tho work of the ministry, for the edifyincr of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge° of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of tho stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children 1 tossed to and fro, and carried·about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men; and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speakin" the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ: "from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth. according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." The subject is-Moral restora- tive influence the gift of Christ. The "grace" mentioned in the seventh verse refers undoubtedly to the spiritual influences of God in tho salvation and perfection of man. There are four things in this remarkable passage concerning this grace, this restorative influence. I. Tms G-IFT lS COWIWNICATED BY CHRIST. "But unto every one of us is given grace accord_ing to the measure of the gift of Christ." The expression, "according to tbo measure of the gift of Christ," means, I think, that its bestowment is entirely according to bis sovereign purpose. 1. Some have a higher measure of grace than others. Some have wider and clearer views of truth, a richer experience of Divine love and faithfulness, broader and stronger sympathies, more soul-uplifting hopes and aspirations than others. There are babes in Christ and there are men )n Christ. Somo are qua.ii.fled to be ministers, martyrs, apostles, etc. Some are only fitted for a humble place in bis vine- yard. 2. This measure :is determined by the will of Christ. It is according to "tho measure of the gift of Christ," not according to the measure of a man's capacity, merit, or effort. The fact removes all ground for boasting in the most distinguished in his Church. By the grace of God each disciple is what he is. IL THIS GIFT IS COMMUNICATED BY CHRIST AS TllE RESULT OF ms WONDERFUL msTORY.. "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive." I. His history was a history oftoonderful triumphs. "He led captivity captive." He achieved the most brilliant victories. He triumphed over " principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly." He triumphed over death, rose from the grave, and beoame the Prince of life. He triumphs over the enmity of the human heart and brings the sonls of the rebellious into captivity to himselt: 2. His history was a histonJ of wonderful changes. (1) It involved the lowest descension. "He descended into the lower parts of the earth." He not only came down to the condition ofhnmanity, but he took his place in the lowest social grade. " He made himself of no reputa- tion," etc. Ho descended even into the grave and Hades. (2) It involved the highc·-t ascension. "He ascended on high . . . ascended up far above all heavens." How many heavens aro .there? Who can tell the height of the lowost? He is "far nbovo" tho highest. He thus descended and ascended in order that "he might fill" 1111 human things with bis spiritual influence, fill• all human souls with his ideas, principles, and aims. III. Tms GIFT IS COMMUNICATED BY CHRIST IN A G-REAT VARIETY OF MINISTRIES. " He gave some, apostles; some, prophets; some, evangelists; and sotne, pastors a.n,l teachers." "Apostles." No ono was au apostle but those immediately appointed by Christ, who had seen him after his resurrection and ouilowed with a special iuspiration. "Prupliets." Those who, being divinely inspired, taught in the name of God. "Evange- lists." Probably itinerant preachers, missionaries, such as Philip. "Pastors and tcacMTs.1' .Overseers. and instructors. All; who in any way promote spiritual Christianity in the world, from those who were tho most feeble in power to those ofloftiest -.:apaoity, are the gift of Christ. He calls them, qualifies them, and appoint~ them ~!:ieir respective spheres. IV. THIS GIBT IS COMMUNICATED BY CnlllBT Ili' OBDEn TO PERFECT ms CrruncH. "For the perfecting of the saints, for tho work of the ministry." Spiritual perfection is the grand aim of all. 1. Perfection in service. '' For the work of the ministry." Tho twelfth verse teaches that a perfect ministry implies a perfect cha.meter. Thero is no perfect aervice where there is not a perfect chara£ter. A man must be good to do good. 2. Perfectwn in unity. "Till wo all come in the uuit.y or the faith, and of the know- ledrro of the Son of God." '!'his may mean oneness or harmuuy of mind in rdaliun to the"dQCtrine and spirit of Christ, a common thought and symrathy iu relation to thu 'l'HE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS. [cu. 1v. 1-32.
S..,n of God. 3. Pei:ftctt'on in cha.meter. "Unto a perfect man, unto the mensure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Christ is the Standard of excellence, and porfection of character is conformity t-0 him. His character is the me.asure. To be Christ-like is hi be perfect. 4-. PerffJC!ion in strength. " 'l'ha.t we henceforth be no more childreil t:1ssed to and fro,_ carried about with every win~ of doctrine.'' (1) The strength of firmness. Possessmg power enough to stand agamst all the winds and waves of reli- gious opinions. '!'here are some men at the mercy of every new doctrine. Their souls l1~ve no a~ch~rage; they a.re no_t" rooted and grounde~ in the f~ith." (2) The strength o: determination. " B_v the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness." The ideas seem to be not influenced by the mere contingencies of sentiment nor the craftiness of heretical teachers. 5. Perfection in Church growth. "Speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." '!'he two verses teach: (1) That Church growth is an advancing assimilation to Christ. "We may grow up ~nto him in all thin,,CTS, which is the Head, even Christ." '!'he trne growth of the soul is progress towards a perfect conformity t-0 Christ. (2) That Church growth requires the lo-ui,ig exhibition oi truth. "Speaking the truth in love." There is a truth, a roolity in the gospel, and the ministry of this truth in love is necessary t-0 promote the true growth of the Church. (3) That Church growth is in every part dependent upon its Tital connection mth Christ. "From whom the whole body fitly joined together," etc. (4) That Church growth requires the healthy action of all its members. "By that which e,ery joint supplieth," etc.-D. T.