have them in subjection. But it is not sufficient for a Chris- tian to refrain from open acts of uncleanness; he must learn to mortify his inward desires : he is to " keep his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lusts of concupiscence, like those who know not Godf." He is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and is therefore bound to harbour no thought that may defile that temple, no desire that may grieve his Divine inhabitants In all his words, and looks, and thoughts, he should " be pure as God is pure, and holy as God is holyV]
2. Things " praise-worthy" —
[The fore-mentioned duties are so essential to the Chris- tian character, that any considerable and habitual violation of them is utterly inconsistent with it. There are other duties equally necessary to be observed, but which, from the weak- ness of our nature, and the imperfection of our attainments, admit of greater deviations without impeaching our sincerity before God.
Amongst these, the things which are " honest," that is, grave, venerable, decorous, first demand our attention. A Christian should consider what becomes his age and station as a man, and his character as a disciple of Christ. It is disgust- ing, when people professing godliness, whether men or women, are vying with an ungodly world in dress, and show, and vain parade ; in a levity of conduct ; in a fondness for vain amuse- ments. There is a gravity that befits the " man of God," who has engaged to walk in his Redeemer's steps. Not that he need to banish mirth, if it be innocent in its nature, and moderate in its degree : nor need the person of opulence to accommodate himself to the habits of a peasant in his style of living : but there is a moderation that he should carefully observe, a limit suited to his character, a bound which he should in no wise transgress1.
Whatever things are " lovely," are also highly deserving the Christian's regard. There is a courtesy, a meekness, a gentle- ness, an affability, a modesty, in a word, an urbanity of manners, which is exceeding amiable, and which conciliates the esteem of all who behold it ; this, in opposition to rude- ness, and an inattention to the feelings of others, should be cultivated by all. A readiness also to sympathise with others in their distress, and to condescend to the meanest offices for their comfort and relief, and a delight in performing all the offices of love, how lovely does this appear, how worthy the pursuit of all that would honour God ! To this also may be
f 1 Thess. iv. 4, 5. el Cor. iii. 16, 17. and vi. 19.
h 1 John iii. 3. and 1 Pet. i. 14 — 16.
' Compare Eph. v. 4. 1 Tim. ii. 9, 10. 1 Pet. iii. 2 — 4.