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13 Jesus then cometh, and | him, Yea, Lord: thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto 15 So when they had dined, him the third time, Lovest thou Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Si-me? And he said unto him, Lord, mon son of Jonas, lovest thou thou knowest all things; thou me more than these? He saith knowest that I love thee. Jesus unto him, Yea, Lord: thou saith unto him, Feed my sheep. knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto

13. And giveth them. As on former occasions, so now, Jesus performed the part of the head of the family.

15. More than these? that is, more than these other disciples love me. The Saviour had reference to the fact, that Peter had always been foremost in expressions of zeal and attachment in respect to his Master, and had declared a determination to be faithful though all the other disciples should forsake Jesus. See Matt. 26: 33. Compare John 13:37. Peter had also just shown a peculiar attachment to Jesus by hastening from the boat and swimming to the shore. Yea, Lord: thou knowest, &c. Peter would not claim for himself a stronger love to his Master than his brethren possessed, but modestly declared, that he did love his Master. || Lambs; a metaphorical term, meaning followers. Jesus compared himself to a shepherd; and Peter was, under him, to take care of the flock. The word lambs in this verse is of the same signification as the word sheep in. the two following verses; just as these two words are used without difference of meaning in Matt. 10: 16 and Luke 10: 3. If there were any difference, it probably amounted to this,

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou

that the use of the word lamb was more strikingly indicative of affection for the flock than that of the word sheep.

17. The third time. Thus the Saviour not only reminded Peter of his having thrice denied his Lord, but also gave him an opportunity, in the presence of his fellow-disciples, of thrice recalling the denial, and of thrice, in very solemn circumstances, avowing his sincere love to him. || Thou knowest all things. Jesus had so often shown an intimate acquaintance with the hearts and thoughts of those who were around him, that Peter would now appeal to Jesus himself as knowing his very heart, and as one who could not be deceived.

18. Thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst, &c. The dress of the Orientals was loose and flowing; so that when they went abroad, or were particularly engaged in any labor, it was necessary to fasten their outside garment with a girdle. See Luke, 12: 35. The purport of the Saviour's remark was, that Peter had never been restrained from the use of his liberty; he had never been subjected to compulsion. Stretch forth thine hands; so that they may be bound, like a captive's hands. || Gird thee.

shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow

me.

20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved, following; (which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?)

The term gird is here used as equivalent to the word chain. The idea is, Another shall gird thee, not with an ordinary girdle, but with a chain.

19. Signifying by what death, &c. Compare 2 Pet. 1: 14. Jesus thus forewarned Peter, that the love which he had professed would be put to a severe test. Bonds and a violent death awaited him. He must therefore be on his guard, and adhere faithfully to his profession. History accordingly informs us that the apostle Peter suffered death by crucifixion, with his head downwards, at Rome, during the reign of the emperor Nero. Follow me; as thine example, imitate me in submitting to a violent death, faithful to thy professions, and with meek acquiescence. Compare Matt. 10: 38.

20. Peter seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved, following. Jesus, having addressed Peter, as is related in the two preceding verses, probably turned from him, and gave John some intimation of a desire to speak privately with him. John therefore commenced walking after Jesus. || Leaned on his breast at supper. See 13: 23-25.

21. What shall this man do? In what way, as to death, will he glorify God? What shall his end be?

22. Tarry; remain on earth. The force of the Saviour's inquiry lies in the word if; as though he had said,

21 Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.

23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

Even if I had purposed that he should remain on earth till my coming, that would be no concern of thine. Jesus did not mean to imply that he had formed such a purpose respecting John; he wished to check the unprofitable curiosity of Peter, and to suggest to him the importance of diligent attention to his own duties. What was the precise meaning of Jesus in the expression till I come, it is difficult to determine. His coming might relate either to his coming by means of death to receive his followers to himself (John 14: 3), or to an expected glorious manifestation of his kingly power at the termination of the present state (Matt. 25: 31). The suggestion contained in the expres sion seems to be, If I choose that he should not die at all, but should remain on earth till I come finally and fully to reward my servants, even if that were my will, what is that to thee? The Saviour thought it proper not to gratify the curiosity of Peter; and therefore he mentioned merely a supposable case.

