LET US SEEK TO KNOW CHRIST OTHERWISE THAN HE IS KNOWN BY THE WORLD.

JOHN xiv. 20-.5.

20 because I live, ye shall-live also. At that day ye shall-know that I am in my Father, 21 and ye in me, and I in you. He that-hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it-is that loveth me: and he that-loveth me shall-be-loved of my Father, and I will-love 22 him, and will-manifest lupavow myself to-him. Judas saith unto-him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is-it 7 YeYove that thou-wilt manifest thyself unto-us, and not unto-the 23 world? Jesus answered and said unto-him, If a-man love me, he-will-keep my words: and my Father will-love him, and we-will-come unto him, and make our abode with 24 μovny Tap' him. He that-loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which 25 ye-hear is not mine, but the-Father's which-sent me. These-things have-I-spoken untoSCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

NOTES.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

[24 ver. He that manifests a disregard of the word of Christ, need not pretend to be a lover of his person. He may be enamoured with some image of his own creation, but he does not love the Saviour, else he would keep his word, which is the word of God.]

BE NOT SOON SHAKEN IN MIND,-2 Thess. ii. 2.

LOVE TO CHRIST IS TO BE MANIFESTED BY OUR KEEPING THE WORDS OF CHRIST.

BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD:-Ephes. ii. 8.

JOHN xiv. 26.9.

26 you, being-yet-present with uevov rap' you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will-send in my name, he shall-teach you all-things, and 27 bring-all-things-to-your'remembrance, whatsoever I-have-said unto-you. Peace I-leave with-you, my peace I-give unto-you: not as the world giveth, give I unto-you. Let28 not your heart-be-troubled, neither let-it-be-afraid deλarw. Ye-have-heard how I said unto-you, I-go-away, and come again unto you. If ye-loved me, ye-would-rejoice, 29 because I-said, I-go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than-I. And now I

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

26. the Comforter-see before, ver. 16, .7, supra. the Holy Ghost, &c. Here the doctrine of the Trinity, the foundation truth of the New Testament revelation, is again presented as in ver. 16, supra, p. 383.

Jno. xiv. 25. being yet present with you-in his body guide the apostles in their expository epistles, as in as man, as in ch. xiii. 33, supra, p. 373- and on that to the Hebrews, and those of James and Peter account of which he could say of the Spirit, xiv. 17,-He was also to superintend their labours in the 'He dwelleth with you,' giving of the gospels, which were written either by or under the direction of the apostles, ch. xv. 26, .7, p. 391; Lu. i. 1, 2, § 1, p. 1-It is also by the help of the Spirit that men are enabled to understand the scriptures aright, so as rightly to apply them; and have them in seasonable remembrance, so as to compare spiritual things with spiritual, 1 Co. ii. 13-.6see above. 27. Peace, &c.-Rom.v. 1, Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ :' my peace-It is his; he hath dearly purchased itCol. i. 20, having made peace through the blood of his cross,' I give unto you-Eph. ii. 8, 'By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:'

teach you all things-1 Co. ii. 10-.6, God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11, For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12, Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13, Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14, But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15, But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16, For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.'-See Jno. xvi. 13, infra; 1 Jno. ii. 20-.7. your remembrance-Not only was the Spirit to

28. I go away, &c.-see on ver. 2-4, supra, p. 380. I go unto the Father-see on ver. 5-14, supra, p. 381.

greater than I- He was one with the Father in glory, but he had made himself of no reputation, that he might lift man up to sit with him on his throne, Eph. ii. 5, 6; Ph. ii. 6-11-When he ascended on high, he went to enjoy the glory he had with the Father, Jno. xvii. 5, infra, p. 399, before the world was.'

NOTES.

Jno. xiv. 26. But the Comforter, &c. The connection with ver. 25 is as follows: " But since of the things which I have spoken unto you, during my presence with you, some are imperfectly understood, and soon will be forgotten by you, the Comforter, &c."'Lonsdale and Hale. And see on ver. 16, p. 383.

