{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/113/1130037.htm","path":"chr/ecf/113/1130037.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/113/1130037.htm","text":"p. 167 Homily XXIV.\n\u201cStand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.\u201d\n\u201cHaving girded your loins,\u201d saith he, \u201cwith truth.\u201d What can be the meaning of this? I have stated in the preceding discourse, that he ought to be lightly accoutered, in order that there should be no impediment whatever to his running.\n\u201cAnd having on,\u201d he continues, \u201cthe breastplate of righteousness.\u201d As the breastplate is impenetrable, so also is righteousness, and by righteousness here he means a life of universal virtue. 489 Such a life no one shall ever be able to overthrow; it is true, many wound him, but no one cuts through him, no, not the devil himself. It is as though one were to say, \u201chaving righteous deeds fixed in the breast\u201d; of these it is that Christ saith, \u201cBlessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.\u201d (Matt. v. 6.) Thus is he firm and strong like a breastplate. Such a man will never be put out of temper.\n\u201cAnd having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.\u201d It is more uncertain in what sense this was said. What then is its meaning? They are noble greaves, doubtless, with which he invests us. Either then he means this, that we should be prepared for the gospel, and should make use of our feet for this, and should prepare and make ready its way before it; 490 or if not this, at least that we ourselves should be prepared for our departure. \u201cThe preparation,\u201d then, \u201cof the gospel of peace,\u201d is nothing else than a most virtuous life; according to what the Prophet saith. \u201cThou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.\u201d (Ps. x. 17.) \u201cOf the gospel,\u201d he says, \u201cof peace,\u201d and with reason; for inasmuch as he had made mention of warfare and fighting, he shows us that this conflict with the evil spirits we must needs have: for the gospel is \u201cthe gospel of peace\u201d; this war which we have against them, puts an end to another war, that, namely, which is between us and God; if we are at war with the devil, we are at peace with God. Fear not therefore, beloved; it is a \u201cgospel,\u201d that is, a word of good news; already is the victory won.\n\u201cWithal taking up the shield of faith.\u201d\nBy \u201cfaith\u201d in this place, he means, not knowledge, (for that he never would have ranged last,) but that gift by which miracles are wrought. 491 And with reason does he term this \u201c\u2018faith\u2019 a shield\u201d; for as the shield is put before the whole body, as if it were a sort of rampart, just so is this faith; for all things yield to it.\n\u201cWherewith ye shall be able,\u201d saith he, \u201cto quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.\u201d\nFor this shield nothing shall be able to resist; for hearken to what Christ saith to His disciples, \u201cIf ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove.\u201d (Matt. xvii. 20.) But how are we to have this faith? When we have rightly performed all those duties.\n\u201cBy the darts of the evil one,\u201d he means, both temptations, and vile desires; and \u201cfiery,\u201d he says, for such is the character of these desires. Yet if faith can command the evil spirits, much more can it also the passions of the soul.\n\u201cAnd take the helmet,\u201d he continues, \u201cof salvation,\u201d that is, of your salvation. For he is casing them in armor.\n\u201cAnd the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.\u201d He either means the Spirit, or else, \u201cthe spiritual sword\u201d: for by this 492 all things are severed, by this all things are cleft asunder, by this we cut off even the serpent\u2019s head.\nEph. 6.18-20. \u201cWith all prayer and supplication,\u201d saith he, \u201cpraying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints; and on my behalf that utterance may be given unto me, in opening my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which p. 168 I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.\u201d\nAs the word of God has power to do all things, so also has he who has the spiritual gift. \u201cFor the word of God,\u201d saith he, \u201cis living, and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.