2. Study diligently the mind of God in his word —
{^That, as we have observed, is the one only standard either for faith or practice ; and from that alone can the mind of God be ascertained. Though the Spirit is necessary for your guidance into truth, it is only by and through the word that he will instruct you. He will not bring to your minds any one truth that is not there revealed. Study, therefore, the word ; and study it with fervent prayer to God for the teach- ing of his good Spirit : and never adopt, either in sentiment or practice, any one thing which may not be clearly proved by God's written word.]
3. Let your pretensions to ''the mind of Christ" be justified by your conformity to his example —
[If you " have indeed the mind of Christ," you will undoubtedly " walk as he walked'." He came, not only to redeem you by his blood, but also " to set you an example, that you should follow his steps"." Let it be seen, then, that Christ is with you of a truth : that in all your tempers and dis- positions you resemble him ; in your deadness to the world ; in your devotedness to God; in your meekness and patience, your kindness and benevolence, your purity and holiness, your self-denial and zeal. It is by this only that the world can judge of your pretensions to a superior knowledge of his mind : and by this will your improvement of your advantages be tried in the last day. Shew that, in these respects, you are " one with Christ" now* ; and doubt not but you shall be one with him, to all eternity, in a better world.]
t 1 John ii. 6. " 1 Pet. ii. 21. "<■ John xvii. 21.