Expository discourses on the first epistle of the apostle Peter

Front matter

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Preface

Tue work now laid before the public is substantially a Commentary, though in a form somewhat peculiar. It is not a continuous comment on words and clauses, nor does it consist of scholia or annotations, nor of lectures in the sense in which that word is ordinarily employed in this country, nor of sermons, either on select passages, or on the successive verses of the sacred book which is its subject. The Epistle is divided into paragraphs, according to the sense—of course varying very considerably in length. Lach of these paragraphs, embodying one leading thought, forms the subject of a separate discourse, in which an attempt is made to explain whatever is difficult in the phraseology, and to illustrate the doctrinal or practical principles which it contains ; the object being not to discuss, in a general and abstract manner, the «subjects which the texts may suggest, but to bring clearly out the Apostle’s statements, and their design ; and to show how the statements are fitted to gain the objects for which they are made. If the Author has been able, in any good measure, to realize his own idea, grammatical and logical interpretation have been combined, and the exposition will be found at once exegetical, doctrinal, and practical. |

Whatever can be interesting and intelligible only to the scholar has been thrown into the notes. Had the Author yielded to his own tastes, these notes would probably have been more numerous and elaborate than they are. But the recollection of the primary design of the work checked the inclination to indulge in philological remark ; though he trusts that in almost every instance, where the exegesis is difficult or doubtful, the foundation of the interpretation adopted has been indicated with sufficient clearness.

The translation of the Epistle, though prefixed to the Expository Discourses, was written after them, and indeed contains a condensed statement of the result of the Author’s investigations. This accounts for the fact that, in an instance or two, the sense given in the translation slightly differs from that commented on in the Exposition.

To prevent disappointment it is right to state that the object of the Author has been to produce not so much an original work, as a satisfactory exposition. In his estimate of the duties of an interpreter of Scripture, next to the careful study of the original text, ranks the attentive reading of what has been published for the illustration of it. Under this conviction he has studied the Epistle, not only without note or comment, but with all the notes and comments within his reach; and the book he now respectfully lays before the church contains the substance of all that in his thoughts and reading seemed best fitted to illustrate the meaning and promote the objects of the inspired writer. Of the helps of which he has availed himself, a list is furnished at the close of these prefatory _ remarks. He has distinguished by an asterisk those to which he has been

chiefly indebted.

There is one author to whom his obligations are peculiarly great—Arcu- BISHOP LercHTON.’ The index bears witness toGhe number of references to

2 © A beautiful writer, and one of the best of men.”—Sm Jamus Mackinross.

al PREFACE.

“The Practical Commentary upon the First Epistle General of St. Peter ;” and, in perusing the Discourses, the reader will find many quotations from its pages. That very remarkable work teaches a singularly pure and complete theology— a theology thoroughly evangelical, in the true sense of that often abused epithet, being equally free from Legalism on the one hand, and Antinomianism on the other; in the spirit of enlightened and affectionate devotion, love to the brotherhood, and charity to all men; and in a style which, though very unequal, indicates in its general structure a familiarity with the classic models of antiquity, and, in occasional expressions, is in the highest degree felicitous and beautiful. As a biblical expositor, LetagHron was above his own age; and, as at heologian and an experimental and practical writer, few have equalled, still fewer surpassed him, either before or since his time. .

For these quotations the Author expects thanks from his readers, most of whom are not likely to be very familiar with the Archbishop’s writings; and, though not unaware of the hazard to which he has exposed his own homely manufacture, by inserting into it—it may be, often somewhat inartificially—portions from a web of such rich material and exquisite workmanship, he will greatly rejoice if these specimens induce his readers to cultivate a more extensive acquaintance with those truly precious remains; which, though laboring under more than the ordinary disadvantages of posthumous publications, through the extreme slovenliness with which they, with but few exceptions, were in the first instance edited, are eminently fitted to form the Student of Theology to sound views and a right spirit, and t6 minister to the instruction and delight of the private Christian : possessing, in large measure and rare union, those qualities which must endear them to every christian mind, however uncultured ; and those which are fitted to afford high gratification to them in whom the knowledge and.love of evangelical truth are connected with literary attainment and polished taste. The experience of Dr. Doddridge’s correspondent’ is not singular: “There is a spirit in ArcuBisHop Leicuron | never met with in any human writings, nor can 1 read many lines in them without being moved.” Co.reripGE borrowed his texts from him, in his “ Aids to Reflection ;” and it is readily acknowledged, that these volumes owe to him their most attractive ornaments. |

