mh_parser/vol_split/63 - 2John/Chapter 1.xml

<div2 id="iiJo.ii" n="ii" next="iiiJo" prev="iiJo.i" progress="92.72%" title="Chapter I">
<h2 id="iiJo.ii-p0.1">S E C O N D   J O H N.</h2>
<h3 id="iiJo.ii-p0.2">CHAP. I.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiJo.ii-p1">The apostle here salutes an honourable matron and
her children, <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.1-2John.1.3" parsed="|2John|1|1|1|3" passage="2Jo 1:1-3">ver. 1-3</scripRef>.
Recommends to them faith and love, <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.5-2John.1.6" parsed="|2John|1|5|1|6" passage="2Jo 1:5,6">ver. 5, 6</scripRef>. Warns them of deceivers
(<scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.7" parsed="|2John|1|7|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:7">ver. 7</scripRef>), and to take heed
to themselves, <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.8" parsed="|2John|1|8|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:8">ver. 8</scripRef>.
Teaches how to treat those who bring not the doctrine of Christ,
<scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.10-2John.1.11" parsed="|2John|1|10|1|11" passage="2Jo 1:10,11">ver. 10, 11</scripRef>. And,
referring other things to personal discourse, concludes the
epistle, <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.12-2John.1.13" parsed="|2John|1|12|1|13" passage="2Jo 1:12,13">ver. 12,
13</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiJo.ii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.1" parsed="|2John|1|1|0|0" passage="2Jo 1" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2John.1.1">
</div><scripCom id="iiJo.ii-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.1-2John.1.4" parsed="|2John|1|1|1|4" passage="2Jo 1:1-4" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2John.1.1-2John.1.4">
<h4 id="iiJo.ii-p1.9">Salutation. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiJo.ii-p1.10">a.
d.</span> 90.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiJo.ii-p2">1 The elder unto the elect lady and her
children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all
they that have known the truth;   2 For the truth's sake,
which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.   3 Grace
be with you, mercy, <i>and</i> peace, from God the Father, and from
the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
  4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in
truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p3">Ancient epistles began, as here, with
salutation and good wishes: religion consecrates, as far as may be,
old forms, and turns compliments into real expressions of life and
love. Here we have, as usually,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p4">I. The saluter, not expressed by name, but
by a chosen character: <i>The elder.</i> The expression, and style,
and love, intimate that the penman was the same with that of the
foregoing epistle; he is now <i>the elder,</i> emphatically and
eminently so; possibly the oldest apostle now living, the chief
elder in the church of God. An elder in the ancient house of Israel
was reverend, or to be reverenced, much more he who is so In the
gospel Israel of God. An old disciple is honourable; and old
apostle and leader of disciples is more so. He was now old in holy
service and experience, had seen and tasted much of heaven, and was
much nearer than when at first he believed.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p5">II. The saluted—a noble Christian matron,
and her children: <i>To the elect lady and her children.</i> A
lady, a person of eminent quality for birth, education, and estate.
It is well that the gospel ha got among such. It is a pity but
lords and ladies should be acquainted with the Lord Christ and his
religion. They owe more to him than others do; though usually
<i>not many noble are called.</i> Here is a pattern for persons of
quality of the same sex. <i>The elect lady;</i> not only a choice
one, but one chosen of God. It is lovely and beautiful to see
ladies, by holy walking, demonstrate their election of God. <i>And
her children;</i> probably the lady was a widow; she <i>and her
children</i> then are the principal part of the family, and so this
may be styled an economical epistle. Families may well be written
to and encouraged, and further directed in their domestic love, and
order, and duties. We see that children may well be taken notice of
in Christian letters, and they should know it too; it may avail to
their encouragement and caution. Those who love and commend them
will be apt to enquire after them. This <i>lady and her
children</i> are further notified by the respect paid them, and
that, 1. By the apostle himself: <i>Whom I love in the truth,</i>
or in truth, whom I sincerely and heartily love. He who was the
beloved disciple had learnt the art or exercise of love; and he
especially loved those who loved him, that Lord who loved him. 2.
