1 Thessalonians 4:4-7 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;… By the ancients courage was regarded as practically the main part of virtue: by us, though I hope we are none the less brave, purity is so regarded now. The former is evidently an animal excellence, a thing not to be left out when we are balancing the one against the other. Still the following considerations weigh more with me. Courage, when not an instinct, is the creation of society, depending for occasions of action on outward circumstances, and deriving much both of its character and motives from popular opinion and esteem. But purity is inward, secret, self-suffering, harmless, and, to crown all, thoroughly and intimately personal. It is, indeed, a nature rather than a virtue; and, like other natures, when most perfect is least conscious of itself and its perfection. In a word, courage, however kindled, is fanned by the breath of man; purity lives and derives its life from the Spirit of God. (Guesses at Truth.) Parallel Verses KJV: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;WEB: that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, |
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