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LECTURE XII.

1 TIM. v. 17. TO THE END.

66 LET THE ELDERS THAT RULE WELL BE COUNTED WORTHY OF DOUBLE HONOUR, ESPECIALLY THEY WHO LABOUR IN THE WORD AND DOCTRINE. FOR THE SCRIPTURE SAITH, THOU SHALT NOT MUZZLE THE OX THAT TREADETH OUT THE CORN. AND, THE LABOURER IS WORTHY OF HIS REWARD. AGAINST AN ELDER RECEIVE NOT AN ACCUSATION, BUT BEFORE TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. THEM THAT SIN REBUKE BEFORE ALL, THAT OTHERS ALSO MAY FEAR. I CHARGE THEE BEFORE GOD, AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE ELECT ANGELS, THAT THOU OBSERVE THESE THINGS WITHOUT PREFERRING ONE BEFORE ANOTHER, DOING NOTHING BY PARTIALITY. LAY HANDS SUDDENLY ON NO MAN, NEITHER BE PARTAKER OF OTHER MEN'S SINS: KEEP THYSELF PURE. DRINK NO LONGER WATER, BUT USE A LITTLE WINE FOR THY STOMACH'S SAKE AND THINE OFTEN INFIRMITIES. SOME MEN'S SINS ARE OPEN BEFOREHAND, GOING BEFORE TO JUDGMENT; AND SOME MEN THEY FOLLOW AFTER. LIKEWISE ALSO THE GOOD WORKS OF SOME ARE MANIFEST BEFOREHAND; AND THEY THAT ARE OTHERWISE CANNOT BE HID.

HAVING given directions for the choice and maintenance of the female Teachers, or Deaconesses in the Church of Ephesus, the Apostle now resumes the subject, of the Ministers of the Gospel. "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." In this direction, we see at once the justice of the Apostle, and his knowledge of human character. He had often brought forward the highest of all possible motives, and he would bring them forward again. Yet did he not disdain to touch the inferior springs of action, in their subordinate place. He would address motives, which, he knew, if under right direction, and used only as subsidiary incentives to duty, would tend to excite the energies of the Pastor. Hence he recommends to his representative that those Pastors, who were remarkable for their faithfulness, zeal, and ability in ministering the word, should be duly advanced to situations of more distinguished importance; and that they should be maintained propor

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tionally with more abundant provision. For," you well remember, continues he, that "the Scripture saith," (and what an attestation is here afforded to the inspiration of the Old Testament!) "The Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he treadeth out the corn," but suffer the dumb animal to benefit while labouring for the good of man.

The next quotation, by which the Apostle justifies a decent and liberal support for Ministers, is singular: "The labourer is worthy of his reward." The words are only to be found in the history of Christ, set forth by Saint Luke. If then Saint Paul meant to quote, it is an undoubted proof of the Divine authority, with which he considered that Gospel invested; by placing it on the same footing with the words of the inspired author of the Pentateuch. If this be correct, the date assigned by Bishop Pearson to this Epistle, would be nearly accurate, namely, sixty-five. If, on the other hand, Saint Paul justifies this injunc

tion, by a reference to a saying of our Saviour, well-known in the world, it is equally a proof of the authenticity of the facts of Christ's life. For no man would

think of strengthening any assertion which he should make, by reference to an authority carrying no weight along with it.

Justly did the Apostle consider, that the mind of one engaged in so awful a concern as that of reconciling lost souls to the favour and image of God, under the Holy Spirit, that such an one should have his mind as little harassed as possible by earthly care; in order that he might give himself up to the service of his Redeemer. It is to be observed, also, how eminently the Apostle would distinguish that class of Teachers, who make the word of God, the foundation of their instructions, and the storehouse of all these precepts, and inducements to holiness and peace of conscience. Aware, also, of the great importance of character to the efficacy of a Minister's labours, he thus enjoins:

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against an elder receive not an accusation

nesses.

but before two or three witnesses," or rather on the testimony of two or three witThe Apostle knew the ill nature, and the captiousness of mankind; the readiness of one to propagate, and of another to credit, insinuations against reputation. Timothy therefore is directed, not even to listen to an accusation against a Minister of the Gospel, unless the very ground of the accusation can be fully substantiated "on the testimony of two or three witnesses." A principle this, so equitable in every respect, as to be adopted into the system of British jurisprudence: which, before it consents to summon a man into open court to defend himself, patiently enquires whether there be full cause for instituting an examination into his conduct.

"Them that sin, rebuke before all; that others also may fear." Although I require thee to be thus delicate in hesitating to call any before thee, except in cases of the clearest detection, yet, as I know that offences must come, and that some will be