some motive or motives. Christian work is no exception to this rule, In Christian propagnndism thore m11y be various motives; e.g. zeal for a cause or society, or for the spread of certain doctrinos or forms of Church government, etc. Each of these is allowable in its place; but neither of them is the highest and best motive of Christian service. The most devoted workers in Christianity have a nobler motive than any one or all of these, "Go into a. large manufacturing establishment. If yoll will notice co.refully, you will perceive a. large shaft running the whole length of the build- ing, 'l'o this are attached wheels, and bands go from these wheels to other wheds, and in these is inserted short shafting, o.nd to it are attached augers, saws, kuives, and chisels; and by these an immense amount of mechanical work is done. .But what is the cause of all this motion'? Where is the secret power which makes all this machinery do the work of five hundred men? The answer is easily given. It is steam, Let the steam go down, and this whole machinery would become as still and silent as the grave" (C. M. Temple). And the grand motive power for working the machinery of Christianity is love to the Lord Jesus Christ; not zeal for doctrines, however sound, but love to a Person; not the desire to build up the Cburch, still less to extend a. denomination or sect; but a passionate attachment to the living Lord of the Church. Christ himself is the life of Christianity. The great motive of the noblest Christian work is supreme love to him. "The love of Christ constraineth U.'!" is the explanation of the best and bravest work which is done for men. There is no motive like love; and love to a. person will always prove a stronger motive than love to a cause or a creed. When Christ is received into the heart he awakens its highest, holiest, intensest love. This love is the mightiest inspiration in Christian service. It can dare most, do most, endure most. The bravest workers go forth "lor the sake of the Name" of Jesus Christ. 2. The policy of these Ohristian missionaries. "Taking nothing of the Gentiles." The apostles held and repeatedly asserted the principle "that ~hey which proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel'' (1 Cor. ix. 14). Our Lord taught the same truth: "The labourer is worthy of his food" (Matt. x. 10). But there were cases in which it. was not expedient to enforce. this principle. 'l'he gospel should be proclaimed without charge to those who know it not; for they cannot be expected to prize it before they are acquainted with it. Therefore these early mis- sionaries, by "their own deliberate purpose," took nothing of the Gentiles to whom they went. If they had done otherwise, they might have been suspected of mercenary motives. We should always be able to say to the heathen, both at home and abroad, "I seek not yours, but you." "I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel." But when the heathen are heathen no longer, but have learned to appreciate the gospel, we may say unto them, "If we sowed unto you spiritual things," etc. (1 Cor. ix. 11, 13, 14). In these respects the apostles and the early missionaries are an example for succeeding ages. II. M1ss10NARY HELPERS, " We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers with the truth." This brings out the duty of the Church to mis- sionary workers. 1. To support the missionaries. "We ought to receive such; " Revised Version, "to welcome; " Alford, " to support." The word signifies not only "to welcome," but "to aid and strengthen." And this should be done in a worthy manner -" worthily of God." Workers for Jesus Christ should be treated with kindness, gene- rously entertained, and encouraged in their work. They need this from the Church. Without it they may "wax weary, fainting in their sculs ; " and in that case the work will suffer. 2. To co-ope1'ate with the missi(Yll,,iries. "That we might be fellow- helpers to the truth;" Revised Version," that we may be fellow-workers with the trulh;" .Alford, "that we may become fellow-workers for the truth." The ide~ is that, by supporting the missionaries, Gains would become a fellow-worker with them in promoting the cause of the truth. 'l'his is stated as a reason why he should show kindness to them and help them. It is also clearly implied that it is the duty of the Christian to be a. fellow-worker in the cause of the truth. Knowing the truth our- .::elves, we are morally bound to make it known to others. But there are many who cannot do this themselves by preaching or teaching. Then, according to St. John in our text, they should do it by encouraging a.nd supporting those who can preach or teach. "In this way," so.ys Binney," Gaius was enabled to do much; far more, in fact. in the way of preaching, than if he himself had been the moat eloquent of 10 THE THIRD EPISTLE OF JOHN. (1-14.
preachers; for by Riding mlLny, Rnd helping them on their way and in theil' work, ho wns Yirtnally speaking, at tho 11ame moment, by many mouths, and in the eye of Goel mi,;ht be regRrdod as converting m1my souls in several places \.t•d nt the eamo time, and when ot.herwise occupied himself-when he was engaged in his worldly businees, at borne in his family, asleep in his bed, at rest or on a journey, in sickness or in health, living or dead." Christians, behold your duty 1md privilege, to be either mis- sionary workers or missionary helpers.-W. J.