This was a full promise that they should be inspired, and that in recording the truths necessary for our edification, they should be under the infallible guidance of the Holy Ghost. In my name. For my sake, and in my place. Comp. ver. 13, .6, pp. 382, ..3. [He shall teach, &c. The language in which the Holy Ghost is spoken of here, and in ch. xv. 26; xvi. 7-15, plainly points him out as a Person distinct from the Father and the Son; while the offices ascribed to him in these passages no less plainly point him out as God.] 27. Peace I leave with you. Christ here speaks of himself as the giver of that peace which, in other places of scripture, is spoken of as coming from God. See Is xxri 3; Ph. iv. 7; Col. iii. 15. ['Here we have not (what some have supposed) a mere form of farewell, but a solemn and affecting valediction and benediction, as of one about to part with his friends, and therefore leaving behind him his blessing as a bequest. For åpinu, I leave, may have the sense to bequeath; and so we use the word

to leave. Adoo, I give, is well added after ȧpínu;
the two terms being usually conjoined in the word-
ing of a will.
The full import here of alphvn, peace, is (as Lampe
shews at large) peace with God, Ph. iv. 7, peace of
conscience.'-Bloomf.]

Not as the world giveth. The salutations and benedictions of the world are generally matters of custom and polite ceremony, given without desire or design. To his followers Jesus gives peace, procures it, preserves it, and establishes it. He is the author, prince, promoter, and keeper of peace.

[28. If ye loved me. The sense is, "If ye loved me" as ye ought, ye would not, from a regard to your own loss, grieve at my departure, but "would rejoice" on my account, because, as I have said, I am going to my Father; for my Father, who is in heaven, is greater than I am, as long as I remain among you upon earth; and it is to the participation of this greatness that I am now about to return.-See ch. xvii. 5, p. 399. Christ here speaks of himself as inferior to the Father, with reference to the nature which he took upon himself when he became man. When he spoke of himself with reference to his Divine nature, he asserted his equality and unity with the Father.-See ch. v. 18, § 23, p. 177; x. 30-.6, § 56, p. 122; also i. 1-3, 14, § 7, pp. 46, .8; Ph. ii. 5-8.' Lonsdale and Hale.]

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.
by his dying for our sins; and his power, by his
rising again for our justification.
[The true believer may well be at peace; in his
behalf Christ hath answered every claim of justice-
he need not be afraid; Christ hath overcome all his
deadly foes, and secured for him the victory.

Jno. xiv. 26. By an infallible aid were the apostles led into the knowledge of all they were to communicate to us in their epistles; by the same assistance they were enabled truly to record the sayings of Christ when upon earth as has been done in the gospels. [27 ver. May we, as having the word of God dwell. ing in us richly in all wisdom, know also by experience that PEACE which is the bequest of our blessed Redeemer.]

Unlike the world, Jesus gives what he is willing and able to give. His sincerity is abundantly proved VOL. II.]

|

28 ver. True honour rejoices in the honour and happiness of the object beloved. Let us rejoice that He who humbled himself unto the death for us, is now with the Father on his throne.

[29 ver. Let us beware of regarding prophecy as a
[385

HE IS OUR PEACE,-Ephes. ii. 14.

FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS,- Ephes. ii. 10.

FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE

JOHN xiv. 30, .1.

have-told you before it-come-to-pass, that, when it-is-come-to-pass, ye-might-believe. 30 Hereafter I-will-not-talk much with you for the prince of this world cometh, and 31 hath nothing in me. But that the world may-know that I-love the Father; and as the Father gave-me-commandment, even-so I-do. Arise, let-us-go hence.

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

Jno. xiv. 29. I have told you, &c.-To wit, that they, as loving him, would rejoice upon his going to the Father, ver. 28-The joy of the Holy Ghost was given them upon Christ's ascension, Ac. ii. 1-13, 41, .6, .7.

when it is come to pass, &c.-The fulfilment of the promise as to the anointing-The oil of joy' formed one of the principal features of Peter's discourse, on the day of Pentecost, in his exhorting men to believe, Ae. ii.-see Jno. xiii. 19, p. 370.

30. prince of this world-see ch. xii. 31, § 82, p. 268; and comp. Rev. xii. 3-9.

and hath nothing in me-There was nothing in common between them-they were entirely opposed, so that nothing was to be expected from such a meeting but the most deadly conflict-see the hour

of darkness, Mt. xxvi. 37-46, [Lu. xxii. 40-.6,] § 88,
p. 413.
31. that I love the Father-For this was he willing
to endure the cross, despising the shame, Ph. ii. 8,
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the
death of the cross.'

as the Father gave me, &c.-It was in obedience to
the command of the Father that he laid down his
life, ch. x. 17, .8, § 55, p. 116, Therefore doth my
Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I
No man taketh it from me,
might take it again.
but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it
This com-
down, and I have power to take it again.
mandment have I received of my Father.'

NOTES.

