TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE HIDDEN MANNA, AND WILL GIVE HIM A WHITE STONE, In the eighth book of the Law and Prophets, SAMUEL (asked of God), we have the illustration of this eighth portion of our Lord's discourse, Mt. vii. 7-14, Ask, and it shall be given you.' Thus Samuel received his name, 1 Sa. i. 20, .7, as having been asked of the Lord by Hannah, his mother, whose song is a rejoicing in the truth that our God is a prayer-hearing God, who giveth to the needy, ch. ii. And the same truth was exemplified in the case of David; and by him also celebrated in song, to the praise of the Giver of all good, as 2 Sa. xxii. The punishment of a breach of the eighth commandment, or taking for ourselves, not according to the divine appointment, was punished upon the family of Eli by the loss of the priesthood-comp. 1 Sa. ii. 12-7, 27-36; iii. 11-4; and upon the house of Saul, by the loss of the kingdom, xv. 10-28. David, toward his enemy Saul, observed the golden rule, and he met with his reward. But having done all, we have need to ask that we may be able to stand; and not, like David, fall, when the victory seems to be won, 2 Sa. xi. His sin, it may be observed, is spoken of by Nathan, in the language of the eighth commandment, 2 Sa. xii. 4-10, as he was in that case judged according to the golden rule and found wanting. The last fact recorded in this book is to the honour of David, as being scrupulously observant of the commandment; and as presenting an offering to the Lord on account of deliverance, which he had earnestly asked of God, 2 Sa. xxiv. IX. In Mt. vii. 15-20, the Faithful and True Witness warns his disciples with regard to false prophets, and tells us how we may form a correct judgment as to who are appointed to speak forth the mind of God to his people; and it is intimated, that many may not only deceive others, but also themselves, who will, at the last, be rejected by the righteous Judge. The illustration of this ninth part of our Lord's discourse we have in the BOOKS OF KINGS, which describe the sin and punishment of bearing false witness, as in the matter of Naboth's vineyard, 1 Ki. xxi. Here we have abundant proof of the truth of the warning which God by his prophet had given, 1 Sa. viii., with regard to their king. Here also we see, that when Israel was faithful, in their witness for God, against the lying vanities of the heathen around them, they were eminently prosperous: 1 Ki. i.-x. But when they fell from their testimony, and treated truth and error as alike worthy of their regard, Israel and Judah soon came to variance, and were brought to ruin as the prophets had forewarned. It is here also that we have the most striking type of the prophetic office in Elijah, 1 Ki. xxi., whose rough garment, or sheep's clothing, appears to be alluded to by our Lord, as being that which could be affected by pretended successors, whilst having not his spirit. Comp. 2 Ki. i. 8, with Matt. vii. 15, p. 140. It is not by outward credentials, such as man may fabricate, but by the fruits of the Spirit, that the true witnesses for God are to be known, as distinguished from the false prophets, who may give abundant evidence of their sincerity, as did the prophets of Baal. There was abundance of crying, O Baal (or Lord), hear us,' 1 K1. xviii., whilst they were leading the people astray-were bringing down upon their land the just judgment of Heaven, to the entire destruction of their nation, according as God had forewarned, 2 Ki. xvii. 5-23. The warnings of the true prophets having been slighted, they were given a commission to execute judgment upon Israel, 1 Ki. xix. 9-17. The case of that nation may well serve for warning to individuals to prepare for the judgment to which our attention is here directed, Mt. vii. 22, .3, by the Faithful Witness. X. In Mt. vii. 21-7, which is the tenth and last portion of the Sermon on the Mount, we are warned that the words here spoken regard the hearers of Christ; and that his word must not only be heard, but be understood and obeyed. If we merely attend to the outward letter, and then attach to that letter the thoughts of other men, or of our own minds, God, as expressed by his word, we are guilty of the without seeking to know what is really the mind of worst kind of covetousness; we are perverting the words of God to our own purposes; the folly as well as sin of which the Lord will doubtless make evident, as forewarned by all the prophets; when also the security of those who have in truth built simply upon the Rock will be the more evident by the which the righteous may themselves be tried, but storms that prevail around, and the trials with through which they will be brought with songs of everlasting joy. Not only are the larger prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, full of