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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>E P H E S I A N S.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. IV.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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We have gone through the former part of this epistle, which consists of
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several important doctrinal truths, contained in the three preceding
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chapters. We enter now on the latter part of it, in which we have the
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most weighty and serious exhortations that can be given. We may observe
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that in this, as in most others of Paul's epistles, the former part is
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doctrinal, and fitted to inform the minds of men in the great truths
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and doctrines of the gospel, the latter is practical, and designed for
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the direction of their lives and manners, all Christians being bound to
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endeavour after soundness in the faith, and regularity in life and
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practice. In what has gone before we have heard of Christian
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privileges, which are the matter of our comfort. In what follows we
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shall hear of Christian duties, and what the Lord our God requires of
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us in consideration of such privileges vouchsafed to us. The best way
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to understand the mysteries and partake of the privileges of which we
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have read before is conscientiously to practise the duties prescribed
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to us in what follows: as, on the other hand, a serious consideration
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and belief of the doctrines that have been taught us in the foregoing
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chapters will be a good foundation on which to build the practice of
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the duties prescribed in those which are yet before us. Christian faith
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and Christian practice mutually befriend each other. In this chapter we
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have divers exhortations to important duties.
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I. One that is more general,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:1">ver. 1</A>.
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II. An exhortation to mutual love, unity, and concord, with the proper
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means and motives to promote them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:2-16">ver. 2-16</A>.
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III. An exhortation to Christian purity and holiness of life; and that
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both more general
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:17-24">ver. 17-24</A>)
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and in several particular instances,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:25-32">ver. 25,
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to the end</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Eph4_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Consistency Enforced.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 61.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye
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walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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This is a general exhortation to walk as becomes our Christian
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profession. Paul was now a prisoner at Rome; and he was the <I>prisoner
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of the Lord,</I> or in the Lord, which signifies as much as for the
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Lord. See of this,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+3:1"><I>ch.</I> iii. 1</A>.
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He mentions this once and again, to show that he was not ashamed of his
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bonds, well knowing that he suffered not as an evil doer: and likewise
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to recommend what he wrote to them with the greater tenderness and with
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some special advantage. It was a doctrine he thought worth suffering
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for, and therefore surely they should think it worthy their serious
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regards and their dutiful observance. We have here the petition of a
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poor prisoner, one of Christ's prisoners: "<I>I therefore, the prisoner
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of the Lord, beseech you,</I>" &c. Considering what God has done for
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you, and to what a state and condition he has called you, as has been
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discoursed before, I now come with an earnest request to you (not to
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send me relief, nor to use your interest for the obtaining of my
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liberty, the first thing which poor prisoners are wont to solicit from
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their friends, but) that you would approve yourselves good Christians,
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and live up to your profession and calling; <I>That you walk
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worthily,</I> agreeably, suitably, and congruously to those happy
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circumstances into which the grace of God has brought you, whom he has
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converted from heathenism to Christianity. Observe, Christians ought to
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accommodate themselves to the gospel by which they are called, and to
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the glory to which they are called; both are their vocation. We are
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called Christians; we must answer that name, and live like Christians.
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We are called to God's kingdom and glory; that kingdom and glory
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therefore we must mind, and walk as becomes the heirs of them.</P>
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<A NAME="Eph4_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="Eph4_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Exhortation to Unity; Persuasives to Unity.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 61.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering,
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forbearing one another in love;
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3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
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peace.
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4 <I>There is</I> one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in
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one hope of your calling;
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5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
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6 One God and Father of all, who <I>is</I> above all, and through
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all, and in you all.
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7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the
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measure of the gift of Christ.
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8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led
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captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
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9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended
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first into the lower parts of the earth?
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10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far
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above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
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11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
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evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
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12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
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ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
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13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
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knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure
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of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
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14 That we <I>henceforth</I> be no more children, tossed to and fro,
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and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of
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men, <I>and</I> cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to
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deceive;
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15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all
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things, which is the head, <I>even</I> Christ:
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16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted
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by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual
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working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body
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unto the edifying of itself in love.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here the apostle proceeds to more particular exhortations. Two he
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enlarges upon in this chapter:--To unity an love, purity and holiness,
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which Christians should very much study. We do not <I>walk worthy of
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the vocation wherewith we are called</I> if we be not faithful friends
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to all Christians, and sworn enemies to all sin.</P>
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<P>
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This section contains the exhortation to mutual love, unity, and
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concord, with the proper means and motives to promote them. Nothing is
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pressed upon us more earnestly in the scriptures than this. Love is the
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law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his
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family. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. The means of unity: <I>Lowliness and meekness, long-suffering, and
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forbearing one another in love,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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By lowliness we are to understand humility, entertaining mean thoughts
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of ourselves, which is opposed to pride. By <I>meekness,</I> that
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excellent disposition of soul which makes men unwilling to provoke
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others, and not easily to be provoked or offended with their
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infirmities; and it is opposed to angry resentments and peevishness.
