Study Desk

because Herod had a respect for John, knowing him to be a very honest good man, and therefore protected him; having reform'd many things upon his remonstrances, which he us'd to receive very graciously.

however, a favourable opportunity happen'd for her, upon Herod's making an entertainment the birth-night, for all the great officers of the court, and army, and persons of the first distinction in Galilee.

for Herodias made her appearance there, and danc'd with such an engaging air in the eye of Herod, as well as of all the company, that the king thus addrest himself to the young lady, "ask of me whatever you please, and it shall be granted."

then Jesus said to them, come, let us retire privately to some place of solitude, to repose your selves a while. for such a crowd of people were continually coming and going, that they had not even time to eat.

so they privately set sail for the desart (of Bethsaida.)

dismiss the company, that they may go to the neighbouring farms and villages to buy provisions, for they have nothing to eat.

Jesus replied, do you your selves give them something to eat. shall we go then, said they, to purchase bread, to the value of two hundred denarii, for them to eat?

Jesus then having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, look'd up to heaven and gave thanks; then breaking the loaves, he gave them to his disciples to distribute among the people: for whom he likewise divided the two fishes.

Soon after Jesus obliged his disciples to embark for Bethsaida, on the opposite shore, while he was dismissing the people.

for they all saw him, and were greatly terrified. but at the instant Jesus spoke to them, and said, take courage, it is I, don't be afraid.

for they were so stupid, they did not comprehend the miracle of the loaves.

and to whatever cities, towns, or villages he went, they expos'd the sick in the publick streets, entreating him, they might but touch the border of his garment; for as many as did so, were recover'd.

for the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, in pursuance of their antient traditions, never eat till they have wash'd their hands up to their elbows.

in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men."

for laying aside what is of divine appointment, you stick to their human traditions, about the washing of pots, and cups, and many other the like practices.

You are in the right, said he, to abolish the laws of God, to make way for such traditions.

but your doctrine is this, if any one shall tell his father or his mother, that what he could bestow for their relief, is corban, that is, to be given to the temple;

you discharge him from the obligation of doing any thing for his father or his mother.

because that does not enter into his heart, but into the belly, whence it is discharg'd, the purest part of the food being left for nutrition.

for from within, from the heart of man proceed wicked designs, adulteries, fornications, murders; thefts,