bowels of the saints were so greatly refreshedP?" And who does not admire the interest which the Apostle took in the welfare of a poor slave who had run away from his master ? Such, beloved, are the offices in which we should delight. None on earth are so low or abandoned, but they deserve notice from us, and should be objects of our pity and compas- sion. I call upon 3^ou then, if there be any, whom by your instructions you may restore to God, or by your kind offices you may reconcile to man, to engage in the good work with all your heart, and to labour to the uttermost to diffuse the blessings which are the sure result of fciitli and love.]
2. To bring men, if possible, under the sound of the Gospel —
[See the effects produced on this worthless character. Worse than unprofitable had Onesimus been : but, by the hearing of the Gospel, he was turned to God. Of whom then will you despair ? Who will not lay down the weapons of his rebellion, when God speaks with power to his soul ? It may be that a person is hardened under the Gospel, even as One- simus was: for we cannot doubt but that the pious Philemon had endeavoured to watch over his domestics : but in vain had all his instructions been. Not so the instructions of the Apostle Paul, when accompanied with a divine power to his soul : then he became a new creature ; and, though a slave of man, was made a freeman of the Lord : so may it be with those whom you may bring to attend where Christ is preached. God may meet them, as he did Onesimus. Many who, like Zac- cheus, have thought of nothing but gratifying a foolish curiosity, have been made to obey the voice of Christ, and have found salvation come unto their souls. If one such instance occur through your instrumentality, you will have " saved a soul from death, and hid a multitude of sins'!."]
3. To bear in mind your own obligations to your great Advocate and Intercessor, Jesus Christ —
[Doubtless Onesimus would long remember his obligations to St. Paul. But what were they in comparison with what you owe to the Lord Jesus Christ ? Think how you have cast off the yoke of Almighty God, and robbed him of all the service to which he was entitled, and gone to a distance from him, that you might live as " without God in the world." Think how the Lord Jesus Christ has instructed you, and brought you to the knowledge of salvation, and restored you to the favour of your offended God. Think how he has not merely offered to pay your debt, but has actually discharged it. Yes ;
P ver. 6, 7. ^ Jam. v. 19, 20.