xvi. 10), accompanied him into Judea, remained with him during two

years of his imprisonment at Jerusalem and Cæsarea, and was no doubt present at his trial before Festus and Felix; he went with him into Italy when Paul was sent there as a prisoner, and during his second and final imprisonment in Rome; while others deserted him, Luke continued his staunch and faithful friend. In the last epistle probably the apostle ever wrote is the simple but pathetic reference, "Only Luke is with me." We can understand, therefore, the affectionate tenderness with which Luke is designated the beloved physician. As St. Paul was not a robust man but was troubled with a "thorn in the flesh," the presence of a medical friend must have been of immense service to him in his laborious missionary journeys and during his long imprisonment. The physicians of ancient times had a very questionable reputation for religiousness; but in these modern days there is an increasing number of medical men who are no less eminent for piety than for their professional skill, and many and important are the opportunities of such for doing good both to body and soul. The greetings of a man of superlative moral excellence is gratefully welcomed and respectfully treasured.

2. _And Demas!_--How suggestive is the laconic allusion! There is no explanation, no qualifying word of any special regard. Perhaps the apostle was already beginning to suspect him, to mark the increasing worldliness of his spirit, and his growing indifference to Divine things. About three years after this greeting was despatched to the Colossians, we meet with the melancholy record: "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world" (2 Tim. iv. 10). Alas! how seductive and how fatal are the allurements of the world! The highest and holiest are not invulnerable to its charms. The most promising career of usefulness and honour has often been blighted by its influence. Bitter indeed would be the disappointment of the apostle's heart to witness one, whom he had acknowledged and trusted as a fellow-worker in the Gospel, fall a victim to worldly avarice, and, like Achan, covet the golden wedge and Babylonish garment of secular things. There is a specially solemn significance in the warning of the beloved disciple: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world" (1 John ii. 15).

+II. Christian greeting recognises the universal brotherhood of the Church.+--1. _We learn the early Christian churches were composed of brethren._ "Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea" (ver. 15). This recognition of a common brotherhood was a great advance upon the eclecticism and sharp, prejudiced distinctions of the times. In the circle of the Christian Church the Jew surrendered his Judaism, and the Gentile his paganism, and became one in Christ; the slave and the freeman enjoyed the same spiritual liberty, and the barbarian was no longer dreaded as a monster, but hailed as a brother. The test of brotherhood and union is an individual faith in the common Saviour, the sharing of one common life in the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of possessing one common Father in God. It is only as we encourage the brotherly spirit that we can ensure union and permanency in the Churches. About thirty years after this salutation was sent to the Laodiceans, the Church in that city had degenerated into a state of lukewarmness and sterility (Rev. iii. 15, 16). There is need for united watchfulness and fidelity in order to continue, "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Cor. xv. 58).

2. _We learn further that a separate assembly of brethren constituted a Church._--"And Nymphas, and the Church which is in his house" (ver. 15). This was not the principal Church in Laodicea, nor was it simply a meeting together of the family, but an assembly of worshippers. Nymphas was probably a man of position and influence in the city and being also a man of piety, he afforded every opportunity for the gathering together of the brethren for Christian worship and communion. There is little said in the New Testament about Church polity, and there is no ecclesiastical organisation, whether Episcopal, Presbyterian, or Congregational, that can claim exclusive Divine authority and sanction. Whether meeting in large numbers in the stately cathedral, the modern tabernacle, or a few in the private dwelling-house, a company of believers assembled for worship and mutual edification constitutes a Church. Thus the true brotherhood of Christianity is maintained, irrespective of locality, of ecclesiastical structure, or of sacerdotal claims and pretensions.

+III. The reading of the Holy Scriptures in the Church an important subject of apostolic counsel.+--"And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea" (ver. 16). The epistle from Laodicea refers to a letter that St. Paul had sent to that city, and which was to be forwarded to Colossæ for perusal. Some think this was a letter specifically addressed to the Laodiceans, and which is now lost; but the best commentators now believe that the epistle to the Ephesians is meant, which was, in fact, a circular letter addressed to the principal Churches in proconsular Asia. Tychicus was obliged to pass through Laodicea on his way to Colossæ and would leave a copy of the Ephesian epistle there before the Colossian letter was delivered. Here we learn that one important means of edification was the reading of the inspired letters of the apostle in the assemblies of the brethren. The public reading of the Scriptures has been an invaluable method of instruction to the Church in all ages and places, and it is a provision with which the Church will never be able to dispense. The Church which dares to prohibit the general perusal of the Scriptures, or reads only small portions, and those mumbled in a language not understood by the people, has thrown off all regard for apostolic counsel and inflicts an unutterable injury upon humanity. Shut up the Bible, and the Churches will instantly be invaded by the most enfeebling superstitions, the civilisation of the nations will be put centuries behind, and the widespread ignorance and moral and social degradation of the dark ages will reappear.

