December 8

December 8

Prayer

Pray that there be no contentions among us in matters of orthodoxy, but that we be unified in Christ, as Christ has accepted each of us we are not to judge the servant of another master.

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
(1 Corinthians 1:11-13)

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Question 85

Question 85 - What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?

To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.

Reformational Reading

The Westminster Larger Catechism

Question 173

Question 173 - May any who profess the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's Supper, be kept from it?

Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous, notwithstanding their profession of the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's Supper, may and ought to be kept from that sacrament, by the power which Christ has left in his church, until they receive instruction, and manifest their reformation.

Private Reading

Habakkuk 3

1.  A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.
2.  O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.
3.  God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.
4.  And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.
5.  Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.
6.  He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting.
7.  I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.
8.  Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation?
9.  Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.
10.  The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.
11.  The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear.
12.  Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.
13.  Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.
14.  Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.
15.  Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters.
16.  When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.
17.  Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18.  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19.  The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Commentary: Habakkuk 3

Vs. 1, 2

The word prayer seems used here for an act of devotion. The Lord would revive his work among the people in the midst of the years of adversity. This may be applied to every season when the church, or believers, suffer under afflictions and trials. Mercy is what we must flee to for refuge, and rely upon as our only plea. We must not say, Remember our merit, but, Lord, remember thy own mercy.

Vs. 3-15

God's people, when in distress, and ready to despair, seek help by considering the days of old, and the years of ancient times, and by pleading them with God in prayer. The resemblance between the Babylonish and Egyptian captivities, naturally presents itself to the mind, as well as the possibility of a like deliverance through the power of Jehovah. God appeared in his glory. All the powers of nature are shaken, and the course of nature changed, but all is for the salvation of God's own people. Even what seems least likely, shall be made to work for their salvation. Hereby is given a type and figure of the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ. It is for salvation with thine anointed. Joshua who led the armies of Israel, was a figure of Him whose name he bare, even Jesus, our Joshua. In all the salvations wrought for them, God looked upon Christ the Anointed, and brought deliverances to pass by him. All the wonders done for Israel of old, were nothing to that which was done when the Son of God suffered on the cross for the sins of his people. How glorious his resurrection and ascension! And how much more glorious will be his second coming, to put an end to all that opposes him, and all that causes suffering to his people!

Vs. 16-19

When we see a day of trouble approach, it concerns us to prepare. A good hope through grace is founded in holy fear. The prophet looked back upon the experiences of the church in former ages, and observed what great things God had done for them, and so was not only recovered, but filled with holy joy. He resolved to delight and triumph in the Lord; for when all is gone, his God is not gone. Destroy the vines and the fig-trees, and you make all the mirth of a carnal heart to cease. But those who, when full, enjoyed God in all, when emptied and poor, can enjoy all in God. They can sit down upon the heap of the ruins of their creature-comforts, and even then praise the Lord, as the God of their salvation, the salvation of the soul, and rejoice in him as such, in their greatest distresses. Joy in the Lord is especially seasonable when we meet with losses and crosses in the world. Even when provisions are cut off, to make it appear that man lives not by bread alone, we may be supplied by the graces and comforts of God's Spirit. Then we shall be strong for spiritual warfare and work, and with enlargement of heart may run the way of his commandments, and outrun our troubles. And we shall be successful in spiritual undertakings. Thus the prophet, who began his prayer with fear and trembling, ends it with joy and triumph. And thus faith in Christ prepares for every event. The name of Jesus, when we can speak of Him as ours, is balm for every wound, a cordial for every care. It is as ointment poured forth, shedding fragrance through the whole soul. In the hope of a heavenly crown, let us sit loose to earthly possessions and comforts, and cheerfully bear up under crosses. Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry; and where he is, we shall be also.