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<I>Long-suffering</I> implies a patient bearing of injuries, without
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seeking revenge. <I>Forbearing one another in love</I> signifies
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bearing their infirmities out of a principle of love, and so as not to
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cease to love them on the account of these. The best Christians have
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need to bear one with another, and to make the best one of another, to
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provoke one another's graces and not their passions. We find much in
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ourselves which it is hard to forgive ourselves; and therefore we must
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not think it much if we find that in others which we think hard to
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forgive them, and yet we must forgive them as we forgive ourselves. Now
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without these things unity cannot be preserved. The first step towards
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unity is humility; without this there will be no meekness, no patience,
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or forbearance; and without these no unity. Pride and passion break the
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peace, and make all the mischief. Humility and meekness restore the
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peace, and keep it. <I>Only by pride comes contention;</I> only by
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humility comes love. The more lowly-mindedness the more
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like-mindedness. We do not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are
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called if we be not meek and lowly of heart: for he by whom we are
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called, he to whom we are called, was eminent for meekness and
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lowliness of heart, and has commanded us therein to learn of him.</P>
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<P>
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II. The nature of that unity which the apostle prescribes: it is <I>the
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unity of the Spirit,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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The seat of Christian unity is in the heart or spirit: it does not lie
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in one set of thoughts, nor in one form and mode of worship, but in one
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heart and one soul. This unity of heart and affection may be said to be
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of the Spirit of God; it is wrought by him, and is one of the fruits of
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the Spirit. This we should endeavour to keep. <I>Endeavouring</I> is a
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gospel word. We must do our utmost. If others will quarrel with us, we
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must take all possible care not to quarrel with them. If others will
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despise and hate us, we must not despise and hate them. <I>In the bond
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of peace.</I> Peace is a bond, as it unites persons, and makes them
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live friendly one with another. A peaceable disposition and conduct
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bind Christians together, whereas discord and quarrelling disband and
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disunite their hearts and affections. Many slender twigs, bound
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together, become strong. The bond of peace is the strength of society.
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Not that it can be imagined that all good people, and all the members
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of societies, should be in every thing just of the same length, and the
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same sentiments, and the same judgment: buy the bond of peace unites
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them all together, with a <I>non obstante</I> to these. As in a bundle
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of rods, they may be of different lengths and different strength; but,
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when they are tied together by one bond, they are stronger than any,
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even than the thickest and strongest was of itself.</P>
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<P>
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III. The motives proper to promote this Christian unity and concord.
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The apostle urges several, to persuade us thereto.</P>
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<P>
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1. Consider how many unities there are that are the joy and glory of
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our Christian profession. There should be one heart; for <I>there is
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one body, and one spirit,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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Two hearts in one body would be monstrous. If there be but one body,
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all that belong to that body should have one heart. The Catholic church
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is one mystical body of Christ, and all good Christians make up but one
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body, incorporated by one charter, that of the gospel, animated by one
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Spirit, the same Holy Spirit who by his gifts and graces quickens,
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enlivens, and governs that body. If we belong to Christ, we are all
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actuated by one and the same Spirit, and therefore should be one.
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<I>Even as you are called in one hope of your calling.</I> Hope is here
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put for its object, the thing hoped for, the heavenly inheritance, to
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the hope of which we are called. All Christians are called to the same
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hope of eternal life. There is one Christ that they all hope in, and
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one heaven that they are all hoping for; and therefore they should be
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of one heart. <I>One Lord</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
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that is, Christ, the head of the church, to whom, by God's appointment,
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all Christians are immediately subject. <I>One faith,</I> that is, the
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gospel, containing the doctrine of the Christian faith: or, it is the
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same grace of faith (faith in Christ) whereby all Christians are saved.
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<I>One baptism,</I> by which we profess our faith, being baptized in
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the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and so the same
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sacramental covenant, whereby we engage ourselves to the Lord Christ.
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<I>One God and Father of all,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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One God, who owns all the true members of the church for his children;
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for he is the Father of all such by special relation, as he is the
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Father of all men by creation: and he <I>is above all,</I> by his
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essence, and with respect to the glorious perfections of his nature,
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and as he has dominion over all creatures and especially over his
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church, <I>and through all,</I> by his providence upholding and
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governing them: <I>and in you all,</I> in all believers, in whom he
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dwells as in his holy temple, by his Spirit and special grace. If then
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there be so many <I>ones,</I> it is a pity but there should be one
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more--one heart, or one soul.</P>
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<P>
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2. Consider the variety of gifts that Christ has bestowed among
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Christians: <I>But unto every one of us is given grace according to the
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measure of the gift of Christ.</I> Though the members of Christ's
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church agree in so many things, yet there are some things wherein they
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differ: but this should breed no difference of affection among them,
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since they are all derived from the same bountiful author and designed
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for the same great ends. Unto every one of us Christians is given
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grace, some gift of grace, in some kind or degree or other, for the
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mutual help of one another. Unto every one of us ministers is given
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grace; to some a greater measure of gifts, to others a less measure.
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The different gifts of Christ's ministers proved a great occasion of
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contention among the first Christians: one was for Paul, and another
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for Apollos. The apostle shows that they had no reason to quarrel about
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them, but all the reason in the world to agree in the joint use of
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them, for common edification; because all was given <I>according to the
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measure of the gift of Christ,</I> in such a measure as seemed best to
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Christ to bestow upon every one. Observe, All the ministers, and all
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the members of Christ, owe all the gifts and graces that they are
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possessed of to him; and this is a good reason why we should love one
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another, <I>because to every one of us is given grace.</I> All to whom
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Christ has given grace, and on whom he has bestowed his gifts (though
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they are of different sizes, different names, and different sentiments,
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yet), <I>ought to love one another.</I> The apostle takes this occasion
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to specify some of the gifts which Christ bestowed. And that they were
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bestowed by Christ he makes appear by those words of David wherein he
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foretold this concerning him
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+68:18">Ps. lxviii. 18</A>),
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<I>Wherefore he saith</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
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that is, the Psalmist saith, <I>When he ascended up on high, he led
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captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.</I> David prophesied of the
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ascension of Christ; and the apostle descants upon it here, and in the
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:9-11">three following verses</A>.
