1-11. Mary the Magdalene, very early in the morning, cometh to the sepulchre, and soon afterwards goeth away and telleth to Peter and John what had happened. Simon Peter and John, on hearing the account from Mary, run to the sepulchre of Jesus, and find only the linen clothes lying there. 11-19. Mary Magdalene having returned to the sepulchre, beholdeth a vision of two angels. Jesus then appeareth to her, and maketh himself known to her, and declareth his own approaching ascension to his heavenly Father and God. 19-24. Jesus appeareth on the evening of the same day to his disciples; pronounceth his benediction of peace' upon them, and then also breatheth upon them the promise' of the influence and authority of the 'Holy Spirit.' 24—26. Thomas, called Didymus, that is, the 'twin-brother,' believeth not the report of the other disciples. 26-30. After eight days, Jesus again appeareth, for the 'second' time, to his disciples, and to Thomas also, who was with them. Thomas is then convinced of the sin of his former unbelief in their report, and zealously acknowledgeth his faith in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. 30-31. The Evangelist John relates, that Jesus wrought many other unrecorded things in the presence of his disciples, so as powerfully to confirm their belief that he was himself the promised Christ, the chosen Son of God, and the Author of everlasting life' to all who believe in him and obey his commandments.

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CHAPTER XXI.

1-15. Jesus afterwards appeareth to his disciples, for the 'third' time after his crucifixion, at the sea of Tiberias in Galilee, at an early hour in the morning: he instructeth Simon Peter where to cast his net for a draught of fishes; and is first recognised by the beloved disciple John, and afterwards by the other disciples, to whom he distributeth bread and fish. 15-24. Jesus closely questioneth Simon Peter, with regard to the nature and steadfastness of his love for him as his Lord and Master; and enjoineth him accordingly to feed' with spiritual food the young lambs' of the gospel-flock; 2d, To tend, as a shepherd,' the faithful sheep' of the same spiritual flock; and, 3d, To 'feed THEM' likewise with 'spiritual food.' Jesus then foretelleth that Peter should hereafter glorify God by death upon the cross; and, at the same time, commandeth him to follow him. In reply to Peter's question respecting the future fate of the beloved disciple John, who was then following them, Jesus reproveth his curiosity, and answereth by saying, in his last recorded words, "Follow THOU ME.' 24, 25. In conclusion, John the said beloved disciple and Evangelist again asserteth and confidently testifieth to the truth of these things, as above written and recorded in his own concise and limited testimony of his Gospel history.

SUMMARY

OF THE

CONTENTS OF EACH CHAPTER

OF THE

FIRST GENERAL OR CATHOLIC

EPISTLE OF JOHN.

CHAPTER I.

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1-5. John the Evangelist and Apostle, as in the opening of his Gospel, here also proclaimeth the recent positive publication and manifestation of the Eternal Word' or Wisdom of God;' the knowledge of which had been conveyed to himself and his brethren the apostles, in the person and holy ministration of Jesus Christ, the divine Author and Teacher of the doctrine and pre-ordained blessing of 'everlasting life,' and of the spiritual communication which, through Him,' subsisteth between the heavenly Father and the faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. 5-end. He then announceth, that God is the Father and only Source of all spiritual light and truth: and that, if men faithfully and obediently walk or live according to the guidance of that heavenly and gospel light and truth, they have a true and 'spiritual communion' with each other; and the holy life, doctrines, example, and death of Jesus Christ, the chosen 'Son of God,' shall cleanse them from the pollution of all sin: provided, that they in the first place humbly and sincerely acknowledge their manifold sins, and truly repent of them, and follow in his blessed steps.

CHAPTER II.

1-3. Exhortation to avoid sin: to which is added a consolatory assurance, that Jesus Christ is our spiritual and heavenly Advocate with God the Father, and a gracious Mediator to obtain mercy and pardon for the sins of the whole world, when truly repented of. 3-18. Obedience to the commandments of Christ is the best proof of our knowledge of 'Him,' and of our love for God. To the old commandment of the Law of God by Moses, is now superadded the true and brighter light of the Gospel of Christ: that is, of the law of universal brotherly love: which gospel-light instructs and comforts the 'young' convert to Christ, confirms the more aged,' and encourages the active, diligent, and more informed Christian:' an admonition, moreover, to all men to guard against the sinful and perishable love of the evil world. 18-20. The already prevailing hostility of Antichrist, or the enemies of Christ, is indicated and asserted. 20-end. The enemies to the holy spiritual unction, or 'chrism,' of the truth and knowledge of the gospel of Christ, are denounced as deceivers of men and enemies to God. Exhortations to steadfastness in the gospel faith and promises of 'eternal life,' as the pure doctrine of heavenly truth, which giveth the sure consolation of the Holy Spirit, and humble confidence to every one who faithfully abideth in and doeth gospel-righteousness.

CHAPTER III.

