mh_parser/vol_split/54 - 1Timothy/Chapter 5.xml

<div2 id="iTim.vi" n="vi" next="iTim.vii" prev="iTim.v" progress="69.46%" title="Chapter V">
<h2 id="iTim.vi-p0.1">F I R S T   T I M O T H Y.</h2>
<h3 id="iTim.vi-p0.2">CHAP. V.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iTim.vi-p1">Here the apostle, I. Directs Timothy how to
reprove, <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.1-1Tim.5.2" parsed="|1Tim|5|1|5|2" passage="1Ti 5:1,2">ver. 1, 2</scripRef>. II.
Adverts to widows, both elder and younger, <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.3-1Tim.5.16" parsed="|1Tim|5|3|5|16" passage="1Ti 5:3-16">ver. 3-16</scripRef>. III. To elders, <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.17-1Tim.5.19" parsed="|1Tim|5|17|5|19" passage="1Ti 5:17-19">ver. 17-19</scripRef>. IV. Treats of public
reproof, <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.20" parsed="|1Tim|5|20|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:20">ver. 20</scripRef>. V. Gives
a solemn charge concerning ordination, <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.21-1Tim.5.22" parsed="|1Tim|5|21|5|22" passage="1Ti 5:21,22">ver. 21, 22</scripRef>. VI. Refers to his health
(<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.23" parsed="|1Tim|5|23|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:23">ver. 23</scripRef>), and states men's
sins to be very different in their effects, <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.24-1Tim.5.25" parsed="|1Tim|5|24|5|25" passage="1Ti 5:24,25">ver. 24, 25</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iTim.vi-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5" parsed="|1Tim|5|0|0|0" passage="1Ti 5" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iTim.vi-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.1-1Tim.5.2" parsed="|1Tim|5|1|5|2" passage="1Ti 5:1-2" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Tim.5.1-1Tim.5.2">
<h4 id="iTim.vi-p1.10">Directions Concerning
Reproofs. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iTim.vi-p1.11">a.
d.</span> 64.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iTim.vi-p2">1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat <i>him</i> as
a father; <i>and</i> the younger men as brethren;   2 The
elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all
purity.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p3">Here the apostle gives rules to Timothy,
and in him to other ministers, in reproving. Ministers are
reprovers by office; it is a part, though the least pleasing part,
of their office; they are to preach the word, to reprove and
rebuke, <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.4.2" parsed="|2Tim|4|2|0|0" passage="2Ti 4:2">2 Tim. iv. 2</scripRef>. A
great difference is to be made in our reproofs, according to the
age, quality, and other circumstances, of the persons rebuked;
thus, and elder in age or office must be entreated as a father;
<i>on some have compassion, making a difference,</i> <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Jude.1.22" parsed="|Jude|1|22|0|0" passage="Jude 1:22">Jude 22</scripRef>. Now the rule is, 1. To be
very tender in rebuking elders—elders in age, elders by office.
Respect must be had to the dignity of their years and place, and
therefore they must not be rebuked sharply nor magisterially; but
Timothy himself, though an evangelist, must entreat them as
fathers, for this would be the likeliest way to work upon them, and
to win upon them. 2. The younger must be rebuked as brethren, with
love and tenderness; not as desirous, to spy faults or pick
quarrels, but as being willing to make the best of them. There is
need of a great deal of meekness in reproving those who deserve
reproof. 3. The elder women must be reproved, when there is
occasion, as mothers. <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Hos.2.2" parsed="|Hos|2|2|0|0" passage="Ho 2:2">Hos. ii.
