MAT. 22. 14.
THis Text though short in words, is vast in sense, and hath this ground for its special observation, that our Saviour used it twice, Chap. 20. 16. And in this place, Pulchra sunt bis dicenda. The first word in the front, For, sheweth its connexion with what was precedent, and is a Parable largely propounded by our Saviour for this end, to shew the goodnesse of God in offering the word of grace to a people, and the different event of this in the hearers, some rejecting it, and that with great malice; others receiving it, but not in the full power and efficacy of it, which makes our Saviour infer this dreadful conclusion, that may make our ears to tingle, when we hear it, Many are called but few chosen. Think not it was a speech directed onely to the Jews or those that lived in that time. No, its of perpetual truth; and we see it daily experimentally confirmed, that of those who are called few are chosen. My intent is to speak of external calling, as I have spoken of internal; and this Text will give a good occasion. Our Saviour delighted to speak Parables, and that was the custom of wise men in the Eastern parts so to do. For these have a popular way of teaching by the things of sense, representing heavenly matter to the understanding; For by the feast here made, described to be a marriage-feast of a Kings Sonne, where all glory and pomp useth to be shewn, is meant the priviledges and grace of the Gospel that are tendered daily by the preaching of the Word unto you: sometimes that eternal blessednesse and heavenly glory is compared in the Parables to a great feast, made by a chief and mighty man; but here the Gospelpriviledges vouchsafed in the Word are thus called; which is plain, because one came to this Feast without a wedding garment, and was cast out; which could not be, if this Feast were eternal glory in heaven, for none shall be excluded from thence. So then, you see to what excellent and choice things the preaching of the Gospel is compared. Sometimes it is called The Kingdom of Heaven, sometimes The rich Pearl that a man is to sell all for to obtain, and here to a great Marriage Feast. By which resemblances the Spirit of God would raise up our thoughts and hearts, that we should have an high and great esteem of the Gospel preached. Now though thus great and admirable, yet see the rebellion and disobedience of the persons invited; some matter it not; some make excuses; some maliciously and cruelly handle the messengers: If you ask, Why? what is the matter? What is the wrong done to them? Nothing at all. Its because he gives this honour to them, to invite them to a Marriage Feast. He doth not come as an oppressour to them, requiring their estates, and goods, and lives, but he tenders them all comforts and refreshments; and for this kindnesse and condescention, they do thus ill requite him; but all do not refuse, for there is one who cometh and sitteth down at the Feast, is as confident and bold, as any of the other Guests; till the Master of the Feast come, and expostulates with him for the want of a wedding Garment, and then he is so convinced of his guilt, that presently he becomes speechlesse, upon which his Master adjudgeth him to eternal torments, where there are weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth. If you ask, Who is meant by such an one? I answer, All those who do outwardly accept of the faith of Christ, and professe a general obedience to him; but yet in truth, and indeed they do not thorowly and fully walk according to Christs rules. As for those who wilfully reject and refuse Christ, not so much as owning any thing of him, they were the Jews and others; but then there are a world of people, who out of custom give an external obedience unto Christ, and will be judged Christians, but yet retain nothing of the life and power of Christianity; such are all ignorant and prophane persons, yea and all civil unblameable men in their lives, yet destitute of the Spirit of God, and his grace. Therefore howsoever it be hotly disputed by some, What is meant by this wedding Garment? some saying faith, some good and holy works, yet we may conclude, that by it is meant the whole life of a man ordered in a gracious and sutable manner to the Word of God. It doth not then mean one grace, but the comprehension of all. And as it would be an high contempt and scorn of a great man, and the company invited to a great feast, if a man should not come in decent and fit apparel; So it is an high neglect and dishonour unto God and his people, for thee to take the name of Christ in thy mouth, and to be called by him, to be looked upon as a Christian; and yet to live in any such wayes that Christ doth condemn. Our Saviour having laid down the sinne and punishment of such an one, closeth up all with this Text, Many are called but few are chosen.
Quest. Before the words are opened, here is one material Question, Why our Saviour makes this inference, For many are called, and few chosen, seeing in this Parable of those many who came in at the second call, there is one man onely found without a wedding Garment; so that the clean contrary might have been asserted, Many are chosen, and of those who are called few are rejected. But the Answer is two-fold,