1-3. The Apostle declareth the singular love of God towards Christians, in constituting them spiritually, even 'now' in this present life, to be his favoured children; previously to a more glorious, though as yet undefined heavenly state of existence in a

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future life. 3-11. The Christian duty of purity of life, and of avoiding sin, and of doing 'acts of righteousness,' is affectionately enjoined. Moreover, the exercise of brotherly love on all occasions, is earnestly inculcated, in order to manifest and prove, that Christians are truly and spiritually children of God,' and not 'children of Satan. 11-end. The practice of the gospel-virtues of brotherly-love, sincerity, faith in Christ, and obedience to his commandments, are again declared to be the only proof of true gospel knowledge, and the testimony of a spiritual union with Christ, and an indication that the Spirit of Christ Jesus abideth in his followers.

CHAPTER IV.

1-7. A warning against placing an undiscerning confidence in every pretending spiritual teacher or expounder of the spirit of prophecy or scripture revelation: because many vain and false prophets and expounders have taken upon themselves to teach others. These spiritual professors who teach, as the unbelieving Jew and unbeliever in Christ teach, that Jesus, the promised Messiah of God, has not already appeared on earth in his human nature and divine authority, are Antichristians, or enemies to Christ and to the truth of his gospel. But Christians, who by their knowledge and faith in Christ are spiritually born of the Spirit of God,' defeat and overcome the Antichrists who are born of the spirit of the evil world:' for whoso giveth ear to and keepeth the commandments of God as revealed to man by Christ, is able to know and distinguish, by the blessed and obvious effects of so doing, the holy and eternal 'Spirit of Truth,' from the 'spirit of error.' 7-end. Injunctions to the practice of brotherly love, which virtue is of the spirit and essence of God, who hath manifested his own undeserved love

children of men, by graciously sending to them his Only-born Son Jesus Christ into the st world, to save the world from the dominion of sin and Satan, to give the knowledge of 'eternal life,' and to communicate to mankind the influences, consciousness, and perfection of his own most Holy Spirit of Truth and Love. True faith in Christ is spiritual union with God;' and the sincere love for God in heaven, can only be attested and perfected by a sincere and gospel-exercise of brotherly love on earth.

CHAPTER V.

1-3. They who love God and his Only-born Son Jesus Christ, and keep his commandments, are spiritually children of God.' 3-9. Faith in Christ, and the consequent 'love for God' and obedience to his commandments, give mankind a spiritual victory over the sins and temptations of the evil world. The authority of Jesus Christ is confirmed, not only by means of the purifying 'baptismal water of repentance' and spiritual regeneration, but by the 'sanctifying blood' of his obedient and most exemplary death upon the cross; and the Holy Spirit of God' testifieth by its visible and blessed effects and operation on the heart and life of man, that its testimony is true. Hence, therefore, [it is declared that there are 'Three' accordant and united 'heavenly witnesses to gospel-truth: namely, 1. God (the eternal and heavenly Father, the Creator of all things). 2. The Word' or 'Wisdom of God' (manifested and proclaimed on earth in the person and ministry of the Saviour Jesus Christ): and, 3. The Holy Spirit of God' (the Sanctifier, and Holy Spirit of Truth.') And moreover] it is declared, that there are 'three earthly witnesses' to gospel-truth; namely, 1. The Spirit (that is, the inward and regenerating 'Spirit of holiness' in the mind of man.) 2. The purifying water of Christian baptism, or of repentance unto amendment of life. And, 3. The sanctifying blood' (that is, the exemplary obedience unto death) of Christ upon the cross. 9-14. The sure record of the gospel-testimony of the Holy Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of Truth,' is this, that God hath given to the faithful disciples of Christ the promise and inheritance of future eternal life.' 14-end. Finally, the hope and confidence of the true regenerate Christian is, that God will graciously receive his prayers,' and also grant his brotherly petitions for pardon and eternal life, in favour of them' who sin not wilfully and blasphemously, so as to incur the condemnation to 'eternal death.' Thus, by the grace of God, the power of Satan and all idolatrous and false worship may be for ever destroyed; and in its place may be established and proclaimed, the pure knowledge of the only true God, and of the blessed hope of 'everlasting life,' through a spiritual communion with Christ his only Son our Lord.

18. The Apostle John sendeth greeting to the principal elect Christian matron, or church-congregation of Christians at Jerusalem; and addeth an injunction to them, to continue in the gospel-exercise of mutual brotherly-love, in consequence of the prevalent opposition of deceivers, and of the enemies to Christ and his doctrine. 8-10. Exhortation to Christian perseverance and continuance in the doctrine of Christ, that the promised reward be not lost. 10-end. A caution to avoid the society of unbelievers and transgressors of the gospel-doctrine: concluding with a consolatory, christian, and brotherly salutation from the elect sister matron-church at Ephesus.

!

THIRD EPISTLE OF JOHN.