\u201d (Heb. iv. 12.) Now mark the wisdom of this blessed Apostle. He hath armed them with all security. What then is necessary after that? To call upon the King, that He may stretch forth His hand. \u201cWith all prayer, and supplication, praying at all seasons in the Spirit\u201d; for it is possible \u201cto pray\u201d not \u201cin the Spirit,\u201d when one \u201cuses vain repetitions\u201d (Matt. vi. 7.); \u201cand watching thereunto,\u201d he adds, that is, keeping sober; for such ought the armed warrior, he that stands at the King\u2019s side, to be; wakeful and temperate:\u2014\u201cin all perseverance and supplication for all the saints; and on my behalf that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth.\u201d What sayest thou, blessed Paul? Hast thou, then, need of thy disciples? And well does he say, \u201cin opening my mouth.\u201d He did not then study what he used to say, but according to what Christ said, \u201cWhen they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak\u201d (Matt. x. 19.): so truly did he do everything by faith, everything by grace. \u201cWith boldness,\u201d he proceeds, \u201cto make known the mystery of the Gospel\u201d; that is, that I may answer for myself in its defense, as I ought. And art thou bound in thy chain, and still needest the aid of others? Yea, saith he, for so was Peter also bound in his chain, and yet nevertheless \u201cwas prayer made earnestly for him.\u201d (Acts xii. 5.) \u201cFor which I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak\u201d; that is, that I may answer with confidence, with courage, with great prudence.\nEph. 6.21. \u201cBut that ye also 493 may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things.\u201d\nAs soon as he had mentioned his chains, he leaves something for Tychicus also to relate to them of his own accord. For whatever topics there were of doctrine and of exhortation, all these he explained by his letter: but what were matters of bare recital, these he entrusted to the bearer of the letter. \u201cThat ye may know my affairs,\u201d that is, may be informed of them. This manifests both the love which he entertained towards them, and their love towards him.\nEph. 6.22. \u201cWhom I have sent unto you,\u201d saith he, \u201cfor this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.\u201d\nThis language he employs, not without a purpose, but in consequence of what he had been saying previously; \u201chaving girded your loins, having on the breastplate,\u201d &c., which are a token of a constant and unceasing advance; for hear what the Prophet saith, \u201cLet it be unto him as the raiment wherewith he covereth himself, and for the girdle wherewith he is girded continually\u201d (Ps. cix. 19.); and the Prophet Isaiah again saith, that God hath \u201cput on righteousness as a breastplate\u201d (Isa. lix. 17.); by these expressions instructing us that these are things which we must have, not for a short time only, but continually, inasmuch as there is continual need of warfare. \u201cFor it is said the righteous are bold as a lion.\u201d (Prov. xxviii. 1.) For he that is armed with such a breastplate, it cannot be that he should fear the array that is against him, but he will leap into the midst of the enemy. And again Isaiah saith, \u201cHow beautiful are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings.\u201d (Isa. lii. 7.) Who would not run, who would not serve in such a cause; to publish the good tidings of peace, peace between God and man, peace, where men have toiled not, but where God hath wrought all?\nBut what is the \u201cpreparation of the Gospel\u201d? 494 Let us hearken to what John saith, \u201cMake ye ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.\u201d (Matt. iii. 3.) But again there is need also of another \u201cpreparation\u201d after baptism, so that we may do nothing unworthy of \u201cpeace.\u201d And then, since the feet are usually a token of the way of life, hence he is constantly exhorting in this language, \u201cLook, therefore, carefully how ye walk.\u201d (Eph. v. 15.) On this account, he would say, let us exhibit a practice and example worthy of the Gospel; that is, make our life and conduct pure. The good tidings of peace have been proclaimed to you, give to these good tidings a ready way; since if ye again become enemies, there is no more \u201cpreparation of peace.