Quaker Bible Index

( Mar 12:41-44 | Luk 21:1-4)

WDS 309 (1682): ...be faithful upon all accounts for the service of the blessed Truth of God ... to raise up the life in all, that everyone that is overcome with the powerful and heavenly motions, cast their mite into God’s treasury [Mar 12:41-44]

HPS 500 (Mary Elson, 1680): And this was the first moving cause in the power of God in my heart, to cast my mite [Mar 12:41-44 |] as my testimony to that everlasting universal blessed Power, which the Lord hath made me a living witness of, according to my measure....

(Mat 24:1f | Mar 13:2 | Luk 21:5f)

GF3:100 (1659): P. And thou sayest, "Do not forsake the temple and truth of God, to follow the bleating of Jeroboam’s calves in Dan and Bethel," etc. [1 Ki 12:28f] A. Now whither art thou gadded? ... where is thy light now? How ownest thou Christ, who keepest people to the temple? ... Hast thou lost thy reason and sobriety, to publish thy madness to the nation? And did not Christ say the temple should be thrown down [Mat 24:1f ||]? And Stephen witnessed against it, and was stoned to death [Acts 7:48, 58-60]: and thou art calling people to it; and your Popish mass-house, which you call your temple, and which you have set up since the days of the apostles, is like unto the idol set up at Dan and Bethel.

GF7:292f (1667): But, cries the world, did not they pray in the temple, the Jew outward, and must not you pray in the temple? Yes, the Jews in the spirit pray in his temple, and sing, and rejoice in his temple; for, what! ‘"Do you not know, that your bodies are the temples of the holy ghost?" [1 Cor 6:16] And so, if you pray, you must pray in the holy ghost, and rejoice in the holy ghost, and sing in the spirit [1 Cor 14:15]: and how can you sing, and rejoice [Zech 2:10], and pray in the spirit, but you must go into the temple, your bodies being the temples of the holy ghost? For the outward Jew's temple was thrown down [Mat 24:1f ||]: and he is not a Jew that is one outward, but he is a Jew that is one inward in the spirit [Rom 2:28f].

IP1:141 (1659): [Babylon] is the city of the king of darkness, ... of the prince of the power of the air [Eph 2:2], who rules universally in the darkness, in the mystery of inquity [2 Th 2:7] throughout, even in every heart. Wherever is sin, there is Satan’s throne; and there he hath his laws, his government, his power, in every heart of his dominion. And where there is the least subjection to him, he is yet a prince; his building is not yet wholly thrown down [Mat 24:2 ||]; he is not there as yet dispossessed and cast out.

(Mat 24:5 | Mar 13:6 | Luk 21:8) [cf Mat 24:11, 24 ||]

JN1:248 (1654): ...[Christ] seeing that many false teachers should arise [2 Pet 2:1 / Mat 24:24], clothed like sheep [Mat 7:15], and come in his name, and deceive many [Mat 24:5 | Mar 13:6 | Luk 21:8]; and lest any of his own should be deceived by them, he gives them a sure way to try them, and that is, by their fruits, saith he, ye shall know them [Mat 7:16].

(Mat 24:6f | Mar 13:7f | Luk 21:9-11)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:6f: GF8:50 (under Gen 25:23, Luk 17:21)]

EQ 173 (Francis Howgill, 1655?): My eyes were opened, and all the things I had ever done were brought to remembrance [cf Ezek 21:23] and the ark of the testament was opened, and there was thunder and lightning and great hail [Rev 11:19]. And then the trumpet of the Lord was sounded, and then nothing but war and rumor of war [Mat 24:6f ||], and the dreadful power of the Lord fell on me....

SIW 40 (Lydia Rawlinson Lancaster, 1743): Though without there may be wars and rumours of wars, great shakings and tumults and commotions [Mat 24:6f], yet they who abide in the head, Christ, who can as he pleaseth and put down and spoil principalities and powers [Col 2:15]–I say, those who singly depend upon and put their whole trust in him, need not be afraid of evil tidings [Psa 112:7], their strength is within, and their joy no man taketh from them [John 16:22].

(Mat 24:8-10)

MFU 231 (1657?): the desire of all nations is come [Hag 2:7], glory and praises for ever, the gospel must be published among all nations [Mat 24:14 | Mar 13:10], & this torments thee, and this is but the beginning of sorrows, & the scripture is fulfilled, ye [they?] shall deliver you up to be afflicted, & shall kill you, and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake [Mat 24:8-10]

(Mat 24:8 | Mar 13:8)

WTG 163 (Elizabeth Hudson, 1749): as I grew in religion I found I must bear greater suffering,...these being but the beginnings of sorrows with me [Mat 24:8]

(Mat 24:9 | Mar 13:9,13 | Luk 21:12f,17) [cf Mat 10:17f]

[Other texts citing Mat 24:9: JN2:182 (under Luk 4:21)]

JN1:148 (1653): And hath not Christ said, "Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake" [Mat 24:9c | Mar 9:13 | Luk 21:17]? "They shall speak all manner of evil against you falsely" [Mat 5:11]; they shall separate out of your company, reproach you, and cast out your name as evil [Luk 6:22]; and you shall be brought before rulers for a testimony against them, and for my name’s sake [Mat 10:18 | Mar 13:9 | Luk 21:12f].

