partiality and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

with the precious blood of Christ, as of be slow to give offence, and slow to take a lamb without blemish and without it. Endeavour to have written oh your spot." They are the objects of a love heart the sentiments contained in two inwhich makes him identify their interests spired passages; the first is in the epistle with his own: "Inasmuch as ye did it, to the Ephesians:-"I therefore, the or did it not, unto one of the least of these prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye my brethren, ye did it, or did it not, unto walk worthy of the vocation wherewith me." If you love Christ, you will fear ye are called, with all lowliness and all indifference to his. And this will meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing exclude all party spirit: you will love one another in love; endeavouring to keep them, not as partizans, but as Christians, the unity of the Spirit in the bond of for Christ's sake. The relation of be- peace." The other is the language of lievers to Christ is independent of time James: "Who is a wise man and endued and place; and our love to them should with knowledge among you? let him be the same in nature, as it is in obliga- show out of a good conversation his works tion, in all the world around. How beau- with meekness and wisdom. For where tifully is this love exemplified in the case envying and strife is, there is confusion of the apostle who once "breathed out and every evil work. But the wisdom threatenings and slaughters" against that is from above is first pure, then those who bare the name of Christ! He peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreatbecame as tender in his love as he was ed, full of mercy and good fruits, without eager in his hate. Listen to his language to the Thessalonians;-"We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children; so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God." "Therefore, we were comforted in your comfort." "We were comforted over you, in all our affliction and distress, by your faith; for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith." And many other portions breathing the same spirit might be quoted.

Let me remind you of the peculiar necessity of cherishing this sacred principle in reference to those who operate in the same field. Union is strength: disunion is more than weakness, for it not only checks combined effort, it throws a dangerous stumbling-block in the way. "Let all your things be done in charity:"

III. LOVE TO CHRIST WILL CONSTRAIN YOU TO IMITATE HIS EXAMPLE.-You will remember that I have spoken of love to Christ, for what he is, as well as for what he has done. Now if you love Christ,1. You will study to be like him in general personal character. Like him in his devotion to God, in his benevolence to men, and in all those holy virtues which adorned his character, and in which he has left us "an example that we should follow his steps." I cannot too deeply impress the vast and unutterable importance of decision and consistency of character to a missionary abroad. I cannot speak aright of the mischief which may be done by inconsistent Christians abroad; but how much more will the mischief be increased if this inconsistency be seen in those who should exhibit all the purity and truth of the gospel! The first Christians exhibited their own conduct as a proof of the divine origin of Christianity. O what a strong hold on the opinions and feelings of men had they who could say,-" For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men,

2. You will imitate him also officially. He loves his people; and he shows that love in the care he takes of them. "Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his

his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." Such is the official character of Christ, the "chief Shepherd:" such is his tender care of his followers and people. Let the love of Christ constrain you to go and do likewise.

IV. IF YOU LOVE CHRIST, YOU WILL BE FAITHFUL TO HIM. Attachment secures fidelity. Jesus himself, when he took his important charge upon him, was faithful from a principle of love; and the same may be said of his apostles. If you love

but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness. Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome as the apostles of Christ. Ye are witnesess and God also, how holily, flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the and justly, and unblamably we behaved | lambs with his arm, and carry them in ourselves among you that believe: as ye know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory." What men saw gave weight to what they heard: the character of the preachers accredited and recommended the truth. With what consistency or success can he recommend the truth of God to others, who shows that it has no effect upon his own mind? Or how can he enforce it, who himself holds it in no practical regard? The heathen may well say, "If such are its effects upon you, what good will it do us? Physician, heal thyself!" Hold the truth in love to Christ, and let your resemblance to him be seen. The apos-Christ, it will influence the great theme tle when writing to Timothy, says, "Let no man despise thy youth;" he does not here mean that you are to assert and maintain your dignity-that you are to make it evident you will not be despised with impunity that if any dare to despise you they shall be made to smart for it :no, nor would you attempt it. There is no such thing as commanding respect by insisting on having it: the way to be respected is to be respectable, the way to be beloved is to be amiable. Those who complain most of want of love among their brethren, are those who repel love by their own behaviour. The sensitive plant of love shrinks back from their rude touch, and then they complain of that very sensibility. The way to have love is not to demand it as a right, but draw it forth by amiable conduct; and hence, when the apostle says, "Let no man despise thy youth," he fully explains his meaning by what follows;-"but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." But if you love Christ,—

