Completed by John Reynolds, of Shrewsbury. Christian communion is exerted and cherished by letter. Christians are to be commended in the practical proof of their professed subjection to the gospel of Christ.

Here we see, I. The sacred penman who writes and sends the letter; not here indeed notified by his name, but a more general character: The elder, he that is so by years and by office; honour and deference are due to both.

In these verses we have, I. The good report that the apostle had received concerning this friend of his: The brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee (3 John 3), who have borne witness of thy charity before the church, 3 John 6. Here we may see, 1.

I. Here is a very different example and character, an officer, a minister in the church, less generous, catholic, and communicative than the private Christians. Ministers may sometimes be out-shone, out-done. In reference to this minister, we see, 1.

Here we have, I. The character of another person, one Demetrius, not much known otherwise. But here his name will live. A name in the gospel, a fame in the churches, is better than that of sons and daughters. His character was his commendation. His commendation was, 1.