its i PETER, I. 22. [2390.
young persons, lest our hearts betray us into indiscretion of any kind, and Satan take advantage of us to lead us into sin.]
3. With fervour —
[An empty profession of benevolence to the poor will not be deemed equivalent to an actual relieving of their wants ; nor will a cold expression of regard to the brethren fulfil the sacred duty of love to them. In the latter especially, it should know no bounds, but those which were affixed to the love of Christ. Did he love us to such a degree as to lay down his life for us? we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren0. There is no service, however difficult or self-denying, which we should not render them for good. We should love one another, as the Greek word means, " intensely?" To sum up all in one word, we should love one another, as Christ has loved us q.]
Application —
Let us,
1. Inquire whether the things here taken for granted be found in us —
[Have we indeed received the Holy Ghost? and through his almighty influence have we believed in Christ, and purified our souls, and got a principle of holy love implanted in us ? And do these attainments become so many motives to dili- gence, and means of spiritual advancement ! Let this be duly weighed, and it will serve to shew us what we are. If we be in the faith, our self-examination will increase our comfort ; and, if we be not in the faith, it may be the means of carrying conviction to the soul. Let us be assured that faith, love, and holiness universally characterize the Christian, and that our evidences of conversion will bear an exact proportion to our attainments in these things'. Let therefore our exercise of these graces be so manifest and undeniable, that the Spirit's agency in us may be confessed by alls.]
2. Endeavour to fulfil the duties that are here imposed on us —
[A sweeter command cannot possibly be given. To obey it is to enjoy a heaven upon earth. Heaven is a region of ineffable, unceasing love ; and the more we have of that divine principle the more happy shall we be. Let us then strive to mortify whatever may retard its growth in our souls. Let us beware lest through the abounding of iniquity it wax cold. And let us strive to exercise it with all that purity and fervour which become persons so highly privileged.]
0 1 John iii. 1G. p tk-rtvwe. 1 Eph. v. 1, 2. John xv. 12.
1 John xiii. 3,';. and Isai. lxi. 9. s 1 John iii. 19.