the clergy. Moreover, it is evident to any unbiased reader, that the membership, and not a bishop only, are addressed by our Lord in these epistles; as when he says,—­“some of you.” (v. 10.) Hence it may be inferred that there is no proof in these epistles on which to erect the antichristian hierarchy of diocesan prelacy; and consequently that ecclesiastical government is by divine right, lodged in the hands of a plurality of presbyters.

Christ notices what is commendable, before he administers reproof.  “I know thy works.”—­There seems to be an incompatibility between the “patience” commended, and not being able to “bear them which were evil.”  But patience under persecution or any other providential dispensation, is perfectly consistent with an enlightened zeal against error and immorality.  Indeed, the two graces,—­patience and zeal, are inseparable in themselves, and as connected with all the other graces of the Holy Spirit.—­There were such in the primitive church, who claimed to be apostles, and who, upon trial, were discovered to be impostors.  Paul, in the exercise of the miraculous gift of “discerning of spirits,” could, without presbyterial examination of witnesses, personally detect “false apostles, deceitful workers” in Corinth. (2 Cor. xi. 13.) But John was not at Ephesus, and therefore the ordinary rulers are approved by Christ for the faithful exercise of discipline.  Persons who falsify the doctrines and corrupt the order and ordinances of divine appointment, are the worst of liars, and having been by competent authority “found” to be such; they may be so called without breach of charity.  When discipline is neglected or relaxed, error and tyranny soon enter, with “confusion and every evil work.”  But when false teachers have gained followers and influence in the church, the friends of truth and order will be in danger of yielding to the pressure.  They are liable to become “weary and faint in their minds,” (Heb. xii. 3;) but zeal for their Master’s honor will animate them to contend for the faith so as to secure his approbation.  It is remarkable that so much labor, patience, zeal etc., should be found in this church while chargeable with having “fallen from first love.”  Habits contracted in the fervor of early affection to Christ, may continue to influence an individual or a church, when the fervency of affection is sensibly abated.  This state of feeling the exercised Christian will confess and lament.  Nothing but repentance and reformation in such a case will procure the approbation and restore the favor of Christ.  Continued impenitence is threatened with removing “the candlestick,” the gospel, ministry and ordinances.