2</scripRef>, <i>Plead with your mother, plead.</i> 4. The younger
women must be reproved, but reproved as <i>sisters, with all
purity.</i> If Timothy, so mortified a man to this world and to the
flesh and lusts of it, had need of such a caution as this, much
more have we.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iTim.vi-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.3-1Tim.5.16" parsed="|1Tim|5|3|5|16" passage="1Ti 5:3-16" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Tim.5.3-1Tim.5.16">
<h4 id="iTim.vi-p3.5">Directions Concerning
Widows. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iTim.vi-p3.6">a.
d.</span> 64.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iTim.vi-p4">3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.   4
But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to
show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good
and acceptable before God.   5 Now she that is a widow indeed,
and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and
prayers night and day.   6 But she that liveth in pleasure is
dead while she liveth.   7 And these things give in charge,
that they may be blameless.   8 But if any provide not for his
own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the
faith, and is worse than an infidel.   9 Let not a widow be
taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the
wife of one man,   10 Well reported of for good works; if she
have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have
washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she
have diligently followed every good work.   11 But the younger
widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against
Christ, they will marry;   12 Having damnation, because they
have cast off their first faith.   13 And withal they learn
<i>to be</i> idle, wandering about from house to house; and not
only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which
they ought not.   14 I will therefore that the younger women
marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the
adversary to speak reproachfully.   15 For some are already
turned aside after Satan.   16 If any man or woman that
believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the
church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows
indeed.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p5">Directions are here given concerning the
taking of widows into the number of those who were employed by the
church and had maintenance from the church: <i>Honour widows that
are widows indeed.</i> Honour them, that is, maintain them, admit
them into office. There was in those times an office in the church
in which widows were employed, and that was to tend the sick and
the aged, to look to them by the direction of the deacons. We read
of the care taken of widows immediately upon the first forming of
the Christian church (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Acts.6.1" parsed="|Acts|6|1|0|0" passage="Ac 6:1">Acts vi.
1</scripRef>), where the Grecians thought their widows were
neglected in the daily ministration and provision made for poor
widows. The general rule is to <i>honour widows that are widows
indeed,</i> to maintain them, to relieve them with respect and
tenderness.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p6">I. It is appointed that those widows only
should be relieved by the charity of the church who were pious and
devout, and not wanton widows that <i>lived in pleasure,</i>
<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.5-1Tim.5.6" parsed="|1Tim|5|5|5|6" passage="1Ti 5:5,6"><i>v.</i> 5, 6</scripRef>. She is to
be reckoned a widow indeed, and it to be maintained at the church's
charge, who, being <i>desolate, trusteth in God.</i> Observe, It is
the duty and comfort of those who are desolate to trust in God.
<i>Therefore</i> God sometimes brings his people into such straits
that they have nothing else to trust to, that they may with more
confidence trust in him. Widowhood is a desolate estate; but <i>let
the widows trust in me</i> (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.49.11" parsed="|Jer|49|11|0|0" passage="Jer 49:11">Jer.
xlix. 11</scripRef>), and rejoice that they have a God to trust to.
Again, Those who trust in God must <i>continue in prayer.</i> If by
faith we confide in God, by prayer we must give glory to God and
commit ourselves to his guidance. Anna was a widow indeed, who
<i>departed not from the temple</i> (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Luke.2.37" parsed="|Luke|2|37|0|0" passage="Lu 2:37">Luke ii. 37</scripRef>), <i>but served God with fasting
and prayer night and day.</i> But she is not a widow indeed <i>that
lives in pleasure</i> (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.6" parsed="|1Tim|5|6|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>), or who lives licentiously. A jovial widow is not a
widow indeed, not fit to be taken under the care of the church.
<i>She that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives,</i> is no
living member of the church, but as a carcase in it, or a mortified
member. We may apply it more generally; those who live in pleasure
are dead while they live, spiritually dead, <i>dead in trespasses
and sins;</i> they are in the world to no purpose, buried alive as
to the great ends of living.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p7">II. Another rule he gives is that the
church should not be charged with the maintenance of those widows
who had relations of their own that were able to maintain them.
This is mentioned several times (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.4" parsed="|1Tim|5|4|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>): <i>If any widow have children or
nephews,</i> that is grandchildren or near relations, let them
maintain them, and let not the church be burdened. So <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.16" parsed="|1Tim|5|16|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>. This is called showing
<i>piety at home</i> (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.4" parsed="|1Tim|5|4|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:4"><i>v.</i>
4</scripRef>), or showing piety towards their own families.
