for the C(lntinuRl growth Rnd diffusion of love, knowledge, righteousness. 8, Seek above all things the glory of God. Vers. 12-18.-7'ie aposUe's own circumstances. Bis holy unselfishness, He measures his C(lndition, not by its present hardships or comforts, but by the facilities which it gi ,-cs for spre.'lding the knowledge of Christ. J. RIB Il(PRI801'""MENT RAS TURNED TO THE FURTHERANCE OP THE GOSPEL, fi Wl\S not to have bt-en expected; the area of bis preaching WM contracted; be himself wns ~uffering and confined. But God makes "all things work together for good to them that love him;" even things that lnight seem likely to interfere with their spiritual work. 1. His chaim attra.cted attention : it became manifest that he was a prisoner "in Christ," Jiying in Christ., suffering in 11.nd with Christ, for the sake of Christ. 2. Listeners gathered round him: the Prretorian soldiers, among whom he lived, one of whom, in continual l'otation, guarded him: others too-" all the rest." His imprison- ment became widely known. The strange fact (it was strange then) that these hard- ships were endured voluntarily, from religious motives, excited curiosity, interest; hence many converts. 3. H-is errampk encouraged others. Some were timid, frightened. But the greater nnmber of the brethren took courage to preach fearlessly. Example is better than precept. The sight of a suffering saint, patient, contented, happy, docs more to win souls than hundreds of sermons. It is a visible proof of the power of Christ. II. ST. PACT. A CE:l\'TBE OF mssroN WOBX. 1. H-is presence in Rome led to mnch preaching; his example, bis energy, stirred up others. There was much activity. But aln~ ! there were dissensions even in the primitive Church. There was 11. Ju_daizing party at Rome who hated the apostle. 'l'heir zeal was kindled by his success; they preached, but v.itb the design of winning adherents to the Law, Hence there was a Ji"ision. 2. &nne preached of good wiU; they knew that St. Paul was set for the defence of the gospel The sight of his earnestness, bis sufferings, excited their sympathies, quickened their affections; they were eager to help on the good work, to carry the gospel message into places which the imprisoned apostle could not reach. They preached out of love-love for St. Paul, love for the work, love for Christ. 3. But others preached of envy t:md party spirit. They did preach Christ in a sense ; they brought news of Christ, they made known the facts of the gospel, they spread the knowledge of Christ's life and death. But they were not sincere; they did not in their hearts care for the salvation of souls; they preached really for their patty-it was party zeal, not love, that stimulated their efforts. 'l'hey were like the Pharisees of whom our Lord said," Ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when be is made, ye make him twofold more the child of bell than yourselves " (Matt. :x.xiii. 15 ). They envied St. Paul's success, and sought to raise up a party against him, to make him feel more bitterly the confinement of bis chains. 'l'he gift of preaching is far inferior to the grace of charity. The eloquent preacher may pe_ ambitious, worldly, actuated hy party spirit, not by the love of Christ. . III. ST. PAUL IS HAPPY BECAUSE CHRIST IB PREACHED. He seeks not his own glory; be is not troubled for himself when others disparage his preaching or his conduct. He is wholly free from party spirit, from sectarian animosities, from earthly ~otivcs. He rejoices in the progress of the gospel, thou~h that progress may_ be due m part to the preaching of men who differ widely from hunself, and who are his personal opponents. ·what an examJJle of unselfish charity! Learn: 1. Never to give way to despondency. 2. Never to allow ourselves to think that we could serve God better if our circumstances were other than they are. 8. Always to try to do our best where we are, knowing that be can bring good out of evil.· 4. The exceeding valne of the silent influence of holy example. 6. The great danger of party spirit, the blessedness of charity.
Vera. 19, 20.-St. Pam's own hope. I. HI8 HOLY CONFIDENCE. He knows that God will make all tl,iogs, even this opposition, work together for bis eternal salvation. The :;..etivity of his adversaries will stimulate him to greater zeal; it will kindle the ~ym,,atLy uf bis frier,ds, ar,d lead them to pray for him more earnestly. Mark his absoluu !x:lf-i;um,r.der, bis entire 6ubmission t'J the holv will of God. CU, I. 1-30.] THE EPISTLE TO 'l'HE PHILIPPIANS. 11