If modesty and humility were the duty of the wife; so a corresponding duty was required of the husband.

7. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Every relation of life, more especially that sacred and most important relation which is formed by marriage, should be hallowed by prayer. The apostle does not stop to command this, but takes it for granted and forbids the things which might render prayer less regular or fervent that your prayers be not hindered. For prayers would be hindered, on the one side, by the want of a meek and quiet spirit; and on the other, by the failure of that respect and consideration which is due to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, the one on whom the heavier burthen of domestic life devolves.

Towards all with whom he has concern, courtesy, kindness, meekness, and forbearance, are to mark the character of the Christian. But most of all are they required in that sacred connexion which God appointed from the first, when he determined that it was "not good for man to be alone;" but ordained that "a man should leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife, and they twain should be one flesh." 4 And the apostle urges the strongest motive for hallowing this union, when he says, that ye may be heirs together of the grace of

4 Gen. ii. 18. Matt. xix. 5.

:

life that the union may be not temporal, but eternal: and being adorned by a christian spirit, and cemented by purity and prayer, may be renewed and perpetuated in the kingdom of God. Here, in this uncertain world, it must be ruffled by cares and anxieties; and here it may be interrupted --we know not how soon-and broken: but there it will be perfect, and lasting : free from alloy, and secure from interruption.

"Wherefore let every man see that he so love his wife, even as himself: and the wife see that she reverence her husband." 5

LECTURE XXXIII.

CHRISTIANS EXHORTED TO PATIENCE UNDER INJURIES, AND MEEKNESS UNDER PROVOCATIONS.

1 PETER iii. 8-16.

8. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9. Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing : but contrariwise blessing: knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

To this are ye called: for this purpose are ye selected and "made to differ" from others to whom the tidings of the Gospel have not been revealed,

5 Eph. v. 33.

:

that " ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you," and so inherit an eternal blessing. That blessing which is pronounced upon "the meek for they shall inherit the earth." That blessing which is pronounced upon "the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." That blessing which is pronounced upon "the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." That blessing which is promised to those who are patient under injuries and persecution, according to the precept given them; "Love your enemies, bless them which curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you: that ye may be the children of Father which is in heaven.

your

Nor was this any new commandment. It had been neglected in the practice, even of those who knew the will of God: but it was required in the Scripture from the beginning. God had always promised his blessing to those who thus rule their lives. The Psalmist had said, (Psa. xxxiv. 12,)

10. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.

11. Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

13. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

1 Matt. v. 44.

Such is the providence of God. He favours the pitiful, the courteous, the lover of peace, the man who takes heed to his words, "that he offend not with his tongue. The world is so ordered, that the followers of that which is good have their reward. The Lord watches over them, and "makes even their enemies to be at peace with them.' The world, with all its faults, does not commonly assail the just, the sober-minded, the charitable, the peacemaker. Or if it should be unfavourably disposed towards them, it cannot harm them with any real or important injury: they may have to bear a few harsh words, or uncandid suspicions: but it is not often in men's power, even if it is their will, to inflict on the followers of good any serious harm.

Such is the general rule. But there are exceptions. There have been times, and in the early days of the Gospel those times were frequent, when goodness, meekness, charity, would not profit men, or secure them against heavy persecution. The apostle proceeds to fortify their minds, and prepare them for trials.

14. But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear:

16. Having a good conscience; that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil-doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Such was the counsel given them, if they met with ill treatment and opposition. First to arm themselves with a thought which shall overcome all inferior thoughts. In the words of Isaiah, (viii. 12,) Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Fill your minds with such a sense of the majesty of God, as may enable you to reverence him first, and preserve you from being troubled with the fear of man.

Next be ready to give an answer, when asked, concerning the reason of your hope. The heathen religion would bear no inquiry. No ground could be shown, why men should worship the work of their own hands; or reverence as gods, those who were described as having like passions with themselves. But the Christian had reason on his side: had an answer to give to every man that asked him, Why do you separate from our company, and join not with us "in the same excess of riot?" "Our conversation is in heaven," he would reply, "from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ," that "when he shall appear, we also may appear with him in glory."

What reason have you to look for him? He was foretold from the beginning of the world, and devout men were expecting him on earth, when he was born in Bethlehem of Judea, and the messenger announced him, proclaiming, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." As he then appeared, and fulfilled all that was written in Scripture concerning himself; so we believe that he will appear again a second time, and receive his followers into his everlasting kingdom.