in the exercise of which we ma}' be " filled with all the fulness of God." Let all of us then cultivate this precious grace, and, as the best means of receiving every other blessing, let us pray with the Apostles, " Lord, increase our faith."]
2. The evil of self-righteousness —
[Self-righteousness is a practical denial of the assertion in our text. It refuses to Christ the honour put upon him by the Father, and ascribes to self that which belongs to him alone. And shall it be thought a small evil to rob Christ of his glory ? Shall it appear a light matter to thwart the eternal counsels of the Father, and to set ourselves in direct oppo- sition to his blessed will? Let none henceforth suppose, that the trusting in our own wisdom, righteousness, or strength, is a venial offence : for surely God will be jealous for his own honour, and the honour of his dear Son ; and will look with scorn on every proud Pharisee, while he will receive with boundless compassion the vilest of repenting publicans.]
3. The true nature of evangelical piety —
[Vital godliness, especially under the Christian dispensa- tion, consists in a conformity of mind to the revealed will of our heavenly Father. Now in no respect is that will more sacred than in reference to the glory designed for Christ ; nor is there any thing wherein a conformity to it is more charac- teristic of true and eminent piety. In one word then, the true Christian is well pleased that all fulness should dwell in Christ: if he might have some fulness in himself, he would rather have it in Christ, that he might receive all from him. Every part of salvation is the more endeared to him, on account of its coming through that channel : and it is his supreme felicity in this world, as it will be also in the world to come, to owe every thing to that adorable Saviour, and to glorify him in all, and for all.
Beloved, let this be your daily experience. Let it be your delight to live upon Christ's fulness ; and it shall be his delight to communicate to you all spiritual and eternal blessings.]