this subject, but the minor prophets also, as Hab. ii. 4-11; Zec. v. 1-4. When God reclaims his own word from the perversions thereof by man-from every appropriation thereof to selfish or sectarian purposes, great must be the confusion of many. Let us avoid that fall by building, and that in truth, upon the Rock; and this we may be the better enabled to do, as seeing that by the Gospel we do not make void the Law, but establish it upon the only true Foundation upon which we with it can stand. It may also be noticed, that when the Lord, according to his promise by the prophets, claims the possession of his people, his redeemed inheritance, then those who have been looking upon that inheritance as theirs, and who have in too many cases been acting as lords over God's heritage, will find that they have built upon a false foundation and all their souls lusted after, and for which they so perverted the words of truth, will pass away fron. them, and leave them to shame and everlasting contempt. Then will those, who have chosen their portion with Mary, rejoice, in beholding the wonders of His grace, and the glory of His power, in whom they have an unfailing refuge and fulness of blessing for ever.] *Lu. x. 42, § 61. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT, INTRODUCTORY TO ST. PAUL'S EPISTLES. It may be observed, that the ten divisions of THE X., xi., and afterwards is described simple devotedSERMON ON THE MOUNT,' which give a recognition ness to God, according to the great law of LOVE, and of THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS,' are also corre- in the observance of all relative duties, ch. xii., xiii. spondent to the ministration of the Law, according Communion with God leads to forbearance, broto the NEW COVENANT, AS GIVEN BY THE SPIRIT, therly kindness, and charity, ch. xiv., xv., &c. THROUGH PAUL IN HIS FIRST TEN EPISTLES. To his appointment to this service for the church, Paul II. In the FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS Our seems to make frequent allusion throughout these attention is more particularly directed to the second Epistles, as-Rom. i. 1-5; iii. 31; xvi. 25, .6; 2 Co. commandment, which forbids idolatry; and to the iii. p. (55); Ep. iii. 1-11, &c., p. (-); Col. i. 25, 6, subject of the second part of The Sermon on the p. (7); 1 Ti. i. 5, 12-.7, p. (-); vi. 13—.6, p. (—).' Mount,' which requires that we be made in the image of HIM who is our Light and Salvation. I. In the EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS there is, in ch. i., The idolatry of teachers is noticed, ch. i. ver. 12, .3, an exposure of the unreasonableness of not acknow- of human wisdom and worldly greatness, ver. 18-29. ledging the one true God, and of the evils resulting The danger of defiling the temple of God, ch. iii. from a breach of the first commandment. ver. 17, by giving undue honour to the creature, ch. iv. ver. 6, which is too often attended with other uncleanness, ch. v.-see also ch. vi. ver. 9, 10, .8-20. Then idolatry commonly so called, ch. viii., x. 7, 14-21. Then how God is to be glorified in his house, by the man as the image and glory of God, and by the woman as representing the church, ch. xi. ver. 1-15; and by the church, as in the unity of faith and love observing the ordinances of Christ, ver. Having cut off every false ground of confidence, ch. ii., iii., there is afterwards shewn the blessedness of taking the Lord alone to be our God, according as he is presented in the gospel, and enjoyed by those who possess the characteristics described in the 'Beatitudes,' Mt. v. 3-12, pp. 120-.2-see Rom. iv., v., viii. The hindrances on the part of Israel, to this simplicity of trust in God, are noticed, ch. ix., 144] THAT WHICH YE HAVE . . . HOLD FAST TILL I COME.-Rev. ii. 25. AND IN THE STONE A NEW NAME WRITTEN, WHICH NO MAN KNOWETH SAVING HE THAT RECEIVETH IT.-Rev. ii. 17. WRITTEN NOT WITH INK, BUT WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD; 18-34; and in the diversities of gifts, &c., glorifying the Triune God, ch. xii. The spirit of love in which only this can be done, ch. xiii. The manner, ch. xiv. The light of the glorious gospel, exhibiting our transformation into the image of the second Adam, the Lord from heaven,' ch. xv. The becoming manner in which liberality, &c., is now to be exercised, and the vast importance of that love which alone can transform us into the likeness of Christ, ch. xvi III. In Paul's third Epistle, the SECOND TO THE CORINTHIANS, is an illustration of the third commandment, and a farther development of the third part of The Sermon on the Mount.' Paul did not take the NAME of God in vain; he recognises the after is, that Christ be formed in us the hope of glory. V. In Paul's fifth Epistle, that to the EPHESIANS, we have the exposition of the fifth commandment, and the amplification of the fifth portion of The Sermon on the Mount,' Mt. vi. 1-18. The reward of inheritance in the land, in the view of which the children of Israel were to be observant of this first commandment with promise,' Ep. vi. 1-3, shadowed forth the more enduring inheritance unto which the children of God are appointed; which inheritance is here often referred to, ch. i. 1-14. There is to be, without ceasing, thanksgiving and supplication to God as a Father, as ver. 15-23. Indeed the whole solemnity of an oath-the calling God to witness, Epistle breathes the spirit of devotion-of filial piety ch. i. ver. 17-23. He speaks of the ministration of righteousness, for which Christ had come into the world, and of which Paul was made a minister, so that the Law, in the spirit of it, might be fulfilled, ch. iii. See how he speaks as if upon oath, ch. ii. 17; iv. 1, 2. He was willing to confirm the testimony, by enduring suffering, as looking to the glorious purpose which God had in view with regard to it, ver. 8-15; and also the eternal reward, ver. 16-.8. He speaks as in the view of the coming judgment, and as having a sense of the awful importance of his position, as being given to speak in the name of the Lord, or in Christ's stead, ch. v. Declares again his willingness to sacrifice all for the name's sake of Christ, and calls upon those to whom he writes to be in truth that which they were called, the people of the Lord, ch. vi. He acknowledges the truthfulness, so far, of their profession, ch. vii., and calls for the farther evidence of liberality to the poor, as the fruits in them of righteousness, and of God's unspeakable gift, ch. viii., ix. Paul, for their sakes, and the sake of Him whose NAME he bore, clears his own name from the several false aspersions that had been cast upon him among the Corinthians, and fully vindicates his apostleship, ch. x.-xii. He farther refers to his sincerity, and the proof of Christ speaking in him; or, in other words, his not taking the name of God in vain;' and calls upon them to examine themselves, and see that Christ is in them; that is, that they have not in vain taken upon them the Name of the Lord, but are in truth his people, ch. xiii. IV. In Paul's fourth Epistle, that to the GALATIANS, we find the correspondence to the fourth commandment, and the fourth part of The Sermon on the Mount,' Mt. v. 21-48. The raising of Jesus Christ from the dead, on account of which we observe the Christian Sabbath on the first day of the week, is referred to in the first verse of the Epistle, as in the end of it our attention is directed to the new creation, ch. vi. ver. 15. It is upon the production of this new creation that we cease from our own works, as God did from his; and enjoy a blessed rest in Jesus, while continuing to bring forth the fruits of faith in him. Rest in the finished work of the Son of God, as opposed to labouring in order to work out a righteousness for ourselves according to the Law, is emphatically the subject of the Epistle as a whole. Thus, see as to justification through Christ, and life in the Son of God, ch. ii. ver. 16-21. It is through faith in Christ that the Spirit is ministered, the blessing promised to Abraham is enjoyed, ch. iii.; and not only the blessing of the children of Abraham, ver. 15-29, but the privileges of the sons of God, ch. iv. ver. 1-7. There is not to be a turning back unto the beggarly elements of the ceremonial law, ver. 8-18. The spirit of bondage must be cast out, ver. 19-31, and we must stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,' ch. v. ver. 1--11. It is only by our being in Christ, that there can be fulfilled in us that in which all the Law is fulfilled, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' It is as knowing the love that the Father hath towards us in his dear Son, that we are enabled to crucify the flesh, and bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, as ver. 12-26. If we are indeed new created in Christ Jesus, we follow the example of Him who hath borne our burden, and so fulfil the law of Christ,' ch. vi. ver. 1-11. Nothing can avail but a new creation. When we are one with the Son of God, we have a joyful rest, even though the outward world should speak trouble. To our enjoyment of this Christian Sabbath it is necessary that we cease to have any dependence upon either our observance or non-observance of ceremonial religion, ver. 12-.8. That which we are to see WHAT HATH THE LORD of childlike gratitude and submission. All is ascribed to the grace of God in Christ Jesus, ch. ii. 1-10. He that loves Him that begat, loves those also that are begotten of him, and accordingly there is the greatest willingness expressed to receive into fellowship all whom the Father receives into his family, ch. ii. 11-22. The