The Pulpit Commentary — Colossians — Section 203

calmly endure disappointments or slights. It is a source or power (Eccles. vii. 8). It is not constantly vindicating itself and disputing with Msailants (Ps. xxxvii. 5, 6, 11). When we see the power which meek spirits gain over others stronger and rougher than themselves, we see the wortle fulfilled, "A little child shall lead them." 5 Long- suffering. In regard to Divine afflictioos, see on eh. i. 11. It is more difficult to exercise it towards men than towards God. In relation to our fellow-sinners we may learn from God's long-suffering towards them. (See the legend of Abraham and the fire-worshipper in Stanley's 'Jewish Church,' i. 21.) And if we are long-snfferino- towards those that sin against God, how much more towards those that offend us! Let us learn of God (Matt. v. 45; Rom. ii. 4) and of his beloved Son (1 Pet. ii. 23). 6. Forbearance and forgiveness. " Forbearing one another." This is often the first step towards frank forgiveness. It may avert a quarrel, for which two are needed. "To conquer one's self is the greatest of conquests," says Plato ( cf. Prov. xvi. 32). This victory over self aids us in the victory over the transgressor (Rom. xii. 21; e.g. David, 1 Sam. xxiv.). "Forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any." Our Lord has laid down the law of offences among disciples (Matt. xviii. 15--17 ; Luke xvii. 3, 4). A Christian spirit will hail the signs of incipient repentance, and will exact no unreasonable humiliation. And even towards the most impenitent offender we may exercise the most forgiving spirit, like God, "ready to forgive" (Matt. v. 44, 45). Observe the pathetic plea urged : "Even as the Lord forgave you," etc. Our Master Christ sUll has this power (Matt. ix. 6; Acts v. 31). He has used it on our behalf, first when we applied to him with the burden of all the guilty past, and since then day by day (John xiii. 10). Shall be be so prompt and free, and we be hesitating and reluctant (1 John ii. 12)? And this motive is as stringent as it is pathetic. Note the prayer taught (Luke xi. 4), the command given (Mark :xi. 25, 26), the warning uttered (Matt. xviii. 35). Imagine an unforgiving man offering the prayer (Matt. vi. 12), "As we forgive," etc., and interpret it into plain language. If we do not forgi.e, do not let us dare to pray (1 Tim. ii. 8).-E. S. P. Vers. 14, 15.-.A threefold cord of grace; We have here an attractive pie ture of a loving, peaceful, thankful Christian. I. LoVE. It is compared to the girdle, put on over the other articles of attire, and helping to bind all in .their place. Christian love is no mere natural emotion or self- interested affection. It is the fruit of the Spirit, whereby God is sincerely loved for his own sake, and one's neighbour for God's sake. To love even our fellow-Christians because they are God's children is not always easy, on account of their inconsistencies. But it is eminently a Christian grace (John xiii. 35; 1 John v. 1). It is called "the bond of perfectness," because: 1. lt is the element of all other graces, the sphere in which they are exercised. It is like the golden light in which some summer evening landscape is bathed, or the green grass on which the multicoloured flowers are bloom- ing. Without love," knowledge puffeth up," gifts are" sounding brass," faith is idle (Gal. v. ti), zeal may be wildfire, mercy weakness, humility pride, and charity ostenta- tion. With love, each of these may,be the Spirit's fruit. It is thus the bond of perfect- ness, the distinctive feature of a complete Christian character (Rom. xiii. 8; 1 Cor. xiii. 8, 13; Gal. v. 14). 2. Love is the pledge of all other graces. l!'or if we dwell in love and in God (1 John iv. 16) we enjoy increasingly the perfectious of God. 'l'he outer dress is generally the most valuable part, ancl a sign that other parts are present and in keeping with it. So thQ precious girdle of love, visible to all, is a sign that other graces are present and kept in their place by this "bond of perfectness." Cul- tivate it by charitable judgments, by much forbearance, by seeking to win and refine the less attractive, and to walk in the path marked out for us by Christ (John xv. 12; Eph. v. 2). II. PE.A.OE. This peace Is described by a most attractive name, "the peace of Christ" (John xiv. 27), the tranquillity of a trustful child. The term "rule" may be unucr- stood in two senses. 1. Exert its power to protect. (See Phil. iv. 7, where God's peace is likened to a garrison; Ps. cxii. 7; Isa. xxvi. 3.) Peace gives strength, and strength peace (Ps. xxix. 11). 2. Sit as umpire. When in d.oubt in regai:d to business specu~a- tions, worldly amusements, etc., we may ask, "Which course will the peace of Christ ruling in my heart approve?" To such peace we are called, but to enjoy it we must  THE EPISTLE TO THE COLO8SIANS. [ou. m.1-25.