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<I>When he ascended up on high.</I> We may understand the apostle both
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of the place into which he ascended in his human nature, that is, the
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highest heavens, and particularly of the state to which he was
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advanced, he being then highly exalted, and eminently glorified, by his
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Father. Let us set ourselves to think of the ascension of Jesus Christ:
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that our blessed Redeemer, having risen from the dead, in gone to
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heaven, where he sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, which
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completed the proof of his being the Son of God. As great conquerors,
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when they rode in their triumphal chariots, used to be attended with
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the most illustrious of their captives led in chains, and were wont to
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scatter their largesses and bounty among the soldiers and other
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spectators of their triumphs, so Christ, when he ascended into heaven,
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as a triumphant conqueror, <I>led captivity captive.</I> It is a phrase
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used in the Old Testament to signify a conquest over enemies,
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especially over such as formerly had led others captive; see
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+5:12">Judges v. 12</A>.
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Captivity is here put for captives, and signifies all our spiritual
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enemies, who brought us into captivity before. He conquered those who
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had conquered us; such as sin, the devil, and death. Indeed, he
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triumphed over these <I>on the cross;</I> but the triumph was completed
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at his ascension, when he became Lord over all, and had the keys of
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death and hades put into his hands. <I>And he gave gifts unto men:</I>
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in the psalm it is, <I>He received gifts for men.</I> He received for
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them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces;
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|
particularly, he enriched his disciples with the gift of the Holy
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Ghost. The apostle, thus speaking of the ascension of Christ, takes
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notice that he <I>descended first,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
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|
As much as if he had said, "When David speaks of Christ's ascension, he
|
|
intimates the knowledge he had of Christ's humiliation on earth; for,
|
|
when it is said that he ascended, this implies that he first descended:
|
|
for what is it but a proof or demonstration of his having done so?"
|
|
<I>Into the lower parts of the earth;</I> this may refer either to his
|
|
incarnation, according to that of David,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+139:15">Ps. cxxxix. 15</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>My substance was not hidden from thee, when I was made in secret,
|
|
and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth;</I> or, to his
|
|
burial, according to that of
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+63:9">Ps. lxiii. 9</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>Those that seek my soul to destroy it shall go into the lower parts
|
|
of the earth.</I> He calls his death (say some of the fathers) <I>his
|
|
descent into the lower parts of the earth.</I> He descended to the
|
|
earth in his incarnation. He descended into the earth in his burial.
|
|
<I>As Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so
|
|
was the Son of man in the heart of the earth. He that descended is the
|
|
same also that ascended up far above all heavens</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
far above the airy and starry (which are the visible) heavens, into the
|
|
heaven of heavens; <I>that he might fill all things,</I> all the
|
|
members of his church, with gifts and graces suitable to their several
|
|
conditions and stations. Observe, Our Lord humbled himself first, and
|
|
then he was exalted. He descended first, and then ascended. The
|
|
apostle next tells us what were Christ's gifts at his ascension: <I>He
|
|
gave some apostles,</I> &c.,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Indeed he sent forth some of these before his ascension,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:1-5">Matt. x. 1-5</A>.
|
|
|
|
But one was then added,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:26">Acts i. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
And all of them were more solemnly installed, and publicly confirmed,
|
|
in their office, by his visibly pouring forth the Holy Ghost in an
|
|
extraordinary manner and measure upon them. Note, The great gift that
|
|
Christ gave to the church at his ascension was that of the ministry of
|
|
peace and reconciliation. The gift of the ministry is the fruit of
|
|
Christ's ascension. And ministers have their various gifts, which are
|
|
all given them by the Lord Jesus. The officers which Christ gave to his
|
|
church were of two sorts--<I>extraordinary</I> ones advanced to a
|
|
higher office in the church: such were <I>apostles, prophets,</I> and
|
|
<I>evangelists.</I> The apostles were chief. These Christ immediately
|
|
called, furnished them with extraordinary gifts and the power of
|
|
working miracles, and with infallibility in delivering his truth; and,
|
|
they having been the witnesses of his miracles and doctrine, he sent
|
|
them forth to spread the gospel and to plant and govern churches. The
|
|
prophets seem to have been such as expounded the writings of the Old
|
|
Testament, and foretold things to come. The evangelists were ordained
|
|
persons
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+1:6">2 Tim. i. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
whom the apostles took for their companions in travel
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+2:1">Gal. ii. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
and sent them out to settle and establish such churches as the apostles
|
|
themselves had planted
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+19:22">Acts xix. 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
and, not being fixed to any particular place, they were to continue
|
|
till recalled,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+4:9">2 Tim. iv. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
