Mat 17 | Barnes | STEP | MATTHEW CHAPTER 17 Verses 1-9. See also Verse 1. And after six days . That is, six days from the conversation recorded in the last chapter. Luke says, about eight days after. Matthew mentions the six days that intervened between the day of the conversation and the transfiguration. Luke includes both those days, and thus reckons eight. Besides, Luke does not pretend to fix the precise time. In the Greek it is " about eight days after." Taketh Peter, James, and John . These three disciples were with him also in the garden of Gethsemane, . He designed to fit them, in an eminent degree, for the work of the gospel ministry, by the previous manifestations of his glory, and of his patience in suffering. Into an high mountain apart . That is, apart from the other disciples. It is commonly supposed that this was Mount Tabor, a high mountain in Galilee. The name of the mountain is not, however, mentioned in the New Testament. Luke adds, that he ascended there to pray. Our Saviour prayed much. When he did it, he chose to be alone. For this purpose he often ascended mountains, or went into the deserts. There is something in the solitude and deep and awful stillness of a lofty mountain favourable to devotion. (g) "And after"

Matthew 17

MATTHEW CHAPTER 17

Verses 1-9. See also Mk 9:2-10, Lk 9:28-36

Verse 1. And after six days. That is, six days from the conversation recorded in the last chapter. Luke Lk 9:28 says, about eight days after.

Matthew mentions the six days that intervened between the day of the conversation and the transfiguration. Luke includes both those days, and thus reckons eight. Besides, Luke does not pretend to fix the precise time. In the Greek it is "about eight days after."

Taketh Peter, James, and John. These three disciples were with him also in the garden of Gethsemane, Mk 14:33. He designed to fit them, in an eminent degree, for the work of the gospel ministry, by the previous manifestations of his glory, and of his patience in suffering.

Into an high mountain apart. That is, apart from the other disciples. It is commonly supposed that this was Mount Tabor, a high mountain in Galilee. The name of the mountain is not, however, mentioned in the New Testament. Luke adds, Lk 9:28 that he ascended there to pray. Our Saviour prayed much. When he did it, he chose to be alone. For this purpose he often ascended mountains, or went into the deserts. There is something in the solitude and deep and awful stillness of a lofty mountain favourable to devotion.

(g) "And after" Mk 9:2, Lk 9:28 Verse 2. And was transfigured before them. The word transfigure means, to change the appearance or form. It does not denote the change of the substance of a thing, but simply of its appearance. It puts on a new aspect. What this change was, we are expressly told.

(1.) His face shone as the sun; that is, with a peculiar brightness. A similar appearance is described respecting Moses when he came down from the mount, Ex 34:29,30. See also Heb 1:3, where Christ is called the brightness of the glory of God; in the original, the splendour, or shining, like the brightness of the sun.

(2.) The second change was that of his garments. They were white as the light. Mark says, white as snow, so as no fuller on earth could whiten them. The word "fuller" means, commonly, one who dresses cloth, or fulls it, so as to make it more thick and strong. Here it means one who bleaches cloth, or makes it white; one who cleanses garments, when by wearing they become soiled. Among the Greeks, that was a distinct trade. Luke says, white and glistering; that is, resplendent, shining, or a very bright white. There is no evidence here that what is commonly said of him is true, that his body was so changed as to show what his glorified body is. His body, so far as the sacred writers inform us, underwent no change. All this splendour and glory was a change in appearance only. The Scriptures should be taken just as they are, without any attempt to affix a meaning to them which the sacred writers did not intend.

Raiment. Clothing; apparel. John refers to this transfiguration in Jn 1:14; and Peter in his second Epistle, 2Pet 1:16,17.

