[He boasted of them wherever he went : he held them up as peculiarly worthy of imitation*^: and so great was the satis- faction which he felt in hearing of their welfare, that it far over-balanced all the sufierings he endured. What clearer proof could he give of his affection for them ?]
2. His faithful admonitions —
[Though he loved them, he was not blind to their faults. When he saw them deviating from the path of duty, he per- formed the office of a monitor and guide. He changed his voice towards them, as he saw occasion : sometimes he spake with the authority of an Apostle", and sometimes with the tenderness of a friend or parent '\ This was an eminent proof of his love, because it shewed that his concern for their souls swallowed up every other consideration*.]
3. His devotion to their service —
[He regarded not wealth, or ease, or honour; but would have been contented " to live and die with them" who had but ill requited all his past kindness : yea, he declared, that *' he would most gladly spend and be spent for them, though the more abundantly he loved them, the less he were loved '^." Nothing short of laying down our life for any person could testify more love than this.]
Application —
1. Let us improve our intercourse with each other in life —
[It is the happiness of a minister and his people to have frequent and familiar intercourse with each other. We have through the mercy of our God enjoyed it; but alas! how little have we improved it ! Let us look unto our God for his bless- ing upon us in future^: for without that " neither Paul can plant, nor Apollos water, to any good purpose "*."]
2. Let us prepare for our separation in death —
[As " the priests under the law could not continue by reason of death," so neither can we under the Gospel. We must go to give an account of our stewardship ; and you to answer for the advantages you have enjoyed. Let us be looking forward to that solemn meeting which we shall have at the bar of judgment. Let us imploi'e help from God, that we may discharge our duties towards each other aright; and meet again, not as witnesses against each other, but as fellow-
f 2 Cor. vii. 14. and 2 Cor. viii. 24. and ix. 1, 2. e 1 Cor. iv. 18, 19. ^ 2 Cor. ii. 1—5. and 1 Cor. iv. 14.
' Lev. xix. 17. with vcr. 12. ^ 2 Cor. xii. 15. » 2 Cor. vi. 11—13. "> 1 Cor. ill. 5—7.