which we are prone, which usually escape our notice; to rule over our passions; to discover what abilities God has given us; to confirm in ourselves all good dispositions, and thus we shall be able to converse in safety with the world. II. THAT WE OUGHT TO EMPLOY ALL THE POWERS AND ABILITIES WHICH GOD HAS CONFERRED UPON US TO THE GLORY OF THEIR AUTHOR, and to the benefit of mankind, and lose no opportunity of doing good. The actions and the behaviour by which we can be useful to others are, Liberality, Justice, Instruction, Counsel and Advice, Reproof and Correction, Commendation and Encouragement, Patience and Meekness, Compassion, Condescension, Courteousness, and Affability; and a life suitable to the religion which we profess. III. THAT THE ACTIVE AND SOCIAL DUTIES ARE MORE VALUABLE AND MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE CONTEMPLATIVE VIRTUES WHICH ARE OF A PRIVATE AND SOLITARY NATURE. 1. Man is not sufficient to his own happiness; finds himself made for society, to which his wants, his imperfections, and his desires incline him; it cannot therefore be his duty to check and overrule these innocent desires. 2. By society we are assisted not only in the conveniences of life, but in the improvement of our understanding and in the performance of our duty. 3. Of two persons who live soberly and righteously, the one in a public station, the other in retirement, the former must be allowed to be the more excellent person, and the brighter example of virtue. 4. The accounts which we have of the old solitary saints, though written by their admirers and adorers, is often little to their advantage or to the credit of Christianity. IV. THAT WE MAY HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME AND PROPER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE EXERCISE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DUTIES AND VIRTUES, AND THAT THEREFORE NEITHER SHOULD BE OMITTED. (Jortin.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. |
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