place in the offices of love, even as our blessed Lord himself did, when he washed his disciples' feet^ ]
But as this view of the words is rather for persons who take a lead in the Church, I shall proceed to notice them,
II. In a more general and extended view — " We have but one Master, even Christ" —
[O, brethren, think how " many lords have had dominion over you," and how grievously you have neglected the work which Christ has given you to do ! Remember, I pray you, that as, in our families, every servant has his proper work assigned him, and is expected to perform it from day to day ; so have you your proper office to perform in the family of Christ : and you should be able, at the close of every day, to say as Christ himself did, " Father, I have glorified thee on earth ; I have finished the work which thou hast given me to do" ]
As for all our fellow-Christians, they are our " brethren" —
[Our Lord did not intend to forbid titles of distinction. It is of necessity that some should be addressed by the name of " Father," and others by the name of " Master." That which is here forbidden, is the affecting of such titles, as marks of high distinction, and as means of great authority. Lowliness is that which our Lord approves, and which is the proper fruit of Christianity in the soul. In a family, all are studious to promote the welfare of each other, and ready to make sacrifices for each other's good. This is the spirit which we should cultivate towards all tlie members of Christ's mystical body, yea, and towards every individual of mankind ]
Learn here, my brethren,
1. The sublime nature of Christianity, as forming the character of individuals —
[Christianity does not regulate the outward conduct only, but forms the habit of the mind to humility and love ]
2. The blessed tendency of Christianity, as con- tributing to the welfare of the community —
[What a world would this be, if all were brought to this standard of morals, this exercise of mutual kindness ! Look at the primitive Church, and there you see it realized ^ O that it might be realized amongst us ; and that every one of us in our respective spheres might thus shine as lights in the world ! ]
a ver. 11. with John xiii. 13 — 15, ^ Acts ii. 44 — 47.
If394.3 Christ's compassion and man's obstinacy. 523