One of Another. Having then Gifts, Differing according to the Grace, That is Given to us, whether Prophecy, let us Prophecy according to the Proportion of Faith; or Ministry, let us wait on our Ministering; or he, that Teacheth, on Teaching; or he, that Exhorteth, on Exhortation! He, that giveth, let him do it with simplicity! he, that ruleth, with diligence! he, that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness! This Opening is a confirmation of the true Christian union between Faith and Works, and an Illustration of What The Communication of the Influence of The HOLY SPIRIT is Made to us for, namely, to exercise ourselves Therein according as, when heartily seeking, we find opportunity. A dependance on the Atoning Sufferings and Meritorious Offerings of The SON of GOD, without any manifestation of devotedness to His Will, or of desire to act upon His Precepts and to follow His Example of Going About and Doing Good, is a mistaken interpretation and a most dangerous application of The Doctrine of The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. To be Members of That Body, of Which He is The HEAD, we should be in harmony of action with The Guidance, to Which That HEAD Induces and Instructively Leads. From the Apostle's view, even the Mercies of GOD, Vast and Mysterious as They are, will be Withheld from so unprofitable and inconsistent a course, as a Profession of Faith in CHRIST without any practical realization of the conduct, that accords with His Injunction, If ye love Me, keep My Commandments! Holiness comprises unvarying, unwearied obedience to The DIVINE Will; and the Sacrifice that can be Acceptable to GOD, Who is of Perfect Purity, and of Unfailing Goodness and Providential Benevolence, is a Sacrifice of the affections and desires, of the habits and conversation to His Laws and His Glory. What duty can be so reasonable and proper for a Creature to discharge, as that, which is due to his CREATOR? What Recompence can equal the Riches, Which are the Promised Reward, and that of an Everlasting Character, of Such as are true to the Service and sound in the Faith of Him, Whose Word is Truth, and Whose Power is Infinite? And what can be the Sustaining Hope, amidst the conflicts and corruptions of a surrounding World, so lost to its proprieties, as the Assurance of Salvation through the Love of The SON of GOD? The World's attractions are so insinuating, and the devices of Satan, that restless Enemy of our Souls, so subtle, that Christianity, in Its Wisely Guiding Courses, can alone fortify us against them, and preserve us in our high Relationship to our Heavenly FATHER, and in the fruitful accordance with His Revealed Will. Prayer, habitual prayer, to be so kept from the Paths of the Destroyer, and rightly and uniformly to use the Measure of DIVINE Grace and Counsel Imparted to us, is the fitting and sure course to observe, in grateful conviction of the debt of Eternal gratitude we owe for the Ceaseless Blessings That so Flow in upon us from Heavenly Dispensations. Every unrighteous, unhallowed, and impure thought should be rejected on its first presenting itself to the mind, and be shrunk from as offensive to our Truest BENEFACTOR, and hostile to our inward peace and the hope of DIVINE Favour. Whatever influence the World may from inconsiderateness have previously had over us, we should be its Slaves no more, but turn from its misguiding pursuits, and its pleasures falsely so called, and become, as it were, new Creatures, changed both in attachments and habits, and converted to that Faith in CHRIST JESUS, Which, after His Great and Blessed Example, worketh by Love, and rejoicing to do His FATHER's Will, so Good and Perfect, as in All Its Tendencies and Directions It is. The thoughts should be led to Heavenly Subjects, and to the contemplation of the Marvellous Loving-Kindness of The FATHER of the Universe, and His Especial Favour and Bounty towards the Human Race; and the Assurance of Their Continuance to all Such as devoutly love and reverentially fear Him and seek to conform themselves to His Benigu Will; and Which Assurance is Pressed on us by That Deepest Mystery of DIVINE Tenderness and Love towards us in The Incarnate Sacrifice of The Only and HOLY SON of GOD, and the Restoration to us through His Intercession of the Purifying, and Animating and Sanctifying Influences of The HOLY SPIRIT. And in proportion as our thoughts and attentions are given, in wisdom and in prudence, to Heaven and Heavenly Things, will our affections be weaned from the false allurements and estimates of Worldly attractions and distinctions; and so far from yielding to pride, and especially Spiritual Pride, we shall be meek and lowly in our estimation of ourselves, resolving all we have of mental or temporal advantages to the Providence and Grace of our All-Bountiful GOD, and Merciful REDEEMER. Of all attainable gettings the most important and the most valuable is the getting a right understanding of the Ways of Godliness, and an unfeigned faith in The