HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere. 1-3.-Brotlierly love. "Let brotherly love continue. Be net forcretful to," etc. 'l'he writer now proceeds to exhort hie readers to the practice of sundry Christian virtues. He begins by enjoining the maintenance and manifestation of brotherly love. I. THE MAINTENANCE OF DROTHERLY LOVE. "Let brotherly love continue." 1. That tliis affection existed is implied. That it bad been exercised in former times is clear from eh. x. 32-34. That it was existent and active at the time when this Epistle was written appears from eh. vi. 10. 2. That this affection was impe1·illed i8 also implied. '!'here are several things which may check the growth and extinguish the life of brotherly love. (1) Diversity of opinion. We are each gifted with individuality; we sometimes look at things from different standpoints; we arrive at different conclusions. '!'his is the case in the interpretation of the sacred Seri ptures, and in other matters. Differences of opinion sometimes lead to differences of feeling, to coldness and estrangement. (2) Diversity of gifts. The great Master gives to one man five talents, to another two, and to another one. There is danger that pride in those of superior gifts, or envy in those who are less gifted, may crush this holy affection. (3) Misunderstandings may arise amongst Christian brethren and blight their love of each other. 3. That this affection should be maintained. "Let brotherly love continue." Let it remain. Guard against those things which endanger its exis- tence. Cherish it. This love of the brethren is not to be limited to those who belong to the aame ecclesiastical community, or to those who hold the same views of Christian doctrine; it should embrace all the disciples of the Lord Jesus. "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in uncorruptness." The importance of maintaining this affection is manifest from many Divine utterances (,John xiiL 34, 35; xv. 12, li; 1 John iii. 11, 14-18; iv. 7, 8, 11, 20, 21). II. THE MANIFESTATION OF BROTHERLY LOVE. Two forms in which this affection should be expressed are adduced in our text. 1. Hos'[Jitality towards strangers. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels u.nawares.'' Consider: (1) The duty. Hospitality is frequently enjoined and commended in the Bible (Matt. x. 40--42 ; xxv. 34-46 ; Luke x. 4-7; Rom. xii. 13 ; 1 Tim. iii. 2 ; Titus i. 8 ; 1 Pet. iv. 9). " The primitive Christians," says Calmet, "considered one principal part of their duty to consist in showing hospitality to strangers. They were, in fact, so ready in discharging this duty, that the very heathen admiretl them for it. They were hospitable to all strangers, but especially to those who were of the house- hold of faith. Believers scarcely ever travelled without letters of communion, which testified the purity of their faith, and procured for them a favourable reception wherever the Name of Jesus Christ was known." In the parable of the good Samaritan the great 'l'eacher presented to his disciples a perfect example of Christian hospitality. (2) The motive by which we are encouraged to perform this duty. "For thereby some have entertained angels unawares." There is a reference to Abraham (Gen. xviii.) anu to Lot (Gen. xix.). Many a guest has proved as an angel to his entertainers, brighten- ing the home by his presence, and leaving behind him precious memories and saving influences. The kindness we have shown to strangers has often come back to us with compound interest, and in higher and holier forms. Therefore," forget not to show love unto strangers." 2. Sympathy towards sufferers. "Remember them that are in boncls, ns bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." Notice two points: (1) The obligation. "Remember them," etc. All who are distressed should be remembered tenderly, sympathized with heartily, and succoured as far as opportunity will allow. "Weep with them that weep." "Bear ye one another's burdens," etc. (2) 'l'he consideration presented as an incitement to the fulfilment oi; this obligation. "As being yourselves also in the body." We are not beyond the reach of persecution or distress. We may be called to suffer as some of our Christian brethren are now suffering, and then we should need the sympathy which they now require. Here is a beautiful example of this sympathy. "Thomas Samson was a working miner, and working hard for his bread. The captain of the mine said to him on one occasion, • 'fhomas, I've got an easier berth for you, where there is compara- 408 THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. [en. xm. 1-25.
tively little to do, and where you can earn more money. Will you accept it?• What do you tlii?k he 8Rid? 'Captain, there's our poor broth~r Tr_ego~ey. He has a sick body, and he 1s not able to work as hard as I am. I fear his toil will shorten his useful lire. Will you let him have the berth?' The captain, pleased with his generosity sent for Tregoney, and gave him the berth. Thomas was gratified, and added, 'I ea~ work a little longer yet.' "-W. J.