Christian moralists reckoned pride among the eeven deadly lliDll. There waa an Gdditional reason for this apostolic caution in the case of the early Christie.Ill!. There were imparted to IllBny of them very remarkable and striking gifts, in BOme instances of a miraculous charaoter. Within the boundary of these BOOieties these gifts were held in high esteem, and were often unduly prized and even coveted. The posseB&Jrl of supernatural powers, gifts of tongues or of healing, may have been persons of no more than average Christian character, e.nd may have been specially in da.n"'er of being puffed up by spiritual pri<le. Let it be remembered that there is scarcely any possession or endowment which may not furnish occasion for sinful pride. 2. There is a special propriety in modesty, in so'f»-iety of judgment =ning o-urselues. What we have we received from the Giver of every good gift, and every perfect boon. Our "measure of faith" he bestowed. Who, then, made us to differ? In fact, what are we, the best of us, but poor helpless sinners, saved by sovereign grace? The more we reflect, the more we shall see how unreasonable, indefensible, and absurd it is to indulge sentiments of self-importance and self-esteem. Humiliation and contrition are far more appropriate to all. 3. This is an admunitioo easy to misconstrue. Insincere professions of humility are repugnant to the Searcher of hearts ; yet there is reason to believe that they are frequent. There is a" pride that apes humility." And there are those who need to be put upon their guard against undue depreciation of themselves and their abilities; such persons do little good, because they have a rooted conviction that they have no power for service. It is desirable, neither to neglect the one talent, nor to boast of the five. 4. We have an example of the virtue of sobriety in Paul's own case. Even here, instead of commanding or dictating, he words his counsel modestly: "I say, through the grace given to me." Not that he doubted his apostolic authority, but that he disclaimed any personal merit or claim. For he could sincerely speak of himself as "the least of the apostles; " "not worthy to be called an apostle;" "less than the least of all saints." He, therefore, may justly be said to have enforced his precepts by his own persona.I, living exa.mple. II. MEMBERSHIP IN CHRIST IS BROWN TO BE THE ROOT OF HtrnILI1'Y L."m )luTUAL CONSIDERATION. How can we enough admire in the apostle his habit of laying the foundation of every duty and virtue in Christ? In order to think mode.stly of 01melve.s, and kindly and respectfully of our Christian brethren, we should bear in mind our co=on dependence upon the same Saviour, and our mutual relation one to another. The principle here stated was one very familiar to Paul's mind; for it is propounded in several of his Epistles, and enforced with great beauty, and at some length, in the First Epistle to the Corinthians. 1. Christians are in co=on members of the Lord Christ. He is the Head; the Divine Personality, revealing himself through the body. He himself had taught this great and precious doctrine. "Abide in me,n said Christ, "e.nd I in you." He dwells in and inspires his body, the Church, by his own gracious and mighty Spirit. It is his presence that gives life and guidance. energy and blessing, to the body. Now, if this be so, surely it is obvious that to exalt ourselves and to despise others is inconsistent with such a relatiun. Can we regard with neglect, or with scorn, those whom the Lord terms members of his own mystical body? 2. There is diversity among the members of the spiritual body. As in the hnm:i.n frame, so in the Church, every member has its own office. In subsequeut verses Paul expl:Jins what some of these offices are, It is an instructive thought, impressing le,;;;ons of modesty and mutual esteem, that Christ he.s a use for every one of us. lru,tead of fretting that you have not your neighbour's gift, rather rejoice that he has it. Instead of thinking so much of your own work as to fill up the whole horizou of your ~ision with what is yours, turn an interested and kindly eye upon the ministry of your neighbour. Almost all men are prone to be one-sided. Receive inspired counsel: "Look every man also upon the things of others." There is room in the Church for the Christian scholar, the Christian philosopher, the Christiau preacher, the Cbristiau man of business, the Christian me.n of science, the Christirui. workman; for those who give themselves to healing, to education, to domestic life, to civil government, to social amelioration; in foot, there is room for all whom ChrisL has called and qualified for his own sorvico, Tho great Maker has fashioned no two alike; let each be cont~ut to be himsolf'.-----to bo just what tho Lord of the body intonde,l hirn to bt!. 8. 'l'hl'rtl is unity and harmony muong the mo1nbors of Christ's bo,ly. Tho inspirlld view is this: ROMANS, 2A THE EPISTLE O'F rAUL TO THE ROMANS. [on. xn.1-11,
We osnnot bo 1111 Christ's without coming into relation with ono another, very closes RUd ntal. Common dependence upon the li<'M creates mutual affections, n.nd oalls for mutu11.l l!ervires. How destruct.ive is this tMching of tbnt pride, from whioh th'8 apostle dissnsdes ! The health of each member, and hie efficiency for service, depends upon the condition of the other members of the spiritual organism and structure. It is not uniformity which is to be cultivated and expected; it is organic unity, whioh implies unity in diversity. Subordination to the one H81\d, the indwelling of tho one Spirit, will produce this happy result. Thus a.re secured the growth of the body and the glory of Christ.