purpose of God with regard to his household is contemplated as being an eternal purpose a mystery, in the ministry of which Paul had a special appointment, ch. iii. 1-13-see also the prayer unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 'of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,' ver. 1321. The oneness of spirit, with which, by the diversity of gifts, the children of God are, in the unity of the faith, to grow up unto Him which is the Head, Christ, ch. iv. 1-16. The dispositions with which they are to honour their kind, forgiving Father, as contrasted with those that characterize the old man, ver. 17-32; ch. v. 1. The walk which becomes the children of light, ver. 2-21. God is to be honoured in all the relations of life, as in those of wife and husband, child and parent, servant and master, ver. 22-33; ch. vi. 1-9. So also is he to be honoured, by our making a diligent use of all the means he hath provided for the spiritual conflict. We may not think we are wiser than He; that we can with safety dispense with any part of the spiritual armour He hath seen meet to provide. So are we also to honour his power, by our using every weapon in a prayerful dependence upon his strength. And especially is God as a Father to be honoured, by a due regard being had to his children, our brethren in Christ, our associates in the spiritual warfare, ver. 10-24. VI. In Paul's sixth Epistle, that to the PHILIPPIANS, we have the ministration of the sixth commandment, correspondent to our Lord's teaching in The Sermon on the Mount,' on the same subject, Mt. vi. 19-34. The same elevation of mind above the things belonging to the temporal life, and the same earnest desire after the things that are above, to which our Lord exhorts, are here manifested to the degree of giving a desire to die, and be with Christ; which is far better:' only that the expectation of being of use to others gives a willingness to live. There must be care to live as becomes the gospel, but anxiety about the life of the body there is to be none, ch. i. Our life is to be in the Triune God, and as having a care for each other in the Lord, ch. ii. 1-4. Christ is our example as to denying ourselves; yea, as to the laying down our lives for others, ver. 5-11. As having our life in the God of love, we are to hold forth the word of life to others, ver. 12-8. Our fellowship in the Spirit is to be such, that we are to feel the sorrows or joys of our brethren in Christ as if The things that cut they were our own, ver. 19-30. off from the full enjoyment and coinmunication of spiritual life are warned against, ch. iii. These are, a trust in external or ceremonial religion, or other supposed advantages of a carnal nature, impairing our simple trust in Christ, ver. 1-11; a resting in the things whereunto we have attained, ver. 12-6; a minding earthly things, so as to be unwilling to above-our citizenship in heaven-the coming of bear the cross-forgetting the treasure we have the Saviour, who shall change our vile body,' &c., ver. 17-21. Again, the manifestation of the life of love, as having trust in God, so as to be careful for nothing, is exhorted to, ch. iv. 1-7. The things that are truly of value, and are really beautiful, belong to that life, ver. 8, 9. That spirit of simple dependence upon Divine Providence, as seeking first the kingdom of God, to which our Lord exhorts his disciples in The Sermon on the Mount,' Paul was himself enabled to enjoy, ver. 10-23.-Comp. the whole Epistle with Mt. vi. 19-34. SPOKEN ?-Jer. xxiii. 35. [145 NOT IN TABLES OF STONE, BUT IN FLESHY TABLES OF THE HEART.-2 Cor. iii. 3. IS NOT MY WORD LIKE AS A FIRE? SAITH THE LORD; AND LIKE A HAMMER THAT BREAKETH THE ROCK IN PIECES?-Jer. xxiii. 29. VII. In Paul's seventh Epistle, that 'to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colo se,' we have that which is correspondent to the seventh commandment, and the seventh part of The Sermon on the Mount,' Mt. vii. 1-6. It warns against all usurpation of the Headship, which belongs to Christ as the Husband of the church. Wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. His Bride in particular is to submit herself to her own Husband. The reverse is spiritual adultery. All adulterations of the truth, whether by heathen philosophy, or Judaizing teaching, are here also earnestly deprecated. It may be premised, that the Mystery'so frequently referred to throughout this Epistle is explained as being the marriage union of Christ with his church.