That, when it is come, &c. That when all that I have now foretold to you is come to pass,' your belief in me may be fully established.—Comp. ch. xiii. 19, § 86, p. 370; xvi. 4, p. 393.

Jno. xiv. 29. Before it come to pass. Before my might know that he loved the Father. So should we death, resurrection, and ascension. bear trials. So should we resist temptation. Arise, let us go hence. It has been commonly supposed, that Jesus and the apostles now rose from the paschal supper and went to the mount of Olives, and that the remainder of the discourse in ch. xv., xvi., together with the prayer in ch. xvii., was delivered while on the way to the garden of Gethsemane. But some have supposed that they merely rose from the table, and that the discourse was finished before they left the room. It was now probably towards midnight, and the scene, wherever it took place, was one of great interest and tenderness. Jesus, with a little band, was going himself to die, and counselling his little company in regard to their duties and dangers, and, in the stillness of the night, invoking the protection and blessing of God his Father, to attend, to sanctify, and to guide them in the arduous labours, the toils, and persecutions, that they were yet to endure, ch. xvii.

30. Hath nothing in me. There is in me no principle or feeling that accords with his, and nothing therefore by which he can prevail. Temptation has its power because there are some principles of evil in us which accord with the designs of the tempter, and which may be excited by presenting corresponding objects till our virtue be overcome. Where there is no such principle, temptation has no

power.

[31. But.... may know, &c. Here (as often after da, and before va and such particles) something is left to be supplied from the subject-matter. The full sense seems to be, "But [the prince of the world is permitted to assault me] that the world may know," &c.'-Bloomf.]

So I do. He shewed that, in the face of calamities, and persecutions, and temptations, he was disposed to obey his Father. This he did, that the world

The reader should carefully note the conduct of our Lord. He goes to die as a SACRIFICE, out of love to mankind, in obedience to the Divine will, and with unshaken courage. All our actions should be formed on this plan. They should have the love of God and man for their principle and motive; his glory for their end; and his will for their rule. He who lives and acts thus shall live for ever. Amen.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.
on the earth. Taking to us the whole armour of
God,' may we be strong in the Lord, and in the power
of his might, Eph. vi. 10, .1.

mere matter of curious speculation; it was given for our use: not only that we may know what to look for in the purposes of God; but that, when we see his words fulfilled, we may the more confidently trust in Him, and assuredly expect the full accomplishment of all that he has promised.]

[Jno. xiv. 30. If the prince of this world' had the hardihood to attack even 'THE PRINCE OF LIFE,' in whom he could find nothing, can we hope to escape his assaults, when in us there is so much of the world whereby he may work our destruction? May we be prepared for the conflict, by being found in Christ, setting our affections on things above, not on things

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIV. What a safe and suitable object of faith is our Redeemer! All his Father's perfections shine in him, as his only-begotten Son and mediatorial Servant. There is no saving knowledge of, faith in, or fellowship with, God, but through him. Infinite was his condescension in becoming his Father's servant, and cheerfully yielding up himself to obedience and sufferings. And great is the glory to which he is advanced as his reward. It is a sure confirmation to our faith that all his predictions are exactly accomplished. And strong is the consolation to our souls that he is our new and living way to God and glory; and that he has risen from the dead, and in our nature ascended to heaven, to secure our interest there, and provide delightful mansions for us. In death, and at the resurrection, he will therefore receive us to, and

386]

May every temptation and trial through which we have to pass make only the more manifest that the love of God rules in our hearts; that as the Father hath given us commandment even so we do.

Every moment has its proper duty. May we know what the duty is to which we are now called; and even although it should call us from the joys of social intercourse with the disciples of Jesus, may we cheerfully rise to its performance.

keep us for ever with, himself. His life secures ours, spiritual and eternal; and his and his Father's presence, and his Spirit's indwelling influence, shall refresh and comfort our hearts; his peace allays our troubles and our fears; his answers to our prayers supply our wants; and his instructions and influences infallibly conduct us to the heavenly mansions, where we shall sit with him on his throne, and see him as he is. Astonishing is it that he should thus manifest himself unto us and not unto the world! And if we desire further discoveries of his glory, and experience of his goodness, let us love him, keep his commandments, and faithfully follow him whithersoever he goeth. And dying with him now, we shall experience, in resurrection glory, the blessedness of a good hope through faith.

TAKE....THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD,-Ephes. vi. 13.

[VOL. II.

RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACKS.-Ephes. vi. 12.

