'Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself.'[22] But the extent of the obligation seems
to be restricted by the context: 'Thou shalt not avenge nor bear any
grudge against the children of thy people.' It is contended that the
word translated 'neighbour' bears a wider import than the English term,
and is really applicable to any person. The larger idea is expressed
in vv. 33, 34, where the word 'stranger' or 'foreigner' is substituted
for neighbour. And there are passages in which the stranger is
regarded as the special client of God, and is enjoined to look to Him
for protection.

The Jews were not in practice, however, faithful to the humanitarianism
of their law, and, in keeping with other nations, showed a tendency to
restrict divine favours within the limits of their own land, and to
maintain throughout their history an attitude of aloofness and
repellent isolation which even amounted to intolerance towards other
races. In early days, however, the obligation of hospitality was
regarded as sacred.[23] Nor must we forget that, whatever may have
been the Jewish practice, the promise enshrined in their revelation
involves the unity of mankind; while several of the prophecies and
Psalms look forward to a world-wide blessing.[24] In Isaiah we even
read, 'God of the whole earth shall He be called.'[25]

{52}

The stream of preparation for Christianity thus flowed steadily through
three channels, the Greek, the Roman, and the Jew. Each contributed
something to the fullness of the time.

The problem of Greek civilisation was the problem of _freedom_, the
realisation of self-dependence and self-determination. In the pursuit
of these ends Greece garnered conclusions which are the undying
possessions of the world. If to the graces of self-abasement, meekness
and charity it remained a stranger, it gave a new worth to the
individual, and showed that without the virtues of wisdom, courage,
steadfastness and justice man could not attain to moral character.

The Roman's gift was unbending devotion to _duty_. With a genius for
rule he forced men into one polity; and by levelling material barriers
he enabled the nations to commune, and made a highway for the message
of freedom and brotherhood. But, intoxicated with material glory, he
became blind to spiritual good, and in his universal toleration he
emptied all faiths of their content, driving the masses to
superstition, and the few who yearned for a higher life to w