to the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak : I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some*^." Here you see, not only what his constant habit of life was, but the principle by which he was actuated throughout the whole ; preferring the "winning" of men to Christ, and the " saving" of their souls, to any personal con- sideration whatever. In all this he was an example to us; and therefore says, in reference to this very thing, " Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ."]
In accordance with this was the conduct also of all the Apostles —
[The last time that St. Paul came to Jerusalem, the whole college of Apostles, fearing that the Jews had a wrong im- pression of his principles, and that, because he had represented a conformity to Jewish ceremonies as unnecessary, they would imagine he had decried them as sinful, besought him to unite himself to some persons who were about to perform their vows as Nazarites, and purify himself, according to the Mosaic law, with them. And this he did, in conformity with their advice S: thus not only illustrating the principle by which he was habi- tually actuated, but setting, as it were, the seal of all the Apostles to this line of conduct, as sanctioned and approved by them.
After all this evidence, nothing further need be added to confirm the statement we have made respecting the Christian's duty, or to enforce the advice which, in conformity with our text, we have presumed to give.]
On the ground therefore which has been established, I beg you to bear in mind,
1. What is the principle by which you are to be actuated, in all your intercourse with mankind —
[Love to their souls must animate you at all times : and by that must you be determined, in every thing where the path of duty is not clearly determined for you. By that must you be regulated, whether in acceding to their wishes, or in resisting their solicitations. There are certainly occasions whereon a compliance with them will produce a good eft'ect; and there are occasions whereon it will be your duty rather to withstand the importunity even of your dearest friends. But you must be careful to distinguish aright the principle from which you act. You must not give way to fear : nor must you comply from a feeling of personal friendsliip or regard : and, least of all, must you conform to the world, to please
f 1 Cor. ix. 19—22. e Acts xxi. 20—26.