He should with the important work of progressive sanctification. IV. In want a single reference to its ultimate and complete perfection.d if member."-Gur nall. "Christ has but one Church. The second Adam, like the first, is the only of one wife. A magnanimous husband.-Philip, surnamed the Good, the founder of that greatness to which the house of Burgundy latterly attained, was, at an early age, married to the Princess Michelea, sister to Charles the Dauphin. The father of Philip was afterwards slain through the villainy and perfidiousness of Charles; and on the news being brought to Philip, full of grief and anger, he husband rushed into the chamber of his wife: "Alas!" said he, "my Just as the Michelea, thy brother has murdered my father." The Princess, Church cannot who loved her husband most tenderly, broke out into the most have two heads, affecting cries and lamentations; and fearful lest this accident should lose her the affections of her spouse, refused all comfort. bodies: for as Philip, the good Philip, however, assured her, that she should not that body were be the less dear to him on that account; that the deed was her a monster which brother's and none of hers. had two heads, so "Take courage, my life," said he, the head which" and seek comfort in a husband that will be faithful and constant had two separate to thee for ever." "Michelea was revived by these tender assurances; nor during the three years longer which she lived had she occasion to suspect the smallest diminution of Philip's affection and respect. so the one Head cannot have two bodies."- Dr. Guthrie. the Lord and the Church a Jo. xvii. 14, 15; xiv. 16, 17. 6 Ge. ii. 23; Ro. xii. 5; 1 Co. vi. d" As Christ left a 29-31. for . . it, so should a man, his wife. even.. Church, the heavenly husband and His bride. for..bones,” hence He nourishes and cherishes us. for .. cause, bec. of this love. shall.. mother, to whom he was tenderly attached.< and.. joined, intimate union, identity of interests, objects, etc. The mystery of marriage.-I. The counsel that God had about Adam's marriage with Eve: 1. The Lord made Adam before He thought of a wife for him; 2. Among all the created things God could not find a help meet for Adam; 3. God, in blessing Adam, blessed her afterwards to be made. II. The creation of the woman out of the man. III. The marriage itself: 1. God brought the woman to Adam; 2. When brought, he consented and owned her. IV. The consequence of Adam's marriage: 1. A union; 2. A rule for all time-that the wife cleave to her husband.e Choosing a wife.-When a young woman behaves to her flesh with parents in a manner particularly tender and respectful, I mean Himself." from principle as well as nature, there is nothing good and gentle Jerome; Theodoret. that may not be expected from her in whatever condition she is e Dr. T. Goodwin. placed. Of this I am so thoroughly persuaded, that, were I to f Fordyce. advise any friend of mine as to his choice of a wife, I know not whether my first counsel would not be, "Look out for one distinguished by her attention and sweetness to her parents." The fund of worth and affection, indicated by such a behaviour, joined to the habit of duty and consideration thereby contracted, being transferred to the married state, will not fail to render her a mild and obliging companion./ "No one loves another better than himself."Menander. a See Serms. by xviii. 32, 33. mystery, poss. ref. to conjugal relation, a but.. Bp. Taylor, xvii., Church," the mys. of this closeness of the conjugal relation is great, but I am myself speaking of it in its still deeper application, in reference to Christ and the Ch." nevertheless, the purport "Thrice happy of the argument is this. let.. himself, as Christ loved His Ch. and more are wife.. husband, as the Ch. reverences Christ. b Ellicott. those who are bound by an un Union between Christ and His people.-I. The subject ostensibly broken chain of proposed, -the duties of husbands and wives, which he-1. Specifies, and-2. Illustrates by a comparison. II. The subject love, and, undisturbed by a quecovertly intended: 1. The mystery itself; 2. Its greatness. rulous temper, Application:-(1) Seek by faith to realise this mystery; (2) En- live in love till deavour, by works, to recommend and adorn it.c their latest c Rev. C. Simeon. Qualities of a good wife.-An old author says, "A good wife hour."