Gospel-Revelation. With these Attainments the heart becomes directed in its feelings and affections as those of Candidates for Heavenly Adoption should be, and our walk is uniformly humble with our GOD. The comparison of our Relationship to Each other, in a Spiritual Character, and to CHRIST as The HEAD of All, as illustrated by the complex composition of our animal frame, in its varieties of parts and of properties, is well calculated to lead from reflection to the resignation, that becomes us individually, which should cheerfully conform to The Arrangements and Appropriations by our SPIRITUAL HEAD, as to the several capacities and offices of Each of us in this our Probationary State; not only well satisfied with whatever may be Cast as our Lot, but exulting in the Privilege of being Associated with CHRIST, though in the humblest rank. Whatever may thus be Appointed for us to do in the Great Work of the Salvation of Souls, as Instruments in the Hands of A Wise and Gracious PROVIDENCE, we should do both faithfully and cheerfully, with all our heart, and all our mind, and all our strength; not as Men-Pleasers, or to seek praise from Others, but with a single and undivided effort to evince our gratitude to GOD, our SAVIOUR and BENEFACTOR; from Whom the Power to do good is Derived; and to Whose Exclusive Glory it should be dedicated. The Admonitions of the Apostle are so apt and appropriate to the several offices he designates, that to enlarge upon them might only weaken the intended effect; they are so true, as guides to the Spirit, that should actuate the discharge of Relative Offices, that to follow them is sure to bring to the heart its recompence, in rejoicing at such Proof of DIVINE Favour in having the Lot so Cast, and the Soul so Won to the Service of CHRIST, and of being Retained in His Sublime Affection through Time, and in The Never-Ending Life to Come, when Time to us shall be no more.- -In his Address to the Corinthians, the Apostle wrote, Know ye not that your Bodies are the Members of CHRIST, and as a reasoning Proof of The Unity of The GODHEAD, he adds shortly afterwards, Know ye not that your Body is the Temple of The HOLY GHOST, Which is in you, Which ye have of GOD; and ye are not your own? for ye are Bought with a Price: therefore glorify GOD in your Body and in your Spirit, which are GOD's!-1 Cor. vi. 15, 19, 20.---The Exhortation of St. John is, Love not the World, neither the things, that are in the World! If any Man love the World, the love of The FATHER is not in him; for all, that is in the World, the lust of the Flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of The FATHER, but is of the World: and the World passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the Will of GOD abideth for ever-1 John ii. 15, 16, 17. St. Paul has elsewhere left the Admonition, that,now having The DAY-SPRING from On HIGH to Visit us, we should walk as Children of Light; proving what is Acceptable unto The LORD, knowing, that the Fruit of The SPIRIT is in all Goodness and Righteousness and Truth-Eph. v. 8, 10, 9. And he recurs to his previous Doctrine, Be not high-minded (that is, proud in one's own estimation) but fear with a holy fear, and cherish with it a reverential love for The SAVIOUR of Souls, and The GOD and FATHER of Mercies, and The SPIRIT of Purity and of Sanctity, and of That Grace, on the Gift and admitted Influence Whereof Depends our Measure of That Holiness, without Which we cannot hope to see The LORD and Sustain the Brightness of His Glory, and participate in the Blessings He will Eternally Diffuse amongst His faithful Servants-Rom. xi. 20. For unto every One of us is Given Grace according to the Measure of The Gift of CHRIST-Eph. iv. 7. And though there are Diversities of Gifts, It is The Same SPIRIT, That Imparteth Them; and though there are Differences of Administration, it is The Same LORD, That Appointeth and Dispenseth Them; and though there are Diversities of Operations, it is The Same GOD, Which Worketh All in All. But the Manifestation of The SPIRIT is Given to every Man to profit withal; for to One is Given by The SPIRIT the Word of Wisdom, to Another the Word of Knowledge by the Same SPIRIT; to Another Faith by The Same SPIRIT; to Another the Gifts of Healing by The Same SPIRIT; to Another the Working of Miracles; to Another Prophecy; to Another Discerning of Spirits; to Another divers kinds of Tongues; to Another the Interpretation of Tongues; but All These Worketh That ONE, and The SELF-SAME SPIRIT, Dividing to every Man severally as He Will: and after commending the seeking earnestly the Best Gifts, St. Paul goes on to shew even a more excellent way, in the fullest exercise of all Christian Charities-See 1 Cor. xii. 4 to 31; and xiii.Our SAVIOUR is Elsewhere Characterized as The HEAD over All Things to The Church, Which is His Body; The Fulness of Him, That Filleth All in All-1 Eph. 22, 23. And how Exalting should we piously regard the Privilege of being Received and Acknowledged as integral Parts of That Body, Which has So Glorious A HEAD! But then with St. Peter we should rightly use Such Privilege; and as every One hath Received Such Gift, we should so minister the Same One to Another, as good Stewards of the Manifold Grace of GOD; remembering that, if we speak as Such Members, we should speak as the Oracles of GOD; and if we minister, we should do it as of the Ability, Which GOD Giveth; that GOD in All Things may be Glorified through JESUS CHRIST -1 Pet. iv. 10, 11.