The Pulpit Commentary — Romans — Section 367

•the p1rsecutocl, wHh tho eone ancl daughters of affliction, let ns sympathize with OhriHtio.n forwo.rclnees and sincerity. And let it not be forgotten that sympathy will, in many cases, evince itself in practical forms. There are some, who a.re in elevated positions, towards whom we can show, when they a.re in grief, no other sympathy than such as expresses itself in demeanour and in words. But there a.re others, in poverty and in need, with whom it would be a mockery to express sympathy and yet to with- hold from them relief and help. • IV. THE BLESSINGS OF CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY. Not only is l!Uch a disposition, sa is commended here, in harmony with the Divine will, and in itself beautiful and admirable, but it is contributive to the welfare and happiness of all concerned. I. Sym- pathy is the occasion of happiness to those who exercise it. Those who are sympathetic need not be told this'; those who are not, and are incredulous, may make the trial 'l'o lose sight, as far as may be, of personal pleasure and trouble; to interest ourselves in the emotions of our neighbours ;-this is the snre way to happiness. 2. Sympathy is the occasion of relief and of profit to those to whom it -la extended. The bQrdened spirit parts with half its load when a kindly friend extends a ready and tender sym- pathy. The tear is dried, the heart is cheered, when the sufferer feels that he is not left to suffer all alone. And joy, when the rejoicing spreads, is purified from selfishness, and is heightened tenfold. A torch burns brightly; but let ten torches be applied to it, and you have eleven flames instead of one. Thns gladness spreads from heart to heart. And in the Church of Christ, what is more beautiful than to behold the gleam of gladness on a hundred faces, to hear the song of gladness from a hnndred harmonions lips I One soul afire with love to Jesus calls upon other sonls to share the devotion and the praise; sympathy spreads, and general joy prevails. 3. Thus the Church of Christ is edified. The purposes of Divine grace in appointing Christian fellowship an, fulfilled when each bears his brother's burdens and joins his brother's song. There is no surer sign of the Saviour's spiritual presence, of his gracious work, than the preva- lence of such sympathy. 4. What a testimony is thu,s offeren. to the world I .Men complain of the world that it is heartless ; that every one is engros.sed in his own pursuits, his own interests, his own pleasures, his own troubles. It should be other- wise in the Church. And when it is otherwise, a proof is given of a Divine presence, a superhuman power. An energy of attraction is recognized; and men a.re drawu to the society of those who feel the winning and consolatory power of the emph:uically Christian spirit of love and mutual sympathy. Vere. 17, 18.-Honourableness ancl peac«Jbleness. Men do and must live in society. And all civilizei communities have their own codes of conduct, which must be observed by those who wish to enjoy the benefits of social life and the protection of political government. Civil society enjoins the observance of justice and the maintenance of peace. But public opinion often requires simply a compliance with the letter of the law, and is very tolerant as to infractions of its spirit. 'l'he code of society or the laws of honour require that a man shall deal honourably with his equals, but in some instances allow him to act, within the limits of the law, dishonestly towards h.i.e inferiors; thus he must pay his gambling debts, but he may cheat his tradesmen if he can. The same rules prohibit murder, but in some places admit of duelling, and generally so.nction resentment and revenge. Christianity requires that honourable and peaceablo conduct should be distinctive of our life in our relations to all men. , I. HONOURABLENESS. Tho word means more than honesty. It was not a very lofty morality which dictated the saying, "An honest man's the noblest ,vork of Goo." Bare honesty is a small part of religion; it may keep a man out of jail, but it cann0i fit a man for the Ohuroh of Christ. The apostle enjoins honourabl.:,,'fair, pr-.liseworthy, noble conduct. Deoeitful, shifty, tortuous ways of acting should btJ far from the Ohristinn's soul. Sincerity, straightforwardness, truthfulness, fairness, should dwell in hie soul and epeol't from his lips. In the midst of a crooked and pervcr:;e generation he should shino. '!'hat the Oh ristian should provide or take thought for such ,, course of notion is in harmony with. our roasonable and reflective natlm. D.iliberate pre- feronco, diligont pursuit, steadrnst adherence to things houourabk, :,ro thus enjoined. Impulse is good whon directed to whnt is right; but principlo is l>ottcr, tc,r it is mor,i trUBtworthy. When tho apostle commends suoh conduct towarus all men, ho provides 866 THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE ROMANS. [orr. DI, 1-21,