individual to whom this epistle was addressed, whether he was the "Gaius of Derbe," (Acts xx. 4.) or the "Gaius of Corinth," at whose house Paul wrote his epistle to the Romans, (see chap. xvi. 23.) and who was baptized by that apostle, at the commencement of his ministry in Corinth. The latter is the generally adopted opinion, and there is indeed an accordance between Paul's reference to his distinguished hospitality as not only his "host," but also " of the whole Church," and the account which the beloved disciple has given of his eminent liberality. The principal objection is founded on the supposition, that the Gaius, addressed by John, was one of his converts; and it can scarcely be doubted that the Corinthian convert, of the same name, was one whom the Apostle Paul's ministry had brought to" the obedience of the faith." In these circumstances of perplexity, it is difficult to arrive at a satisfactory decision; nor is it of any practical consequence that it should be formed. Let us therefore abandon the work of conjecture, and study the portraiture of Christian excellence before us. The first and most important principle, to which we are led by the Apostle's account, and from which all the other Christian virtues acquired their vigour and consistency, was HIS EMINENT SPIRITUALITY. We naturally infer from the epistle, that Gaius was in circumstances of indisposition; and, probably, his temporal affairs were not so flourishing as they had formerly been. The large demands made on his liberality in the support of the Christian cause, amidst all the trials and persecutions to which its ministry and professors were exposed, might have affected his resources, and diminished his means of beneficence. But amidst these afflictions "his soul prospered." Oh! what reasons for devout congratulation must have suggested themselves to the mind of the venerable apostle, while he referred to the decisive indications of his spiritual health, and made his estimate of that spirituality the measure of his wishes for his temporal prosperity! How often, with the deepest and most poignant regret, may we invert the order of this wish; and when we see our friends advancing to affluence and opulence, and succeeding in their secular pursuits, fervently pray that their souls may prosper" in proportion to the success of their worldly concerns! Numerous are the proofs of spiritual health; and the figurative allusion furnishes an interesting analogy. In a state of perfect health, there is appetite, vigour, and enjoyment. The bounties of providence are received with a zest and a relish, which no delicacies can impart to the valetudinarian, and no expense can procure for the diseased. Similar are the indications of spiritual health. The provision appointed as the aliment of the soul, the true pabulum vitæ, is enjoyed with holy gratitude. There is a "hungering and thirsting after righteousness," in consequence of which the ordinances of religion are observed with regularity, and attended with advantage. In the sacred exercises of meditation and prayer, faith lives upon "the hidden manna," and from the "bread of life," and the "fountain of living waters," purer far than Siloa's brook that flowed Fast by the oracle of God," derives those supplies of strength and consolation, which invigorate the Christian traveller in his course, and fit him for the perils and the conflicts of his pilgrimage. No class of metaphorical illustration is more frequently introduced in the descriptions of the sacred volume, than such as are derived from those ordinary means of subsistence on which animal life is dependent. With reference both to the body and the soul, it may be affirmed, that the preservative of health requires suitable provision, habitual exercise, and the blessing of Him who is the "fountain of life." As creatures, and as Christians, it becomes us ever to remember, that "man liveth not by bread alone," and that the means of nutrition and organ derive all their efficacy from the benediction of heaven. The character of Gaius was not merely of the contemplative order. He walked in the truth," and thus proved, that his spirituality was an effective and practical principle. How, indeed, could the right state of his heart towards God have been known, but by HIS CONSISTENT CONDUCT before men! "The truth" is the emphatic and appropriate designation applied to the system of evangelical instruction. It is "the truth" in opposition to error, falsehood, and "vain philosophy;"-" the truth" on every subject which concerns either our happiness or our duty; "the truth," which reveals the only basis of hope, the only source of consolation, the only way to "glory, honour, and immortality." To "walk in the truth," implies the knowledge and cordial belief of its principles, and consists in the habit of practical conformity to its dictates. All the duties of Christian