-See Eph. v. 31, .2. The church, the Lamb's wife, is herself to be characterised as possessing faith, love, and hope; as having received the truth, and bringing forth fruit, &c., ch. i. 38. The knowledge of her Lord's will is to be desired for her, that she may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,' &c., ver. 9-11. In Him is her Inheritance, for which she is made meet, as having been redeemed by his blood, ver. 12-.4. What Adam was typically, Jesus is really-the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of every creature,' the Head of the woman, his body, the church, ver. 15-.9. She is being brought into conformity to his image, in order to be presented (as Eve was to Adam) 'holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight,' ver. 20-.2. To further the purposes of God with regard to this glorious mystery of the Bridegroom and Bride of Christ and his church, Paul was appointed to a special ministry, ver. 23.9. All the endeavours of those who are fitted for the ministry, are to be for the purpose of enabling the church the more clearly to see that her all is in Christ, ch. ii. 1-7. The church is to beware of being spoiled, either through vain philosophy on the one hand, or Pharisaism on the other. It was as being dead in their sins that the Gentiles were quickened by Christ; and the Jewish ordinances, so far from giving to the Jews a claim to blessing, were as a handwriting or bill of divorce against them, which had to be taken out of the way, in order that the marriage union might take place, which is to be consummated in resurrection glory. Worship is to be given to Christ the Head, not to his messengers, ver. 8-23. ver. 12-7. The church's affection is to be where her risen Lord is, at the Father's right hand. Her life is to be there; and bodily uncleanness, and all breaches of the commandment in any respect, are most carefully to be avoided. She is to be made after the image of her Husband, the second Adam, ch. iii. 1-11. She is to be clothed as becomes the Elect of God, holy and beloved,' &c., having the peace of God ruling in her heart, and the word of Christ indwelling richly, as was shadowed forth by the ark of the testimony in which was the word, expressive of the will of God, and upon which was the mercy seat, the throne of Him who had espoused Israel to himself, In the several relations of life the pleasure of the Lord is to be done, ver. 18-25; ch. iv. 1. The mystery of Christ (shadowed out by the marriage relation) is that which it is the great business of the Christian ministry to bring to light. This is that which is most earnestly to be desired, 'that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God,' ver. 2-18. It may be noticed that 'Nymphas' (a spouse), mentioned ver. 15, appears to be the same with Philemon,' a name of similar import; and that the Epistle mentioned, ver. 16, appears to be the same with that to Philemon. VIII. In Paul's eighth Epistle, the FIRST TO THE THESSALONIANS, we are directed to the right keeping of the eighth commandment, correspondent to the eighth part of The Sermon on the Mount,' Mt. vii. 7-14. We are best saved from a breach of the eighth commandment when, having known the grace of God to ourselves, we are, like Paul, given thankfulness to God 146] for the favours bestowed upon others; and when our asking is for blessing upon them-ever remembering in the sight of God, not our own necessities only, but others' work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ,' eh. i. 1-3. That which we are to prize for ourselves, with regard to others, is the privilege of communicating unto them the gospel in power, &c., and teaching them, by example, to become ensamples to others, sacrificing all for the word of truth, ver. 4–8. We are to seek, not that men may be drawn to us, but that they may be turned to the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, &c., 9, 10. The gospel is not ours, so that we may traffic therewith for temporal gain; we are put in trust with it, that we may dispense it freely, as in the sight of God, using no cloak of covetousness. Let us be willing to impart to men, not the gospel of God only,' they being dear to us, ch. ii. 1-8. Paul was an example of what the servant of the Lord ought to be, as to disinterested labour for the benefit of others. He did not, by looseness of conduct, deprive himself of the power of consistently exhorting the church to walk worthy of God,' 9-12. When the Word of God is received as such, there is that for which to give thanks without ceasing, even though the greatest worldly loss should be incurred. Those who hinder the spiritual enriching of others, do, as has been abundantly evident in the case of the Jews, treasure up wrath for themselves. The Christian's rich reward-his crown of rejoicing, is hav ing those to whom he ministers enriched with all spiritual grace in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ,' ver. 13-20. The comfort of the Christian minister is the seeing the children of God comfortably sustained, in the faith, through trial and temptation. His prayer is, that they may be prepared for the full fruition of