By all her Christian acquaintance, all the religious who knew her:
<i>And not I only, but also all those that have known the
truth.</i> virtue and goodness in an elevated sphere shine
brightly. Truth demands acknowledgment, and those who see the
evidences of pure religion should confess and attest them; it is a
good sign and great duty to love and value religion in others. The
ground of this love and respect thus paid to this lady and her
children was their regard to the truth: <i>For the truth's sake</i>
(or true religion's sake) <i>which dwelleth in us, and shall be
with us for ever.</i> Christian love is founded upon the appearance
of vital religion. Likeness should beget affection. Those who love
truth and piety in themselves should love it in others too, or love
others upon the account of it. The apostle and the other Christians
loved this lady, not so much for her honour as her holiness; not so
much for her bounty as her serious Christianity. We should not be
religious merely by fits and starts, in certain moods and moons;
but religion should still dwell within us, in our minds and hearts,
in our faith and love. It is to be hoped that where religion once
truly dwells it will abide for ever. The Spirit of Christianity, we
may suppose, will not be totally extinguished: <i>Which shall be
with us for ever.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p6">III. The salutation, which is indeed an
apostolical benediction: <i>Grace be with you, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the
Father, in truth and love,</i> <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.3" parsed="|2John|1|3|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. Sacred love pours out blessings
upon this honourable Christian family; to those who have shall more
be given. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p7">1. From whom these blessings are craved,
(1.) <i>From God the Father,</i> the God of all grace. He is the
fountain of blessedness, and of all the blessings that must bring
us thither. (2.) <i>From the Lord Jesus Christ.</i> He is also
author and communicator of these heavenly blessings, and he is
distinguished by this emphatic character—<i>the Son of the
Father;</i> such a Son as none else can be; such a Son as is <i>the
brightness of the Father's glory, and the express image of his
person,</i> who, with the Father, is also <i>eternal life,</i>
<scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1John.1.2" parsed="|1John|1|2|0|0" passage="1Jo 1:2">1 John i. 2</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p8">2. What the apostle craves from these
divine persons. (1.) <i>Grace</i>—divine favour and good-will, the
spring of all good things: it is grace indeed that any spiritual
blessing should be conferred on sinful mortals. (2.)
<i>Mercy</i>—free pardon and forgiveness; those who are already
rich in grace have need of continual forgiveness. (3.)
<i>Peace</i>—tranquility of spirit and serenity of conscience, in
an assured reconciliation with God, together with all safe and
sanctified outward prosperity. And these are desired <i>in truth
and love,</i> either by sincere and ardent affection in the saluter
(in faith and love he prays them <i>from God the Father, and the
Lord Jesus Christ</i>), or as productive of continued truth and
love in the saluted; these blessings will continually preserve true
faith and love <i>in the elect lady and her children;</i> and may
they do so!</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p9">IV. The congratulation upon the prospect of
the exemplary behaviour of other children of this excellent lady.
Happy parent, who was blessed with such a numerous religious
offspring! <i>I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children
walking in the truth, as we have received commandment from the
Father,</i> <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.4" parsed="|2John|1|4|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>.
Possibly the lady's sons travelled abroad, either for
accomplishment and acquaintance with the world, or on the account
of their own business or the common affairs of the family, and in
their travels might come to Ephesus, where the apostle is supposed
to have now resided, and might there happily converse with him. See
how good it is to be trained up to early religion! Though religion
is not to be founded upon education, yet education may be and often
is blessed, and is the way to fortify youth against irreligious
infection. Hence too let young travellers learn to carry their
religion along with them, and not either leave it at home or learn
the ill customs of the countries where they come. It may be
observed, also, that sometimes election runs in a direct line; here
we have an <i>elect lady, and her elect children;</i> children may
be beloved for their parents' sake, but both by virtue of free
grace. From the apostle's joy herein we may observe that it is
pleasant to see children treading in good parent's steps; and those
who see this may well congratulate their parents thereupon, and
that both to excite their thankfulness to God for, and to enlarge
their comfort in, so great a blessing. How happy a lady was this,
who had brought forth so many children for heaven and for God! And
how great a joy must it be to her ladyship to hear so good an
account of them from so good a judge! And we may further see that
it is joyful to good old ministers, and accordingly to other good
old disciples, to see a hopeful rising generation, who may serve
God and support religion in the world when they are dead and gone.
