PREFACE. THE object of the following pages is to present some views of Christian Truth and Life, as these are furnished by what we may consider the principal lessons designed in the Epistles indicated. Further than this there is no attempt to go in the exposition of these Epistles. And how small the advance here made, even in so limited a field--whether in relation to the breadth or the depth of the subject-few can be more sensible than the writer himself. And yet, with all the short-comings in execution, there may still be something, in the views presented, to help those who had not seen even as far, and had not been in the habit of seeking even as much, as will be here suggested to them. Should any object to what may appear an undue tendency to systematize the rich and flowing thoughts of the great Apostle-our answer is that we have as little prepossession in favour of such system (several of the Epistles seem very free from it), as we have of prejudice against it. But if we find that the mind of the Apostle does actually run in what seems to be a very definite, and that a very different channel, on each of these four occasions, -then we know not what we can do but just accept the fact, and recognize the manifest purpose of the All-wise Spirit, that a man so endowed should act as His instrument, for conveying, in this peculiar manner, these highest of lessons to the Christians of that time, and of every time. How much the Christians of our own time need themwhile overlooked by some, and questioned by others-is hourly remembered and realized by many. Our one want, in fact, is that, with all possible simplicity of faith, we surrender ourselves in our genuine impotence, whether for the learning of the lesson, or the living of the life, to the power of that mighty Spirit from whom both lesson and life proceed. We need only add that, where our quotations from these Epistles happen to differ from the authorized version, it is simply by way of attempt to render more faithfully the original expressions. And there are cases in which it is believed that the importance of the change made is not small. South Hackney, N. E. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS. GENERAL VIEW. sus THAT this Epistle was actually sent to the "saints at Epheneed not be doubted. And as little should it be forgotten that it is addressed "to the faithful in Christ Jesus" generally. It was sent, in short, to Ephesus-but with the distinct view of its going forth from Ephesus to the Churches around. These, doubtless, would be peculiarly in the writer's mind, but not these only. The inscription plainly bespoke the attention of believers everywhere-as to a communication designed for them in the mass. We may say, indeed, that of all the Epistles of Paul this is peculiarly the one for "all saints." Only once, besides, have we anything approaching to the same breadth of inscription. In his first to the Corinthians he professedly addresses, not them only, but "all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord" (i. 2). And, accordingly, we find that, just as in our present Epistle, he has something very express to communicate regarding the 6 oneness ' of 'the body' and the mutual relation of the members. (See ch. xii). This was peculiarly important, where, as in Corinth, the danger of disunion was so great. There is this difference, however, between the two Epistles. The one to Corinth is marked by all possible minuteness as to the state of things there. The other is without one allusion to the circumstances of the Ephesian Church. That he has heard of the state of those to whom he writes is intimated. And he questions, or assumes, their acquaintance with the ministry committed to him (i. 15; iii. 1—4). Besides which, he signifies, at the very close, his desire to keep his friends acquainted with his present situation (vi. 21, 22). And such is all that one, ever so ready to enter minutely into the condition of the Churches, has to say regarding matters at Ephesus. There is actually more of specific reference to the state of things at Colosse (ii. 4, 5, 16, 20), as well as to mutual friends and other circumstances (iv. 7-17), even though, as it appears (ii. 1), he was personally unacquainted with the believers there. Strange enough—and there must be a reason for the difference. Can it be this-that, though writing to Ephesus where, for three long years he had labored so painfully (Acts xx. 31), he was writing also for neighbouring Churches to which he was personally unknown-and not only so, but was writing to believers generally-and would, therefore, avoid everything which, though applicable to some single community, did not directly bear on the 'one body' of 'all saints' which he had in his heart and eye from the beginning to the end? Yes, such is literally the style of reference to the Church as such—at the beginning, middle, and end of the Epistle. The first such reference has been noticed already. The second is in the ascription of glory to God in the Church with which the first half of the Epistle so nobly concludes (iii. 21). While the last words of all are these-"Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." How the spaces between these three points are filled up-how the Church of Christ in its indissoluble oneness is alluded to under some form or other an inheritance, a possession, a body, a temple, a household, a gathering-in each chapter and each section-whether as to as |