Luke 22

1.  Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2.  And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
3.  Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4.  And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5.  And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6.  And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
7.  Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
8.  And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
9.  And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10.  And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11.  And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12.  And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13.  And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14.  And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15.  And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16.  For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17.  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18.  For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19.  And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20.  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
21.  But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22.  And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
23.  And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
24.  And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25.  And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26.  But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27.  For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28.  Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29.  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30.  That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31.  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32.  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33.  And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34.  And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35.  And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
36.  Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37.  For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38.  And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
39.  And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40.  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41.  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42.  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43.  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44.  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45.  And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46.  And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
47.  And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48.  But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49.  When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50.  And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51.  And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52.  Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53.  When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
54.  Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55.  And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56.  But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57.  And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58.  And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59.  And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60.  And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61.  And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62.  And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
63.  And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
64.  And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
65.  And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
66.  And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
67.  Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
68.  And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
69.  Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
70.  Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
71.  And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

Commentary: Luke 22

Vs. 1-6

Christ knew all men, and had wise and holy ends in taking Judas to be a disciple. How he who knew Christ so well, came to betray him, we are here told; Satan entered into Judas. It is hard to say whether more mischief is done to Christ's kingdom, by the power of its open enemies, or by the treachery of its pretended friends; but without the latter, its enemies could not do so much evil as they do.

Vs. 7-18

Christ kept the ordinances of the law, particularly that of the Passover, to teach us to observe his gospel institutions, and most of all that of the Lord's supper. Those who go upon Christ's word, need not fear disappointment. According to the orders given them, the disciples got all ready for the Passover. Jesus bids this Passover welcome. He desired it, though he knew his sufferings would follow, because it was in order to his Father's glory and man's redemption. He takes his leave of all Passovers, signifying thereby his doing away all the ordinances of the ceremonial law, of which the Passover was one of the earliest and chief. That type was laid aside, because now in the kingdom of God the substance was come.

Vs. 19, 20

The Lord's supper is a sign or memorial of Christ already come, who by dying delivered us; his death is in special manner set before us in that ordinance, by which we are reminded of it. The breaking of Christ's body as a sacrifice for us, is therein brought to our remembrance by the breaking of bread. Nothing can be more nourishing and satisfying to the soul, than the doctrine of Christ's making atonement for sin, and the assurance of an interest in that atonement. Therefore we do this in remembrance of what He did for us, when he died for us; and for a memorial of what we do, in joining ourselves to him in an everlasting covenant. The shedding of Christ's blood, by which the atonement was made, is represented by the wine in the cup.

Vs. 21-38

How unbecoming is the worldly ambition of being the greatest, to the character of a follower of Jesus, who took upon him the form of a servant, and humbled himself to the death of the cross! In the way to eternal happiness, we must expect to be assaulted and sifted by Satan. If he cannot destroy, he will try to disgrace or distress us. Nothing more certainly forebodes a fall, in a professed follower of Christ, than self-confidence, with disregard to warnings, and contempt of danger. Unless we watch and pray always, we may be drawn in the course of the day into those sins which we were in the morning most resolved against. If believers were left to themselves, they would fall; but they are kept by the power of God, and the prayer of Christ. Our Lord gave notice of a very great change of circumstances now approaching. The disciples must not expect that their friends would be kind to them as they had been. Therefore, he that has a purse, let him take it, for he may need it. They must now expect that their enemies would be more fierce than they had been, and they would need weapons. At the time the apostles understood Christ to mean real weapons, but he spake only of the weapons of the spiritual warfare. The sword of the Spirit is the sword with which the disciples of Christ must furnish themselves.

Vs. 39-46

Every description which the evangelists give of the state of mind in which our Lord entered upon this conflict, proves the tremendous nature of the assault, and the perfect foreknowledge of its terrors possessed by the meek and lowly Jesus. Here are three things not in the other evangelists.

1. When Christ was in his agony, there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. It was a part of his humiliation that he was thus strengthened by a ministering spirit.
2. Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. Prayer, though never out of season, is in a special manner seasonable when we are in an agony.
3. In this agony his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down. This showed the travail of his soul.

We should pray also to be enabled to resist unto the shedding of our blood, striving against sin, if ever called to it. When next you dwell in imagination upon the delights of some favorite sin, think of its effects as you behold them here! See its fearful effects in the garden of Gethsemane, and desire, by the help of God, deeply to hate and to forsake that enemy, to ransom sinners from whom the Redeemer prayed, agonized, and bled.

Vs. 47-53

Nothing can be a greater affront or grief to the Lord Jesus, than to be betrayed by those who profess to be his followers, and say that they love him. Many instances there are, of Christ's being betrayed by those who, under the form of godliness, fight against the power of it. Jesus here gave an illustrious example of his own rule of doing good to those that hate us, as afterwards he did of praying for those that despitefully use us. Corrupt nature warps our conduct to extremes; we should seek for the Lord's direction before we act in difficult circumstances. Christ was willing to wait for his triumphs till his warfare was accomplished, and we must be so too. But the hour and the power of darkness were short, and such the triumphs of the wicked always will be.