their glorious hope-the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints,' ch. iii. We are earnestly to desire the being preserved in holiness to the Lord, that no man go beyond and defraud [MARG. oppress,' or, overreach'] his brother in any matter: and that, avoiding all lustfulness, we abound in all love, quietly labouring with our own hands, that we may walk honestly,' &c., ch. iv. 1-12. Those who have their treasure in Christ may not, at the most painful bereavements, sorrow as those that have no hope. Not with expectations of worldly gain or glory, but with words respecting our Lord's second and glorious appearing, are the saints to comfort one another,' ver. 13-8. To those who purloin, to purposes of selfish ease stewards, the day of the Lord...cometh as a thief and indulgence, that of which they have been made in the night.' Let us be prepared for that day, by being found diligent in comforting and edifying one another, ch. v. 1-11. Although those who labour in the gospel are to labour as to the Lord only, yet is there to be in those to whom they minister a kindly remembrance of served-they are not to be defrauded, but rather are them. To them also the commandment is to be obwork is great and various, according to the variety of they to be honourably sustained in their work. Their character and condition of those among whom they may labour. Each member of the flock has to be remembered for good, according as his different case may require, ver. 12-.5. Brief exhortations, opposed to a murmuring, selfseeking disposition; and directing to the free exercise of the graces and gifts of the Spirit of God; and prayer for entire separation unto God; with expressions of holy love unto all the holy brethren, close the Epistle, ver. 16-28. IX. In Paul's ninth Epistle, the SECOND TO THE THESSALONIANS, is the correspondence to the ninth Commandment; and farther intimations respecting the false prophets of which our Lord had forewarned the Mount,' Mt. vii. 15-20.1 his disciples, in the ninth part of The Sermon on The true witnesses are they whose faith groweth, whose charity aboundeth, who are willing patiently to endure tribulation and persecution for the truth's sake, ch. i. 1-4. WHAT IS THE CHAFF TO THE WHEAT?-Jer. xxiii. 28. THEREFORE, BEHOLD, I AM AGAINST THE PROPHETS, SAITH THE LORD, THAT STEAL MY WORDS EVERY ONE FROM HIS NEIGHBOUR.-Jer. xxiii. 30. WHO HATH STOOD IN THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD, AND HATH PERCEIVED They warn of coming wrath, as well as point forward to the glory that awaits those who receive the Divine testimony. They labour as looking for their rest, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven,' ..when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe,' ver. 5-10. It is earnestly to be desired that our God would vouchsafe a thorough meetness for their calling, unto all who have been intrusted with the testimony of Jesus-who have been called to glorify his name, ver. 11,.2. It is not only necessary that we be ourselves true witnesses, but that we should beware of false prophets, and especially of those pretending to have apostolic authority. Here we are most expressively forewarned of that gigantic system of falsehood and wickedness, which, under the name of Christianity, but really antichrist, was afterwards to arise, and against which, as well as for Christ, the true witnesses are to be bold in bearing their testimony There was first a falling away, and then appeared the son of perdition, who opposeth,' &c.-who, in place of witnessing of Jesus, sheweth forth himself, as if he were God, ch. ii. 1-4. The rise of antichrist had been much the subject of the Spirit's faithful forewarning; and it only required the farther development of a principle which was already at work among the disciples, and which would come forth into full operation so soon as circumstances allowed; but the Christian was to feel certain, that so surely as the predicted WICKED' was revealed, would he be destroyed by the brightness of the coming (parousia), by the full and true witnessing, preparatory to the appearing of the Lord. Those who love not the truth are the most in danger of believing a lie; and those who believe not the truth, having pleasure in unrighteousness, are ripening for destruction. Their cunning, in contriving and contending for what is false, will be found folly in the end, ver. 5-12. Believers in Christ are, in opposition to the slaves of antichrist-brethren, for whom thanks are to be given to God for their being made Christians; and the means of their salvation in Christ are not carnal ordinances, but the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth being called by the gospel to the obtaining of the glory, &c., ver. 13, .4. We are not merely ourselves to hold firmly the truth, but we are