And then there are <I>ordinary</I> ministers, employed in a lower and
|
|
narrower sphere; as <I>pastors</I> and <I>teachers.</I> Some take these
|
|
two names to signify one office, implying the duties of ruling and
|
|
teaching belonging to it. Others think they design two distinct
|
|
offices, both ordinary, and of standing use in the church; and then
|
|
pastors are such as are fixed at the head of particular churches, with
|
|
design to guide, instruct, and feed them in the manner appointed by
|
|
Christ; and they are frequently called bishops and elders: and the
|
|
teachers were those whose work it was also to preach the gospel and to
|
|
instruct the people by way of exhortation. We see here that it is
|
|
Christ's prerogative to appoint what officers and offices he pleases in
|
|
his church. And how rich is the church, that had at first such a
|
|
variety of officers and has still such a variety of gifts! How kind is
|
|
Christ to his church! How careful of it and of its edification! When he
|
|
ascended, he procured the gift of the Holy Ghost; and the gifts of the
|
|
Holy Ghost are various: some have greater, others have less measures;
|
|
but all for the good of the body, which brings us to the third
|
|
argument,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Which is taken from Christ's great end and design in giving gifts
|
|
unto men. The gifts of Christ were intended for the good of his church,
|
|
and in order to advance his kingdom and interest among men. All these
|
|
being designed for one common end is a good reason why all Christians
|
|
should agree in brotherly love, and not envy one another's gifts. All
|
|
are <I>for the perfecting of the saints</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>);
|
|
|
|
that is, according to the import of the original, to bring into an
|
|
orderly spiritual state and frame those who had been as it were
|
|
dislocated and disjointed by sin, and then to strengthen, confirm, and
|
|
advance them therein, that so each, in his proper place and function,
|
|
might contribute to the good of the whole.--<I>For the work of the
|
|
ministry, or for the work of dispensation;</I> that is, that they might
|
|
dispense the doctrines of the gospel, and successfully discharge the
|
|
several parts of their ministerial function.--<I>For the edifying of
|
|
the body of Christ;</I> that is, to build up the church, which is
|
|
Christ's mystical body, by an increase of their graces, and an addition
|
|
of new members. All are designed to prepare us for heaven: <I>Till we
|
|
all come,</I> &c.,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
The gifts and offices (some of them) which have been spoken of are to
|
|
continue in the church till the saints be perfected, which will not be
|
|
<I>till they all come in the unity of the faith</I> (till all true
|
|
believers meet together, by means of the same precious faith) <I>and of
|
|
the knowledge of the Son of God,</I> by which we are to understand, not
|
|
a bare speculative knowledge, or the acknowledging of Christ to be the
|
|
Son of God and the great Mediator, but such as is attended with
|
|
appropriation and affection, with all due honour, trust, and
|
|
obedience.--<I>Unto a perfect man,</I> to our full growth of gifts and
|
|
graces, free from those childish infirmities that we are subject to in
|
|
the present world.--<I>Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness
|
|
of Christ,</I> so as to be Christians of a full maturity and ripeness
|
|
in all the graces derived from Christ's fulness: or, according to the
|
|
measure of that stature which is to make up the fulness of Christ,
|
|
which is to complete his mystical body. Now we shall never come to the
|
|
perfect man, till we come to the perfect world. There is a fulness in
|
|
Christ, and a fulness to be derived from him; and a certain stature of
|
|
that fulness, and a measure of that stature, are assigned in the
|
|
counsel of God to every believer, and we never come to that measure
|
|
till we come to heaven. God's children, as long as they are in this
|
|
world, are growing. Dr Lightfoot understands the apostle as speaking
|
|
here of Jews and Gentiles knit in the unity of the faith and of the
|
|
knowledge of the Son of God, so making a perfect man, and the measure
|
|
of the stature of the fulness of Christ. The apostle further shows, in
|
|
the
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:14-16">following verses</A>,
|
|
|
|
what was God's design in his sacred institutions, and what effect they
|
|
ought to have upon us. As,
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>That we henceforth be no more children,</I> &c.
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>);
|
|
|
|
that is, that we may be no longer children in knowledge, weak in the
|
|
faith, and inconstant in our judgments, easily yielding to every
|
|
temptation, readily complying with every one's humour, and being at
|
|
every one's back. Children are easily imposed upon. We must take care
|
|
of this, and of being <I>tossed to and fro,</I> like ships without
|
|
ballast, <I>and carried about,</I> like clouds in the air, with such
|
|
doctrines as have no truth nor solidity in them, but nevertheless
|
|
spread themselves far and wide, and are therefore compared to wind.
|
|
<I>By the sleight of men;</I> this is a metaphor taken from gamesters,
|
|
and signifies the mischievous subtlety of seducers: <I>and cunning
|
|
craftiness,</I> by which is meant their skilfulness in finding ways to
|
|
seduce and deceive; for it follows, <I>whereby they lie in wait to
|
|
deceive,</I> as in an ambush, in order to circumvent the weak, and draw
|
|
them from the truth. Note, Those must be very wicked and ungodly men
|
|
who set themselves to seduce and deceive others into false doctrines
|
|
and errors. The apostle describes them here as base men, using a great
|
|
deal of devilish art and cunning, in order thereunto. The best method
|
|
we can take to fortify ourselves against such is to study the sacred
|
|
oracles, and to pray for the illumination and grace of the Spirit of
|
|
Christ, that we may know the truth as it is in Jesus, and be
|
|
established in it.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That we should <I>speak the truth in love</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
or follow the truth in love, or be sincere in love to our
|
|
fellow-christians. While we adhere to the doctrine of Christ, which is
|
|
the truth, we should live in love one with another. Love is an
|
|
excellent thing; but we must be careful to preserve truth together with
|
|
it. Truth is an excellent thing; yet it is requisite that we speak it
|
|
in love, and not in contention. These two should go together--truth
|
|
and peace.
|
|
|
|
(3.) That we should <I>grow up into Christ in all things.</I> Into
|
|
Christ, so as to be more deeply rooted in him. In all things; in
|
|
knowledge, love, faith, and all the parts of the new man. We should
|
|
grow up towards maturity, which is opposed to being children. Those
|
|
are improving Christians who grow up into Christ. The more we grow
|
|
into an acquaintance with Christ, faith in him, love to him, dependence
|
|
upon him, the more we shall flourish in every grace. He is the head;
|
|
and we should thus grow, that we may thereby honour our head. The
|
|
Christian's growth tends to the glory of Christ.
