Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

1. The Persons, to whom the Apostle doth direct it: And, they are private Christians. This is apparent; (1.) In that, here is no intimation given, that he intended any other. Not one of those Characters are set upon them, whereby the Pastors, or Guides of the Church use to be distinguished from the Community of Believers. (2.) The Duties, which he exhorts them unto, may undoubtedly, and ought to be performed by private Christians: As, To continue instant in prayer, and to watch in the same with thanksgiving, verse 2. To pray, in special, for the Apostle himself, that he might receive Divine Assistance, and be blessed with success, in the Ministry of the Gospel, verse 3, 4. To walk in wisdom, toward them that are without, redeeming the time, verse 5. That their speech be always with grace—ver. 6. With all which, the same persons are charged. Now, to walk in wisdom toward them that are without, is a Duty of a great latitude. And if it comprehend the promoting of their Conversion, and Salvation, ⟨image 124⟩(as certainly it doth, having an aptitude, tendency, and efficacy to help it on.) Then must private Christians take themselves to be concerned therein: For, to them is this Exhortation directed. And so we have gained a very considerable point. That we may, from this Text, charge the Duty upon the Consciences of private Christians, in the name, and authority of Jesus Christ. 2. We have an account of the Persons, with respect to whom, in a special manner, private Christians are counselled [to walk wisely.] And they are described by this Periphrasis: [Them that are without] i. e. Such as had not as yet entertained the Gospel, nor professed subjection to it, but still continued in a state of Infidelity. This is clear, from 1 Cor. v. 12, 13. What have I to do, to judge them also, that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. The sum whereof is this: That scandalous Christians are to be corrected by Church-censures, when milder remedies prove ineffectual. But those flagitious persons, who are out of the Pale of the Church, are to be left to the judgment of God, and of the Civil Magistrates. Thus we are advanced one step farther. For we have discovered that those to whom private Christians may be very helpful, may be such, as are without. i. e. Heathen, or Infidels, and therefore they must not cast off all care of them.