pray to him, to look for blessings from him, and recognise him as the mediator between God and man, vs. 1 — 8.
3. Christians should remember that they are saints ; that is, persons separated from the world and consecrated to God. They therefore can- not serve themselves or the world, without a dereliction of their character. They are saints, because called and made such of God. To all such, grace and peace are secured by the mediation of Christ, and the promise of God, V. 7.
4. In presenting truth, every thing consistent with fidelity should be done to conciliate the confidence and kind feelings of those to whom it is addressed ; and every thing avoided, which tends to excite prejudice against the speaker or his message. Who more faithful than Paul? Yet who more anxious to avoid oiEFence 1 Who more solicitous to pre- sent the truth, not in its most irritating form, but in the manner best adapted to gain for it access to the unruffled minds of his readers 1 vs. 8—14.
5. As all virtues, according to the Christian system, are graces (gifts), they afford matter for thanksgiving, but never for self-commendation, v.8.
6. The intercourse of Christians should be desired, and made to result in edification, by their mutual faith, v. 12.
7. He who rejects the doctrine of justification by faith, rejects the gos- pel. riPis whole method of salvation, and system of religion, must be different from those of the apostles, v. 17.
8. Whether we be wise or unwise, moral or immoral, in the sight of men, orthodox or heterodox in our opinions ; unless we are believers, un- less we cordially receive 'the righteousness which is of God,' as the ground of acceptance, we have not part or lot in the salvation of the gospel, V. 17.