|
|
|
|
(4.) We should be assisting and helpful one to another, as members of
|
|
the same body,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here the apostle makes a comparison between the natural body and
|
|
Christ's mystical body, that body of which Christ is the head: and he
|
|
observes that as there must be communion and mutual communications of
|
|
the members of the body among themselves, in order to their growth and
|
|
improvement, so there must be mutual love and unity, together with the
|
|
proper fruits of these, among Christians, in order to their spiritual
|
|
improvement and growth in grace. <I>From whom,</I> says he (that is,
|
|
from Christ their head, who conveys influence and nourishment to every
|
|
particular member), <I>the whole body of Christians, fitly joined
|
|
together and compacted</I> (being orderly and firmly united among
|
|
themselves, every one in his proper place and station), <I>by that
|
|
which every joint supplies</I> (by the assistance which every one of
|
|
the parts, thus united, gives to the whole, or by the Spirit, faith,
|
|
love, sacraments, &c., which, like the veins and arteries in the body,
|
|
serve to unite Christians to Christ their head, and to one another as
|
|
fellow-members), <I>according to the effectual working in the measure
|
|
of every part</I> (that is, say some, according to the power which the
|
|
Holy Ghost exerts to make God's appointed means effectual for this
|
|
great end, in such a measure as Christ judges to be sufficient and
|
|
proper for every member, according to its respective place and office
|
|
in the body; or, as others, according to the power of Christ, who, as
|
|
head, influences and enlivens every member; or, according to the
|
|
effectual working of every member, in communicating to others of what
|
|
it has received, nourishment is conveyed to all in their proportions,
|
|
and according to the state and exigence of every part) <I>makes
|
|
increase of the body,</I> such an increase as is convenient for the
|
|
body. Observe, Particular Christians receive their gifts and graces
|
|
from Christ for the sake and benefit of the whole body. <I>Unto the
|
|
edifying of itself in love.</I> We may understand this two
|
|
ways:--Either that all the members of the church may attain a greater
|
|
measure of love to Christ and to one another; or that they are moved to
|
|
act in the manner mentioned from love to Christ and to one another.
|
|
Observe, Mutual love among Christians is a great friend to spiritual
|
|
growth: it is in love that the body edifies itself; whereas <I>a
|
|
kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Eph4_32"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Exhortation to Purity and Holiness; Cautions against Sin; Against Grieving the Spirit.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 61.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye
|
|
henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of
|
|
their mind,
|
|
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the
|
|
life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the
|
|
blindness of their heart:
|
|
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto
|
|
lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
|
|
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
|
|
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by
|
|
him, as the truth is in Jesus:
|
|
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old
|
|
man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
|
|
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
|
|
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created
|
|
in righteousness and true holiness.
|
|
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his
|
|
neighbour: for we are members one of another.
|
|
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your
|
|
wrath:
|
|
27 Neither give place to the devil.
|
|
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour,
|
|
working with <I>his</I> hands the thing which is good, that he may
|
|
have to give to him that needeth.
|
|
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but
|
|
that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister
|
|
grace unto the hearers.
|
|
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed
|
|
unto the day of redemption.
|
|
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and
|
|
evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
|
|
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
|
|
another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The apostle having gone through his exhortation to mutual love, unity,
|
|
and concord, in the
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+2:16">foregoing verses</A>,
|
|
|
|
there follows in these an exhortation to Christian purity and holiness
|
|
of heart and life, and that both more general
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:17-24"><I>v.</I> 17-24</A>)
|
|
|
|
and in several particular instances,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:25-32"><I>v.</I> 25-32</A>.
|
|
|
|
This is solemnly introduced: "<I>This I say therefore, and testify in
|
|
the Lord;</I> that is, seeing the matter is as above described, seeing
|
|
you are members of Christ's body and partakers of such gifts, this I
|
|
urge upon your consciences, and bear witness to as your duty in the
|
|
Lord's name, and by virtue of the authority I have derived from him."
|
|
Consider,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The more general exhortation to purity and holiness of heart and
|
|
life.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. It begins thus, "<I>That you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles
|
|
walk</I>--that for the time to come you do not live, and behave
|
|
yourselves, as ignorant and unconverted heathens do, who are wholly
|
|
guided by an understanding employed about vain things, their idols and
|
|
their worldly possessions, things which are no way profitable to their
|
|
souls, and which will deceive their expectations." Converted Gentiles
|
|
must not live as unconverted Gentiles do. Though they live among them,
|
|
they must not live like them. Here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The apostle takes occasion to describe the wickedness of the
|
|
Gentile world, out of which regenerate Christians were snatched as
|
|
brands out of the burning.
|
|
|
|
[1.] Their <I>understandings were darkened,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were void of all saving knowledge; yea, ignorant of many things
|
|
concerning God which the light of nature might have taught them. They
|
|
sat in darkness, and they loved it rather than light: and by their
|
|
ignorance they were <I>alienated from the life of God.</I> They were
|
|
estranged from, and had a dislike and aversion to, a life of holiness,
|
|
which is not only that way of life which God requires and approves, and
|
|
by which we live to him, but which resembles God himself, in his
|
|
purity, righteousness, truth, and goodness. Their wilful ignorance was
|
|
the cause of their estrangement from this life of God, which begins in
|
|
light and knowledge. Gross and affected ignorance is destructive to
|
|
religion and godliness. And what was the cause of their being thus
|
|
ignorant? It was <I>because of the blindness</I> or the hardness <I>of
|
|
their heart.</I> It was not because God did not make himself known to
|
|
them by his works, but because they would not admit the instructive
|
|
rays of the divine light. They were ignorant because they would be so.
