to "the mind that was in Christ Jesus," be visible to all around you; that, that is the object which we aim at; that so, if our doctrine be condemned, we may challenge the world to produce such effects wrought by any other means than those which we use, — an exhibition of " Christ crucified," and an unqua- lified offer of salvation to all who will believe in him.]
Application —
1. Inquire, then, I pray you, what reception you have given to this Gospel —
[It is not a mere outward approbation of it that will suffice. You must embrace it with your whole souls. You must "be delivered into it, as into a mould';" and assume the features of it, in every part of your character and conversation. There is found in many a very considerable change, as wrought by legal doctrines. The Pharisees of old were very abundant in outward acts of righteousness : but their services were alto- gether performed on self-righteous principles, and not from love ; and were wrought for their own glory, and not for the glory of their God. But you must render a far higher obedi- ence : for you " are delivered from the law ; that being dead wherein you were held ;" and therefore you are expected to " serve God in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter^." The works which proceed from self-righteous prin- ciples are such as please men : but those which are expected from you, will please God only: they proceed from the heart ; and they alone prove you to be Christians indeed : as God has said, " He is a Jew who is one inwardly ; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God"."]
2, Beg of God a blessing on our ministrations — [It is God alone who can instruct ministers to proclaim
his Gospel ; as St. Paul has said in my text: "Our sufficiency is of God, who has made us able ministers of the new testament." Hence St. Paul so often entreated his brethren to " pray for him, that utterance might be given him to speak truly and faithfully, as he ought to speak." And it is God alone who can render the word effectual for the good of those who hear it. " Paul may plant, and ApoUos water, to no purpose, unless God himself shall give an increase." Pray, then, that the word may come to you, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance :" for it will then only be profitable to your souls, when " it comes to you in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."]
1 Rom. vi. 17. The Greek. ^ Rom. vii. 6. " Rom, ii. 29.
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