-Horace. should be like three things; which three things she should not be like. First she should be like a snail, to keep within her own house; but she should not be like the snail, to carry all she has upon her back. Secondly, she should be like an echo, to speak when spoken to; but she should not be like, an echo, always to have the last word. Thirdly, she should be like a town-clock, always to keep time and regularity; but she should not be like a town-clock, speak so loud that all the town may hear her." CHAPTER THE SIXTH. C 1-3. children.. Lord,a defining and characterising the nature and possibly the limits of the obedience. right, agreeable to nature, reason, and Script. honour, love, reverence, obey. father.. mother, both, and equally. commandment, [i. 104]. promise, i.e., the first com. we meet with wh. involves a promise. The first com. not in order, but in respect of promise.d that.. thee, respect of man, favour of God. thou. earth, directly, in fulfilment of promise: indirectly, as the obedience of the child may preserve his health, life, etc. dressed." Spanish. duty of a Col. iii. 20; Pr. xxiii. 22; Lu. ii. 51. b Ellicott. c Ex. xx. 12; De. d Ellicott. 19. To what education must be directed.-That education may bear fruit for time and eternity:-I. The youth must learn proper Je. xxxv. 18, obedience. II. They must be led through love to obedience. III. Mildness and strictness must be rooted in the nurture and I never yet admonition of the Lord. knew a lad pros per in the world that did not love his mother."Rev. J. Sherman. g Anacker. Example of obedience.-The commander of the ship-of-war Orient, before the battle of the Nile, placed his son, Cassabianca, thirteen years of age, on certain duty, to stay at his post till relieved by his father's order. Soon after the father was slain. The boy held his post in the midst of fearful carnage, ignorant of "A suspicious his father's fate; and, while the sailors were deserting the burning parent makes an and sinking ship, he cried, "Father, may I go?" The permission artful child.". did not come from his dead father's lips; and there he stood alone, firm at his post, and perished in the flames. 4. fathers, must be careful how they rule, since the child is bound to obey. wrath,a anger, and so incite to sin. but.. up,b , educate. nurture, training by discipline. admonition, training by word. of.. Lord, such training of both kinds as He will approve, and as may lead the child to His service. Haliburton. duty of a Col. iii. 21. 19. c Pr. xix. 18; Parents and children.-I. The nature and extent of parental xxix. 17; De. influence. II. The spirit and manner in which this responsibility iv. 9. should be discharged:-1. To make the unconscious influenced De. vi. 6—9; which a man exerts there is necessary high-toned Christian prin- Ge. xviii. ciple; 2. You should clearly set before your own mind, in training See Trench, Syn. the child, the object which you have in view. III. The means by which this work-the training of your children-is to be done :1. Direct religious instruction; 2. The exercise of authority; 3. Prayer for and with the children.e Parental influence.-Stronger far than education-going on 1st ser. 131. "In a father's love, like a welldrawn picture, he eyes all his children alike (if there be a parity of deserts) never parching one to drown another." -Fuller. B.A. EPHESIANS. [Cap. vi. 5-8. before education can commence, possibly from the very first moments of consciousness, we begin to impress ourselves on our children. Our character, voice, features, qualities-modified, no doubt, by entering into a new being, and into a different organiJ. G. Rogers, sation-are impressed upon our children: not the inculcation of opinions, but much rather the formation of principles, and of the F. W. Robert- tone of character, the derivation of qualities. Physiologists tell us of the derivation of the mental qualities from the father, and of the moral from the mother. But, be this as it may, there is scarcely one here who cannot trace back his present religious character to some impression, in early life, from one or other of his parents-a tone, a look, a word, a habit, or even, it may be, a bitter, miserable exclamation of remorse. son. "Plato, seeing a chief, went and corrected the child do mis father for it." duty of servants 5, 6. masters. . flesh," employers, earthly masters. with trembling, anxious to do their duty fully and faithfully. in a Col. iii. 22;.. heart, without hypocrisy. as.. Christ, as faithfully as Tit. ii. 9; 1 Pe. they should serve Him in higher things. not.. eyeservice,' ii. 18; 1 Ti. vi. 1, being industrious, etc., only when the master is looking on. Syn. 1st ser. 113. menpleasers, who look for human applause. but.. Christ," who are true and faithful in the absence of their Lord; and who, for His sake, try to do well the duties of the station in wh. He e Col. iii. 23; 1 has placed them. doing.. heart, or soul, i.e., performing duty with cheerfulness, intelligence, conscientiousness. 2. See Trench, b Ph. ii. 12. Co. x. 31. rate."-Virgil. "What would their masters do, The duties of servants.