to be much in prayer that the word of the Lord, as witnessed by others, may both have free course, and be productive of fruit; and that the work of God may be free from the interference of unreasonable and wicked men, ch. ii. 15-7; iii. 1, 2. It is as trusting in a faithful God, as having our hearts directed into his love, and the patient waiting for Christ, that we are enabled to continue unwavering in our testimony, ver. 3-5. The faithful witnesses for the truth must not associate with those who walk disorderly. Paul denied himself even that which was justly his due, in order to avoid any appearance of being burdensome to the churches, ver. 6-9. Those who act according to the apostolic rule, with quietness work, and eat their own bread,' ver. 10-.2. Those who are themselves unwearied in welldoing are not to be identified with any who bring reproach on the cause of truth by seeking to make a gain of godliness, ver. 13.5. The peace-bestowing witness of the Lord of peace himself, by whatever means he is pleased to express his will, is that which is to be desired. That which was ministered by epistle, through Paul, may be known by his peculiar salutation, ver. 16-.8. X. In the tenth Epistle of Paul, the FIRST to TIMOTHY, we have ample illustration both of the tenth commandment, and of the tenth and last portion of The Sermon on the Mount,' Mt. vii. 21-7. 1. At the commencement of the Epistle, the apostle recogulses our having come to the end of the commandment, which is charity, out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned,' i Tim. i. 5. It is only as being right in doctrine that we can by the Law can only be truly learned in the light of be right in practice. The RIGHTEOUSNESS required the glorious gospel of the blessed God,' ch. i. 1-11. 2. Paul reckoned himself a signal example of Divine mercy, that in him Jesus Christ might exhibit a PATTERN of faithfulness, grace, and especially longsuffering, ver. 12—.6. 3. The NAME to which we are to be faithful; and the necessity of holding faith, and a good conscience,' if we would not, concerning faith,' make shipwreck, are next spoken of, ver. 17-20. 4. Love for our fellow-men is to be expressed in our approaches to God. The reconciling grace taught in the mediatorial work of Christ, is to be exhibited by us, in all our communications both with God and with man, chap. ii. 1-7. 5. We are to exercise longsuffering towards each other, and submission to the sovereign appointments of God, every where lifting up holy hands,' to heaven, not usurping, &c., ver. 8-15. 6. Meekness, or an imperturbable determination to do what is right and kind, keeping in due restraint every inordinate desire, is a principal characteristic required in those who are to exercise rule, ch. iii. 1-13. 7. The great mystery, the church of the living God, for becoming service in which we are to be prepared, and the spiritual wickedness, against which the true church of God would have to contend, ch. iii. 14-.6; iv. 1-6. 8. The things-those belonging to eternal lifeupon which the desires are to lay hold, and in which the man of God may indeed be profitably exercised, ver. 7-16. 9. The carefulness that was to be used in order to avoid the alloy of covetousness in church arrangements, and especially in those offices by which the love and truth of Christianity were to be exhibited to the world, so that these might bear true witness for Christ, ch. v. 10. Covetousness, or unlawful desire, producing partiality, discontent with one's situation, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition,' is most earnestly to be avoided, ch. vi. 1–10. The apostle here, ch. vi. 3, as at the close of the first of these Epistles, Ro. xvi. 25-7, seems to recognise the connection between the preaching,' or words of Jesus Christ, and the teaching which Paul himself was empowered to give according to godliness." The danger of not doing these things, after having heard them, is here pointed out, ch. vi. 3-10, as at the close of The Sermon on the Mount,' Mt. vii. 26, 7. Here is also shewn the manner in which, fleeing covetousness, we may safely build upon the Rock; and by which, even the rich in this world may be dation against the time to come, that they may lay found laying up in store for themselves a good foun hold on Eternal Life,' 1 Tim. vi. 11-.9; comp. Mt. vii. 24, .5. Mammon, as promising a command over the enjoychiefly interposes so as to prevent a simple trust in ments generally of the present world, is that which HIM, whom the word reveals as the Rock, in whom our entire confidence should be placed. Mammon, or money, is accordingly warned against: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows,' ver. 10. SUMMARY OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS EPISTLE, AND OF THE EPISTLES OF PAUL GENERALLY, IN THE CHARGE TO THE The apostle, in directing to flee from covetousness, gives a brief recapitulation of the contents of this Epistle, as presenting the things opposed to covetous 'MAN OF GOD,' GIVEN 1 TIM. vi. 11—.6. ness, and according to the commandment, ver. 11, But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and fol low after righteousness, godliness,' &c. BE THOU INSTRUCTED.