The Sixteenth of March.NOT TO PLEASE OURSELVES --- Romans 15:1."We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." --- Romans 15:1. "Considering thy self, lest thou also be tempted." --- Galatians 6:1. "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant." --- Romans 14:4. Extraordinary quickenings and strengthenings being often followed by perculiar temptations, conflicts, and sufferings, require a particular watchfulness, if we would be earnest not to provoke the Lord to visit us with sore punishments for our carelessness. Fear, therefore; rejoice with trembling; and, as a needful means to secure thyself from falling, temper thy joy with true humility and gentleness towards the faults of others. Be never so high-minded, O man, at the miscarriages of others, so as to think thou wouldst not do so, should it happen to be thy case: for, if God does not hold thee up himself, thou wilt surely make greater mistakes. Therefore, thou hadst not better look upon others, but upon thyself; and for fear of falling, be continually watchful in prayer. A great many would not have fallen so deep had they been truly humble, and more charitable in judging of others. He who exalteth himself above others, and does not bear with the weak, is sometimes humbled and debased under the very weakest of all. Bear, therefore, since God bears with thee; and he that bears most with others shows the greatest strength. Jesus Lord, we look to Thee; Make us of one heart and mind, |