When therefore we speak of these dispositions as accepted of God and approved of men, it is supposed that in them " we serve Christ," by whose grace alone we can do them, and through whom alone they can ever be accepted.]
Having- now shewn the nature and excellence of practical Christianity, we shall, in conclusion,
III. Give some directions for the exercise of it —
The general direction in our text is, to " follow after the things that make for peace, and things whereby one may edify another." But that the whole scope of the chapter may be brought more fully into view, we will descend somewhat more to particulars.
1 . Lay not an undue stress on things indifferent —
[As amongst the Jews there were many who laid more stress on the washing of pots and cups than on obedience to God's commandments", so now there are many whose zeal has respect to little else than the circumstantials of religion. The Papists are ready to confine salvation to those who are within the pale of their Church: and almost every distinct sect of Protestants is ready to arrogate to itself the same exclusive privilege. It is grievous to think what mutual aver- sion has been created among Christians, by the circumstance of worshipping with, or without, a form of prayer, or by dif- ferences still less important. But things ought not so to be. We should lay no more stress on any thing than we find laid on it in the Scriptures of truth. The fundamental doctrines of religion must be held fast, and sacrificed to none. The plain duties also of religion must be executed with a firmness that is immoveable : but whatever interferes not with these, should be left to the judgment and the conscience of every individual ; neither being imposed on him as of necessity, nor exacted of him with rigour, nor made a ground of alienation from him. We should concede to others the liberty we claim for ourselves ; and be more anxious to preserve an union of heart, than by dictation to produce an uniformity of senti- ment. " One man esteemeth one day above another : another esteemeth every day alike." And what says St. Paul to this? Let the more powerful of the two compel the other to adopt his views ? No : but, " Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind0."]
2. Be tender in judging those who differ from you —
n Mark vii. 8, 9. ° ver. 5.