The Pulpit Commentary — Romans — Section 180

thians were reminded of their previous wretched career-" such were some of you "--so here the Romans. In reading the Authorized Version stress must bo laid on the past tense, "were:" then it suggests the clearer translation of the Revised edition. I. THE FORMER SLAVERY, Absolute freedom is impossible to man, who le eur- r0uncied by higher powers, and has a Divine law impressed on hie nature, The hend- t:trong youth is really in boudRocre to sin; and the reoluse in his solitude, whilst free fr\,m !'..,me of the restrictions of ci'l"ilizntion, yet deprives himself of some advantages, and thereby imposes on himself certain limits. The description of ein as bond-service is just when we think of the manner in \\•hich men are worn out by vice. The silken cords of pleasure become adnmantine bonds. The man who delays to reform his life be<-.omes s prisoner, unable t.o tum the key in the rusty look. Dislike of the epithet, " serrants of sin," must. not blind us to its accuracy, in spite of the euphemietio terms which would hide the flagrancy of our transgressions. Without supposing that sta- tistics of the members of Churches accurately embrace all servants of righteousness, the condition of slavery is all too common, even in Christian England. Press home this fact, and remember that the great question is not whether we can fix the date and enumerate the details of our conversion, but whether we are conscious of a renewed heart and life. U THE 1'"EW SERVICE. The text speaks of a changed state of obedience to God and adoption of righteousness-a state sanctioned by conscience, ratified by the judgment, pleasing to the Almighty, and every way beneficial to ourselves and others. Its cause is the new teaching concerning Jesus Christ. The tense is definite; these Christiane had received the doctrine and embraced it gladly. Perhaps the good news is to-day too much encumbered with t.echnical phraseology, or, having been frequently listened to from infancy, fails to excite in us the glad wonder which it evoked when fresh to the ear. To the Romans it brought tidings of the abrogation of the Sinaitic Law as a covenant of life; it t.old of the one perfect Offering whereby those that believe are sanctified; it ~ke of the all-providing love of the Father for his erring children. The gospel comes as a law to be obeyed, but supplies adequate motives and spiritual power for its fulfilment. The code is discipleship to Christ, hearkening t.o his preaching an.d copying his life. This doctrine is represented in the text as "a mould " into which the life of the obedient is cast, imparting to them a righteous form-a likeness to their t.ea.cher-Christ. And in hearty obedience true freedom is realized. The father, toiling home laden with gifts for his children, does not look upon his load as a wearisome burden. The mother, with her fresh responsibilities and cares, delights in the maternal yoke. Love alters the bias, oils the wheels of duty. Christ has won the hearts of hie people, and t.o serve him is an honour and a joy. He strikes off the shackles of sin, and we welcome the golden chains of righteous obedience. We do not deny that sin ha.s its pleasures; but, in comparison with the sense of purity and elevation which the service of Christ furnishes, there is the difference between the hot, stifling atmosphere of the mUBic-hall and the sweet bracing air of the mountain-top. IIL THE THA1''"KSGIVING FOB TIIE DELIVERANCE. None could think that the render- ing of the Authorized Version implied Paul's delight at the former unrighteousness; but the Revised rendering is less ambiguous to the hurried reader. 'fhe phrase, "thank God," used t.o be a stock insertion in ordinary letters. Here it is no unmeaning ascrip- tion, filling up the interstices of speech, but a devout acknowledgment of sincere ~atitnde to him who instituted the gracious plan of salvation, giving up his beloved oon, and by his Spirit opens the hearts of an audience to attend to the message of i:verlasting life. It is the outpouring of the heart for the safety and honourable obedi- ence of fellow-Christians. A pastor uay offer it for his flock, a teacher for her scholars, Give glory to God! thank him with lip and life, by seeking to understand and obey the statutes and principles of the Won l of truth, and by leading others to know the joys c,f redemptive obedience.-B. R. A- Ver. 23.-Covet the betJt gift I Contrast heightens effect, e.e artiste by a dark back- ground throw the foreground into brighter relief. Bo the apostle places two oareers in dr,se proximity. He will not allow that it makes little difference which path men trco.d, in which condition they are found, or what qualifications they seek, L A JWllEJl'l'OUB BLESl!IIIIG, "Eternal life." All life is wonderfuL Easy ie It t<i 011. vr.1-28.] THE EPIS'l'l,E OF PAUL TO THE ROMANS. 177