September 24

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." — Philippians 3:7.

WHAT an extraordinary character was the Apostle Paul! He was remarkable before his conversion, in his malignant efforts against Christ; in his conversion, in the wonderful manner in which he was brought to Christ; and after his conversion, in his unwearied exertions for Christ. Notice here

HIS FORMER GAIN. What things were gain to him? His early rites. "Circumcised the eighth day." The Jews attached great importance to this; but the most of them forgot that circumcision was of the heart. His honorable descent. "Of the stock of Israel," &c. How often did the Jews cry out, "We be Abraham's seed!" This was having confidence in the flesh. His extensive learning. "As touching the law, a Pharisee." He was well versed in the various branches of learning and knowledge, brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. His party zeal. "Concerning zeal, persecuting the Church." To what awful lengths did his blind, misguided zeal carry him! His self-righteousness. "Touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." The religion of the Scribes and Pharisees consisted merely in their rigid attention to external forms. Now turn to the other side, and consider

HIS PRESENT ESTIMATE. "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." Thus we see Paul, instead of being a loser, was an infinite gainer, by the exchange he made. It was "for Christ" he did it. He had an ample, yea, infinite compensation. He was the subject of more distinguished privileges. Born again of the Spirit, renovated in his soul, made a child of God, and an heir of glory. He was honored with a higher relationship. Descended from the Father of lights; a son of God, adopted into the royal family of heaven. He was possessed of a more excellent knowledge. He learned better lessons at the feet of Jesus than he ever did at the feet of Gamaliel: "Yea, doubtless," says he, "and I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." He was zealous in a nobler cause. The cause of Christ, which is Divine in its origin, glorious in its nature, and triumphant in its issue. He who once breathed out threatenings against it, now breathes love to it. He was interested in a better righteousness. The righteousness of Christ, in which the law can find no blemish, and justice no stain. Oh to know Christ so as to rejoice in him, and have no confidence in the flesh! All other systems of happiness are like the moonbeams on the waters, bright, but unsteady; sparkling, but broken, and soon gone; but the Gospel remains like the glorious sun, still shining in his strength, diffusing light and heat.

"Yes, and I must and will esteem All things but loss for Jesus' sake, Oh! may my soul be found in him, And of his righteousness partake!"