+IV. An example of apostolic counsel concerning fidelity in the Christian ministry.+--"And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it" (ver. 17). It is probable that Archippus was a youthful pastor recently appointed to the Church at Laodicea. Already signs of a slackened zeal began to appear, which afterwards culminated in the state of lukewarmness for which this Church was denounced (Rev. iii. 19). The condition of preacher and people reacts upon each other; the Church takes its colour from and communicates its colour to its spiritual pastor. Hence the apostle, well knowing the perils surrounding the inexperienced Archippus, sends to him this timely warning to take heed of his ministry. He is reminded of:--

1. _The direct authority of the ministry._--"The ministry which thou hast received in the Lord." The commission to preach the Gospel can come from no other than the Lord and can be properly received only by one who is himself spiritually in the Lord; there must be not only _gifts,_ but also _grace._ The minister must be in direct and constant communication with the Lord, depend on Him for help in doing his duty, remember he is accountable to Him, and strive to seek His glory in preference to all personal considerations. In times of difficulty and trial it will sustain the courage of the minister to feel that his commission is Divine in its source and authority.

2. _The implied dangers of the ministry._--"Take heed." The special dangers that threatened the Colossian Church at that time have been distinctly pointed out in the epistle. The ministry is ever encompassed with perils, arising from the seductive forms of error, the flatteries and frowns of the world, the subtle workings of self-approbation, and the deceitfulness of sin. There is need for the exercise of a sleepless vigilance, a tireless zeal, and a faultless circumspection.

3. _The imperative personal demands of the ministry._--"That thou fulfil it." The whole truth must be made known, and that with the utmost clearness, faithfulness, kindness, and completeness. Every energy must be consecrated to the sacred work, and the aid of all the powers of heaven earnestly implored. No pains must be spared in prayer, study, and self-sacrifice to reach the highest efficiency and make "full proof" of the ministry. Failure here is lamentable and irremediable.

+Lessons.+--1. _Salutations are valuable when imbued with the Christian spirit._ 2. _The true appreciation of the Holy Scriptures is shown in their constant and studious perusal._ 3. _The Christian ministry should be sustained by practical sympathy and intelligent co-operation._

_GERM NOTES OF THE VERSES._

Ver. 14. "Luke, the beloved physician." _Religion and the Medical Profession._

+I. The deference shown to medical science.+

+II. Benevolence of the medical profession.+

+III. Religious drawbacks in assaults from materialism.--Mind is one thing, matter is another.+

+IV. Religious responsibilities.--Vast power for good. Co-operation with the minister.+

+V. The Great Physician.--Doctor and patient need Him alike.+--_Homiletic Monthly._

Ver. 16. _The Public Reading of the Holy Scriptures an Important Means of Church Edification._

+I. It is in harmony with the usage of the ancient Church.+

+II. It is enforced by precept and example in the Scriptures themselves.+

+III. It familiarises the mind with the grandest truths.+

+IV. It is a mighty agency in advocating and moulding national character.+

+V. It keeps alive the enthusiasm of the Church for aggressive enterprise.+

+VI. It demands the most laborious study and practice to render it effective.+

Ver. 17. _The Christian Ministry a Solemn and Responsible Trust._

+I. It is Divine in its bestowal.+--"Received in the Lord."

+II. It is personal in its responsibility.+--"Which thou hast received."

+III. It involves the communication of good to others.+--"Ministry."

+IV. It has a special aspect of importance to the individual minister.+--"The ministry."

"That thou fulfil it." _The Christian Ministry demands Unswerving Fidelity in accomplishing its Lofty Mission._

+I. Divine truth must be clearly apprehended and profoundly realised.+

+II. The whole truth must be declared.+

+III. The declaration of the truth must be full and courageous.+

"Take heed." _The Christian Ministry is surrounded by Peculiar Perils._--A shrewd and ever-wakeful vigilance is needed--

+I. Against the stealthy encroachments of error.+

+II. Against the pernicious influences of the world.+

+III. Against the subtle temptations to unfaithfulness.+

_MAIN HOMILETICS OF VERSE_ 18.

_Words of Farewell._

Last words have in them a nameless touch of pathos. They linger in the memory as a loved familiar presence, they soothe life's sorrows, and exert upon the soul a strange and irresistible fascination. As the years rush by, how rich in meaning do the words that have fallen from dying lips become, as when Cæsar said sadly, "And thou, Brutus!"; or when John Quincy Adams said, "This is the last of earth"; or Mirabeau's frantic cry for music, after a life of discord; or George Washington's calm statement, "It is well"; or Wesley's triumphant utterance, "The best of all is, God is with us." And these closing words of the high-souled apostle written from his Roman prison, in prospect of threatened death, carry with them a significance and tenderness which will be felt wherever this epistle is read. In these words we have a _personally inscribed salutation, a touching reminder, and a brief benediction._

+I. A personally inscribed salutation.+--"The salutation by the hand of me Paul." The rest of the epistle was dictated by the apostle to an amanuensis, who, in this case, was probably Timothy. Paul adds his own personal salutation, not only as an expression of his anxious love, but also as a mark of the authenticity of the document, and of his unqualified approval of its contents. It would surely be a scene worthy of the pencil of genius to portray the noble prisoner, whose right hand was linked to the left of his military gaoler, tracing with tremulous fingers the final words to those for whose sake he was in bonds! How would the hand-writing of such a man be prized and venerated, and with what holy eagerness would his words be read and pondered!

