Quaker Bible Index

(Mat 5:3-12)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:3-12: RBA 196 (under Luk 17:10)]

IP2:246-9 (1661): [Describes in detail how God "weakens the creature" by exercises which] make the heart tender and fit to be moulded by the eternal virtue and power, into a vessel for the power:" ... First, they make the spirit poor [Mat 5:3].... Secondly, they bring into a mourning estate [Mat 5:4].... Thirdly, they bring into a meek, merciful, tenderhearted frame towards others [Mat 5:5,7].... Fourthly, they bring into a hungry and thirsty state after holiness and righteousness [Mat 5:6].... Fifthly, they bring into a pure frame, into a cleanness of inside [Mat 5:8].... Sixthly, they bring into a patient frame; fit to bear reproaches and persecutions from the world....

WPR 465 (1678): [The Beatitudes, Mat 5:3-12] indeed comprehend the whole of Christianity. By mourners [Mat 5:4] we understand true penitents, men of unfeigned repentance; which leads them not only to confess but forsake their sins. This godly sorrow [2 Cor 7:10] makes men poor in spirit [Mat 5:3], empty of themselves, wanting the light, life and power of Jesus to support and sustain them; in which as they steadfastly walk, the atonement of the blood is felt, and it cleanseth them from all unrighteousness [1 Jn 1:7]: which makes them pure in heart [Mat 5:8]. And in this condition no food will serve their turn but righteousness; after this they hunger and thirst [Mat 5:6] more than for the bread that perisheth. They are full of meekness [Mat 5:5] and mercy [Mat 5:7], making peace [Mat 5:9] and promoting concord, wherever they come; for being themselves reconciled to God [Rom 5:10], they endeavour to reconcile all men unto God and one unto another.

(Mat 5:3 | Luk 6:20)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:3: WDS 256 (under Mat 5:6), IP2:265 (Mat 13:44-46)]

WDS 107 (1655): ...the Lord will ... give you power to wait on him in the way of his judgments, until the carnal, earthly sensual mind [Rom 8:6] ... be cut down and slain by the word of God within, which is a sharp and two-edged sword [Heb 4:12], to slay down the first man, which is of the earth, earthy [1 Cor 15:47]; and then you will come to witness a "being slain of the Lord" [Isa 66:16]...; and in the power of the Spirit, you will be brought, in the true sense of the poverty of your spirits [Mat 5:3], to hunger and thirst after the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus [Mat 5:6], ... and to judge and deny self with his light, and in it wait for his power to guide you in every word and work [2 Th 2:17].

IP1:16 (1658): If it be possible for you, become poor in spirit [Mat 5:3]; lest ye at last prove to be the rich whom the Lord will send empty away [Luk 1:53].

HPS 288 (Susannah Blandford, 1698): what I have seen and heard, I declare [1 Jn 1:3], that he is the true God, and the poor in spirit receive the kingdom of heaven [Mat 5:3], and see a nothingness and emptiness in themselves, without a daily supply from him....

WPR 142 (1677): ...the poor in spirit [Mat 5:3], that have parted with all, that they may win Christ [Phil 3:8]....

WTG 189 (Elizabeth Hudson, 1749): it pleased the master of our assemblies [Eccl 12:11] to reduce me very low in this meeting and give me to taste true poverty of spirit [Mat 5:3] as also at the close of it the promised blessing to the poor in spirit.

JWJM 115 (17–) : The poverty of spirit [Mat 5:3] and inward weakness with which I was much tried the forepart of this journey has of late appeared to me as a dispensation of kindness.

(Mat 5:4 | Luk 6:21b)

WTG 66 (Susanna Morris, 1745): In the great city of London He comforted the mourners [Mat 5:4] and satisfied his poor with true bread which perished not [John 6].

(Mat 5:5)

IP4:422 (1678): [describes the dispensations of law, prophets, gospel etc in terms of spiritual progression] Then afterwards comes the dispensation of the prophets, wherein ... the soul hath promises from God, that the righteousness shall be revealed [Isa 56:1], that power to become a son shall be given [John 1:12], and the enemy's strength broken, ... and the hungry and thirsty shall be filled with righteousness [Mat 5:6], and the meek come to inherit God's earth [Mat 5:5], and the beggar come from the dung-hill, raised up in the power of life, to sit among princes, even the princes in the heavenly glory of God's everlasting kingdom [1 Sam 2:8].

WPR 639 (1699): From humility springs meekness.... The difference is not great between these excellent graces; yet scripture observes some. God will teach the humble his way, and guide the meek in judgment [Psa 25:9]. [Meekness] seems to be humility perfectly digested, and from a virtue become a nature.... There are divers great and precious promises to the meek in scripture. [cites Psa 149:4, 37:11, Mat 5:5, 11:29, 18:3, 1 Pet 3:4, Gal 5:22f, et al.]