(Luk 21:15)

[Other texts citing Luk 21:15: SIW 101f (under Mat 6:26-30)]

TEM 75 (17–): I knew not what [the Justice] meant by this; but I cried in spirit to the Lord, that he would be pleased to be a mouth and wisdom to me [Luk 21:15], and keep me from being entangled in any snare.

WTG 141 (EH): And whilst I stood speechless it was in this manner presented: wilt thou go on my errand. I will be with thee through all the trials incident thereto and at this time will I stretch out my arms, be mouth and wisdom to thee [Luk 21:15].

SIW 157: our compassionate High Priest had, beyond our expectation, proved to his feeble servants, mouth and wisdom [Luke 21:15], tongue and utterance [Acts 2:4] and the source of all sufficiency.

(Mat 24:12)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:12: IP2:434 (Rev 2:4f), IP3:142 (under Jude 1:12)]

GF7:115 (1656): Friends, dwell in the measure of the spirit of God, and to it take heed, that in it ye may grow; for the true and lasting love proceeds from God, who is eternal. And abiding in the measure of life, ye will have peace and love, that never changeth ; if from the measure you turn, iniquity gets up, and so the love waxeth cold [Mat 24:12], and in that lodge the evil thoughts, jealousies, evil will, and murmurings.

MFU 177 (1656): Friend, thou sayest in thy letter that my letter was welcome to thee in regard of the love that thou bears me, which love is changeable and will not abide in the time of trial which is when iniquity doth abound. Then thy love will wax cold [Mat 24:12], for it is feigned love, and not the same love which Christ Jesus loved his withal. Therefore it will not stand....

(Mat 24:13 | Mar 13:13b)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:13: DFR 12 under Mat 7:14]

HPS 375 (Elizabeth Bathurst, 1679): [quotes 2 Pet 3:17, Ezek 18:26, 33:13] Wherefore we are exhorted to continue in the grace of God [Acts 13:43], and to keep ourselves in the love of God [Jude 1:21], because of the danger that there is of falling from his grace; for 'tis those that endure to the end that shall be saved [Mat 24:13 | Mar 13:13].

DFR 6 (17–): I wrote a short account of the fore part of my life in Latin, continued to about the twenty-fifth year of my age. The many difficulties and dangers in my way, and sometimes doubting whether I should hold out to the end [Mat 24:13], induced me to keep my history in a language unknown to those about me.

(Mat 24:14 | Mar 13:10)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:14: GF5:172 (under Mar 16:15), MFU 231 (Mat 24:8-10)]

GFJN 317 (1657): And doth not Christ say, "Go preach the gospel to all nations [Mat 24:14]", which is the gospel of salvation. He would not have sent them out into all nations to preach the doctrine of salvation if the greatest part of men was ordained for hell.

JN2:7 (1655): Qu.5. Whether wherewith Christ ever called his ministers out of the world [John 15:19] to preach to all nations [Mat 24:14 | Mar 13:10] according to the Scriptures be the same now, or when was it changed into tithes, parsonages, and great houses to dwell in, seeing thou denies the first of these to be lawful and hast taken up the latter.

(Mat 24:15 | Mar 13:14 | Luk 21:20)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:15: GF4:291 under (Heb 10:5- 7)]

IP1:25f (1658): ...is it not manifest ... that there hath been a great apostasy from the true knowledge of Christ, and a universal corruption and power of death sprung up, instead of the power of his life and grace? "The grace of God, which bringeth salvation [Tit 2:11]," hath disappeared; and "the abomination of desolation" [Dan 11:31; Mat 24:15 | Mar 13:14] hath taken up its place, and filled it with a deadly venom against the truth, and against the life; so that enmity against God [Rom 8:7], under a pretence of love and zeal to him, hath reigned generally in the hearts of men, from the times of the apostles to this present day.

(Mat 24:20 | Mar 13:18)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:20: GF7:225 (John 10:13)]

GFJN 283f (1656): And Friends, though you may have tasted of the power and been convinced and have felt the light, yet afterwards you may feel winter storms, tempests, and hail, and be frozen, in frost and cold and a wilderness and temptations. Be patient and still in the power and still in the light that doth convince you, to keep your minds to God; in that be quiet, that you may come to the summer, that your flight be not in the winter [Mat 24:20 | Mar 13:18]. For if you sit still in the patience which overcomes in the power of God, there will be no flying.

GF4:314f (1662): You have had a day of persecuting, of prisoning, of spoiling the goods of the people of God, denying the light.... consider now ... if all your religion, and your worship, and your profession was not a work of darkness [Rom 13:12, Eph 5:11]; for now in a tempest and storm [Psa 83:15] you dare not stand to it, it will not cover you; and so it was a religion for summer, when your sun did shine, when you had the club, staff, and bag, then every viper crept out [Isa 59:5?]; but now winter is come, none of you are seen in public; so your flight is in the winter [Mat 24:20 | Mar 13:18]; so you are not only apostatized from the apostles’ doctrine and religion, but also from your own....