(h) "as the sun" Rev 1:16 Verse 3. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias. Moses, a distinguished servant of God, by whom the law was given, and whose institutions typified the Messiah. It was particularly proper that he should appear, when his prophecies and types were about to be fulfilled, and his rites to be done away. Elias, or Elijah, a distinguished prophet, taken to heaven without seeing death. See 2Kgs 2:11. Elijah had been honoured eminently by being thus translated, and still more by being made the model of the forerunner of the Messiah, Mt 11:14, Lk 1:17. They appeared "in glory," Lk 9:31 i.e., as they are in heaven---- with the glory which the redeemed have there.

Talking with him. Lk 9:31 informs us that they conversed about his decease, which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. To redeemed spirits, that death was an object of intense interest. By faith in that death they had been saved; and now that the Redeemer of mankind was about to die, it is no wonder that this was the burden of his and their thoughts.

Luke adds, Lk 9:32 that Peter and they who were with him were heavy with sleep. It is not improbable that this was in the night; that Jesus was engaged in prayer; and that he had permitted his weary followers to compose themselves to rest. It was after they were awaked that they saw this vision. Probably the sudden splendour, the bright shining, aroused them from sleep. Verse 4. Let us make here three tabernacles. A tabernacle is a tent. It was made commonly by fixing posts into the ground, and stretching on them cloth, fastened by cords. Isa 33:20. In some instances, they were made of branches of trees;--a temporary shelter from the sun and rain, not a permanent dwelling. Peter was rejoiced at the vision, and desirous of continuing it. He proposed, therefore, that they should prolong this interview, and dwell there. Mark adds, that they knew not what they said in proposing this. They were frightened, amazed, and rejoiced; and, in the ecstasy of the moment, they proposed to remain there. Verse 5. A bright cloud overshadowed them. The word overshadow here means, rather, to be diffused or spread over them. It does not mean that it made a shade. A cloud was a symbol of the Divine Presence. Thus God went before the Israelites in a cloudy pillar--dark by day, and bright by night, (Ex 14:19,20) he appeared on Mount Sinai in a cloud bright by fire, (Ex 24:15-17) and a cloud, the symbol of the Divine Presence--called the Shechinah-- dwelt continually in the Most Holy Place in the temple, 1Kgs 8:10,11, Eze 1:4, 10:4. When, therefore, the disciples saw this cloud, they were prepared to hear the word of the Lord.

This is my beloved Son. This was the voice of God. This was the second time that, in a remarkable manner, he had declared this. See Mt 3:17. This was spoken to confirm the disciples; to declare their duty to hear Christ rather than any other, and to honour him more than Moses and Elijah; and to strengthen their faith in him when they should go forth to preach the gospel, after he was shamefully put to death. After this, it was impossible for them to doubt that he was truly the Son of God. See 2Pet 1:17,18.

(i) "voice" Mt 3:17, Mk 1:11, Lk 3:22, 2Pet 1:17 (k) "in whom" Isa 42:1,21 (l) "hear ye" De 18:15,19, Acts 3:22,23, Heb 1:1,2, 2:1-3 Verse 6. They fell on their face. They entered into the cloud; or the cloud enveloped them, Lk 9:34. They were, therefore, afraid. They were awed at the presence of God; and their fears were removed only by the voice of their beloved Master. No man can see God and live. And it is only the glory of God, as it shines in the face of Christ, (see 2Cor 4:6) that mortals can bear. Verse 7.

(m) "touched them" Dan 10:10,18, Rev 1:17 Verse 9. Tell the vision to no man. This vision was designed particularly to confirm them in the truth that he was the Messiah. While he was with them, it was unnecessary that they should relate what they had seen. When he was crucified, they would need this evidence that he was the Christ. Then they were to use it. There were three witnesses of it--as many as the law required; and the proof that he was the Messiah was clear. Besides, if they had told it then, it would have provoked the Jews and endangered his life. His time was not yet come.

Vision. Sight; appearance. What they had seen on the mount.

Charged them. Gave them a commandment.

The sole design of this transfiguration was to convince them that he was the Christ; that he was greater than the greatest of the prophets; that he was the Son of God.