- -The Psalmist's Rule, when King of Israel, may well be adopted as of universal application, I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way; I will walk within my House with a perfect heart-Psl. ci. 2. In the tendering and administering good offices or largesses to Others, by accompanying them with a cheerful and kind manner, the blessing is rendered twofold, and the gratitude doubly acted upon. In giving, let not importunity only exact it; nor let it be grudgingly yielded, or the mere dictate of necessity limit it remembering from Whom we received All we have; and that GOD, Boundless and Unceasing and Unrequited as He is in His Own Bounty and Mercy, Loveth a cheerful Giver -2 Cor. ix. 7. VERSES 9 to 11.-Let love be without dissimulation! Abhor that, which is evil! Cleave to that, which is good! Be kindly affectioned One to Another, with Brotherly love: in honour preferring One Another! not slothful in business: fervent in Spirit, serving The LORD! In sincerity should our profession of attachment be founded. To affect a feeling of kindness towards Others and of deep interest in their welfare, when our hearts do not respond to the profession, is to lie both to Man and to God; and it is better, that the habit should be encouraged to evince a Brotherly or Sisterly affection within Christian Rules, by acts, and let them bespeak the heart-promptings, that led to them, and not weaken them by previous professions.The Apostle's phrase, indicative of the dreadful effects of sin, is deservedly strong, he does not confine himself to the terms, eschew, or avoid evil! but injoins us to abhor evil!— And when the effect of a continuance in sin is the Forfeiture of Happiness in the endless Life to Come, and of all justifiable hope here of It, it is indeed to be regarded in all its varieties as a subject of the most just abhorrence, and as leading to a state of misery, from which there will be no extrication as to its Punitive effects, if persevered in. And not only is the course of wickedness to be shunned and shrunk from; but with an equal earnestness in the opposite direction is the Christian Course to be pursued, and adhered to with the most lively and continuous zeal and devotedness. In the interchange of offices of attention and regard and of endeavour to win Souls to CHRIST, no labour should be declined and no opportunity overlooked; and amidst whatever measure of success our exertions may be met, no assumption of Pharisaical superiority should find place even in our thoughts; but we should rejoice therein with the sense of gratitude towards The SPIRIT of HOLINESS, to Whom that Success is Attributable. In the comparison of ourselves with Others, Christian modesty and meekness should be shewn, and Spiritual pride be utterly banished from our minds. In every grade of life there are duties to be performed, and Relative obligations arise. The Highest are not exempt; and the Lowest cannot be set free from them; and it is in the fair and full discharge of these peculiar duties, in a spirit of regularity and efficiency, that the character of the true Christian is best. exemplified. The Labourer of industry and perseverance and integrity will, in addition to the inward rejoicings of an approving conscience, receive the Exhaustless and Inestimable Wages of his Heavenly MASTER's Love, if done to His Honour and in subjection to The Revealed Will of GOD, and The HOLY SPIRIT's Guidance. Every impulse either to a good work or a good word should awaken simultaneously a feeling of gratefulness to The Heavenly SOURCE; from Whence That Impulse Graciously Arose; and stimulate to a continuance in well-doing, or in advancing, by the Gift of Wisdom, The SAVIOUR's Reign of Holiness and Happiness on Earth.St. Peter, addressing the true Believers in Christian Doctrine and Observers of Its Discipline, thus expressed himself, in accordance with St. Paul's invocation to mutual love, Seeing ye have purified your Souls in obeying the Truth through The SPIRIT unto unfeigned love of the Brethren, see that ye love One Another with a pure heart fervently!-1 Peter i. 22; ii. 17.- -The Psalmist's admonition is thus ably given, Come, ye Children, hearken unto me! I will teach you the fear of The LORD! Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile; depart from evil; and do good: seek peace, and pursue it !-Ps. xxxiv. 11, 13, 14.