An Outline of a Reading on 1 Timothy 2.

Prayer for all men - it is in the meeting - it is the house in order. The attitude of God is towards men, "who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth." So prayer is to be made for all men. We are not to be narrower than God. Our prayers go forth because it is His attitude to be towards all; this being God's attitude, not His counsel, prayer for all is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. The attitude of the saints follows the attitude of God towards men. "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands." There is one Mediator, there is no divided mind, as sometimes with Moses and Aaron (mediator and minister of the old covenant), when the minister was not always in agreement with the mediator; both offices being now in one Person, the perfect mind of God is set forth and is being carried out. Women are therefore to add their testimony too, in departing from adding to their personal attractions, which in effect, as in the world, would be "Look at me," "Admire me." All this is to be lost sight of in the presence of God's word, "will have all men to be saved." The testimony of a Christian woman is that she is saved, and in setting aside of what is natural to her, to testify that she is walking in the current of God's thoughts towards all. Neither does the one God leave any question as to what is the truth, for there is but one God, and as there is one Mediator (the one God could have only one Mediator, perfect; more than one would imply something lacking in each) the soul is brought to rest in the undivided Godhead, and its affections centred upon One Mediator, who is the one God over all; blessed for ever. Amen.