your body and your spirit which are his1." Far be it from us to countenance excess: but in this lukewarm age, we are far more in danger of erring from defect. This, at least, is your danger, whilst, with all your jealousy about being " righteous over-much," you have no fears lest you should not be found " righteous enough." To you therefore, in the name, and by the command, of Christ himself, we say, " Be zealous and repentV]
2. Those who, like the Disciples, feel their hearts warmed with love to Christ —
[You must expect to meet with opposition from the world, and especially from proud, envious, malignant Pharisees. But let not the fear of their censures deter you from the path of duty1. If Jesus have given up his life for you, it is a small matter for you to give up your names for him : and if you will not bear so light a cross as that of being called by some opprobrious name for him, you have little reason to number yourselves among his true disciples"1. It will be proper indeed for you to consider times and places, and sometimes to lay a restraint on your feelings, lest by an unseasonable disclosure of them, you " cast your pearls before swine, that will only turn and rend you11." But let not the fear of man be the restraining principle : rather, let the love of Christ be the one motive for moderating, as well as for exhibiting, the proofs of your love. Then shall you in due season have a public testi- mony of his approbation, when those who now condemn you shall be themselves condemned.]
1 1 Cor. vi. 20. k Rev. iii. 19. I Heb. xiii. 13.
m Matt. x. 38. « Matt. vii. 6.