_It was necessary, in connection with these precepts, that some motive should be presented to cause men to deny themselves, in order to act in accordance with them._ Now it has been shown that the believer acts in view of the character and will of Jesus. Christ, therefore, in order to give these precepts moving power upon the souls of men, identified himself with his needy creatures, and sanctioned the duty which he prescribed to others, by conformity to it himself; so that these precepts, given to govern men's conduct in this life, he made the rule of judgment in heaven's court of equity, and by them the decision will be made out, which will settle, finally, the spiritual destiny of men. 'Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it not unto me.' Thus Christ identifies himself with the most needy of mankind, and receives an act of kindness done to them, as done to himself. When the love of Christ, therefore, constrains men, he has so exhibited his will, that it constrains them to act for the good of each other. Those that love Jesus, therefore, and expect his favour, must serve him by doing good to others. Moreover, Christ has sanctioned these precepts by his own example. His life was a life of self-denying labour, for the benefit of our race; and his command to everyone is--'Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow me.' Thus, by Christ's precepts, by his example, and especially by his identifying himself with those in need, that method of life is sanctioned which alone could make man the benefactor of his fellows--unite the human family in one happy brotherhood--and make them blessed in doing each other good, in the faith of Christ. Those that love Jesus will desire to do his will--will find their happiness in obeying him; and that will is, that they should labour to benefit his creatures. Those who believe in and love Jesus will have their conscience regulated by his precepts and example. Thus, the conscience of believers is set (if I may so express it), so that it will regulate the movement of their life in such a manner, as finally to work out the salvation of a world lying in wickedness. It follows, therefore, that faith in Jesus Christ is directly designed and adapted to strengthen men's benevolent affection, and to produce in believers that active desire and effort for the good of others which will necessarily produce the dissemination of the light and love of the gospel throughout the whole habitable world. CHAPTER XVII. THE DESIGN AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MEANS OF GRACE. 1.--PRAYER.