they had so heard them as to be influenced by them. It was at all times a delight to the Apostle to acknowledge the good that was in his converts, and to bestow commendation on them as far as it was due. And it is with unfeigned joy, that we can make the same acknowledgment respecting those to whom We have ministered, We bless God that many have been brought to live by faith upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and " so to walk as they have him for an ensample" :" and it is our earnest desire and prayer to God, that our ministrations may produce the same blessed effect on all. But whatever advances you may have made in the divine life, we must call your atten- tion to,]
2. The duty urged —
[Paul would not that any one of his converts should faint or be weary in well-doing. " The path of the just is like that of the sun," which advances without intermission to its meri- dian height and splendour". Having begun to run well, we must continue ; yea, like racers in a course, we must forget that which is behind, and press forward with ever-increasing ardour to that which is before, exerting ourselves the more, the nearer we approach the goalp. Behold then our duty: Have we begun to " walk in Christ Jesus ?" let us live more entirely upon him every day we live. Let us resemble the branch of a vine, which incessantly derives its sap and nourish- ment from the stock, and derives it only in order to its more abundant production of the choicest fruit q. Have we begun to "walk after Christ?" let us seek a more entire conformity to his image, yea, a perfect transformation into it " from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lordr." We must know no bounds, no limits to our exertions : we must seek to " grow up into him in all things," to attain " the full measure of his stature s," to be " holy as he is holy," and " perfect as he is perfect."]
The affectionate and earnest manner in which the Apostle urges this duty upon them, will furnish us with an important and appropriate conclusion —
He might well have enjoined these things in an authoritative manner ; but *.' for love's sake he rather besought them*." But what an argument did he use !
n Of course, a congregation should be well known before such concessions are made. They come best from a stated pastor, who is well acquainted with their spiritual condition.
0 Prov. iv. 18. p Phil. iii. 13, 14. q John xv. 4, 5.
r 2 Cor. iii. 18. » Eph. iv. 13, 15. » Philern.ver. 8, 9.