+II. A touching reminder.+--"Remember my bonds." The apostle was in prison, not for any offence against the laws of God or man, but for the sake of the Gospel he loved to preach, and which had wrought so marvellous a change in the lives of those to whom he wrote. His bonds bore irrefragable testimony to the truth he was called to proclaim, and to his unalterable determination to insist upon the rights and privileges of the Gentiles, on whose behalf he suffered. He wished to be remembered in prayer, that he might be sustained in his imprisonment, and that he might be speedily delivered from it, so that he might preach the glorious news of spiritual liberty to the benighted and fettered sons of men. "Remember my bonds." These words seem to indicate that the illustrious prisoner was more concerned to exhibit a spirit and deportment betting the Gospel than to be released from his incarceration. The Church of Christ in all ages has had abundant reason to remember with gratitude and praise the bonds of the great apostle, not only for the stimulating example of holy patience and dignified submission displayed under trying circumstances, but for the unspeakably precious literary treasures they enabled him to bequeath to the world. Bishop Wordsworth has well said: "The fact that this epistle was written by Paul in this state of durance and restraint, and yet designed to minister comfort to others, and that it has never ceased to cheer the Church of Christ, is certainly one which is worthy of everlasting remembrance." In the prayer for "all prisoners and captives" special reference should be made to those who are now suffering for the truth. The offence of the cross has not yet ceased. We must practically remember the imprisoned when we supply their wants and assuage their sufferings.

+III. A brief benediction.+--"Grace be with you. Amen." The epistle begins and ends with blessing; and between these two extremes lies a magnificent body of truth which has dispensed blessings to thousands and is destined to bless thousands more. The benediction is short, but it is instinct with fervent life and laden with the unutterable wealth of Divine beneficence. Grace is inclusive of all the good God can bestow or man receive. Grace is what all need, what none can merit, and what God alone can give. To possess the grace of God is to be rich indeed; without it "'Tis misery all, and woe." Grace kindles the lamp of hope amidst the darkest experiences of life, supplies the clue which unravels the most tangled mysteries, presses the nectar of consolation into the bitterest cup, implants in the soul its holiest motives and opens up its noblest career, strengthens the dying saint when he traverses the lonely borderland of the unknown, and tunes and perpetuates the celestial harmonies of the everlasting song.

+Lessons.+--1. _Praise God for a well-authenticated Bible._ 2. _Praise God for the teachings of a suffering life._ 3. _Praise God for His boundless grace._

* * * * * * * *

+Transcriber's Notes+

- Page 371, Introduction, second paragraph, change "ii. 8, 9" to "ch. ii. 8, 9" and "ii. 11" to "ch. ii. 11."

- Page 372, Introduction, first "Occasion" paragraph, apply RC to "Gospel." "Style" paragraph, apply RC to "the Gospel."

- Page 374, notes on chapter i., verse 6, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice). Verse 9, add right double quote after "prudent." Verse 10, apply RC to "the Gospel"; add left parenthesis before "see ver. 6."

- Page 375, verse 22, change "unblamable" to "unblameable" and "unreprovable" to "unreproveable." Verse 23, apply RC to "the Gospel."

- Page 376, verse 28, apply RC to "the Gospel" (thrice). Lesson "Salutation," point I, apply RC to "Divine." Point II, apply RC to "Divine" (twice).

- Page 377, same lesson, point III, add comma to "won and." Point IV, apply RC to "the Gospel"; remove comma from "Churches, and." Lesson "Estimate," point I 2, remove comma from "faith, and." Point II, apply RC to "Divine." Point II 2, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 378, same lesson, point II 3, apply RC to "Divine." Lesson "Causes," point I, remove comma from "God, and." Point II, add comma to "Thus God"; apply RC to "Divine" (twice); remove comma from "good, and." Point III 1, apply RC to "Divinely" and "Divine-human."

- Page 379, same lesson, point III 3, remove comma from "worker, and." Point V 3, apply RC to "the Gospel"; remove comma from "truth, and"; apply RC to "the Gospel" (twice). Application ("Lessons"), point 3, apply RC to "the Gospel."

