CHAPTER II.
2. Q. _What may we learn from CHRIST’s being at the marriage in Cana?_
_A._ That it is an honourable state, otherwise he would not have been present at it.
Q. _What may we learn from these people’s calling CHRIST to the marriage?_
_A._ That those who are about to enter on a marriage state, ought above all things, by prayer to invite JESUS CHRIST, it being for want of that we have so few happy matches.
3. Q. _What may we learn from the blessed Virgin’s acquainting CHRIST that they wanted wine?_
_A._ That it is good, when we go to poor people’s houses, to see what they want; and if we cannot relieve them ourselves, to apply to others, especially to JESUS CHRIST, to grant them what they want.
4. Q. _What may we learn from CHRIST’s answer to his mother?_
_A._ That in some measure she was to be blamed, for making so free with our Saviour; that our relations, even our parents, ought not to be regarded, when they would hinder us in religion; and that it can never be presumed, that the Virgin has such power over our LORD, as the Church of _Rome_ supposes, now he is in heaven, since he said to her upon this occasion, “Woman, what have I to do with thee,” when he was on earth.
Q. _May it not be supposed that CHRIST had shewn some miracle before he entered on his public ministry?_
_A._ There is great reason to think he had, or otherwise it is hardly to be imagined, she should so readily apply to him to work a miracle on this occasion, or bid the servants to take such notice of his orders.
Q. _What is meant by CHRIST’s saying, “Mine hour is not yet come?”_
_A._ Mine hour for working this miracle is not yet come; the wine being not quite, though very near out, as the original word signifies: our extremity is CHRIST’s opportunity.
5. Q. _What may we learn from this verse?_
_A._ That what the Virgin said to these servants, we should think said to ourselves; and whatsoever CHRIST saith unto us, we must do.
6. Q. _May there any thing be gathered from this verse, to confirm the truth of our Saviour’s miracle?_
_A._ Yes: the watering-pots being made use of by the Jews, to purify or wash themselves, as they came in and out, as the Papists now make use of their ridiculous holy-water; it was plain nothing but water used to be put in them, and being made of stone, supposing wine had formerly been put in them, no tincture of it could remain to colour the water that JESUS CHRIST commanded to be put in; which could not be said, had they been made of wood.
7. Q. _Who were they that JESUS bid to fill the water pots?_
_A._ The servants of the house.
Q. _What may we learn from that?_
_A._ It confirms the miracle; since he did not employ his own disciples, but the servants of the house, who were entire strangers, therefore could not be supposed to join in a cheat.
Q. _What may we learn from the servants filling the vessels up to the brim?_
_A._ That therefore no wine could possibly be put in to colour the water, or mix with it.
8. Q. _What is meant by the governor of the feast?_
_A._ It alludes to a custom among the Jews, who at their entertainments used to chuse one particular person in the company, to preside over the rest for that time, in order to prevent disorder and excess.
9. Q. _Why is it remarked, that the Governor knew not from whence it was?_
_A._ Because then he could have no hand in it, therefore his testimony could be the more relied on.
Q. _What spiritual meaning is under this miracle?_
_A._ The wine represents the Spirit, which JESUS CHRIST pours into the hearts of true believers; but though the comforts of the Holy Ghost, with which they are filled, are exceeding rich here, yet those in heaven will so far surpass them, that when we come there, we shall have reason to say with the Governor of the feast, “JESUS CHRIST has kept his good wine until now.”
13. Q. _Why is it so often remarked, that JESUS went up to |Jerusalem| to the passover?_
_A._ To teach us how careful he was to submit to every ordinance of GOD, and to set us an example to follow his steps. Never, therefore, if possible, be absent from the gospel passover, the sacrament or memorial of his own blessed body and blood.
14. Q. _How came there tradesmen to be in the temple?_
_A._ There was a command from GOD, that all the males should appear before him at _Jerusalem_ three times in a year, (of which the feast of the passover was one) and that none was to appear before him empty. Now it being inconvenient to bring cattle, &c. so many miles as some of them were distant from the temple, these persons sat here with oxen, &c. to sell to those who came up to _Jerusalem_ to worship and offer sacrifice.
Q. _Was not this a plausible pretence?_
_A._ Yes; but our blessed LORD’s resenting it in this manner, shews us how jealous he is of the honour of his house, and how he resents the least misbehaviour in the public service of the church.
Q. _Was it not a bold thing of JESUS CHRIST to venture himself among such a company of persons?_
_A._ No doubt of it; and therefore some have thought, that this was the greatest miracle CHRIST performed; and by this our LORD would shew those in power, that if they will be zealous in reforming abuses, and go out in the name and strength of GOD, they know not what great success they may meet with.
16. Q. _What may we learn from CHRIST’s saying to them that sold doves, “take these things hence?”_
_A._ That our zeal ought to be according to knowledge; that we should pray for that wisdom which dwells with prudence; and, more especially, be very cautious how we act in works of reformation; as CHRIST here did not loose the doves and let them fly about the temple (which would have occasioned a confusion) but ordered those that sold them, to take them thence.
Q. _When do we make the house of GOD a house of Merchandise?_
_A._ When we go on purpose to seem religious, in order to get business; and when we talk with others, or let our own thoughts run on worldly things at public worship.
25. Q. _What may we learn from the Evangelists saying, that JESUS knew what was in man?_
_A._ That JESUS CHRIST therefore was GOD, it being impossible for any one but GOD to know what is in man.