produces and renders easy that which follows : the following tempers and perfects the preceding. But this is the order of nature, rather than of time. 'Apery, virtue, [not in the common use of the term, hut] a strenuous tone of mind and vigour ; 1 Pet. i. 13. This is the result of faith ; 2 Cor. iv. 13, 16, at the beginning. Next in order is [the fruit of virtue ] ym<sig, knowledge or moderation ; comp. Rom. xv. 14, note. Virtue makes us active, watchful, circumspect, separate [or discreet], so as to consider what is to be done or avoided, for the sake of God, ourselves, and others ; and in what manner this is to be done, and where and when, etc. ; 1 Cor. xvi. 18, at the end. Next in order is eyxpureta, abstinence. This is the result of yvuag, since it is this which distinguishes evil from good, and teaches us to flee from evil. Next in order is vwojtiovy, patience . Incontinence weakens the mind ; continence banishes
weakness, and adds strength. Next in order is evtsfizia, godliness : it sanctifies the natural affections towards parents and others, yea, even towards the Creator. Patience (ynopovy) removes all the hindrances to godliness. Next in order is <piXade\(pia, brotherly affection. He who has his natural affections sanctified, advances to aropyyv, a natural affection, that is purely spiritual. ' Ay drry, love to all, completes this company (chorus) of graces; Col. iii. 14, throughout. He who is rightly disposed towards his brethren, extends his love to those who are less nearly connected with him, and even to enemies. Hence it is evident how each present step produces and renders easy that which follows. Moreover, in what way each step which follows, tempers and perfects that which goes before, will readily appear, if this scheme be duly considered in a retrograde order. He who has love, will exercise brotherly affection without partiality. He who has brotherly affection, will perceive that godliness is altogether necessary. Ebaefiyg, the godly, will mix nothing stoical with rr\ vrro/iovrj, his patience. To the patient man abstinence is easy. ’E yxparyg, the continent man, with calmness of mind thoroughly weighs all things, and has yvuoiv. TvZxng, know- ledge, is on its guard, lest sudden impulse should carry away apery v, its virtue. The opposites are connected in a similar manner in the case of the wicked : unbelief produces vice , etc. — yvu<nv, moderation ) 1 Pet. iii. 7, note.
6. 'Eyxpure/uv, abstinence) which avoids evil desires. Abstain. — urro/AQvyv, patience ) by which adversities and adversaries are endured. Sustain [have endurance]. — ebaefieiuv, godliness) By which the faithful look to God above all things. E vcepe/a may be affection