And further, we are taught by this example of Christ, that every sincere believer, with whom we are made acquainted, with whom we have intercourse, is to be treated as a brother; whatever be his situation in life, he is an object of affection far more noble and delightful, than any human tie can possibly produce; and is entitled to our best and most benevolent services. We may not be familiarly associated; we may not dwell with him as with an earthly relative; there may be a distance of rank between us; but we love and honour him, for the Lord’s sake and his own sake, as one of God’s redeemed people, with whom we hope to dwell in love for ever; and therefore our soul delighteth “to communicate with him and to do him good.” Pity that there is not, in the christian world, more of this spirit of the blessed Jesus; more friendly sympathy and brotherly interchange; more regard for one another, as members of the same holy family; the rich for the rich, the poor for the poor, the rich and poor for each other. Far different would be our condition in this world, if all were thus regarding, thus feeling for, thus helping one another. Why is it not so? For the want of a true christian faith and principle. If the tree were good, the fruit would be thus beautiful.
My brethren, allow me affectionately to recommend this subject to your private and most serious consideration; to your daily prayers; as a subject, in which your own interest in the Saviour is deeply involved; as a subject, intimately connected with all your best promises and hopes, in this life and the life to come. And may the God of love shed His spirit abroad amongst us, and “pour into our hearts this most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues.” Has Jesus, our common Lord and Master, our heavenly and eternal King, declared, of every faithful disciple, that “the same is to Him, as a brother and sister and mother?” Then remember His example, and remember His words, “_as_ I have loved you, that ye love one another:” remember them, or you will be forgotten by Him: “love the brotherhood,” or you do not belong to Christ; your profession is hypocrisy. “Walk in love, as Christ hath loved you;” let it be your daily walk: the reward is great, in every point of view; great upon earth, in present comfort and peace and honour; greater on the latter day, in the approving declaration of your Lord; “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me:” { 384} greatest in heaven, where we shall be made “perfect in love;” in the love of God, and of the holy angels, and all His redeemed people, for ever and ever.