-I. The duties they owe to themselves : when their 1. Religion; 2. Regard for truth; 3. Sobriety; 4. Chastity; knavish servants 5. Frugality. These duties they owe partly to masters, but by prate at such a their non-performance they damage themselves alone. II. Those which they owe to their employers: 1. Reverence and honour for them as superiors; 2. Obedience; 3. Good temper; 4. Fidelity,— with regard to their property, their time, and their reputation; 5. Diligence; 6. Gratitude for kindness. III. Those which they owe to each other, peacefulness-temperateness-kindness.& d J. A. James. "Our ancestors used to say that the eye of the master was the best manure for the field.”— Pliny the Less. "But for the light, for such in I have fears." May we be able at His coming to give a joyful ac count of our stewardship!" On self-seeking.-A certain king had a minstrel whom he commanded to play before him. It was a day of high feasting; the cups were flowing, and many great guests were assembled. The minstrel laid his fingers among the strings of his harp, and woke them all to the sweetest melody, but the hymn was to the glory of himself. It was a celebration of the exploits of song which the bard had himself performed, and told how he had excelled highborn Hoel's harp, and emulated soft Llewellyn's lay. In highsounding strains he sang himself and all his glories. When the feast was over, the harper said to the monarch, "O king, give me thy guerdon; let the minstrel's meed be paid." Then the monarch replied, "Thou hast sung unto thyself, pay thyself; thine own praises were thy theme; be thyself the paymaster. The harper cried, "Did I not sing sweetly? O king, give me thy gold!" But the king answered, "So much the worse for thy pride, that thou shouldst lavish such sweetness upon thyself. Get thee gone, thou shalt not serve in my train." a Col. iii. 23; 1 7, 8. with.. service, with well-affected mind." Co. x. 31. b Eadie. as.. men, let it be sincere and thorough service, such as the Lord will accept who knows the heart. whatsoever, whether of a secular or religious kind; whether small or great. good, good in nature, fitness, motive, aim. doeth, not talketh or thinketh about, but doeth. same, i.e., a blessing and reward that shall be good. whether.. free, no social distinction shall affect his future" As state. servants wish their master to be, such is The reward of servants.-Servants can lay up for themselves in he wont to be. continued service either-I. A blessing, if they faithfully serve Masters are good in the fear of the Lord; II. A curse, if they act falsely and faith-to lessly.d the good, severe to him who is bad." may very groom, who A faithful servant.-Dr. L-, a respectable gentleman, was Plautus. confined for some time in the King's Bench Prison; while his a Starcke. fortune, on account of a law-suit, was unjustly withheld from him. "In this place During this distress, he was obliged to tell his negro servant, that, we however painful to his feelings, they must part; his difficulties properly insert being so great, that he was unable to provide for him the neces- the saying of the saries of life. The negro, well known in the King's Bench Prison maintained that by the name of Bob, replied, "No, master, we will never part. Many a year have you kept me; and now I will keep you.' Accordingly, Bob went out to work as a day-labourer; and, at the end of every week, faithfully brought his earnings to his master. These proved sufficient for the support of them both, until, the law-suit being ended, Dr. L- became possessed of a large fortune. He settled a handsome sum on his faithful servant. therewas nothing which served to fatten a horse so much as the eye of its master." Plutarch. a Col. iv. 1; Le. XXV. 43; 1 Co. vii. 22. 9. do.. them,a act towards them on the same principles of duty of honesty, justice, etc. threatening, and every unnecessary masters harshness. your.. heaven, fr. whom you hope for kind and merciful treatment. neither.. him [iii. 273]. Masters.-I. Their station-one of relative superiority-limited and temporary. II. Their duty-they must be just-kind-forbearing threatenings. III. Their responsibility-to Christ their Master in heaven, who judges without partiality.c Service in ancient times : Happy those times, When lords were styled fathers of families, a b Ro. ii. 11; Ga. d Shakespeare. 10, 11. finally, as a last but most important consideration. the armour be..might, union with God our only source of strength. of God the.. armour, the panoply. of God, Gk., gen. of source a 2 Ti. ii. 1; Is. whence the arms come. stand, no retreat, or danger. wiles,d xxvi. 4; xl. 29stratagems. 31; Col. i. 11; 2 Co. xii. 9, 10; The whole armour of God.