(Mat 5:6 | Luk 6:21a)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:6: WDS 107f (under Mat 5:3), IP4: 289: (1 Pet 2:2), IP4:422 (Mat 5:5)]

GF4:129 (1657): they that use their tongues and say the Lord saith it, when the Lord never spake to them [Jer 23:31] ... are angry and offended at them, that in silence wait upon God in his council, and patiently wait upon him, whose hearts pant after God [Psa 42:1], when there is never a word spoken, whose souls hunger after righteousness [Mat 5:6], when there is never a word spoken....

MFU 170f (1655): And they who thirst and breathe after righteousness, such the Lord satisfieth [Mat 5:6]. So read, and with the eternal Light examine and search, and try what it is that you thirst after; whether it be righteousness, purity, and holiness, for these will the Lord satisfy; and whoever is not thus seeking, shall never receive satisfaction from the Lord God; but wrath, terror, and horror shall fall upon that which is contrary to this.

IP4: 347 (16–?): And we cannot hunger after the true righteousness [Mat 5:6], the heavenly righteousness, the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ, but as we see the loathsomeness of, and put off, our own righteousness [Isa 64:6]; and then becoming naked, we are taught of God to buy white raiment of him [Rev 3:17f], which is the righteousness of the saints [Rev 19:8], and so he becomes our righteousness, made so of God to us.

WDS 256 (1686): But the kingdom of God not consisting in observation [Luk 17:20], you, in the light, press forward, according to your spiritual hunger and thirst [Mat 5:6], in true poverty of spirit [Mat 5:3], weeping and seeking the Lord your God, asking your way to Zion, with your faces thitherward [Jer 50:4f], that you may enjoy salvation for walls and bulwarks [Isa 26:3].

WTG 83 (Susanna Morris, 1748): had a meeting...where we were well favoured with the springing up and running forth of a living ministry to the refreshing of the hungry and thirsty after the righteousness of faith [Mat 5:6].

(Mat 5:7)

WPR 640 (1699): [complation of Scripture refs to mercy, including Mat 5:7 and Luk 6:36]

(Mat 5:8)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:8: GF7:54 (James 1:5), GF7:78 (John 13:14f)].

EQ 176 (Francis Howgill, 1660): Now, friends, there is something in man which must receive Christ, something of his own (learn what it is) which he comes to, and he cannot be joined to or with anything but that which is pure and undefiled. The pure in heart see God [Mat 5:8], and not the mortal mind, that despises his glory.

HPS 133 (Esther Biddle, 1662): Oh! leave off your ways and worships, and observing days, times, and seasons [Gal 4:10/Acts 1:7], and learn the new and living way [Heb 10:20], which is the way in the wilderness, though a wayfaring man or a fool shall not err therein [Isa 35:8]; this calls for holiness and purity, without which you cannot see the Lord [Heb 12:14/Mat 5:8]....

JWJM 176 (1772): [Quotes Mat 5:8] In purity of heart the mind is divinely opened to behold the nature of universal righteousness, or the righteousness of the kingdom of God [Mat 6:33; quotes John 6:46]

(Mat 5:9)

GF7:150 (1658): Friends and brethren every where, dwell in that which makes for peace [Rom 14:19] and love; for "Blessed are the peacemakers, for theirs is the kingdom [Mat 5:9]," that stands in righteousness, joy, and peace in the holy ghost [Rom 14:17], and in power. Therefore seek the peace, in which is the welfare and good of every one. And take heed of strife and contention [Hab 1:3], for that eats out the good, and does not edify, nor make for peace, for it is love that edifies the body [1 Cor 8:1].

GF8:62 (1674): Friends,—Seek the peace of all men; which peace is in Christ, which is a peace that the world cannot take away [John 14:27]. And blessed are the peacemakers [Mat 5:9], that make peace among the brethren and people; these shall have a blessing from the Lord, the king of peace [Heb 7:2]; but wo be unto them that cause strife and offence [Mat 18:7].

(Mat 5:10-12)

GF8:123 (1676): And did not the christians of old suffer joyfully the spoiling of their goods [Heb 10:34], by professors and profane? So they that are born of the flesh, will persecute them that are born of the spirit [Gal 4:29]; and they that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution [2 Tim 3:12]; and blessed are they that do suffer persecution for Christ and his righteousness' sake [Mat 5:10-12].

(Mat 5:11 | Luk 6:22)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:11: JN1:148 (under Mat 24:9)]

GFJN 400 (Declaration to Charles II, 1660): And whereas all manner of evil has been falsely spoken against us [Mat 5:11], we hereby speak forth the plain truth of our hearts, to take away the occasion of that offence, that so we being innocent may not suffer for other men's offences, nor be made a prey upon by the wills of men for that of which we were never guilty; but in the uprightness our hearts we may, under the power ordained of God for the punishment of evil-doers and for the praise of them that do well [1 Pet 2:14], live a peaceable and godly life in all godliness and honesty.

