there is not some one or other to be found, that would be accounted wiser than all the rest. But they are chiefly infected with this disease who stand upon their reputation for learning and wisdom."

CHAPTER VI.

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another; 5 for every man shall bear his own burden.

v. 1-5. These practical directions may be regarded as arising from the temptations to which the Galatians would be exposed of not coming up to the spirit of the preceding injunctions. A censorious and unforgiving spirit

would be very likely to follow from their erroneous views of justification. Actual facts might have been in the apostle's mind. Overtaken, taken by surprise, before he is aware, not habitually and deliberately. Rom. xiv. 1, xv. 1; 1 Cor. ii. 15, iii. 1, ix. 22. Restore. The metaphor is derived from setting right a dislocated limb, in allusion to the erring member of Christ's body. Burdens, v. 2, burdensome not only to himself but to others, Matt. xi. 29; John iii. 13, 34, xv. 12; 1 Thess. v. 14; 1 John iv. 21. Law of Christ, both precept and example. For, or now, this pride of opinion is useless, which shows itself in harsh treatment of the brethren, in refusing to bear with the mistakes and infirmities of others. The self-sufficient man cannot deceive God. 1 Cor. viii. 2. Have praise, etc., let him keep his boasting to himself alone, and not extend it to others; or rather, thus will he have matter of glorying, or rejoicing, in reference to himself, and not to others, i. e., by comparing himself with others. 1 Cor. xi. 28; 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Burden, of one's faults or sins, and give an account of them at the last day; consequently, we are not to busy ourselves about the burdens of others, nor try to lighten our own by making those of our neighbor heavier. Ps. lxii. 13; Jer. xvii. 10, xxxii. 19; Matt. xvi. 27.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good

things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

On the duty of giving a competent support to the ministry, see 1 Cor. ix. 7, xi. 14; Rom. xii. 13, xv. 27. v. 7, refers to the subterfuges by which persons seek to evade this duty. Do not hope to escape the punishment of God, who will not suffer himself to be insulted with impunity. The sentiment in v. 7, has a particular reference to the preceding verse, and then a more general reference to what follows. Luke xvi. 25; Rom. ii. 6; 1 Cor. vii. 10. On v. 8, see 2 Cor. ix. 8. Weary, agricultural metaphor-do not give up from being tired out, Heb. xii. 9; it refers to that tiring of charity which the frequent calls on their benevolence and the ungrateful returns they might meet with, would be likely to pro

duce. 2 Thess. iii. 13; 1 Cor. xv. 58. On v. 10, see Eph. ii. 10; 1 Tim. v. 8. "Having, therefore, these strong motives to sow unto the Spirit, by making pious and charitable contributions, let us do good, not only to the ministry, but to all Christians, and to all men. The liberality of spirit of the gospel over the law is thus clearly seen."

11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace

be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man

trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Unto the Galatians, written from Rome.

v. 11. Large a letter, called long, considering that it was written with his own hand. Paul thus meant to attest its genuineness, and to point to that circumstance, as indicating his affection for them, and his anxiety for their salvation. He generally dictated his letters by a scribe, as has commonly been the custom in the East. Bloomfield suggests that the infirmity of body alluded to in "the thorn in the flesh," made it tedious for him to form the characters with any accuracy, but this is doubtful.

V. 12-18. "It is not I who impels you to an observance of the Mosaic law, but those who court popular applause, they instigate you to it. Fair show, wish to be considered as very religious. Compel, earnest moral persuasion. For, v. 12, on account of the doctrine of the atonement. v. 13, in your flesh, promote their own ambitious designs by your circumcision. v. 14. I, emphatical. I leave the Judaizers to glory in an antiquated rite, I glory alone in the merits of a