1 Thessalonians 3:13

Here. particular and special reason is assigned, why he prayed so fervently for their abounding in love, namely, in order to their establishment in faith and holiness; teaching us, that as true love evidences the co-existence of all graces, so it gives stability and establishment to all graces.

Learn hence, 1. That growth in grace is accompanied with stability both in faith and holiness.

2. That. general and abounding charity, being that by which we become most like unto God, tends exceedingly to our establishment in all grace, and renders us unblameable before God, at the appearance of Christ.

Learn, 3. That there will be no possibility of appearing unblameable before Christ at his coming, without the love and practice of universal holiness in our Christian course.

Learn, 4. That the perfecting of. saint's graces, and rendering him altogether unblameable, without spot or imperfection in grace and holiness, is reserved till Christ's coming. Then, and not till then, shall our holiness be perfected, our love improved to. seraphim's likeness, all burning; then shall we obey with vigour, praise with cheerfulness, delight in God above measure, fear him without torment, trust him without despondency, serve him without lassitude and weariness, without interruption or distraction, and be perfectly like unto him, as well in holiness as in happiness, as well in purity as in immortality.

Come, then, Lord, down to me, Or take me up to thee.