WDS 169f (1663): while they stood in the fear of the Lord, he for his name’s sake delivered them [Psa 109:21] from the winter storms they suffered under; yet for want of watchfulness, the mystery of iniquity [2 Th 2:7] has wrought and drawn them from the light into the pride of their hearts [2 Chr 32:26], to deck themselves with the jewels and gifts [Hos 2:13], which the Spirit of God gave unto them when they were humbled before him. But ... instead of giving glory to God for their deliverance, they in this time of some measure of rest, took their flight as on the sabbath day [Mat 24:20], upon the mountains of their high imaginations [2 Cor 10:5], and did sacrifice on the high places [1 Ki 3:2f].

SIW 171 (Ann Crowley, 1821): my Almighty Helper strengthened me to crave ... that not one of them...may be prevailed upon, by the enemy of their salvation, to let go their confidence in a winter season, or make shipwreck of the faith [1 Tim 1:19], when the great and wise Pilot may seem to be absent, who, I fully believe will not suffer His tried, dependent children to sink below the mighty waves of discouragement, which seem ready to overwhelm, at such a season. Oh! how needful for frail mortals to attend to the caution given by our blessed Saviour, "Take heed, that your flight be not in the winter, or on the sabbath day!" [Mat 24:20]

(Luk 21:19)

[Other texts citing Luke 21:19: GF7:221 (Rom 5:2), MFU 339 (Heb 12:1), IP2:201(Jas 1:2)]

MFU 16 (1652): My dearly beloved, wait in thy measure but awhile, and thou shalt see what will be the end of their plotting and confounding, who digs deep to hide their counsel from the Lord [Isa 29:15], but the daystar is rising [2 Pet 1:19] which makes them manifest, and the day is coming on which to them will be blackness and darkness [Jude 1:13], & the exaltation of the Lamb in his day shall prosper, and their covenant with hell & death shall be broken (Isa 28:18); let patience possess thy soul [Luk 21:19], and in thy measure wait which makes the separation from them & their abominations.

IP4:401 (1666): Hath not the Lord given you a proportion of the pure, heavenly patience, even of the Lamb's meekness and patience, and also given you to possess your souls therein [Luk 21:19], wherein hath been felt a true measure of rest and peace with him, in the midst of all the disturbances, fears, and troubles, both within and without? And hath not this been a help and succor to you, even in the time of his judgments, wherein ye have been enabled to wait and lie still, until the indignation was over-past [Isa 26:20], and the mercy sprang afresh?

SBD 67: ...it is our safest and best way, at all times, to appear just as we feel power and strength in our gifts, endeavouring to keep our minds in patience [Luke 21:19], be it how it will, knowing that the wind blows where, when, as strong, and weak, as it listeth [John 3:8], and we can neither add nor diminish ought from it [Deut 4:2].

(Luk 21:24)

IP4:128 (1671): Read also Rev 11:2, where it is plainly signified, under that phrase of the outward court being left out of God's measure, and given to the Gentiles, that things of such a nature were shaken [Heb 12:27]; and so were those that were not the true and spiritual worshippers in God's sight. For they are Jews under the gospel who are Jews inwardly [Rom 2:29]; and they who are not Jews inwardly are, by God's Spirit, numbered amongst the Gentiles. And consider how, not only the notorious Heathen, but such as had got the "form of godliness, but denied the power thereof [2 Tim 3:5]," were rejected, with their outside shadows, as really as outward Jerusalem was rejected to be trodden under foot of the Gentiles [Luk 21:24].

(Mat 24:23-26) | Mar 13:21-23 | Luk 17:21-23)

JN2:319 (1655): Thou sayest, thus saith the Lord who hath washed away our sins in his own blood [Rev 1:5]. I say, see it be so, lest thou be found in sin, and so proved a false witness; for such are they who set up false Christs [Mat 24:24], who profess a Christ without power, and cry, lo here, lo there [Mat 24:23f ||] in outward forms without, but who hath the true Christ goeth not forth [Mat 24:26].

IP1:161 (1659): the whorish spirit [of Babylon], when she perceives herself found out ..., changes her shape and attire, and comes back again by degrees ... And thus painted, thus decked, thus holding forth scripture-knowledge and scripture-ways of worship, she is the more subtle witch, the more subtle sorceress, and is able to deceive any eye, but that which is opened in the light. With her "Lo, here is Christ, and lo, there is Christ," she would deceive the very elect, if it were possible, but it is not possible; for they are taught by the spirit not to go forth [Mat 24:23-26], and the anointing within [1 Jn 2:27] preserves them.

(Mat 24:23 | Mar 13:31 | Luk 17:23)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:23: GF8:50 (under Luk 17:21), GF8:167 (Rev 17:2)]

GF4:17 (1653): And dwelling in the light, there is no occasion at all of stumbling [1 Jn 2:10], for all things are discovered with the light: thou that lovest it, here is thy teacher; when thou art walking abroad, it is present with thee in thy bosom; thou needest not to say, lo here, or lo there [Mat 24:23, Luk 17:21]: and as thou liest in thy bed it is present to teach thee, and judge thy wandering mind ....

JN2:195 (1655): the law [is] written in the heart [Rom 2:15], and not in the tables; which the carnal eye sees not, who art crying, lo here, lo there without thee [Mat 24:23, Luk 17:21]; but saith Christ, go not forth [Mat 24:27], the word is nigh thee in thy heart [Deut 30:14 | Rom 10:8]...

(Mat 24:24 | Mar 13:22) Often cited in conjunction with Mat 7:15f.