Observe, The respect of children to their parents, with their care
of them, is fitly called piety. This is requiting their parents.
Children can never sufficiently requite their parents for the care
they have taken of them, and the pains they have taken with them;
but they must endeavour to do it. It is the indispensable duty of
children, if their parents be in necessity, and they in ability to
relieve them, to do it to the utmost of their power, <i>for this is
good and acceptable before God.</i> The Pharisees taught that a
gift to the altar was more acceptable to God than relieving a poor
parent, <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:Matt.15.5" parsed="|Matt|15|5|0|0" passage="Mt 15:5">Matt. xv. 5</scripRef>. But
here we are told that this <i>is better than all burnt-offerings
and sacrifices; this is good and acceptable,</i> &amp;c. He speaks
of this again (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.8" parsed="|1Tim|5|8|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>),
<i>If any provide not for his own,</i> &amp;c. If any men or women
do not maintain their own poor relations who belong to them, they
do in effect <i>deny the faith;</i> for the design of Christ was to
confirm the law of Moses, and particularly the law of the fifth
commandment, which is, <i>Honour thy father and mother;</i> so that
those deny the faith who disobey that law, much more if they
provide not for their wives and children, who are parts of
themselves; if they spend that upon their lusts which should
maintain their families, they have denied the faith <i>and are
worse than infidels.</i> One reason why this care must be taken
that those who are rich should maintain their poor relations, and
not burden the church with them is (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.16" parsed="|1Tim|5|16|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>) <i>that it may relieve those
who are widows indeed.</i> Observe, Charity misplaced is a great
hindrance to true charity; there should be prudence in the choice
of the objects of charity, that it may not be thrown away upon
those who are not properly so, that there may be the more for those
who are real objects of charity.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p8">III. He gives directions concerning the
characters of the widows that were to be taken into the number to
receive the church's charity: not under sixty years old, nor any
who have divorced their husbands or been divorced from them and
have married again; she must have been <i>the wife of one man,</i>
such as had been a housekeeper, had a good name for hospitality and
charity, <i>well reported of for good works.</i> Observe,
Particular care ought to be taken to relieve those, when they fall
into decay, who, when they had wherewithal, were ready to every
good work. Here are instances of such good works as are proper to
be done by good wives: <i>If she have brought up children:</i> he
does not say, If she have borne children (<i>children are a
heritage of the Lord</i>), that depends on the will of God; but, if
she had not children of her own, yet if she had brought up
children. <i>If she have lodged strangers,</i> and <i>washed the
saints' feet;</i> if she have been ready to give entertainment to
good Christians and good ministers, when they were in their travels
for the spreading of the gospel. Washing of the feet o their
friends was a part of their entertainments. <i>If she have relieved
the afflicted</i> when she had ability, let her be relieved now.
