Expository Lectures on Paul's Epistles to the Corinthians

tended to convey an intimation of a plurality of persons in the Godhead. It is also pointed in three different ways in the Hebrew Bible. But here, agreeably to the superior light of the new dispensation, this distinction is very plainly taught. The same truth is conveyed in the form of baptism prescribed by our Saviour, with which the Corinthians were doubtless well acquainted: "Go ye therefore and preach (or disciple) all nations, baptizing them in (or into) the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” (Matt. xxviii. 19.) The words must be viewed as a prayer addressed to the Holy Trinity, and imply the essential deity of each person. It is observable, that the article is applied to each name, του Κυρίου του Θεου του άγιου vμatos, which affords a strong proof of the personality of the Holy Spirit. It has been objected by the Unitarians, that the word xoia, communion or fellowship, cannot be applicable to a person, yet the same word is applied both to the Father and to the Son. "Our fellowship (xovwvia) is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ," (1 John i. 3.); a word of the same import is used, Heb. iii. 14. "For we are made partakers (trox) of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end." The expression does not imply that the Spirit itself is personally divided, but he distributes his divine gifts, "to every man severally as he pleases."

The benediction of the Apostle is very comprehensive: He prays that they might enjoy the peculiar favour and grace (x~gis) of the Lord Jesus, the Redeemer and Husband of the church, through whom every spiritual blessing is communicated, and out of whose fulness all his people receive abundance of grace; in other words, that all the blessed fruits of his atonement and intercession might be imparted to their souls. He further prays, that they might possess the full, free, and unchangeable love of God, in whose sovereign mercy and rich grace the whole scheme of redemption originated-whose favour is life, and whose loving kindness is better than life-and who has secured, by promise and by oath, the everlasting salvation of his people. In addition to this, he prays that they might jointly participate in the rich and salutary influences of the Holy Spirit, as the guide, teacher, and comforter of the church; the author of hope, and love, and joy; and the earnest of the heavenly inheritance. In a word, the divine persons in

the Godhead are here recognized as sustaining different offices in the economy of redemption, and as uniting in devising, executing, and applying the dispensation of mercy towards a guilty world. Every thing necessary to our real welfare is summed up in these words; and the liberal and benevolent mind of the Apostle, here finds ample room for the full expression of his christian love.

REFLECTIONS.

1. How often is this beautiful and emphatic benediction repeated in a cold and formal manner! How indecent the practice of many in our worshipping assemblies, who busy themselves in preparing to withdraw while these solemn words are pronounced! Let us often endeavour to realize the full meaning of the expressions. If we enjoy the favour of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Spirit, what is there left to value or desire! The favour of man is deceitful-the love of the creature is inconstant-and we cannot always enjoy the communion of our earthly friends. But the grace of the Saviour, like himself, is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever-the love of the Father is constant and unbounded, and the presence of the Spirit is promised to the church, even to the end of the world.

"His love no end or measure knows,
No change can turn its course;
Immutably the same it flows,
From one eternal source."

2. How short-lived are the enjoyments and friendships of the present state! The nearest and most affectionate friends must separate, and pronounce the painful word "Farewell!" How careful should they be to improve opportunities of intercourse, by exciting each other to the practic of every christian virtue ! They may soon be called to remove to a distance in the course of Providence, or the stroke of death may put a period to their union, and they may then reflect with sorrow on the misimprovement of their privileges. Let it be our constant aim so to walk. that the separation may be but temporary, and that we may meet in that happy world, where parting will be unknown

where the soul shall rejoice for ever in the favour of the Lord Jesus, in the love of God, and in the communion of the Holy Spirit.

Gracious and ever blessed God! grant that both the Writer and the Reader of these pages, may experience thy rich mercy, may walk in the light of thy countenance, and may be guided and strengthened by thy Holy Spirit; till they have escaped all the perils of this wilderness, and are admitted into thy heavenly kingdom, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be honour and glory for ever. Amen.

FINIS.

EDINBURGH-PRINTED BY ANDREW JACK.