[Other texts citing Mat 24:24: GF3:7 (Jas 5:1), GF3:228 (under 2 Pet 2:1), GF8:245 (1 Jn 2:19f), IP4:288 (Mat 19:28)]

GF3:265 (1659): Christ is the surety for all that dwell on the earth, that believe in him as he doth enlighten every man [John 1:9]. And God lays no charge of sin to the elect, for it is not possible that they should be deceived [Mat 24:24]. And the cause of all bringings into sects is, that people are out of the light, and so out of unity, and see not the saviour, the redeemer, the substance of all types, figures, parables, the end of the law [Rom 10:4], that goes upon the man of strife [Jer 15:10].

GF4: 178 (1659): Now Christ said false prophets should come [Mat 24:24], and antichrist, which should have the sheep's clothing, but inwardly ravening wolves [Mat 7:15]....

IP4:29 (167-?): Quest. 7. How may a man be preserved from deceit and deceivers? Ans. By abiding in that which discovers them to him, and preserveth out of them; by dwelling in that light, in that life, in that power, in that truth, into which they cannot enter; by keeping to and in the elect of God, which never was deceived, nor can be deceived [Mat 24:24]: for it is of God, it is his seed, of his nature, in which the wicked one, the deceiver, finds nothing .... But he that goes forth out of the life [etc.], ... out of the holy anointing [1 Jn 2:27] which keeps the eye open, he easily runs into, and is entangled in, the deceivableness of unrighteousness [2 Th 2:10]; judging it (for want of a true discerning) righteousness....

(Mat 24:26)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:26: GF3:47 (under Luk 17:21), JN2: 195 (Mat 24:23)]

(Mat 24:27 | Luk 17:24)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:27: RBA 128 (John 3:8)]

GF4:164 (1658): the woman that lost the piece of silver ... was seeking it without; but when the candle was lighted and the house swept, she found it in her own house, and then she did know the joy, and went and told her neighbors [Luk 15:8f]; and then she did know the day-star rise in her heart, and the day dawning [2 Pet 1:19], whereby the light shall be known, that hines from the east to the west [Mat 24:27], and the word of faith in the mouth and heart [Rom 10:8], and the oil is in thy lamp if thou enterest in with the bridegroom [Mat 25:1-10]....

WDS 111f (1655): fear not, lift up your heads [Luk 21:28], and wait in the light with boldness. In it, look up to Christ, your King; he will appear as the lightning from the east unto the west [Mat 24:27], and you shall behold him subjecting your wild nature to himself. He will heal your infirmities [Luk 5:15], and satisfy your thirsty souls, and give you the end of your hope, the salvation of your souls.

(Mat 24:29 | Mar 13:24f | cf Luk 21:25f)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:29: IP3:243 (under Heb 12:28)]

EQ 204 (Stephen Crisp, 1690): Oh, how doleful was my nights, and sorrowful was my days! ... My sun lost her light, and my moon was darkened, and the stars of my course were fallen [Mat 24:29], that I knew no more how to direct my way, but was as one forsaken in a howling desert [Deut 32:10] in the darkest night....

(Mat 24:29f | Mar 13:24-26 | Luk 21:25-27)

HPS 180 (Katharine Evans & Sarah Chevers, prisoners of the Inquisition,1662): The last day of my fast I began to be hungry.... and in the time of our great trial, the sun and earth did mourn visibly [Jer 4:28?] three days, and the horror of death and pains of hell was upon me [Psa 116:3]; the sun was darkened, the moon was turned into blood, and the stars did fall from heaven and there was great tribulation ten days, such as never was from the beginning of the world; then did I see the Son of man coming in the clouds, with power and great glory [Mat 24:29f ||], triumphing over his enemies; the heavens were on fire, and the elements did melt with fervent heat [2 Pet 3:10], and the trumpet sounded out of Sion, and an alarm was struck up in Jerusalem [Joel 2:1]....

(Mat 24:30 | Mar 13:26 | Luk 21:27)

MFU 200 (1656): ...Scriptures to be your rule, so the fruits of your profession and your ministry which you run after, some for the Presbyterians and some for the Independents, some looking for a Christ coming in the clouds of the sky [Mat 24:30 ||] and in their minds imagines a personal reign and thus you are confused and divided in your vain thoughts & imaginations [Rom 1:21], which makes you manifest that you know him not come at all ....

IP3:160 (1668): And now what hinders, but ye should lift up your heads and see the coming of the Son of man in the clouds wherein he comes [Mat 24:30 ||], and partake of the redemption, power, and virtue of his appearance? What are the clouds wherein he comes? Is his coming outward? Or are the clouds outward? Or is his coming inward and spiritual in ten thousands of his saints? Did not Enoch see that he was come so to judge the world? [Jude 1:14f] Doth he not come to be glorified in his saints [2 Th 1:10]? Are not they to judge the world [1 Cor 6:2]? – they in him, he in them [John 15:4]?

(Mat 24:31 | Mar 13:27)

MFU 215 (1656): dearly beloved, if there be any bowels of mercy toward the seed which lies yet buried in the graves where death hath passed over, let bowels of pity reach unto the seed which the everlasting love of God is to, which lies in the open field, which no eye pitieth but the Lord whose time is a time of love [Ezek 16:5-8], which now he is visiting in an acceptable time [Isa 49:8] & sending forth his messengers & ministers, to call in the outcasts of Israel & the dispersed of Judah [Isa 11:12] & to gather in his elect from the four winds of the heavens [Mat 24:31 ||].

