ion. We differ from a neighbour
in our political views, and we refuse to recognise any good in him
because he does not think as we do. There are some among the rich who
look down with contempt upon the poor, as though poverty were the
unpardonable sin. And there are endless prejudices of rank and class
which shutout man from man. Against all these things the parable of
the Good Samaritan is a protest and a warning.

It is the way of the world to leave a fallen man to his fate, but it is
not Christ's way. It is the way of the world to speak very hardly of
those who are in want and misery, for as nothing succeeds like success,
nothing fails like failure. But again, that is not Christ's way. He
never breaks the bruised reed, or quenches the smoking flax. My
brothers, let us learn to look on all men as our neighbours, let us
stretch out a helping hand to those who have fallen among thieves, let
us pour the wine and oil of sympathy, and kind words where we can, let
us be gentle in our judgment of another's fault, since "blessed are the
merciful."

SERMON XLIX.

WALKING WITH GOD.

(Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.)

GALATIANS v. 16.

"Walk in the Spirit."

The life of a Christian must be one of progress. S. Paul says, "_Walk_
in the Spirit;" he does not say, stand still. It is not enough for us
to have been born again of Water and the Holy Ghost, and to have
received the Gifts of the Spirit from time to time through the
different means of grace. We are bidden "to stir up the gift that is
in us;" we are told to "_grow_ in grace." God has set us upon our feet
in the right road. He has taken us by the hand, that is, the Holy
Spirit is our leader and guide; but we have something to do--we must
_walk_. There are some who tell us that everything has been done for
us in the past, and that everything will be done for us in the future;
and those who believe that doctrine never do a day's work for Jesus.
They never go into His vineyard; they never make any use of their five
talents, or even of one; they never put on the whole armour of God.
They tell us they have nothing to do, all is done for them. I should
be sorry to hold so selfish, idle, and unmanly a doctrine as that. I
know very well that God _has_ done, and is doing, for me what I could
not do for myself. I know how weak I am, and how much need I have of
God's guiding, strengthening Hand: but I know also that He expects
something from me. He