Imatges de pàgina
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which every one may exercise at all times, and on all

occasions.

That we may be excited to brotherly love; consider,

III. The great importance of cherishing this affection, for the improvement of the Christian temper.

If we were actuated with such a spirit, we would be rendered more amiable in ourselves, in the several relations in which we are placed.-If the father of a family should love his offspring with that tender affection, which rejoiced in doing them good; how would he be respected, and obeyed by his children?-If brothers and sisters should love one another with pure hearts fervently; what a scene of harmony would their intercourse present, instead of those feuds and animosities which so often embitter their lives? How gentle would be their tempers, instead of those furious and ungovernable spirits, which are so frequently nurtured in domestic society?—If neighbours would study to be obliging and courteous, kindly affectioned, and ready to do every office of huma nity, which their acquaintances might need; would they not be truly estimable characters, and gain the affection of all around them ?-If masters would take an interest in the welfare of their servants; would they not acquire a reputation which is more satisfactory than what arises from riches, or other sources of gratification ?-If servants are faithful in the discharge of their duty, not with eye-service, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, pleasing God; how worthy are they of applause? how deserving of approbation? In short, the love of our neighbour renders the character amiable, in every rank and condition of life.

In like manner, how is the happiness of him who loves his neighbour advanced by brotherly love! How pleasing the reflection, that he wishes well, and does good to all as he has opportunity! such a temper is surely more tranquil, than his, whose heart is perpetually meditating mischief, and whose tongue is employed in uttering deceit. How much more desirable is the state of that man's mind, who is free from malice, or hatred, or envy; than his, who

is ever restless in devising some malignant scheme, or propagating some defamatory report? How much more self-enjoyment does he possess, who maintains his soul in peace, in his intercourse with others; than he who is a prey to all the angry and tormenting passions, which disturb his composure, and render him unhappy? Thus, the love of our neighbour promotes our happiness and present comfort.

Besides, brotherly love renders us useful to those with whom we are connected, by enabling us to perform aright all those relative and social duties, which our various stations impose. The man of affluent circumstances, who is inspired with this principle, will search out objects of compassion; and by timely succour will give to him that needeth, and thus become a general blessing to all within his reach. The man of public station, actuated by a desire of doing good, will employ his time and influence in ameliorating the temporal condition, and promoting the spiritual welfare of the needy and the ignorant. And even he who occupies an inferior station in society, may by his generous deeds alleviate the miseries, soothe the sorrows, and comfort the souls of those who are ready to perish. Is not brotherly love then, one of the most ennobling affections of human nature; does it not render us amiable and happy in ourselves, and dispose us to promote the happiness of all around us? If it does, then surely it ought to be cultivated by every one, who would improve these qualities of the Christian temper.

It is moreover, an important duty in various other respects. It is the only test that we have imbibed the spirit of our holy religion. "By this," says our Saviour, "shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another." The gospel is particularly distinguished by the regard which it pays to this principle, and seems to recommend it as the chief part of practical religion. And accordingly St. Paul, after enumerating several duties which Christians should perform, subjoined as a summary of the whole: "if there be any other commandment it is briefly comprehended in this saying, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."-Brotherly love is even represented

in scripture as "the end of the commandments," and the perfection of Christian obedience. For what purpose are all the injunctions delivered by Moses and the Prophets, by Christ and his Apostles, unless to enforce the observance of this amiable virtue? All the precepts of the second table of the law are designed to teach men to love one another; all the moral directions which are interspersed through the old testament aim at inculcating mu tual good will; and our Lord's discourses have all a tendency to subdue the unnatural passions of men, and teach them "to be kindly affectioned one toward another, with brotherly love in honour preferring one another." Nay, every Christian grace is declared to be useless without this concomitant; for, says an Apostle, " though I speak with the tongue of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains; and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity; it profiteth me nothing."

