learned allusions, the meaning of what is written or preached, is often as little understood by the lower classes, as if it were altogether in an unknown tongue. Those whose simple object is extensive usefulness, who seek to excel to the edifying of the Church, will certainly endeavour to utter by the tongue, words easy to be understood. They would rather write or speak five words, by which others would really be taught, than ten thousand in an unknown tongue. And not only is the preacher here instructed as to the sort of language he should use, but also as to the nature of his discourse. The main object to be kept in view is to convince the hearts of his hearers. The word of God must be pressed home; and when the conscience cannot but feel its truth, the sinner seeing himself to be rightly judged, will then be brought to fall low upon his knees, and acknowledge the truth of that Gospel, which teaches him to know himself as a sinner, and which provides for him the salvation which he feels he wants.

EXPLANATION.

Verse 26 to 35. St. Paul having given his opinion on the relative value and proper use of the gift of tongues, and of prophesying, now goes on to show the abuse which had been made of them in the Corinthian Church.

(26) Brethren, he says, How is it with you? I understand that when you come together, you are all too desirous of speaking. One has a psalm to read, another a doctrine to explain, another a new tongue

to display, or a revelation to deliver, or an interpretation to declare. Well, be it so; only all things should be done with a view to general improvement, not for individual gratification. (27) If there be in your religious assemblies those who have the gift of tongues, let only two speak, or at most three, and let them speak one after the other; and let another interpret what they say. (28) But if any one desire to speak in a new language, when there is no one present who can interpret it, let him keep silence in the Church, and speak only between himself and God. (29) Of the prophets also, let only two or three speak, and let the rest judge of what they say. (30) If at the same time that one is speaking, something is revealed to another who is sitting by, then let the first stop. (31) For you may thus all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all be comforted. (32) For the Spirit, which guides the prophets, is not an irresistible impulse, but is under due control. (33) For God is never the author of confusion, but of peace; and this orderly method, which I advise, is what is common among all the Churches of the Saints. (34) Another remark I have to make is, that your women should keep silence in the Church; for they are not to be permitted to speak; but to be under obedience, according as it is written in the Old Testament. (Gen. iii. 16.) (35) If they wish for an explanation of any thing, let them ask their husbands about it at home; for it is not becoming in women to speak in the Church.

APPLICATION.

On the value of the Liturgy.

It may be well to remark, that we ought to consider it a subject of thankfulness, that in our Churches no foreign language is used. It certainly seems so natural to make use of our own language in our public worship, that we should not have thought of rejoicing over it as a privilege, if we did not know that the Church of Rome, in spite of all which is said in this chapter on the subject, does oblige her members to pray in a language, which is not spoken now in any country upon earth; and therefore, no one can understand it, but those who have learnt it. It is this fact, which ought to make us so grateful for the simplicity and Gospel purity of the Church of England; whose service is conducted in such a manner, that all who are so disposed, may join in it with their spirit, and with their understanding also. Most truly should we thank God for having so disposed and governed the hearts of our rulers, that every thing in our Church is ordered according to St. Paul's general rule, "Let all things be done unto edifying."

We may sometimes have cause to lament, that those who are appointed to minister in holy things, are not properly influenced by this rule; but still let the clergyman be ever so unworthy of his office, we have a form of devotion so scriptural, and so holy, that if we join in it with our hearts, we cannot fail of

offering an acceptable service unto God. It is much to be lamented, that all people do not understand the value of our holy liturgy; but those who do rightly estimate it, consider that it has been bestowed upon us by Him, who is the Author not of confusion, but of peace, as a most precious gift to His saints, which we thankfully use in all our Churches.

Hearers should not criticise the Preachers, but see that they themselves, and those under them, profit by what is preached.

Verse 35. From this advice to women to consult with their husbands, we may learn the propriety and usefulness of discussing at home the subjects we hear discoursed upon at Church, not as is too often the case in the way of praise or blame, but for the purpose of personal improvement. Our business is with ourselves as hearers, not with the Preachers; they have their account to render unto Him, whose Ambassadors they are.

Our object ought to be to inquire, How far am I the better, or the wiser, for what I have heard? How can I best impress it upon my own mind, and help others to retain the good impression upon theirs? Parents, husbands, masters, and all those who are placed in responsible situations of power, ought to consider it as their duty, not only to see that those under them attend the public service at Church, but also to assist them at home to profit by it; and they should further instruct, and guide their minds in the way of truth.

EXPLANATION.

Verse 36 to 40. Spiritual pride appears to have been the besetting sin among the Corinthians, which led St. Paul to doubt whether they would be willing to submit to his regulations. Under this idea, he says, (36) What! are you inclined to dispute my authority? Consider, did the Christian religion spring from you, or are you the only Church by whom it has been received? (37) If any one among you, therefore, pretend to be a prophet, or to be spiritually endowed, let him prove himself such by yielding to what I have written, as to the commandments of the Lord. (38) But if any one deny this, I have nothing more to say; let him take the consequence of his ignorance. (39) In conclusion, my brethren, I repeat again, be anxious for the power of clearly making known to others the will of God; and do not forbid those, who have the gift of tongues, to use it. (40) Only let all things be done with proper decorum, and in an orderly manner.

APPLICATION.

That we should beware of being blind leaders of the blind.

We may here learn the duty of humbly submitting our own mind, and imagination, to the guidance of God's written Word. Men are too apt to set up the fruits of their own fancy in opposition to the will of God; as though a new revelation had been made to