accompanied with a power and unction which prove that they have been preparing for public service, in secret with their God. And these are the

men we need, to revive the work of God in our land. We want men, (and women too,) who are mighty in prayer. These are the individuals whom God will use as instruments of blessing in this evil world. They are "the salt of the earth," and they alone are fitted, now that the elements of evil are concentrating their forces against our spiritual Zion, to stand in the breach, and fight the fight of faith. Their weapons have been supplied from the heavenly armoury, (Eph. vi.) and they will go forth to the battle, as David did, in the name and in the strength of the Lord of Hosts. There never was so much opportunity for serving the Lord as now; but the power must be sought in earnest supplication at the throne of grace. The believer's source of strength and hope of victory are hid from the world. They are obtained in secret communion with his God; and I am persuaded that the most untiring labours, the most burning zeal, and the most brilliant eloquence, will all be unblessed, if not accompanied by much prayer.

Dear Christian friends, you cannot be effectively employed by your God unless your soul is prospering. Your usefulness and your soul's prosperity, are indissolubly connected.

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may think you are doing good, but you are not honouring God, and he will not honour you, unless you are growing in grace, and in a personal knowledge of your Saviour. It is impossible that spirituality of mind can be maintained, unless time is redeemed for prayer and the study of God's word, nor can any external services we are rendering to the Church, be of any real value, if we are living at a distance from God.

How much of the religious activity and bustle, which now so much abound, fails to be impressed with the seal of the living God! How many schools are considered to be flourishing, in which the regenerating power of the Holy Ghost is unsought and unknown! If the teachers in many of our national schools were ques

tioned as to the extent of spiritual blessing which had accompanied their instructions, they would express the language of their hearts, if they replied in the words of the people at Ephesus, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." It appears to me, that as the Jewish national apostacy, under the former dispensation, consisted in the rejection of Christ, so the apostacy of professing Christendom, under the dispensation of the Spirit, consists in the rejection of the Holy Ghost. He is rejected in his person and offices; and the necessity of his quickening and regenerating power in the work of salvation is denied.

Let Christians boldly confess, that the fairest work of man, when unaided by the Spirit of God, will only breed moral death and corruption. All that man can do, is to erect "the whited sepulchre"! The land abounds with these vain-glorious trophies of man's impotence: and yet they are outwardly so beautiful to look upon, that it is a continual wonder (to those who feel not the need of the Holy Spirit's converting grace,) how so much talent, energy, and zeal, which are expended on many of our philanthropic institutions, should prove so unavailing, as antidotes to sin and misery. The fact is only explicable to the Christian. The Word of God reveals to him a truth unacknowledged by the world; that no work is truly blessed, which is not begun and continued in simple dependance upon the Lord; and that no human exertions will be blessed by God, unless God himself is honoured by the prayer of faith.

Christians have not been sufficiently careful in watching over the application of the money they have bestowed for the professed purpose of extending the knowledge of the truth. It is the imperative duty of the believer, before he contributes to a religious object, to ascertain whether the funds are faithfully dispensed in advancing the pure and vital doctrines of Christianity. He is personally responsible to God for the right employment of every talent, nor can he shift his responsibility upon the committee to whom he entrusts his

money. He should spare no pains in satisfying himself as to the sound Scriptural principles of those who solicit his co-operation, and never should truth be compromised, under the delusive notion of preserving peace. When deadly errors are insinuating themselves into so many of our colleges and parishes, it behoveth every Christian to set his face as a flint, in resisting the prevailing heresy.

I am persuaded, that there has been a lamentable want of faithfulness in opposing error, and in bearing witness to the truth. Nor has Jehovah been duly honoured as the sovereign dispenser of spiritual life, and energy, and blessing. We have been rejoicing too much in the works of our own hands, and thanking God that so many churches and schoolrooms were built, without being "fervent in spirit," and "instant in prayer," that the Lord of the harvest would send forth faithful labourers to his harvest, and "bless us indeed." (1 Chron. iv. 10.)