\u201d Be ready, be not backward to embrace this peace. As ye were ready and disposed for peace and faith, so also continue. The shield is that which first receives the assaults of the adversary, and preserves the armor uninjured. So long then as faith be right and the life be right, the armor remains uninjured.\nHe discourses, however, much concerning faith, but most especially in writing to the Hebrews, as he does also concerning hope. Believe, saith he, in the good things to come, and none of this armor shall be injured. In dangers, in toils, by holding out thy hope and thy faith to protect thee, thou wilt preserve thy armor uninjured. \u201cHe that cometh to God p. 169 must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seek after Him.\u201d (Heb. xi. 6.) Faith is a shield; but wherever there are quibbles, and reasonings, and scrutinizings, then is it no longer a shield, but it impedes us. Let this our faith be such as shall cover and screen the whole frame. Let it not then be scanty, so as to leave the feet or any other part exposed, but let the shield be commensurate with the whole body.\n\u201cFiery 495 darts.\u201d For many doubtful reasonings there are, which set the soul, as it were, on fire, many difficulties, many perplexities, but all of them faith sets entirely at rest; many things does the devil dart in, to inflame our soul and bring us into uncertainty; as, for example, when some persons say, \u201cIs there then a resurrection?\u201d \u201cIs there a judgment?\u201d \u201cIs there a retribution?\u201d \u201cBut is there faith?\u201d the apostle would say, \u201cthou shalt with it quench the darts of the devil. Has any base lust assaulted thee? Hold before thee thy faith in the good things to come, and it will not even show itself, yea, it will perish.\u201d \u201cAll the darts\u201d; not some quenched, and others not. Hearken to what Paul saith, \u201cFor I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed to us-ward.\u201d (Rom. viii. 18.) Seest thou how many darts the righteous quenched in those days? Seemeth it not to thee to be \u201cfiery darts,\u201d when the patriarch burned with inward fire, as he was offering up his son? Yea, and other righteous men also have quenched \u201call his darts.\u201d Whether then they be reasonings that assault us, let us hold out this; or whether they be base desires, let us use this; or whether again labors and distresses, upon this let us repose. Of all the other armor, this is the safeguard; if we have not this, they will be quickly pierced through. \u201cWithal,\u201d saith he, \u201ctaking up the shield of faith.\u201d What is the meaning of \u201cwithal\u201d? It means both \u201cin truth,\u201d and \u201cin righteousness,\u201d and \u201cin the preparation of the gospel\u201d; that is to say, all these have need of the aid of faith.\nAnd therefore he adds further, \u201cand take the helmet of salvation\u201d; that is to say, finally by this shall ye be able to be in security. To receive the helmet of salvation is to escape the peril. For as the helmet covers the head perfectly in every part, and suffers it not to sustain any injury, but preserves it, so also does faith supply alike the place of a shield, and of a helmet 496 to preserve us. For if we quench his darts, quickly shall we receive also those saving thoughts that suffer not our governing principle 497 to sustain any harm; for if these, the thoughts that are adverse to our salvation, are quenched, those which are not so, but which contribute to our salvation, and inspire us with good hopes, will be generated within us, and will rest upon our governing principle, as a helmet does upon the head.\nAnd not only this, but we shall take also \u201cthe sword of the Spirit,\u201d and thus not only ward off his missiles, but smite the devil himself. For a soul that does not despair of herself, and is proof against those fiery darts, will stand with all intrepidity to face the enemy, and will cleave open his breastplate with this very sword with which Paul also burst through it, and \u201cbrought into captivity his devices\u201d (2 Cor. x. 5.); he will cut off and behead the serpent.