going before to judgment; and some men they follow

after. Likewise also the good works of some are mani-

fest before hand; and they that are otherwise cannot be

hid

PAGE

228

LECTURE XIII.

1 TIM. vi. 1-13.

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their

own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of

God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they

that have believing masters, let them not despise them,

because they are brethren; but rather do them service,

because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the

benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man

teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words,

even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doc-

trine which is according to godliness; he is proud,

knowing nothing, but doting about questions, and strifes

of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil sur-

misings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds,

and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godli-

ness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with

contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into

this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and raiment, let us be therewith con-

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and

a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which

drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of

money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted

after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced them-

selves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of

God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness,

godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good

fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou

art also called, and hast professed a good profession be-

fore many witnesses

tent.

246

LECTURE XIV.

1 TIM. vi. 13. TO THE END.

PAGE

I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all

things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pi-

late, witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this

commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the ap-

pearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in his times he

shall shew, who is the blessed and only potentate, the

King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath im-

mortality, dwelling in the light which no man can ap-

proach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to

whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge

them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-

minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living

God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they

do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to dis-

tribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for

themselves a good foundation against the time to come,

that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy,

keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding pro-

fane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science, falsely

so called which some professing, have erred concerning

the faith. Grace be with thee....

264

LECTURE XV.

COLOSS. ii. 5.

Though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the

spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stead-

fastness of your faith in Christ

281

LECTURE I.

PSALM CXix. 9.

66 WHEREWITHAL SHALL A YOUNG MAN CLEANSE HIS
WAY?
BY TAKING HEED THERETO ACCORDING TO
THY WORD."

PERHAPS, there is no point more striking in the sacred writings, than the particularity, with which they address the words of life to the hearts of all sorts and conditions of men. The duties of sovereign and subject, of rich and poor, bond and free, young and old, parent and child, minister and congregation, are all to be applied by the individual to his own state. Nor are examples sparingly exhibited, in which such duties are represented in living characters. This particularity is instanced in the text; where the slippery path of the

B

young man is feelingly contemplated by the inspired author. As if all his sympathy were immediately excited, he breaks forth into an inquiry of anxious solicitude, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto, according to thy word."

1. When we consider the powerful and peculiar trials, by which the way of the young man is beset, we shall readily enter into the Psalmist's earnestness on the subject. In most cases, he eagerly escapes from the restraint of his earlier years, passing, somewhat abruptly, from the previous stage of life into manhood; and goes forth, having henceforward to discipline himself, instead of being entirely governed by others. His passions are ripening into activity; his mind is impelled to search into the reasons and foundation, of what he has hitherto received, on the testi

mony of others. The great scene of life is opening before his eager eye. If he be placed in easy circumstan