We see here also the rule of true walking: <i>the commandment of
the Father.</i> Then is our walk true, our converse right, when it
is managed by the word of God.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiJo.ii-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.5-2John.1.6" parsed="|2John|1|5|1|6" passage="2Jo 1:5-6" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2John.1.5-2John.1.6">
<h4 id="iiJo.ii-p9.3">Christian Love. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiJo.ii-p9.4">a.
d.</span> 90.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiJo.ii-p10">5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I
wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the
beginning, that we love one another.   6 And this is love,
that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That,
as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p11">We come now more into the design and
substance of the epistle; and here we have,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p12">I. The apostle's request: <i>Now, I beseech
thee, lady.</i> Considering what it is that he entreats, the way of
address is very remarkable; it is not any particular boon or bounty
to himself, but common duty and observance of divine command. Here
he might command or charge; but harsher measures are worse than
needless where milder will prevail; and the apostolical spirit is,
of all other, the most tender and endearing. Whether out of
deference to her ladyship, or apostolical meekness, or both, he
condescends to beseech: <i>And now I beseech thee, lady.</i> He may
be supposed speaking as another apostle does to a certain master to
whom he writes: <i>Wherefore, though I might be very bold in
Christ</i> (and according to the power with which Christ hath
entrusted me) <i>to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet, for
love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such a one as the aged,
the elder.</i> Love will avail where authority will not; and we may
often see that the more authority is urged the more it is slighted.
The apostolical minister will love and beseech his friends into
their duty.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p13">II. The thing requested of <i>the lady and
her children</i>—Christian sacred love: <i>That we love one
another,</i> <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.5" parsed="|2John|1|5|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>.
Those that are eminent in any Christian virtue have yet room to
grow therein. <i>But, as touching brotherly love, you need not that
I write unto you; for you yourselves are taught of God to love one
another. But we beseech you, brethren</i> (and sisters), <i>that
you increase more and more,</i> <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:1Thess.4.9-1Thess.4.10" parsed="|1Thess|4|9|4|10" passage="1Th 4:9,10">1
Thess. iv. 9, 10</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p14">1. This love is recommended, (1.) From the
obligation thereto—<i>the commandment.</i> Divine command should
sway our mind and heart. (2.) From the antiquity of the obligation:
<i>Not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that
which we had from the beginning,</i> <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.5" parsed="|2John|1|5|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>. This commandment of mutual
Christian love may be said to be a <i>new</i> one in respect of its
new enaction and sanction by the Lord Christ; but yet, as to the
matter of it (mutual holy love), it is as old as natural, Jewish,
or Christian religion. This commandment must every where attend
Christianity, that the disciples of it must love one another.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p15">2. Then this love is illustrated from the
fruitful nature of it: <i>And this is love, that we walk after his
commandments,</i> <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.5" parsed="|2John|1|5|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:5"><i>v.</i>
5</scripRef>. This is the test of our love to God, our obedience to
him. This is love to ourselves, to our own souls, that we walk in
obedience to divine commands. <i>In keeping them there is great
reward.</i> This is love to one another, to engage one another to
walk in holiness; and this is the evidence of our sincere, mutual,
Christian love—that we (in other things) walk after God's
commands. There may be mutual love that is not religious and
Christian; but we know ours to be so, by our attendance to all
other commands besides that of mutual love. Universal obedience is
the proof of the goodness and sincerity of Christian virtues; and
those that aim at all Christian obedience will be sure to attend to
Christian love. This is a fundamental duty in the gospel-charter:
<i>This is the commandment, that, as you have heard from the
beginning, you should walk in it</i> (<scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.6" parsed="|2John|1|6|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>), that is, walk in this love. The
foresight of the decay of this love, as well as of other apostasy,
might engage the apostle to inculcate this duty, and this
primordial command, the more frequently, the more earnestly.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiJo.ii-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.7-2John.1.9" parsed="|2John|1|7|1|9" passage="2Jo 1:7-9" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2John.1.7-2John.1.9">
<h4 id="iiJo.ii-p15.4">Deceivers Condemned. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiJo.ii-p15.5">a.