\nBy the \u201cword of God\u201d in this place, he means on the one hand the ordinance of God, or the word of command; or on the other that it is in the Name of Christ. For if we keep his commandments, by these we shall kill and slay the dragon himself, \u201cthe crooked serpent.\u201d (Isa. xxvii. 1.) And as he said, \u201cYe shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the evil one\u201d; that he might not puff them up, he shows them, that above all things they stand in need of God; for what does he say?\n\u201cWith all prayer and supplication,\u201d he says, these things shall be done, and ye shall accomplish all by praying. But when thou drawest near, never ask for thyself only: thus shalt thou have God favorable to thee.\n\u201cWith all prayer and supplication, praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance for all the saints.\u201d Limit it not, I say, to certain times of the day, for hear what he is saying; approach at all times; \u201cpray,\u201d saith he, \u201cwithout ceasing.\u201d (1 Thess. v. 17.) Hast thou never heard of that widow, how by her importunity she prevailed? (Luke xviii. 1-7.) Hast thou never heard of that friend, who at midnight shamed his friend into yielding by his perseverance? (Luke xi. 5-8.) Hast thou not heard of the Syroph\u0153nician woman (Mark vii. 25-30.), how by the constancy of her entreaty she called forth the Lord\u2019s compassion? These all of them gained their object by their importunity.\n\u201cPraying at all seasons,\u201d saith he, \u201cin the Spirit.\u201d\nThat is to say, let us seek for the things which are according to God, nothing of this world, nothing pertaining to this life.\np. 170 Therefore, is there need not only that we \u201cpray without ceasing,\u201d but also, that we should do so \u201cwatching;\u2014and watching,\u201d saith he, \u201cthereunto.\u201d Whether he is here speaking of vigils; 498 or of the wakefulness of the soul, I admit both meanings. Seest thou how that Canaanitish woman watched unto prayer? and though the Lord gave her no answer, nay, even shook her off, and called her a dog, she said, \u201cYea, Lord: for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters\u2019 table\u201d (Matt. xv. 27.), and desisted not until she obtained her request. How, too, did that widow cry, and persist so long, until she was able to shame into yielding that ruler, that neither feared God, nor regarded man (Luke xviii. 1-7.)? And how, again, did the friend persist, remaining before the door in the dead of night, till he shamed the other into yielding by his importunity, and made him arise. (Luke xi. 5-8.) This is to be watchful.\nWouldest thou understand what watchfulness in prayer is? Go to Hannah, hearken to her very words, \u201cAdonai Eloi Sabaoth.\u201d (1 Sam. i. 11.) Nay, rather, hear what preceded those words; \u201cthey all rose up,\u201d says the history, \u201cfrom the table\u201d (1 Sam. i. 9.), and she, forthwith, did not betake herself to sleep, nor to repose. Whence she appears to me even when she was sitting at the table to have partaken lightly, and not to have been made heavy with viands. Otherwise never could she have shed so many tears; for if we, when we are fasting and foodless, hardly pray thus, or rather never pray thus, much more would not she ever have prayed thus after a meal, unless even at the meal she had been as they that eat not. Let us be ashamed, us that are men, at the example of this woman; let us be ashamed, that are suing and gasping for a kingdom, at her, praying and weeping for a little child. \u201cAnd she stood,\u201d it says, \u201cbefore the Lord\u201d (1 Sam. i. 10.); and what are her words? \u201cAdonai, Lord, Eloi Sabaoth!\u201d and this is, being interpreted, \u201cO Lord, the God of Hosts.\u201d Her tears went before her tongue; by these she hoped to prevail with God to bend to her request. Where tears are, there is always affliction also: where affliction is, there is great wisdom and heedfulness. \u201cIf thou wilt indeed,\u201d she continues, \u201clook on the affliction of thine handmaid, and wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then will I give him unto the Lord all the days of his life.\u201d (1 Sam. i. 11.) She said not, \u201cfor one year,\u201d or, \u201cfor two,\u201d as we do;\u2014nor said she, \u201cif thou wilt give me a child, I will give thee money\u201d; but, \u201cI give back to Thee the very gift itself entire, my first-born, the son of my prayer.