strive incessantly to "glorify his name?" Shall I think any thing too much to do or suffer for his sake ? Shall I not seek to be " pure as he is pure," and " perfect as he is perfect?" Surely, " as He who has called me is holy, so should I be holy in all manner of conversation0."
This is the Christian's duty ; thus to argue, and thus to live.]
In order to enforce this subject yet further, we will consider,
II. The duty of ministers —
It is through the exertions of ministers that God carries on his work in the hearts of his people. Mi- nisters are set apart on purpose to teach men their duty, and to urge them to the performance of it. They stand related to their people as a parent to his . children : and in the exercise of their high office, they are to address them with parental tenderness, and parental authority.
" Suffer ye then the word of exhortation," while we endeavour to impress upon your minds a due regard for holiness : and permit me, however unworthy of the sacred office, to address you,
1. In a way of affectionate entreaty —
[" God has called you unto holiness :" and " this also we wish, even your perfection." Consider then, I beseech you, how much is to be attained by your advancement in holiness.
Consider, how it will contribute to your present happiness. — Experience must long since have shewn you, that there is no comfort in religion, when we are living at a distance from God, or in the indulgence of any besetting sin. We hope too you have found how " pleasant and peaceful are the ways" of godliness, when we are steadfastly walking in them. Go on, and you will have continually increasing evidence, that " in keeping God's commandments there is great reward."
Consider also how your piety will promote the good of others. We speak not of die benefit that will arise to society from the good offices you do them ; but of the effects which your good example will produce. If your life be not " such as becometh the Gospel of Christ," the world will despise religion as a worthless unproductive thing : and' those who profess godliness will be apt to catch the infection, and to sink into lukewarm- ness. But if you "walk worthy of your vocation," you will
c 1 Pet. i. 15.