Lessons.—The text is a spiritual motto to be adopted—1. By ministers and Sabbath-school teachers. 2. By parents seeking the spiritual good of their children. 3. By all discouraged Christian workers.

GERM NOTES ON THE VERSE.

Weary in Well-doing.

I. The text by implication brings before us a state of mind to which believers are liable.—“Weary in well-doing.” 1. From a lamentable want of fitness for spiritual duties and employments. 2. From the opposition of the world. 3. From the hostile agency of spiritual wickedness. 4. From the dimness of our conceptions of the things which should especially influence us. 5. From failing to lay hold on the Divine strength.

II. The text an exhortation suited to those in the state referred to.—“Be not weary.” 1. Because you are engaged in well-doing. 2. Because the time is short. 3. Because your associates are glorious. 4. Because the issue is certain. 5. Because sufficient strength is provided.—Stewart.

MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—Verses 14, 15.

Treatment of the Refractory.

After all the warnings of the apostle against erroneous views and his exhortations to Christian diligence, he foresees there may be some refractory members of the Church who still persist in their extravagances, reject all counsel, and defy all rule and order. In these verses he gives explicit directions how to deal with such. The inveterately lazy are often something worse than lazy and are not easily reclaimed. When disobedience settles into a habit, stringent measures are necessary to arouse the victim to a sense of duty; and the efforts of restoration must be both resolute and kind.

I. It should be made evident that his conduct is an obstinate defiance of authority.—“And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man” (ver. 14). Not only note that his disorderly behaviour is a scandal to Christianity and an example to be avoided, but let it be brought home to him, by direct and faithful dealing, that it is a grave breach of the highest law. We can make nothing of a Fool till he is first convinced of his folly. The first step in the process of reformation is conviction of the need of reformation. It is said of Thoreau, the author, that “he was by nature of the opposition; there was a constitutional ‘No’ in him that could not be tortured into ‘Yes.’ ” There are many like him, even in the Christian Church. It may seem a difficult, almost an impossible task, to convince the refractory of his error; but it is the first thing to be done, and persevered in. When the hearers of Austin resented his reproofs, he used to say, “Change your conduct, and I will change my conversation.”

II. With the view of bringing him to repentance he is to be excluded from Christian fellowship.—“And have no company with him, that he may be ashamed” (ver. 14). The refractory practically excludes himself from every circle that loves order, harmony, and peace; for who can bear the rasping chatter of an irresponsible gossip who is constantly raking up and turning over everybody’s faults but his own? But the Church must take action unitedly in dealing with the contumacious. He must be deliberately and pointedly shunned, and, when compelled to be in his company, the members must show, by the reserve of their bearing towards him, how deeply he is grieving the hearts of the brethren and sinning against God. In the days when there was only one Church, and exclusion from it was regarded as the greatest calamity and disgrace, the fear of utter excommunication could not fail to have some effect upon those thus threatened with it. Few people can bear the test of being left severely alone. It gives them the opportunity for reflection, remorse, and reform.