Observe, Those who would find mercy when they are in distress must
show mercy when they are in prosperity.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p9">IV. He cautions them to take heed of
admitting into the number those who are likely to be no credit to
them (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.11" parsed="|1Tim|5|11|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>): <i>The
younger widows refuse:</i> they will be weary of their employments
in the church, and of living by rule, as they must do; so they
<i>will marry, and cast off their first faith.</i> You read of a
first love (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Rev.2.4" parsed="|Rev|2|4|0|0" passage="Re 2:4">Rev. ii. 4</scripRef>), and
here of a first faith, that is, the engagements they gave to the
church to behave well, and as became the trust reposed in them: it
does not appear that by their first faith is meant their vow not to
marry, for the scripture is very silent on that head; besides the
apostle here advises the younger widows to marry (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.14" parsed="|1Tim|5|14|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>), which he would not if
hereby they must have broken their vows. Dr. Whitby well observes,
"If this faith referred to a promise made to the church not to
marry, it could not be called their first faith." <i>Withal they
learn to be idle, and not only idle, but tattlers,</i> &amp;c.,
<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.13" parsed="|1Tim|5|13|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. Observe, It
is seldom that those who are idle are idle only, they learn <i>to
be tattlers and busy-bodies,</i> and to make mischief among
neighbours, and sow discord among brethren. Those who had not
attained to such a gravity of mind as was fit for the deaconesses
(or the widows who were taken among the church's poor), let them
<i>marry, bear children,</i> &amp;c., <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.14" parsed="|1Tim|5|14|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. Observe, If housekeepers do not
mind their business, but are tattlers, they give occasion to the
adversaries of Christianity to reproach the Christian name, which,
it seems, there were some instances of, <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p9.6" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.15" parsed="|1Tim|5|15|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>. We learn hence, 1. In the
primitive church there was care taken of poor widows, and provision
made for them; and the churches of Christ in these days should
follow so good an example, as far as they are able. 2. In the
distribution of the church's charity, or alms, great care is to be
taken that those share in the public bounty who most want it and
best deserve it. A widow was not to be taken into the primitive
church that had relations who were able to maintain her, or who was
not well reported of for good works, but lived in pleasure: <i>But
the younger widows refuse, for, when they have begun to wax wanton
against Christ, they will marry.</i> 3. The credit of religion, and
the reputation of Christian churches, are very much concerned in
the character and behaviour of those that are taken into any
employment in the church, though of a lower nature (such as the
business of deaconesses), or that receive alms of the church; if
they do not behave well, but are tatlers and busy-bodies, they will
give occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 4.
Christianity obliges its professors to relieve their indigent
friends, particularly poor widows, that the church may not be
charged with them, that it may relieve those that are widows
indeed: rich people should be ashamed to burden the church with
their poor relations, when it is with difficulty that those are
supplied who have no children or nephews, that is, grand-children,
who are in a capacity to relieve them.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iTim.vi-p9.7" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.17-1Tim.5.25" parsed="|1Tim|5|17|5|25" passage="1Ti 5:17-25" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Tim.5.17-1Tim.5.25">
<h4 id="iTim.vi-p9.8">Directions Concerning Elders; Concerning
Church Discipline. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iTim.vi-p9.9">a.
d.</span> 64.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iTim.vi-p10">17 Let the elders that rule well be counted
worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and
doctrine.   18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle
the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer <i>is</i>
worthy of his reward.   19 Against an elder receive not an
accusation, but before two or three witnesses.   20 Them that
sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.   21 I
charge <i>thee</i> before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the
elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one
before another, doing nothing by partiality.   22 Lay hands
suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep
thyself pure.   23 Drink no longer water, but use a little
wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.   24
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and
some <i>men</i> they follow after.   25 Likewise also the good
works <i>of some</i> are manifest beforehand; and they that are
otherwise cannot be hid.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p11">Here are directions,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p12">I. Concerning the supporting of ministers.
Care must be taken that they be honourably maintained (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.17" parsed="|1Tim|5|17|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>): <i>Let the elders that