The Author would probably never have thought of offering these illustrations to the world, had not a number of much respected members of his congregation earnestly solicited him, before increasing age should make it difficult, or approaching death impossible, to furnish them with a permanent memorial of a ministry of considerable length, full of satisfaction to him, and, he trusts, not unproductive of advantage to them. Such an application could not be treated lightly; and on weighing the subject, he found that he durst not refuse to comply with it. ang

Having arrived at this conviction, it did not appear to him that the object in view could be better gained, than by presenting them with the substance of those illustrations of a very precious portion of the inspired volume, which had already been delivered to them in the ordinary course of pastoral instruction. That this offering, intended for their spiritual improvement and their children’s, will be accepted in the spirit in which it is made, he knows them too well to entertain a doubt; and if to them it serve its great objects, he will have an abundant reward. If beyond these limits it should find a favorable reception, and produce salutary effects, this will be an additional subject of agreeable reflection and grateful acknowledgment.

10, GayFreLp Square, May, 1848. . 9 Dr. Henry Miles.

LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL AUTHORS CONSULTED

DURING THE COMPOSITION OF

THESE EXPOSITORY DISCOURSES.

Besides the General Commentaries on the whole Scriptures, by *Grorrus, Lz CLErc, Pootz, Henry, Goappy, *S. Ciarx, Scorr, A. CharKke, Mant, and D’Oytey; and on the New Testament, by Beza, E. Scumipt, Marxorarvus, * Wo rrivs, Brausosre and L’Enrant, *Beneet, Kutrner, RoseNMULLER, HaMMonp, Wuirsy, Guysr, WeELts, Doppriper, and Gitpin, the followirig works on the Apostolical Epistles, the Catholic Epistles, and the Epistles of Peter, have been consulted :— .

1. 2.

*Joannis Catvint Commentarii in Epistolas Canonicas Petri, Joannis, Jacobi, et Jude. Folio. Geneve, 1554.

An Exposition of all St. Paul’s Epistles; together with an explanation of those other Epistles of the Apostles St. James, Peter, John, and Jude, by Davin Dicxson, Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow. Folio. Lond. 1659. Urim et Thummim, seu exegesis Epistolarum Petri et Joannis. Autore D, Joanng Lanato, SS. Prof. Theol. in Acad. Hal. ii. tom. folio. Hale, 1734.

*A Paraphrase and Notes on the Seven (commonly called) Catholic Epistles, attempted in imitation of Mr. Locke’s manner; to which are annexed several Critical Dissertations, by Grorcr Benson, D.D. 4to. Lond. 1756.

Epistolarum Catholicarum Septenarius Greece, cum nova versione latina ac scholiis grammaticis et criticis. Opera Jo. B. Carpzovu. 8vo. Hale, 1790.

A New Literal Translation from the Original Greek, of all the Apostolical Epistles ; with a Commentary and Notes, philological, critical, explanatory, and practical, by James Macknicur, D.D. 4 vols. 4to. Edin. 1795.

*Epistola Catholicee Greece, perpetua annotatione illustrate a Dav. Jut. Porr. 2 vols. 8vo. Gotting. 1810.

Conciones in Epistolam primam Petri habite per D. Mervuarpum Scuoranom, SS. T. P. in Academia Franequerensi. 4to. Franecker, 1637.

Sermons on the First Epistle General of Saint Peter, by Nicuotas Byrietp. Folio, London, 1687.

Vili LIST OF PRINCIPAL: AUTHORS CONSULTED.

17. Jona Suicutinen a Buxow1ex Commentarius in priorem Apostoli Petri Epistolam Catholicam. Bib. Frat. Pol. vol. vii. Fol. Irenop. 1656.

18, Joannis Crettu Franci Commentarius in prioris Epistole Petri partem. Bib. Frat. Pol. vol. iv. Folio. Eleuther, 1656.

