The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Corinthians — Section 327

should be mortifying, If not alanning. And even AO far as they go, they &re Influenced by a desire to think hopefully of their own state, and to apply to themselves easy and partial tests. Like a teRcher who is partial to a. particular scholar and asks him only those queslions which he is sure to answer, or an unjust judge who gives ear only to the side t.hat be favours, every man is apt in self-examination to be biased in his own favonr and to dwell on his best points as though they formed the whole staple of his character. 3. From exaggcral-ed self-distrust, Some minds are morbidly sensitive, and do not so much examine as torment themselves. 'l'bey cannot own what Christ has done for them, through foar of presumption. And their self-judgment is hindered b_y over-caution and a deject.ion mistaken for humility. IV. THE WAY TO REACH THE TRUTH ABOUT YOURSELVES. 'l'he Lord must be asked to preside over and direct the examination. It is he who looks upon the heart, and so it is he who can give you an insight into your real selves. Begin with the prayer in Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24. The Spirit of the Lord then shows you what you are by means of the lamp of the Word. And with such guidance you ought to know whether you a.re the Lord's or no. But you must yourselves watch as well as read and pray. It is a good rule to note the significance of little things, in which the mind is less on its guard and so more freely reveals its bent. A physiaian watches slight symptoms in order to detect and cure disease. A judge takes note of small incidents in a case, and shows the jury how, on the combination of these, the verdict of guilt or innocence must turn. So also should he act who would diagnose or judge himself; though, on the other hand, one must not lay all the stress on minor points, but should rest the main conclusion Oil broad and oomprehensive grounds. V. THE OONDITION OF THOSE WHO CANNOT BEAR THE TRIAL, ,. Disapproved." There is no verdict of" not proven." Those who name the Name of Christ are approved or disapproved. Leave not your relation to Jesus Christ in doubt. Repair to him who can solve yonr doubt and give yon the good part that shall not be taken awa.y.-F. Ver. 11.-" The God of love and peace!' Love is the nature, and peace the very element, of God. Whatever the detached indications of severity under his sway, whatever the calamities permitted or the penalties inflicted by God, there is love in, over, and under all. Whatever the trouble or turmoil in parts of creation, at the centre of the uni \·erse there is a perfect peace. It is the conviction of this which makes our Christian faith so powerful both to calm and to satisfy the soul. We can endure much if we have for our Friend and our eternal Portion the God of love and peace. L THE INITUL KNOWLEDGE OF Gon. You become in your heart acquainted with God through the faith of the gospel. You hear and believe that he loves, and is so far from desirous that any should perish, that he has made provision in Jesus Christ for eternal life to aU who confide in his Name. So you repent of your enmity to hiDl and tum to the God of love. Not only so. The gospel, while a. revelation of love, is also a message of peace. "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself." IIearing this, you perceive that God is not pursuing you with an angry countenance and a terrible dart, but regards you with a face of sublime compassion and good-will, and bids you fight against him no more, but become his friend. So you repent of your aliena- tion and tum to the God of peace. And all is changed in you, You also love. You also are in peace. II. PnoGREBSIVE FRIE:lo.'DSHIP WITH Gon. In order to abide with God, you must grow in those moral qualities which in their perfection make up his character. 'l'hus you a.re to dwell in love, and to make peace. 1. Dwell in love. What notion can a hard-hearted, uncharitable man form of God? Faith needs love in order to the higher attainments of holy knowledge and holy fellowship. Only he who dwells in love dwells in God. The Divine Word is sweet to him. The Divine purposes are all good in his eves ; for love enters into the secret of love, and by a touch of sympathy recognizes its p·resence and strength. 2. Oheri6h and make peace, A quarrelsome Christian, a former of party, a fomentor of strife,-how can he know the God of peace? ~t. Paul by no me:ans shrank from controversy, and made no truce with error or evil; but what a peacemaker he was in the Church ! How impressive his appeals to the Corinthians to be of the same mind and at peace among themselves! It brings God into the heart to arrauge disiJutes, to forgive offences, to bury prejudices, an<l to exl1ihit and foster OH, xm. 1-14.] THE BEUOND El'ISTLE TO 'l'HE UOIUNTHIANS. 329