Mark adds, Mk 9:10 they kept this saying, questioning what the rising of the dead should mean. The Pharisees believed that the dead would rise; and there is no doubt that the disciples believed it. But their views were not clear. And, in particular, they did not understand what he meant by his rising from the dead. They do not appear to have understood, though he had told them Mt 12:40 that he would rise after three days. Verses 10-13. See also Mk 9:11-13. Why then say the Scribes, etc. The disciples appear to have been satisfied now, that he was the Messiah. The transfiguration had taken away all their doubts. But they recollected that it was a common doctrine among the Jews that Elijah should appear before the Messiah came; and they did not then recollect that he had appeared. To this difficulty the word then refers. "We are satisfied that thou art the Christ. But Elijah is not yet come, as was expected. What, 'then,' is the meaning of the common opinions of our learned men, the scribes? Were they right or wrong in their expectation of Elijah?" Mt 11:14.

(n) "Why then" Mal 4:5,6, Mt 11:14 Verse 11. Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, He did not mean by this that Elijah was yet to come for he directly tells them that he had come; but he meant to affirm that it was a true doctrine which the scribes taught, that Elijah would appear before the coming of the Messiah. To restore, means to put into the former situation. See Mt 12:13. Hence it means, to heal, to correct, to put in proper order. Here it means that Elijah would put things in a proper state; be the instrument of reforming the people; of restoring them, in some measure, to proper notions about the Messiah, and preparing them for his coming. Before the coming of John, their views were erroneous, their expectations worldly, and their conduct exceedingly depraved. He corrected many of their notions about the Messiah, Mt 3:1 and was the instrument of an extensive reformation; and thus restored them, in some degree, to correct notions of their own economy and of the Messiah, and to a preparation for his advent. Verse 12. Elias is come. That is, John the Baptist has come, in the spirit and power of Elias. See Lk 1:17.

They have done whatsoever they listed. The word list is an old English word, signifying to choose, to desire, to be inclined. See Jn 3:8. It means here, that they had done to John as they pleased; i.e., they had put him to death, Mt 14:10.

Mark adds, Mk 9:12, that Jesus told them that it was written of the Son of man that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. This was written of him particularly in the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah. To be set at nought, is to be esteemed as worthless, or as nothing; to be cast out and despised. No prophecy was ever more strikingly fulfilled. See Lk 23:11.

(o) "suffer of them" Mt 16:21 Verse 13. Mt 17:10 Verses 14-21. This narrative, with some additions, is found in Mk 9:14-29, Lk 9:37-43.

Verse 14. And when they were come to the multitude. This took place on the day following the transfiguration, Lk 9:37. This multitude was probably composed of persons who had attended on his ministry, and many of whom were his real disciples. With them, as Mark Mk 9:14 informs us, were scribes questioning with them. That is, they were probably professedly making inquiries about the Saviour, but really attempting to introduce their own sentiments, and to draw them off from him. They probably artfully asked them many questions about his birth, his family, his appearance, his manner of life, and his instructions, all which were contrary to the general expectation respecting the Messiah; and they intended, therefore, to insinuate that such a person could not be the Christ. The people were persuaded of it, and it would not have done to have attacked their opinions openly, but they attempted to gain the same point by sly insinuations. Error is always subtle, and often puts on the appearance of calm and honest inquiry. Well had he compared them to leaven, Mt 16:11,12. The multitude, seeing Jesus coming down, left the scribes, and ran to meet him, (Mark.) They were amazed, probably because they had not expected to see him there. In their joy at meeting him in this unexpected manner, they saluted him, (Mark;) i.e., they probably prostrated themselves before him, after the manner of salutation in eastern countries. Lk 10:4. Jesus, seeing the scribes and their artful design, reproved them by asking them why they questioned thus with his disciples? Mk 9:16. Conscious of their guilt and their base purpose, they returned no answer.

A certain man kneeling down to him. That is, saluting him, or showing high regard for him. Lk 10:4. It did not imply religious homage, but merely high respect and earnest entreaty.

