minds, and to act agreeably to that persuasion: but still we should allow to others the same liberty which we claim for our- selves, and be content that others should think and judge for themselves, without desiring to impose upon them any restric- tions of our own. How happy would it have been for the Christian world, if such moderation had obtained in the Church, from the period of its first establishment in the apostolic age ! But man is a tyrant, and loves to give law to his fellow-men. Few are disposed to distinguish aright between things essen- tial, and things indifferent. If it were said to them that contrarieties may both be right, it would appear a paradox inexplicable. But so it is, and so it is declared by God him- self to be, in many things which have most divided men, and called forth against each other their bitterest invectives. The contests about observing days, or eating things offered to idols, how violent they were in the apostolic age ! How severely did the weak condemn the strong ! and how acrimoniously did the strong despise the weak ! yet both the one and the other, so far as they acted to the Lord, were accepted of him, whether they exercised, or forbore to exercise, the liberty which they possessed0. The same thing at this moment obtains amongst the various denominations of Christians throughout the world. It were difficult to enumerate them all ; yet all are as confident of their own exclusive sentiments and habits, as if they had a special revelation from heaven that they alone were right : and the very idea of an unity of action among them, even in things wherein they are all agreed, is by many reprobated as an unbe- coming indifference towards their own peculiar party. But is this the " moderation," that is productive of meekness, and gentleness, and love ? No : it is a spirit most contrary to real Christianity, and most studiously to be shunned by all who would adorn their Christian profession. The true temper to be cultivated, is that of the Apostle Paul, who, " though he was free from all, became the servant of all, that he might gain the mored."]
Such is the duty here enjoined. Let us now con- sider,
II. The argument with which it is enforced —
The nearness of death and judgment is a common argument with the Apostles, in support of their various exhortations : and it is fitly applied on this occasion : for we may well be." moderate," in relation to all earthly things, when we consider how speedily the Lord is coming,
c Rom. xiv. 1—6. d 1 Cor. ix. 19—22.