_The Christian Brotherhood of Man._--The brotherhood of man has been the dream of old philosophers, and its attainment the endeavour of modern reformers. Man can only reach his highest life when he forms part of a society bound together by common sympathies and common aims, for by a great law of our nature it is true that he who lives utterly apart from his fellows must lose all true nobleness in selfish degradation. There is no real progress for the individual but through social sympathy. There is no strong and enduring aspiration but in the fellowship of aspiring souls. That conviction which men have so strongly felt and so vainly endeavoured to realise is perpetually asserted in the Book of God. +I. The brotherhood of man in Christ.+--1. _The Christian brotherhood is a unity of spirit under a diversity of form._ Thus with the Church of the first century. At first it was one band of brotherhood; but as it grew and individual thought expanded and experience deepened there arose infinite diversities. The more men think and the more they grow, the more will they differ. 2. _There are spiritual ties in action which in Christ bind man to man._--Paul's words imply a threefold unity. 1. The fellowship of devotion to a common Father. 2. The fellowship with Christ our common Brother. 3. That fellowship is unbroken by the change of worlds. +II. Results of realising this fact of brotherhood.+--1. _Earnestness of life._ 2. _Power and grandeur of hope._--Some complain that their ideas of heaven are vague and ineffective. Only realise the brotherhood of man, and then the hope of the future will become a power in life.--_E. L. Hull._ _The One Family._--1. Believers on earth and saints and angels in heaven spring from the same common parent. 2. Are governed by the same general laws. 3. Share in the same pleasures and enjoyments. 4. Have the same general temper, the same distinguishing complexion. 5. Have one common interest. 6. Look to, rely upon, and are guided by the same Head. 7. Are all objects of God's love. 8. At the last day will meet in God's presence, be openly acknowledged as His children, and admitted to dwell in His house for ever. +Lessons.+--1. _If we estimate the dignity of men from the families with which they are connected, how honourable is the believer!_ 2. _We see our obligations to mutual condescension, peaceableness, and love._ 3. _Let those who are not of this family be solicitous to obtain a place in it.--Lathrop._ Vers. 16-19. _Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians._ +I. For spiritual strength.+--It was not bodily strength, civil power, or worldly distinction; it was the grace of fortitude and patience. +II. For an indwelling Christ.+--As we become united to Christ by faith, so by faith He dwells in our hearts.