they have bPen dictated by Jove. He has written as a father who desires the correction an<l not the shame of his children. I. Srrn1TUAL FA~HERH00D .. 1. _How cnns~itu_ted. "For in Christ JeRns I begat yon through the gospel.' Convers10n 1s the begrnnmg of a new life, the birth by which we enter on spiritual being. This chauge is wrought by the Agency of the Holy Spirit, nn the basis of Christ's redemptive work; the Spirit's instrulllcllt is the Word, the incor- ruptible seed (1 Pet. i. 23); and this Word is administered by servants of the gospel. In a rnbordinate sense, Paul could speak of himself as the father of the Corinthian Church, inasmuch as he was the means of introducing ti:tem to the Christian life. The relationship is a peculiarly tender one, carrying with it much honour and much responsi- bility. 2. How distinguished. "For though ye should have ten thousand tutors in Christ., yet have ye not many fathers." The teachers who succeeded Paul at Corinth and of whom tliey made so much, were like pe<lagogues who superintended the educatio~ of children. Theirs was an important work, but it did not alter the fact that tile apostle was their spiritual father. They built on the foundation which he bad laid. There is 110 disparagement of those who minister to the culture of the Cbiistian life, as compared with those who are instrumental in commencing it. The evan"elist and the teacher have each bis own place in the Divine economy. Yet the relation of spiritual father- hood is one by itself, different from that subsisting between teacher and scholar. Often. the two go together, the pastor being also the father. 3. Implies the duty of admonition. lt is the part of a father to" reprove, rebuke, exhort," in all fidelity. Spiritual fathers must not be blind to the faults of their childreu. Love must patiently instruct, affectionately entreat, sharply chastise. ,vitness the paternal severity of the apostle in this Epistle as be "admonishes bis beloved children." 4. Implies the setting of a worthy example. "Be ye imitators of me." The eyes of the children are towards the father, and they cannot help copying him. Example is powerful in all spheres, and most of all in a sphere so conspicuous as the Christian ministry. It confirms the truth taught, encourages beiievers, rebukes the uugodly, draws inquirers to the Saviour. Every servant of Christ should be able to say, "Follow me." Yet our imitation of other Christians, even the most eminent, bas its limits. Men are imperfect, reflecting but brokenly the image of Christ; and no wise teacher will desire to see his own peculiat mannerisms reflected in bis people. Human example is useful only in so far as it hdJ'S us to imitate Jesus. II. SOLICITUDE FOR THE CHURCH'S SPinlTUAL l:SSTRUCTI0N. Like a true father, the absent apostle desires to further the spiritual growth of his converts, and with this view sends to them a persona.I deputy. 1. The mission. In order to promote their imitation of bis bumble, self-denying life, be sends a messenger to recall to them "bis ways in Christ." The remembrance of a good man's life is a. help to piety. The memory of some departed saint has often proved a guiding star. And so is the recollection of truth already lParned. It is part of the preacher's work to press home old truths and deepen their buld of the heart and conscience. 2. The missionary. There was wisdom in sending a. deputy, and in the choice of Timothy for the mission. As the apostle's "beloved aud faithful child," he stood in the same spiritual relation to him as did the converts at Corinth. He could speak to them as a brother of their common father's doctrine and life. The visits of wise and faithful servants of Christ are often instru- mental in reviving the Church's life. III. APOSTOLIC VISITA'l'ION. 1. Carried out in the face ef detraction. 'l'hose who sought to unde1mine Paul's authority nsserted that be would not again venture to visit Corinth; but in spite of this he declares his intention of rloing so. The servant of Christ needs courage. 2. Subject to Divine direction. "Jf the Lord will" (comp. Jas. iv. 15). Man proposes, but God disposes. All our plans for the future must be subject to his control. 3. To test spiritual profession. 'lhe pruud boa~ters at Corinth were great in talk, and Pa.ul wished to show whether there was reality behind it. For power is the chief thing, not mere speech. '!'he kingdom of God, i.e. genuine Chris- tianity, is vot an affair of words, but of living power. "Our gospel came uot uuto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost" (1 Thess. i. 5). Profession must be tested by practice. A religion of the lip is vain without the religion of the li~e. 4. Proceeds according to circumstances. Whether Paul waM to come with a rocl or m love depended on themseh-es. The discipline of the Ch111ch takes its comple;,;iun from oH. Iv. 1-21.J 'l'HE FIRS'!' EPISTLE '1'0 'l'HE COltINTHIA~S. 157
the character of the persons with whom it deals, being severe or tender, as the case ret1uires, A combination of fatherly love and wisdom is required in those who are called to deal with the erring.-B.