LET US BE FOUND IN CHRIST FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION, AS WE WOULD HAVE HIM IN US FOR OUR SANCTIFICATION.

No. 87 continued.-[Lesson 88.]- The consolation and mutual love of Christ and his people, under the parable of the True Vine. 18 Comfort under the hatred and persecution of the world. 26 The office of the Holy Ghost.-John xv.

ANALYSIS.

Jno. xv. 1. Jesus is the True Vine, and his privilege in the case of bringing forth fruit perFather the husbandman. severingly. Why he commands these things. Jno. xv. 18, .9. Jesus shews why they may expect to be hated by the world.

2.

The different result of trial in the cases of the unfruitful and of the fruitful branches. 3. The disciples made clean through Jesus' words. 4, 5. Only by abiding in Christ can they be expected to bring forth fruit. He that abideth in Christ, and Christ in him, bringeth forth much fruit. 6. He that abideth not in Christ is cast forth, withered, gathered by men, cast into the fire, burned.

7. As abiding in Christ, and having his words abiding in us, our prayers are heard of God. 8. It is by bringing forth much fruit that the disciples of Christ glorify his Father and act as becomes his disciples. 9-11. Jesus intimates that he hath loved them, not only with the love of pity, but of complacency, as the Father hath loved Him; and he tells them how they may continue the objects of his delight, and have in themselves a fulness of joy.

24.

20, .1. He reminds them of what he had said, ch. xiii. 16; and again warns them to expect the same treatment as their Master, men being ignorant of Him by whom He was sent into the world. 22, .3. Jesus declares the Jews'unbelief sinful and inexcusable. If he had not come and spoken unto them they would have been comparatively guiltless: in hating Him they hated also the Father. If he had not done among them works that gave full proof of his being the Son of God, and that his mission is approved of the Father, they would have been less guilty; but now they have seen and hated both Him and his Father. Even the unreasonable rejection of Jesus by the Jews may confirm the faith of his true disciples: that rejection being in fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy respecting him. 26, .7. Beside his own witness, ver. 22, .3, and the Father's witness by works, ver. 24, and in the scriptures, ver. 25, Jesus shews that a double witness the Spirit of Truth, sent by him from the Father; was yet to come forth respecting him-the witness of and, secondly, the witness of the apostles, in their recording what they saw and heard, as having been with Jesus during his public ministry. JOHN XV. 1-3.

12, .3. What is implied in Christ's com mandment, that they love one another, as he has loved them. 14, .5. How they may enjoy his friendship. Why he calls them not servants but friends.

16, .7. They have not chosen him, but he them; the design of their appointment, and their

1

25.

I am the true vine i àμπeλos i åλnovn, and my Father is the husbandman. 2, Every branch in me that-beareth not fruit he-taketh-away: and every branch that beareth

3 fruit, he-purgeth ka@ape it, that it-may-bring-forth more fruit. Now ye are clean

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

Jno. xv. 1. I am the true vine-In the blessing of Judah, there was a special reference to the vine-Ge. xlix. 11, 'Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine;'-Judah was a deceitful vine, although he gave promise of being the Lord's 'pleasant plant,' &c., Is. v. 7-the spreading vine of low stature that despised the oath by breaking the covenant,' Eze. xvii. 6-18-see also xix. 10—4— In opposition to the degenerate vine, Jesus was The True Vine.'

husbandman-see Mt. xxi. 33, § 81, p. 286-1 Co. iii. 9, Ye are God's husbandry,' 2. taketh away-exemplified in the case of Judas,

ch. xiii. 26-30, supra, p. 372-see on Mt. xv.13, § 44, p. 8. 36-8, pp. 366, .74, supra-who afterwards was emipurgeth it-so with regard to Peter, ch. xiii. 6-10, nently fruitful-see Ac. ii., iv., X., &c.

3. clean through the word, &c.-We must use the word as the great instrument of cleansing, if we would have the intercession of Christ, ch. xvii. 17, p. 402, infra- Divers washings' were imposed until the time of reformation,' He. ix. 10 but the true 'washing of water by the word,' Eph. v. 26, is, 1 Pe. i. 22, in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren,'-see on Mt. xvi. 17, § 50, p. 37, Simon.'

NOTES.

