To constitute a man a Christian

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus." Philip. 2:5

Jesus Christ is the only Teacher who ever made
a 'similarity of disposition to Himself'--a test and
badge of discipleship. He is not only the teacher,
but the pattern of His own religion. His example
is an essential part of His system.

To constitute a man a Christian, he must not only
receive the doctrines of our Lord--but must imbibe
His very spirit. He must not only believe all He
taught--but he must live as He lived, think as He
thought, and feel as He felt. Christ's mind must
be in his mind, as far as he can contain it, and
Christ's heart must be in his heart.

To be a Christian, it is not only necessary we should
adopt Christ's doctrines,
observe His ordinances,
associate with His church,
espouse His cause,
conform outwardly to His conduct;
but we must have His very mind in us! The prevailing
spirit and disposition of His mind, must be ours also.
Unless the eye of man sees the image of Christ upon
our character, and the eye of God sees the mind of
Christ in our soul--we are not acknowledged as
true Christians.

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus." Philip. 2:5

And what was the mind of Christ?

How holy was his mind! Not the shadow of sin, nor
the least taint of moral evil ever passed over it, to
becloud or pollute its immaculate purity. His mind
was the seat of the most ineffable benevolence.

His heart was the very temple of love--nothing
malevolent, vindictive, or cruel, ever found a
place there.

All His actions, words, and feelings were the
workings of incomparable love.

His humility was equal to His purity and benevolence.

Where and in whom, is to be seen the union of
holiness, benevolence, and condescension, which
formed the character of the Savior?

Is His holiness to be found in those professors who,
though they are free from external vice and immorality
--allow the corruptions of their heart to go unmortified;
and who indulge, instead of crucifying--the passions
and lusts of the flesh?

Is His benevolence to be found in those who are so
fond of the world, so grasping, and so hoarding, that
little or nothing can be extorted from their reluctant
hands for the salvation of sinners, and the glory of God?

And then where is His humility to be seen in His followers?
Is it to be found in those who will have their rights, and
all their rights, at whatever cost of principle or peace; who
will not tolerate the least offense, without all the boilings
of wounded pride, and mortified vanity?

Oh, is this the mind that was in Christ?

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus." Philip. 2:5