JN1:394 (1654): ...we rest in patience while we see the Scripture fulfilled, which saith, "They shall cast out your names as evil [Luk 6:22] and shall speak all manner of evil of ye falsely, for my name's sake" [Mat 5:11]; which we bear with patience, as owning it to be our portion from that generation.

(Mat 5:11f | Luk 6:22f)

GF8:194 (1682): Well, what can you tell but that this may be the day of the Lord with you, in your captivity, to bring down your hearts [Psa 107:12] and spirits, that with the spirit of the Lord you may turn to him, who is a God at hand [Jer 23:23]; and that you may call upon the Lord in truth [Psa 145:18] and righteousness, that all your sufferings, afflictions, and captivity may be sanctified to you. So that you may say, ‘all things shall work together for good, to them that love God [Rom 8:28].’ And so with Job you may bless God, ‘who giveth and taketh away [Job 1:21],’ and that you may glorify God in whatsoever condition you may be; that no trouble may move you; and that you may rejoice in afflictions, persecutions, and tribulations [Mat 5:11f] in the Lord, through his spirit that doth uphold you [Psa 51:12].

(Mat 5:12 | Luk 6:23)

WPR 157 (1677): But this know, when the enemy cannot prevail by any of these strategems, if you resist him, as the god of this world's glory [2 Cor 4:4], the prince of the air [Eph 2:2], and the false prophet, then he turneth dragon; then he declareth open war [Rev 12:17]; then you are heretics, fanatics, enthusiasts, seducers, blasphemers, unworthy to live upon the earth. But in all these things rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great shall be your reward in the Kingdom of the Father [Mat 5:12].

(Luk 6:20 | Mat 5:2f)

IP3:363 (1675): The poor receive the gospel [Mat 11:5], the poor receive the kingdom [Luke 6:20], the poor receive the power, the poor receive the righteousness and salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ye are too rich in your own comprehensions and gathered knowledge from your own literal conceivings, to learn to wait aright, to receive of him his gold, his raiment, and his eye-salve [Rev 3:17f].

(Luk 6:22 | Mat 5:11)

JN1:394: [Luk 6:22, see under Mat 5:11]

WDS 85 (Francis Ellington, 1654): And they cry, Repent, and fear the living God, and return to the light of Christ in your own consciences, which convinceth you of sins and of evil deeds. And for this, the wicked world persecutes them, to fulfil the Scriptures, in casting out their names as evil for the Son of Man's sake [Luk 6:22]; but God hath prepared them, and they can suffer more, than the wicked world can inflict upon them. And when the wicked have punished them, what they can, they will forgive [their persecutors] and pity them; and when they are beaten, they resist not [Mat 5:39]; and when they are cursed, they bless [Mat 5:44].

(Luk 6:25)

[Other texts citing Luk 6:25: JN1:66 (Jas 4:9)]

(Luk 6:26)

[Other texts citing Luk 6:26: IP2:183 (Jas 4:4)]

MFS 36 (1660): Another mark that Christ gave of the false prophets, to know them by, was when all men should speak well of them, for so did their fathers of the false prophets [Luk 6:26]. Now let all people judge, whether this be not the condition of the priest and teachers at this day, for they bear rule by their means. Yet the people love to have it so [Jer 5:31].

(Mat 5:13 | Luk 14:34f)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:13: GF3:136 (1 Jn 1:1), GF7:216 (Heb 13:9), JN3:531 (Gen 18:23-32)]

GFT 108 (1675): You are the salt of the earth [Mat 5:13]. Before everyone be the salt of the earth, they must be salted themselves.... You must be salted of God before you be savoury to God, then to him a sweet smelling savour [2 Cor 2:14]. All to be seasoned with this sweet, heavenly grace [Col 4:6], then make others a sweet savour to God, as naturalized into the thing [Luk 1:35?] wherein the Lord's glory may be seen.

IP3:450 (1670): How many men's spirits are now cankered, and the good long ago eaten out of them, who had once some tenderness and upright breathings after the Lord! but now their silver is become dross, and their wine mixed with water [Isa 1:22], so that the very nature and property of it is changed; the salt having lost its savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? [Mat 5:13] I mention this to thee, that thou mayest watch and pray [Mat 26:41]; that thou thyself do not lose thy savour and sense and tenderness which the Lord at some times kindleth in thee, by hearkening to the subtle reasonings and suggestions of another spirit, either in thyself or others.

EQ 521 (Robert Barclay, 1676): ...those that turn openly back to the world again, through finding the way of Truth too narrow [Mat 7:14]; these have not been capable to do us any considerable hurt; for, being as salt that has lost its savour [Mat 5:13 | Luk 14:34f], they mostly prove a stink among those to whom they go.