Jno. xv. 1. I am the true vine. As the nourishment | sions, and less luxuriant appearance, like the timid of each branch or tendril of the vine that produces and humble believer, produce much fruit. fruit passes through the main stem, so Jesus is the source of all blessing whereby our souls are nourished [He purgeth it. He pruneth. The branch which to eternal life. So the true bread, ch. vi. 32, § 43, p. 328. bears not fruit, the husbandman, aips abré, taketh IT [The Jewish church had been symbolized in the away; but the branch that beareth fruit, xalaips Old Testament by a choice vine, Ps. lxxx. 8-11; Is. abrò, he taketh away FROM it, i.e., he prunes away v. 1-7; Je. ii. 21; but when this highly-favoured hinder its increasing fruitfulness.] excrescences, and removes everything that might vine degenerated, it was threatened to be rooted up and superseded by the christian church, founded in That it may bring forth more fruit. This is one Christ himself, as the true vine, of which his disciples of the noblest rewards God can bestow on former acts were to be the members or branches.] of obedience, to render us fit for more eminent service. My Father is the husbandman. Is he who trains More fruit. λslova kapwov. Not only more fruit, and cultivates the vine that it may bear fruit. but better in quality; for the difference between the 2. Every branch that beareth fruit. To bear fruit works done under the gospel, and those of mere is to shew by our lives that we are under the influence nature, is like that which exists between the fruit of of christian principles. Some branches of the vine wild, and that of cultivated, trees. are showy; while others, with more modest preten

3. Ye are clean. xabapoí iore, 'ye are pruned.'

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

Jno. xv. 1, 2. It is only as united to Christ THE | dence, knowing that our heavenly Father intends TRUE VINE,' and as humbly submitting ourselves our good in them all.] unto the Father through him, that we can expect to bring forth fruit unto God.

[The unfruitful Christian must either be himself taken away, or else have that which occasions his unfruitfulness removed. Let us willingly submit to the most painful dispensations of Divine ProviVOL. II.]

[3 ver. Let the word of Christ be spoken in all faithfulness; and it will not only tend to the purification of believers, but to the purging out of false professors. Let his word-not the words of men-be the instrument of cutting off the unfruitful branches.] 4 ver. See margin.

BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER,-Ephes. iv. 32.

[387

IT IS ONLY AS BEING SAVED BY HIS GRACE, THAT WE CAN BE FRUITFUL IN THE GRACES OF THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS.

LET US GLORIFY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, BY MAKING IT MANIFEST THAT THE CULTURE BESTOWED UPON US HAS NOT BEEN IN VAIN.

JOHN XV. 4-11.

4 Kabapo, through the word which I-have-spoken unto-you. Abide in me, and-I in you. As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it-abide in the vine; no-more can ye, 5 except ye-abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that-abideth in me, and-I in him, the-same bringeth-forth much fruit: for without xwpis me ye-can do 6 nothing. If a-man abide not in me, he-is-cast forth as a branch, and is-withered; and 7 men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they-are-burned. If ye-abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye-shall-ask what ye-will, and it-shall-be-done unto-you. 8 Herein is-my Father-glorified, that ye-bear much fruit; so shall-ye-be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath-loved me, so-have-I-loved you: continue-ye μevare in my love. 10 If ye-keep my commandments, ye-shall-abide in my love; even-as I have-kept my 11 Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These-things have-I-spoken unto-you,

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

Jno. xv. 4. Abide in me, &c.-In order that we be fruitful, we must not only become separate from uncleanness, ver. 2, 3, but we must simply depend upon Jesus, deriving from him all needful nourishment, Col. i. 6, 21, 3-see Jno. xiv. 20, p. 384, supra-The motives which truly influence to holy acting, spring from the consideration of our being in Christ, so Eph. iv. 32; v. 2-1 Jno. ii. 28, And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.'

I in you-If we would enjoy the comfort of knowing our abiding in Christ, we must be willing that he also abide in us, 1 Jno. v. 1-3, 13.