15. John the Apostle and Christian Elder greeteth and congratulateth Gaius on the favourable report which he had received of his own and his brethren's steadfast obedience in the exercise of gospel-truth. 5-7. He moreover commendeth Gaius on account of his active brotherly-love and hospitality towards Christian strangers and brethren. 7-9. And exhorteth him to contribute liberally to the aid of the gentile converts. 9-end. He then expresseth his disapprobation of the conduct of Diotrephes, on account of his pride and perverseness declaring, that he only who doeth good is spiritually born of God;' and that Demetrius is commended by all the Christian brotherhood. He concludeth with a friendly salutation to the brethren individually.

CORRECTIONS.

THE Italic capital letter I is emphatical, to distinguish it from the Roman capital I.

CHAP. I. 6. was John. 15. This man. 17. JESUS CHRIST. 23. I am. 26. I baptize. 27. I am not. 28. a town eastward. 31. even I. 45. have assuredly. 47. Israelite indeed. 51. Ascending and descending.-CHAP. II. 14. in the court of the Temple.-CHAP. III. 25. with the Jews,. 26. bearedst witness. 28. I am NOT-but only. 30. I must. 31. of the earth,. 36. now believeth.-CHAP. IV. 2. baptized. 23. 'spirit' and in truth,' such only. 27. ¶. 37. 'One man. 42. We NOW. 54. after that.-CHAP. v. 7. to put me first. 10. to HIM. so cured. 14. been cured,. sin thou not,. 19. from himself or from. 27. to him to exercise. 30. from my own authority. 36. But I. 38. his holy written. 39. Search ye therefore. rightly conceive. 40. ME as your Teacher. 43. I am come. 45. I only. ye Jews say that ye.-CHAP. VI. 1. went away from Jerusalem across that part of. 22. See Appendix. 23. blessed and given thanks to God for. 27. seal of testimony. 28. WHAT must we do. 31. dele Numbers xi. 7. 35. I am the. 36. ye BELIEVE not. 37. Who so. 41. I am the. 44. unless his knowledge and. 46. hath truly SEEN. 48. I am the. 51. I am-my own SELF. 56. I abide in. 57. I ever. 65. ME, if. CHAP. VII. 12. a GOOD man. 18. glory only-HIM who. 22. THUS, however,-NOT that, I say, the law-from MOSES. 26. really and truly. 33. WITH you. 42. of JESSE.CHAP. VIII. 2. HE, sitting down. 5. the Jewish Law. 7. See Appendix. 12. I am the. 18. Am ONE-is ANOTHER. 19. had truly and. 21. I now soon. 26. the Father. 33. any time. When he, your evil Father. 48. Evil spirit. 49. Evil spirit.-CHAP. IX. 7. 'Sent of God.' 14. Sabbath-day. 39. SAY only.-CHAP. X. 8. before ME,. 10. I am come. 22. of the Dedication.-CHAP. XI.

44.

8. His disciples. 24. of the dead,. 27. the chosen Son. 48. all men. 51. their nation. 52. abroad.CHAP. XII. 15. thou city. 20. Judaizing GREEKS also. 21. the Apostle. 24. outwardly die-and. 27. No-but rather. 30. been heard. 34. on high from the earth? 36. Sons of. 38. spake (LIII. 1.) 42. it or him. 47. unbelieving world. from condemnation. 50. the words.-CHAP. XIII. 3. all spiritual things,. 25. leaning himself back.-CHAP. XIV. 12. believeth in ME. 13. then ask for.-CHAP. XVI. 15. declare it to you. 21. her son is. 24. prayer for ANY. 31. time, say ye,. 33. finally have.— CHAP. XVII. 9. graciously and. 11. them whom.-CHAP. XVIII. 9. O holy. 37. Art THOU.-CHAP. XIX. 12. every man. 13. but in Hebrew. 17. Place of skulls-in Hebrew. 28. and accomplished. 37. Me whom. 38. carefully. 39. who had formerly come.-CHAP. XX. 1. the first day. 12. white raiment. 14. back homewards. 17. I, Jesus, 18. that he. 31. Son of God.'

1st EPISTLE OF JOHN.

CHAP. I. 3. and truly. 7. holy and exemplary death. Son of God.-CHAP. II. 2. voluntary propitiation. 7. write I now. 26. These things. 27. the unction, or chrism. 28. Children in Christ.-CHAP. III. 1. known GOD. 2. we shall ourselves. Ditto. 3. CHRIST. 5. Ditto. 6. Ditto. 8. Satan the Adversary.-CHAP. IV. 1. ye not in-those spirits. 2. actually. 3. the Christ. 4. quite overcome. 7. truly born. 9. Only-born. 12. SEEN, that is, known. 14. sent his. 15. the Son of God. 18. the perfect. 20. I love GOD.-CHAP. V. 4. is spiritually born. 6. upon the cross;. 8. sanctifying BLOOD,. 9. witness of the holy spirit of. 12. the knowledge of. 15. so petitioned. 19. and that the,-the dominion of. 20. through faith in.