1. Embrace his principles —
[It is observable, that the Apostle himself takes lor granted that every true Christian will resemble him in his
= This is here the import of the word translated " faith." 1 Phil. ii. 17.
views of divine truth : for, having spoken of the sufferings which he had been called to endure, he adds, " Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." " The living godly in Christ Jesus" marks at once " his doc- trine and his manner of life." " A life of fiiith on the Son of God" is that which characterizes every Christian under hea- ven. Yet it is not the faith alone which so distinguishes him, but its operation on the heart and life : it is " the living godli/ in Christ Jesus." The faith and practice must go together. If separated, they are of no value : faith is of no value, if not productive of works ; and works are of no value, if not pro- ceeding from faith. I wish this to be clearly and fully' under- stood. In truth, there is not a person in the universe who can act up to this high standard, unless he live under the influence of faith. Nothing but a sense of redeeming love can constrain any man to such an entire surrender of his soul to God. But, on the other hand, no man who truly believes in Christ will ever stop short of it. Be ye, therefore, followers of Paul in this respect.]
2. Expect his trials —
[We are ready to think, that sufferings for righteousness' sake were the portion of the Apostles only, or of the primitive Christians : but they are, and will inevitably be, the portion of all believers ; as St. Paul tells us in the words which we have just cited ; " All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Persons may be ever so wise, and ever so prudent, and ever so blameless in the whole of their con- versation ; but they never can escape persecution of some kind. They may not, indeed, be called to endure the suffer- ings inflicted on St. Paul : through the tender mercy of our God, that measure of persecution is now prevented by the laws, which afford protection to all classes of the community : but hatred, and contempt, and obloquy, will attach to all who resemble our blessed Lord, and to all who tread in the steps of the Apostle Paul. It is in vain for any one to hope that he shall be a follower of Christ without having a cross to bear : for, " if men called the Master of the house Beelzebub, much more will they those of his household." In this respect, therefore, as well as in his religious sentiments and feelings, every one of you must prepare to resemble this bright pattern of all that was great and good.]
3. Maintain his conduct —
[Imitate his zeal for God : and let it be seen that you live only for God. Let your whole manner of life be consistent. Let your determined purpose be manifest : let it be evident to all, that you have but one wish, one desire. And let nothing