to the suggestion of all your worldly affections. Spiritual things had little of your consideration, and in your estimation were devoid of interest. But is it so now? You know it is not. The whole bent of your mind is altered. Your views, your feelings, pursuits, and desires are entirely changed. Now spiritual things alone appear solid, reasonable and truly desirable; while the world is the fleeting, unsubstantial vapour, which seems ready to vanish away, and is utterly unable to fill the immortal, new-born soul.

Thus, my beloved friend, this most satisfactory evidence of a change of heart is yours. And this proves, that the distinguishing mark which our Lord himself puts upon his own, likewise belongs to you. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." They are no

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longer united to it by sympathy, by affection, or fear. They no longer court its favor, dread its frown, or seek its advantages; but their interests, hopes, and fears, are directed to a different object. They thus "mind" the things of the Spirit, knowing that "to be carnally minded is death;" and that "whosoever will be the friend of the world is the enemy of God."

The converted soul also seeks sincerely after universal obedience; it strives to "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Oh! my friend, when murmuring repining, unthankful thoughts have beset you, have you given them entertainment, or in the language of Scripture" lodged them within " you? You know on the contrary, that you have had no rest in your spirit, till by the help of God they were pelled, and that it is your constant desire and aim that your thoughts, as well

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as your affections, should be in unison with the precepts of your Lord. This most pleasing evidence then is yours.

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Another proof of being a member of the household of God is, a sincere endeavour to attain a spirit of Christian love. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." "Love is of God: and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." And I am well aware that none so call forth your affections, none so richly obtain your esteem as true Christians. And it is in proportion as they reflect the lovely, holy image of their Lord, that they irresistibly attract your love. Thus, then, you may "know that you have passed from death unto life, because you love the brethren."

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Another decided proof of a regenerate state is, unfeigned humility. lowliness of mind [the child of God]

esteems others better than himself." "And your feelings after conversing with any Christian, is that all have made greater advances in the way of life than yourself. Once you loved praise, and desired commendation; but now you shrink from it, knowing that you have an evil heart, and that your God cannot praise you. You dread the entrance of self elating thoughts, knowing that they are hateful in the sight of God, and must ever interrupt communion with him.

Another mark of conversion, is the simply depending upon the assistance of the Holy Spirit for every thing." "Not

that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." And you know that you feel this truth every hour of the day, and consequently, that you look to the Divine Spirit to teach you, to pray with you, to read with you, and to walk with vou in the narrow path of life.

But I must not longer dwell on the evidences of a regenerate state.

I will conclude with one of the strongest of all,-an ever increasing desire and endeavour after holiness. The child of God desires to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." No present attainments satisfy him; he is daily seeking a greater conformity to the character of his Lord. He remembers the advice to "follow after holiness." Holiness is a guide sent to conduct us to the courts above. She stays not, lingers not,-but passing swiftly along the narrow path, she leads to eternal life. She must ever be as swiftly pursued, -must never be lost sight of,-it might prove fatal: the eye must be fixed upon her, the steps must closely "follow" her, till she gains the gate of heaven! she passes rapidly through; the soul still pursues; and in that long wished for embrace,