ADMITTING that the Bible be the word of God, we might have inferred, from his wisdom and goodness, that no part of it can be useless. But we are expressly assured that "all Scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Therefore this long postscript, this catalogue of particular salutations, has its uses.
It certainly shows us the principle that actuated the first Christians----all men were to know that they were the disciples of Christ by their loving one another.
It shows, also, how mistaken they are who think the New Testament does not sanction private friendship.
It also proves how impossible it was to forge this epistle, abounding as it does with so many specific allusions : for these not only render detection possible, but easy. Hence Paley much avails himself of this chapter in his Horae Paulinae ; a work of uncommon excellence, and which deals only in the argument derivable from incidental evidence.
Neither is it improper to observe from it the error of Popery. Papists say that Peter was the bishop of Rome. But had he been there, is it credible for a moment that he would have been overlooked by our apostle? The probability indeed is, that he never was there. There is no evidence of it in the Scripture; and we know for what purposes of delusion it has been pretended----the Roman succession of bishops from him.
But who can help observing how many females are mentioned here? Phebe, Priscilla, Mary, Junia, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persil, the mother of Rufus, Julia, the sister of Nereus. All these, with the exception of two, are not only mentioned, but commended ; and these two would not have been saluted by name unless they had been persons of religious excellence, for Paul valued no other qualities compared with this. But all the rest of these worthies have ascribed to them some attainment or service "in the Lord.''
Let not therefore females suppose that they are cut off from usefulness, and usefulness even in the cause of Christ. The most eminent servants of God have acknowledged their obligations to them, and ascribe no little of their success to their care and kindness. The public ministry is not indeed open to them, neither is the army, or navy, or the senate ; and good sense will acquiesce in the distinctions and determinations of heaven, especially when it is seen that they are 'not founded on any principle of degradation, but in the obvious proprieties of life. If they have not authority, they have influence, which is far better and more deeply effective. Servants have blessed God for pious mistresses. Children have been prepared for the preaching of the word, and the devotion of the sanctuary, by the earlier but important efforts of a mother. How much does even the religious public owe to the mothers of Newton and Cecil, and a thousand more, from whom the churches have derived such able ministers. To Hannah we owe a Samuel, and to Lois and Eunice, his mother and grandmother, we owe a Timothy.
They are at home in almsdeeds, like Dorcas, who made garments for the poor; and are peculiarly adapted to visit the sick and the afflicted. The wife may win the irreligious husband without the word, and fan his devotion and give speed to his zeal when he is in the way everlasting. Who would keep them from those public meetings where feelings are to be excited, which they will be sure to carry away and improve at home? In a word, women have the finest heads and hearts and hands and tongues for usefulness in the world. Who does not wish to see them always under a religious principle? Who would not have them, appropriately, more encouraged and employed as workers together with the servants of Christ? "Help," therefore says the apostle," those women that labored with me in the gospel, whose names are in the book of life."
RETURN
TO REV. WILLIAM JAY'S HOMEPAGE
RETURN
TO REV. THOMAS BOSTON'S HOMEPAGE