-I. What makes this armour neces-Ph. iv. 13. sary-we have a mighty enemy to withstand. II. Notice the ō For armour, armour itself-the girdle is truth-the breast-plate is righteous- see Topics, ii. 82. ness-the helmet, salvation-the sandals are the preparation of C Ellicott. See the Gospel of peace-these are for wearing. For wielding there Serm. by Latimer, is the shield of faith-and the sword, the Word of God. Con-iii. clusion:-(1) This armour is God's, not ours; (2) We are to put d 2 Co. ii. 11. it on; (3) We are to put on the whole of it; (4) The result of e Eadie. putting it on-security, comfort, victory. f Rev. J. Bolton. The whole armour of God.-It is reported by the poets of See T. Brooks' Achilles, the Grecian captain, that his mother, being warned by Precious Remedies against Devices, Satan's the oracle, dipped him-being a child-in the river Lethe, to preWorks, vent any danger that might ensue by reason of the Trojan war; vol. i.; Gilpin's Practical Ser- but Paris, his inveterate enemy, understanding also by the oracle mons, p. 26; that he was impenetrable all over his body, except the heel or Cecil's Original small part of his leg, which his mother held him by when she Thoughts, i. 347. dipped him, took his advantage, shot him in the heel, and killed him. Thus every man is, or ought to be, armed cap-à-pie with that panoply--the whole armour of God. For the devil will be sure to hit the least part that he finds unarmed; if it be the eye, he will dart in at that casement by the presentation of one lewd object or other; if it be the ear, he will force that door open by bad counsel; if the tongue, that shall be made a world of mischief; if the feet, they shall be swift to shed blood, etc.g "Vain in mortal man is courage; the Christian's enemies a b 12, 13. wrestle, struggle, conflict. not.. blood, men like ourselves. but.. places, var. orders of evil angels and spirits. take.. you, assume, clothe yourself with. whole.. God,c think no part useless. the.. day, of violent, special, strate6 Ep. ii. 2; Col. getical temptation. and.. all, assumed the armour and used it. stand,d ready for the fight, boldly in it, and a victor after it. a Lu. xiii. 24; Ro. vii. 22, 23. ii. 15. c 2 Co. x. 4. 17. "It was The spiritual warfare.-I. The foes,-Satan and his agents. d Re. iii. 10; vi. Your danger arises from-1. The advantages they find in this world; 2. Their having in league and correspondence an active See Sibbe's party within ourselves-all the powers, principles, passions, and Works, iii. 518 ff. necessities of our nature; 3. Their number; 4. Their mightiness; well 5. Their invisibility; 6. Their artfulness; 7. Their malignity. said, "The gifts II. The armour: 1. The articles of which it consists; 2. Its are always hos-nature-Dívine; 3. Its appropriation; 4. The entireness of its tile, and fraught application. III. The success: 1. The posture-" standing;" 2. with mischief." The period-" in the evil day;" 3. The pre-eminence of the ad-Sophocles. vantage gained.e of hostile hands e W. Jay. f Bate. "Oh, what authority and show of truth can cunning sin cover itself withal!"-Shakespeare. the shield of faith Pe. i. 13; see No armour for the back.-Of all the various parts making up the armour of God, there is none provided for the back, showing to us that the Christian warrior was never meant to run from his enemies, but fight the good fight of faith, that he may lay hold on eternal life; and also that if any opposition came from the rear, he might be stimulated and impelled to run all the faster towards his heavenly inheritance.s 14–16. stand, ready for the fight. loins.. truth,a all. to girdle, wh. kept the armour in its place, supported the sword, a Lu. xii. 35; 1 strengthened the wearer. (Note the relation of truth to rest of Smith's Dict. of armour.) breastplate, cuirass. righteousness,' personal Antiq. Arts. Bal-integrity, righteousness wh. is by faith. shod, strong serviceable 61 Th. V. 8; Is. military sandal [i. 15]. preparation, the readiness. peace, lix. 17; Ac. xxiv. a p. that can only be secured if we war against His enemies. above, in addition to. shield. . faith, faith for a shield. teus, Zona. 16. c Is. lii. 7; 2 Co. fiery darts, sinful, fiery suggestions. v. 18; Ro. v. 1, 3. d Ellicott. e See Gk.; not domis, (clypeus), the light target; but θυρεός, the large oval or oblong shield. f1 Pe. v. 8, 9; 1 Jo. v. 4. g Hammond, Boc hart, say the all. The Christian's breastplate.-I. The shape and use of the ancient soldier's breastplate. It was armour only for the front, not for the back of the soldier,—a significant fact-such is the common idea; but this is untrue: 1. As to fact; 2. In experience. The breastplate protected the whole body. II. The thing here signified by the breastplate-righteousness. The Bible speaks of two kinds of righteousness: 1. That which is of the law. To constitute this-(1) The law must be obeyed both in letter and spirit; (2) This obedience must be personally rendered; (3) This |
