Earnestly desiring that the same heavenly disposition mav abound in vou also, I would, with most affectionate entreaty, recommend,
1. That you guard against every disposition that may interrupt this harmony —
[The Apostle particularly cautions the Philippians against " strife and vain-glory," and exhorts them " in lowliness of mind to esteem others better than themselves." So would I also caution you against the indulgence of a proud, conceited, self-sufficient spirit, which is the bane of all social harmony and Christian love. These malignant dispositions have been at the root of all those animosities which have in different
ages disturbed and divided the Church of Godc Only
let self be mortified and subdued, and love will reign ; yea, it will so reign, that your union with your brethren shall re- semble that which subsists between the Father and Christ himselfd.]
2. That you seek those blessings which have a sanctifying efficacy on the soul —
[What love will not the consolation that is in Christ inspire ? What will not a person who tastes " the comfort of love" do to preserve love; and one who enjoys the " fellowship
c Jam. iii. 14—18. a John xvii. 21.
of the Spirit," to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? If you yearn over the desolations of Zion, and have your " bowels and mercies" moved at the distresses of those around you, you will never willingly contribute to disturb the harmony of the Church by doubtful disputations. You will strive for peace ; and in that exercise of love will reap in your own souls the richest reward. Such is the exhortation of St. Paul to the Colossian Church; and such is that with which I shall conclude the present discourse: " Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, hum- bleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness, unto which ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful e."]
e Col. iii. 12—14.