d.</span> 90.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiJo.ii-p16">7 For many deceivers are entered into the world,
who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a
deceiver and an antichrist.   8 Look to yourselves, that we
lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a
full reward.   9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in
the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the
doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p17">In this principal part of the epistle we
find,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p18">I. The ill news communicated to the
lady-seducers are abroad: <i>For many deceivers have entered into
the world.</i> This report is introduced by a particle that
bespeaks a reason of the report. "You have need to maintain your
love, <i>for</i> there are destroyers of it in the world. Those who
subvert the faith destroy the love; the common faith is one ground
of the common love;" or, "You must secure your walk according to
the commands of God; this will secure you. Your stability is likely
to be tried, <i>for many deceivers have entered into the
world.</i>" Sad and saddening news may be communicated to our
Christian friends; not that we should love to make them sorry, but
to fore-warn is the way to fore-arm them against their trials. Now
here is, 1. The description of the deceiver and his deceit—he
<i>confesses not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh</i>
(<scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.7" parsed="|2John|1|7|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>); he brings
some error or other concerning the person of the Lord Jesus; he
either confesses not that Jesus Christ is the same person, or that
Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, the anointed of God, the Messiah
promised of old for the redemption of Israel, or that the promised
Messiah and Redeemer has come in the flesh, or into the flesh, into
our world and into our nature; such a one pretends that he is yet
to be expected. Strange that after such evidence any should deny
that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of the world! 2.
The aggravation of the case—such a one is <i>a deceiver and an
antichrist</i> (<scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.7" parsed="|2John|1|7|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>); he deludes souls and undermines the glory and
kingdom of the Lord Christ. He must be an impostor, a wilful
deceiver, after all the light that has been afforded, and all the
evidence that Christ has given concerning himself, and the
attestation God has given concerning his Son; and he is a wilful
opposer of the person, and honour, and interest of the Lord Christ,
and as such shall be reckoned with when the Lord Christ comes
again. Let us not think it strange that there are deceivers and
opposers of the Lord Christ's name and dignity now, for there were
such of old, even in the apostle's times.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p19">II. The counsel given to this elect
household hereupon. Now care and caution are needful: <i>Look to
yourselves,</i> <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.8" parsed="|2John|1|8|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>.
The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the
disciples must be. Delusions may so prevail that even the elect may
be endangered thereby. Two things they must beware of:—1. <i>That
they lose not what they have wrought</i> (<scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.8" parsed="|2John|1|8|0|0" passage="2Jo 1:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>), what they have done or what they
have gained. It is a pity that any religious labour should be in
vain; some begin well, but at last lose all their pains. The
hopeful gentleman, who had kept the commands of the second table
from his youth up, lost all for want of less love to the world and
more love to Christ. Professors should take care not to lose what
they have gained. Many have not only gained a fair reputation for
religion, but much light therein, much conviction of the evil of
sin, the vanity of the world, the excellency of religion, and the
power of God's word. They have even <i>tasted of the powers of the
world to come,</i> and the gifts of the Holy Spirit; and yet at
last lose all. <i>You did run well, who hindered you, that you
should not obey</i> (or not go on to obey) <i>the truth?</i> Sad it
is that fair and splendid attainments in the school of Christ
should all be lost at last. 2. That they lose not their reward,
none of it, no portion of that honour, or praise, or glory that
they once stood fair for. <i>That we</i> (or you, as in some
copies) <i>receive a full reward.</i> "Secure you as full a reward
as will be given to any in the church of God; if there are degrees
of glory, lose none of that grace (that light, or love, or peace)
which is to prepare you for the higher elevation in glory. <i>Hold
fast that which thou hast</i> (in faith, and hope, and a good
conscience), <i>that no man take thy crown,</i> that thou neither
lose it nor any jewel out of it," <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:Rev.3.11" parsed="|Rev|3|11|0|0" passage="Re 3:11">Rev.
iii. 11</scripRef>. The way to attain the full reward is to abide
true to Christ, and constant in religion to the end.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p20">III. The reason of the apostle's counsel,
and of their care and caution about themselves, which is twofold:—
1. The danger and evil of departure from gospel light and
revelation; it is in effect and reality a departure from God
himself: <i>Whosoever transgresseth</i> (transgresseth at this
dismal rate), <i>and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath
not God.</i> It is the doctrine of Christ that is appointed to
guide us to God; it is that whereby God draws souls to salvation
and to himself. Those who revolt thence, in so doing revolt from
God. 2. The advantage and happiness of firm adherence to Christian
truth; it unites us to Christ (the object or subject-matter of that
truth), and thereby to the Father also; for they are one. <i>He
that abideth</i> (rooted and grounded) <i>in the doctrine of
Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.</i> By the doctrine of
Christ we are enlightened in the knowledge of the Father and the
Son; by it we are sanctified for the Father and the Son; thereupon
we are enriched with holy love to the Father and the Son; and
thereby prepared for the endless enjoyment of the Father and the
Son. <i>Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to
you,</i> <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:John.15.3" parsed="|John|15|3|0|0" passage="Joh 15:3">John xv. 3</scripRef>. This
purity makes meet for heaven. The great God, as he has set his seal
to the doctrine of Christ, so he puts a value upon it. We must
retain that holy doctrine in faith and love, as we hope or desire
to arrive at blessed communion with the Father and the Son.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiJo.ii-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.10-2John.1.11" parsed="|2John|1|10|1|11" passage="2Jo 1:10-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2John.1.10-2John.1.11">
<h4 id="iiJo.ii-p20.3">Caution against Seducers. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiJo.ii-p20.4">a.