WPR 603 (1694): ...for you to fall flat and formal, and continue the profession without that salt and savour [Mat 3:13 | Luk 14:34f], by which it is come to obtain a good report among men, is not to answer God's love, nor your parents' care, not the mind of Truth in yourselves, nor in those that are without; who though they will not obey the Truth, have sight and sense enough to see if they do that make a profession of it.

(Mat 5:13f)

GF8:77 (1675): show forth righteous and holy fruits, so that you may glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; and may be as lights to the dark world [Mat 5:14], and salt to season the unsavoury [Mat 5:13]. [more under Rev 14:4]

DFR 93 (17–) : There is no safety unless we keep upon the watch tower [Isa 21:5-8], and dwell near the fountain of life [Psa 36:9]. If that be our constant care, we shall become as lights to the world; as the salt of the earth, as a city set upon a hill which cannot be hid [Mat 5:13f].

(Mar 9:49)

[Other texts citing Mar 9:49: GF2:317 (1 Pet 2:5)].

(Mar 9:50)

[Other texts citing Mark 9:50: GF7:90 (under Mat 11:29), GF7:177 (John 15:15), GF8:15 (John 6:35), GF8:43 (Rom 5:1), GF8: 213 (Jude 1:6)]

GF7:29 (1652): Have salt in yourselves [Mark 9:50], and let your words be few [Eccl 5:2] and seasoned [Col 4:6], that they may be savoury.

GF8:58 (1674): And have salt in yourselves, that you may savour withal; and that your salt lose not its savour [Mark 9:50], through which you may be kept from under the feet of men, though they that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer [2 Tim 3:12] persecution.

JWJM 40 (found posthumously among writings of JW’s sister Elizabeth): O Lord that I may be acquainted with they presence, that I may be seasoned with thy salt, that thy grace may abound in me [Mar 9:50 / Col 4:6].

(Mat 5:14-16)

GF7:194 (1661): Live in the power of truth, and wisdom of God, to answer that just principle of God in all people upon the earth; and so ye answering of it, thereby ye come to be as a city set upon a hill [Mat 5:14], which is above that mountain, that is in the whole world, that lies above the just principle of God in every one there, which the power of God goes over. So let your lives preach, let your light shine, that your works may be seen, that your Father may be glorified [Mat 5:16]; that your fruits may be unto holiness [Rom 6:22], and that your end may be everlasting life

(Mat 5:14)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:14: GF8:193 (Mat 18:20), SBD 93 (Mat 25:35f)]

SIW 94 (Sarah Tuke Grubb and Mary Proud, 1782): the fervent desire of our spirits is, that ... you may become established as a city set upon a hill [Mat 5:14], having light of the gospel day upon your dwellings.

(Mat 5:15 | Mar 4:21 | Luk 8:16 | Luk 11:33)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:15: HPS 524 (Mat 25:1- 13)]

GF8:292 (1685): I desire that you may all improve your gifts and talents, and not hide them in a napkin, lest they be taken from you [Luke 19:20]; and not to put your candle under a bushel [Mat 5:15], lest it go out; and not to be like the foolish virgins, which kept their name of virgins, but neglected having oil in their lamps [Mat 25:3].

JN2:465 (1655): he that gives life gives the light, thereby to keep the life unspotted, though such as thou turn it into darkness and hide it under the bushel [Mat 5:15 | Luk 11:33], else it would reprove thy lying spirit [John 3:20/1 Ki 22:22] ....

WPR 171 (1682): True godliness don't turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it, and excites their endeavours to mend it: not hide their candle under a bushel, but set it on a table in a candlestick [Mat 5:15].

(Mat 5:16)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:16: GF7:177 (John 15:15), GF7:240 (John 15:4f), GF8:248 (John 15:8), MFU 470 (Mat 6:28-31), HPS 485 (2 Pet 3:11)]

EQ 436 (George Fox, 1661): So let your lives preach, let your light shine, that your works may be seen, that your father may be glorified [Mat 5:16]; that your fruits may be unto holiness; and that your end may be everlasting life [Rom 6:22].

(Mat 5:17)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:17: GF3:320 (under Luk 14:5), GF7:55 (Heb 2:18), GF7:175 (Mat 7:29), MFU 396 (Mat 5:39)]

WPR 226, WPT 29 (1668): [quotes Rom 2:13] Unless we become doers of that law, which Christ came not to destroy, but to fulfil [Mat 5:17], we can never be justified before God; ... nor let any fancy that Christ hath so fulfilled it for them, as to exclude their obedience from being requisite to their acceptance, but only as their pattern, "For unless ye follow me," said Christ, "ye cannot be my disciples" [Luk 14:27] ....

