The Pulpit Commentary — Titus — Section 36

Vere. 1-10.-Genuine morality. "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine," etc. Paul, having given Titus directions as to the organization of a Christian Church in Crete, and charged him to conten,l against those who, in the name of Christianity, propagated doctrines at variance both with the truths and the spirit of the gospel, here urges that genuine morality which should be the grand aim and tendency of all gospel preaching. The grand subject presented in this passage is genuine morality. '!'here have been, and still are, those who regard morality and religion as two distinct subjects or lines of conduct. But they are essentially one; one cannot exist without the other. The essence o( both consists in supreme regard to the Divine will as the only standard of character and rule of life. Frum these verses we may draw three general truths in relation to this subject. I. GENUINE MORALl'fY LEGISLATES ALIKE FOR ALL MANKIND. It speaks to man authoritatively, whatever his personal peculiarities, adventitious distinctions, social relations, secular circumstances, official position, the number of his years, or the charac- teristics of his country. Moral law meets him everywhere; he can no more escape it than he can the atmosphere he breathes. In these word~ persons are mentioned dis- tinguished by three fundamental facts. 1. The/act of age. Amongst the millions of the race, not many in any geueration can be found that came into existence exactly at the same minute. Hence there are those differing in age from one year to a hundred or more. Hence Paul speaks here of" aged men" and" aged women,"" yuu11g men" and "young women." At the first dawn of moral consciousness, up to the last breath of earthly existence, the voice of duty sveaks-" Thus saith the Lord." No one bas strength enough to extricate himself from the ties of moral obligation. Not even that mighty spirit who leads the "world captive at his will" can break the shackles of moral responsibility. 2. The fact ef sex. Here are" men" and "women," both the aged and the young. However closely identified in affection and interest, moral duty treats each 118 a distinct- persouality. In human legislation the obligation of the woman, in some cases, is absorbed in that of the man. Not so with the moral legislation of Heaven. Ea.eh must bear its own burden, Inasmuch as the woman is as bound to follow the will of God as the man, no man has a right to interfere with the freedom of her thought, the dictates of her conscience, or the independency of her devotions. For long ages men have not recognized this fact, and they have treated women as their toys of pleasure and iI!strurnents of gratification. Women are beginning to wake up to their rights, ancl the day of man's tyranny is drawing to a close. 3. The/act ef rela- tionship. Paul says, "Exhort servants to he obedient unto.their own masters." Why the duty of servants should be here referred to and not that of masters, is not because masters have not their duty, but perhaps at this time in Crete there were slaves who were disloyal and rebellious, Whilst the duty of servants is here referred to, the fact must not be overlooked that morality is binding on men in every social relationship, on the rulers as well aa the ruled, the judges as well as the criminals, the parents as well as the children, the employers as well as the employes. What is wrong for one is wrong for all, and the reverse, II. GENUINE MORALITY ~EACIIES TO THE SPRINGS OF THE HEART. It does not con- cern itself with the external conduct. " Bodily exercise profiteth but little." But as it regards external conduct as the evolutions of the states of the heart, it legislates ror those states. It says, "Keep the heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Glance at the virtues here inculcated. "That the aged men be sober [sober-minded], grave, temperate." The exhortation to sobriety is also addressed to aged women: "That they be not given to much wine." Also to the young women: "Teach the young women to be sober." And to the young men: "Exhort to be sober-minded." Although physica.l sobriety is undoubtedly referred to, mural sobriety, serious thoughtfulness, and self- restraint are evidently included and regarded ns fanrlamental. Moral sober-mindedness is the effective preventative and cure of all physical intemperance. No argument, either for total nbstinence or against it, can be sustained by the phrase," Not give11 to much wine." All the words convey is-Do not get drunk. "Sound in fai~h, in charity [love], in patience." This means-Have a healthy faith, a faith well founded; a healthy love.  «) THE EPISTLE 'l'O TITUB. [GB. u. 1-16.