the good of the whole. Nor are they to consider only that part of the body with which they are in more immediate con- tact, but the whole without exception; assured, that the hap- piness of the whole is bound up in the welfare of every part ; and that all being connected by one common interest, all must labour together for one common end.
When this is attained, the intent of our ministry is fully answered. A life of faith, and a life of love, is that for which
God has begotten us by his Gospel But let me ask, Is
this end answered upon us ? Do we regard the whole Church of God, as well that part which is more remote, as that which is nearer to us, as members of our own body, entitled to all possible care and love ? O that it were thus in every place under heaven ! O that there were no schisms in this sacred body! But let there be no want of effort, on our part, to ad- vance the temporal and spiritual welfare of all around us : let there be " an effectual working in the measure of every part, that so the body may be increased, and the whole be edified in lovec."]
c This may be easily improved for any subject connected with the ministry.
Eph. iv. 20, 21. But ye have not so learned Christ ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus.
WE shall do well ever to remember, that Christi- anity is not a mere speculative theory, that is to inform the mind ; but a great practical lesson, to renew the heart, and to bring us back to the state from whence we are fallen. The means which it prescribes for the attainment of its end, are doubtless most myste- rious : but still the end is that for which the means are ordained ; and the restoration of our souls to the Divine image must be our one constant and uniform pursuit. St. Paul ever bears this in mind. He sets forth, in the clearest view, and the most glowing co- lours, the wonders of redeeming love : but he ever comes to this at last, that we are to " be sanctified by the truth," and that " the truth must set us free"