Now then we call upon you, brethren, to shew forth this fruit of the grace ye have received. This is the kind of love, and this the measure, which you are to manifest towards all the children of God : and in proportion only as you manifest it, have you any evidence that you belong to Christh. " If you love him that begat, you cannot but love those who are begotten of him."]
2. Of diligence —
[Religion is not a sentimental feeling only, but a practical and influential power. It produces energy and activity in every soul in which it resides. It regards sloth as one of its most destructive adversaries ; and maintains against it an in- cessant warfare. Believer, hear your duty in relation to this important matter : you must " not be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Whatever be the office which you have to perform, it is assigned you by the Lord Jesus Christ, whose servant you are : and you must address yourself to it with an energy of mind, putting forth all your vigour, to execute it as speedily and as completely as you can. You must shake off sloth and listlessness ; ever re- membering, that " he who is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster." It is wisely ordained of God that " the idle soul shall suffer hunger, but that the diligent hand shall make rich." " Whatever therefore your hand findeth to do, do it with all your might." The consideration, that in all that you are called to do you serve the Lord Christ, should be a constant stimulus to your mind. This is par- ticularly and strongly set forth by the Apostle in relation to
servants1 and it applies equally to every person under
heaven. O, contemplate that passage in reference to your- selves, and to all the duties of your place and station : and, whether you have received more or less to trade with, labour to improve it to the utmost before the day of reckoning shall arrive. But bear in mind, that your diligence will then only be regarded as a service done to Christ, when you act from an immediate regard to his authority, and with a special view to his glory.]
3. Of constancy —
[In your endeavours to serve the Lord, you will doubtless have to encounter many difficulties. There will be "fightings without, and fears within." But, whatever tribulation you may be called to suffer for the Lord's sake, you must look to the end for a sure and ample recompence of all your labours, and patiently endure whatever God may see fit to lay upon you,
» John xiii. 34, 35. and 1 John iii. 14. * Col. hi. 22—24.