From the whole of this subject we may learn,
1. What we should aspire after —
[We can scarcely conceive any thing more comprehensive of real holiness, of holiness in its utmost possible extent, than the words before us. This is what the Apostle desired in behalf of all the Christian Church : and this is what every Christian should aspire after for himself. Beloved brethren, indeed Christianity does not consist in notions of any kind. Doubtless its foundation is laid on truths revealed by Almighty God : but it must have a superstructure, a superstructure high as heaven itself; for " our conversation must be in heaven," whither our Saviour Christ is gone before. I pray you, do not attempt to lower the standard of God's require- ments. Let your labour be for " every good work;" your rule, " his revealed will ;" your delight, " whatsoever is pleasing in his sight :" desire nothing less than this ; and aim at nothing less : but seek to be " holy as God himself is lioly," and " per- fect as God himself is perfect."]
VOL. XIX. o o
2. How it is to be attained — [It is not by any worldly principles that such holiness can be acquired : it is by a discovery and reception of evan- gelical truth, even by the Gospel only : and the more fully that Gospel is understood, the more influential shall we find it on our hearts and lives. It banishes servile fear : it establishes the dominion of gratitude and love : it stimulates to high and noble exertions : it renders sufiering itself a ground of joy, when sustained in the cause of our adorable Lord and Master. It even assimilates us to Christ himself. What was there which he did not do to effect a reconciliation between God and us ? And what will not his followers do to express their love to him ? Behold St. Paul. " For the knowledge of Christ, he accounted all things but dung and dross." He was ready to die at any time, and in any manner, for the sake of Christ. In like manner will the saving knowledge of Christ operate on us also. Let this, then, be remembered by us, that Christian principle alone will lead to Christian practice. And in order to our advancement in the divine life, let us seek to know Christ: for then only shall we be conformed to his image, when we behold his glory, and the glory of God the Father shining forth in him.]