d.</span> 90.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiJo.ii-p21">10 If there come any unto you, and bring not
this doctrine, receive him not into <i>your</i> house, neither bid
him God speed:   11 For he that biddeth him God speed is
partaker of his evil deeds.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p22">Here, I. Upon due warning given concerning
seducers, the apostle gives direction concerning the treatment of
such. They are not to be entertained as the ministers of Christ.
The Lord Christ will distinguish them from such, and so would he
have his disciples. The direction is negative. 1. "Support them
not: <i>If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine</i>
(concerning Christ as the Son of God, the Messiah and anointed of
God for our redemption and salvation), <i>receive him not into your
house.</i>" Possibly this lady was like Gaius, of whom we read in
the next epistle, a generous housekeeper, and hospitable
entertainer of travelling ministers and Christians. These deceivers
might possibly expect the same reception with others, or with the
best who came there (as the blind are often bold enough), but the
apostle allows it not: "Do not welcome them into your family."
Doubtless such may be relieved in their pressing necessities, but
not encouraged for ill service. Deniers of the faith are destroyers
of souls; and it is supposed that even ladies themselves should
have good understanding in the affairs of religion. 2. "Bless not
their enterprises: <i>Neither bid him God speed.</i> Attend not
their service with your prayers and good wishes." Bad work should
not be consecrated or recommended to the divine benediction. God
will be no patron of falsehood, seduction, and sin. We ought to bid
God speed to evangelical ministration; but the propagation of fatal
error, if we cannot prevent, we must not dare to countenance.
Then,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p23">II. Here is the reason of such direction,
forbidding the support and patronage of the deceiver: <i>For he
that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.</i>
Favour and affection partake of the sin. We may be sharers in the
iniquities of others. How judicious and how cautious should the
Christian be! There are many ways of sharing the guilt of other
people's transgressions; it may be done by culpable silence,
indolence, unconcernedness, private contribution, public
countenance and assistance, inward approbation, open apology and
defence. The Lord pardon our guilt of other persons' sins!</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiJo.ii-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:2John.1.12-2John.1.13" parsed="|2John|1|12|1|13" passage="2Jo 1:12-13" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2John.1.12-2John.1.13">
<h4 id="iiJo.ii-p23.2">Conclusion and Salutation. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiJo.ii-p23.3">a.
d.</span> 90.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiJo.ii-p24">12 Having many things to write unto you, I would
not <i>write</i> with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you,
and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.   13 The
children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiJo.ii-p25">The apostle concludes this letter, 1. With
an adjournment of many things to personal conference: <i>Having
many things to write unto you I would not write with paper and ink;
but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy
may be full.</i> Here it is supposed that some things are better
spoken than written. The use of pen and ink may be a mercy and a
pleasure; but a personal interview may be more so. The apostle was
not yet too old for travel, nor consequently for travelling
service. The communion of saints should be by all methods
maintained; and their communion should tend to their mutual joy.
Excellent ministers may have their joy advanced by their Christian
friends. <i>That I may be comforted together with you by the mutual
faith both of you and me,</i> <scripRef id="iiJo.ii-p25.1" osisRef="Bible:Rom.1.12" parsed="|Rom|1|12|0|0" passage="Ro 1:12">Rom. i.
12</scripRef>. 2. With the presentation of service and salutation
from some near relations to the lady: <i>The children of thy elect
sister greet thee.</i> Grace was abundant towards this family; here
are two elect sisters, and probably their elect children. How will
they admire this grace in heaven! The apostle condescends to insert
the nieces' duty (as we should call it), or dutiful salutation, to
their aunt. The duty of inferior relations is to be cherished.
Doubtless the apostle was easy of access, and would admit all
friendly and pious communication, and was ready to enhance the good
lady's joy in her nieces as well as in her children. May there by
many such gracious ladies rejoicing in their gracious descendants
and other relations! <i>Amen.</i></p>
</div></div2>