of the truth easily account for the solemnity with which it is introduced : but where there is nothing affirmed but the profitableness of godliness, we seem to think so solemn a confirmation of it quite unneces- sary. But we shall soon be of a different opinion, if we contemplate this truth in connexion with the sub- jects which both precede and follow it. We say then, that the profitableness of vital godliness ought to be regarded as a matter of primary and universal importance ;
1. As tending to keep the mind from unprofitable speculations —
[The whole preceding context refers to speculations which either already existed in the Church, or should at a future period be introduced6. Heretics and apostates were even then at work to spread their pernicious doctrines ; those who were of Jewish origin " giving heed to fables and endless genea- logies, which ministered questions rather than godly edifying that is in faith f ;" and those from among the Gentile converts obtruding upon the Church their " profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called g." The effect of these speculations was exceedingly pernicious : for whilst " conceited and ignorant men doted about such questions and strifes of words, they filled the Church with envy, and strife, and railings, and evil surmisings, and perverse disputingsh," and eventually turned many from the faith1.
Now in every age of the Church there are many, who, being themselves, through the subtilty of Satan, turned away from the simplicity of the Gospel, labour to propagate their own peculiar opinions, and to " draw away disciples after them." Their views are often extremely specious, as were those of the Jews who sought to honour Moses k, and those of the Gentiles who from a professed regard for the honour of Christ pleaded an exemption from obedience to the moral law1. Frequently there is much truth mixed up with their errors; and their mistake lies not so much in what they would maintain, as in the undue importance which they attach to some points to the exclusion or neglect of others that are equally important. In a word, they, though " false apostles" in reality, are often so specious, that they appear like apostles of Christ himself1".
« ver. 1—3, 7. f 1 Tim. i. 4. and Tit. iii. 9.
s 1 Tim. vi. 20. h 1 Tim. vi. 4, 5. 4 1 Tim. vi. 21.
k Col. ii. 20—23. 1 Jude, ver. 4. 2 Pet. ii. 1, 17—19.
m 2 Cor. xi. 3, 4, 13, 14.