19. *A Brief Exposition of the First and Second Epistle General of Peter, by ALExan-

. Der Nisset, Minister at Irwin. 12mo, Lond. 1658.

20. *Commentarius super priorem D. Petri Epistolam, in quo textus declaratur, questiones dubiz solvuntur, observationes eruuntur, et loca in speciem pugnantia conciliantur. Opera et studio Joannis Geruarpi, 88. Th.Doc. 4to. Jenz, 1660.

21. *A Practical Commentary on the First Epistle General of St. Peter, by the Most Reverend Dr. Rosert Leieuton, sometime Archbishop of Glasgow. 2 vols. 4to. York and London, 1698, 4to.

22. D.Jo. Sat. Semuerr Paraphrasis in Epistolam I. Petri cum latine translationis varietate et multis notis. 12mo. Hale, 1783.

23. *Exposition of the First Epistle of Peter, considered in reference to the whole System of Divine Truth. Translated from the German of WitHELM SrziceER, by the Reverend Patrick Fairbairn. 2 vols. 16vo. Edin. 1836.

The Annorata in the Criticr Sacrt, tom. ix. by Varia, Erasmus, Vatasius, Castario, Cxiarius, Zecerus, H. SrerHanus, Drusius, Camrro, and Carretuus, have been carefully looked at; and also the Notes in. Camerarius, RaPHetius, Ersner, Knatcusuiy, Kypxr, Patatret, Lasner, At. Morus, ALBERTI, Orrius, Keuvcuenius, Homsperex, Bos, Hemsivs, Bowyer, Symonps, and WAKEFIELD.

The Author also gratefully notices the advantages he has derived from FiEerwoop, Srennet, and Jay, on Relative Duties; from Bishop SanpErson and JosepH Fawoert, on Christian Freedom, and Honoring all Men; from AnpREw Futzn, on the Duties of Church Members to their Office-bearers; and from Notes of a Sermon by Bryyzy on Christian Courtesy. He has little doubt that there are both thoughts and expressions for which he is indebted to others, that are not expressly ascribed to their authors; but his readers will do him but justice in believing, that such obligations are not acknowledged, merely because they have not been observed.

Contents

I—PRELIMINARY MATTER.

ADVERTISEMENT TO SEconpd Eprtton, F ‘ - ‘ F 2 < = ili PREFACE, j : : ; v List oF AUTHORS CONSULTED, : ‘ Vil

TRANSLATION OF THE First Epistite oF PETER, . és a hee é J ae «> 4

Part I. Old Testament prophecy, page 78. Parr II. Apostolical preaching, 80. Parr

III. Angelic study, 84. Nors, 86.

DISCOURSE V.

CHRISTIAN DUTY; MEANS OF, AND MOTIVES TO, ITS PERFORMANCE.

Part I. Christian duty. § 1. General view; obedience, page 90. § 2. Particular view, 93; Negative, 93; Positive, 98. Parr II. Means for the performance of christian duty, 94. §1. Determined resolution, 95. § 2. Moderation, 97. § 38. Hope,99. § 4. Fear, 102. Parr III. Motives to the performance of christian duty, 105. § 1. The grandeur, excellence, and security of the christian salvation, 105. § 2. The holiness of God, 108. § 3. The strict equity of God, 110. § 4. The provision made for sanctification in the sacrifice of Christ, 114.

or

DISCOURSE VI. x

CHRISTIAN BROTHERLY LOVE.

Part I. Brotherly love illustrated, page 122. § 1. The objects and elements of this love, 122. § 2. The distinctive characters of this love, 123. Parr IL Brotherly love recommended, 127. § 1. The mutual relation of Christians a motive to brotherly love, 127. § 2. The common character of Christians a motive to brotherly love, 129.

DISCOURSE VIL.

A FIGURATIVE VIEW OF THE STATE AND CHARACTER OF CHRIS- TIANS, WITH APPROPRIATE EXHORTATIONS.

