‏ 1 Timothy 2

* Prayer to be made for all persons, since the grace of the

gospel makes no difference of ranks or stations. (1-7) How men

and women ought to behave, both in their religious and common

life. (8-15)

1-7 The disciples of Christ must be praying people; all,

without distinction of nation, sect, rank, or party. Our duty as

Christians, is summed up in two words; godliness, that is, the

right worshipping of God; and honesty, that is, good conduct

toward all men. These must go together: we are not truly honest,

if we are not godly, and do not render to God his due; and we

are not truly godly, if not honest. What is acceptable in the

sight of God our Saviour, we should abound in. There is one

Mediator, and that Mediator gave himself a ransom for all. And

this appointment has been made for the benefit of the Jews and

the Gentiles of every nation; that all who are willing may come

in this way, to the mercy-seat of a pardoning God, to seek

reconciliation with him. Sin had made a quarrel between us and

God; Jesus Christ is the Mediator who makes peace. He is a

ransom that was to be known in due time. In the Old Testament

times, his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, were

spoken of as things to be revealed in the last times. Those who

are saved must come to the knowledge of the truth, for that is

God's appointed way to save sinners: if we do not know the

truth, we cannot be ruled by it. 8-15 Under the gospel, prayer is not to be confined to any one

particular house of prayer, but men must pray every where. We

must pray in our closets, pray in our families, pray at our

meals, pray when we are on journeys, and pray in the solemn

assemblies, whether more public or private. We must pray in

charity; without wrath, or malice, or anger at any person. We

must pray in faith, without doubting, and without disputing.

Women who profess the Christian religion, must be modest in

apparel, not affecting gaudiness, gaiety, or costliness. Good

works are the best ornament; these are, in the sight of God, of

great price. Modesty and neatness are more to be consulted in

garments than elegance and fashion. And it would be well if the

professors of serious godliness were wholly free from vanity in

dress. They should spend more time and money in relieving the

sick and distressed, than in decorating themselves and their

children. To do this in a manner unsuitable to their rank in

life, and their profession of godliness, is sinful. These are

not trifles, but Divine commands. The best ornaments for

professors of godliness, are good works. According to St. Paul,

women are not allowed to be public teachers in the church; for

teaching is an office of authority. But good women may and ought

to teach their children at home the principles of true religion.

Also, women must not think themselves excused from learning what

is necessary to salvation, though they must not usurp authority.

As woman was last in the creation, which is one reason for her

subjection, so she was first in the transgression. But there is

a word of comfort; that those who continue in sobriety, shall be

saved in child-bearing, or with child-bearing, by the Messiah,

who was born of a woman. And the especial sorrow to which the

female sex is subject, should cause men to exercise their

authority with much gentleness, tenderness, and affection.