rule well be counted worthy of double honour</i> (that is, of
double maintenance, double to what they have had, or to what others
have), <i>especially those who labour in the word and doctrine,</i>
those who are more laborious than others. Observe, The presbytery
ruled, and the same that ruled were those <i>who laboured in the
word and doctrine:</i> they had not one to preach to them and
another to rule them, but the work was done by one and the same
person. Some have imagined that by the <i>elders that rule well</i>
the apostle means lay-elders, who were employed in ruling but not
in teaching, who were concerned in church-government, but did not
meddle with the administration of the word and sacraments; and I
confess this is the plainest text of scripture that can be found to
countenance such an opinion. But it seem a little strange that mere
ruling elders should be accounted worthy of double honour, when the
apostle preferred preaching to baptizing, and much more would he
prefer it to ruling the church; and it is more strange that the
apostle should take no notice of them when he treats of
church-officers; but, as it is hinted before, they had not, in the
primitive church, one to preach to them and another to rule them,
but ruling and teaching were performed by the same persons, only
some might labour more in the word and doctrine than others. Here
we have, 1. The work of ministers; it consists principally in two
things: ruling well and labouring in the word and doctrine. This
was the main business of elders or presbyters in the days of the
apostles. 2. The honour due to those who were not idle, but
laborious in this work; they were worthy of double honour, esteem,
and maintenance. He quotes a scripture to confirm this command
concerning the maintenance of ministers that we might think
foreign; but it intimates what a significancy there was in many of
the laws of Moses, and particularly in this, <i>Thou shalt not
muzzle the ox that treads out the corn,</i> <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Deut.25.4" parsed="|Deut|25|4|0|0" passage="De 25:4">Deut. xxv. 4</scripRef>. The beasts that were employed in
treading out the corn (for that way they took instead of threshing
it) were allowed to feed while they did the work, so that the more
work they did the more food they had; therefore let the elders that
labour in the word and doctrine be well provided for; <i>for the
labourer is worthy of his reward</i> (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Matt.10.10" parsed="|Matt|10|10|0|0" passage="Mt 10:10">Matt. x. 10</scripRef>), and there is all the reason in
the world that he should have it. We hence learn, (1.) God, both
under the law, and now under the gospel, has taken care that his
ministers be well provided for. Does God take care for oxen, and
will he not take care of his own servants? The ox only treads out
the corn of which they make the bread that perishes; but ministers
break the bread of life which endures for ever. (2.) The
comfortable subsistence of ministers, as it is God's appointment
that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel
(<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.9.14" parsed="|1Cor|9|14|0|0" passage="1Co 9:14">1 Cor. ix. 14</scripRef>), so it is
their just due, as much as the reward of the labourer; and those
who would have ministers starved, or not comfortably provided for,
God will require it of them another day.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p13">II. Concerning the accusation of ministers
(<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.19" parsed="|1Tim|5|19|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>): <i>Against
an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three
witnesses.</i> Here is the scripture-method of proceeding against
an elder, when accused of any crime. Observe, 1. There must be an
accusation; it must not be a flying uncertain report, but an
accusation, containing a certain charge, must be drawn up. Further,
He is not to be proceeded against by way of enquiry; this is
according to the modern practice of the inquisition, which draws up
articles for men to purge themselves of such crimes, or else to
accuse themselves; but, according to the advice of Paul, there must
be an accusation brought against an elder. 2. This accusation is
not to be received unless supported by two or three credible
witnesses; and the accusation must be received before them, that
is, the accused must have the accusers face to face, because the
reputation of a minister is, in a particular manner, a tender
thing; and therefore, before any thing be done in the least to
blemish that reputation, great care should be taken that the thing
alleged against him be well proved, that he be not reproached upon
an uncertain surmise; "but (<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.20" parsed="|1Tim|5|20|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:20"><i>v.</i>
20</scripRef>) <i>those that sin rebuke before all;</i> that is,
thou needest not be so tender of other people, but rebuke them
publicly." Or "those that sin before all rebuke before all, that
the plaster may be as wide as the wound, and that those who are in
danger of sinning by the example of their fall may take warning by
the rebuke given them for it, <i>that others also may fear.</i>"
Observe, (1.) Public scandalous sinners must be rebuked publicly:
as their sin has been public, and committed before many, or at
least come to the hearing of all, so their reproof must be public,
and before all. (2.) Public rebuke is designed for the good of
others, that they may fear, as well as for the good of the party
rebuked; hence it was ordered under the law that public offenders