Part I. The persons to whom the exhortation is addressed, page 136. § 1. General view of their state and character, 136. § 2. Particular figurative view of their state and character, “New-born babes,” 137. Parr IL. The exhortation, 141. § 1. The dissuasive exhortation, “ Lay aside,” 142. (1.) All malice, 142. (2.) “ All guile,” 143. (8.) “Hypocrisies,” 148. (4.) “ Envies,” 148. (5.) “ All evil speakings,” 143. § 2. The persuasive exhortation, 146. (1.) Seek spiritual growth, 146. (2.) Desire the sincere milk of the word, in order to spiritual growth, 151. Parr III. Motives enforcing the exhortation, 157. §1. Motives from the state and character of Christians, 157. § 2. Motives from having tasted that the Lord is gracious, 160.

DISCOURSE VIII.

THE PECULIAR PRIVILEGES OF CHRISTIANS, AND HOW THEY OBTAIN THEM.

Part I. The degraded and miserable condition of Christians previously to their obtaining their peculiar privileges, page 169. § 1. They were “dead stones,” 169. § 2. They were in darkness, 170. § 8. They were not the people of God, 171. § 4. They had not

CONTENTS. al obtained mercy, 171. Parr II. The manner in which Christians obtain their peculiar privileges; by faith of the truth, and reliance on the Saviour, 172. Parr IIL The peculiar privileges of Christians, 182. § 1. General statement, 182. § 2. Particular statement, 183. (1.) Christians are living stones built up into a temple, 183. (2.) They are “a holy priesthood,” 184. (8.) They are “achosen generation,” 187. (4.) They are “a royal priesthood,” 192. (5.) They are “a holy nation,’ 196. (6.) They are “a peculiar people,” 201. (‘7.) They are “called to show forth the praises of God,” 206. (8.) They are “called out of darkness into God’s marvellous light,” 213. (9.) They are “the people of God,” 218. (10.) They have obtained mercy, 220. ParrIV. The misery and ruin of those who, by refusing to “ come to Christ,” remain destitute of these privileges, 223. Norzs, 229.

DISCOURSE IX.

A SECOND FIGURATIVE VIEW OF THE STATE AND CHARACTER OF CHRISTIANS, WITH APPROPRIATE EXHORTATIONS.

Part I. The duties enjoined, page 230. $ 1. Abstinence from fleshly lusts, 230. § 2. “ Haying a conversation honest among the Gentiles,” 234. Parr IIL. Motives to the discharge of these duties, 236. § 1. Motives from the condition and character of Christians as pilgrims and strangers, 236. § 2. Motives from the tendency of the course prescribed, 238. § 3. Motives from the tendency of the course recommended, 239.

DISCOURSE X.

THE NATURE AND DESIGN OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT, AND THE CHRIS- TIAN’S DUTY IN REFERENCE TO IT.

Part I. Introductory explicatory observations, page 244. Parr II. The duty enjoined, 246. Part III. The motive to the duty of civil obedience, “for the Lord’s sake,” 249. (1.) For the sake of his commandment, 249. (2.) For the sake of his example, 251. (3.) For the sake of his cause, 251. oe

DISCOURSE XI.

"2

THE CONDITION AND DUTY OF CHRISTIANS AS “FREE,” YET “AS THE SERVANTS OF GOD.”

Part I. The condition of Christians, page 255. § 1. They are free, 255. (1.) Free in reference to God, 255. (2.) Free in reference to man, 258. (8.) Free in reference to the powers and principles of evil, 260. § 2. Christians are “the servants of God,” 262. Part II. The duty of Christians, 265. § 1. To use his freedom to act as free, 265. (1.) To act as free in reference to God, 266. (2.) To act as free in reference to man, 269. (3.) To act as free in reference to the powers and principles of evil, 272. § 2. The Christian’s duty to guard against the abuse of his freedom, 276. (1.) To guard against abusing his freedom in reference to God, 277. (2.) To guard against abusing his freedom in reference to man, 281. (3.) To guard against abusing his freedom in reference to the powers and principles of evil, 283. § 3. The Christian’s duty to act out his character “as the servant of God,” 285. Norss, 293.

DISCOURSE XII.

A FOURFOLD VIEW OF THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS AS FREE, YET THE SERVANTS OF CHRIST.

Part-I. Christians are to “honor all men,” page 298. § 1. Honor not to be confined to the brotherhood, but rendered to all to whom it is due, 298. § 2. Honor not to be confined to classes, but extended to all men, 301. Parr II. Christians are to “love the

Xli CONTENTS.

brotherhood,” 308. § 1. Of the brotherhood, 308. § 2. Of the Christian’s duty to the brotherhood, 818. Parr III. Christians are to “fear God,’ 320: Parr IV. Christians are to “honor the king,” 326. Norss, 330. ;

DISCOURSE XIII.