Vs. 54-62

Peter's fall was his denying that he knew Christ, and was his disciple; disowning him because of distress and danger. He that has once told a lie, is strongly tempted to persist: the beginning of that sin, like strife, is as the letting forth of water. The Lord turned and looked upon Peter.

1. It was a convincing look. Jesus turned and looked upon him, as if he should say, Dost thou not know me, Peter?
2. It was a chiding look. Let us think with what a rebuking countenance Christ may justly look upon us when we have sinned.
3. It was an expostulating look. Thou who wast the most forward to confess me to be the Son of God, and didst solemnly promise thou wouldest never disown me!
4. It was a compassionate look. Peter, how art thou villainy and undone if I do not help thee!
5. It was a directing look, to go and bethink himself.
6. It was a significant look; it signified the conveying of grace to Peter's heart, to enable him to repent. The grace of God works in and by the word of God, brings that to mind, and sets that home upon the conscience, and so gives the soul the happy turn. Christ looked upon the chief priests, and made no impression upon them as he did on Peter. It was not the mere look from Christ, but the Divine grace with it, that restored Peter.

Vs. 63-71

Those that condemned Jesus for a blasphemer, were the vilest blasphemers. He referred them to his second coming, for the full proof of his being the Christ, to their confusion, since they would not admit the proof of it to their conviction. He owns himself to be the Son of God, though he knew he should suffer for it. Upon this they ground his condemnation. Their eyes being blinded, they rush on. Let us meditate on this amazing transaction, and consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself.

Family Reading

2 Chronicles 8

1.  And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the LORD, and his own house,
2.  That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.
3.  And Solomon went to Hamathzobah, and prevailed against it.
4.  And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.
5.  Also he built Bethhoron the upper, and Bethhoron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;
6.  And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.
7.  As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were not of Israel,
8.  But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day.
9.  But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.
10.  And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers, even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.
11.  And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come.
12.  Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,
13.  Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.
14.  And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.
15.  And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures.
16.  Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.
17.  Then went Solomon to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom.
18.  And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon.

Commentary: 2 Chronicles 8

Vs. 1-18

It sometimes requires more wisdom and resolution to govern a family in the fear of God, than to govern a kingdom with reputation. The difficulty is increased, when a man has a hindrance instead of a help meet in the wife of his bosom. Solomon kept up the holy sacrifices, according to the law of Moses. In vain had the altar been built, in vain had fire come down from heaven, if sacrifices had not been constantly brought. Spiritual sacrifices are required of us, which we are to bring daily and weekly; it is good to be in a settled method of devotion. When the service of the temple was put into good order, it is said, The house of the Lord was perfected. The work was the main matter, not the place; the temple was unfinished till all this was done. Canaan was a rich country, and yet must send to Ophir for gold. The Israelites were a wise people, but must be beholden to the king of Tyre for men that had knowledge of the seas. Grace, and not gold, is the best riches, and acquaintance with God and his law, the best knowledge. Leaving the children of this world to scramble for the toys of this world, may we, as the children of God, lay up our treasure in heaven, that where our treasure is, our hearts also may be.

3 John 1

1.  The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2.  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3.  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4.  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5.  Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6.  Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
7.  Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8.  We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
9.  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10.  Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11.  Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12.  Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
13.  I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14.  But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Commentary: 3 John 1

Vs. 1-8

Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of goodwill, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.

Vs. 9-12

Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.

Vs. 13, 14

Here is the character of Demetrius. A name in the gospel, or a good report in the churches, is better than worldly honor. Few are well spoken of by all; and sometimes it is ill to be so. Happy those whose spirit and conduct commend them before God and men. We must be ready to bear our testimony to them; and it is well when those who commend, can appeal to the consciences of such as know most of those who are commended. A personal conversation together often spares time and trouble, and mistakes which rise from letters; and good Christians may well be glad to see one another. The blessing is, Peace be to you; all happiness attend you. Those may well salute and greet one another on earth, who hope to live together in heaven. By associating with and copying the example of such Christians, we shall have peace within, and live at peace with the brethren; our communications with the Lord's people on earth will be pleasing, and we shall be numbered with them in glory everlasting.

Prayer

Lord's Prayer

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Apostle's Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.

Amen.