October 17

"nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his."

The last is "Lucas." He was "the beloved physician." By his skill he could render himself useful even to the bodies of men: and to the honour of the profession he it observed, that we have always found men of this learned and liberal order, the most ready to exercise self-denial and beneficence in the service of suffering humanity. But Luke employed himself also in writing. He was the third evangelist; and compiled the Acts of the Apostles. Of the last four of these five saluters of Philemon it is observable, that Paul calls them "his fellow-labourers." The name is sometimes applied to those who are not expressly ministers of the word. He calls Priscilla and Aquilla his "helpers in Christ;" and speaks of "those women who laboured with him in the Gospel." He does not mean that they taught publicly in the church, a practice which he had forbidden: but there are many ways in which we may be fellow-helpers to the truth, consistently with every other duty. But the term is more usually significant of those who laboured in word and doctrine; and it is probable that this was the case with each of these individuals.

But let us observe the benediction of Paul himself. This is more extensive than the salutation. The salutation is addressed to Philemon only; but this takes in his wife Apphia, and Archippus his fellow-soldier, and the church in his house; and therefore he says, "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." If there be one word which was dearer to Paul than another, it was the word "grace." Indeed we may call it the darling word of inspiration. But why is it named the grace "of our Lord Jesus Christ?" Because by his obedience and death he was the medium of its extension to the children of men. And because also he is the source of its residence; it hath pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. Hence we are commanded to be strong "in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Hence it is said, "Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."

But why does the Apostle say "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit?" Because this is the principal seat of all real religion. Out of this are the issues of life. And therefore it is said, "Take heed to your spirit." We are no longer in a right state than while we are in "a right spirit;" and this—and the Apostle perfectly knew it, is and can be no further right than as it is possessed and influenced by this grace. This grace will make it a spirit of faith, a spirit of love, a spirit of adoption. This grace will lead it into all truth, and prepare it for every duty. This grace will enable it to resist temptation, to bear prosperity, to endure affliction, to triumph in death. The Apostle knew that fresh supplies of it were necessary, but he knew also, not only from his own experience, but from the declaration of the Saviour himself, that it was equal to every season, every condition, every exigency; for he had said to him, and to every believer, "My grace is sufficient for thee." This therefore he deemed the most important endowment he could wish for his friends. Had he known any thing more valuable he would have implored it on their behalf. But he knew grace was the best gift. He knew that nothing could be a