23. Among the brethren; the Christians, who afterwards heard of the Saviour's remark. That that disciple should not die; that he would remain alive on earth, till the Messiah should come to reward his followers. It is worthy of remark that John lived to an extreme old age, and died a natural death.

24 This is the disciple which | the which, if they should be writtestifieth of these things, and ten every one, I suppose that wrote these things: and we know even the world itself could not that his testimony is true. contain the books that should be written. Amen.

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did,

24. We know, &c. It was well known among all who were acquainted with John, that he was a man of strict veracity. The writer of these words, whether it was John himself, or a person whom he employed to write or copy his Gospel, here associates himself with the numerous company that were acquainted with the character of John.

25. The world itself could not contain the books, &c. A very strong method of conveying the thought, that an account of all the acts and teaching of Jesus would require a very large number of volumes, and that what John had furnished ought to be regarded in the light of a sketch of the acts and teaching of Jesus.

REFLECTION. Let us admire the care of divine providence, which has furnished us with these sketches of the life, and teaching, and death, of Jesus Christ. These sketches reveal to us the true Saviour, and the only way to heaven. Faintly as they may disclose the glory of our Redeemer, they yet present such traces of divine excellence as may well call forth ar

dent aspirations for that fuller knowl. edge of him which will be imparted to those who shall see him as he is. The faint glimmerings which we here enjoy are adapted to our present state

intended not so much to satisfy us as to excite our desires for more intimate knowledge. If what we can now know of his excellent greatness, his spotless purity, his matchless condescension, produces such an admiration of his character, and warrants an unlimited confidence in his redeeming power and love, what delight and what reverence must pervade the soul that shall be admitted into his presence, and join the heavenly anthem, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing!'

"O let me climb those higher skies,

Where storms and darkness never rise:
There he displays his power abroad,
And shines and reigns the Incarnate God!

"Nor earth, nor seas, nor sun, nor stars,
Nor heaven, his full resemblance bears;
His beauties we can never trace,
Till we behold him face to face."

MY PROGRESS IN ERROR,

AND RECOVERY TO TRUTH.

OR, A TOUR THRough UniversaLISM, UNITARIANISM, AND SKEPTICISM. Second Thousand.

Extract of a letter from Prof. Stuart, Andover. "GENTLEMEN:-I have received a copy of' My Progress in Error,' and read it with attention and much interest. I take the liberty to say, that in my judgment, the author of that book has written a plain and unvarnished account of the operations not only of his own mind, but of many others. The author has gone through the whole, without personal abuse of any body, and without any slanderous insinuations. It seems to me, that what he has said about the operations of Unitarian sentiments, he has been compelled to say by a regard to truth. In fact, I regard the book as a remarkable example of prudent forbearance, as to stigmatizing either opponents or their sentiments. I predict it will be found fault with, and violently attacked. But in my humble opinion, the reason of this will be, that the author has drawn a true likeness of so many; and when this is held up to public view, it is not a very pleasing portrait. Who likes to be seen in a forbidding picture? The book will be read, notwithstanding newspaper criticism; and if I do not miscalculate greatly, it will aid much in opening the eyes of the public, as the workings and evasions of a skeptical spirit. Bid the author of it God speed.

"Your friend and obedient servant, M. STUART."

Opinions of the Press.

"In many of the passages we almost fancied that the writer had been sketching a history of our own progress in error,' so true is the history, and so similar the feelings of those who are led away in the morning of life, into the dark and dreary path of religious error. We should be glad to have this book placed in the hands of every young man whose mind is unsettled upon the question of experimental religion, and especially of those who are trying to believe the doctrine of Universalism."-Christian Secretary.

