December 3

PART III.— 1 Peter 2:21.

LET us now take a brief survey of the conduct of Jesus towards mankind, for in this respect he hath left us an example that we should follow his steps. Towards the civil powers and the authorities of the day, he manifested respect and honor, yielded proper homage, and paid all usual custom and tribute. Hence he wrought a miracle for the very purpose of paying one of the taxes of the day, and he expressly enjoined that the things of Cæsar should be rendered unto Cæsar. Towards all men he manifested honor and respect. To the wicked he displayed unbounded mercy and compassion, and entreated them to flee from the wrath to come. Over the infatuated and self deceived Pharisees, he wept, and solemnly warned them of the inevitable consequences of their self righteousness and hypocrisy. His heart melted with tenderness over broken hearted penitents; these he cordially received, and blessed them with his pardoning mercy and adopting love. Towards his enemies and vile persecutors, he ever displayed longsuffering and pity. He railed not again, but he compassionated them, employed his dying breath in supplicating their pardon. And how affectionate and tender he was to his disciples! How he bore with all their weaknesses and infirmities! How he pleaded that they might go away, when he was arrested in the garden! He died with them in his heart, and when he arose and met with them, renewed his friendship, and breathed peace upon them; he ascended while blessing them, and then he sent them the Holy Spirit, to guide, to comfort, and lead them into all truth. Do we imitate Jesus in our conduct towards mankind? Do we render honor to whom it is due? Do we love all men, and feel compassion even to our enemies? Are we devotedly attached to the friends of Jesus, and do we love them with pure hearts fervently? In all our transactions with men on earth, let us keep Christ's example before our eyes, and cheerfully and constantly walk in his steps.