- Page 380, "Good News" note, each of points I, III 1, and III 3, apply RC to "the Gospel." "Hope" note, point III, apply RC to "the Gospel." Lesson "True Gospel," introduction, apply RC to "the Gospel" and "Divine"; remove commas from "understanding, and" and "axiomatic, and"; apply RC to "the Gospel" (twice), "Divine" and "the Gospel." Point I, apply RC to "Gospel" (five times); remove comma from "mission, and."

- Page 381, same lesson, same point, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice). Point II, apply RC to "Gospel" (thrice); add comma to "Thus it"; apply RC to "Gospel" (twice). Point III, apply RC to "Gospel," "Word," "Gospel," "Divine Spirit," and "Gospel" (twice). Point IV, apply RC to "Gospel." Point IV 1, apply RC to "Gospel," "Divinely," and "Gospel."

- Page 382, same lesson, point IV 2 (3), apply RC to "the Gospel." Application ("Lessons"), point 1, apply RC to "Gospel" and "Divine." Each of points 2 and 3, apply RC to "Gospel." "Gospel" note, point III, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 383, lesson "Comprehensive," point II 2, apply RC to "Divine" (thrice). Point II 3, apply RC to "Gospel," "Divine," "Gospel," and "Divine."

- The break between pages 383 and 384 is in a unit that style indicates should not be broken "Lord|--worthy." The whole unit was moved to the earlier page.

- Page 384, same lesson, point III 1, add comma to "purpose we." Point III 2, add comma to "Thus the"; remove comma from "heaven, and." Point III 4, apply RC to "Divine." Point IV 1, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 385, same lesson, point IV 2, apply RC to "Divine" and "Providence." Point IV 3, apply RC to "His cause." "Paul's Prayer" note, point I, apply RC to "Divine." Point III, remove comma from "life, and."

- Page 386, lesson "Meetness," point I 2, capitalise "Divine," referring to a churchman. Point I 3, apply RC to "Divine"; add comma to "Thus all."

- Page 387, same lesson, point II 2, apply RC to "Divine"; add comma to "So men"; remove comma from "realms, and." Point II 3, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 388, "Inheritance" note, point II 1, add double quotes around "inheritance." Point II 2, add double quotes around "saints." Lesson "Translation," point I 1, apply RC to "Gospel."

- Page 389, same lesson, point II 1, add comma to "So the." Point II 2, apply RC to "Divine"; add comma to "subjects we." Point III, apply RC to "Divine." Point III 1, remove comma from "law, and"; apply RC to "Divine." Point III 2, remove comma from "blessings, but"; apply RC to "Divine" (twice).

- Page 390, same lesson, point III 3, apply RC to "Divine." Application ("Lessons"), point 3, apply RC to "Divine." "Darkness" note, point III, apply RC to "Divine." "Great Blessing" note title, change "Re demption" to "Redemption." Lesson "Relation" title, change "Greated" to "Created." Point I, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 391, same lesson, point II 1 (1), add comma to "Therefore the." Point II 1 (2), apply RC to "First Cause," "Active Agent," and "Grand End." Point II 2 (1), apply RC to "First Cause"; remove comma from "speculation, and."

- Page 392, same lesson, point II 2 (2), change double quotes around "thrones," "dominions," "principalities," and "powers" to single quotes within the Spence quotation. Point II 2 (3), apply RC to "Great End." Point II 3, apply RC to "Divine." Point II 4, remove comma from "Him, and."

- Page 394, lesson "Relation," point II 2, apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from "Hades, and." Point III 1, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 395, "Church the Body" note, point III 2, apply RC to "Gospel." Point IV 1, remove comma from "Christ, and."

- Page 396, lesson "Reconciling," point I 1, apply RC to "Divine" (twice) and "Divinity"; remove commas from "universe, and" and "beings, and." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine." Point II 1, apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point II 2, add comma to "therefore it."

- Page 397, same note, same point, apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point II 2 (1), add comma to "aside and." Point II 2 (2), remove comma from "other, and." Point II 2 (3), apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point III, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 398, "Fulness" note, point I, apply RC to "Divine." Lesson "Blessings," introduction, remove comma from "sin, and"; change "His restoration" to "his," referring to a sinful man. Point I 1, apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 399, same lesson, point II, apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point II 2, remove comma from "Christ, and"; apply RC to "Divine." Point III, apply RC to "Divine." Point III 2, change "unblamable" to "unblameable"; remove comma from "term, and." Point III 3, change "unreprovable" to "unreproveable" and "unblamable" to "unblameable."