-Jer. vi. 8. [147 AND HEARD HIS WORD? WHO HATH MARKED HIS WORD, AND HEARD IT?-Jer. xxiii. 18. WITHOUT CONTROVERSY GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, JUSTIFIED IN THE SPIRIT, 1. RIGHTEOUSNESS'-see this and its contrast described, I TIM. 1-11; and in the Epistle to the RoMANS throughout. 2. GODLINESS'-being like God, or after the Divine pattern-comp. ver. 12-6, and the FIRST EP. TO THE CORINTHIANS. 3. FAITH-a truthful profession of the NAME of the Lord-comp. 17-20, and the SECOND EP. TO THE CORINTHIANS. 4. 'LOVE'-the great lesson taught in the work of redemption-comp. ch. ii. 1-7, and GALATIANS. 5. PATIENCE'-prayerful submission to our Father in heaven, in the exercise of mutual forbearancecomp. ver. 8-15, and EPHESIANS. 6. MEEKNESS'-or self-restraint, necessary especially in those who are called to feed and be ensamples to the flock-comp. ch. iii. 1-13, and PHILIPPIANS. 7. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH '-comp. ver. 14-.6; ch. iv. 1-6, and COLOSSIANS. 8. LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, WHEREUNTO THOU ART ALSO CALLED'-comp. ch. iv. 7-16, and the FIRST EP. TO THE THESSALONIANS. 9. As to professing A GOOD PROFESSION BEFORE MANY WITNESSES'-comp. ch. v., and the SECOND EP. TO THE THESSALONIANS. 10. THAT THOU KEEP THIS COMMANDMENT, WITAOUT SPOT, UNREBUKEABLE,' &c., ch. vi. 1-12.-See the EPISTLES to TIMOTHY, TITUS, and PHILEMON. THE CHARGE TO THE 'MAN OF GOD,' WHICH MAY THUS BE VIEWED AS CONTAINING 1. matters that occasion worldly trouble, and that pre- 8. AN APPLICATION OF THE COMMANDMENT TO THE CASE OF 'THE RICH IN THIS After having given directions with regard to the poor, as to how they should eschew covetousness 1 Ti. vi. 1-10), and content themselves with being followers of Him, who, although the blessed and only Potentate, stood as a poor man before the tribunal of Pilate, confessing that his kingdom was not of this world, ver. 11-6, the apostle proceeds, 17-9, to deliver a charge for the benefit of the rich, which gives a brief summary of the contents of our Lord's discourse; and in which is shewn the connection between securing a good foundation against the time to come, and denying ourselves of a covetous appropriation of wealth; against which, as well as in favour of an earnest search after the true riches, the sayings of Christ were throughout chiefly directed. 1. The words, Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded,' immediately suggest the commencement of our Lord's discourse, Mt. v. 3-12, Blessed are the poor in spirit,' &c. By following the apostle's advice, those who are not literally poor as to this world, may possess the blessedness described in the Beatitudes, otherwise their fancied elevation will be found deceptive indeed. 2. The words that follow, nor trust in uncertain riches,' may well be connected with the second part of The Sermon on the Mount,' Mt. v. 13-6, as nothing is so apt to deprive of godliness-to render insipid and dark, and timid in the cause of God, as that against which we are warned by the apostle-a cleaving to the earth. 3. The direction to trust in the living God' is correspondent to the third part of The Sermon on the Mount,' Mt. v. 17-20, which speaks of the better righteousness, the righteousness which is of God by faith,' as contrasted with the dead formality of the scribes and Pharisees. 4. He who giveth us richly all things to enjoy,' hath taught us forgiveness, truthfulness, and grace; not only by fulfilling his covenant mercy as to sunshine and shower, both of which are implied in the rainbow, the token of the covenant, and adverted to Mt. v. 45. He hath given us the still more assured pledge of our enjoying all things, in his having given 148] his own Son, to teach in deed as well as in word the 10. That they may lay hold on eternal life.' That they may indeed be found fixed upon the Rock, Mt. vii. 24, 5, the Rock of Ages, that Eternal Rock, upon which all who truly build are everlastingly secure, it is necessary that all intervening ground of trust should be entirely renounced, and that the Saviour be trusted in simply and entirely; and that we be sure that this is our own case, we must be willing to deny ourselves to covetousness. See ver. 26, .7. QUENCH NOT THE SPIRIT.-1 Thess. v. 19. SEEN OF ANGELS, PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES, BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD, RECEIVED UP INTO GLORY.-1 Tim. iii. 16. |