(Mat 5:17f)

GF3: 325 (1659): Christ came not to break the law; the apostle said the law was good in its place, and he established it [Rom 3:31]; yet the apostle says that the sabbath was a shadow, but the body was Christ [Col 2:16f], and he brings them to the law in the heart, in the mind, and there he established it. And Christ did not come to break one jot or tittle of it, but (mark) to fulfil it [Mat 5:17f]....

JN2:226f (1655): And none can come to me, except my Father draw them [John 6:44]; so shall ye see the law written in the hearts [Jer 31:33], which discovers lust and uncleanness; even in your hearts at the first rise of it; and you will come to see that this law is pure and must be fulfilled every jot and tittle [Mat 5:18], and when you see none of themselves can fulfil it in its righteousness and purity, then is way made for Christ; and so is the schoolmaster to lead to him where the righteousness is placed [Gal 3:24], and power to fulfil it [Mat 5:17], who is the end of righteousness to every one that believes [Rom 10:4].

(Mat 5:18 | Luk 16:17)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:18: MFU 297 (Gen 9:6)]

MFU 290 (1660): Dear hearts, my way and time of return is not yet manifested to me, but here I am set fast, the will of the Lord to fulfil every jot and tittle [Mat 5:18], which is the desire of my soul, and therein shall I be satisfied....

JSS 10: He never repeals a jot or tittle of the moral law to any, further than it is fulfilled in them [Mat 5:18 | Luk 16:17]. It can never pass away till it is fulfilled: and it is never further fulfilled than the state of transgression is removed, on account of which it was added [Gal 3:19].

(Mat 5:19)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:19: MFU 164 (Jas 2:10)].

(Mat 5:20)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:20: IP1: 233f (Heb 11:6)]

GF8: 167 (1679): And the Jews in the old covenant were to wash their clothes, and to sanctify themselves when they did appear before the Lord [Exo 19:10], and so the children of God in the new covenant of life, light, and grace, who do appear before the Lord, are to be washed and cleansed, and sanctified, and to put on the righteousness of Christ, their fine linen that never will wax old [Deut 8:4].... So man's righteousness and his filthy rags [Isa 64:6] must be put off, and they must come into the righteousness of Christ, and put it on, which doth exceed the righteousness of the law [Mat 5:20], if they do enter into the kingdom of God, which doth stand in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy ghost [Rom 14:17].

(Mat 5:22)

IP2:46 (1660): Christ does not give out the letter for his law, as it was delivered by Moses; but requireth somewhat of his disciples which comprehends the letter. As now when he administers the law against revenge, from whence murder proceeds, he doth not say, "Thou shalt not kill," as Moses had said to them of old time; but saith, Thou shalt not be angry without a cause, nor give thy brother any provoking language. [Mat 5:22]. Nor does he say, "Thou shalt not commit adultery;" but, Thou shalt not let out a lustful look, nor let in a lustful thought [Mat 5:28].

WPR 636 (1699): Be entreatable. Never aggravate. Never revile or give ill names: It is unmannerly as well as unchristian. Remember Mat 5:22, who it was said, He that calls his brother Fool, is in danger of hellfire.

(Mat 5:23f)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:23f: GF4: 352 (Gen 4:5)].

SBD 85f (1750): [lengthy passage, quotes Mat 5:23f] The sum of which to our purpose is this: that we undertake not the work of the ministry under the influence of any resentment or private pique in our minds against our brother....

(Mat 5:25f | Luk 12:58f)

GF7:162f: [Mat 5:25f, see under Mat 6:12]

(Mat 5:26 | Luk 12:59)

DFR 97 (17–) : Now those that are full of pity and compassion towards transgressors, so as to be willing to receive them in an unsaved state and condition, are commonly very strenuous against those that trespass against them and require the utmost farthings [Mat 5:26 | Luk 12:59] in money matters....

(Mat 5:27f)

[Other texts citing Mat 27:f: GF8:263 (Rom 1:24)]

GF6:150 (1683): [quotes Mat 5:27f] and here you may see the law took hold of the outward act, and the gospel took hold of the inward act. "For out of the heart proceed the evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies; These are the things which defile a man." [Mat 15:19f]

(Mat 5:28)

IP2:46 [Mat 5:28, see under Mat 5:22]

(Mat 5:29)

GFT 84f (1674): The right eye must be plucked out [Mat 5:29] by the right Spirit that gives the right sight and spiritual eye that knows and sees the things of God [1 Cor 2:10f] so that Friends may be in that which is substantial.

MFU 44 (1653, to Justice Sawrey): Thou chargest me with lying ..., thou says that I was puffed up with malice & pride, & that the people saw it so, ... you could but see me without with a carnal eye, which is the eye that offends the Lord, and must be put out [Mat 5:29] before ever thou can see me or that condition I was in, thou must have another eye opened...., for thou judges by outward appearance, which Jesus Christ forbids, and thou art that hypocrite, that hath the beam in thine own eye [Mat 7:3]....

