And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing (or, bright apparel). — Look on him, that is, because of his fine appearance, with undue respect and consideration.
And say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place (or, as margin, well); and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool. — The sidesman or elder in charge of the church finds a stall for the person of substantial presence, while anything does for the poor one; but — most considerate offer — he can stand; or, if he prefer it, sit under the great man’s footstool, lower down, that is, on the floor beneath. We know Christ’s words for those who loved of old “the chief seats in the synagogues” (Matthew 23:6), nor can there be doubt as to their full application now. What is to be urged in excuse for the special pews in churches and chapels, hired and appropriated, furnished luxuriously, and secured by bolt and lock? If in the high places sit the men and women in goodly raiment still, while the poorly clad are crowded into side benches and corners, or beneficently told to stand and wait till room be found somewhere beneath the daintier feet, — how can there be escape from condemnation on the charge which follows? — namely this —