(17) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (18) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; (19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (20) O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: (21) Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
These are all most beautiful, and highly interesting recommendations, to the faithful discharge of the several relative obligations, which arise out of the diversities of life. But they are too plain to need a Comment. And where grace is began in the heart, divine teaching both dictates and gives ability to the performance. Here, indeed, lies the great beauty of all Gospel truths, that in all cases where God the Spirit hath quickened to a new and spiritual life, there will be a quickening also, and a strength imparted to the performance. Blessedly the Apostle hath shown this, when drawing the carnal state of an unawakened nature, and the blessed effects which follow being taken out of it. If so be, (saith Paul), ye have heard Christ, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put of concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:21-24. It were unnecessary to offer any observations upon the Apostle's conclusion of grace. Everything that is truly blessed is contained in it, as it relates to all the Persons of the Godhead, in their joint love and favor to the Church. So Paul prays, and then closeth his Epistle with Amen.