and are looking to some distinguished neighbor or friend, or to their
own selfish and sensual desires, to inquire how they shall walk in this
evil world. Many appear to have made an estimate in their hearts how
little religion will suffice them--how little humbling of the
spirit--how little self-denying labor for Christ and dying men. It may
be they "do justly," and, in their own eyes, "walk humbly;" but their
religion is of the negative sort. They are "neither extortioners,
unjust, nor even as this publican:" they give to every man his due, and
take good care to obey the precept--"to look every man on his own
things, and not on the things of his neighbors." But they forget that
"Love mercy" was a part of the triad! that the religion of Jesus is not
a religion of selfishness, and that the Master has said, "Go ye out into
the streets and lanes, and _compel them_ to come in, that my house may
be filled!" They forget His _example_ who came down from heaven to
suffer and die for guilty man; who _went about_ doing good, and whose
meat and drink was to accomplish the work which the Father had given him
to do. They forget that one of his last acts was to wash his disciples'
feet, saying, "As I have done to you, so do ye also to one another;"
and, as if our selfish and proud hearts would rebel, he adds--"The
disciple is not above his Master, nor the servant above his Lord."

This want of conformity to Christ is also shown in the speech of many of
his followers. He who was the _Searcher of hearts_ must certainly be
expected to condemn iniquity, and condemn it severely; but how unwilling
do we find him to pass sentence upon the guilty--how comforting and
consoling to the sinner! To the offending woman he says--"Neither do I
condemn thee; go, and sin no more." For his murderers he cries--"Father,
forgive them; they _know not_ what they do!" And must vain, erring man
be more harsh towards his fellow-man than his Maker? "Blessed are the
merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." "I came," says Jesus, "to seek