(p) "And when" Mk 9:14, Lk 9:37 Verse 15. Lord, have mercy. The word Lord here means Sir, a title of civility, not implying Divinity.

My son. This was an only son, (Luke.) He was possessed with a devil. This calamity was attended with the following symptoms:--he was lunatic, Mt 4:24; he was sore vexed, i.e., he suffered greatly, or was greatly afflicted; he fell often suddenly in the manner of persons having epileptic fits; he was dumb, that is, he was dumb except when the fit was coming on him; for Luke says, that when the spirit took him, he cried suddenly out; he foamed and gnashed with his teeth, and wasted away, or became poor and emaciated. It tore him, (Luke,) and scarcely departed from him, or he had only short intervals of reason; for so the passage in Luke, bruising him, hardly departeth from him," should be translated. Verse 16. And I brought him to thy disciples, etc. That is, not to the apostles, for they had power over unclean spirits, Mt 10:8 but to others of his followers, who attempted to work miracles. It is probable that many of his disciples attempted this, who were not personal attendants on his ministry, Mk 9:38. Verse 17. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation! Perverse means that which is twisted or turned from the proper direction; and is often used of the eyes, when one or both are turned from the natural position. Applied to a generation, or race of men, it means that they hold opinions turned or perverted from the truth, and that they were wicked in their conduct. He applied this probably to the Jews, and not to his real disciples.

How long shall I suffer you? That is, how long shall I bear with you? How long is it necessary to show such patience and forbearance with your unbelief and perversity? This was not an expression of impatience or complaint, so much as a proof that they were so slow to believe that he was the Messiah, notwithstanding his miracles, and that even his disciples so slowly learned to put the proper trust in him.

Mark adds, (Mk 9:20-22,) that when he that was possessed was brought, the spirit, by a last desperate struggle, threw him down, and tore him, and left him apparently dead. He adds farther, that the case had existed during the whole life of his son, from a child. This was a case of uncommon obstinacy. The affliction was fixed and lasting. The disciples, seeing the obstinacy of the case--seeing him dumb, wasted away, torn, and foaming--despaired of being able to cure him. They lacked the faith which was necessary; doubted whether they could cure him, and therefore could not.

Jesus said to the father, Mk 9:23 "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." That is, this cure shall be effected if you have faith. Not that his faith would give Jesus the power to heal him, but it would render it proper that he should exert that power in his favour. In this way, and in this only, are all things possible to believers. The man had faith, Mk 9:24. The father came, as a father should do, weeping, and praying that his faith might be increased, so as to make it proper that Jesus should interpose in his behalf, and save his child. "Help my unbelief," (Mk 9:24). This was an expression of humility. If my faith is defective, supply what is lacking. Help me to overcome my unbelief. Let not the defect of my faith be in the way of this blessing. Verse 18. And Jesus rebuked the devil. The word rebuke has the combined force of reproving and commanding. He reproved him for having afflicted the child, and he commanded him to come out of him. Mk 9:25 has recorded the words which he used--words implying reproof and command: "Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him." And the spirit cried, and with a mighty convulsion came out, leaving him apparently dead. Jesus lifted him up by the hand, (Mark,) and gave him to his father, (Luke.) Verse 19. Then came the disciples, etc. This inquiry was made in some house to which they retired near the place where the miracle was performed, (Mark) Jesus told them, in reply, that it was because of their unbelief that they had not been able to cast him out. They were appalled by the difficulty of the case, and the obstinacy of the disease. Their faith would not have made it more easy for God to work this miracle, but such was his will; such the way in which he worked miracles, that he required faith in those who were the instruments. Verse 20. As a grain of mustard seed. Mt 13:31,32. The mustard seed was the smallest of all Seeds. It has been supposed by some, therefore, that he meant to say, if ye have the smallest or feeblest faith that is genuine, ye can do all things. The mustard seed produced the largest of all herbs. It has been supposed by others, therefore, to mean, If you have increasing, expanding, enlarged faith, growing and strengthening from small beginnings, you can perform the most difficult undertaking. There is a principle of vitality in the grain of seed, stretching forward to great results, which illustrates the nature of faith. Your faith should be like that. This is probably the true meaning.