THE DUTIES, OF CHRISTIAN SERVANTS ENJOINED AND ENFORCED.

$1. The foundation and nature of the relation between servant and master, page 335. § 2. The duties of christian servants in general, 336. § 3. The duties of a particular class of christian servants, 340. Motives to the discharge of these duties, 340. (1.) Patient endurance of undeserved wrong acceptable to God, 341. (2.) Patient endurance enforced from a consideration of Christ’s sufferings, 344. 1. Christians called to patient suffering as a part of conformity to Christ, 345. 2. Christians called to patient suffering as a constituent part of that holiness to secure which was a great end of Christ’s expiatory sufferings, 354.

DISCOURSE XIV.

THE CONJUGAL DUTIES OF CHRISTIANS ILLUSTRATED AND ENFORCED.

Parr I. The duties of christian wives, page 365. Cuar. I. The duties of christian wives illustrated, 866. § 1. Subjection, 366. § 2. Chaste conversation coupled with fear, 367. § 8. The adorning themselves with inward ornaments, 368. Cuap. II. The duties of christian wives enforced, 873. § 1. The probability of converting their husbands, 373. § 2. The example of holy women in former ages, 376. Parr II. The

duties of christian husbands, 880. Cuav. I. The duties of christian husbands illustrated, 381. § 1. To dwell with the wife according to knowledge, as being the weaker vessel, 882. § 2. To honor the wife as a fellow-heir of the grace of life, 386. Cuar. II. General motive to the discharge of these duties—that their prayers be not hindered, 388. Norss, 389.

xy

DISCOURSE XV.

DUTIES OF CHRISTIANS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR CIVIL AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS.

Part I. Duties of Christians to each other, page 394. §1. To cultivate and manifest union of sentiment, 395. § 2. To cultivate and manifest union of feeling, 400. § 38. To cultivate and manifest brotherly kindness, 401. Parr II. Duties of Christians to mankind generally, 404. $1. To be pitiful, 404. § 2. To be courteous, 412. Parr III. Duties of Christians under persecution, 423. § 1. Abstinence from all resentful retaliation, and meeting injury and reproach by kindness, 423. (1.) The duty explained, 424. (2.) The duty enforced, 427. § 2. Guarding against the fear of man by cultivating the due fear of God, 483. § 3. Readiness at all times to give an answer to every one who asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them, 442, § 4. Maintaining a good conscience and a good conversation, 452. Conclusion, 461. Norzs, 465.

DISCOURSE XVI.

THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO CHRISTIANS SUFFERING FOR HIS CAUSE.

Part I. The Sufferer, page 469. § 1. Christ, 469. § 2. The Just One, 471. Parr IL His sufferings, 473. Parr III. The nature of his sufferings, 478. § 1. Penal, 478. § 2. Vicarious, 480. § 3, Expiatory, 482. Parr IV. The design of his sufferings, to

CONTENTS. xiii bring men to God, 485. § 1. To bring men to the knowledge of God, 486. § 2. To bring men into favor with God, 494. § 3. To bring men to likeness to God, 501. § 4, To bring men to fellowship with God, 504. Parr V. The consequences of his sufferings, 508. § 1. He became dead in the flesh, quickened in the Spirit, and went and preached to the spirits in prison, 510. § 2. He rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, sits at the right hand of God, angels, authorities, and powers being made subject to him, 528. (1.) His resurrection, 528. (2.) His ascension, 526. (38.) His being on the right hand of God, 528. (4.) The subjection of angels to him, 530. Parr VI. The tendency of these truths to support and encourage Christians suffering for Christ’s cause, 532.

APPENDIX TO DISCOURSE XVI—Parr V

FACTS IN ANTEDILUVIAN HISTORY REFERRED TO BY THE APOSTLE, AND THEIR BEARING ON HIS OBJECT, pp. 536-552.

Part I. Facts referred to, page 538. Parr II. Object of the Apostle in referring to these facts, 542. Norss, 550.

