1. The effisct produced upon us by the mercies of God, in redemption, and in his providence, affords an excellent criterion of character. If they lead us to devote ourselves to his service, they produce the result foi which they were designed, and we may-conclude that we are of the num- ber of his children. But if they produce indifference to duty, and cherish the idea that we are the special favourites of heaven, or that we may sin with impunity, it is an evidence that our hearts are not right in the sight of God, V. 1.
2. While Christians should remember that the service which they are called upon to render is a rational service, pertaining to the soul, they should not suppose that it consists merely in the secret exercises of the heart. The whole man and the whole life must be actively and con- stantly devoted to God, v. 1.
3. Those professors of religion who are conformed to the world cannot have experienced that renewing of the mind, which produces a transfor- mation of character, v. 2.
4. Self-conceit and ambition are the besetting sins of men intrusted with power, or highly gifted in any respect, as discontent and envy are