|
|
Their ignorance proceeded from their obstinacy and the hardness of
|
|
their hearts, their resisting the light and rejecting all the means of
|
|
illumination and knowledge.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Their consciences were debauched and seared: <I>Who being past
|
|
feeling,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
They had no sense of their sin, nor of the misery and danger of their
|
|
case by means of it; whereupon they <I>gave themselves over unto
|
|
lasciviousness.</I> They indulged themselves in their filthy lusts;
|
|
and, yielding themselves up to the dominion of these, they became the
|
|
slaves and drudges of sin and the devil, <I>working all uncleanness
|
|
with greediness.</I> They made it their common practice to commit all
|
|
sorts of uncleanness, and even the most unnatural and monstrous sins,
|
|
and that with insatiable desires. Observe, When men's consciences are
|
|
once seared, there are no bounds to their sins. When they set their
|
|
hearts upon the gratification of their lusts, what can be expected but
|
|
the most abominable sensuality and lewdness, and that their horrid
|
|
enormities will abound? This was the character of the Gentiles;
|
|
but,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) These Christians must distinguish themselves from such Gentiles:
|
|
<I>You have not so learned Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
It may be read, <I>But you not so; you have learned Christ.</I> Those
|
|
who have learned Christ are saved from the darkness and defilement
|
|
which others lie under; and, as they know more, they are obliged to
|
|
live in a better manner than others. It is a good argument against sin
|
|
that we have not so learned Christ. Learn Christ! Is Christ a book, a
|
|
lesson, a way, a trade? The meaning is, "You have not so learned
|
|
Christianity--the doctrines of Christ and the rules of life prescribed
|
|
by him. Not so as to do as others do. <I>If so be,</I> or since,
|
|
<I>that you have heard him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
have heard his doctrine preached by us, <I>and have been taught by
|
|
him,</I> inwardly and effectually, by his Spirit." Christ is the
|
|
lesson; we must learn Christ: and Christ is the teacher; we are taught
|
|
by him. <I>As the truth is in Jesus.</I> This may be understood two
|
|
ways: either, "You have been taught the real truth, as held forth by
|
|
Christ himself, both in his doctrine and in his life." Or thus, "The
|
|
truth has made such an impression on your hearts, in your measure, as
|
|
it did upon the heart of Jesus." The truth of Christ then appears in
|
|
its beauty and power, when it appears as in Jesus.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Another branch of the general exhortation follows in those words,
|
|
<I>That you put off, concerning the former conversation, the old
|
|
man,</I> &c.,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:22-24"><I>v.</I> 22-24</A>.
|
|
|
|
"This is a great part of the doctrine which has been taught you, and
|
|
which you have learned." Here the apostle expresses himself in
|
|
metaphors taken from garments. The principles, habits, and dispositions
|
|
of the soul must be changed, before there can be a saving change of the
|
|
life. There must be sanctification, which consists of these two
|
|
things:--
|
|
|
|
(1.) The old man must be put off. The corrupt nature is called a man,
|
|
because, like the human body, it consists of divers parts, mutually
|
|
supporting and strengthening one another. It is the old man, as old
|
|
Adam, from whom we derive it. It is bred in the bone, and we brought it
|
|
into the world with us. It is subtle as the old man; but in all God's
|
|
saints decaying and withering as an old man, and ready to pass away. It
|
|
is said to be corrupt; for sin in the soul is the corruption of its
|
|
faculties: and, where it is not mortified, it grows daily worse and
|
|
worse, and so tends to destruction. <I>According to the deceitful
|
|
lusts.</I> Sinful inclinations and desires are deceitful lusts: they
|
|
promise men happiness, but render them more miserable, and if not
|
|
subdued and mortified betray them into destruction. These therefore
|
|
must be put off as an old garment that we should be ashamed to be seen
|
|
in: they must be subdued and mortified. These lusts prevailed against
|
|
them in their <I>former conversation,</I> that is, during their state
|
|
of unregeneracy and heathenism.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The new man must be put on. It is not enough to shake off corrupt
|
|
principles, but we must be actuated by gracious ones. We must embrace
|
|
them, espouse them, and get them written on our hearts: it is not
|
|
enough to cease to do evil, but we must learn to do well. "<I>Be
|
|
renewed in the spirit of your mind</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>);
|
|
|
|
that is, use the proper and prescribed means in order to have the mind,
|
|
which is a spirit, renewed more and more." <I>And that you put on the
|
|
new man,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
By the new man is meant the new nature, the new creature, which is
|
|
actuated by a new principle, even regenerating grace, enabling a man to
|
|
lead a new life, that life of righteousness and holiness which
|
|
Christianity requires. This new man <I>is created,</I> or produced out
|
|
of confusion and emptiness, by God's almighty power, whose workmanship
|
|
it is, truly excellent and beautiful. <I>After God,</I> in imitation
|
|
of him, and in conformity to that grand exemplar and pattern. The loss
|
|
of God's image upon the soul was both the sinfulness and misery of
|
|
man's fallen state; and that resemblance which it bears to God is the
|
|
beauty, the glory, and the happiness, of the new creature. <I>In
|
|
righteousness</I> towards men, including all the duties of the second
|
|
table; <I>and in holiness</I> towards God, signifying a sincere
|
|
obedience to the commands of the first table; <I>true holiness</I> in
|
|
opposition to the outward and ceremonial holiness of the Jews. We are
|
|
said to put on this new man when, in the use of all God's appointed
|
|
means, we are endeavouring after this divine nature, this new creature.
