1. To those who are offended at the falls of others — [Many, when they see a professor of religion act amiss, are ready to impute his misconduct to the Gospel itself, as though Christianity were only a cloak for hypocrites. But, considering the temptations that surround us, and the corrup- tions that are within us, it is rather a wonder that any stand, than that some should fall. We mean not to justify, or to extenuate, the sins of any : but we desire that religion should not be represented as promoting that, which it utterly con- demns. Let the blame fall on those who merit it, and not be
^ We have a striking example of this in Peter, who to gratify his curiosity went into the midst of his enemies, and was then left to ex- perience his own weakness. Matt. xxvi. 58, 74.
^ Thus he acted towards the Israelites, Deut. i. 42—44.
*■ I£xod. xxiii. 13. R Ps. xvii. 5.
cast indiscriminately on all who profess godliness. Let Judas be branded as a traitor ; but let not tlie odium of his offence attach to all the other Apostles, and to their Divine Master.]
2. To those who are endeavouring to walk up- rightly before God —
[It is of considerable use to persons when walking on slippei-y ground, to have hold of each other, that if one slip, the other may afford him immediate assistance. Many falls and bruises have been escaped by these means. Thus it is of great importance to Christians to walk together in love, each helping to support his neighbour, and receiving help from others in the time of need''. Let all then watch over one another with a godly jealousy. If one fall, let others endeavour instantly, in meekness, to raise him up'. Above all, let every one know in whom his strength is ; and pray continually, •' Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe*"."
" Now to him who is able to keep us from falling, &c. be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen'."]
li Eccl. iv. 9, 10. ' Gal. vi. 1.
^ Ps. cxix. 117. ' Jude, ver. 24, 25.