1. Whatever we say or do, should be said or done as in Christ, i. e. in a Christian manner, v. 1.
2. If we can view, unmoved, the perishing condition of our fellow men, or are unwilling to make sacrifices for their benefit, we are very different from Paul, and from Him who wept over Jerusalem, and died for our good upon Mount Calvary, vs. 2, 3.
3. Though we may belong to the true church, and enjoy all its privi- leges, we may still be cast away. Our external relation to the people of God cannot secure our salvation, v. 4.
4. A pious parentage is a great distinction and blessing, and should be felt and acknowledged as such, v. 5.
5. If Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, if he has a nature like our own, how intimate the union between him and his people ; how tender the relation ; how unspeakable the honour done to human nature in having it thus exalted ! If Jesus Christ is God over all and blessed for