of your ministry. You will determine "not to know any thing among men, but Christ, and him crucified." Jesus Christ will be the grand sun around which you will delight to make all the lights of truth revolve, and from which they will derive all their glory. Christ will become the very essence of your ministry; the foundation of all its doctrines, the source of all its enjoyments, the spring of all its duties. If you love Christ, you will be faithful also as to the object of your ministry. Jesus sought not his own glory, but the honour of his heavenly Father. The apostles sought not their own honour or emolument, but the will and glory of him that sent them: they were actuated in all by love to Christ: "We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Christ's sake." The object of Christ, in coming into the world and suffering, was "to seek and to save that which was lost;" and if you love him, you will be anxiously faithful to this object. It is miserable when any other object is preferred or followed.

The salvation of souls was his end in doing his work-let it be your end in publishing that work; or else, instead of hearing him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" you will bring upon yourself a curse, and not a blessing. If you love Christ, you will be faithful also in the manner in which you discharge your duty. So it was with Christ himself. Remember his words: "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day the night cometh when no man can work." "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." He never remitted his zeal, or abated his ardour till his great object was accomplished, till he could look up to his heavenly Father, and say, "I have glorified thee on earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."

ary to set his face as a flint against all opposition; it will enable him to endure all sufferings-to submit to all depriva tions, to make all sacrifices for Christ's sake. You, my dear son, begin by mak ing a sacrifice: you feel it to be no small thing to leave parents and friends and associates. I know what is due to home, and I know well what violence must be done to the feelings. This you have felt; but you hear him who says, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me;" and you say, "Heaven calls, and we must go!" You are aware that difficulties and trials are before you; you have counted the cost; you go forth, not knowing the things that shall befall you, but anticipating evils both physical and moral. I can only speak of those evils as an ear witness; but you have had intercourse with those who have been on the spot, and can tell you of them from their own experience.

V. Love to CHRIST WILL MAKE SERVICE A PLEASURE, AND HARDSHIPS IN IT LIGHT.-All is done cheerfully which is done from a principle of love. "I delight to do thy will, O God," said the Saviour. This delight sprang from love, love to his Father, and love to his people; a love which had heights and depths, lengths and breadths unspeakable, and which shall be unspeakable through eternity itself. He knew well what he had to do, the bitterness of the cup he had to drink, the complicated sufferings through which he must pass; yet, he shrank not from his work. Love urged him on, and love sustained him. Amidst all his trials and difficulties he failed not, neither was discouraged, for love still led him on. Let me exhort you then to love him: love will strengthen you for duty, it will sustain you in trial, it will support you in conflict, it will succour you in danger. Otify the gospel of the grace of God."what drudgery it is to work where love is not! The galley slave, chained to his oar, is not so pitiable an object as is a minister who works without love to Christ in his heart. Love, on the contrary, exhilarates the heart, it will light up the active eye, it will give elasticity to all the powers, tone to all the purposes, and vigour to all the actions.

Let love to Christ, then, possess your heart. With the living impetus of this love you may go through fire and water. We read of the ancient Christians that they rejoiced in being counted "worthy to suffer for the name of Christ;" here is a noble spirit for you! not only patient in suffering, but rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer. Emulate the spirit of Paul :-" Behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there : save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus to tes

"What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."-"I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,”and was he weary? No; " and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." Yes, and it will make hardships light. This is the attainment of love, of steady, Love will induce the Christian mission- | ardent, devoted attachment. Seek to be

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filled with this, and it will make every | would send down the promised showers yoke easy, every burden light.

of his blessing. Then shall you realize the beautiful imagery of the prophet; "you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree." The master whom you serve holds out to you the most ample encouragement. Paul was in affliction, but he had resort to prayer; he "besought the Lord thrice," and he received the animating answer, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." On that grace you have already expressed your reliance, and you may rest assured that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

VI. IF YOU LOVE CHRIST, YOU WILL VALUE HIS APPROBATION. We cannot bear the averted countenance of those we love. The frown of a friend or a father goes to the inmost soul. If we love Christ, we shall seek his approving smile as our highest reward, and dread his frown as worse than death. If he smile, a frowning universe cannot alarm you; if he frown, the smile of all around will not avail you. "It is a light thing to be judged of man's judgment; for he that judgeth you is the Lord." Not that you are to be indifferent to the opinion of others, for your usefulness depends much on your reputation. The same apostle who thought it "a light thing" to be judged of man's judgment, was very careful to "provide things honest in the sight of all men," and to "have always a conscience void of offence towards God and man." But there must be no tempo-judge, that if one died for all, then were rizing for the approbation of men: you must aim in all to please God. Let it be your prominent aim to approve yourself unto him, that at last you may hear that voice sweeter than the music of angels, sound in your ravished ears, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord."

