rayer to be made for all persons, since the grace of the
gospel makes no difference of ranks or stations. (1-7) How men
and women ought to behave, both in their religious and common
life. (8-15)
Verses 1-7: The disciples of Christ must be praying people; all,
without distinction of nation, sect, rank, or party. Our duty as
Christians, is summed up in two words; godliness, that is, the
right worshipping of God; and honesty, that is, good conduct
toward all men. These must go together: we are not truly honest,
if we are not godly, and do not render to God his due; and we
are not truly godly, if not honest. What is acceptable in the
sight of God our Saviour, we should abound in. There is one
Mediator, and that Mediator gave himself a ransom for all. And
this appointment has been made for the benefit of the Jews and
the Gentiles of every nation; that all who are willing may come
in this way, to the mercy-seat of a pardoning God, to seek
reconciliation with him. Sin had made a quarrel between us and
God; Jesus Christ is the Mediator who makes peace. He is a
ransom that was to be known in due time. In the Old Testament
times, his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, were
spoken of as things to be revealed in the last times. Those who
are saved must come to the knowledge of the truth, for that is
God's appointed way to save sinners: if we do not know the
truth, we cannot be ruled by it.
Verses 8-15: Under the gospel, prayer is not to be confined to any one
particular house of prayer, but men must pray every where. We
must pray in our closets, pray in our families, pray at our
meals, pray when we are on journeys, and pray in the solemn
assemblies, whether more public or private. We must pray in
charity; without wrath, or malice, or anger at any person. We
must pray in faith, without doubting, and without disputing.
Women who profess the Christian religion, must be modest in
apparel, not affecting gaudiness, gaiety, or costliness. Good
works are the best ornament; these are, in the sight of God, of
great price. Modesty and neatness are more to be consulted in
garments than elegance and fashion. And it would be well if the
professors of serious godliness were wholly free from vanity in
dress. They should spend more time and money in relieving the
sick and distressed, than in decorating themselves and their
children. To do this in a manner unsuitable to their rank in
life, and their profession of godliness, is sinful. These are
not trifles, but Divine commands. The best ornaments for
professors of godliness, are good works. According to St. Paul,
women are not allowed to be public teachers in the church; for
teaching is an office of authority. But good women may and ought
to teach their children at home the principles of true religion.
Also, women must not think themselves excused from learning what
is necessary to salvation, though they must not usurp authority.
As woman was last in the creation, which is one reason for her
subjection, so she was first in the transgression. But there is
a word of comfort; that those who continue in sobriety, shall be
saved in child-bearing, or with child-bearing, by the Messiah,
who was born of a woman. And the especial sorrow to which the
female sex is subject, should cause men to exercise their
authority with much gentleness, tenderness, and affection.
rayer to be made for all persons, since the grace of the
gospel makes no difference of ranks or stations. (1-7) How men
and women ought to behave, both in their religious and common
life. (8-15)