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<p>Here we have divers short exhortations, that will not burden our memories, but will be of great use to direct the motions of our hearts and lives; for the duties are of great importance, and we may observe how they are connected together, and have a dependence upon one another. 1. <i>Rejoice evermore</i>, <a class="bibleref" title="1Thess.5.16" href="/passage/?search=1Thess.5.16">1 Thess. 5:16</a>. This must be understood of spiritual joy; for we must rejoice in our creature-comforts as if we rejoiced not, and must not expect to live many years, and rejoice in them all; but, if we do rejoice in God, we may do that evermore. In him our joy will be full; and it is our fault if we have not a continual feast. If we are sorrowful upon any worldly account, yet still we may always rejoice, <a class="bibleref" title="2Cor.6.10" href="/passage/?search=2Cor.6.10">2 Cor. 6:10</a>. Note, A religious life is a pleasant life, it is a life of constant joy. 2. <i>Pray without ceasing</i>, <a class="bibleref" title="1Thess.5.17" href="/passage/?search=1Thess.5.17">1 Thess. 5:17</a>. Note, The way to rejoice evermore is to pray without ceasing. We should rejoice more if we prayed more. We should keep up stated times for prayer, and continue instant in prayer. We should pray always, and not faint: pray without weariness, and continue in prayer, till we come to that world where prayer shall be swallowed up in praise. The meaning is not that men should do nothing but pray, but that nothing else we do should hinder prayer in its proper season. Prayer will help forward and not hinder all other lawful business, and every good work. 3. <i>In every thing give thanks</i>, <a class="bibleref" title="1Thess.5.18" href="/passage/?search=1Thess.5.18">1 Thess. 5:18</a>. If we pray without ceasing, we shall not want matter for thanksgiving <i>in every thing</i>. As we must in every thing make our requests known to God by supplications, so we must not omit thanksgiving, <a class="bibleref" title="Phil.4.6" href="/passage/?search=Phil.4.6">Phil. 4:6</a>. We should be thankful in every condition, even in adversity as well as prosperity. It is never so bad with us but it might be worse. If we have ever so much occasion to make our humble complaints to God, we never can have any reason to complain of God, and have always much reason to praise and give thanks: the apostle says, This is the <i>will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us, that we give thanks</i>, seeing God is reconciled to us in Christ Jesus; in him, through him, and for his sake, he allows us to rejoice evermore, and appoints us in every thing to give thanks. It is pleasing to God. 4. <i>Quench not the Spirit</i> (<a class="bibleref" title="1Thess.5.19" href="/passage/?search=1Thess.5.19">1 Thess. 5:19</a>), for it is this Spirit of grace and supplication that helpeth our infirmities, that assisteth us in our prayers and thanksgivings. Christians are said to <i>be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire</i>. He worketh as fire, by enlightening, enlivening, and purifying the souls of men. We must be careful not to quench this holy fire. As fire is put out by withdrawing fuel, so we quench the Spirit if we do not stir up our spirits, and all that is within us, to comply with the motions of the good Spirit; and as fire is quenched by pouring water, or putting a great quantity of dirt upon it, so we must be careful not to quench the Holy Spirit by indulging carnal lusts and affections, or minding only earthly things. 5. <i>Despise not prophesyings</i> (<a class="bibleref" title="1Thess.5.20" href="/passage/?search=1Thess.5.20">1 Thess. 5:20</a>); for, if we neglect the means of grace, we forfeit the Spirit of grace. By <i>prophesyings</i> here we are to understand the preaching of the word, the interpreting and applying of the scriptures; and this we must not despise, but should prize and value, because it is the ordinance of God, appointed of him for our furtherance and increase in knowledge and grace, in holiness and comfort. We must not despise preaching, though it be plain, and not with
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