DISCOURSE XVII.

EXHORTATION TO HOLINESS BASED ON THE ATONEMENT.

Part I. The basis of the exhortation, page 558. Parr II. The exhortation, 559. § 1. The practical object to be sought, 559. (1.) Negative, “not to live to the lusts of men,” 559. (2.) Positive, “to live to the will of God,” 562. § 2. The means for obtaining the practical object; the arming themselves with the thought, “He that hath suffered in the fiesh hath ceased from sin,’ 565. (1.) The thought explained, 566. (2.) The thought viewed as referring to Christ, 568. (3.) The thought viewed as referring to Christians, 570. (4.) The thought viewed as a piece of christian armor, the instrumental means of sanctification, 572. Parr IIL. Motives enforcing the exhortation, 579. § 1. Motive drawn from the character of the course against which the exhortation is directed, 579. § 2. Motive drawn from the great design of the gospel revelation, 585. Nores, 591.

DISCOURSE XVIII.

SOBRIETY AND WATCHING UNTO PRAYER ILLUSTRATED AND ENFORCED.

Part I. The duties enjoined by the apostle, page 592. §1. Sobriety, 592. $2. “ Watching unto prayer,” 595. Parr II. Motive to sobriety and watching unto prayer: “The end of all things is at hand,” 598.

DISCOURSE XIX.

ON THE MAINTENANCE AND MANIFESTATION OF BROTHERLY LOVE.

Part I. The maintenance of brotherly love, page 604. §1. The duty explained, 604. e 2. The duty recommended, 608. Parr II. The manifestation of brotherly love, 614. 1. Christians are to manifest brotherly love by employing their property for each other’s good as men, as in ungrudging hospitality, 615. § 2. Christians are to manifest brotherly love by employing their spiritual gifts for promoting one another’s spiritual edification, 620. § 3. Motives to these two manifestations of christian love, 625. Norzs, 628,

XIV CONTENTS.

DISCOURSE XxX.

DIRECTORY TO CHRISTIANS SUFFERING FOR THEIR RELIGION.

Part I. Be not astonished at your sufferings, page 629. Parr II. Be not depressed by your sufferings,-633. Parr III. Be not ashamed of your sufferings, 640. Parr IV. Persevering in well-doing, commit your souls to God, under your sufferings, 646. Norr, 653.

DISCOURSE XXI.

THE ECCLESIASTICAL DUTIES OF CHRISTIANS ENJOINED AND ENFORCED.

Part I. Of the duties of rulers in the christian church, page 655. CHaprer I. The appellation given to rulers in the christian church, “elders,” 655. § 1. The origin and meaning of the appellation, 655. § 2. Qualifications of christian elders, 659. § 3. Of the manner in which elders were invested with office, 659. Carrer II. Of the duties of christian elders, 660. $1. Of the figurative terms in which these duties are described, 660. § 2. Of the duties themselves, 661. (1.) Instruction, 661. (2.) Superintendence, 665. Cuaprer III. Of the manner in which these duties are to be performed, 668. $1. Not by constraint, but willingly, 668. § 2. Not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, 670. § 3. Not as lords of God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock, 673. OCnarter IV. Of the motives to these duties, 675. § 1. Motives suggested by the apostle’s reference to himself, 675. (1.) He was also an elder, 676. (2.) He was a witness of the sufferings of Christ, 677. (3.) He was a partaker of the glory to be revealed, 679. § 2. Motives from considerations referring to the church, 680. (1.) It is the flock of God, 680. (2.) It is God’s heritage, 681. § 3. Motives from considerations referring to the office-bearers themselves, 682. (1.) The reward of the faithful elder, 682. (2.) The doom of the unfaithful christian elder, 684. Parr II. Of the duties of the members of the christian church to their office-bearers, 685. § 1. Preliminary requisites to the discharge of the duty of subjection to elders, 690. (1.) Conviction of the divine authority of church order, 690. (2.) Personal respect for those invested with office, 691. § 2. Subjection to the elders as teachers, 691. § 3. Submission to the elders as superintendents, 693. (1.) Submission to the eldership as a body, 693. (2.) Submission to the elders as individuals, 695. Parr III. Of the duty which all in a christian church owe to each other: “mutual subjection,” 698. Cuaprer I. Of the mutual subjection which all in a christian church owe to each other, 699. § 1. What this does not imply, 699. § 2. What it does imply, 700. Cuaprer II. Of the means of performing this duty, “the being clothed with humility,’ 703. § 1. Humility explained, 703. § 2. The tendency of humility to secure mutual subjection, 705. CuHaprer III. Of the motive urging Christians to cultivate humility, 706. Norss, 710.