\u201d Truly here was a daughter of Abraham. He gave when it was demanded of him. She offers even before it is demanded.\nBut observe even after this her deep reverence. \u201cOnly her lips moved, but her voice,\u201d it saith, \u201cwas not heard.\u201d (1 Sam. i. 13.) And thus does he who would gain his request draw nigh unto God; not consulting his ease, nor gaping, nor lounging, nor scratching his head, nor with utter listlessness. What, was not God able to grant, even without any prayer at all? What, did He not know the woman\u2019s desire even before she asked? And yet had He granted it before she asked, then the woman\u2019s earnestness would not have been shown, her virtue would not have been made manifest, she would not have gained so great a reward. So that the delay is not the result of envy or of witchcraft, but of providential kindness. When therefore ye hear the Scripture saying, that \u201cthe Lord had shut up her womb\u201d (1 Sam. 1:5, 6.), and that, \u201cher rival provoked her sore\u201d; consider that it is His intention to prove the woman\u2019s seriousness. 499 For, mark, she had a husband devoted to her, for he said (1 Sam. 1.8.), \u201cAm I not better to thee than ten sons?\u201d \u201cAnd her rival,\u201d it saith, \u201cprovoked her sore,\u201d that is, reproached her, insulted over her. And yet did she never once retaliate, nor utter imprecation against her, nor say, \u201cAvenge me, for my rival reviles me.\u201d The other had children, but this woman had her husband\u2019s love to make amends. With this at least he even consoled her, saying, \u201cAm not I better to thee than ten sons?\u201d\nBut let us look, again, at the deep wisdom of this woman. \u201cAnd Eli,\u201d it says, \u201cthought she had been drunken.\u201d (1 Sam. 1.13.) Yet observe what she says to him also, \u201cNay, count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial, for out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation have I spoken hitherto.\u201d (1 Sam. 1.16.) Here is truly the proof of a contrite heart, when we are not angry with those that revile us, when we are not indignant against them, when we reply but in self-defense. Nothing renders the heart so wise as affliction; nothing is there so sweet as \u201cgodly mourning.\u201d (2 Cor. vii. 10.) \u201cOut of the abundance,\u201d saith she, \u201cof my complaint and my provocation have I spoken hitherto.\u201d Her let us imitate, one and all. Hearken, ye that are barren, hearken, ye that desire children, hearken, both husbands and wives; yes, for husbands, too, used oftentimes to contribute their part; for hear what the Scripture saith, \u201cAnd Isaac intreated the Lord for Rebekah his wife, because she was barren.\u201d (Gen. xxv. 21.) For prayer is able to accomplish great things.\np. 171 \u201cWith all prayer and supplication,\u201d saith he, \u201cfor all the saints, and for me,\u201d placing himself last. What doest thou, O blessed Paul, in thus placing thyself last? Yea, saith he, \u201cthat utterance may be given unto me, in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.\u201d And where art thou an ambassador? \u201cTo mankind,\u201d saith he. Oh! amazing lovingkindness of God! He sent from Heaven in His own Name ambassadors for peace, and lo, men took them, and bound them, and reverenced not so much as the law of nations, that an ambassador never suffers any hurt. \u201cBut, however, I am an ambassador in bonds. The chain lies like a bridle upon me, restraining my boldness, but your prayer shall open my mouth\u201d in order that I may speak all things I was sent to speak.\n\u201cBut that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother, and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things.\u201d If \u201cfaithful,\u201d he will tell no falsehood, he will in everything speak the truth:\u2014\u201cwhom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye might know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.\u201d Amazing, transcendent affection! \u201cthat it may not be in the power,\u201d he means, \u201cof them that would, to affright you.\u201d For it is probable that they were in tribulation; for the expression, \u201cmay comfort your hearts,\u201d intimates as much; that is, \u201cmay not suffer you to sink under it.\u201d\nEph. 6.23. \u201cPeace be to the brethren and love with faith from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.