|
|
This is the more general exhortation to purity and holiness of heart
|
|
and life.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The apostle proceeds to some things more particular. Because
|
|
generals are not so apt to affect, we are told what are those
|
|
particular limbs of the old man that must be mortified, those filthy
|
|
rags of the old nature that must be put off, and what are the peculiar
|
|
ornaments of the new man wherewith we should adorn our Christian
|
|
profession.
|
|
|
|
1. Take heed of lying, and be ever careful to speak the truth
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Wherefore,</I> since you have been so well instructed in your duty,
|
|
and are under such obligations to discharge it, let it appear, in your
|
|
future behaviour and conduct, that there is a great and real change
|
|
wrought in you, particularly by <I>putting away lying.</I>" Of this sin
|
|
the heathen were very guilty, affirming that a profitable lie was
|
|
better than a hurtful truth; and therefore the apostle exhorts them to
|
|
cease from lying, from every thing that is contrary to truth. This is a
|
|
part of the old man that must be put off; and that branch of the new
|
|
man that must be put on in opposition to it is <I>speaking the
|
|
truth</I> in all our converse with others. It is the character of God's
|
|
people that they are <I>children who will not lie,</I> who dare not
|
|
lie, who hate and abhor lying. All who have grace make conscience of
|
|
speaking the truth, and would not tell a deliberate lie for the
|
|
greatest gain and benefit to themselves. The reason here given for
|
|
veracity is, <I>We are members one of another.</I> Truth is a debt we
|
|
owe to one another; and, if we love one another, we shall not deceive
|
|
nor lie one to another. We belong to the same society or body, which
|
|
falsehood or lying tends to dissolve; and therefore we should avoid it,
|
|
and speak truth. Observe, Lying is a very great sin, a peculiar
|
|
violation of the obligations which Christians are under, and very
|
|
injurious and hurtful to Christian society.
|
|
|
|
2. "Take heed of anger and ungoverned passions. <I>Be you angry, and
|
|
sin not,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
This is borrowed from the LXX. translation of
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+4:4">Ps. iv. 4</A>,
|
|
|
|
where we render it, <I>Stand in awe, and sin not.</I> Here is an easy
|
|
concession; for as such we should consider it, rather than as a
|
|
command. <I>Be you angry.</I> This we are apt enough to be, God knows:
|
|
but we find it difficult enough to observe the restriction, <I>and sin
|
|
not.</I> "If you have a just occasion to be angry at any time, see that
|
|
it be without sin; and therefore take heed of excess in your anger." If
|
|
we would be angry and not sin (says one), we must be angry at nothing
|
|
but sin; and we should be more jealous for the glory of God than for
|
|
any interest or reputation of our own. One great and common sin in
|
|
anger is to suffer it to burn into wrath, and then to let it rest; and
|
|
therefore we are here cautioned against that. "If you have been
|
|
provoked and have had your spirits greatly discomposed, and if you have
|
|
bitterly resented any affront that has been offered, before night calm
|
|
and quiet your spirits, be reconciled to the offender, and let all be
|
|
well again: <I>Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.</I> If it burn
|
|
into wrath and bitterness of spirit, O see to it that you suppress it
|
|
speedily." Observe, Though anger in itself is not sinful, yet there is
|
|
the upmost danger of its becoming so if it be not carefully watched and
|
|
speedily suppressed. And therefore, though anger may come into the
|
|
bosom of a wise man, <I>it rests</I> only <I>in the bosom of fools.
|
|
Neither give place to the devil,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those who persevere in sinful anger and in wrath let the devil into
|
|
their hearts, and suffer him to gain upon them, till he bring them to
|
|
malice, mischievous machinations, &c. "<I>Neither give place to
|
|
the</I> calumniator, or the false accuser" (so some read the words);
|
|
that is, "let your ears be deaf to whisperers, talebearers, and
|
|
slanderers."
|
|
|
|
3. We are here warned against the sin of stealing, the breach of the
|
|
eighth commandment, and advised to honest industry and to beneficence:
|
|
<I>Let his that stole steal no more,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is a caution against all manner of wrong-doing, by force or fraud.
|
|
"Let those of you who, in the time of your gentilism, have been guilty
|
|
of this enormity, be no longer guilty of it." But we must not only take
|
|
heed of the sin, but conscientiously abound in the opposite duty: not
|
|
only not steal, <I>but rather let him labour, working with his hands
|
|
the thing that is good.</I> Idleness makes thieves. So Chrysostom,
|
|
<B><I>To gar kleptein argias estin</I></B>.--<I>Stealing is the effect
|
|
of idleness.</I> Those who will not work, and who are ashamed to beg,
|
|
expose themselves greatly to temptations to thievery. Men should
|
|
therefore be diligent and industrious, not in any unlawful way, but in
|
|
some honest calling: <I>Working the thing which is good.</I> Industry,
|
|
in some honest way, will keep people out of temptation of doing wrong.
|
|
But there is another reason why men ought to be industrious, namely,
|
|
that they may be capable of doing some good, as well as that they may
|
|
be preserved from temptation: <I>That he may have to give to him that
|
|
needeth.</I> They must labour not only that they may live themselves,
|
|
and live honestly, but they may distribute for supplying the wants of
|
|
others. Observe, Even those who get their living by their labour should
|
|
be charitable out of their little to those who are disabled for labour.
|
|
So necessary and incumbent a duty is it to be charitable to the poor
|
|
that even labourers and servants, and those who have but little for
|
|
themselves, must cast their mite into the treasury. God must have his
|
|
dues and the poor are his receivers. Observe further, Those alms that
|
|
are likely to be acceptable to God must not be the produce of
|
|
unrighteousness and robbery, but of honesty and industry. <I>God hates
|
|
robbery for burnt-offerings.</I>
|
|
|
|
4. We are here warned against corrupt communication; and directed to
|
|
that which is useful and edifying,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>.