And it is no wonder that it is reckoned so indispensa ble a qualification; since without it men will indulge many tempers, which are unsuitable to the character of Christians. Thus, one who is destitute of brotherly love, may be so proud as to regard his fellow-creatures with contempt; whereas by possessing this affection, he will be led to esteem and value them as they deserve, which is surely more becoming than to despise them. Another may be so envious, as to look with an evil eye on the prosperity of his neighbour; but if he loved him as himself he would rejoice in his welfare, which is a disposition more consonant to human nature, than ill-will and malig nity. A third may be so malevolent as to be displeased at the reputation which another may acquire, and thereby induced to detract from his credit; whereas if he loved him as himself, he would consider his fame as justly earned by superior merit. In short if brotherly love prevailed more in the hearts of men, they would live in peace, con

cord and happiness; but where it is wanting, there strife and contention disturb social intercourse, which render men uneasy in themselves, and injurious to one another.

And as this kindness of affection is necessary for promoting agreeable intercourse among men; it is no less requisite, if we would have our persons and services acceptable in the sight of God. Accordingly, we are taught, that if we bring our gift to the altar, and there remember that our brother hath ought against us; we must "leave our gift before the altar, and be reconciled to our brother, and then come and offer our gift." Indeed, if we live in hatred, and envy, and malice, we are not proper objects of God's acceptance; for he requireth us to love our neighbours, as a condition for partaking of his lovingkindness; "if ye forgive men their trespasses, so shall your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Having thus shewn the importance of cherishing brotherly love for the improvement of the Christian temper. I proceed to inculcate,

IV. The obligations arising from reason and scripture, for the exercise of this benevolent affection.

The constitution of our nature is such, as powerfully to excite to the cultivation of kindness and good-will to our fellow-creatures. We have feelings which incline us to wish and to promote the happiness of others, when we have opportunity. These are various, according to the relations which we bear to those with whom we are connected. The parental affection excites us to nourish and provide for our children; the filial principle to make a return of love and gratitude; the attachments of kindred to unite the hearts of brothers and sisters; the regard which we cherish for neighbours and acqaintances, to promote their comfort; the sympathy which we experience for the distressed, to succour and relieve them; and the general feeling of benevolence, to do good to all men as we have, opportunity. These are instinctive affections of human nature, which we should cherish, if we would act according to the dictates of reason, and cultivate the natural dispositions of our minds.-And in order to encourage

their growth, God, who hath bestowed them, hath annex. ed a certain degree of pleasurable sensation to the exercise of our benevolent principles; so that we enjoy greater satisfaction in ministering to the comfort and happiness of others, than almost from any other actions in which we can engage. Let us then pursue the course of conduct, which our nature directs for loving our neighbour as ourselves.

Another source of obligation for brotherly love, arises from the condition in which we are placed in civil society. In this world we find ourselves in such circumstances, as render mutual endearments and friendly offices necessary for transacting the business of life; and dwelling together with any degree of comfort. We are dependent on one another for various conveniences, requisite in our earthly condition. Some are placed in stations of authority, others born in a low estate. Therefore, mutual regard to each other is indispensable for rendering their intercourse agreeable; condescension in superiors, and submission in inferiors. In whatever rank of life we find ourselves situated, the kindness and ministration of others will be requisite for our accommodation; and therefore we must endeavour to secure the good-will of those on whom we depend for so great a share of our happiness. If we expect others to manifest kindness to us; it is reasonable that we should make some return, whenever they require, and can be benefited by our friendly offices.

This will appear still more evident, if we consider, as another source of obligation to brotherly-love, that many of those within the reach of our influence may be so wretched, as to stand in need of things needful for the body; or so ignorant and wicked, as to require our compassion to their immortal souls. These are various cases of distress which come within our observation, that might be alleviated by our means. There are multitudes whom sickness or poverty renders objects of compassion to every beneficent man. We may indeed excuse ourselves from taking any interest in their condition; because we have no intimate connection with them. But, are they not all equally our brethren according to the flesh; partakers of

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