mark that for a proud and unhumbled person. You may be sure that he does it, in order to exalt himself. But when you see anyone anxious to hide his brother's failings, unwilling to expose all his little defects, you will generally find that to be a humble person, who deeply feels the many faults in his own character.

And if it is delightful to see this kind, large-hearted, Christian spirit in our brethren, let us earnestly seek to have it in ourselves. Let us ask God to root out every jealous feeling from our hearts, and enable us to take real pleasure in discovering whatever is good in others.

Fourthly. Never thrust yourself into notice. A pushing, forward person cannot have much of the spirit of Christ. Do what is right, because it is right, and because it is pleasing to God; but do not court the approval of others. This was the sin into which the Pharisees fell; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.'

The meek and lowly follower of Christ will wish to avoid observation as much as

possible. If, for instance, he gives money away in charity, he will do it as quietly as he can, according to the Saviour's rule,

Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.' If he prays, he will not wish all the world to know it. If he comes to the house of God, he will go quietly to his place, and there he will pour out his heart before the Lord; for he comes here not to be seen of men, but to offer up his unworthy prayers to the Father of mercies, and to listen to His gospel message of love. Or, if he talks on religious subjects, he will say as little as may be about himself, and much about the love of his Redeemer. If however he is forced to speak about himself, it will not be to show what a good Christian he is, but rather to show how unworthy he is, and to display the riches of God's grace in saving one so undeserving.

Oh, that we may become more truly humble! Whatever company we are in, whether among men of the world, or among the people of God, let us be content to take 'the lowest room.' And if God shall be pleased hereafter in His great mercy to

exalt us, and to say to us, 'Friend, come up higher,' there will be no pride then to mingle with our joy. But as many of us as have been redeemed by the blood of Christ will then fall down before Him to whom we Owe so much, casting our crowns before His throne, never uttering one boastful word of our own worthiness: but for ever saying, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive honour, and glory, and blessing!'

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

ST. MATT. XXII. 34-46.

When the Pharisees had heard that Jesus had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, who was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word; neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

THE time was fast drawing near when our Lord should be crucified; and the Pharisees and the Sadducees seemed to vie with

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each other in the violence of their hatred against Him. We read in the fifteenth verse of this chapter, 'Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.' Then a few verses on, we are told, The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection.' These also try hard to entrap Him in His words; but He spoke to them with such wisdom, that they were utterly confounded.

And now the Pharisees felt it necessary to call their brethren together, and consult as to what step they should take. We read in the thirty-fourth verse, where our Gospel begins, that when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them which was a lawyer (skilled, that is, in the law of Moses), asked him a question.' This man had overheard our Lord's conversation with the Sadducees. And for this reason perhaps his brethren put him forward to question Jesus afresh; thinking that on this account he would be the better qualified to argue with Him. And we are told that he asked this question, not for his