opposite aspect : it is an express injunction to Titus to bring forward continually the leading doctrines of our religion, in order to^ lead men to the practice of its duties.
Following his instructions, we propose to shew, I. What subjects a Christian minister ought chiefly to insist upon —
The things which St. Paul " willed us constantly to affirm," are those which are specified in the fore- going context : they are,
1. The extreme degeneracy of our nature — [What St. Paul speaks of himself and of all the other
Apostles in their unregenerate state, is equally true of us'': whether we look around us, or within us, we shall see that the representation is just. The foregoing part of it characterizes us at all times : the latter, whenever suitable opportunities are aiforded us for displaying the feelings of our minds. The evil principles are within us, whether exercised or not : they may sleep, and thereby escape notice ; but they are easily roused, and ready to act the very moment that an occasion arises to call them forth.
Now men like to have these humiliating representations kept out of sight : they love to hear flattering accounts of their own praise-worthy conduct and amiable dispositions. But we must declare to them what God has declared to us ; and what we know by bitter experience to be true. If we neglect to shew them these things, how can we hope that they should ever be brought to repentance ? If they know not the depth of their own depravity, they can never be duly humbled for it, and consequently can never receive aright the consoling doc- trines of the Gospel.
On these things then we must insist ; and respecting the truth of these things we must " constantly affirm."]
2. The means which God has used for our re- covery—
[In the fulness of his heart St. Paul expatiates upon the wonders of redeeming love". He traces all to the free, the rich, the boundless mercy of Jehovah ; who, in execution of his eternal counsels, has, for Christ's sake, poured out his Spirit upon man, in order to renew his nature, and to fit him for glory. In short, he traces the salvation of man to three united causes ; the Father's love, the Son's merits, and the Spirit's influence.
a 'iva, to the end that. ^ ver. 3. <= ver. 4—7.