ful ; yet " not in word only, but in deed and in truth." Let us consecrate ourselves to him afresh, and strive, with holy ardour, who shall serve him best. This is the true way in which to manifest our thankfulness to God. Our offices may differ, as the offices of the eye and hand ; but, if all of us perform the proper duties of our station with care and diligence, he will accept our services, not according to the importance which we annex to them, but according to the mind with which they are performed.]
2. Let us continue to pray for his blessing on our poor endeavours —
[It is to no purpose that God has brought us together again, if he himself be not in the midst of us. " Paul may plant, and Apollos may water : but it is God alone that can give the increase." Let us therefore wait upon him continually. Let us go to him before we meet in the public assembly ; and retire from thence to our closets again. Let all that we do be begun, continued, and ended in a humble dependence upon God. Then shall spiritual gifts be richly imparted to you ; and the whole body of us be comforted and edified.]
Rom. i. 16. / am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the poiver of God unto salvation to every one that be- lieveth.
THE Epistle to the Romans, though first in order* is by no means first in point of time ; several having, in fact, been written before it. But in respect of importance, it justly deserves to take the lead of all the others. There is no other that is so full and comprehensive on the great subject of a sinner's jus- tification before God ; no other so orderly in its arrangement, or so argumentative in its statement; and perhaps no other that is, on the whole, so in- structive. It was written to the Church at Rome, which, though not planted by St. Paul, had a dis- tinguished place in his regard. He had long wished to visit that Church, but had been prevented, by a variety of circumstances, from carrying his purpose into execution. Now however he announced his intention of going to them the first opportunity, being