[Had there been any one truth in it that was merely speculative, methinks the doctrine of the resurrection might have been supposed to come under that particular class. But it has been seen how extremely practical this doctrine is ; not merely as affording ground for faith and love, but as generating in the soul all that is amiable and praiseworthy. If then, any one object to religion, as consisting in abstract notions, or in any peculiar tenets, let its true nature be remembered, and its intrinsic excellence be extolled ]
2. That, in the practice of religion, the true Chris- tian will know no limits on this side of absolute per- fection—
Of the Apostle's attainments none can doubt : yet did he desire to know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, as much as if he had lived an entire stranger to piety even to that very hour. And so will every true Christian, like one in a race, forget all the ground that he has passed, and be intent only on that which is before him : nor will he ever be content, till he is " holy as God himself is holy, and perfect as his Father which is in heaven is perfect." Then only will he be fully "satisfied, when he shall awake up with the perfect like- ness of his God0."]
0 Ps. xvii. 15.
Phil. iii. 13 — 15. Brethren, I count not myself to have ap- prehended : but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded.
TRUE religion affords such perfect satisfaction to the mind, that from the time we become possessed of it, we lose our relish for other things, and feel our- selves at rest, as having attained the summit of our ambitiona. But though we cease to hunger or thirst after the vanities of time and sense, our appetite for spiritual blessings is quickened : nor can the richest acquisitions content us, as long as there remains any
a John vi. 35.