' Acts iv. 19, 20. e Dan. iv. 18. and vi. 10.
2312.1 STEADFASTNESS IN GOd's SERVICE. 339
We are " not to put our light under a bushel or a bed." When once we become united to Christ by faith, we become members of the body, of which he is the Head. To that body we from henceforth have duties, even as the members of our corporeal frame have to the body of which they constitute a part. With that body we are to unite, both in its public and social meetings, and not by withdrawing ourselves from it, to shew an indifference to its welfare. Some there were, even in the Apostle's days, who, through cowardice or worldly-mindedness, forsook the assem- blies of the Church : and some there are who do so at the present day. But whatever vain excuses they may offer for their conduct, they grossly neglect their duty, which is, to edify, as far as they are able, every member of Christ's mystical body. This all are bound to do,
1. In a way of mutual inspection —
[We should " consider one another :" we should notice each other's wants and weaknesses, defects and failings, in order to guard each other against the very beginnings of de- clension in the divine life, and to stimulate one another to exertion in the cause of truth and love. We should mark also one another's abilities and opportunities for serving God, in order that the energies of all may be employed to the best effect. The members of our natural body, if attempting to execute offices for which they are not fitted, can effect little ; but, when exerting themselves in their appropriate sphere, they all contribute to the general good. Thus should all the members of the Church seek out for themselves, and assign to each other, such offices as they are best qualified to per- form ; that, each labouring in his proper vocation, (" he that ministereth, for instance, or teacheth, or exhorteth, or giveth, or ruleth," in the due discharge of their respective duties '\) the whole body may be edified, and God's name be glorified.]
2. In a way of mutual excitation — [Love, both in its feelings and actings, is apt to languish, if it be not watched, and cherished, and quickened to activity, from time to time. " This gift of God that is in us, needs to be stirred up," and fanned to a flame, by mutual exhortations. Hence we are told to " provoke one another unto love and to good works." No member of the body should be idle : there
^ Rom. xii. 7, 8.