February 25

"And Gallio cared for none of those things."—Acts 18:17.

I MAY well learn many lessons for my own life from Gallio. He is too frequently crowned with a condemnation he does not deserve.

Like him, let me feel that there are more important concerns than the settlement of frivolous and petty disputes. My years are given me, not for the trivialities of ceremonies and forms and opinions, but for the discharge of duty, for the discipline of character, for the manifestation of love, for the service of Christ.

Like him, let me refuse to meddle needlessly in other men's affairs. I have my own work to remember, my own soul to educate, my own race to run. I must not intrude into places that are not designed for me, nor judge questions I do not understand, nor overstep the province which is distinctly mine.

Like him, let me leave trifling wrongs to arrange and compose themselves. There is true wisdom in such a course. If I fan the spark, it will grow into a great flame. If I let it alone, it will flicker out and disappear. I covet indeed the blessing of the peacemaker; but the peacemaker's task must be done with tactful delicacy and at the fitting season.

And, like him, let me resolve rather to be just and impartial than to curry favour and to win a little passing popularity. I ought always to place righteousness above policy, the law of God above what may seem advantageous and expedient for myself. Ich kann nicht anders; hier stehe ich—Martin Luther's word should be mine.

Thus Seneca's brother Gallio may teach me much that is profitable and wise.