Ye shall say unto this mountain, etc. Probably he pointed to a mountain near, to assure them, if they had such faith, they might accomplish the most difficult undertakings--things that at first would appear impossible.

(q) "unbelief" Heb 3:9 (r) "if ye have" Mt 21:21, Mk 11:23, Lk 17:6, 1Cor 13:2 Verse 21. Howbeit this kind, etc. This kind means this kind of devils; this species of possession. Where they have had long possession; where they produce such painful, and fixed, and alarming effects, they can be expelled only in connexion with prayer and fasting.

Goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. That is, in order to work miracles of this kind, to cast out devils in cases so obstinate and dreadful as this, faith of the highest kind is necessary. That faith is produced and kept vigorous only by much prayer, and by such abstinence from food as fits the mind for the highest exercises of religion, and leaves it free to hold communion with God. Verses 22,23. See also Mk 9:30-33, Lk 9:43-45. And while they abode in Galilee. Galilee, the northern part of Palestine. Mt 2:22.

The Son of man shall be betrayed, etc. To betray, means to deliver up in a treacherous manner. This was done by Judas Iscariot, called for that the traitor, Mt 26:14-16,47-50. A traitor, or betrayer, is one who makes use of confidence reposed in him for the purpose of delivering him up, who puts that confidence in him to the hands of enemies.

(s) "And while" Mt 16:21, 20:17, Mk 8:31, 9:30,31, 10:33, Lk 9:22,44 Lk 18:31, 24:6,26,46 Verse 23. And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again, See Mt 12:40. Mark and Luke add, that they understood not that saying, and it was hid from them, and they were afraid to ask him. The reasons of this may have been:

(1.) They were strongly attached to him, and were exceedingly sorry (Matthew) at any intimation that the was soon to leave them. They learned with great slowness and reluctance, therefore, that he was to be treated in this manner.

(2.) They were not willing to believe it. They knew he was the Messiah. But they supposed that he was to be a distinguished Prince, and was to restore the kingdom to Israel, Acts 1:6. But to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies, and be put to death, appeared to them to be frustrating all these expectations.

(3.) Though what he said was plain enough, yet they did not understand it; they could not see how he could be the Messiah, and yet be put to death in this manner. Nor did they understand it fully till after the resurrection. Verses 24-27. And when they were come to Capernaum. Mt 4:13.

They that received tribute. In the original this is, they who received the two drachms. The drachm was a Grecian coin, worth about 12 1/2 cents [about 7d.] of our money. This tribute, consisting of these two drachms, was not paid to the Roman government, but to the Jewish collectors, for the use of the temple service. It was permitted in the law of Moses, (see Ex 30:11-16,) that in numbering the people, half a shekel should be received of each man for the services of religion. This was in addition to the tithes paid by the whole nation, and seems to have been considered as a voluntary offering. It was devoted to the purchase of animals for the daily sacrifice; wood, flour, salt, incense, etc., for the use of the temple. Two drachms were about equal to half a shekel.

Doth not your master pay tribute? This tribute was voluntary; and they therefore asked him whether he was in the habit of paying taxes for the support of the temple. Peter replied, that it was his custom to pay all the usual taxes of the nation.

(1) "tribute money" "Didrachma, in value about 15d. Ex 38:26 Verse 25. Jesus prevented him. That is, Jesus commenced speaking before Peter, or spoke before Peter had told him what he had said. This implies, that though not present with Peter when he gave the answer, yet Jesus was acquainted with what he had said. Prevent here means, to go before, or precede. It does not mean, as now with us, to hinder, or obstruct. See the same use of the word in Ps 59:10, 79:8, 88:13, 119:148, 1Thes 4:15.

Of whom do the kings of the earth, etc. That is, earthly kings.

Their own brethren. Their sons; the members of the family.

