+I. Christian manhood is a growth.+--1. A growth having its inception
in the simple fact of becoming a Christian. This is a decided advance
upon the most moral and cultivated state otherwise attainable. It
involves the quickening into a new life which is to grow. 2. A growth
marking a continual advancement till we all come in the unity--the
respect in which one grows--the union, conjunction of faith and of
knowledge. 3. A growth resulting from culture under Divinely
appointed agencies. The most splendid growth, other things being
equal, is the result of the highest culture. The highest culture is
possible only through the most rigid conformity to the laws of
development and the appliance of the best agencies. 4. A growth the
standard of whose completeness is the fulness of Christ. The
stature--the adultness, the full-grown manhood of Christ--is the
standard of growth, whose attainment is the Christian's noblest zeal.
+II. The elements of Christian manhood.+--1. _Largeness_--in the
Christian's views of truth, of man's need, of Christ's work, of
schemes and plans for its greater furtherance.
2. _Dignity._--That deep, inwrought sense of the true worth and
greatness of his nature, as a renewed man, and of his position as a
child of God and joint-heir with Christ. Christian ethics are the
best ethics; highest, purest, noblest, safest. He lives by these
naturally who has a well-developed Christian manhood.
3. _Courageousness and strength._--Courage makes a man put forth his
best strength, while strength enables courage to achieve its best
deeds.
+III. The outworking of Christian manhood.+--It gives:--
1. _Steadfastness._--No more children. No more carried about--borne
round and round as in the swiftly whirling eddy of the sea--by every
wind of doctrine.
2. _Sincerity._--"Speaking the truth in love" refers both to the
sincerity of life and our relation to the truth.
3. _A further growth._--As the full-grown tree, leaves and blossoms
and bears; as fruit, after it is full-grown, mellows, matures,
sweetens; ripening as wheat for the garner.--_J. M. Frost._