wrought for them, and those which he has pledged himself yet further to accomplish. Hence they are kept in a low state of bondage, instead of being " brought into the full liberty of the children of God." But read the Epistles of St. Paul, my Brethren : read, especially, his prayers, and see how he soars in his contemplation of God's unbounded mercies, and of the Christian's exalted privileges1. It is by such meditations that we shall rise above all our spiritual enemies, and by such views we shall " be filled with all the fulness of Godk." O, Brethren, know your privileges as believers in Christ ; and live in the sweet enjoyment of them : for there are no bounds to the ho- nour and the happiness which God will confer on those who are " precious in his sight" as his redeemed people.]
2. Endeavour, also, to walk worthy of it —
[This was Paul's earnest entreaty to the Ephesian and Philippian Churches, when he was a prisoner at Rome. He did not desire their interposition to get him liberated : all he had to request of them was, that " their conversation should be such as became the Gospel of Christ1." And indeed this was the great object of his ministry at all times: " Ye know," says he to the Thessalonian Church, " how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory m." In the same manner would I now entreat you ; yea, as a father with his children, would I charge you, that ye " walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work11," and " adorn- ing the doctrine of God your Saviour in all things0." Only reflect on your high privileges ; and then say, " what manner of persons ye ought to be in all holy conversation and godli- ness p." I conclude with that inspired admonition, " As he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of con- versation ; because it is written, Be ye holy ; for I am holy q."]
! Eph. i. 3—14. k Eph. in. 18, 19. > Eph.iv. 1. Phil. i. 27.
m 1 Thess.ii. 11,12. n Col. i. 10. ° Tit. h. 10.
p 2 Pet. iii. 11. q 1 Pet. i. 15, 16.