(Mat 24:32f | Mar 13:28f | Luk 21:29-31)

IP1:52 (1658): Now learn wisdom: "know the parable of the fig-tree [Mat 24:32f];" come to the life that is arisen, and abide not in the death that is passed and passing away.

(Mat 24:34 | Mar 13:30 | Luk 21:32)

[Other texts citing Mat 24:34: JN1:512 (Rom 3:31)]

(Mat 24:35 | Mar 13:31 | Luk 21:33)

GF3:501 (1659): And the scriptures are not the word, but the words of God, and so you teach parishes, and your children to lie, as you may read in Exodus [20:1], "God spake all these words, and said." And "Whosoever shall add to these words," Revelations [22:18]. And Christ saith, "my words [Mat 24:35 ||]." And would you make people believe the scriptures were but a word, when they say they are words? And Christ is the word, as in the Revelation [19:13].

(Mat 24:36 | Mar 13:32)

JSS 51 (17–): Nor was this total dependency confined wholly to power; it was as real in regard to wisdom and knowledge....Hence, he himself speaks of a day or hour, which no man, nor angel, nay, nor even the son himself, but the Father only, knoweth [Mat 24:36 | Mar 13:32].

(Luk 21:28)

MFU 87f (1654): if ever you own God or the truth of God, you must own persecution, but be not discouraged, nor faint in the way [Mat 15:32 | Mar 8:3], neither be you of a doubtful mind [Luk 12:29], for the scripture is now fulfilling, as you may read in Luke the 24^th where Jesus Christ saith, they shall lay their hands on you & persecute you and deliver you up to the synagogues, and into prison, and it shall turn to you for a testimony [Luk 21:12f | Mat 10:17f], & he saith when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads for your redemption draws nigh [Luk 21:28]....

WDS 212f (1664): Oh! you dear and tender children, who love not your lives unto death [Rev 12:11] this day, that you may finish a good testimony [Rev 11:7] for the glory of my name, saith the Lord God; lift up your heads [Luk 21:28] in the light of my covenant, and believe in my name, for I am near you, saith the mighty God of safety.

(Mar 13:33-37 | Luk 21:34-36)

:[Other texts citing Mat 24:42 | Mar 13:33-37: RBA 333 (Mat 26:41]

WPR 85 (1669): Adam's temptation is represented by an apple [Gen 3:5f]; thereby intimating the great influence external objects (as they exceed in beauty) carry with them upon our senses; so that unless the mind keep upon its constant watch, so prevalent and ... enchanting are visable things, ... that hard 'twill be for one to escape, being ensnared [margin: Mat 24:42, Mark 13:33-37]; and he shall need be only sometimes entrapped, to cast so thick a vail of darkness over the mind, that not only it shall with pleasure continue in its fetters to lust and vanity; but proudly censure such as refuse conformity to the same...; that strange passion do perishing objects rise in those minds, where way is made, and entertainments given to them.

( Mar 13:33 | Mat 24:42)

[Other texts citing Mar 13:33: RBA 311 (1 Pet 4:7)]

(Mar 13:35-37)

GF4:121f (1657): And what think you of them that Christ bids tarry here and watch with him, and Christ comes and finds them asleep, and saith, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation [Mat 26:40f ||; quotes Mar 13:35-37]. Now mind where the watching is, and the praying is, they are in the light, in that which silences all flesh [Zech 2:13], for words in that leads from the watch. Therefore come to know the watch set before every one of your mouths, and so keep that silenced that must be stopped; and so what Christ saith to one, he saith unto all, watch [Mar 13:37].

(Mar 13:35)

HPS 178 (Katharine Evans, prisoner of the Inquisition, 1662): The terrors of death were strongly upon me [Psa 55:4]; but three nights after, the Lord said unto me, about the 11^th hour, Arise, and put on your clothes; I said, When wilt thou come, Lord? He said, Whether at midnight, or at cock-crow, do thou watch. [Mar 13:35]

(Mar 13:37)

SIW 164 (Ann Crowley, 1810): it is an unspeakable favour to have reproofs of instruction [Prov 6:23] sounded in our ears, in any way that unerring wisdom sees most likely to quicken our diligence in the work of our day, of which I consider watchfulness and true heart-felt prayer, a considerable part. How emphatic are the words of our dear Redeemer,"What I say unto you, I say all, Watch!" [Mar 13:37]

(Luk 21:34)

[Other texts citing Luk 21:34: GF3:557f (John 13:26f)]

GF4:128 (1657): and oh people! be not surfeited with the cares of this life, neither overcharge your hearts [Luk 21:34] with the deceitfulness of riches [Mat 13:22], but mind the power of an endless life [Heb 7:16]....