"It is written in a bold and comprehensive style. We doubt not it will find numerous readers in the community, and may serve as a chart to guide others in the progress of life."-American Traveller.

"We should be glad if a copy of the book could be put into the hands of every one who is disposed to cavil at the truth, and embrace error."— Phil. Baptist Recorder.

"In this work the author gives an affecting account of his downward course through the bewildering mazes of Universalism, Unitarianism, &c., giving but a living picture of the progress of error' of very many, who are almost imperceptibly led on from one step to another. until they are lost in the fearful labyrinth of infidelity. The author is candid in his manner, and forcible in his reasonings, and at last informs us of his being brought to a knowledge of the truth."-N. H. Register.

"The anonymous author of this book informs us that this is not a hasty production, more than ten years having elapsed since the last leading event which it records transpired; without his declaration we might have thought it written as an offset to Mr Brownson's Charles Ellwood. It is in fact a religious novel, and as such, is rather interesting. It was to us, for we read it through at one sitting."-Boston Courier.

"It cannot be doubted that it is admirably adapted to a wide-spread circulation, and salutary influence. Great good will result from the distribution of this work."-Boston Recorder.

COMPRISING AN ACCOUNT OF THE REFORMATION.

By F. A. Cox, D. D. L.L. D.

"This is a neat edition of a work, which has obtained in England a permanent reputation. The acquaintance, which many in this country have formed with its author, will induce them to read the book with increased interest. It is well written, in a style, which, though flowing and ornate, is not turgid. It shows all the learning which is appropriate to the subject, without an offensive display. The facts concerning Melancthon are detailed with clearness, and a lucid view is presented of the principal personages and events of the age. From no other book, within the same compass, could a better knowledge of the rise and progress of the Reformation be obtained For this reason, as well as for the attractions which belong to the character of Melancthon, the book is valuable."Christian Review.

ONESIMUS:

OR, THE APOSTOLIC DIRECTION TO CHRISTIAN MASTERS IN REFERENCE TO THEIR SLAVES.

By EVANGELICUS.

"We are glad to see this subject presented to the consideration of Christians, by itself, and without any reference to other questions that agitate the public mind; and we are glad that the writer has confined himself, in the argument, so closely to the law of love. The Essay is written with care, and in a kind and dispassionate spirit; and although it cannot be expected to unite the minds of all parties either here or at the South, it is well calculated to promote, wherever it is read, the author's object.-Vermont Chronicle.

"It is written in an excellent spirit, with close logic, and severe perspicuity, and is evidently from a practised pen."-Zion's Herald.

"Its whole spirit and tendency are the opposite of the anti-slavery pub. lications, which have produced so much evil."— Princeton Review.

MEMOIR OF ROGER WILLIAMS,

The Founder of the State of Rhode Island.

By Rev. JAMES D. KNOWLES.

"In perusing Prof. Knowles's Memoir of Roger Williams, the reader will find much of this beauty of history to which we have alluded. as combined with biography. There were many noble traits of character in Mr. Williams, which rendered him the object of deserved admiration; such as his eminent piety, his acts of humanity and justice towards the Indians, his unbending integrity in principle. &c.-but as that for which he is most peculiarly the object of our admiration, we select his unshaken attachment to, and persevering vindication of entire liberty of conscience in religious worship. Mr. Williams was decided on this subject The Holy Scriptures were the standard of his belief, and the authority which he recognized for the regulation of his conscience. The task of writing a memoir of Roger Williams was by no means inconsiderable. Professor Knowles, from a correct apprehension of the principles of religious liberty, was peculiarly the man to enter on this labor. We are pleased that he has completed it in an able manner, and given as full and correct a delineation of this great man as could probably have been given by any other author in Europe or America. The volume is a rich acquisition to the history of our country, ranking high in the catalogue of our best works in American literature."- Christian Watchman.

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