|
|
|
|
Filthy and unclean words and discourse are poisonous and infectious, as
|
|
putrid rotten meat: they proceed from and prove a great deal of
|
|
corruption in the heart of the speaker, and tend to corrupt the minds
|
|
and manners of others who hear them; and therefore Christians should
|
|
beware of all such discourse. It may be taken in general for all that
|
|
which provokes the lusts and passions of others. We must not only put
|
|
off corrupt communications, but <I>put on that which is good to the use
|
|
of edifying.</I> The great use of speech is to edify those with whom we
|
|
converse. Christians should endeavour to promote a useful conversation:
|
|
<I>that it may minister grace unto the hearers;</I> that it may be good
|
|
for, and acceptable to, the hearers, in the way of information,
|
|
counsel, pertinent reproof, or the like. Observe, It is the great duty
|
|
of Christians to take care that they offend not with their lips, and
|
|
that they improve discourse and converse, as much as may be, for the
|
|
good of others.
|
|
|
|
5. Here is another caution against wrath and anger, with further advice
|
|
to mutual love and kindly dispositions towards each other,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:31,32"><I>v.</I> 31, 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
By <I>bitterness, wrath,</I> and <I>anger,</I> are meant violent inward
|
|
resentment and displeasure against others: and, by <I>clamour,</I> big
|
|
words, loud threatenings, and other intemperate speeches, by which
|
|
bitterness, wrath, and anger, vent themselves. Christians should not
|
|
entertain these vile passions in their hearts not be clamorous with
|
|
their tongues. <I>Evil speaking</I> signifies all railing, reviling,
|
|
and reproachful speeches, against such as we are angry with. And by
|
|
<I>malice</I> we are to understand that rooted anger which prompts men
|
|
to design and to do mischief to others. The contrary to all this
|
|
follows: <I>Be you kind one to another.</I> This implies the principle
|
|
of love in the heart, and the outward expressions of it, in an affable,
|
|
humble, courteous behaviour. It becomes the disciples of Jesus to be
|
|
kind one to another, as those who have learned, and would teach, the
|
|
art of obliging. <I>Tender-hearted;</I> that is, merciful, and having
|
|
tender sense of the distresses and sufferings of others, so as to be
|
|
quickly moved to compassion and pity. <I>Forgiving one another.</I>
|
|
Occasions of difference will happen among Christ's disciples; and
|
|
therefore they must be placable, and ready to forgive, therein
|
|
resembling God himself, who <I>for Christ's sake hath forgiven
|
|
them,</I> and that more than they can forgive one another. Note, With
|
|
God there is forgiveness; and he forgives sin for the sake of Jesus
|
|
Christ, and on account of that atonement which he has made to divine
|
|
justice. Note again, Those who are forgiven of God should be of a
|
|
forgiving spirit, and should forgive even as God forgives, sincerely
|
|
and heartily, readily and cheerfully, universally and for ever, upon
|
|
the sinner's sincere repentance, as remembering that they pray,
|
|
<I>Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against
|
|
us.</I> Now we may observe concerning all these particulars that the
|
|
apostle has insisted on that they belong to the second table, whence
|
|
Christians should learn the strict obligations they are under to the
|
|
duties of the second table, and that he who does not conscientiously
|
|
discharge them can never fear nor love God in truth and in sincerity,
|
|
whatever he may pretend to.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
In the midst of these exhortations and cautions the apostle interposes
|
|
that general one, <I>And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
By looking to what precedes, and to what follows, we may see what it is
|
|
that grieves the Spirit of God. In the
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:25-29">previous verses</A>
|
|
|
|
it is intimated that all lewdness and filthiness, lying, and corrupt
|
|
communications that stir up filthy appetites and lusts, grieve the
|
|
Spirit of God. In what follows it is intimated that those corrupt
|
|
passions of bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
|
|
speaking, and malice, grieve this good Spirit. By this we are not to
|
|
understand that this blessed Being could properly be grieved or vexed
|
|
as we are; but the design of the exhortation is that we act not towards
|
|
him in such a manner as is wont to be grievous and disquieting to our
|
|
fellow-creatures: we must not do that which is contrary to his holy
|
|
nature and his will; we must not refuse to hearken to his counsels, nor
|
|
rebel against his government, which things would provoke him to act
|
|
towards us as men are wont to do towards those with whom they are
|
|
displeased and grieved, withdrawing themselves and their wonted
|
|
kindness from such, and abandoning them to their enemies. O provoke not
|
|
the blessed Spirit of God to withdraw his presence and his gracious
|
|
influences from you! It is a good reason why we should not grieve him
|
|
that <I>by him we are sealed unto the day of redemption.</I> There is
|
|
to be a day of redemption; the body is to be redeemed from the power of
|
|
the grave at the resurrection-day, and then God's people will be
|
|
delivered from all the effects of sin, as well as from all sin and
|
|
misery, which they are not till rescued out of the grave: and then
|
|
their full and complete happiness commences. All true believers are
|
|
sealed to that day. God has distinguished them from others, having set
|
|
his mark upon them; and he gives them the earnest and assurance of a
|
|
joyful and glorious resurrection; and the Spirit of God is the seal.
|
|
Wherever that blessed Spirit is as a sanctifier, he is the earnest of
|
|
all the joys and glories of the redemption-day; and we should be undone
|
|
should God take away his Holy Spirit from us.</P>
|
|
|
|
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