Ver. 17.-Imitaeion. When a man invites others to become imitators of himself he must be either possessed by an absurd self-admiration or almost entirely devoid of self- regarding feelings. The latter was tbe case with St. Paul. He saw the plain fact that there were points in which it was desirable for the Philippians to imitate him, and he was so unselfishly concerned for their welfare as never to have a passincr thoucrbt that be might be laying himself open to a charge of self-glorification. The sellforgetfnl man will dare to do things which the self-conscious man shrinks from in modesty, and yet the former is the humbler of the two. It is the perfection of hnm.ility and self-abnega- tion to be able to stand as a model for others without a suggestion that one's own glory is advanced thereby, with nothing but regard for the interests of the others. I. WE ARE NATURALLY IMITATIVE. If we do not follow good examples we go after the bad. Absolute originality is almost impossible. Imitation is largely unconscious. But it is profitable for us to make use of this powerful instinct by turning it towards the best models. II. HUMAN EXAMPLES MAY BE FOLLOWED WITH GREAT ADVANTAGE. Our highest model is God, for we are to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. Ch1ist is our great Example. Still, there is large room for the influence of other men. Several things give force to this influence. 1. Similarity of circumstances. We can select an example from among men who have similar duties and temptations to our own. Our follow-men have all to fight the same battle with sin. 2. Ptrsonal knowledge. We can understand best the examples of those lives which pass before our own eyes. 3. .Affection. This draws us to follow those we love. 4. Special characteristics. In particular circumstances certain men become the best examples. Hence one use of biography, knowledge of mankind, etc. III. THE EXAMPLE OF ST. PAUL IS OF PECULIAR VALUE. This may be considered in regard to his whole life and character. Note three particulars suggested by the con- text. 1. His liberality of sentiment. This was a special point for the Philippians who were threatened by J udaizing narrowness. 2. His ceaseless efforts afttr spiritual progress. (Vera. 12-16.) 3. His spirituality. (Vers. 18-21.) IV. EVERY TEA0HEB SHOULD ENDEAVOUR TO LEAD BY EXilll'LE. Example will affect teaching one way or another. If it is bad it will either lead people astray or, if they resist its influence, it will discredit the teacher and fmstrate his work. Without posing for imitation, every leader and teacher of men should be careful to be worthy of it. V. WTATION, TO BE PROFITABLE, lllUST BE DISCRDIINATING AND FilEl':. 1. Dis- criminating. (1) That good models may be chosen; and (2) that these may be followed in their good points and not in their bad points, for there is no more fascinating snare than the temptation to copy only the weakness of great men. 2. Free. A servile copying may lead us into positive wrong-doing, since "circumstances alter cases," and at best it is devoid of moral principle. We must imitate the spirit of our examples, translating this into the terms of our own individual requirements.-\V. F. A.
Ver. 20.-Oitizenship in heaven. I. THE FA0T, Christians are citizens of heaven. 1. They are under heavenly gove1·n111ent. Other men are ruled by earthly influences- laws of the state, social customs, worldly expediency, etc. The true followers of Christ obey higher laws and serve an unseen King. It is their recognized aim to do God's will on earth as the angels do it in heaven. 'l'hey confess supreme allegiance to a heavenly Lord. 2. They perform heavenly functions. 'l'o be a loyal citizen means to share in the common municipal life. This Christians undertake in their relations with the city above. Their conversation is to be in heaven. 'l'hey a.re to set their affections on things above. Their chief concern is to do their work on earth so as best to promote the glory of heaven. Generally they are to shape their lives according to the celestial polity. 3. They enjoy heavenly privileges, Citizenship is a privilege. This was well understood in St. Paul's day, when soma men prided themselves in being born Romans, while others were willing to pay a great price to obtain the rights of Roman citizenship (Acts x.xii. 28). Englishmen now ;claim protection and immunity from foreign exactions in all parts of the world on account of their nationality. So Christians have the high privileges of Divine liberty, safety, and honour that accompany a heavenly .ilizenship. 154 THE EPISTLE TO THE PliILIPPIANS. [en. III. 1-21.