should receive public punishment, that <i>all Israel</i> might
<i>hear, and fear, and do no more wickedly.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p14">III. Concerning the ordination of ministers
(<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.22" parsed="|1Tim|5|22|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>): <i>Lay
hands suddenly on no man;</i> it seems to be meant of the ordaining
of men to the office of the ministry, which ought not to be done
rashly and inconsiderately, and before due trial made of their
gifts and graces, their abilities and qualifications for it. Some
understand it of absolution: "Be not too hasty in laying hands on
any; remit not the censure of the church to any, till time be first
taken for the proof of their sincerity in their repentance,
<i>neither be partakers of other men's sins,</i> implying that
those who are too easy in remitting the censures of the church
encourage others in the sins which are thus connived at, and make
themselves thereby guilty." Observe, We have great need to watch
over ourselves at all times, that we do not make ourselves
partakers of other men's sins. "Keep thyself pure, not only from
doing the like thyself, but from countenancing it, or being any way
accessary to it, in others." Here is, 1. A caution against the rash
ordination of ministers, or absolution of those who have been under
church-censures: <i>Lay hands suddenly on no man.</i> 2. Those who
are rash, either in the one case or the other, will make themselves
partakers in other men's sins. 3. We must keep ourselves pure, if
we will be pure; the grace of God makes and keeps us pure, but it
is by our own endeavours.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p15">IV. Concerning absolution, to which
<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.24-1Tim.5.25" parsed="|1Tim|5|24|5|25" passage="1Ti 5:24,25"><i>v.</i> 24, 25</scripRef>, seem
to refer: <i>Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to
judgment, and some follow after,</i> &amp;c. Observe, Ministers
have need of a great deal of wisdom, to know how to accommodate
themselves to the variety of offences and offenders that they have
occasion to deal with. Some men's sins are so plain and obvious,
and not found by secret search, that there is no dispute concerning
the bringing of them under the censures of the church; they <i>go
before to judgment,</i> to lead them to censure.—<i>Others they
follow after;</i> that is, their wickedness does not presently
appear, nor till after a due search has been made concerning it.
Or, as some understand it, some men's sins continue after they are
censured; they are not reformed by the censure, and in that case
there must be no absolution. So, also, as to the evidences of
repentance: <i>The good works of some are manifest beforehand. And
those that are otherwise,</i> whose good works do not appear, their
wickedness <i>cannot be hid,</i> and so it will be easy to discern
who are to be absolved, and who are not. Observe, 1. There are
secret, and there are open sins; some men's sins are open
beforehand, and going unto judgment, and some they follow after. 2.
Sinners must be differently dealt with by the church. 3. The
effects of church-censures are very different; some are thereby
humbled and brought to repentance, so that their good works are
manifest beforehand, while it is quite otherwise with others. 4.
The incorrigible cannot be hid; for God will bring to light the
hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of all
hearts.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iTim.vi-p16">V. Concerning Timothy himself. 1. Here is a
charge to him to be careful of his office; and a solemn charge it
is: <i>I charge thee before God, as thou wilt answer it to God
before the holy and elect angels, observe these things without
partiality,</i> <scripRef id="iTim.vi-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.5.21" parsed="|1Tim|5|21|0|0" passage="1Ti 5:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>. Observe, It ill becomes ministers to be partial, and
to have respect of persons, and to prefer one before another upon
any secular account. He charges him, by all that is dear, <i>before
God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels,</i> to guard
against partiality. Ministers must give an account to God and the
Lord Jesus Christ, whether, and how, they have observed all things
given them in charge: and woe to them if they have been partial in
their ministrations, out of an worldly politic view. 2. He charges
him to take care of his health: <i>Drink no longer water,</i>
&amp;c. It seems Timothy was a mortified man to the pleasures of
sense; he drank water, and he was a man of no strong constitution
of body, and for this reason Paul advises him to use wine for the
helping of his stomach and the recruiting of his nature. Observe,
It is a little wine, for ministers must not be given to much wine;
so much as may be for the health of the body, not so as to
distemper it, for God has made wine to rejoice man's heart. Note,
(1.) It is the will of God that people should take all due care of
their bodies. As we are not to make them our masters, so neither
our slaves; but to use them so that they may be most fit and
helpful to us in the service of God. (2.) Wine is most proper for
sickly and weak people, whose stomachs are often out of order, and
who labour under infirmities. <i>Give strong drink to him that is
ready to perish, and wine to those that are of heavy hearts,</i>
<scripRef id="iTim.vi-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.31.6" parsed="|Prov|31|6|0|0" passage="Pr 31:6">Prov. xxxi. 6</scripRef>. (3.) Wine
should be used as a help, and not a hindrance, to our work and
usefulness.</p>
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