fellowship, all the virtues of domestic life, and all the excellencies of social character are included in this expressive phraseology of inspiration. To "walk in the truth," is to exhibit "the work of faith, the labour of love, and the patience of hope." Each of these specified principles is connected with "the truth." Faith is the reception of its testimony; hope rests on its promises; and love is inspired by its discoveries. Hence," the truth" will form the temper, regulate the habits, and determine the cha racter of every genuine disciple. With eminent spirituality and holy consistency, the Apostle connects the display of ACTIVE BENEVOLENCE. The "brethren testified of his charity," and were able to report substantial proofs of his hospitality to the persecuted exile, and his liberal contributions to the cause of the Redeemer. He received the poor stranger with kindness, and " brought him forward on his way after a godly sort"κατα τον θεον—regarding the divine glory in the exercise of these social virtues, and mingling the sweet effusions of his piety with all the exercises of his charity. Oh! how delighted must these wanderers have been, when they met with this generous and affectionate fellow-christian! It was a delightful solace, amidst their dispersion and their sorrow, to be refreshed by the “ brotherly love" of Gaius. Under his hospitable roof they found a shelter and a home; by his disinterested attentions, they were soothed and cheered amidst their privations; and after he had parted from them, they were to think of him, as a ministering angel in the wilderness, and feel as did the Apostle Paul at Appii forum-when" he thanked God, and took couruge." Happy Gaius! thou wast amply rewarded, even in this vale of tears! In thus "ministering to the saints," thou wast a lovely image of HIM, who came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister," and HE will not forget thy "labour of love;" but conduct thee" to living fountains of water, and wipe away all tears from thine eyes!" What a model to the disciples of Christ is here presented for their imitation! Oh ye children of affluence, who profess to be the followers of the Redeemer-“ go and do likewise." Remember you are not proprietors, but stewards of the bounty of heaven. Frown not on the humble Christian as he approaches your person or your dwelling; scowl not with a dark and upbraiding aspect on the poor minister of the Gospel, when, compelled by the necessities of his situation, he solicits your support. Forget not the widow and the fatherless, the orphan and the stranger; but pour comfort into the troubled mind-wipe the tear from the eye of sorrow; as ye have opportunity, do good unto all men, but especially to the household of faith;" and let all remember the practical use, which the holy Apostle has made of this record of Christian excellence-"We ought, therefore, to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth." ་་་་་་་ 66 J. F. S. ORIGINAL LETTERS. No. I. DR. DODDRIDGE TO THE REV. MR. STEFFE. I firmly believe he has dedicated himself and them to the service of God, and the honour of the great Redeemer in the world. As I esteem it, Sir, a great instance of your candour and Christian charity, that you are willing he should be brought up amongst us, a sense of peculiar decency, in the present case, as well as of general duty, will engage me to do my utmost to promote in his mind a zeal for those great things in which, as brethren in the Lord, we all agree, rather than for those peculiarities in which, I hope and trust, we may differ without offending our common Father, or forfeiting our common hope. The bigotry and blind ignorant warmth, or rather heat of spirit, so often to be found amongst persons of all parties, is my grief; and I look upon it as one of the most important labours of my life, to do my ntmost to guard those against it, who are under my care. Oh! that the blessed time were come, when every dividing name were lost in The following letter was addressed by Dr. the great and excellent name of Doddridge to "The Rev. Mr. Steffe, at Wrentham, near Beccles, in Suffolk." It is highly characteristic of the candour, urbanity, and "excellent spirit" of the writer. Mr. Steffe was a clergyman of the Establishment, and gave a practical proof of the operation of similar principles, in placing his son under the care of Dr. Doddridge. From an interesting Memoir, published by Dr. D. and prefixed to his posthumous Sermons, it appears that Mr. Steffe, jun. died June 4th, 1740, not long after he had finished his studies, and entered on ministerial duties.