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I. CONTRASTS WITH THE PRODUCE OF THE SINFUL NATURE.

II. CAN ONLY BE ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE NEW LIFE AND THE NEW INFLUENCES OF THE SPIRIT.

III. IS SWEET, SERVICEABLE, AND ACCEPTABLE, NOT ONLY TO GOD BUT TO MAN.

(Family Churchman.)

I. THE SOIL IS PREPARED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

II. He quickens the seed — the truth which is instinct with a Divine vitality.

III. HE FOSTERS THE LIFE: like sunshine and showers on the seed sown.

IV. HE MATURES THE FRUIT: creating for it a congenial climate.

(Family Churchman.)

I. WE HAVE HERE THE INSPIRED DEFINITION OF CHRISTIANITY.

1. A great many men have religion who have no Christianity.

(1)  They are devout, but inspired by fear.

(2)  Orthodox, being learned in theology.

(3)  Moral, being controlled by law.

2. Christianity is a life of liberty, spirituality, and joyous love.

II. THIS REPRESENTATION OF CHRISTIANITY IS EMINENTLY FITTED FOR THE YOUNG, who are repelled by many representations.

III. THE INSPIRATION OF THE MINISTRY IS THE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE OF THE SPIRIT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIS FRUITS.

IV. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS THE ANTIDOTE TO INFIDELITY.

1. Men may question the doctrines of Christianity.

2. They cannot deny its practical effect.

(H. W. Beecher.)

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KJV: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

WEB: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,