concern for the welfare of your superior : the very self-denial, which such an act would call forth, would itself be a more substantial benefit to the soul, than all the gratification which would have followed from self-indulgence: and St. Paul him- self has set us an example of this conduct : " I," says he, " please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved''."
We should further seek it in a way of condescending com- pliance. Paul, in order to meet the prejudices of the Jews, and to gain the easier access to their minds, circumcised Timothy : and with the same view he submitted to the tedious rites and ceremonies which attended the performance of the Nazarite's vow'. A.nd if we were more willing to meet the wishes of those who are prejudiced against the truth, we might greatly allay their hostility, and often win their souls. There is in many young Christians an unreasonable stiffness in relation to matters of pure indifference ; and they will often plead conscience for their non-compliance, when it proceeds solely from a want of compassion for the ignorance of others, and of due concern for their souls. They will please themselves, however much their enemies be offended, when by kindness and condescension they might have operated a favourable change upon their minds.
Well do we know, that these principles may be easily per- verted; and that it will often be extremely difficult to know how far, and in what manner, they are to be called forth into action. Nevertheless, the principles themselves are good, and indispensably necessary to be embraced and cultivated by all who would adorn the Gospel of Christ : and, if only we look well to the motive by which we are actuated, we shall not be likely to err very materially in the application of them. The main point to guard against is, the doing any thing which is in itself sinful, or any thing, the lawfulness of which we ourselves doubt: for we ought certainly to be fully persuaded in our minds, that the restraint which we impose on ourselves, or the concession which we make, be not contrary to any express command of God. Where the concession which others re- quire at our hands is forbidden of God, there the rule must be observed ; " We must obey God rather than man."]
From the whole view of this subject, we cannot but