-See Works, vol. iv. pp. 246--278. REV. AND WORTHY SIR,-Your very kind, friendly, and pious letter gave me so much pleasure that I cannot forbear returning an immediate answer to it. I thankfully acknowledge the various steps of Divine Providence by which your dear son was brought under my care, for I assure you I have a great and growing satisfaction in him, both with respect to the sweetness of his temper, the diligence. with which he pursues his studies, and the piety with which NEW SERIES, No. 1. Christian, which our sinful passions so often forget, and so often disgrace! I take particular notice of what you say, Sir, concerning the classics. I have often lamented the deficiencies of many pupils, and many in the learned professions, with regard to them. You know it is not my peculiar business to teach them, nor could I have engaged to do it with regard to Mr. Steffe, as I have now done, had it not been for a circumstance which I suppose you have heard; i.e. that I have with me a son of my dear and honoured tutor, now, I trust, with God, whom I have taught from his cradle; I therefore was willing to finish his education, and finding your son just fit for a companion with him in his studies, I have joined them. In the morning they read Homer and the Greek Testament to me; in the afternoon, either to me or one of my senior pupils, some E Latin classic; and, once a week, they compose in Latin or English. Translations are also their frequent employment. All that they do, is generally done very exactly, and the advantage they have of attending daily expositions in the family, and weekly critical lectures on the New Testament, with the whole academy, as well as of being conversant with persons their superiors in learning, and receiving directions from me in the choice of books and conduct of life, may, I hope, make up the want of some greater advantages for learning of languages, which they might have met with at some considerable grammarschool. I believe Mr. Barker will be willing your son should spend whatever time I think proper in the languages before he enters on academical learning. His generosity, Sir, has left you no deficiencies to supply; for I thought myself obliged to do something towards encouraging what I judged so good a design, by bringing my terms something lower than usual, and excusing him from any contributions to a little library which I have procured, partly at, and, indeed, principally at my own expense, for the use of my pupils. you so reasonably advised, and on the same maxim took care not to know so much as the name of the place where you live, nor certainly the county in which it lies; nor do I yet know either, though I must presently inform myself, that I may direct my letters and his. I beg you will make my humble services, and those of my wife, acceptable to your good lady unknown. I am greatly obliged to her for helping me to so solid, prudent, and hopeful a pupil. She may assure herself of our care of him. Please to direct his letters to me, and mark them (T), and I will take care to deliver them to your son unopened. I have nothing farther to add, but my hearty congratulations to you and madam on your recovery, and my sincere prayers for your continued life, health, usefulness, and comfort in every concern of life, public or private, personal or relative, spiritual and temporal. I desire a mutual remembrance in your prayers, and am, with cordial respect, Rev. and dear Sir, Your very affectionate Brother. And obliged humble Servant, I shall observe the precautions Northampton, Sept. 29, 1733. POETRY. ODE TO THE NEW YEAR. Of the vast cycle thou must thread, There written by the sun! Which forms thy symbol, dropt and lost. But what, ah what, avails it now, Well or ill spent, the hour that's past, And while we heave the sigh, Hail, to thee, then, thou new-born year, Oh, were my mind to shadow forth The middle watch of winter's night, Yet welcome-for thy wintry sky Could we but know !—and yet 'tis well As seems the beacon-flame more bright, Hope thou bright arch amid the storm, But oh, with trembling too! For Hope, we know thy flattering guile, Yet will we hope, thou infant year, For as thy seasons travel on, We know, thou opening year, Man-Man! oh, yield not to despair, And spreads his arch of promise there- His mercy's 'scutcheon-he will give Which nought of earth can move! Yet like that bow of promise givenThose hopes must center all in heaven! THE DECEITFUL HALO. Doth speak deceitfully. "Tis bright-but still the moon shall set With cloud-enshrouded eye, And dreary storms shall gather yet Upon this starry sky! Oh, lovely Night-that coronet Doth show deceitfully. And thus in life's beguiling dream, And when the smile doth loveliest seem, FROM POEMS BY JOSIAH CONDER. Psalm xxiii. THE Lord my shepherd is, His wisdom doth provide He leads my feet; and, when I roam, He leads, himself the way His faithful flock should take: Let me but feel Him near, Still is my table spread : Still hope and grateful praise Shall form my constant song; Shall cheer my gloomiest days, And tune my dying tongueUntil my ransom'd soul shall rise To praise Him better in the skies. E 2 |