4. Walk in his steps —
[This is the particular scope of the text; the intent for which all these quotations are introduced. Our blessed Saviour has shewn a gracious and merciful regard for all the human race : nor has he permitted any diversity in their habits or conduct to exclude them from his kingdom, provided they repent and obey his Gospel. Now our hearts should be en- larged after his example. We should not suffer little circum- stantial differences to alienate us from each other. While we claim a right to follow our own judgment, we should cheerfully concede the same liberty to others. A difference of conduct may be proper for different persons, or for the same persons under different circumstances. This is evident from Paul refusing to suffer Titus to receive circumcision, when he had already administered that rite to Timothy ; as also from his performing at Jerusalem the vows of a Nazarite, after he had for twenty years renounced the authority of the ceremonial law. It is therefore by no means necessary that we all con- form precisely to the same rule in indifferent matters : but it is necessary that we cultivate charity, and maintain " the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." If we be not perfectly agreed in sentiment respecting things that are non-essential, we must at least agree in this, to leave every one to the exercise of his own judgment: the weak must not judge the strong, nor the strong despise the weakc, but all follow after " the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another3."]
c Rom. xiv. 3. d Rom. xiv. 19.