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Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 12:7

Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Browse this work.

Matthew12:7

7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Neither Mark nor Luke, have this Argument. Our Lord yet goeth on Taxing these great Doctors of Ignorance. The Text, he quoteth is, Hosea 6.6. we met with it before quoted by our Saviour, Chap. 9.13. The meaning is, That God preferreth Mercy before Sacrifice; where two Laws in respect of some Circumstances seem to clash one with another, so as we cannot obey both, our Obedience is due to that which is the more Excellent Law. Now saith our Saviour, the Law of Mercy is the more Excellent Law. God preferreth it before Sacrifice, which had you well considered, you would never have accused my Disciples, who in this point are Guiltless.

Matthew Poole and continuators, Annotations upon the Holy Bible, Matthew 12:7. Public domain.

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