1. Of what infinite importance is the salvation of the soul !
[Wiience was it that the Apostle laboured so indefatigably
k I Cor. X. 33. 1 Acts xxi. 26.
20r) 1 CORINTHIANS, IX. 19—23. [1966.
in every possible way to save the souls of men ? Whence was it that he even " wished himself accursed from Christ, or after the example of Christ, for his brethren's sake ? " Did it not proceed from a conviction, that the souls of men were of infinite value, and that, if he could but " by any means save some," he would be richly repaid ? But think of all that Christ did and
suffered and then say, whether your souls are not of
more value than ten thousand worlds ; and whether any labour, any self-denial, any sacrifice can be too great for the advance- ment of their eternal welfare ? ]
2. How exalted is the morality which we are called to practise, if ever we would attain salvation !
[Doubtless it is through Christ alone, even through his blood and righteousness, that we must find acceptance with God : but we must serve Christ as well as believe in him. He has indeed fulfilled the law for us; but he has not therefore dispensed with its requirements: on the contrary, " we are under the law to Christ ;" and are to fulfil his will precisely as the Apostle Paul did ; having our hearts filled with zeal for his glory, and with love to the souls of men. We quite mis- take, if we imagine, that Christian morality consists in a mere abstinence from outward sins, or a compliance with outward observances : the heart must be given up to God, and the whole soul be engaged in seeking his glory. It is well known, that by nature we are altogether selfish, and desirous that every thing should bend to our will, and every person should consult it : but grace teaches us to have our own will mortified and subdued ; and " to live no longer to ourselves, but alto- gether to our God." O brethren, aim at this: be satisfied with nothing short of this : and be aspiring after this blessed attainment daily, and with your whole hearts : for it is in this way only that you can " be partakers of the Gospel," and of the inheritance of the saints in light"™. It is by this that you will approve yourselves " followers of Paul, as he was of Christ."]
3. How greatly do we need to be guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit !
[Who is sufficient for these things ? These attainments are high and difficult; and the very way to them is dark and slippery. It is easy to think ourselves upright in our inten- tions, when we are in reality actuated by a desire of man's applause, or a fear of his displeasure. It is easy also to fancy that we are sacrificing our own wishes for the good of others, when we are only gratifying our own earthly and carnal
m ver. 23.