Practical Insight

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“Let us never be ashamed to maintain that no Government can expect to prosper which refuses to recognise religion, which deals with its subjects as if they had no souls, and cares not whether they serve God, or Baal, or no God at all.” J. C. Ryle

Expository Comments on John 18:36

J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (1856).

“A Christian not possessing foreknowledge can only pray for guidance and direction as to the steps of his life and the ways and times of his actions; and having prayed, then make the best use of his judgment, trusting that a faithful God will not let him make mistakes.” J. C. Ryle

Technical Notes on John Chapter 7

J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (1856).

“A man enjoys the greatest peace of mind when he has once settled himself in a firm and steadfast belief in God’s providence, and an absolute dependence upon his design and will.” Quesnel

Technical Notes on John Chapter 8

Quoted by J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (1856).

“Unless government has the right to the highest form of punishment, its basic authority is questionable and insufficient to protect properly those whom it governs.” Charles Caldwell Ryrie

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Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Dispensationalism Today (1965).

“We will rest easy when we resolve that whatever pleases God shall please us.” Matthew Henry

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Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706), at Prov. 16:3.

“God’s ways are not like men’s ways. To men, former favors are arguments why they should do no more; but to God, they are motives for the adding of new ones.” Matthew Poole

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Matthew Poole, A Commentary on the Whole Bible (1685), at Gen. 18:18.

“We must not judge of Christ’s love to us by his mere external dispensations of providence, nor judge that he does not love us because he does not presently come to our help at our time, and in such ways and methods as we think reasonable.” Matthew Poole

Technical Notes on John Chapter 9

Quoted by J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (1856). Original source, comments on John 8:6 by Matthew Poole, A Commentary on the Holy Bible, Vol. III.

“Let us remember that our principles, good and evil, are exemplified in the most trivial transactions, and gather strength from the slightest, as well as from the most important, exercise.” Charles Bridges

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Charles Bridges, A Commentary on Proverbs (1846), at Prov. 14:5.

“Firmly believing that my times are in God’s hand, I here submit myself and all my affairs for the ensuing year to the wise and gracious disposal of the divine providence. Whether God appoint for me health or sickness, peace or trouble, comforts or crosses, life or death, his holy will be done.” Matthew Henry

Daily Devotions from the Classics:
January 1

Quoted in his biography, The Life of Matthew Henry by J. B. Williams (1828).

“When a man can thank and praise, he has learned the lesson as to what true worship is.” H. C. Leupold

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H. C. Leupold, Exposition of the Psalms (1969), at Psalm 50.

” ‘Longsuffering’ endures the injuries of others and ‘kindness’ pays them back only with good deeds.” Rev. John MacArthur, commenting on 1 Cor. 13:4

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Radio broadcast of “Grace to You,” February 22, 2010

“A humble saint likes that condition which God sees best for him. A proud man complains that he has no more; a humble man wonders that he has so much.” Thomas Watson

Daily Devotions from the Classics:
January 11

Thomas Watson, The Godly Man’s Picture.

In Matthew 1:20-21 an angel appears to Joseph, assuring him that he should go ahead with his marriage to Mary and telling him what to name the new child. In commenting on this, Matthew Henry gives some very practical advice when it comes to discerning the Lord’s will for ourselves: “Extraordinary direction like this [from an angel] we are not now to expect, but God has still ways of making known his mind in doubtful cases: by hints of providence, debates of conscience, and advice of faithful friends. By each of these, applying the general rules of the written word, we should, therefore, in all the steps of our life…take direction from God, and we shall find it safe and comfortable to do as he bids us.” Matthew Henry

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Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706), at Matthew 1:20-21.

“To anyone who aims at having clear thoughts and well-based beliefs, nothing is more helpful than adverse criticism.” Sir Robert Anderson

Chapter 9

Sir Robert Anderson, The Silence of God, chapter 9 (1897; Kregel reprint, 1952).

“Psalm 139:17: How precious also are your thoughts to me, O God. How vast is the sum of them. Perish the thought that God’s notice of us consists of occasional bits of attention in a passing mood!” H. C. Leupold

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H. C. Leupold, Exposition of the Psalms (1969), at Psalm 139.

“The possession of an independent will is man’s proud but perilous boast. His duty and safety and happiness alike demand that this will shall be subordinated to the will of God, and all revolt against the Divine will is sin.” Sir Robert Anderson

Chapter 11

Sir Robert Anderson, The Silence of God, chapter 11 (1897; Kregel reprint, 1952).

“Let us learn that no case is too desperate for prayer, and perseverance will surely find at last that our Lord delights to be gracious.” G. A. Chadwick

“The Children and the Dogs”

G. A. Chadwick, The Gospel According to St. Mark, at Mark 7:24-30 (1891).

“If it were a glorious expression of the Divine justice in the days of old to punish guilty nations, why is it to be thought that God is now weary of exhibiting such specimens of the excellency of his administration?” George Lawson

Daily Devotions from the Classics:
March 5