- Page 400, same lesson, same point, change "unreprovable" to "unreproveable." "Reconciliation" note, point II 3, apply RC to "Himself." "Holiness" note, point I, change "unblamable" to "unblameable" and "unreprovable" to "unreproveable." Lesson "Condition," introduction, add comma to "so the"; apply RC to "Gospel" (twice). Point I, apply RC to "Gospel." Point I 1, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 401, same lesson, point II, apply RC to "Gospel." Point II 1, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice). Point II 2, apply RC to "Gospel," "Divine," and "Gospel" (thrice). Point II 3, apply RC to "Gospel" (thrice); remove comma from "lands, and"; apply RC to "Gospel." Point II 4, apply RC to "Gospel" (four times).

- Page 402, same lesson, same point, remove comma from "phenomena, and"; apply RC to "Gospel." Point II 5, apply RC to "Gospel" (thrice) and "Word." Application ("Lessons"), point 1, apply RC to "Gospel." Lesson "Joy," introduction, apply RC to "Divine." Point I 1, add comma to "Thus he."

- Page 403, same lesson, point I 2, apply RC to "Divine." Point II 2, remove comma from "deeper, and"; apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 404, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Gospel." Lesson "Honor," introduction, apply RC to "Word" and "Gospel." Point I, apply RC to "Divine." Point I 1, apply RC to "Divinely"; change the comma after "own" to a semi-colon, for consistency in punctuating the series; apply RC to "Divine." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine" and "Gospel."

- Page 405, same lesson, same point, apply RC to "Word." Point II 1, apply RC to "Divine" (thrice) and "Gospel." Point II 2, apply RC to "Gospel" and "Divine" (twice). Point II 3, apply RC to "Divine" and "Gospel." Point II 4, apply RC to "Gospel" and "Divine."

- Page 406, same lesson, point II 4 (1), apply RC to "Gospel" (twice). Point II 4 (2), apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from "Him, and." Application ("Lessons"), point 2, apply RC to "Divinely." "Glory" note, point III, apply RC to "Divinely." "Christ in you" note, correct point I to put the period after the number. Lesson "Preaching," introduction, remove comma from "preacher, and"; apply RC to "Gospel" and "Divine."

- Page 407, same lesson, point I 1, apply RC to "Divine." Point I 3, apply RC to "Gospel"; add "Acts iv. 12" reference; remove comma from "theme, but." Point II 2, add "(ver. 28)" for consistency; add comma to "Hence he." Point II 4, apply RC to "Gospel."

- Page 408, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice). Point IV, apply RC to "Divinely" and "Gospel"; remove commas from "all, and" and "age, and"; apply RC to "Gospel," "Divine," "Divinely," and "Divine." Application ("Lessons"), point 3, apply RC to "Divine." "Ministry" note, point II, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 410, lesson "Anxiety," introduction, apply RC to "Gospel." Point I, remove comma from "thought, and."

- Page 411, same lesson, point II, remove comma from "truth, but"; capitalise "Divine" as referring to a churchman. Point III 1, add comma to "Hence he." Point III 3, apply RC to "Divine." Point III 3 (1), apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 412, same lesson, same point, apply RC to "Divine." Point III 3 (2), apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point III 3 (3), apply RC to "Divine," "Gospel" (thrice), and "Divine"; add "Prov. viii. 11" reference. Point IV, apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from "outlook, and."

- Page 413, same lesson, same point, add "Eph. v. 6" reference. Lesson "Hidden Treasures," introduction, remove comma from "treasure, but"; apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 414, same lesson, point I 1, remove comma from "Him, and." Point I 2, remove comma from "everywhere, and." Point I 3, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 415, same lesson, point II, apply RC to "Divine"; change "ar#" to "are"; add comma to "So in." "Unity" note, point I, apply RC to "Gospel."

- Page 416, lesson "Apostolic Praise," point I, apply RC to "Divine" (twice); remove comma from "brief, but"; add "1 Cor. xiv. 40, xiv. 33, xvi. 14, xi. 34" references. Point II, apply RC to "served Him"; change exclamation point to question mark; remove comma from "form, and."

- Page 417, point III 2, remove comma from "order, and." Lesson "Suggestive," point I, remove comma from "rapidity, and" (twice); apply RC to "Divine." Point I 1, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 418, same lesson, point I 2, remove comma from "law, but." Point III, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 419, same lesson, point III 2, remove comma from "tense, and." Point IV, remove commas from "word, and" and "difficulties, and." Application ("Lessons"), each of points 1 and 2, apply RC to "Divinely." "Retrospection" note, point I 2, apply RC to "Divine." "Imitation" note, point II, remove comma for "imitate, and."

- Page 420, lesson "Marks," introduction, remove comma from "morals, and." Point I, apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from "Gnosticism, and"; add "Rom i. 21, 22" reference.

- Page 422, same lesson, point V, add "John x. 10" reference. Point VI 1, apply RC to "Gospel." Point VI 2, remove comma from "rest, and." Application ("Lessons"), point 3, remove comma from "false, and." Lesson "Divine Fulness," introduction, apply RC to "Divine." Point I, apply RC to "Divine." Point I 1, add comma to "Hence we"; apply RC to "Divine" (twice), "Divinity," and "Divine." Point I 2, remove comma from "deity, and."