Or of strangers? The word strangers does not mean foreigners, but those who were not their own sons, or members of their family. Peter replied, that tribute was collected of those out of their own family. Jesus answered, then are the children, or sons of the kings, free; i.e., taxes are not required of them. The meaning of this may be thus expressed: "Kings do not tax their own sons. This tribute money is taken up for the temple-service; i.e., the service of my Father. I, therefore, being the Son of God, for whom this is taken up, cannot be lawfully required to pay this tribute." Verse 26. Mt 17:24 Verse 27. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them. That is, lest they should think that we despise the temple and its service, and thus provoke needless opposition, though we are not under obligation to pay it, yet it is best to pay it to them.

Go thou to the sea. This was at Capernaum, on the shore of the sea of Tiberias.

Thou shalt find a piece of money. In the original, thou shalt find a stater, a Roman silver coin of the value of four drachms, or one shekel, and of course sufficient to pay the tribute for two, himself and Peter. In whatever way this is regarded, it is proof that Jesus was possessed of Divine attributes. If he knew that the first fish that came up would have such a coin in his mouth, it was proof of omniscience. If he created the coin for the occasion, and placed it there, then it was proof of Divine power. The former is the most probable supposition. It is by no means absurd that a fish should have swallowed a silver coin. Many of them bite eagerly at anything bright, and would not hesitate, therefore, at swallowing a piece of money.

(t) "offend" Rom 14:21, 15:1-3, 2Cor 6:3 (2) "stater", "which was half an ounce of silver"

REMARKS ON MATTHEW CHAPTER 17

(1.) Secret prayer should be practised alone, or apart from others, Mt 17:1 Christ often went into deserts, and on mountains, that he might be by himself. This should be done,

1st, to avoid the appearance of ostentation;

2nd, pride is easily excited when we know that others hear us pray. Every one should have some place--some closet-to which he may retire daily, with the assurance that none sees him but God. Mt 6:6.

(2.) In such seasons we shall meet God, Mt 17:2. It was in such season that the Divine favour was peculiarly shown to Christ.-- Then the transfiguration took place--the brightest manifestation of his glory that ever occurred on earth. So the clearest and most precious manifestations of the love and glory of God will be made to us in prayer.

(3.) We see the great glory of Christ, Mt 17:2. No such favour had been granted to any prophet before him. We see the regard in which he was held by Moses and Elias--among the greatest of the prophets. We see the honour which God put on him, exalting him far above them both, Mt 17:5. The glory of heaven encompasses the Lord Jesus, and all its redeemed pay him reverence. In him the Divine nature shines illustriously; and of him and to him the Divinity speaks in glory, as the only begotten Son of God.

(4.) It is right to have particular affection for some Christians more than others, at the same time that we should love them all. Christ loved all his disciples; but he admitted some to peculiar friendship and favours, Mt 17:1. Some Christians may be more congenial to us in feeling, age, and education, than others; and it is proper, and may be greatly to our advantage, to admit them among our peculiar friends.

(5.) The death of Jesus is an object of great interest to the redeemed. Moses and Elias talked of it, Lk 9:30,31. Angels also desire to look into this great subject, 1Pet 1:12. By that death, all the redeemed are saved; and in that death the angels see the most signal display of the justice and love of God.

(6.) Christians should delight to be where God has manifested his glory. The feeling of Peter was natural, Mt 17:4: His love of the glorious presence of Christ and the redeemed was right. He erred only in the manner of manifesting that love. We should always love the house of prayer--the sanctuary--and the place where Christ has manifested himself as peculiarly glorious and precious to our souls, or as peculiarly our Friend and Deliverer.

(7.) We need not be afraid of the most awful displays of Deity, if Christ be with us, Mt 17:7. Were we alone, we should fear. None could see God and live; for he is a consuming fire, Heb 12:29. But with Jesus for our Friend we may go confidently down to death; we may meet him at his awful bar; we may dwell in the full splendours of his presence to all eternity.

