Gospel. In this way we shall truly comply with the direction in our text, and make the enmity of others against Christianity an occasion of displaying its unrivalled excellence.]
2. In the doing of good —
[It is lamentable to see how often well-meaning Christians defeat their own purposes by their want of judgment. They will reprove sin ; but they will reprove it with so much harsh- ness, or in so public a manner, as to irritate only, and not to reclaim, the offender. In conveying instruction also, they overlook all the circumstances of time and place, as well as the state of those they address. They forget that there is much wisdom required " to win souls;" that they should " choose out acceptable words," which shall " distil as the dew," and insinuate themselves gently into the minds of the hearers : they will speak the truth freely at all times, without considering whether they be not " casting their pearls before swine, who will only turn again and rend them." Some, as soon as they have attained a little knowledge themselves, will set themselves up for public teachers, and take upon them- selves the office of the ministry without any call, either from God or man ; little thinking what a stumbling-block they cast before many, whom they harden in their prejudices against the Gospel of Christ. In a word, they think that zeal is every thing ; and that, if only they endeavour to do good, they need not be much concerned in what way they do it. But they need to be told, that Paul himself, even when going to meet the whole college of Apostles, took the precaution of communi- cating privately with the chief among them first, lest by an abrupt disclosure of all his history at once he should excite their prejudices, and occasion disorder in the Church^: and it will be well for them to treasure up in their minds that obser- vation of Solomon, " I wisdom dwell with prudence ^"]
3. In the whole of their deportment —
[Christians should be " a wise and understanding people," and should have their whole conduct regulated by " sound wisdom and discretion." They should be careful " not to give occasion to their enemies to speak reproachfully." They should rather be studious to " cut off occasion from those who seek occasion against them," and to " put to silence the ignorance of foolish men by well-doing." This is strongly inculcated in those words of the Apostle, " Walk in wisdom toward them that are without:" and it was admirably illustrated in the conduct of Daniel, which constrained his bitterest enemies to say, " We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
a Gal. ii. 2. *> Prov. viii. 12.