[A discreet and blameless conduct is no less important as it respects the Church. The weak are of necessity much in- fluenced by those whom they consider as more advanced than themselves : and, if they see any thing done by a person whom they respect, they will be ready to follow his example, even though they are doubtful in their minds respecting the lawful- ness of the act itself. Then, even though the act be lawful, they commit sin, because they are not thoroughly persuaded of its innocence1. And we, if we pay no attention to their weaknesses, actually sin against Christ ourselves, and are guilty of destroying a soul for whom Christ diedu. Let us not then imagine ourselves at liberty to do all things which are in themselves lawful ; for we are not at liberty to cast a stumbling-block before a weak brotherx; but are to consult his good, no less than our owny.]
Infer —
1. How far are they from real Christians who can live in known and allowed sin !
[Christianity requires us to abstain even from the appear- ance of evil: how much more from sin itself! Ah, beloved, you may easily see the folly and hypocrisy of calling your- selves Christians, while your whole conduct proclaims that you have no delight in God, nor any higher aim than to approve yourselves to men.]
2. How excellent is the true Christian in compa- rison of others !
[Christians are not improperly called " the excellent of the earth." Behold their care, their tenderness, their cir- cumspection, their "dread of even a garment spotted by the flesh2." Their conduct is fitly described by the Apostle; " Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, these they both think upon" and perform3. " See then, Christians, that these things be in you, and abound." Let not "our boasting of you be found in vain" and delusive. But " as ye have received how ye ought to walk and to please God, so abound more and moreV]
* Acts xiv. 23. u 1 Cor. viii. 9 — 12.
x Rom. xiv. 13, 15. y 1 Cor. x. 24.
z Jude, ver. 23. a Phil. iv. 8. b 1 Thess. iv. 1.
364 l THESSALONIANS, V. 23, 24. [2209.