(Luk 21:36)

[Other texts citing Luk 21:36: RBA 311 (under 1 Pet 4:7); RBA 333 (Mat 26:41)]

(Mat 25:1-13 | cf Luk 12:35-38, 13:35)

[Other texts citing Mat 25:1-13: GF4:164 (under Mat 24:27), GF8:6f (Rev 19:7), GF8:213 (Jude 1:6) WDS 113 (John 3:19-21), WPR 313 (1 Jn 2:9)]

GF7: 218 (1662): So spread the truth abroad, and be valiant for it upon the earth [Jer 9:3], improve your talent [Mat 25:14-30], and be the wise virgins, with oil in your lamps; that ye may enter in with the bridegroom [Mat 25:1-10].

WDS 240f (1675): I beseech you, Friends, wait to know your passage in this great mystery. The entrance to it is by the strait gate [Mat 7:13]; and all the foolish virgins, though their lamp in the outward profession be never so glorious [Mat 25:1-13], yet through pride in their attainments, never enter into this rest [Psa 95:11, Heb 3:11]; for this is the furthest that ever any come who make a profession of the Truth, and go from us, but are not of us [1 Jn 2:19].

IP1:16 (1658): Oh hear, that your souls may live! [Isa 55:3] Ye know not how short your time is; the day of your visitation passeth away faster than you are aware. The cry hath long gone forth, Behold, the bridegroom cometh, and his spouse hath been preparing for his bed! Ye must off with your old garments, and have the new on. Ye must have the true oil in your lamps, or the door of the kingdom will be shut upon you, and there will be no entrance for you. [Mat 25:1-13] In plain terms, you must part with all your religion which you have gathered in your own wisdom, which hath grown up in the apostasy, and which only can make a fair show in the dark; but cannot endure the searching light of the day of the Lord; and ye must purchase the true religion, the true righteousness, the true innocency, and purity of Christ.

HPS 524 (London Women's Meeting, 1685): we are not to put our candles under a bushel [Mat 5:15], nor to hide our talents in a napkin [Luk 19:20], as the slothful do; but we are to have oil in our lamps, like wise virgins to the Lord [Mat 25:1-13]; but our lamps are to burn, and our lights are to shine, that we may all see clearly our work and service....

(Mat 25:3)

GF8:292: [Mat 25:3, see under Mat 5:15]

(Mat 25:4)

[Other texts citing Mat 25:4: GF7:177 (John 15:15)]

(Mat 25: 14-30)

[Other texts citing Mat 25:14-30: GF7:24f ( under Mat 20:1-9), GF7:218 (Mat 25:1-13), MFU 128 (Mat 20:1-14), RBA 196 (Luk 17:10), WPT 230f (1 Jn 1:9)]

GF7:59 (1653): And Christ has given to every one a measure, and ability according to his measure; he that improves not his measure [Mat 25:14-30], he hath the eye, and seeth not, and ear, and heareth not, and heart, and doth not understand [Jer 5:21/Isa 6:10].

GF8:15 (1669): And so quench not the spirit, despise not prophecy [1 Th 5:19f], hate not the light [John 3:20], but improve your talent: hide it not but improve it [Mat 25:14-30].

GF8:129 (1676): So, my desires are, that you may all spread and grow in the vine [John 15:4f], for the Lord hath a great people to come out in those parts [Isa 13:3-5], which I saw in 1651. And therefore labour in God's power, that you may increase your heavenly treasure, and enter into the joy of the Lord [Mat 25:14-30].

IP2:288 (1661): God putteth forth his hand all the day long, to fetch home lost man. He hath given him a talent [Mat 25:14-30], a living talent, which is able to work man into life, and to bring forth the fruits of life in man. Man overlooks the talent, joins not his heart to it, brings not forth the fruits of life to the giver, but cries he wants power....

RBA 144, RBAF 102 (1678, V/VI:22): he that had two talents was accepted as well as he that had five because he used them to his master's profit. And he that had one might have done so: his talent was of the same nature with the rest, it was as capable to have proportionably brought forth its interest as the rest [Mat 25:14-30]. And so though there be not a like proportion of grace given to all, ... yet there is given to all that which is sufficient, and no more is required than according to that which is given: "For unto whomsoever much is given, from him shall much be required" [Luk 12:48]....

SIW 158 (Ann Crowley, 1797): strength was graciously afforded to testify to the goodness and mercy of an Almighty God, who is not a hard master, but grants a rich reward to the humble dedicated mind, for every act of faithfulness.[Mat 25:14-30]

(Mat 25:18)

[Other texts citing (Mat 25:18) RBA 146 (Rom 1:18f)]

(Mat 25:20-23 | Luk 19:16-19)

RBA 206f (1678, VIII.2): by this we understand not such a perfection as may not daily admit of a growth...; but only a perfection proportionable and answerable to a man's measure, whereby we are kept from transgressing the law of God and enabled to answer what he requires of us, even as he that improved his two talents so as to make four of them perfected his work, and was so accepted of his Lord as to be called "a good and faithful servant," nothing less than he that made his five ten [Mat 25:20-23].

HPS 429 (Elizabeth Bathurst, 1679): And so we shall be bound up together in the bundle of love and life [1 Sam 25:29] in Christ Jesus, and shall grow up in him like willows by the water coiurses [Isa 44:4], and as tender plants which God's right hand hath planted [Psa 80:15]; and our natural talents augmented, to serve the Lord with faithfulness in our several places, where we shall be as lights unto the world whilst our dwelling is here amongst them, and then having improved our talents to the glory of God, and run well to the end of our race, when our course is finished [2 Tim 4:7], we shall lay down our heads in peace, and hear that joyful sentence pronounced on us, "Well done good and faithful servants, enter ye into the joy of your Lord" [Mat 25:20-23]....