DISCOURSE XXII.

TWO VIEWS OF AFFLICTION AND ITS DUTIES.

Parr I. First view of affliction, page 715. § 1. Affliction is subjection to the mighty hand of God, 715. § 2. Our duty in affliction is to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, 719. (1.) As creatures under the hand of their Creator, 720. (2.) As subjects under the hand of their sovereign, rebel subjects under the hand of their righteously-offended Sovereign, 720. (3.) As children under the hand of their Father, 421. § 8. Motives to humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God, 721. (1.) It is a part of the humility which God so complacently approves, 722. (2.) It is the hand of God we are called to humble ourselves under, 722. (8.) It is his mighty hand, 723. (4.) To humble ourselves thus is the appointed way of our being in due time exalted, 728. Parr IL Second view of affliction, 727. § 1. Affliction is a state of carefulness and anxiety, 727. § 2. The duty of the Christian under affliction is to cast all his care on God, 729. Including a persuasion, (1.) That God has power to control what excites our anxiety,731. (2.) That he will employ this controlling power in the best possible way,781. (3.) That he will employ it in the best possible way for us, 732. § 3. The motive to casting our care on God, “He cares for us,” 783. Nors, 739.

CONTENTS. XV

DISCOURSE XXIII.

THE CHRISTIAN’S GREAT ENEMY; HIS DUTY IN REFERENCE TO HIM, AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO DISCHARGE IT.

Part I. The Christian’s great enemy, page 743, CuHaprer I. Whoishe? The Devil, 743. Cuaprer IJ. What is he? 744. $1. He is an adversary, their adversary, 744. §2. He is a subtle adversary, 745. § 3. He is an active adversary, 747. § 4. He is a cruel adversary, 748. § 5. He is a powerful adversary, 748. Parr II. The Christian’s duty in reference to his great enemy, 751. Cuaprer I, What the Christian must do to his great enemy, 751. § 1. He must resist his attacks on himself, 751. § 2. He must resist his attacks on the christian cause, 753. CHAPTER II. What the Christian is to do that he may resist his great enemy, 754. § 1. He must be sober, 754. § 2. He must be vigilant, 756. § 3. He must be steadfast in the faith, 757. Parr IIT. The Christian’s encouragement to perform his duty in refer-

ence to his great enemy, 759. Cuaprer I. The encouraging fact; all the brotherhood have sustained and surmounted this struggle, 759. Cuaprer II. The faithful promise, 761. §1. The encouragement contained in the promise itself, 762. (1.) They shall be made perfect, 763. (2.) They shall be established, 764. (8.) They shall be strengthened,’ 764. (4.) They shall be settled, 765. (5.) He who does all this for them is God, 766. § 2. The encouragement contained in the adjuncts of the promise, 768. (1.) The God who has promised this is “the God of all grace,” 768. (2.) The God of all grace has called the Christian in Christ Jesus, 770. (3.) The God of all grace has called Christians to his eternal glory, 771. (4.) The afflictions are moderate in degree, short in duration, eh o htay part of the Divine plan for their ultimate salvation, 773. PART IV. Conclusion, 774.

DISCOURSE XXIV.

POSTSCRIPT OF THE EPISTLE.

Part I. Recapitulation, page 779. Cuaprer I. The subject of the Epistle, 780. § 1. The grace of God, 780. § 2. The Christian’s duty in reference to this grace; to stand, 781. Cuapter II. The form of the Epistle. It is a testimony and an exhortation respecting ‘the grace of God, 782. Carrer III. The mode of the writing or transmission of the Epistle, 784. ParrII. The salutation, 786. § 1. The salutation of the church at Babylon, 786. § 2. The salutation of Marcus, 788. Part ILL Exhortation, 788. Parr IV. Benediction, 790. Norss, 792.