July 20

and discord. How much depends often upon one mistake. We can never calculate the evils that may arise from it as to ourselves or others. Let us therefore walk circumspectly; and ponder the path of our feet, that our goings may be established.

Secondly, the severity of Paul and the kindness of Barnabas were probably blessed to him. It is certain that he acted a part afterwards; for Paul had subsequently a good opinion of him; and was not backward to express it. Hence he says to Timothy, "Take Mark, and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for the ministry." "And Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments,) if he come unto you receive him." Hence we infer, That we should be moderate in our censures. We may have cause to blame an individual; but we know not what he may become. He that is now like a bruised reed may prove like a cedar in Lebanon; and he that is now only like smoking flax may flame for God, and kindle many others. We also learn—That those we have censured for their faults we should be forward to encourage and recommend upon their improvement. Many when they have reflected upon a character, are delighted to find their reflections justified. This shows a littleness of mind and a vileness of heart. A man in proportion as he is truly good and great, will be glad to learn that he was mistaken in his moral forebodings. "Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."

JULY 20.—"And the contention was sharp between them."—Acts 15:39.

THIS was sad. Persons may differ, but agree to differ, leaving each other to be fully persuaded in their own mind. Abraham and Lot differed: but "Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren." And the one nobly gave up; and peace was the reward. But here neither would yield; and "the contention was sharp between them." Good men are often less persuadable and manageable in disputes than others; and it is to be accounted for from their conscientiousness, and the greater importance they attach to their opinions. In these cases they may be, and very often are mistaken; but while they think the cause of truth, the advancement of religion, and the honour of God are involved in the side they take, we need not wonder that they feel a kind of martyr-firmness as well as zeal. None of our passions assume so much the pretence of rectitude as our anger: but when we are jealous for the Lord of hosts, what fervour and faithfulness should we not display! Even the advocates of the religion of the Lamb of God have pleaded with pens dipped in gall, and tongues which seemed set on fire of hell. But the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

Good men, and men eminently pious have their infirmities and imperfections. Even Moses spake unadvisedly with his lips. Elias