(Mat 25:21,23 | Luk 19:17)

[Other texts citing Mat 25:21, 23: MFS 42 (Rev 3:7), SBD 93 (under Mat 25:35f)]

IP3:426 (1668): Therefore prize the day of thy visitation from the holy God, from the God of mercy and salvation; and be faithful in the little [Mat 25:21,23], in the day of small things [Zech 4:10], if ever thou desire to enjoy and be ruler over much. The Lord may exercise thee in, and require of thee, little things; as he hath done the rest of the flock, whose footsteps thou art to follow to the Shepherd's tents [Song 1:8]; and the enemy will be endeavoring to stop thee, and perplex thee, in every little thing that the Lord requires of thee.

WPR 597, WPT 397f (1694): In the feeling of the motions of this principle we drew near to the Lord, and waited to be prepared by it, that we might feel those drawings and movings, before we approached the Lord in prayer, or opened our mouths in ministry. And in our beginning and ending with this, stood our comfort, service, and edification. And as we run faster, or fell short, we made burdens for ourselves to bear; our services finding in ourselves a rebuke instead of an acceptance, and in lieu of Well done [Mat 25:21,23], Who has required this at your hands? [Isa 1:12]

WTG 69 (Susanna Morris, 1745) sure I am that is the reasonable duty of all the Lord’s people to be obedient to his requirings in all things even until death [Phil 2:8] if they accept a crown of life [Rev 2:10], although it be in little things, for those who are not faithful in little things [Mat 25:21,23] are not like to be favoured with great rewards of true peace....

SIW 133 (Mary Alexander, 1797): I trust, some there are who, if they are faithful to the day of small things [Zech 4:10], will, in due time, be made rulers over more [Mat 25:21,23]....

(Mat 25:24-30 | Luk 19:20-26)

MFS 32 (1660): [quotes 1 Cor 12:7] But the ministers of darkness, which have erred from the Spirit and endeavor to keep all people back from the teaching, leading, and guiding of the Spirit: they do not profit with it, but hide their talent in the earth and count the Lord hard master. Therefore, he must needs take it from them, and give it unto those that have profited with it [Mat 25:24-30].

IP3:258 (1671?): There are some that do not improve God's good talent, and from them that which was once given is again taken away [Mat 25:24-30]. Yea, the candle of the wicked shall one time or other be put out [Prov 24:20], and they shall be silent in darkness [1 Sam 2:9].... And all men had need to take heed how they be wanton with the grace of God [Jude 1:4], or despise the day of their visitation by the holy light of God's spirit [Luk 19:14/Heb 10:29]; for if God take away the talent, if God put out the inward candle, who can light it again?

(Mat 25:24 | Luk 19:21)

[Other texts citing (Mat 25:24) RBA 209 (Rom 1:18)]

GF3:553 (1659): But God is not unrighteous, or a hard task master [Mat 25:24], to lay more upon a man than he can do, as the corrupt wills of men, and the slothful servants look upon God so to do, as to command them to do the thing they cannot, so make God unreasonable, they that love the darkness, and their pleaures and lusts more than God, and so have not regard to God and their neighbor.

IP3: 262 (1672): And truly, the Lord is not a hard master to any, as the unprofitable servant, in every dispensation, is ready to account of him [Mat 25:24]; for the times of ignorance and darkness God winketh at, or passeth over, being very tender towards men in that estate; yea, a little that is of him turned to and heeded, according to the measure of understanding that God gives, will be owned and accepted, even in the midst of a great deal of darkness and evil working against it.

WPR 160 (1682): It is impossible, say they, What, would you have us keep his commandments, no man can? What! Impossible to do that, without which Christ hath made it impossible to be a Christian? Is Christ unreasonable? Does he reap, where he has not sown [Mat 25:24]? Require, where he has not enabled?

(Mat 25:25)

[Other texts citing (Mat 25:25) RBA 146 (Rom 1:18f)]

MFU 210f (1656): ...all come down to the witness of God [1 Jn 5:9f] & deal plainly with your souls, & let the judge which stands at the door [Jas 5:9] pass upon you, let the time past suffice that you have hid your talent in the earth which you have received from the Lord [Mat 25:25] to profit withal [1 Cor 12:7]....

JN2:247 (1655): ...where this spirit is known and followed, the light that is in them is not darkness [Mat 6:23], that's their condition where the talent is hid [Mat 25:25].

(Mat 25:28)

IP3:258: [Mat 25:28, see under Jude 1:4]

(Mat 25:29 | Luk 19:26)

RBA 136f, RBAF 99 (1678, V/VI.10): So it is, after real offers of mercy and salvation rejected, that God hardens men's hearts, and not before. Thus that saying is verified, "To him that hath, shall be given; and from him that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he hath." [Mat 25:29] This may seem a riddle, yet is according to this doctrine easily solved. He hath not, because he hath lost the season of using it, and so to him it is now as nothing: for Christ uses this expression upon the occasion of the taking the one talent from the slothful servant, and giving it to him that was diligent....

(Mat 25:31-46)

IP2:437-440 (1666): [commentary: "Some observations on the eternal judgment as it is expressed by Christ, Matthew 25:31 to the end of the chapter."]

