of our Saviour were not that we should love one another.

In this imperfect summary of the most unchristian features prominent in the character of a professing Christian world, I have endeavoured to point out those principles against which we are especially to be on our guard, that we be not conformed unto them. But I am aware that there is yet one other practical question to be decided, peculiarly important in the present instance, relating to the exercise of this non-conformity in individual cases,

III. Though we do not live in a state in which we can point to one part of the community, and say, Those are heathens, with them I am to hold no communion; yet in endeavouring to avoid the contamination of the evil opinions and practices of the world the

question must often arise Is not such or such a person one whose company will do me harm, whose opinions are unchristian, whose conversation is unedifying, whose conduct is worldly, one in short to whom I am not to be conformed? To this question it is difficult to give an answer, without being acquainted with each individual case: but it is not difficult to point out the principle which may enable every one to decide in such questions for himself. This principle lies in the text, and in the words immediately following. Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, ac

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cording as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith." (6) That is to say; You who are the disciple of Jesus Christ are required to prove in your intercourse with the world what is his good and perfect will; after due enquiry and experience to hold fast to the course of conduct which he commands. will meet with various characters, according to age, outward circumstances, and inward distinctions; you are placed in a society, wherein all those you meet with profess to glory in the name of Christ, and all have been baptized in his name, dedicated to his service, and put in the way of knowing and doing their duty. You are required to the utmost of your power to forward that knowledge, and improve that practice in yourself, and to promote them likewise amongst others. You will find the young often thoughtless; beware your

self of the temptations of youth, study to be serious in heart, and to attain unto that tempered cheerfulness, which will be the best evidence of the happiness you derive from religion, and the strongest recommendation of its power to others. You will find the middle-aged often deeply intent on plans of worldly aggrandizement; endeavour, as you hasten on to their time of life, to fence your heart against the cares which will tempt you as they have tempted others, and against which you have no other security than a humble reliance on the will of God. You will perceive the old often little occupied with the thought of that world to which they are fast approaching;-pray God then that he may impress upon your heart ever more and more deeply the uncertainty of this life, and the vast importance of eternity.

IV. Our attention is thus to be directed to principles rather than to persons; it is to their false opinions and corrupt practices that we are to beware of being conformed; and this object we may securely attain without feeling or indicating any aversion to themselves, or declining those duties of general society which we are bound to perform with cheerfulness and enjoyment. This view of the negative precept is well illustrated by the remainder of the text; "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds." The change is to be internal, affecting indeed the outward deportment, but so affecting it, as to render it more generally kind and courteous, at the same time that it is rendered more pure and correct. Be you transformed then in the spirit of your mind. If you were heretofore wavering in faith, weak in hope, and deficient in