I. THE PRIMARY LAW OF HUMAN ASSOCIATION. It is the law of brotherhood which leads us to regard our brother's interests as of more importance than our own. Show how such a law universally working would, of necessity, make a heaven of earth. But it may be said, "Are we not to care for ourselves, and consider our own interests?" We shall not need to do so if, while we care for our brother's well being, that brother is as anxious to put his own aside that he may secure ours. In the mutuality of our service will lie our common safety, and our common blessing. To this height, of a practically working brotherliness, Christianity is seeking to uplift the world.
II. THE HINDRANCES TO THE WORK OF THIS LAW PUT BY HUMAN SELFISHNESS, Sin repeats before God, age after age, the words of the self seeking Cain, "Am I my brother's keeper?" An exaggeration of the distinction between "mine and thine" keeps men separate from each other, and makes the separation take all sorts of forms of class distinction.
III. THE RESTORATION OF THE LAW TO ITS FULL POWER THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF THE CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLE. What shall bring men together in mutual helpfulness? Try society schemes, bonds of commerce, ameliorations through education and science. None of these can reach the very root of selfishness. But if we could win a supreme love for Christ and full consecration to him, we would be sure to "love our brother also;" and find out practically how to "seek another's wealth."—R.T.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
All for God will be all for men.
"Do all to the glory of God;" and then it will not be difficult for you to "please all men in all things… seeking the profit of many, that they may be saved." "No act of life is in itself either religious or secular. The quality of each act depends on the spirit which guides it and the motive from which it springs. The commonest thing may be done in a high Christian spirit. The greatest deed may spring from a low and selfish motive." "The glory of God, that is to be the end of all your actions." And St. Paul ventures to affirm that the man who holds a supreme purpose—to glorify God, will be found the kindest, most generous, and most helpful man by all his fellow men.
I. THIS IS AN ACTUAL FACT. The truly pious are the truly philanthropical. Illustrate from the general influence of Christianity in securing care for the suffering and the poor; and from individual cases, such as those of Howard, Wilberforce, Nightingale, etc.; appeal may also be made to cases within our personal experience. A weak recognition of the claims of the brotherhood is one of the surest signs of a frail, unnourished piety.
II. IT IS REASONABLE THAT THIS SHOULD BE THEE ACTUAL FACT. This may be argued:
1. From the impression of the fatherhood of God which the Christian gains. If he turn his eyes down from up looking to the Father, he cannot fail to see the Father's children.
2. From the growth of Christian life, which is a changing into God's image, until we come to think about his children as he thinks, and to work for them as he works.
3. From that simple, unquestioning obedience to God's will which would surely characterize us if we really held all for God and were set upon securing "his glory."—R.T.
1 Corinthians
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