\u201d\nHe invokes upon them, \u201cpeace and love with faith.\u201d He saith well: for he would not that they should have regard to love by itself, and mingle themselves with those of a different faith. Either he means this, or that above described, namely, that they should have faith also, so as to have a cheerful confidence of the good things to come. The \u201cpeace\u201d which is towards God, and the \u201clove.\u201d And if there be peace, there will also be love; if love, there will be peace also. \u201cWith faith,\u201d because without faith, love amounts to nothing; or rather love could not exist at all without it.\nEph. 6.24. \u201cGrace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in uncorruptness.\u201d\nWhy does he separate the two here, placing \u201cpeace\u201d by itself, and \u201cgrace\u201d by itself?\n\u201cIn uncorruptness,\u201d he concludes.\nWhat is this, \u201cin uncorruptness\u201d? It either means, \u201cin purity\u201d; or else, \u201cfor the sake of those things which are incorruptible,\u201d as, for example, not in riches, nor in glory, but in those treasures which are incorruptible. The \u201cin\u201d means, \u201cthrough.\u201d \u201cThrough uncorruptness,\u201d that is, \u201cthrough virtue.\u201d 500 Because all sin is corruption. And in the same way as we say a virgin is corrupted, so also do we speak of the soul. Hence Paul says, \u201cLest by any means your minds should be corrupted.\u201d (2 Cor. xi. 3.) And again elsewhere, he says, \u201cIn doctrine, showing uncorruptness.\u201d 501 For what, tell me, is corruption of the body? Is it not the dissolution of the whole frame, and of its union? This then is what takes place also in the soul when sin enters. The beauty of the soul is temperance, and righteousness; the health of the soul is courage, and prudence; for the base man is hideous in our eyes, so is the covetous, so is the man who gives himself up to evil practices, and so the coward and unmanly man is sick, and the foolish man is out of health. Now that sins work corruption, is evident from this, that they render men base, and weak, and cause them to be sick and diseased. Nay, and when we say that a virgin is corrupted, we say so, strictly speaking, on this account also, not only because the body is defiled, but because of the transgression. For the mere act is natural; and if in that consisted the \u201ccorruption,\u201d then were marriage corruption. Hence is it not the act that is corruption, but the sin, for it dishonors and puts her to shame. And again, what would be corruption in the case of a house? Its dissolution. And so, universally, corruption is a change which takes place for the worse, a change into another state, to the utter extinction of the former one. For hear what the Scripture saith, \u201cAll flesh had corrupted his way\u201d (Gen. vi. 12.); and again, \u201cIn intolerable corruption\u201d 502 (Ex. xviii. 18.); and again, \u201cMen corrupted in mind.\u201d (2 Tim. iii. 8.) Our body is corruptible, but our soul is incorruptible. Oh then, let us not make that corruptible also. This, the corruption of the body, was the work of former sin; 503 but sin which is after the Laver, has the power also to render the soul corruptible, and to make it an easy prey to \u201cthe worm that dieth not.\u201d For never had that worm touched it, had it not found the soul corruptible. The worm touches not adamant, and even if he touches it, he can do it no harm. Oh then, corrupt not the soul; for that which is corrupted is full of foul stench; for hearken to the Prophet who saith, \u201cMy wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.\u201d (Ps. xxxviii. 5.)\np. 172 However, \u201cthis corruption\u201d of the body \u201cshall put on incorruption\u201d (1 Cor. xv. 53.), but the other of the soul, never; for where incorruption is, there is no 504 corruption. Thus is it a corruption which is incorruptible, which hath no end, a deathless death; which would have been, had the body remained deathless. Now if we shall depart into the next world having not corruption, we have that corruption incorruptible and endless; for to be ever burning, and not burnt up, ever wasted by the worm, is corruption incorruptible; like as was the case with the blessed Job. He was corrupted, and died not, and that through a lengthened period, and \u201cwasted continually, scraping the clods of dust from his sore.