II. The benefit which accrued to them by means of it- Many at Beraea became obedient to the faith —
[While the Thessalonians rejected the overtures of mercy, the Berseans thankfully embraced them. By believing in Christ they became partakers of his salvation ; and now are they rejoicing before the throne of God, while the contemners of the Gospel are gnashing their teeth in hell. Who can duly appreciate the greatness of this benefit?]
This benefit resulted from the noble disposition which they exercised —
[Faith is certainly the gift of Godd: nor can any disposi- tion that is in us merit that gift. But there is a preparation of mind requisite for a due reception of the Gospel ; and where that state of mind is, there truth will make its way. This arises from the very structure of the human mind, which, like the eye, beholds things imperfectly when diseased, but clearly when free from blemish e ; and it is both illustrated and con- firmed by various examples in Holy Writf. Where the "honest and good heart" is, there the seed will spring up, and bring forth fruits]
Address —
1. Those who never have believed —
[Guard against the illiberal conduct of the Thessalonians. Avoid a captious, envious, persecuting spirit: cultivate the more noble spirit of the Beraeans : take the Scriptures as the test of truthh: search them with care and diligence1: compare what you hear with themk : pray for wisdom, that you may discern aright1 : rest assured that you shall not use these means in vainm.]
2. Those who have believed —
[Love instruction, and improve all opportunities of gain- ing itn. Seek to be more established in the faith0, but weigh every sentiment in the balance of the sanctuary p, and let the Scripture be your study and delight q.]
d Eph. ii. 8. Phil. i.29. • Matt. vi. 22, 23. with Prov.ii. 10, 1 1. f Nicodemus ; John iii. 2. Cornelius ; Acts x. 33. And Lydia ; Acts xvi. 14. e Luke viii. 15.
h Isai. viii. 20. I John v. 39. k 1 Thess. v. 21.
1 Jam. i. 5. m Prov. ii. 1 — 6. n Prov. iv. 5 — 9.
0 Col.ii. 6—8. P 1 John iv. 1. °. 1 Ps. i. 2, 3.