(Mat 5:29f)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:29f: WPR 141 (Heb 4:12)]

IP3:519f (1677): The first day I was convinced ... my great cry to the Lord was, that I might faithfully travel through all the sufferings and death of the other part, into union with an enjoyment of [the Seed].... Now, how I have been exercised and taught since is hard for me to utter. ... how the Lord hath taught and enabled me to pluck out my right eye, and cut off my right hand, and cast them from me [Mat 5:29f], that I might not see with that eye, nor work with that hand, but be greatly maimed in the sight of men, and in my own sight too.

WTG 240 (Mary Smith, 1750): Oh! what a right hand or right eye could I not then have plucked out or parted with [Mat 5:29f] rather than fallen short of acceptance with God and his true hearted people.

(Mat 5:32 | Luk 16:18)

IP1:283 (1659): [Christ forbids] all swearing, without exception [Mat 5:34], as may further appear by the instance immediately foregoing, in the case of divorce, where he expresseth an exception in these words, "Saving for the cause of fornication" [Mat 5:32]; but here is no exception added by Christ; and the putting in of an exception by man's wisdom, destroyeth Christ's words, making his command no straiter than the law of Moses, which forbad all profane and unlawful swearing [Lev 19:12].

(Mat 5:33-37)

JN1:284: [Mat 5:33-37, see under Jas 5:12]

(Mat 5:34-37)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:34-37 GF5:167 (Jas 2:12), GF8:219 (Rom 4:21)]

MFU281 (Letter to Charles II, 1660): And we have been persecuted & suffered in all these changes because we could not swear, & take an oath, but kept to yea and nay according to Christ's doctrine [Mat 5:34-37], & therefore we would have you, that have been sufferers, to mind it that it is for conscience sake that we do not swear now. And that you would consider, & give forth something to the justices that they might not impose an oath on us, and if we be not faithful to you in our yea & nay, let us suffer by you as much as for breaking an oath.

WPR 579 (1694): The sufficiency of truth speaking, according to Christ's own form of words, of Yea, yea and Nay, nay [Mat 5:37], among Christians without swearing, both from Christ's express prohibition not to swear at all [Mat 5:34]. And for that they being under the tie and bond of truth in themselves, there was both no necessity for an oath, and it would be a reproach to their Christian veracity to assure their truth by such an extraordinary way of speaking; but offering that the same time, to be punished to the full, for false speaking, as others for perjury, if ever guilty of it; and hereby they exclude, with all true, all false and profane swearing; for which the land did and doth mourn [Jer 23:10], and the great God was and is not a little offended with it.

(Mat 5:34)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:34: GF3:300 (Mat 23:16-22), GF6:128 (Mat 14:3-11), IP1:283 (Mat 5:32), RBA 457 (Mat 23:16-22)]

GFJN 381 (1660): And Major Porter proffered the oath of allegiance to me to take and I told him I never took oath in my life of one side or the other, but did abide in Christ's doctrine, who saith "swear not at all" [Mat 5:34], and did suffer in that.... And so I am ordered to be kept prisoner till I be delivered by order from the King or Parliament.

TEM 179 (1670?): Christ says, "Swear not"; but man says, "Swear or lie / In prison, praemunir'd, until you die". / Man's ways are in a word, as opposite / To God's as midnight darkness is to light; / And yet fond man doth strive with might and main / By penal laws, God's people to constrain / To worship what, when, where, how he thinks fit, / And to whatever he enjoins, submit.

(Mat 5:34f)

GF6:119 (1682): ...God that made the world and all things therein, who is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands [Acts 17:24], but as the prophets, Christ, and the apostles say, "heaven is God's throne, and earth is his footstool." [ Mat 5:34f, Acts 7:49, Isa 66:1]

(Mat 5:37)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:37: GF4:161f (John 8:32), GF7:63 (Gen 1:5), GF7: 139 (Heb 6:13-16)]

GFJN 169 (16–): But at the first convincement, when Friends could not ... use the world's salutations, nor fashions, nor customs, many Friends, being tradesmen, lost their custom at the first.... But afterwards people came to see Friends' honesty and truthfulness and "yea" and "nay" at a word in their dealing [Mat 5:37], and ... they knew and saw that, for conscience sake towards God, they would not cozen cheat them, and at last that they might send any child and and be as well used as themselves, at any of their shops.

