We cannot conclude without adding a word,
1. Of reproof —
[As for those who make scarcely any difference between the Sabbath and other days, but follow their business or plea- sure in a shameless manner, we shall leave them to the reproof of Nehemiahh, only warning them that their present gains or pleasures will but ill repay them for the loss of their souls. Our present subject leads us rather to notice those who detain their wives or servants at home, in order to provide them a more palatable repast. How different was the conduct of Christ and his Disciples ! They had been so occupied in holy exercises, that they had even omitted to make the necessary provision for the calls of nature ; and were contented to satisfy
« 2 Cor. iv. 15. Isai. Iviii. 13, 14. h Neh. xiii. 15, 16.
1421. j THE MAN WITH THE WITHERED HAN D. 21
their appetite with a little barley rubbed out of the ears which they gathered by the way. It should seem that they were regardless of bodily indulgence, when they were called to attend to the concerns of their souls. O that we would learn of them, and imitate their self-denying piety ! True it is, as we have said before, that works of mercy and necessity may be done ; but it is equally true, that an attention to the soul is a work of the greatest mercy, and of indispensable necessity.]
2. Of encouragement —
[Though the alleged violation of the Sabbath was the pre- text for condemning the Disciples, the real cause was, their adherence to Christ. Thus, if some sacrifice of time or bodily comfort be made in order to serve our God, the proud Pharisees, who hate the light, will inveigh against us as violating some duty either to God or man , when, if we spent our time in any other way, they would find no occasion of offence at all. But, if we be treated thus, let us remember who suffered in like manner before us ; and let us comfort ourselves with this reflec- tion, that, though man may condemn our piety, our God will both approve and reward it.]