become abundantly fruitful, as described, ver. 5-8Is. xxvii. 5, 6, Let him take hold of my strength, .... Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.' 6. Cast forth, &c.-see described the case of those communities who have lost confidence in Christ as their only and all-sufficient Saviour, and who have consequently become unfruitful-Is. xxvii. 11, When the boughs thereof are withered,' &c.-The Romans were thus threatened, ch. xi. 20-2-see on salt which has lost his savour,' Mt. v. 13, § 19, p. 122. 7. ye shall ask-see ver. 16, infra; Mt. vii. 7-11. 8. Herein is my Father glorified, &c.-Mt. v. 16, § 19, p. 123, May see your good works, and glorify 5. I am the vine, ye... the branches-Of the church your Father which is in heaven.'-1 Pe. ii. 12, May of Rome, previous to her being cut off, it is said, by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify Rom. xi. 18, Thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. When we are in Christ for our justifica-That the Father may be glorified in the Son.' God in the day of visitation.'-Jno. xiv. 13, p. 382, tion, and he is in us for our sanctification, 2 Pe. i. 1-4, we are to give all diligence that we be not 9. As the Father, &c.-see ch. xvii. 24, infra. 'unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus 10. If ye keep-see ch. xiii. 13-7, 34, supra, Christ,' 5-9-see the fruit of the Spirit described, pp. 367, .74; xiv. 15, supra, p. 382; 1 Jno. iv. 21. Ga. v. 22, .3; Eph. v. 9; Ja. iii. 17, .8. my Father's commandments-ch. x. 17, .8, § 55, p. 116, Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life,.... This commandment have I received of my Father.'-1 Jno. iv. 11, Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love,' &c. NOTES.

much fruit-Ho. xiv. 8, From me is thy fruit found.'-It is when he feels his own utter worthlessness, turns from every creature dependence, and puts his trust simply in the Lord, that Israel, will

[Jno. xv. 3. Through the word. Aià rov Xoyer, through that word-that doctrine of holiness which I have incessantly preached unto you, and which ye have received. Perhaps our Lord more immediately refers here to the words which he had spoken concerning Judas, ch. xiii. 21-30, p. 370, in consequence of which, Judas went out and finished his bargain with the chief priests; he being gone off, the body of the apostles was purified; and thus he might say, 'Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you."] 4. Abide in me. Comp. ver. 7, 10, .2, .4, where our Lord points out to his disciples the means whereby they might abide in him.

Abide in you.

|

suffered to remain in you as a living principle, to
regulate your affections and life.
faith, and they produce more fruit.
Ye shall ask. Prayers themselves are a fruit of

8. Herein is my Father glorified. God is honoured
in the sight of men, when his children do good as
God, and the world sees that the whole tendency of
they have opportunity. In so doing they imitate
in us that which is lovely, and true, and honest, and
the Divine administration and character is to produce
of good report.-Comp. Mt. vii. 20, § 19, p. 140;
Ph. iv. 8.
That ye bear much fruit. Always abounding in
the work of the Lord. This honours God, and
makes men speak to his praise.
So shall ye be my disciples. This is a true test of
character. It is not by profession, but it is by a holy
life, that the character is tried.
9. Continue ye in my love. That is, as appears
from the words immediately preceding, continue to
be loved by me; continue to possess that love with
which I at present love you.'

་

And I in you. The sense is, That I also may abide in you. 5. Ye are the branches. The apostles were to receive nourishment from the grace of the Lord; and to spread abroad, declaring the goodness of God in the abundant blessing presented in the gospel. Without me. Or, 'severed from me.' 7. My words. My doctrine; my commandments. Not only are remembered, but are 10. Ye shall abide in my love. Enjoy its continuance. PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS. Jno. xv. 5. Let us never forget that it is by bringing forth much fruit, our discipleship is to be known. It is only by having our life in and from Christ, that fruitfulness can be at all produced in us. Our trust must be simply in Christ, and let us manifest this, not by merely abstaining from evil, but by bringing forth much fruit unto God. [6 ver. That which is here spoken of an individual, is true of a church: when it ceases to look to Christ alone for life, it ceases to have life from him; it is withered, and is then gathered by the hands of men: it goes into the furnace, not for purification, but for consumption. It is not as being gathered together by man, but as abiding in the Lord, that the churches are placed in safety.]

7 ver. As trusting entirely in Christ our all-powerful Intercessor, and as having his Spirit making 388]

intercession in us, we ask according to the mind of
God, and so as to receive whatever we ask.
8 ver. See margin.

[9 ver. The Father loved the Son, having delight in him who was obedient in all things, even unto death. O that we may enjoy and continue in the love of the Son, as he abode in the love of the Father!]

10 ver. By doing as our Lord has commanded may we be such as He can delight in-disciples whom Jesus loves. It was thus that he honoured the Father; and thus was be honoured of Him.

11 ver. Let us know the instructions of Christ, and diligently follow them; as we desire that he should have joy in us, and we the fulness of joy in Him.

WALK IN LOVE,-Ephes. v. 2.

[VOL II.

LET US BE FOUND TRUE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, BY ABOUNDING IN THE PROPER FRUITS OF HIS TEACHING.