proceedings. Surely, if the true character of God's people be, that they are "the quirt in the land''," these persons would do well to consider whether they are not carried by a party- spirit beyond what Christ or his Apostles ever practised, or ever sanctioned, and whether they would not honour their profession more by attending to the caution given them in ray text. And I the rather say this, because religion has of late been griev- ously scandalized by the departure of multitudes from Christian duty in this particular.]
2. With an harmonious attention to all other duties —
[In all Christian duties there is a perfect harmony: no one of them is in any degree opposed to any other. In the pursuits of earthly men, it is necessary to check one propen- sity, in order to indulge another. A man who is amhitious, and yet covetous, must sacrifice, in a measure, his love either of honour or of wealth; because the line he must pursue in the prosecution of the one, must impede him in the pursuit of the other. But the Christian, in the performance of his duties, finds no such counteracting influence : he may serve God in the utmost perfection, and yet not be defective in any duty which he owes to man. Let no duty then be neglected : but, as all are compatible with submission to civil government, so, if performed in their proper manner, they will all contribute to advance, rather than obstruct, the best possible execution of our social obligations.
" Honour all men." There is no man who does not claim at our hands a measure of respect. Those who excel in wis- dom and goodness are doubtless entitled to a larger share. But even the most unworthy object is not to be despised; for- asmuch as he was " made after the similitude of God'1," and has been redeemed by the blood of God's only dear Son, and may, for aught that we know, become a child of God, and an heir of his eternal glory.
Yet, doubtless, we must with a more especial affection " love the brotherhood." The saints, to whatever nation or sect they belong, ought to be dear to us : for with God there is no respect of persons : there is neither Jew, nor Greek, Bar- barian, Scythian, bond, nor free ; but all are regarded as one in Christ Jesus r." They are all members of his mystical body, yea, " members one of another s :" and though we are to " do good unto all men," there is a special obligation upon us to do good unto " them that are of the household of faith*." Towards the world we should feel a love of benevolence: but
p Ps. xxxv. 20. i Jam. iii. 9.
1 Gal. iii. 28. Col. iii. 11. s 1 Cor. xii. 12. Eph. iv. 25
• Gal. vi. 10.