MFU 460f (1698): When Jesus spoke to his disciples, that they should not swear at all, he saith, let your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay [Mat 5:37], that is, be true and righteous in your communication. When you say yea, let it be yea in truth, and when you say nay, let it be nay in truth. So he would have truth to rule them in all their communication. That was that, which he knew was beyond swearing. He did not say as some say now, that they might not mention the name of God about outward things. He put no such difficulty upon his words. Truth in all things was what he aimed at.

IP2:146 (1661): For what is the substance and intent of an oath? Is it not the intent of it to bind to the speaking and performing of truth? And what is it that binds? Is it the shadow or the substance? Is it the words of an oath, or the sense and weight of the thing upon the spirit? ... Who of those who have observed and known our conversation, and upright speaking and behaviour for these many years, both towards the various rulers and authorities of the nation, and also towards men of all sorts, would not prefer our yea and nay [Mat 5:37] before the oaths of others?

(Mat 5:39 | Luk 6:29)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:39: WDS 85 (Luk 6:22), WDS 309 (Jas 1:4)]

MFU 396 (1668): For it is contrary to our principles to be factious or turbulent or contemners of laws. And it is contrary to our Lord & Master's command who came not to destroy the law but to fulfil it [Mat 5:17] whose doctrine is not to resist evil. But that if any one smite us on the one cheek to turn the other [Mat 5:39 | Luk 6:29].

IP1:353 (1660): Evil is to be resisted; but in God's way, according to God's will, and not according to the will of the flesh. Spiritual evils are to be resisted (by and in the faith) with spiritual weapons, which God hath appointed and sanctified thereto. Earthly evils, outward evils, transgressions of the just law of the magistrate, are to be resisted by the sword of the magistrate.... both are to wait on the Lord for his blessing on the means he hath appointed; and it is better for each of them not to resist evil [Mat 5:39], but let it grow upon them till the Lord please to appear against it, than to overcome it by an unrighteous weapon. "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and stay on horses, and trust in chariots." [Isa 31:1.]

(Mat 5:40 | Luk 6:29)

GF7:83 (1654): And so, if the spoilers take your goods [Heb 10:34], let them go, and let them take the coat also [Mat 5:40 | Luk 6:29]....

EQ 360 (Thomas Aldam, 1652): Try your priests, and let the Scriptures be fulfilled; see if they will not go to law with you; and if they do, you shall see that they were never taught of Christ, for he saith, "if any man sue thee at law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also" [Mat 5:40].

(Mat 5:42 | Luk 6:30)

GF4:135 (1657): Deal your bread to the hungry [Isa 58:7], honour the Lord God with your substance [Prov 3:9]; hide not thyself from thy own flesh [Isa 58:7]; give to him that asketh of thee, or would borrow of thee, hoping for nothing again [Mat 5:42 | Luk 6:30]. Him that turns his ear from hearing the cry of the poor, the Lord will not regard [Prov 21:13]. He that despiseth the poor, despiseth his maker [Prov 14:31].

(Mat 5:44)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:44: GFJN 460 (under Mat 23:13- 29), GF3:513 (Heb 13:2) GF3:515 (John 8:59), GF3:538 (Mat 5:48), GF4:319f (John 3:16), GF6:344 (Mat 13:38-42), GF7:85 (Mat 23:8), GF7:317 (John 15:12), WDS 85 (Luk 6:22), IP3:372 (1 Jn 4:11)]

GF8:143 (1677): And my desire is, that you may all be kept alive to God, and live in the living unity of the spirit, which is the bond of the heavenly peace, that passeth the knowledge [Eph 4:3/Phil 4:7/Eph 3:19] of the world; which peace brings such joys which transcend all your sufferings, and will carry you above them. And so in love to God, and in love to your persecutors, you can pray for them who persecute you [Mat 5:44]; and this suffering is above all the sufferings in the world, which are without love and charity [1 Cor 13:4], who maketh one another to suffer, when they get the upper hand. But such are not the sufferers for the true Lord Jesus, who suffered; though he was above all, yet he made none to suffer; and when he was reviled, he reviled not again [1 Pet 2:23], but said, ‘Father, forgive them [Luke 23:34];’ and committed himself to him that judgeth righteously [1 Pet 2:23].

MFU 320 (1660): ...we desire to owe nothing to any man but love [Rom 13:8], even to our enemies, & those that persecute us & despitefully use us we can pray for [Mat 5:44], & desire that all may be saved and come to the truth of God as it is in Jesus [1 Tim 2:4/Eph 4:21]....

IP4:428 (1679): In the light the gospel love is known and springs. In the darkness is enmity; but in the light is love.... Yea, here one is not only commanded to love enemies [Mat 5:44], but taught and enabled to do so. Yea, keep but here in the light, no enmity can spring up, but only love to the greatest enemies, whom have no coals of wrath, but only of love to heap upon [Rom 12:20].

TEM 127 (Acrostic elegy for Edward Burrough, 1663):

           Bold was he in his Master's quarrel, and

           Undaunted; faithful to his Lord's command.

