hristian man in answer to Papal arrogance.]

V. 17. _Be respectful toward every man._ This is not a command, but a
faithful admonition. We are each of us assuredly under obligation,
although we are free; for this freedom does not extend to evil-doing,
but merely to well-doing. Now we have repeatedly said, that every
Christian, through faith, attains to all that Christ has Himself, and
is, moreover, His brother. Therefore, as I give all honor to the Lord
Christ, so also should I do toward my neighbor. This consists, not
merely in outward behavior, that I should bow to him, and things of
that sort, but much more: that inwardly in my heart I should highly
regard him, as I also highly regard Christ. We are the temple of God;
as St. Paul says, I. Cor. iii., for the spirit of God dwelleth in us.
If now we bend the knee before a place of worship, or a picture of
the holy cross, should we not do it far more before a living temple
of God?[4]

[Footnote 4: One is reminded here of the noble reply of that English
martyr, John Bradford, when he was required to bow down to a wooden
cross. Stretching out his arms, as he stood before his tyrannical
judges, he exclaimed, "Why, here is a living cross, and God made it;
yet would I not worship even that."]

So St. Paul teaches us, also, in Romans xii., that each should esteem
the other better than himself, so that each should place himself
below the other, and give him the preference. The gifts of God are
manifold and various, so that one is in a more exalted position than
another; but no one knows who is most exalted in the sight of God,
for he may easily raise hereafter to the highest place one who here
occupies the meanest position. Therefore should every one, however
high he be exalted, humble himself and honor his neighbor.

V. 17. _Love the brotherhood._ I have spoken above of the distinction
which the Apostles make between love in general, and brotherly love.
We are required even to love our enemies: this is common christian
love. But brotherly love is, that we Christians should love one
another as brethren, and communicate one to another, since we all
alike have our blessings from God. This is the love which St. Peter
here particularly requires.

_Fear God; honor the King._ He says not that we are to have great
regard of lords and kings, but still that we are to honor them,
although they are heathen, as Christ also did, and those prophets who
fell at the feet of the Kin