weak they are to strengthen and establish ; the wandering they are to bring back ; and over every member are they so to watch, that all may be progressively fitted for the discharge of their respective offices, and that God may be glorified in all.]
But as the ministry can be effectual only through the medium of our own exertions, it will be proper to shew,
II. The use we should make of it —
It finds us sinners : it brings us to the state of saints : and when formed by it into one great com- munity, it leads us to a performance of the duties we owe to all the members of that body. In each of these states we have duties to perform —
1. As sinners, we should seek that faith which alone will save us —
[There is but " one faith ;" and one " knowledge of the Son of God," in which we must be all agreed. In matters of minor importance we may differ from each other : but " the Head we must all hold :" we must simply look to the Lord Jesus Christ, as dying for us, and as making reconciliation for us by the blood of his cross ; our hope must be in him, and in him alone : and, if we place the smallest dependence on any thing of our own, we can have no part in his salvation. In relation to this matter, there must be no diversity : perfect "unity" is required: and to bring you to this unity, is the great scope of our labours. Brethren, consider this; and inquire whether our ministry has had a proper influence upon you in this respect ? Have you been made to feel yourselves guilty and undone ; and have you fled to Christ for refuge, as to the one
hope that is set before you? Have you renounced all
dependence whatever on yourselves ; and are you daily looking to him as "made of God unto you wisdom, and righteousness,
and sanctification, and redemption?" We say again,
that if our ministry be not effectual to bring you to this, it is not a savour of life unto you, but a savour of death to your more aggravated condemnation.]
2. As believers, we should seek to " grow up into Christ in all things" —
[Whilst we are yet weak in the faith, we are in constant danger of being turned aside from the truth of God. Both men and devils will labour incessantly to draw us from the one foundation of a sinner's hope. But we are to be " growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus