feast, will partly arise from the holy virtues of the church, and partly from the ministry of the word. But that will be insufficient, unless Christians shine like lights in the world. They must hold forth the word of life. It was this which made an impression on the minds of men in former times; and in the present day, when similar conduct is maintained, heaven will seem to have come in contact with earth, and its glories and blessings to have descended upon it. Unless, as professing Christians, we do so, and live unto Christ, by exhibiting the virtues of Christianity, we do not conduct ourselves as becometh the gospel. But if we act out our principles, and vindicate our pretensions to the christian character, we shall approve ourselves faithful to the great Head of the church; religion will appear to have come from God, and to be in harmony with his transcendent excellence and glory.

V. Hence it follows, that the duties which devolve on Christians are twofold, in relation to this precept.

Although we cannot search the heart, we can distinguish those persons to whom the text appliesthose who are without, and also, those who walk in wisdom toward them. And we distinguish the former, not simply because they have not joined the church, but because they continue to live in sin.

It is of the highest moment that we walk consistently. The men of the world will do many things, which they would condemn, and very properly too, in us. They expect us to walk by a higher rule, because we profess to do so. If you would not inflame their prejudices, you must remember constantly your high calling. If you do so, they will say of you, as others once said of Daniel, they could find no matter against him, &c.

This rule attaches to no particular class of persons in the church of Christ, but to all who make a profession of religion. If we look at the conduct of Christ, everything was in perfect harmony-every emotion was in its place—all was so natural, that we might sup

pose it to be easy to act in the same manner, there is so much propriety in such deportment. Yet there was a majesty in his conduct which can only be induced by his own Spirit.

Now, although we cannot reach so high a standard, yet we are to walk as becometh the gospel. Men naturally expect that those who are intent upon higher objects than the good of this world, should display a moderation respecting it, to preserve a feeling of holy elevation above it. In all the transactions of life, he will take care to be on the safe side; he will rather suffer injury, than injure others. He will be harmless as a dove, and at the same time wise as a serpent. He will remember the spirit of the precepts of Christ, If a man take thy cloak, give him thy coat also ;-nor will he forget the grand rule, Let your moderation be known to all

men.

Men of the world expect Christians to be men of peace. They will not forget the blessing which Christ pronounced on the peace-makers-that they are to follow peace with all men-and that, to attain this end, they must not scruple at making sacrifices. It is natural that they should expect the Christian to show a peaceful temper. There are few things more calculated to inspire reverence for religion than the manifestation of a peaceful disposition.

It is necessary, in order to maintain this state of mind, that we refrain from becoming zealous, officious partisans, in matters of mere temporal importance. Christians need not take the lead in agitating the public mind in things of mere secular moment. They can generally do their duty, without such very great prominence. They ought to hold very decided opinions, and express them openly, and with firmness and honesty. They should abide by them, when expressed. But in doing so, they are not to take up a side, or a party, without moderation. In things belonging to religion, which involve the best interests of humanity, and the glory of God, they can come from their quiet retirement, with great power. They will

come from their closet, with an energy so sanctified, as to give a decisive influence to public opinion on any question whatever.

It is a question of no small importance, what method we are to adopt in making known to the men of the world our sentiments in reference to religion. Nothing requires more prudence and wisdom than the communication of religious opinions and feelings to those who are strangers to them. We must watch for the suitable opportunity and state of mind, so that the truth we present may take hold. Persons in inferior stations in life can rarely presume to instruct those who are above them in rank. But there are times when servants may suggest truths to their masters, or admonish on account of some flagrant sin, with the happiest effect; and if it be done with modesty and seriousness, a good impression will be the result. those instances where the mind is subdued, and the heart is softened by sorrow, a word spoken in season, by the lowest to the highest, is like a nail fastened in a sure place.

In

We shall show by such conduct, that we do not consider religion to consist in always talking about it; that it is our aim to live Christianity, rather than to make an ostentatious profession of it. It is of great importance to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within us. Our speech should be seasoned with grace to the hearers, being mingled with salt. Christ leads us to expect that we shall have questions proposed which we ought to be prepared to answer. Men of the world may sometimes ask us why we pursue a conduct so different from what they do; and we ought to be able to satisfy them. Hence another reason for the precept, Walk in wisdom towards those who are without.

While we should remember to walk in a manner worthy of the dignity of religion, we should seek to make it appear lovely. There are some, who, when they speak of it, speak only of its terrors. But this is only a partial view of it. Christ wounds in order to

heal.

He speaks of terrors, but he also points to a place of safety. Although he brings us, as it were, down to death, he restores us to life, that we might know and feel the power of the remedy.

In conversing on the subject of religion, do not be anxious to dilate on your own personal experience; rather converse on the great truths of religion in general. Let this be done with seriousness, and in the true spirit of piety. To talk of these high and holy themes in a light and frivolous manner is highly reprehensible. You will find, with all eminent Christians, a delightful association of solemnity and joy, of gravity and cheerfulness. This is a temper we should all seek to obtain and cultivate. When men engage in any great object of a worldly nature, they are serious. How much more proper for those to cultivate such a temper and habit of mind, who are engaged in the divine service, and are continually hearing the voice of God saying unto them, Walk before me in purity.

We must not only be innocent, but seek to do good. Those who endeavour to do good, as a grand end of the christian life, will come forth, and have a part in the second resurrection. The tree that brings forth good fruit will be preserved. We are exhorted to be useful in our day and generation. Christians are not to shut themselves up in an atmosphere of solitude. They are to be perfect, even as their Father in heaven is perfect. The divine Being does not shut himself up in solitary grandeur, nor dwell amidst a silent contemplation of his own perfections; he comes forth from his pavilion, and sends out the streams of his glory and goodness to the most distant province of his vast dominions. Therefore, says our Lord, when speaking of the goodness of God, be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and his rain to descend upon the just and the unjust.

Let me press upon you the importance of this precept, by reminding you, that you are not only to be blessed, but are to become blessings to others. You

are expected to bring forth fruit, to the glory of God, and the good of man. Whatever may be your station in life, if you are masters, or servants, high or low, you are to be earnestly concerned for those about you.

The church is the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. As its members obey this precept, they will diffuse light around; until the church shall so increase, as to illumine every dark spot. There are no longer any signs in the heavens. The voice of no prophet is now heard. No sound now comes forth from the hidden glory. God speaks to us only by his providence, and his word. How is his cause to go on, except it be sustained by the activity and graces of his people? The chief thing is, not what we are called, but what we produce. The axe is laid to the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire. If we are redeemed -if we are to walk in heavenly places with Christ in white, being earthy, let us prepare ourselves for that dignity and happiness, by now putting on the garments of light and salvation.

XXIII.

THE RELIGIOUS CONSECRATION OF OUR HOUSEHOLDS.

PSALM XC. 16, 17.

"Let thy work appear unto thy servants," &c.

THE general opinion is, that this Psalm was composed by Moses, on the occasion of the sentence passed upon the Israelites that they should not enter the Land of Promise.

Moses here betakes himself to prayer, that if the sentence could not be repealed, the dispensation might