There must be a revival in the Church, before believers can be extensively used in converting the ungodly. The vessels must be cleansed, and sanctified, and made meet for the Master's use.

2ndly, Another proof of religious declension, is the little delight that is experienced by Christians in the reading and searching of the Holy Scriptures. They are consequently little known, little obeyed, and little honoured. In the days of Venn and Romaine, Christians were few in number, but they hid the word of God in their hearts. They were Bible Christians. They were men of faith and prayer. They had power with God, and prevailed. When a believer is following on to know the Lord, he must "desire the sincere milk of the Word, that he may grow thereby." He loves the Scriptures supremely, because they testify of Christ, and because in searching its blessed pages, the Spirit "takes of the things of Christ, and shews them unto him."

There never, probably, was a period when the stream of religious profession was so broad, or so shallow. Knowledge abounds; but as it is

chiefly derived from the teaching of man, and not engrafted on the experience of the heart, it is superficial and uninfluential.

There is much reason to believe that the period is arrived, " even the time of the end," when "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased," (Dan. xii. 4.); and our blessed Lord, in speaking of the same period, declared, "because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Unsanctified human learning has, in all ages, been a formidable enemy to divine truth, and it is at the present moment one of the most efficient engines employed by Satan to neutralize the power and sap the foundations of the Gospel.

We live in perilous times; and we should give special heed to the warning which was intended as an exhortation to believers in the latter days. "Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments." The truth is grievously assailed by infidels and heretics. Popery and liberalism are uniting their forces from without. And the semi-Popery of Oxford is the traitor within the camp, diffusing its soul-destroying errors throughout our Church, our nation, and our remotest colonies.

Few, comparatively, are there, who set forth "Christ and him crucified," "in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power." The writings of man are exalted above the Word of God, and obedience is not rendered to the clearest commands of Scripture, if they are not supposed to be in accordance with Church principles. This substitution of human teaching for revelation, is the characteristic of a falling Church.*

* I remember that Milner, somewhere in his history, says, "that the outpouring of God's Spirit in an abundant manner, at different periods in the Church, rarely lasted above thirty or forty years." Thank God that we have been permitted to see and to live under, at least, the closing portion of one of these outpourings; but I fully believe that it will not, for the present, be renewed; but that we shall bequeath to our children a caput mortuum of forms and ceremonies, and genuflexions and crucifixes, and candlesticks, until some new Wesley or Luther arise, to awaken the next generation to its duties, and its privileges. Alas! what miserable things

What the Church of Christ needs as a Church, is also needed by every member of that Church. A deeper unction from the Holy Spirit. And this is the only way in which we can be prepared for the approaching conflict with the powers of darkness. We must be led individually to humble ourselves before God for our past unfaithfulness. We must individually seek for power from on high, that we may henceforth live to the glory of Christ, and earnestly supplicate the Giver of every good and perfect gift; "O! Lord, revive thy work!"

Another evidence of a grievous deterioration in sound Scriptural principles is manifested:

3rdly, By the lukewarmness of many of the Lord's people in reference to the Tractarian heresy; and their apparent deadness to the magnitude of the evil. A passive endurance of those crying errors which now prevail in the Established Church, is, I feel assured, a most culpable course on the part of God's children; and must call down upon their heads the rod of chastening.

Believers should, in these days, consider a faithful, Scriptural ministry, of priceless value. They should be ready to sacrifice their earthly interests, rather than be excluded from this important privilege. They should be willing to abandon the prejudices, and even the wholesome preferences, which habit and education have established in their minds, rather than attend the ministry of those, whose doctrines are eating as a canker into the very vitals of Gospel truth; and who never fail to seduce unstable hearers from "the simplicity of Christ." It seems quite impossible for any believer who is walking humbly and closely with God, to give place to the false teaching of the Tractarians-no, not for a moment. But let us "take heed what we hear." When we are weak, then are we

are the so-called "Church principles"! God grant that we may be strengthened to preach Christ, whether by pen or mouth; to live with Christ; to die with Christ; to arise with Christ; and to be united for ever in the presence of Christ, and partakers of His glory!-The late Rev. H. Blunt.

strong; and "let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall!" Our hearts are so deceitful, and Satan's devices so unsearchable that the path of spiritual declension may be entered upon, long before it is perceptible to the eye of man. It commences in the Christian's neglecting close communion with the source of strength; and this is often followed by a presumptuous tampering with temptation; from whence he is driven in the downward course of a distant walk with God. Such, we believe, has been the unhappy path of some of God's children, who are now ranged on the Tractarian side. "They must suffer loss." I believe there are many others who, though they have not as yet run such sad lengths as the above, have nevertheless experienced a blight in their souls, from approximating to what are now called High Church principles; but I feel assured these principles are fraught with evil, and tend greatly to hasten on the spiritual declension of our beloved Church.

Christians are called upon to shew themselves decidedly on the Lord's side, and to manifest their sincere abomination of Popery and Puseyism, and even of that kind of High Churchism, which under the specious appearance of much love to our Church Establishment, is treading but too closely in the earlier footsteps of the Oxford school. We must "hate even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 23.) Truth and error can never approximate. They are separated as far as the east is from the west. Oh! let us remember that our God is a jealous God, and that he will not give his glory to another! Would that the holy vehemence with which Paul withstood a brother apostle, even to the face, when he believed him to be blamed, was more common amongst ourselves! In days of old, the Lord was graciously pleased to set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sighed and cried for all the abominations that were done in the midst of Jerusalem. (Ezek. ix. 4.) Do we desire to be approved as faithful servants in the day of Christ? Do we desire to lift up our heads with joy? And to be sealed on our foreheads with "the new name of our God;"

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"Another Gospel" (Gal. i. 6,) "which is not another," is now preached by many false shepherds, who "entered not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbed up some other way.' (John x. 1.) Let us never forget, that of every such minister the Word of God declares, "Let him be accursed," and then we shall surely beware of exercising a false and deeply injurious charity in their behalf.

4. A want of self-denial is another grievous indication of the Church's departure from apostolic practice. Whatever may be the prevailing follies or fashions of the world, believers have an unvarying standard to direct their practice, which ever reminds them that the narrow path they have chosen is in direct opposition to the course of this world. Selfishness has been, in all ages, the principle which reigns supremely in the hearts of unconverted men, though it appears under different forms according to the social condition of the people; and when a country has arrived, like our own, at a high state of civilization, selfishness will naturally manifest itself amongst the higher ranks, in luxurious refinement and dissipation. The religion of Jesus is inconsistent with a life of self-indulgence. any man will come after me," saith the Lord, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Self-denial is the very essence of the believer's life. It must be uncompromisingly exercised, and must extend to every affection and pursuit. "We are not our own. are bought with a price;" and our time (which was once employed in the service of Satan) must be redeemed from vain conversation, and

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unreservedly consecrated to our God. It is not enough to "cease to do evil;" we must "learn to do well." "Whether therefore we eat or drink, whatsoever we do, let us do all to the glory of God."

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It would, however, appear from the practice of many Christians, that selfdenial is not regarded by them as necessary or expedient. We not unfrequently hear those who are surrounded by many worldly luxuries, speak with regret of only being able to contribute their "mite" to some charitable object. How is the term misapplied when it proceeds from the lips of fashionable Christians, if the example of the self-denying widow is pleaded as an excuse for the smallness of the donation. She cheerfully gave her all. They give of their abundance. "She did what she could." Alas! how few in our day deserve this commendation of our Lord's to the devoted Mary. It is to be feared, that many wealthy Christians close their hearts against those tales of woe which cannot be relieved without personal self-denial. Every puerile fancy is indulged, many useless baubles are purchased, needless articles of apparel accumulate in their wardrobes, whilst they practically say to the afflicted members of Christ's household; "depart in peace; be ye warmed and filled, notwithstanding they give them not those things which are needful to the body." (James ii. 16.)

