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2 and the younger men as brethren: the elder women as mothers; the younger, as sisters, with all purity*. 3 Support + widows that are widows indeed. But if any 4 widow have children or grand-children, let them learn in the first place to treat their own family piously, and to requite their progenitors; for this is acceptable before 5 God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and left alone, hopeth in God, and continueth in supplications and 6 prayers night and day: but she who rioteth in pleasure, 7 is dead while she liveth. These things also give in charge; 8 that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he denieth the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. Let not a widow be taken into the number || of deaconesses under sixty years old, having been the wife of 10 one husband, well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the feet of the saints, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every 11 good work. But reject younger widows; for when they

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grow weary of the restraints of Christ, they desire to 12 marry; and are blameable, because they have laid aside 13 their first resolution ¶: and at the same time they learn to

be idle also, going about from house to house; and not idle only, but tattlers also, and busy-bodies, speaking what 14 they ought not. I will therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, guide their family, give no oc15 casion to the adversary of speaking reproachfully. For 16 some** have already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman who believeth have widows, let such re

+ Gr. Honour.

Or, he hath denied.

* Or, chastity. Or, Let not a widow be registered, i. e. to be supported at the publick expense. But the other is more probable. See Benson.

See Wakefield. The Primate's version is, "But reject the younger widows; for when they become inordinate against Christ, they desire to marry; having condemnation, because they have cast off their first faith."

** some women, N. To turn aside after Satan is to apostatize from the Christian Laith. See chap. i. 20.

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lieve them, and let not the church be burthened; that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.

Let the elders who preside well, be counted worthy of double reward*; especially those who labour in the wordt 18 and in teaching for the scripture saith," Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that is treading out the corn." And, “The 19 labourer is worthy of his hire." Against an elder receive

not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin rebuke before all, that others also may 21 fear. I charge thee in the presence of God, and of [the Lord] Jesus Christ, and of the chosen messengers, that thou observe these things without prejudice II, doing nothing by partiality.

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Put thine hands hastily on no man; and partake not in 23 the sins of others. Keep thyself pure. (Drink no longer water; but use a little wine, because of thy stomach and 24 thy frequent infirmities.) The sins of some men are ma

nifest beforehand, going before to judgement ¶; but some 25 men they follow after. In like manner, the good works also of some are manifest before hand; and those works that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

CH. VI. Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honour; that the name 2 of God, and his doctrine, be not evil-spoken of. And let not those that have believing masters despise them, because they are brethren: but let them serve the more

Gr. honour.

† in preaching, Macknight.

chosen messengers, i. e. the apostles of Christ, who were chosen to bear testimony to his resurrection. Acts i. 2. q. d. I charge you as in the presence of God your creator and judge, of Christ your master and chief, and of the apostles of Jesus, whose example you are to follow, etc. Abp. Newcome, with the public version, renders the words, "the elect angels," and some suppose an allusion to the court of heaven, as analogous to the Persian court. See Benson and Priestley. But the former interpretation best suits the connexion. If it be objected that Timothy was not actually in the presence of the apostles, it may be replied, that the apostle's language does not necessarily imply this. Nor can it be proved that he was in the presence of the elect angels, whoever may be the persons intended.

I preferring one man before another, N. See Wakefield.

Or, leading before to a judgement.

willingly, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which 4 is according to godliness, he is lifted up with vanity, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words; whence cometh envy, contention, evil-speak5 ings, wicked surmisings, perverse disputings among men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing 6 that godliness is gain: [from such withdraw thyself.] But 7 godliness with contentment is great gain. For we

brought nothing into this world; and it is certain that we 8 can carry nothing out. And, having food and raiment, 9 let us be content with these. But they that would be

rich, fall into temptation. and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful desires, which drown men int de10 struction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some covet, they have erred from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

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But, O man of God, do thou flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, 12 meekness. Contend the good contest of faith; lay hold on everlasting life, to which thou hast been called, and hast confessed a good confession ‡ before many witnesses. 13 I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pi14 late witnessed a good confession, that thou keep this

commandment, so as to be without spot, and unrebuke15 able, till the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ; which in its proper time He will shew, who is the blessed || and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 who only hath immortality, dwelling in that light which

inconsiderate, N.

+ Or, plunge men into, Macknight. Or, and with respect to which thou madest the honourable confession, happy, N.

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none can approach to*; whom no man hath seen, or can see to whom be everlasting honour and dominion. Amen.

Charge the rich in this worldt, not to be high-minded, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, 18 who richly giveth us all things to enjoy; to do good, to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to 19 bestow; treasuring up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the true life.

20 O Timothy, keep that doctrine which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane emptiness of speech‡, and op21 positions of knowledge falsely so called: which some professing, have erred concerning the faith. The favour of God be with thee. [Amen.]

* Or, in light inaccessible.

† Or, in the present age, i. e. under the gospel dispensation.
Or, and empty words. N. m.

"See Col. ii, 8; i. 6, 7," Newcome.

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THE

SECOND EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL

ΤΟ

TIMOTHY.

CHAP. I.

PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, 2 as to the promise of life which is by Christ Jesus, to Timothy my beloved son, favour, mercy, and peace* from God our Fathert, and Christ Jesus our Lord.

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I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did with a pure conscience, that without ceasing I make mention 4 of thee in my prayers night and day; longing to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with 5 joy; and calling to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Loïs, and in thy mother Eunicè; and I am persuaded that it dwelleth in thee also.

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Wherefore I remind thee that thou stir up the free gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my 7 hands. For God hath not given us a spirit|| of fear, but 8 of power, and of love, and of prudence. Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony concerning our Lord, or of me a prisoner because of him but suffer affliction to* peace be to him, N. † the Father, N. the spirit, N.

+ Or, kindle up.

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