hold our peace, " lest we should offend them/' " A Christian/' says Bullinger, " never ought to disturb the public peace for things of mere temporary importance."
Let us remember this passage as members of a cliurch. We may not like every jot and tittle of the forms and ceremonies used in our communion. We may not think that those who rule us in spiritual matters are always wise. But after all, Are the points on which we are dissatisfied really of vital importance ? Is any great truth of the Gospel at stake ? If not, let us be quiet, "lest we should offend them."
Let us remember this passage as members of society. There may be usages and customs in the circle where our lot is cast, which to us, as Christians, are tiresome, use- less, and unprofitable. But are they matters of principle ? Do they injure our souls ? Will it do any good to the cause of religion, if we refuse to comply with them ? If not, let us patiently submit, " lest we should offend them."
Well would it be for the church and the world, if these five words of our Lord had been more studied, pondered, and used ! Who can tell the damage that has been done to the cause of the Gospel, by morbid scru- pulosity, and conscientiousness, falsely so called ! May we all remember the example of the great apostle of the Gentiles ; — '^ we suffer all things, lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ." (1 Cor. ix. 12.)
MATTHEW XVni. 1—14.
1 At the same time came the dis- ciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven ?
2 And Jesus called a little child
unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say xmto you, except ye be converted, and become