one subject, the extraorilinary manifestations of the Spirit eo frequent In the Church at this perioil, but Bpply likewise to his ordinary influence in believers. I. TeE BIN AND DANflEn OF QUENCHING THE SPIRIT, "Quench not the Spirit." Perhaps there wns a tendency to repress spiritual utterances, either because they had become fan11ticnl, or from an undue love of order. It is possible to resist the Spirit. God strives with man, who may yet resist all his importunities (Acts vii. 51), "insnlt- ing the Spirit of grace" (Heh. x. 29). Even in the case of believers, "the flesh lusteth aguinst the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh" (Gal. v. 17). It is both sinful and dangerous for helievern to "grieve the Holy Spirit of God, whereby they are sealed to the day of redemption" (Eph. iv. 30). The text suggests the idea oi quenching a fire. l. The Spirit acts upon the bP-liever's nature like a fire, warming, purifying, refining. 2. Thtfire may be quenched by neglecting it quite as much ashy casting water upon it. This is the tendency of neglect. 3. Sin has a tendency to quench the Spirit, as water quenches fire. We ought to stir up our gifts and graces that they may shine the brighter, and give both light and heat around us. Yet pro~ision is made in the cove- nant of grace that the fire once kindled will never be quenched. II. THERE MUST BE NO UNDERVALUATION OF PROPHESYINGS. .. Despise not prophe- syings." l. These were spiritual utteranres, som.,times in psalms and hymns, "for the edification and exhortation and comfort " of believers, though they had the effect sometimes of laying bare the hearts of unbelievers (1 Cor. xiv. 25). They were more important than other gifts of the Spirit, and therefore more to be coveted (1 Cor. xii. 31). 2. They were, therefore, not to be despised. (1) Perhaps there had been "false pro- phets" at Thessalonica who had tried to pervert the truth, or weak members who had abused the gift of prophecy. The tendency, therefore, to underrate the gift was natural, but not proper. (2) Perhaps the exercise of this gift created less wonder or made less visible impression than other gifts, like those of t.ongues and healing. Therefore it came to be rather despised. III. THE NE0ESl!ITY OF TESTING SPIRITUAL GIFTII. " Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." Instead of rejecting prophesyings, they were to test them by a due spiritual discernment. 1. They were to be tested: (1) By a comparison with the original tradition given to them (2 Thess. ii. 2). (2) By a comparison with the prophesyings of others who sat as judges (1 Cor. xiv. 29). There was, besides, a supernatural gift of "discerning of spirits" (1 Cor. xii. 10, 14, 29). (3) By marking the practical froits of these prophesyings. " Hold fast that which is good." Our Lord said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matt. v. 15, 16). True doctrine i~ "according to godliness" (1 Tim. vi. 3). Thus Christians are to examine the grounds of the1r faith, to hold fast nothing that has not first been tried, and to retain only " that which is good." 2. Believers have the capacity as well as the 1-ight to ted all things. They are" to try the spirits whether they are of God" (1 John iv. 1), (1) They are the spiritual; "they judge all things, yet they themselves are judged of no man" (1 Cor. ii. 15). They have "an unction from the Holy One, and they know all things" (1 John ii. 20). (~) A right state of heart is necessary to this power of insight. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God" (John vii.17). "Walk as children of light ••• proving what is acceptable unto God• (Eph. v. 8-10).-T. C. Ver. 22.- Warning ·against etMry form of nil. "Abstain from every form al nil." whether practical or doctrinal. I. WE NEED TO BE WARNED AGAINST EVIL. 1. Because we naturally tend to do ml. 2. Because evil is so injurious to our spirits, in repressing joy, prayer, uml thanka- giving. 3, Because il gives offence to others. Therefore we ought to abhor that which i11 evil, to cleave to that which i~ good. II, THE FORMS OF EVIL ARE VERY VARIOUS, AND THEBEFOBB NOT lU.SILY DETEIJl'IW. Truth is one; error is manifol<l. Satan oan disguise error under forms diflicult of deteotion. It is sometimes diffioult to deoide what is evil. But "a soUDd heart ia the best casuisL"-T. C.
Ven. 23, 24.-Prayer far l1ae ~ cmd preserwnora <I ~ • I. TJOllBALONIANS. 114 THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS. [cH. v. 1-28.