- Page 423, same lesson, point I 3, remove comma from "enshrined, and"; apply RC to "Divine" (four times); add "John i. 14" reference. Point III 1, add "1 John v. 12" reference; apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point III 2, apply RC to "the Spirit." Point III 3, add "1 Thess. iv. 17" reference.

- Page 424, same lesson, application ("Lessons"), point 1, apply RC to "Divine." Lesson "Circumcision," introduction, apply RC to "Divine"; add comma to "Thus their."

- Page 425, same lesson, point I, add "Ezek. xliv. 9; Duet. xxx. 6" references. Point III, apply RC to "Divine" (twice), remove comma from "law, and." Point IV, remove comma from "dies, and"; apply RC to "Diviner."

- Page 426, same lesson, point VI, apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from "gift, and"; apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Lesson "Transition," introduction, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 427, same lesson, point I 2, remove comma from "health, and." Each of points I 3 (1) and I 3 (2), apply RC to "Divine." Point I 3 (2), remove comma from "life, and." Point II 1, remove comma from "bondage, and"; apply RC to "Divine." Point II 2, apply RC to "Divine"; add comma to "pardoned and."

- Page 428, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine" (thrice). Lesson "Triumph," point I 1, remove comma from "creation, and." Point II 2, add comma to "again they." Point II 3, remove comma from "death, and."

- Page 430, lesson "Ceremonial," introduction, remove comma from "real, and"; apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from "ordinances, and"; capitalise "Christianised." Point I, apply RC to "Gospel."

- Page 431, same lesson, point II, add comma to "so the"; apply RC to "Gospel." Point III, apply RC to "Antitype"; remove comma from "it, when."

- Page 432, lesson "Seductive," introduction, remove comma from "them, and." Point II 2, remove comma from "God, and." Point II 3, change "mortal man venture" to "mortal man ventures."

- Page 433, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine." Point III 3, apply RC to "Divine" (twice). "How a Church lives" note, point II 1, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 434, lesson "Ceremonial," point II 2, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 436, same lesson, point IV 2, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 437, notes on chapter iii., verse 15, change "ii. 18" to "ch. ii. 18." Verse 16, apply RC to "Divine"; add an em-dash at the end of the paragraph. Verse 18, remove comma from "here, and." Verse 23, add double quotes around "Whatsoever ye do, work heartily" and "from the soul."

- The page break between pages 439 and 440 is in a unit that style indicates should not be broken: "conduct.--1. |A." The entire unit was moved to the earlier page.

- Page 438, lesson "Aspirations," point II 1, change "ver. 2" to "ver. 1."

- Page 439, same lesson, point II 2, add an em-dash at the end of the paragraph.

- Page 440, lesson "Present Condition," introduction, apply RC to "Divine light." Point I, remove comma from "past, and."

- Page 441, same lesson, point II 2, add comma to "undiscerning He." Point III, apply RC to "His Word."

- Page 443, lesson "Mortification," point I 3, remove comma from "heart, and"; apply RC to "Divine." Point II, apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from "come, and"; apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 444, same lesson, point V, remove commas from "disguised, and" and "man, and"; apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 445, lesson "New Nature," introduction, remove comma from "garments, but"; add comma to "So the"; remove comma from "state, but"; add comma to "words he." Point I, apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point II, remove commas from "once, but" and "possessed, but"; apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 446, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from "unsuited, and." Point IV 1, apply RC to "Gospel." Point IV 2, remove comma from "country, and." Point IV 3, apply RC to "Gospel." Point V, apply RC to "Source," "Centre," "Ideal," and "Possession"; change "He" to "he," referring to the believer.

- Page 447, "Religion" note, point II, apply RC to "Divine." "Christ" note, point II, apply RC to "Divine," remove commas from "civ., and" and "hearts, and." Point III, apply RC to "Divine" (twice).

- Page 448, same note, point IV, remove comma from "Him, and." Application ("Lessons"), point 3, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 449, lesson "Essentials," point I 1, apply RC to "Divine" and "Son." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine." Point I 3, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 451, lesson "Love," introduction, remove commas from "romance, and" and "garment, and." Point I, remove comma from "Ghost, and."

- Page 452, same lesson, point IV 2, remove comma from "changed, if." Lesson "Rule," point I, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 453, same lesson, same point, apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from "cross, and"; apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from "Christ, and." Point II, remove commas from "games, and" and "stadium, and." Point II 1, remove comma from "duty, and"; apply RC to "Divine." Point II 2, remove comma from "temptation, and." Point II 3, remove comma from "right, and"; apply RC to "His Word"; add "Ps. li. 10" reference.

