are high~r. than fear and interest. 2. The aid afforded i~ ~ea~; it is the aid of the Holy Bpmt of God, 3. 'l'he example set before the Chnstum lB more stimulating and inspiring, 4. The prospects presented are more alluring and glorioua. Ver.17.-The mould of (Jhristi(1111, doctri'M. The Christian, in remembering what he wo.s, deepens his impression of Divine grace, to which he owes it that the change has been eftected in which he now rejoices. St. Paul took a peculiar satisfaction in reviewing his own experience, and acknowledging his indebtedness to that Divine grace which had fashioned his character a.new. And if the Christian will consider the state in which he would have been apart from the supernatural doctrine and influences of Christianity, he will see reason for gratitude in the provision made for the transformation and renewal of his character. In this verse the change is attributed, instrumentally, to the power of Christian doctrine, which is, as it were, a pattern by which be is reconstructed, or a mould into which the metal of his nature has been cast, in order to its taking a new and divinely ordered shape and form. J. THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 18 .AS A. MOULD PREP.A.BED IN OBDEB TO GIVE A :l.-ZW SHAPE A.ND FORM TO THE HUM.AN CHABACTEB. When iron is "cast," it is run, in a liquid state, into a shape or mould of earth or sand of the desired form ; and thus the artificer produces a bolt or a cannon. Thus, in the intellectual and spiritual realm, ideas govern men ; and the character and life are largely owing to the thoughts wbich are familiar and congenial. And Christian doctrine is not an end, but a means; the righteousness and love of God, revealed in Christ, having power to reconstruct the character and to renew the life. The doctrine is alive with the power of the Holy Spirit of God. II. THE CHRISTIAN DISOIPLE IS CAST INTO THIS BPIBITUA.L MOULD, TH.AT HE MAY TAKE ITS NEW SHA.PE A.ND FOBM. The old elements of human nature, old errors and _old sins, are dissolved and melted down when brought into contact with the gospel of .Jesus Christ. Old things pass away, in order that all things may become new. We may fancy tbe.t the doctrine is delivered unto us, to do what we like with it; bnt tbe reverse is the case. We are delivered unto it, in order that it may do its work upon us. So it is with the Christian education of the young, and with the evangelization of the heathen. The mould of Christian doctrine imparts to him who is brought into living contact with it a new motive to holiness, in the redeeming and sacrificial love of the Saviour; a new rule of holiness, in his law and life ; and new help tow:i.rds holiness, in the provision of the Spirit's help and grace. A moral transfiguration is _effected, e.s the natural result of intelligent acceptance and voluntary allegiance. For if faith is the soul of obedience, obedience is the body of faith. There is no change so wonderful and so admirable as the.t which is wrought in human character by Uie .moulding power of Christian doctrine.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 1-14.-The practical power of the Rssurrection. Here the apostle enlarges still more fully upon the truth that the Christian's foit.h lends not merely to the pardon of sin, but also to deliverance from its power. Beco.use grace has abounded over sin, o.nd our unrighteousness has commended the righteousness of God, it does not therefore ,follow that we nre to continue in sin. If we he.ve a real union with Obrist, we have been baptized into his denth. We are buried with him by baptism into death ; " that .like as Ohrist wo.s rnieod from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so wo also 11honld wo.lk in newness of life" (ver. 4). I. THE FA.or OF THE RESURREOTION. Tbnt the rosurrection of Christ is surrounded with mystery, no one will deny. But the evidence by which the great central fact itself is established is so strong, Bo olenr, BO decisive, that even sccpticislll has some- times to ndmit itseH convinced. 'l'he effect of the most able an,l ad,·en,o criticislll hns only I.icon to ostnblish moro nud more ocrtaiuly the fact of tho Hesurrectiou, and , thus to co11finn rnoro strongly the Chrislit\li's faith. It is remarkable tb:\t two of the, greatest rntionnlists of tho prcsont century, who doubted nllllost every fact of tho New _l'estt1ment history, admitted thnt tho Hesurrectivu wn.. o. fact whidi they could u,-1 168 THE EPISTLE 011' PAUL TO TllE ItOAIANS. [oit. vt.1-23,