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I. THE NATURE OF HEART EXPANSION.

1. It is not mere mental expansion. History supplies too many examples of intellectual greatness associated with moral degradation.

2. It is not mere liberality of sentiment.

3. It consists in enlarged views of men as the subject of moral government, and enlarged desires for promoting their well-being. It is Christianity only that inspires those views and those feelings. It gives to man enlarged expectations, and teaches him the way to realise them.

II. THE MEANS OF HEART EXPANSION.

1. Examine the present state of the heart.

2. Meditate upon the great evangelical facts. "God so loved the world," etc.

3. Commune with men of enlarged souls. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, he that walketh with good souls may participate in their goodness.

4. Hold fellowship with the Son of God. Be much with Him, drink in His sentiments, imbibe His spirit.

III. THE NEED OF HEART EXPANSION. Why should we seek it?

1. The heart is capable of it. How the gospel makes little souls great!

2. We are representatives of Christ. How great in soul should Christians be who have to stand between the loving Son of God and the fallen world!

3. Enlargement of heart is essential to our usefulness. It is only the heart expanding with love that can turn time, talent, property, acquirements, to spiritual use.

4. We are responsible for the condition of the heart whether contracted or enlarged.

(Caleb Morris.)

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KJV: O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

WEB: Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged.