The subjection, therefore, was to be real, yet not that of a servant, but of a companion; mau's other self, yet still subject. 2. Possession of that pm·e chai·acter which sp1'ings ,from the fear of God. "Chaste conversation;" equivalent to pure manner of life, a character unsullied, and this arising from the fear of God in the heart. The godly wife of an ungodly man is exposed to great difficulty; the husband, troubled by no scruples, will often expect of her what her conscience condemns; and that position is as perilous as it is painful. Now, this word requires no swerving a hair-breadth from righteous- ucP-li, not even under pressure of the husband's love and plans. "Whoso loveth .. , husband . . . more than," etc. 3. 1l1anifestation of the graces of spirituality, "vVhose adorning," etc. This does not necessarily condemn what is simply ornamental. Did we only use what is necessary for bare existence, many of our fellow-creatures could not live. God's works also a.re marked by beauty, needless but for gratification, and we may well copy him within his own lines. But do not let these be your adornment, do not let these be what men think of first when they see you, nor find in them your attraction; but let your adornment be the graces of the inner life. Let Christian "Women set themselves against the dress curse, one of the greatest curses of the day, &nd put character first, as God does. JL 'l'IIIS IS SET FORTH AS THE MEANS OF WINNING THE UNCONVERTED HUSBAND. These heathen husbands did not frequent the sanctuary, nor listen to the Word, and thus their case seemed hopeless. But the Divine Word may be carried to heart and mind as much by a Divine life as by a Divine book. Feeding on this book, we become its embodiment, living Epistles of Christ, read of all; and the promise is as true of the Word lived as of the Word spoken, "My Word shall not return unto me void." Vers. 5 and 6 : not simply the hope to win the husband should lead to living thus, but not otherwise could the wife prove herself a daughter of Abraham, a member of the true Israel. The membership of the Christian wife in God's family is of itself the ground of her doing what is here required; all this is owed to God as your Master; but there is an additional motive for this in its effect on the husband. See how this operates. I. A tnu Christian life is a standing proof of the Divinity of Christianity. How can the doubting husband be undeceived? By the life of the wife. 2. An txemplification of the beauties of holiness is a constant persuasion. Acts of forgiveness, endurance, sacrifice, adherence to right, etc., gradually tell even on the hardened, and often loudly plead for Christ. 3. Conquest by the passive virtues is God's own method. Men dislike direct assaults on their moral nature, but often open their hearts spontaneously to what seems to make no onset. God recognizes that in his dealings with us. The meaning of his cross is, in fact, that he expects to subdue us by suffering for us and bearing with us. Wt: may expect to win by the same means. lIL THIS IS OJILY AOOO.MPLISHED BY PERSONAL HEART-CULTURE, How can we gain this becoming character? The passage answers, "By heart-work." Christian character grows from within. 1. Life is a refte:r; of faith. "What a man believes, that is he." Love, peace, purity, power, etc., are the proper fruits of trust in God; thereforr strengthen your faith. 2. Character is according to companionship. We become lib those with whom we associate. They take knowledge of those who have been with Jesus.... God impresses his image on the soul that is much with him.-C. N.
Ver. 7.-The Christian husband called to enjoy spiritual blessings with the Christian wife. A happier case is supposed than the preceding. The husband is "won;" they 3+e "heirs together of the grace of life; " and there opens before them the possibility of blessing they have never known. But even this has a touch of sadness in it, If it be painful for the one member in this relationship having a piety in which the other has no share, it is only one degree less so when they share it equally, but live as though they di,d not. Sharin"' in all else, but units and solitary in things eternal. Two fellow- travellers walking to Emmaus, each talking with Jesus as they go, but neither with the other-that is the case supposed here, (" According to knowledge; n equivalent to knowledge of what is possible and due to two hearts bound together, first by natural relationsbip, and then by common love to God.) I. THE BLESSEDNESS OF MUTUAL PIETY IN HUBilAND AND WIFE. They are both "heirs of the grace of life;" but the fear is that they do not dwell with one another as "1eirs together." Two persons may make the same journey, and never speak, How on, 111. 1-22.] 'fHE FIRS'l' EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER. 153