- Page 454, same lesson, point IV 1, apply RC to "Gospel" and "God's Word." Point IV 2, remove comma from "body, so"; apply RC to "Spirit." Point V, change "sin#" to "sins" and "#ll" to "all"; apply RC to "Divine." "Peace" note, point I, apply RC to "His Word."

- Page 455, lesson "Poetry," introduction, remove comma from "first, and"; apply RC to "Divinely" and "Divine Word." Point I, apply RC to "Divine Word." Point I 1, apply RC to "Divine Word," "Word," and "Gospel." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine Word," "Word," "Divinity," and "Word" (twice).

- Page 456, same lesson, point II, remove comma from "arrangement, and." Point III 1, apply RC to "Word" (twice). After the poem, remove comma from "dying, and." Application ("Lessons"), point 1, apply RC to "Divine Word."

- Page 457, first note, application ("Lessons"), point 3, apply RC to "Word." Second note, add "I." before first bold point and apply RC to "Word." Point I 3, apply RC to "Word" (twice). Point II 3, apply RC to "Word" (twice). Application ("Lessons"), each of point 1 and 2, apply RC to "Word."

- Page 460, lesson "Duties of Husbands," point I 1, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 461, same lesson, point II, apply RC to "Divine." Point III 2, remove comma from "supreme, and."

- Page 462, lesson "Duties of Parents," point I 1, apply RC to "Divine." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine" (twice).

- Page 463, point II 2, replace left single quote before "Lest" with a left double quote. Lesson "Duties of Masters," introduction, remove comma from "slavery, and."

- Page 464, same lesson, point I, add "Rev. vii. 15" and "Mark x. 45" references; remove comma from "servitude, but." Point II 1, remove commas from "slaves, and" and "slavery, and." Point II 2, add "ver. 22" reference; apply RC to "Divine." Point III 1, add "heartily" into the verse 23 quotation; apply RC to "Divine." Point III 2, apply RC to "Divine"; change "He hath done what he could" to "She hath done what she could" to match KJV and add "Mark xiv. 8" reference.

- Page 465, same lesson, point IV, apply RC to "Divine"; add "1 Pet. i. 4" reference. Point V, remove comma from "light, and." Point VI 2, add "Matt. xxiii. 8" and "Matt. xxv. 40" references.

- Page 466, critical notes for chapter iv., verse 3, apply RC to "Word."

- Page 467, lesson "Efficacy," introduction, apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from "petitioner, but"; apply RC to "Divine." Point I, remove comma from "make, and."

- Page 468, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine"; add double quotes around the saying of an old writer (assumed to finish the paragraph). Point IV, apply RC to "Gospel." Point IV 1, apply RC to "Gospel"; change "once popular minister" to "once-popular minister." Point IV 2, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice).

- The break between pages 468 and 469 is in the word "declaration": declara|tion.

- Page 469, same lesson, point IV 3, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice), "Divine," and "Gospel." Point IV 4, apply RC to "Gospel" (four times). Application ("Lessons"), point 2, apply RC to "Gospel."

- Page 470, lesson "Wise," introduction, remove comma from "life, and." Point I 1, add "ver. 5" reference. Point I 2, apply RC to "Spirit." Point I 3, remove comma from "itself, and"; apply RC to "Gospel."

- Page 471, same lesson, point I 4, remove comma from "eagerness, and." Point II 3, remove comma from "tongue, and." First note, add sentence-ending period to point IV.

- Page 472, "Truth" note, point III, apply RC to "Divine." Point IV, remove comma from "religion, but." Lesson "Side-lights," introduction, remove comma from "epistle, and." Point I, apply RC to "Gospel."

- Page 473, same lesson, point II, remove commas from "Paul, and" and "crowds, and"; apply RC to "Gospel" and "Divine." Point III, remove comma from "Ephesus, and."

- Page 474, same lesson, point IV, remove comma from "ritual, and"; apply RC to "Gospel"; add comma to "thus they"; remove comma from "Christ, and"; apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from "professors, and."

- Page 475, lesson "Model Pastor," introduction, apply RC to "Gospel"; remove commas from "them, and" and "faith, but"; apply RC to "Divine." Point I, apply RC to "Gospel." Point II, after poem, apply RC to "Gospel."

- Page 476, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine." Point IV, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 477, lesson "Greetings," introduction, add "Prov. x. 7" reference. Point I 1, remove commas from "travel, and" and "man, but." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine" and "Gospel."

- Page 478, same lesson, point II 1, add "1 Cor. xv. 58" reference. Point II 2, remove comma from "city, and"; add comma to "piety he"; apply RC to "Divine." Point III, remove comma from "Colossæ, and."

- Page 479, point IV 1, apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from "Lord, and"; apply RC to "Divine." "Luke" note, point V, apply RC to "Great Physician." "Ministry" note, point I, apply RC to "Divine."

