men, and to mortify that self-pleasing and self-indulgence, to which we are all so prone. Is there any service that we can render to our fellow Christians ? Is there any kindness that we can do them, to help them and promote their happiness ? If there is, let us do it without delay. Well would it be for Christendom, if empty boasts of churchmanship and orthodoxy were less frequent, and practical attention to our Lord's words in this passage more common. The men who are willing to be last of •all, and servants of all, for Christ's sake, are always few. Yet these are the men who do good, break down prejudices, convince infidels that Christianity is a reality, and shake the world.
Let us mark, in the last place, ichat encouragement our Lord gives us to show kindness to the least and lowest who believe in His name. He teaches this lesson in a very touching manner; He took a child in His arms, and said to His disciples, " Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me, and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth Him that sent me."
The principle here laid down is a continuation of that which we have just considered. It is one which is fool- ishness to the natural man. Flesh and blood can see no other way to greatness than crowns, and rank, and wealth, and high position in the world. The Son of God declares that the way lies in devoting ourselves to the care of the weakest and lowest of His flock. He enforces His declaration by marvellous words, which are often read and heard without thought. He tells us that to " receive one child in His name, is to receive Christ, and to receive Christ is to receive God."