to serve in what is characteristically termed, the ministry of reconciliation.' The prevailing tone of his own exhortations should be regulated by meditation on that gracious tenderness with which Christ laboured to bring sinners to a sense of the heinousness of guilt. He should not be irritated by the weakness of those for whom he is interested, but provide, as far as in him lies, against the temptations to which they are exposed, by intercessory prayer in their behalf. It is a proof either of listlessness of feeling very unbecoming him who should watch over the souls of others as one who must give account, or of culpable indifference to the eternal interests of a fellow-creature, whenever there is not much sorrow for a fallen brother, as well as much charity in the treatment of his case with a view to reclaim him. Noah's righteous soul was vexed day by day with the ungodly deeds around him, and Jeremiah wept day and night for the slain of the daughter of his people 3.

3 Jer. ix. 1. See also xiii. 7. Rom. ix. 1-3.

There is, however, much in human nature that hinders us from feeling the influence of this brotherly sympathy as we ought; and instead of hoping even against hope, or forgiving till seventy times seven, we are too often dispirited at the first unfavourable symptom, and silenced or estranged by a single trespass. A deep consciousness of our own frailty will best promote tenderness in our behaviour to others, whom we wish to bring back, like the lost sheep to the fold, or as the prodigal son to the house of his father. The Israelites were enjoined not to oppress a stranger, inasmuch as they had experienced themselves the miseries of the situation, and knew the heart of a stranger, seeing they were strangers in the land of Egypt. The spirit of the precept, as well as of many others under the old law which appeared to have only a temporary force, is of universal application. An obligation of the same kind is virtually laid on the Christian to have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity 5.'

4 Ex. xxiii. 9.

5 Heb. v. 2.

It is thus that the imitation of Christ's example will bring us to the same conclusion at which the Apostle arrives by a different mode of argument. He pronounces in a more authoritative way than is usual with him- We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.' And again, in another place, he appeals to the conscience of the Corinthians, whether through their knowledge should the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died.'

3. Real tenderness, according to our Lord's exemplification of the quality, will manifest itself in a way which rather differs from the ordinary mode of estimating it.

It will not be seen so much in the mere act of indulgence, as in the steady pursuit of what is most conducive to the true interest of others. It will not always take present happiness or immediate good as the measure of that interest,

6 Rom. xv. 1.

7 1 Cor. viii, 11.

but it will look onward with a prospective view to the wants of eternity, and will consider that to be the highest exercise of love which provides an immortal soul with the means of laying up treasure in heaven. Our Lord calls upon Peter to testify his love by the tenderness of his concern for his weaker brethren-Lovest thou me? feed my sheep-as if such a charge were the employment which would be most congenial to his feelings, and most consistent with his renewed professions of attachment to his heavenly master. The connexion too which St. Paul establishes between his love for the converts and his earnestness for their spiritual welfare is very prominently insisted on. God is witness, that being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to impart unto you not the Gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. Ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye should walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

81 Thess. ii. 8.

4. Lastly, a few words may be added respecting a false view which is sometimes taken of the nature of Christ's character.

There is a tendency in men who are conscious that they have offended against the light of the Gospel, to overlook in the richness of its promises that the wrath of God is declared against all unrighteousness, on the same authority which offers pardon and salvation to the penitent. They are willing to suppose, that because he desires not the death of a sinner, he will forbear to punish him.

But the tenderness of Christ, unbounded as it is, will never be suffered to interfere with his justice. Had it been otherwise, he would not have stooped to take upon himself the infirmities of the human nature, or have submitted to death upon the cross. There is not a single expression in the Holy Scriptures which can warrant the belief that the mercy of our Saviour will be extended to one who tempts him so presumptuously as to persist in wilful sin. Despisest thou