- Page 480, lesson "Farewell," point I, change "mo" to "me." Point II, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice).

- Page 481, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine."

+THE FIRST EPISTLE+

+TO THE THESSALONIANS.+

* * * * * * * *

+INTRODUCTION.+

+Thessalonica and its Church.+--Most of the Churches of the New Testament belonged to cities which, if they have not dropped out of existence altogether, are scarcely recognisable to-day. Thessalonica exists as a place of considerable commercial importance, with a population of 70,000, under the shortened form of "Saloniki." It is situated at the head of the Thermaic Gulf, so called from the ancient name of the town which rises like an amphitheatre above its blue waters. _Therma_ is the name by which the town comes into history, the _warm_ mineral springs of the neighbourhood originating the appropriate designation. Cassander, son-in-law of Philip of Macedon, gave to the city the name of his wife, "Thessalonica." Its position brought commerce both by sea and land, for, in addition to its natural harbour, the Via Egnatia, like a great artery, drove its stream of traffic through the town. Trade brought riches, and riches luxurious living and licentiousness. But if sin abounded, so did the grace which sent the heralds of deliverance from sin in the persons of St. Paul and Silas, fresh from their terrible beating and the dungeon of Philippi, and Timothy, the ever-valued friend of St. Paul. Jews were in Thessalonica in greater force than in Philippi; and St. Paul, perhaps not with any great hope of success amongst the adherents of the religion in which he had been trained, but according to his constant rule, went first to the synagogue, hoping that, as elsewhere, devout souls not content with the materialism and atheism of their day might be amongst those who were drawn towards the faith of Israel. So at least it proved, and their acceptance of the message of the Gospel was the signal for the outbreak of Jewish hatred which set on the _canaille_ of the city with a cry of revolution and high treason. Amidst such birth-throes the second Church in Europe came into being. St. Paul's continuance in the city might only have provoked murder, so, leaving the infant Church to one who would "naturally care for" it, he made his way to Berœa.

+Occasion and design of the epistle.+--With eager impatience the apostle would wait for the messenger with tidings of the Macedonian Churches. The writer of the Proverbs likened "good news from a far country" to "cold waters to a thirsty soul"; so St. Paul says to these Thessalonians: "Now when Timothy came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, . . . we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: for _now we live,_ if ye stand fast in the Lord" (1 Thess. iii. 6-8). Timothy had brought word of their fidelity; but he had also to inform the apostle of the persecutions they had to endure, and also of the troubled minds of some of the Christian brotherhood over the condition of their dead, and their relationship to the Lord whom they daily expected.

So St. Paul sends them word by this first letter of his earnest longing to see them again, and of how he had often purposed to do so, but had been thwarted. Perhaps there are references in the epistle to the aspersions on the character of Paul; and in other ways the epistle is meant to do what Paul, now that his missionary field had become so extended, could not do in person.

+Contents of the epistle.+

i. 1. Salutation.

2-10. Thanksgiving for reception and diffusion of the Gospel.

ii. 1-12. Appeal to their knowledge of what Paul's ministry had been.

13-16. Thanksgiving for fidelity under the strain of Jewish hostility.

17--iii. 13. Baffled purposes resulting in the despatch of Timothy, and the outburst of joy for the good news with which he returned.

iv. 1-12. Warning against lustful injustice, and exhortation to a further development of brotherly love.

13--v. 11. The Second Advent in its relation to those who already slept.

12-24. Ethics of Church-life and personal life.

25-28. Conclusion.

* * * * * * * *

+CHAPTER I.+

_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES._

Ver. 1. +Paul, and Sylvanus, and Timotheus.+--As to Paul, it may be noted that he does not mention his office. It was largely owing to the aspersions of others that he came, later, to magnify his office. Sylvanus is the "fellow-helper" and fellow-sufferer of the apostle, better known to New Testament readers by the shortened form of his name--Silas. That he was a Jew appears from Acts xv., but, like Paul, able to claim the privilege of Roman citizenship (Acts xvi.). Timotheus is the valuable and dear companion of St. Paul. Twelve or fourteen years later he is said to be still young (1 Tim. iv. 12). He, too, is only partly a Jew (Acts xvi. 3). +Grace be unto you, and peace.+--The men who are by birth and training divided between Jew and Gentile, salute both. It is not less true of the Gospel than the law that it speaks the language of the children of men. All that grace could mean to the Greek, or peace to the Hebrew, met in Him whose title was written above the cross in Hebrew and Greek and Latin.

Ver. 3. +Work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope.+--The famous three sister-graces familiar to us from St. Paul's other letters. As Bengel says, they are _Summa Christianismi._ St. James, one thinks, would have liked the expression, "work of faith" (Jas. ii. 14-26). But if faith works, love cannot be outdone (1 Cor.