The method observed in all the epistles is uni- formly the same *. but we shall endeavour to diversify it in our explanation of them. The epistle before us suggests three important truths ; That fidelity in trying times is highly pleasing to God ; That it musty hoicever, extend to the repressing of sin in others as well as in ourselves ; and. That its reward will far overbalance any conflicts that may be necessary to maintain it.
I. Fidelity in trying times is highly pleasing to God— The fidelity of those at Pergamos was worthy of commendation — •
[The place where they dwelt was eminently " the habi- tation of Satan," yea, the very " seat of his empire ;" inas- much as the most flagrant enormities were committed there, not only in respect of idolatrous and lascivious practices, but in a bitter rage against Christ himself. Persecution had been carried there to the utmost extremity, even to the murdering of Antipas for his exemplary piety. Yet in the midst of these cruel scenes the Church at Pergamos had maintained their integrity : they " had not denied the faith," notwith- standing the danger to which it exposed them ; but " had held fast the name of Christ," determining to suflfer death rather than abandon it]
Wherever such fidelity is, it shall not escape the notice of our Lord —
[A profession of godliness in a place where religion meets with approbation and applause, is no proof of virtue : it may be sound, or it may be hypocritical ; it must be brought to the test, before its intrinsic worth can be ascertained. Time and place must be taken into the account before we can absolutely determine the quality of our profession. We cannot say that Satan's throne is in this place, because a per- secuting spirit is by no means the character of its inhabitants : but that he " dwelleth " here, is, alas ! too manifest : the iniquities that abound amongst us, abundantly demonstrate his powerful and malignant influence. To preserve our fide- lity therefore here, is no sn\all commendation, especially to those who are more immediately exposed to the allurements of sense, or to the loss of reputation and emolument. If in the midst of ridicule we are not ashamed of Christ, and in spite of menaces are enabled to confess him boldly before men, we may assure oursrfves, that we shall receive a testi- mony of approbation from him who " knows our works."]
But,
324 REVELATION, If. 12—17- [120^.
But, however, II. It must extend to the repressing of sin in others as well as in ourselves — •
It was no light offence, in our Lord's estimation, that those at Pergamos neglected to purge out the evil that was among them —
[The Balaamites and Nicolaitans maintained the inno- cence of idolatrous concessions and licentious indulgences : and the Church at Pergamos were not sufficiently zealous to proceed against them in a way of censure and excommuni- cation. This remissness was a heinous crime : and our Lord declared that, if they " repented " not of it, he would " come quickly and figlit against them^ with the sword of his mouth," by giving them over to such tremendous judgments as their predecessors in iniquity had endured ^]
And are not 7ve equally bound to guard against those who either patronize or commit iniquity ?
[We must " in any wise rebuke our brother, and not suffer sin upon him^" It is not sufficient that we " have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness ; we must also reprove them^" The Church of Christ is a society which would be dishonoured and injvxred by retaining a cor- rupt member. We must act towards them as we do towards our bodily frame. We suffer the amputation of a limb rather than permit the whole body to be endangered : so also must we pluck up " every root of bitterness in the Church, lest any remain to defile others" by its noxious influence^. We know that " a little leaven will leaven the whole lump:" and on that account we must search out whatever may cause a fer- mentation in the Church, and must labour to preserve it, as far as possible, unmixed with the leaven either of sin or error*. Nor is this a matter of small importance. The neglect of it must be " repented of;" a vigilance in executing this painful office must take place of that supineness which too generally prevails. At all events the judgments of God wilt come on the hypocritical professors : they too,, who are in many respects upright, will also be involved in similar cala- mities, rf by consent or connivance they be partakers of the same sins^.}