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Let it not be supposed that it is my desire to persuade the worldly minded to imitate the obedient walk of the faithful child of God. an attempt would only encourage phariseeism and self-deception. Faith must precede obedience, as life must precede movement. The evil heart of unbelief must be transformed, before the fruits of godly obedience can spring up. To the children of this world I would say, "Oh! taste and see that the Lord is gracious-Believe and live!" Faith is the only principle which can unite the soul to Christ. It is the only principle which can inspire a cheerful obedience to his precepts, or a willing renunciation of the things of the world. The strength of nature may effect great things, but it cannot produce a single

act of real, spiritual, acceptable obedience. A servile spirit of fear, or the hope of obtaining the approval of others, may induce many to wrench "the outward man" from the pleasures they love; but "whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

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I am now, therefore, addressing myself to those who "are partakers of the heavenly calling ;" to those who "risen with Christ," and therefore are enjoined to set their affection on things above, not on things on the earth." I am addressing those "whose treasure is in heaven;" but who, from the deceitfulness of their own hearts, and the worldly example of those around them, have permitted the temptations of Satan, or the erroneous teaching of man, to draw them aside from the only true standard of holiness, the Word of God.

If believers were walking in the Spirit, the love of Christ would constrain them to live no longer unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them. They would have no time for playing with the world's baubles, they would have no inclination to parley with its temptations-they would have no money to bestow on its vanities. The spontaneous reply of any soul that was really seeking to glorify God would be, "I serve the Lord Christ." The question would not then be so often asked; what harm is there in following this or that pursuit? This inquiry originates in a secret desire to keep back something from God. It is not asked by those who desire to give themselves wholly to the Saviour. It is the language of lukewarmness. It is the language of those who have "left their first love." It is a mere insult to the Lord of glory, to say we love him, and then to calculate whether we shall give our all to Him. "God is not mocked." If we do in truth desire to follow Christ, we must count the cost, and prepare for a life of self-denial. The flesh must be crucified, with all its affections and lusts.

Christian benevolence can never be at a loss for objects on which to bestow its charity. There is not a single Christian mission, or any other labour

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of love, which is not circumscribed, I will not say for lack of money, but for lack of a deeper, more influential, and more self-denying love, on the part of Christians. The world has never witnessed, since the days of the apostles (unless the Moravians form an exception,) a practical exemplification of what self-denial may effect, when exercised unitedly, by a whole community of believers. I do not mean to plead for community of property; for the peculiar circumstances which called forth this form of Christian love, when the Church extended not beyond Jerusalem, seem to have passed away. But if the grace of Christ rules in our hearts, it will be flowing forth continually in acts of love and mercy towards all men, and especially unto the household of faith." (Gal. vi. 10.) The same internal power wi'l lead to similar manifestations of devoted love to the brethren, adapted to the present circumstances and necessities of the Church. If our love and self-denial are founded on truly apostolic and Christian principles, it will be exercised towards the whole family of God, for Christ's sake. There can be no clearer proof of the shallowness of our Christianity, than coldness or estrangement towards the people of God, on the plea of external differences. The Church is, in general, regardless of the false position it is now maintaining in the world, through disobedience to the commands of its divine Master; nor are Christians alive to the origin of this grievous evil. It may be traced to the distance of the believer's walk from Christ.

Dear Christian friends when Satan tempts us to indulge any unkind suspicions, or to manifest a cold and distant deportment towards any of Christ's flock, let us seek to realize our oneness in Christ, and to walk in closer fellowship with our risen Lord; and that distance in spirit which separates us from our brethren in the Lord, will be dissipated in the atmosphere of Christ's constraining love. The earnest desire that has been manifested in the last year by many of the Lord's people to unite in Christian fellowship, simply as brethren in Christ, has, I trust, been