- -St. Peter admonishes the Elders, being himself an Elder, and a Witness of the Sufferings of CHRIST, to feed the Flock of God, taking the Oversight thereof not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being Lords over GOD's Heritage; but being Ensamples to the Flock: and the Younger he exhorts to submit themselves unto the Elder; yea, All to be subject One to Another; and to be clothed with humility; urging it on the ground, that GOD Resisteth the Proud; but Giveth Grace to the Humble.-1 Peter v. 1 to 3, 5.- -Solomon also says, Surely The LORD Scorneth the Scorners; but He Giveth Grace unto the Lowly.Prov. iii. 34. The Apostle, amidst his High Spiritual Avocation, shrunk not from manual labour to earn his own maintenance, as well as to aid in the relief of Others' necessities, These hands, (he says,) have ministered unto my necessities, and to them, that were with me; and he thus shewed us, that so labouring we ought to support the Weak, and to remember the Words of The LORD JEŠUS, how He Said, (See Luke xiv. 12, 14,) 'It is more Blessed to give than to receive.' -Acts xx. 34, 35. To be fervent in Spirit, we must embrace the Spiritual - interests of Others, as well as of ourselves; after the example of the Apostle, and of his Friend and Fellow-Labourer Epaphras, a Servant of CHRIST, whom St. Paul in his Letter to the Colossians describes, as always labouring for them fervently in prayers, that they might stand perfect and complete in all the Will of GOD-Col. iv. 11, 12.- -To serve The LORD Acceptably, we must serve Him with reverence and godly fear; always abounding in the Work of The LORD, for which we have the inost animating Encouragement, that our Labour, so engaged in, shall not be in vain in The LORD- Heb. xii. 28; 1 Cor. xv. 58. AVERSES 12 and 13.--Rejoicing in hope: patient in tribulation: continuing instant in prayer: distributing to the necessity of Saints given to hospitality. : Hope, which sustains the Natural Heart in the pursuit of its objects, whether legitimate or not, is often in the former case disappointed, and in the latter even if it be fulfilled, brings with it a false joy, if any, and contributes to confirm the eventual separation from all joy, when the Great Epoch of DIVINE Judgment shall arrive and an Irreversible Sentence is Pronounced upon every Soul of Man. But the Hope, which the Christian is Taught, and Encouraged by The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, to entertain, is a Source of Certain and of Unceasing Joy to the Soul of the Believer, under every circumstance of life, and under the severest [trials of life. It looks with confiding assurance from the Word of GOD, beyond the passage to Death and the Grave, unto a Blissful Immortality and the full Fruition of The SAVIOUR's Love in His KINGDOM, Which will then Rule with Undivided and Undisturbed Sovereignty over All. Patience under privations and pains both of body and mind is prominently among the Christian's passive virtues, and the Example Set by The Incarnate SON of GOD, That PATTERN of All Patience, as well as of All Virtue, is in Itself a Check against murmuring or complaining, whatever may be our Lot or Appointment in the Christian Warfare. Be the measure or duration of afflictions Visited upon us what it may, we know that they can be but for the season of this life, and may not be even for that uncertain and, compared with Eternity, momentary period. Continuing instant in prayer is to acquire a habit of Heavenly-mindedness, which resolves every event and circumstance of our condition and connexions to the Especial Providence of GOD, and raises at once and in the instant the thought to the Overseeing Eye and SPIRITUAL Presence and Cognizance of GOD, in all we do and say and think, and consequently to the prevailing impression that, as He is Able and Ever Willing to Help and Countenance us, if we be but true to our allegiance to Him, and feel as grateful Children for His Adoption of us in CHRIST JESUS, our Souls may well be at ease and at peace, and Partakers of the joy of a confiding trust in OMNIPOTENCE, in every submissive prayer we put forth to Him, according to the Promptings of The SPIRIT and the Revelation of The DIVINE Will. It is not meant, that we should be ever on our knees, or loud in aspirations towards The Throne of Grace, but that the heart should be uplifted towards GOD in CHRIST for HEAVENLY Counsel and Encouragement, either in passive or active relationships or occurrences of life. The necessities of our Fellow-Creatures, both in Spiritual and temporal matters, it should be regarded by us not only as a duty, but as a privilege and a cause of added gratitude, if we be enabled to relieve, or in any way to lighten and lessen them. And especially amidst the toils and privations and persecutions, to which the true Soldiers and Servants of CHRIST are here in a peculiar degree often subjected, should it be our study, as well as inclination, to administer according to our means substantial support and encouragement, and countenance and consolation. Hospitality, in its rightful quality, flows necessarily out of a good and provident Spirit, and where regulated by temperance, and judgment, in the selection of |