"And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue." -2 Peter i, 5. Here is This whole passage deserves attention, as a beautiful and comprehensive description of the virtues of the christian character. a sacred chain, with link after link, commencing with "faith" in Christ, and closing with "charity," the greatest of all. Here is the progressive development of a holy character, where trait after trait becomes visible, and grace after grace appears. I call this the great christian motto. It deserves to be written in letters of gold, and placed where it will always attract attention. It should be committed to memory, and so often thought upon as to influence the life, and conform the character to its standard. The Apostle begins thus: "And besides this"-intimating that there is something more. There is no degree of grace, no position in religion, no height of enjoyment, where we may not hear the voice of God saying, "And besides this, giving all diligence." There are yet higher, brighter, better, positions which invite to diligence. It is a great mistake to suppose that it requires no exertion to be a christian. Many would gladly so believe, and would rejoice to go to heaven on flowery beds of ease. But there is no such way for either rich or poor, high or humble. There is one way, and but one, pointed out by Christ, and that is, "Strive to enter in at the straight gate, for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Laziness and self-indulgence are great foes to religion. There is nothing worthy of our attention, but requires exertion. Men do not become rich, or great, or learned, simply by idle wishes, or even by earnest desires. Eminence in any pursuit is only gained by persevering labor. It requires effort to achieve greatness. Were it other no height et approng, where we may not her tia với “And l-sides tins, giving a'i dill eno ›.” Tags of case, Tele are better, positions which iavje to ulence. 21,0 that it requires no cacrtior t would gladly so hel e, and would rejoice to go ta But there is no such way for ei There is one wa, rid ut one. Į sinted Strive to enter at the straight gate, will & ek to "toy in, and shall not be cl at foes to religiɔa. Turre Map lo ng noling worthy Tee afterion, but requires exer:a. become rich, or great, or learned, imply by idle wishes, on y 2 by |