Ill THE CHRISTIAN MOTIVES TO BOLINEBS. They are represented hero a11 two. 1. The fear of God, by which we understand a reverence for nls holy character, respect for his holy Law, and a proper dread lest we should by disobedience incur his displelll!ure and indignation. 2. The promises of God, The promises here adduced are indeed sufficient f:O animate us to the most. ardent ~fforts. The favour and indwelling of the Eternal, hie most tender reprel!ent11t1ons of his fatherhood, and his &ssured considera- tion and treatment of us as his beloved children,-these surely are promises which ,should and will exercise a mighty influence over the heart and urge to a cheerful and consecrated obedience.-T. Ver. 8.-" Jn, oor '/wJ,rls." The strong personal feeling which breathes throughout this Epistle is at its strongest here. Paul claims to occupy a very close and tender relation to these Corinthians ; however they may feel towards him--and he acknow- ledges that they have shown respect to his authority and have caused him joy-he holds them very dear. "Not merely are yon," he seems to eay, "on our lips, not· merely' are your names upon our pen, not merely do we keep you in memory; • ye are in Of,/,r hearts to die together and live together.''' I. How TO ACOOm'T FOB THIS AFFEarIONATE INTEREST. The feeling here described is appropriate in the case of all Christian ministers in relation to those placed in their spiritual charge. 1. The ge:nf!ral reason: Christ's friendship towards his people is the model and the motive of the friendship which obtains among them mutually. There is something distinctively Christian in sentiments and relations of this kind. Not kindred, not interest, but fellowship in Christ, constitutes the bond •of union. 2. The special reason : labour and suffering deepen interest and strengthen and hallow love. 'l'he apostle had toiled for these Corinthians, ha.d exposed himself to danger on their behalf, had sn1fered anguish of spirit through their unspirituality and folly. Hence the tender interest, resembling maternal affection, which he cherished towards them. 3. The personal reason. Many of the members of this congregation had come to love their evangelist, to regard him as the minister of God to their souls ; and he had found in their devotion a rich reward for all he had done for their good. Those who would benefit their fellow-men spiritually and lastingly must have them "in their hearts." This will give a zest, a vigour, to all efforts for their good. ' Il. h; WBA.T RESPECT TO TBAOE THE RESULTS OF Tfilll AFFEOTIONATE INTEBEBT, J;t' the heart be the very spring of action, the true explanation of conduct, it may he expected that the minister who has his people in his heart will be by that fact powerfully affected in his ministerial life. 1. Such a minister will leave no la.hour unaccomplished which may tend to the good of his people. Much occurs to deject the zealous servant of God; and, as a mere matter of duty, it will often be hard for him to persevere in his endeavours. But, prompted by love, he will not grow weary or hopeless, ,but will persevere in his faithful efforts and sacrifices. 2. Such a spiritual labourer will be either distressed or cheered by the treatment with which he may meet from those to whom he ministers. We may be indifl'erent as to the conduct of some of our acquain- tances; but those who are in our hearts must needs give UB either satisfaction and com- fort or anxiety and grief. Let all hearers of the gospel, all members of the Church, consider how deeply their action must affect the hearts of God's servants. 3. The true minister hopes to enjoy the society of his people in the heavenly state. So closely are pastor and flock united, the.t in heart, in feeling, they m.a.y be said to "die together" a.s well as to" live together.'' The saved are to those who have been helpful in their salvation their joy and crown of rejoicing in the world of glory.-T. Ver. 6.-Fighting and /eart. The course of the apostle was one remarkably vatjed; sometimes prosperous, sometimes adverse. At the time when he wrote this Epistle be looked back upon a period of trouble, contention, and opposition, and upon experiences of suffering and disappointment. His nature was not one to pass thro~gb life unmoved; he was sensitive to all influences. And at Ephesus, at Troas, and 1D that Macedonia from which he was now writing, Paul had endured much which was fitted to harass and depreBI! his mind. Never was affliction more comprehensively summed up than in the language he here employs-" without, fightings ; within, fears." J. Tm: TBOU11LB8 WBICB ABSAll, TBE CBRISTIAl'I WOBKEB FBOH WITBOUT. 1, Oppo• c,tr, TIT, 1-18,] TBE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. 183
11\tlC'n to hie doctrine, This Paul experienced, a.nd this every servant of Christ must expeot, both from open enemies of Christianity and from fahe brethren who corrupt the truth. 2, Persecution. That the apostle wae exposed to this, the record of his life abundantly provee; and, in the first age, as at many subsequent periods, such experience wns common, Thus the Master suffered, and thus hie eervants muet expect to suffer lilrn him. II. Tml TROUBLES WHICH ABSATT. THE CHRISTIAN 'WORKER FROM WITHIN. What were the "fears" to which St. Paul refers? We can but conjecture. 1. Fear ]Mt there had been a want of wisdom, or devotion, in the services undertaken. 2. Fear lest the work of the Lord should have suffered through any insufficiency on the part of the worker. 3. Fear lest at last the labourer should fail of acceptance and approval. Jlf, THE SUPPORT AND OONBOLATION PROVIDED FOR THE CBBIBTIAN WORKER TO SUSTAIN um tJNDEB THESE TROUBLES, 1, The testimony of a good conscience, that, however imperfectly and inadequa.tely the service ha.s been rendered, it ha.s yet been rendered in sincerity, 2, The assurance that an overruling Providence has remarked and has permitted all that has taken place, even to the temporary discouragement of the toiler for Christ. 3. The conviction that in such trouble the servant has had fellowship with his Lord. 4. 'l'he hope and expectation that light affliction will work out an exceeding and eternal weight of glory.-T.