the same as he, we should still " forget what was behind, and reach forward to that which is before, and press toward the mark for the prize of our high calling." We are far from saying, that none are Christians indeed till they have attained his stature: but we must caution all against thinking them- selves Christians, whilst there remains any one lust which they will not sacrifice for Christ, or any one duty they will not per- form. The man that will not lay down life itself for Christ, cannot be his disciple. Behold then the pattern which we must all resemble: the love, the zeal, the patience, the entire devoted- ness of heart and life to Christ which were in Paul, must be in us : we must, in desire and endeavour at least, if not in actual attainment, be almost and altogether such as he was.
This must be the pattern for all who are in the ministry, or are preparing for the ministry, to aim at. We should not be like the idle shepherds who neglected their flocks ; but like the Great Shepherd himself, who " laid down his life for his sheep:" and though we may be called to a sphere of small and limited extent, yet should we be in that sphere, as Paul was in the vast circle which he was called to fill : we should be servants to all for Christ's sake, and labour in season and out of season for every individual committed to our care.
If any, on account of their more exalted station, suppose that these observations are not applicable to them, let them remember who Festus and Agrippa were, and that the prayer in our text was offered up in the first place more immediately for them. The higher any are, the more needful is it for them to imitate all the graces and excellencies of the Apostle Paul.
But without confining it to any rank or order of men, I beg to express the Apostle's wish for " all that hear me this day." This is the state proper for all of every degree ; and neces- sary for them also, if ever they would approve themselves to God ]
Address —
1. The wavering and undecided — [Perhaps on account of your pious dispositions it may be said, you are " not far from the kingdom of heaven :" but to what purpose will this be, if you do not advance ? It will be no consolation to you that you were once not far from the kingdom, if at last you are not admitted into it. But consider what it is that prevents you from becoming Christians alto- gether? Be assured, that, whatever it be, it will ultimately ruin your souls. The young man whom Jesus loved for the general amiableness of his character, was left to perish, when he refused to part with all for Christ. The Lord grant, that none of you may continue " almost persuaded," but that you