Vere. 82, 83.-The roclc of offence. In one point of view it would senn all but incredible that the highest display of Divine wisdom and goodness should bt recra.rded, by those for whose benefit it was provided, with indifference a.ad even hostilitt But in order to understand how this should be, it is necessary to bea.r in mind the distort- ing influence of sin upon the minds of men. True religion comes into conflict with men's errors, prejudices, and guilty conscience ; and is a. stone of stumbling, and rock of offence. I. CHBISTUNITY BAB NO RESPECT FOB NATIONAL PREJUDICES AND PRIDE, Jew and Gentile, civilized a.nd barbarian, stand before God, a.nd his La.w and gospel, upon the same footing. All alike a.re treated as guilty, as needing to repent in order to salvation. II. CBBISTIANITY BAB NO RESPECT FOB PERSONAL BANK OR FAMILY REPUTATIO:ll. In the first age it was especially observed that not many great, or mighty, or noble were chosen. Such e.s were chosen were accepted upon the same terms as the lowly and the obscure. III. CHRISTIANITY DOES NOT MA.KB SPIRITUAL BLESSING DEPEND UPO:ll EXTEB:l!AL PRIVILEGE. Such advantages were enjoyed in abundance by the Jews; but tne preachers of Christianity made no account of them. "When Israelites counted them- selves unworthy of everlasting life, the here.Ids of salvation turned to the Gentiles. No wonder that such a reversal of customary methods angered those who prided themselves upon their position of advantage. JV. CHBIBTIANITY DISPARAGES MERE EXTERNAL CONFORMITY A.'fil OBEDIENCE. Most religions are content with words, gestures, gifts, etc. The new faith repudiated all such observances e.e in themselves valueless, laying stress upon the thoughts and intents of the heart. This was a paradox which was not unnaturally encountered with resentment. V. CBBISTIANITY PRESCRIBES HUllILIATION AND REPENTANCE AS THE INDISPID<:ill!LE CONDITIONS OF PARDON, And this in every case-a provision which is galling to the self- righteous and self-confident, who have little conscience of sin, and little pining for for- giveness. "The natural man" stumbles at this condition, which may, he thinks, be applicable to others, but has no appropriateness to him. VI. CHBISTIANITY INCULCATES BPIBITUALITY OF CHARACTER AS ALONE SUFFICIE...-.q,r AND ACCEPTABLE IN THE BIGHT OF Goo. Christ's own commands and counsels appeal to the heart-the inmost nature of man. A new nature, renewed dispositions, heavenly desires,-nothing lees avails in his sight. " It is e. hard saying," is the objection; '' who can hear it ? "
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere. 1-5.-The sympathy of a Christian patriot. If our Christianity is genuine, it will not destroy our nature.I affections, but will purify nnd ennoble them. Domestic affection is e.11 the stronger and the brighter under the influence of Christianity. The Christian patriot is the truest patriot. So it was with St. Paul. Because he had embraced, so to speak, e. new religion, he does not turn in bitterness against his former co-religionists. Because he has become wiser than they, he does not look down upon them with scorn and contempt. I. His BOBROW FOB THE LOST. He says that he h!LS "great heaviness and continual sorrow" for Israel, his kinsmen according to the flesh. This sorrow is intensified by many considerations. 1. He thinks of their great privileges. "To whom pertai.neth the adoption, and the glory, and the oovenants, and the giving of the Law, aud the service of God, and the promises ; whose are the fathers, and of wbom as concerning the flesh Ohrist Cl\me" (1ere. 4, 6). It was indeed a saddening reflection to think that a people so highly honoured by God_ should depart from him. 1:hey had tho Lnw for t~eir guid11nc0; the fathers for their example; Christ Jesus, Gods own Son, for their Mess_1ab and Deliverer; and the 11doption, and the glory, and the covenants, aud the promises B0114N~ T 274 THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO 'l'HE ROMANS. [orr, 1x. 1-33,