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picions in every way ; but you will effect nothing. At so early a period, so seriously, so universally, through such a perpetual series of ages, do they bring it forward.
XXVIII. This last thesis leads us to the exigesis of this most precious passage, in which the 7th verse, when compared (1st) with the context of the whole Epistle, and especially (2d) with the 8th verse, is vindicated, upon the strongest grounds of internal probability.
(1.) There are some who think that it is not easy to ascertain the design and arrangement of this Epistle : but if we examine it with simplicity, this will be laid open to us without any violence. In this letter, or rather treatise (for a letter is sent to the absent ; but here the writer seems to have been among those to whom he was writing), St John designs to confirm the happy and holy communion of the faithful with God and Jesus Christ, by showing the marks [gnoris- mata , by which they may be known] of their most blessed state.
There are three parts : —
The Exordium, ch. i. 1-4.
The Discussion, ch. i. 5-v. 12.
The Conclusion, ch. v. 13-21.
Let the text itself be consulted.
In the Exordium the apostle establishes authority for his own preaching and writing from the appearance of the Word of Life; and clearly points out his design (h a, that , ver. 3, 4). The Conclu- sion (that we may at once clear out of the way this point) corre- sponds with the Exordium, more fully explaining the same design, a recapitulation of those Marks being made by the thrice-repeated we know , ch. v. 18, 19, 20.
The Discussion itself contains two parts, treating —
I. Separately,
a. Of communion with God, in the light, ch. i. 5—10 : h. Of communion with the Son, in the light, ch. ii. 1, 2, and 7, 8.
A special application being subjoined to fathers, young men, and little children, ch. ii. 13-27.
Here is interwoven an exhortation to abide in Him, ch. ii. 28-iii. 24;
That the fruit arising from His manifestation in the flesh may extend to His manifestation in glory.
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