when their afFcction or interest moves them. But a Christian ought to he influenced hy higlier principles than these. — Do we flinch from the test ? Do we find it im- j)Ossible to do good to our enemies ? If that be the case, Ave may be sure we have yet to be converted. As yet we have not " received the Spirit of God." (1 Cor. ii. 12.)
There is much in all this which calls loudly for solemn reflection. Ther are few passages of Scripture so calcu- lated to raise in our minds humbling thoughts. We have here a lovely picture of the Christian as he ought to be. We cannot look at it without painful feelings. We must all allow tjiat it differs widely from the Christian as he is. Let us cafeiy away from it two general lessons.
In the first place, if tlie spirit of these ten verses were more continually remembered by true believers, they would recommend Christianity to the world far more than they do. We must not allow ourselves to suppose that the least words in this passage are trifling and of small moment. They are not so. It is attention to the spirit of this passage which makes our religion beautiful. It is the neglect of the things which it contains by which our religion is deformed. Unfailing courtesy, kindness, tender- ness, and consideration for others, are some of the greatest ornaments to the character of the child of God. The world can understand these things, if it cannot understand doctrine. There is no religion in rudeness, roughness, bluntness, and incivility. The perfection of practical Christianity consists in attending to the little duties of holiness as well as to the great.
In the second place, if the spirit of these ten verses had more dominion and power in the world, how much
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