divine principle breathes a purer atmosphere than others; and can say, " This is the house of God, this is the gate of heaven."
Now the Apostle was anxious that " the hearts" of all his brethren " might be thus comforted." And what more can I wish for you? or rather I should say, what less than this should satisfy my desires in your behalf? Brethren, this is the state in which t would have you live : this is the comfort which I would have you all enjoy. And for this end it is, that from time to time I endeavour to unfold the mysteries of the Gospel, and to encourage amongst you that communion of saints which is a foretaste of heaven upon earth.]
2. Because, by nothing short of this could the full ends of his ministry be attained —
[A parent would not be satisfied if his children continued year after year in a state of infantine weakness: he would desire to see their stature increased, and their faculties en- larged. Thus the Apostle felt, in behalf of all his spiritual children. He longed that they might " grow up into Christ in all things, as their living Head ;" daily increasing in the knowledge of God, daily brought into closer communion with him, daily assimilated more and more to his blessed image.
And this is what we would desire in your behalf. We are thankful when " your understandings are opened in any measure to understand the Scriptures;" and, from being blind, you are able to see, though it be only " men, as trees, walking." But we cannot be satisfied with this: no; we would " put our hands on your eyes again," till you should " be restored, so as to see every man clearly1." In truth, whe- ther in respect of faith or love, we never would rest satisfied, till you have attained " the full measure of the stature of Christ." We would never cease to labour, till we have " per- fected that which is lacking in your faith k," and till we see you " standing perfect and complete in all the will of God1."]
Behold, then m,
1. What you should desire for yourselves —
[" Who will shew us any good?" says the Psalmist: and then adds, " Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon usn!" Truly, there is nothing in the universe worthy of
1 Mark viii. 24, 25. * 1 Thess. iii. 10. » Col. iv. 12. m If this were a subject at an Ordination or a Visitation, it would be proper to insert here a distinct observation to this effect ;— behold what course we ministers are bound to pursue .
n Ps. iv. 6.