II. Wherein consists that transformation of soul that is opposed to it —
The Christian is " a new creature ; old things are passed away ; and all things are become new :" ac- cording to the proficiency he has made, he conforms himself to,
1. Other principles —
[The worldly man knows no higher principle than self- love : whatever be his subordinate motive of action, all may be traced up to this. But they who are partakers of the Gospel salvation, are under the influence of a far nobler principle, the love of Christ : the thought of Christ having died for them, fills their hearts with admiration and gratitude : it inspires them with an ardent desire to testify their sense of his kind- ness : and forms a powerful incentive to holy actions. This is attested by St. Paul1 ; and it constitutes a most essential part of that transformation of soul, which characterizes the true Christian. Subordinate motives indeed a believer may feel ; but a desire of pleasing and honouring God, and a fear of dis- honouring or displeasing him, will operate with the greatest force ; and that too, in opposition to carnal considerations, no less than in aid of them.]
2. Other rules —
[The fashion of the world is the standard by which men in general regulate their conduct: but the Christian takes the word of God for his guide, and the example of Christ for his pattern ; and, instead of reducing the rule to his practice, he endeavours to elevate his practice to the rule. He brings every thing " to the law and to the testimony :" and a plain declaration, or command, of God will be more to him than any precepts of men, or than the example of the whole universe. It is his ambition to "walk as Christ walked :" and though he knows that he can never attain the measure of his perfection, yet he strives incessantly to follow the pattern of it, that so he may be perfect even as his Father that is in heaven is perfect m.]
3. Other ends —
[A Christian would not be content with ordering his actions aright, even if he could arrive at the highest degrees of holiness, unless he had also the testimony of his conscience that he sought, not his own glory, but the glory of God : having been " bought with a price," he is conscious that he is " not
1 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. m Matt. v. 48.