(8.) Saints at death are taken to happiness, and live now in glory, Mt 17:3. Moses and Elias were not created anew, but came as they were. They came from heaven, and returned thither. The spirits of all men live, therefore, in happiness or woe after the body is dead.

(9.) It is not unreasonable to suppose that saints may have some knowledge of what is done here on earth. Moses and Elias appear to have been acquainted with the fact that Jesus was about to die at Jerusalem.

(10.) The Scriptures will be fulfilled. The fulfillment may take place when we little know it; or in events that we should not suppose were intended for a fulfillment, Mt 17:12.

(11.) Erroneous teachers will endeavour to draw us away from the truth, Mk 9:14. They will do it by art, and caution, and the appearance of calm inquiry. We should always be on our guard against any teachers appearing to call in question what Christ has plainly taught us.

(12.) Mk 9:15. Christ, in his word, and by his Spirit, is a safe Teacher. When men are suggesting plausible doubts about doctrine, or attempting to unsettle our minds by cavils and inquiry, we should leave them, and apply by prayer, and by searching the Bible, to Christ, the great Prophet, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

(13.) Parents should be earnest for the welfare of their children, Mt 17:15. It is right for them to pray to God in times of sickness, that he would heal them. Miracles are not to be expected; but God only can bless the means which parents use for their sick and afflicted children.

(14.) Parents may do much by faith and prayer for their children. Here the faith of the parent was the means of saving the life of the child, Mt 17:14-18. So the faith of parents--a faith producing diligent instruction--a holy example, and much prayer, may be the means of saving their souls. God will not indeed save them on account of the faith of the parent; but the holy life of a father and mother may be the means of training up their children for heaven.

(15.) It is proper to pray to Jesus to increase our faith, Mk 9:24. We may be sensible of our unbelief; may feel that we deserve condemnation, and that we deserve no favour that is usually bestowed on faith; but we may come to him, and implore of him an increase of faith, and thus obtain the object of our desires.

(16.) Our unbelief hinders our doing much that we might do, Mt 17:20. We shrink from great difficulties, we fail in great duties, because we do not put confidence in God, who is able to help us. The proper way to live a life of religion and peace, is to do just what God requires of us, depending on his grace to aid us.

(17.) We see the proper way of increasing our faith, Mt 17:21. It is by much prayer, and self-denial, and fasting. Faith is a plant that never grows in an uncultivated soil, and is never luxuriant, unless it is often exposed to the beams of the Sun of righteousness.

(18.) It is right to weep and mourn over the death of Jesus, Mt 17:23. It was a cruel death; and we should mourn that our best Friend passed through such sufferings. Yet we should rather mourn that our sins were the cause of such bitter sorrows; and that but for our sins, and the sins of the rest of mankind, he might have been always happy. 'Twas you, my sins, my cruel sins,

His chief tormentors were;

Each of my crimes became a nail,

And unbelief the spear.

'Twas you that pulled the vengeance down

Upon his guiltless head.

Break, break, my heart! oh burst, mine eyes!

And let my sorrows bleed."

(19.) At the same time, we should rejoice that God made his death the source of the richest blessings that ever descended on mankind. He rose and brought life and immortality to light, Mt 17:23.

(20.) We should comply with all the requirements of the laws of the laid, if not contrary to the law of God. It is important that governments should be supported, Mt 17:26. See also Rom 13:1-7.

(21.) We should also be willing to contribute our just proportion to the support of the institutions of religion. The tribute which Jesus paid here by a miracle was for the support of religion in the temple, Mt 17:24-27. Jesus understood of how much value are the institutions of religion to the welfare of man. He worked a miracle, therefore, to make a voluntary offering to support religion. Religion promotes the purity, peace, intelligence, and order of the community, and every man is therefore under obligation to do his part towards its support. If any man doubts this, he has only to go to the places where there is no religion--among scoffers, and thieves, and adulterers, and prostitutes, and pickpockets, and drunkards. No money is ever lost that goes in any way to suppress these vices.