\u201d 505 Some such torment as this shall it undergo, when the worms surround and devour it, not for two years nor for three, nor for ten, nor for ten thousand, but for years without end; for \u201ctheir worm,\u201d saith He, \u201cdieth not.\u201d\nMoral. Let us take the alarm then, I entreat you, let us dread the words, that we meet not with the realities. Covetousness is corruption, corruption more dangerous than any other, and leading on to idolatry. Let us shun the corruption, let us choose the incorruption. Hast thou in covetousness overreached and defrauded some one? The fruits of thy covetousness perish, but the covetousness remains; a corruption which is the foundation of incorruptible corruption. The enjoyment indeed passes away, but the sin remains imperishable. A fearful evil is it for us not to strip ourselves of everything in this present world; a great calamity to depart into the next with loads of sins about us. \u201cFor in Sheol,\u201d it is said \u201cwho shall give Thee thanks?\u201d (Ps. vi. 5.) There is the place of judgment; then is there no longer season for repentance. How many things did the rich man bewail then? (Luke xvi. 23.) And yet it availed him nothing. How many things did they say who had neglected to feed Christ? (Matt. xxv. 41.) Yet were they led away notwithstanding into the everlasting fire. How many things had they then to say: \u201cthat had wrought iniquity\u201d; \u201cLord, did we not prophesy by Thy Name, and by Thy Name cast out devils?\u201d And yet notwithstanding, they were not owned. All these things therefore will take place then; but it will be of no avail, if they be not done now. Let us fear then, lest ever we should have to say then, \u201cLord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed Thee not?\u201d (Matt. xxv. 44.) Let us feed Him now, not one day, nor two, nor three days. \u201cFor let not mercy and truth,\u201d saith the Wise Man, \u201cforsake thee.\u201d (Prov. iii. 3.) He saith not \u201cdo it once, nor twice.\u201d The Virgins, we know, had oil, but not enough to last out. (Matt. 25:3, 8.) And thus we need much oil, and thus should we be \u201clike a green olive tree in the house of God.\u201d (Ps. lii. 8.) Let us reflect then how many burdens of sins each of us has about him, and let us make our acts of mercy counterbalance them; nay rather, far exceed them, that not only the sins may be quenched, but that the acts of righteousness may be also accounted unto us for righteousness. For if the good deeds be not so many in number as to put aside the crimes laid against us, and out of the remainder to be counted unto us for righteousness, 506 then shall no one rescue us from that punishment, from which God grant that we may be all delivered, through the grace and lovingkindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father, &c.\n[\u201c\u2018Righteousness\u2019 here is Christian moral rectitude (Rom. vi. 13.), inasmuch as, justified by faith, we are dead to sin and live in newness of life (Rom. vi. 4.). As previously the \u2018intellectual\u2019 rectitude of the Christian was denoted by \u1f00\u03bb\u03ae\u03b8\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1, so here his \u2018moral\u2019 rectitude by \u03b4\u03b9\u03ba\u03b1\u03b9\u03bf\u03c3\u03cd\u03bd\u03b7.\u201d\u2014Meyer.\u2014G.A.]\n167:490\n[\u201cThis means \u2018readiness,\u2019 the ready mind; not, however, for the proclamation of the gospel, as Chrysostom and others,\u2014since in fact Paul is addressing fellow-Christians, and not fellow-teachers,\u2014but the readiness for the conflict in question which the gospel bestows. And it is the gospel of peace, for the gospel proclaims peace (Rom. 5:1, Phil. 1:20.), and thereby produces consecration of courageous \u2018readiness\u2019 for the conflict (Rom. 8:31, 38, 39.).\u201d\u2014Meyer.\u2014G.A.]\n167:491\n[This interpretation does not suit the context. \u201cFaith is here saving faith, bringing assurance of forgiveness and future blessedness.\u201d\u2014Meyer.\u2014G.A.]\n167:492\n[It simply means the sword which \u201cis furnished by the Holy Spirit,\u201d and this sword, as the apostle himself declares, is the word of God, the gospel, which the Holy Spirit brings vividly to the consciousness of the Christian.