CHRIST COMMENDS THE HUMBLE AND CHILDLIKE.

Read S. Matt. xviii. 1-6. (S. Mark ix., S. Luke ix.) Compare 2 Pet. ii. and Jude.

I. Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Ib. 1.

How frail is human nature! What a strife for the disciples of the lowly and meek? Pride began with the angels, continued in Adam, remains in us. Alas, how much in me! Prov. xiii. 10.

II. Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest, &c. Ib. 4.

And not only so; but except we (v. 3) become as little children, we cannot enter there. Humility is a most necessary step towards attaining it. Have I taken that first and lowest step? Mic. vi. 8.

III. In heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven. Ib. 10.

By pride hell began. With the humble and obedient heaven is filled. There even now dwell the angels of Christ's little ones on earth, beholding His face. There with them may I find a place through Him. Ps. lxviii.

17.

Text.

Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not. Jer. xlv. 5.

OF THE REPROOF OF A BROTHER.

Read S. Matt. xviii. 15-20. (S. Luke xvii.)

I. If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault. Ib. 15.

Here learn Christian charity on both sides. Reproof is to be given and received in love, for Christ's sake, for the sake of the souls both of him who gives and him who receives. Ezek. iii. 18.

II. Tell him his fault between thee and him alone. Ib.

The reproof must be in private, as between brethren. If the sin is against thyself, none need know it but thee. Would not I desire to be so dealt with? Let me so deal with others. S. Matt. vii. 12.

III. If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Ib.

To both the gain is great. To one, the gain is a brother and a clear conscience; to the other, receiving the reproof in humility, the gain is, his own soul, his brother's love, the peace of God. So may I act in either case. Ps. cxli. 5.

Text.

He that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. Prov. xiii. 18. Ob odol Isquda will re

OF THE REPROOF OF A BROTHER.

Read S. Matt. xviii. 15-20. (S. Luke xvii.)

1. If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault. Ib. 15.

Here learn Christian charity on both sides. Reproof is to be given and received in love, for Christ's sake, for the sake of the souls both of him who gives and him who receives. Ezek. iii. 18.

II. Tell him his fault between thee and him alone. Ib.

The reproof must be in private, as between brethren. If the sin is against thyself, none need know it but thee. Would not I desire to be so dealt with? Let me so deal with others. S. Matt. vii. 12.

III. If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Ib.

To both the gain is great. To one, the gain is a brother and a clear conscience; to the other, receiving the reproof in humility, the gain is, his own soul, his brother's love, the peace of God. So may I act in either case. Ps. cxli. 5.

Text.

He that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. Prov. xiii. 18.

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity.

THE PARABLE OF THE DEBTOR.

Read S. Matt. xviii. 21-27.

I. The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, &c. Ib. 28.

I am His servant, His debtor. To Him I owe all; to Him I must give account. I have nothing to pay. Must I too be sold, and lose my freedom? Alas! I have by sin. Rom. vi.

16.

II. Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Ib. 26.

How often has God had patience with me in a less earnest prayer! When angels sinned, in an instant they fell; but, of God's mercy, I am not consumed! Jesus's blood hath purchased this. Lam. iii. 22.

III. The lord..... was moved with compassion. Ib. 27.

"And forgave him all that debt." And He has forgiven me, released me from the slavery of sin, and adopted me as His child. Have I deserved such favours? How do I strive to repay them? How merciful is God! Exod. xxxiv. 7.

Text.

I said, I will confess my sins unto the Lord, and so Thou forgavest the wickedness of my sin. Ps. xxxii. 5.

For thoughts on the Gospel for the day, see p. 398.