April 3

1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity editheth.

2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many).

6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the

idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is debited.

8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols:

11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

"A noble instance of Paul's principles. If all Christians had Paul's delicate sensibilities, and Paul's strength of Christian virtue, and Paul's willingness to deny himself, in order to benefit others, how soon would the aspect of the Christian world change! How many practices, now freely indulged in, would be abandoned!"—A Barnes.

"Out of the writings, and sayings, and deeds, of those who loudly proclaim 'the rights of man,' and the 'rights of liberty,' match us, if you can, with one sentence so sublime, so noble,—one that will so stand at the bar of God hereafter,—as this single, glorious sentence of his, in which he asserts the rights of Christian conscience above the claims of Christian liberty: "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."—F. W. Robertson.

Closet Promise.—Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.—Isa. xxx. 21.

This morning's waking was the touch of His hand. Last week's plan of life or study was looked down upon with His sympathetic notice. When you left home the other day, your heart devised your way, but the Lord did really direct your steps. When you prayed that God would keep those you left there, your prayer was verily heard; and, whether by granting or denying, it will be God Himself that answers you,—the personal, listening, loving God.—F. D. Huntington, D. D.