inasmuch as this transformation of the soul into the Divine image, or " the forming of Christ within us," is that which, beyond all other marks of distinction, will operate to our final acceptance with Godd, the Apostle urges us to meet God, as it were, upon his own terms : " Put on, therefore" the new man : and he urges us, by the consideration of the distinguish- ing grace which we ourselves have received : " Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved," this new man. Now, the attainment of this change is what we all profess to hope for ; and, therefore, it should be sought by us with all diligence, and be manifested by us in the whole of our life and conver- sation.
To impress this upon your minds, I will shew,
I. Wherein the Christian character consists —
If we would have a full view of this subject, we must enter into the Christian's experience before God. But that would lead us beyond the proper scope of our text, which confines our attention to the Christian in his daily walk before man. Adhering then to our text, let us see what the Christian should be,
1. In the daily habit of his mind —
[You cannot but know, brethren, what proud, selfish creatures we are by nature ; caring for nothing but our own ease, pleasure, honour, and advancement. Except in very particular cases, where relative or social ties have created a more than ordinary interest in our minds, how little do we feel for those around us ; either for those with whom we have more immediate intercourse, or those who are bowed down with sorrows of any kind !
But, in opposition to these hateful dispositions, we should put on, in the place of indifference, compassion ; in the place of roughness, courtesy ; and in the place of pride, humility. We may conceive how a mother's bowels would yearn over her first-born child, when writhing in agony, and perishing through want. Such " bowels of mercies should we put on" towards all who are in want or trouble of any kind ; partici- pating, at least by sympathy, the sorrows which we cannot
d This is the meaning of " Christ is all," i.e. the image of Christ. Compare Gal. iv. 19.