(Mat 25:32f)

[Other texts citing Mat 25:32f: JN3:718f (Gen 9:25f)]

MFU 171 (1655): And they who turn out from the Light, their resurrection is to condemnation [John 5:29], and on the left hand they are put, among the goats [Mat 25:32f], and shall have their portion with hypocrites and unbelievers [Mat 24:51/Luk 12:46].

(Mat 25:35f)

[Other texts citing Mat 25:35f: JN1:298 (under Luk 3:8-14), HPS 508 (Luk 12:42-46), HPS 531 (Heb 6:10)]

MFU 119f (to Oliver Cromwell, 1655): consider that the Lord God hath been true & faithful to thee & hath given thee many victories ... & hath ... set thee to be a ruler & a governor over the people.... beware that thou do not requite him evil for good [1 Sam 25:21] for now he is trying what thou wilt do for him. He is sick & in prison. He is trying if thou wilt visit him. He is naked & he is trying if thou wilt clothe him, hungry & trying if thou wilt feed him [Mat 25:35f]....

SBD 93 (1750): they will be as lights in the world [Mat 5:14]..., and they at last be entitled to the blessed sentence or invitation of those who have fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited the prisoner [Mat 25:34-36], which is: Enter into the joy of thy Lord [Mat 25:21,23], to dwell in his presence forever.

(Mat 25:40-46)

IP1:284 (1659): Why we visit friends in prison. Reas. Because they being imprisoned for their obedience to Christ, what we do to them, we do to him [Mat 25:40]; and we are afraid, lest he should say to us at the great day, I was sick and in prison, and ye visited me not [Mat 25:43]." Now they that are so far from doing this themselves, that they punish others for doing it, when God shall call them to account, what will they answer?

(Mat 25:40,45)

[Other texts citing Mat 25:40: MFU 389 (Heb 4:15)]

GF2:333f (1687): the outward christians, that live and walk not in Christ, but in sin and evil, though they make an outward profession of Christ, yet crucify to themselves Christ afresh [Heb 6:6]. As to Christ himself, he is "ascended far above all principalities, thrones, powers, and dominions [Eph 4:10/Col 1:16];" so that they cannot put him to death, or crucify him any more, as to himself; but what the killers, crucifiers, and persecutors do now upon the earth, is against Christ in themselves, and in his members; as Christ said to Saul, "Why persecutest thou me?" Acts 9:4. For what is done to his members, Christ takes as done to himself, Mat 25:40,45.

IP1:130 (165): Q. But have the strict professors, who pretend great things in honor of Christ, murdered them in themselves? A. Yes, verily, as really and the Scribes and Pharisees and people of the Jews put him to death at Jerusalem: for what they do to the least appearance of his light in their hearts, they do it unto him [Mat 25:40].

JSS 19 (17–): [quotes Mat 25:40] Let none suppose he means simply, that he will accept it as if done unto him; it is true in the strictest sense. It is actually done undo him in them, for they are all real brethren; "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ [Rom 8:17]."

(Mat 25:41)

[Other texts citing Mat 25:41: GF8:137 (2 Pet 2:5)]

DFR 7f (17–): By attention to the Divine call, and to the reproofs of instruction [Prov 6:23] daily communicated, I was preserved from evil, and saw something of the beauty of holiness; the happy state of the righteous in the world to come, and also the moving situation of the wicked when they put off mortality and hear the awful sentence pronounced, "Depart ye cursed [Mat 25:41]."

(Mat 25:42-46)

GF7:258f (1664): My dear Friends and brethren,—The Lord is with you all every where, who suffer for his name and truth's sake, in all your bonds and afflictions [Acts 20:23] be of good comfort, for the Lord is with you; neither be dismayed at your sufferings, for if you suffer, Christ suffereth; and if you be persecuted, it is Christ that is persecuted; and if you be not visited, it is Christ that is not visited; and if you be oppressed, it is he that is oppressed [Mat 25:42-45]. And he will lay no more upon you than you are able to bear [1 Cor 10:13].

JN2:279 (1655): The ground of thy conscience is in opinion, and thy honesty artificial. Christ saith, those that do not minister to the hungry, strangers, naked, or prisoners, shall go into everlasting punishment [Mat 25:42-46]; but this with thee is a thing determined by the understanding.

(Mat 25:42f)

HPS 132 (Esther Biddle, 1662): Oh you high and lofty ones! who spendeth God's creation upon your lusts [Jas 4:3], and doth not feed the hungry, nor clothe the naked [Mat 25:42f], but they are ready to perish in the streets; both old and young, lame and blind lieth in your streets, and at your mass-house doors, crying for bread, which even melteth my heart, and maketh the soul of the righteous to mourn....

(Mat 25:43)

GFJN 55, EQ 381 (Elizabeth Hooton to the mayor of Derby, 1650): Friend, thou art set in place to do justice; but, in imprisoning my body, thou hast done contrary to justice, according to your own law. Oh, take heed of pleasing men more than God [Gal 1:10], for that is the way of the scribes and pharisees, they sought the praise of men more than God [John 12:43]. Remember who said, "I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; I was in prison and ye visited me not [Mat 25:43]." O friend, thy envy is not against me, but against the power of Truth.