           Requiting good for ill [Mat 5:44]; directing all

           Right in the way that leads out of the fall.

           Open and free to ev'ry thirsty lamb;

           Unspotted, pure, clean, holy without blame. [Eph 1:4]

           Glory, light, splendour, lustre, was his crown,

           Happy his change to him; the loss our own.

EQ 346 (Robert Barclay, 1673): Q. It is easily apparent from what has been mentioned, that Christians are to expect persecution and tribulation; and that they are always the sheep, and never the wolves [Mat 10:16]; the persecuted, and never the persecutors; the afflicted, and not the afflicters; the reproached, and not the reproachers; is it not fit then that Christians ought to be so far from persecuting others, that they ought to pray for their persecutors? Is this Christ's command? A. [quotes Mat 5:44]

WPR 579 (1695): To love enemies [Mat 5:44]: this they both taught and practiced; for they did not only refuse to be revenged for injuries done them, and condemned it as of an unchristian spirit, but they did freely forgive, yea, help and relieve those that had been cruel to them, when it was in their power to have been even with them....

JWJM 85 [1755 Epistle signed by 14 Philadelphia Friends, against paying war taxes]: the spirit of the gospel which teaches to love enemies [Mat 5:44] shall prevail to that degree that the art of war shall be no more learned [Isa 2:4]

(Mat 5:44f)

MFU 297: [Mat 5:44f, see under Gen 9:6]

(Mat 5:45)

GF7:149 (1658): And do good unto all, especially to them that are of the household of faith [Gal 6:10], and be as the church of God, guided in the wisdom of the Most High, who causeth his rain to fall upon the just and upon the unjust [Mat 5:45]. And so, be ye merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful [Luke 6:36].

GF8:212 (1682): ...esteem all men and women, as they are God's creation; whose natural sun shineth and rain falleth upon the just and unjust [Mat 5:45], and on their natural fields; and so doth God's eternal son of righteousness [Mal 4:2] shine with his light, and grace, and spirit, that he doth enlighten them withal, and gives his grace and peace to all; for his spirit is poured out upon all [Joel 2:28].

IP3:261 (1672): Consider the great love of God to mankind, and the care he hath for them. First, as touching their bodies ... he would have none hurt, none destroyed; but feedeth all, nourisheth all, making plentiful provision, and giving fruitful seasons; causing his sun to shine, and his rain to descend upon all [Mat 5:45]. Then as to their souls ... he would have all to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth [1 Tim 2:4].

(Mat 5:47)

JN1:524f (1655): And whereas you see in Matt 5:[47] is a command to "salute all," I answer: If that was so as you speak, a general command to salute all, then doth Christ contradict himself when he commands "not to salute any by the way" [Luk 10:4]; and so you will make Christ yea and nay; but it is plain that Christ is there exhorting to love and not to salutation, wherein he would have them to exceed the heathen, who showed their partiality in saluting their friends only....

(Mat 5:48)

[Other texts citing Mat 5:498: GF3:538 (Jas 1:4)].

GF7:251 (1664): But the devil would not have men and women to own perfection, who hath made them imperfect, nor his messengers; but it is Christ that destroys him and his works, and saith, "Be perfect [Mat 5:48]," and presents men and women perfect to God [Col 1:28] out of the fall, up to Adam before he fell; and not only there, but up to himself that never fell, the royal seed.

RBA 214 (1678, VIII.8): seeing ... that no man is bound to that which is impossible: since then Christ and his apostles have commanded us to keep all the commandments [1 Jn 2:3-6], and to be perfect in this respect [Mat 5:48], it is possible for us to do so.

JN2:441 (1655): [perfection] is the doctrine of Christ [Mat 5:48], the doctrine of his apostles [Col 1:28], yea the end of the whole ministry [Eph 4:11-13]; and that is the spirit of the devil in thee that calls it devilish doctrine....

(Luk 6:34f)

WPR 642 (1699): Christ makes it a part of his religion and the way to be the children of the Highest (read Luke 6:34, 35) to lend and not receive again, and this to enemies as well as friends; yea to the unthankful and the evil; no exception made, no excuse admitted.

(Luk 6:35)

GF4:309 (1662): cumber not the ground [Luk 13:7], thou persecutor of the children of the Most High [Psa 82:6/Luk 6:35G]

(Luk 6:36)

[Other texts citing Luk 6:36: GF7:149 (under Mat 5:45), WPR 640 (Mat 5:7)]

GFT 18 (1671): So now you, I say, that are Christians, that are redeemed out of the spiritual Egypt [Rev 11:8] ..., be ye holy as your heavenly Father is holy [Lev 11:44], and Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful" [Luk 6:36]. This is the way to have the lost "image of God" to be restored and renewed in us.