\u2014Meyer and Ellicott.\u2014G.A.]\n168:493\n[\u201cYe also,\u201d as well as the Colossians (Col. 4:8, 9.). Meyer\u2019s Introd. sec. 2. The \u03ba\u03b1\u03af, on supposition of priority of Colossians, admits of an easy and natural explanation.\u2014Ellicott.\u2014G.A.]\n168:494\n[After having treated this part of the chapter, our author now returns to it, and supplements what he has already said.\u2014G.A.]\n169:495\n[\u201cThe aim of this predicate is to present in strong colors the hostile and destructive character of the Satanic assaults; but more special explanations of its import are inappropriate.\u201d\u2014Meyer.\u2014G.A.]\n169:496\n[Faith is not the helmet. Chrysostom\u2019s exegesis of the parts of the armor is not clear. Salvation is the helmet; for \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03c3\u03c9\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1\u03af\u03bf\u03c5 is a genitive of apposition. Receive the helmet, which is salvation. \u201cThis salvation,\u201d says Ellicott, \u201cis not any ideal possession, as Meyer holds. Salvation in Christ forms the subject of faith; in faith it is apprehended, and becomes in a certain sense a present possession.\u201d\u2014G.A.]\n169:497 170:498\n\u03c0\u03b1\u03bd\u03bd\u03c5\u03c7\u03af\u03b4\u03b1\u03c2. St. Chrysostom often speaks of vigils, which were Church Services extending past midnight into the morning; vid. Hom. in Esai. i. 1, iv. 1, etc.; vid. Bingham, Antiqu. xiii. 9, \u00a7 4.\n170:499 171:500\n[\u201c\u1f10\u03bd here expresses the manner, and the expression means those \u2018who love our Lord in imperishableness,\u2019 i.e. \u2018so that their love does not pass away.\u2019 Comp. Tit. iii. 15.\u201d\u2014Meyer.\u2014G.A.]\n171:501\n[Tit. ii. 7, where \u1f00\u03c6\u03b8\u03bf\u03c1\u03af\u03b1 is used, which, according to Meyer, does mean uncorruptedness, while \u1f00\u03c6\u03b8\u03b1\u03c1\u03c3\u03af\u03b1 in our passage means imperishableness.\u2014G.A.]\n171:502\n[\u03c6\u03b8\u03bf\u03c1\u1fb7 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c6\u03b8\u03b1\u03c1\u03ae\u03c3\u1fc3 \u1f00\u03bd\u03c5\u03c0\u03bf\u03bc\u03bf\u03bd\u03ae\u03c4\u1ff3 for Hebrew \u05dc\u05d1\u05bc\u05ea\u05b4\u05bc \u05dc\u05d1\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8, Rev. Ver., \u201cThou wilt surely wear away.\u201d\u2014G.A.]\n171:503\n[Comp. Rom. v. 12: \u201cAs through one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed unto all men.\u201d\u2014G.A.]\n172:504\n[Field's text has \u1f14\u03bd\u03b8\u03b1 \u03b3\u1f70\u03c1 \u1f00\u03c6\u03b8\u03b1\u03c1\u03c3\u03af\u03b1, \u03c6\u03b8\u03bf\u03c1\u03ac \u1f10\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03bd, which seems a contradiction, whereas Savile's text, with four mss., has \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f14\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03bd.\u2014G.A.]\n172:505\n[Job vii. 5, Sept.: \u03c6\u03cd\u03c1\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b4\u03ad \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c4\u1f78 \u03c3\u1ff6\u03bc\u03b1 \u1f10\u03bd \u03c3\u03b1\u03c0\u03c1\u03af\u03b1 \u03c3\u03ba\u03c9\u03bb\u03ae\u03ba\u03c9\u03bd, \u03c4\u03ae\u03ba\u03c9 \u03b4\u1f72 \u03b2\u03ce\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03b1\u03c2 \u03b3\u1fc6\u03c2 \u1f00\u03c0\u1f78 \u1f30\u03c7\u1ff6\u03c1\u03bf\u03c2 \u03be\u03cd\u03c9\u03bd: \u201cMy flesh is mingled with the filth of worms, and I pine away, scraping clods (or crusts) of earth from my sore\u201d (discharge, matter, pus). The Rev. Ver. has: \u201cMy flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust.\u201d So nearly Z\u00f6ckler in Lange: \u201cMy flesh is clothed with worms and crusts of earth.\u201d\u2014G.A.]\n172:506\n[Such passages as this in the Fathers are used by Romanists and Tractarians for establishing their views, and it is no wonder the Tractarians were zealous in giving the Fathers to the English in English. But, as Jacob says (Eccl. Polity of N.T., pp. 28 and 29), \u201cOur appeal is from the Nicene Fathers to the Apostles of Christ; from patristic literature to the New Testament; for it is not being near to the truth that makes men good and wise,\u201d but having the truth itself.\u2014G.A.]","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. XIII: The Commentary...","type":"page"}