Let this love of Christ, then, be your grand motive. Say with Paul," The love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus

all dead: and that he died for all, that those which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." This is a principle which time and place cannot affect; a principle which the missionary may carry with him round the globe, and cherish alike on tropic sands or amidst

VII. IF YOU LOVE CHRIST, YOU WILL arctic snows.

CULTIVATE INTERCOURSE WITH HIM BY

FERVENT PRAYER. Our Saviour taught that "men ought always to pray and not to faint;" and this precept he enforced by his own example. But this is not what I now mean. All power is his; all grace is his; in him all fulness dwells. You are to cultivate intercourse with him, and thus to enjoy his smile and embrace his blessing. You will prepare for duty by this: you will consider this, and this alone, the means of your going on prosperously. With him alone is the residue of the Spirit; and without that Spirit no good can be done. The wilderness and the solitary place, instead of being glad for you, will remain an arid waste; and barrenness and desolation will still present itself to your view. When you go forth, look up to him who ascended on high and received gifts for men, that he

And now, my dear son, "I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified!"

Let me now say a word or two to the hearers. Our blessed Master, when his heart was melted to pity by the sight of the multitudes scattered" as sheep having no shepherd," said, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few: pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." Do we obey this mandate? Is it our prayer that he may choose suitable instruments-that he may impart to them suitable dispositions-that he will act in all things concerning them as his own infinite wisdom may direct? And after we have thus professed to commit the cause to him, shall we shrink

back if he ventures to come within the | it be thought a greater honour to be conlimits of our own circle-if he chooses a nected with an embassy which has in member of our own family? No! this view the adjustment of certain rights and would surely be unworthy our character. misunderstandings between earthly states, To the fathers and mothers, brothers than a connexion with that embassy and sisters, by whom I am surrounded, I which has for its object the establishment need not say there is a struggle on the of universal peace between heaven and present occasion, and many circumstances earth? Brethren, the kingdom of Christ which should call forth your Christian is not of this world: how long shall it be sympathy. This would be the case if ere the subjects of this kingdom act up our young friend stood alone; but he goes to their principles, and show that they are not alone; he takes with him one who not of this world-that they do not shun the has claims on your deepest sympathies. cross-that they account Christ and him I dare not trust myself to speak further crucified their highest dignity and glory? on this point than to say, never were parents more attached to a child, never did child hold parents more dear! But we are called to sacrifice these natural sensibilities at the shrine of the cross.

Let parents enforce these principles on the hearts of their children. Let the young who are strong in the word of Christ come forward. Let the love of Christ constrain them to live no longer to themselves, but to him. Let us all seek to have Christ as our Saviour; our example in time, our hope in death, our joy in eternity.

Our joy on the present occasion should greatly exceed our sorrow: grace should now triumph over nature; and we should account it our highest honour to be able thus to advance the divine glory. My May the Lord be with you! May He friends, we are too worldly. We catch who holds the winds in his fists, and with the greatest eagerness at any situa-measures the waters in the hollow of his tion for our children which may advance hands, give you a safe passage over the their temporal interests. We should be seas! May he preserve you safe in glad to place any of them in the retinue foreign climes! May he give you many of royalty, or in the train of an ambassa- souls to be your joy and crown of rejoicdor; and instead of shedding tears of sor- ing in the last great day! To that day row at seeing them quit their native the connexion of the text leads us; "for shores, we should exult in the thought we must all appear before the judgmentof the high honour to which they were seat of Christ!" There may you and I, advanced. And is it indeed true, that a my son, and all that are present, stand Christian parent shall feel sorrow when accepted in him and enter into his joy! his child has set his heart on becoming Whether we are again to meet on earth, a missionary to the heathen? Shall a He alone knows in whose hands are our blush overspread the cheek of such a life and breath! but when you go hence, parent when this is the case? Shall be go in the strength of that passage so full feel as if something had taken place to of encouragement, where the Master who which he is indeed constrained to submit, says, "Go ye and teach all nations;" but in which he does not delight? Bre- adds, "And lo, I am with you alway, thren, these things ought not so to be! even unto the end of the world." The Shall a Christian parent have his heart eye that never slumbers or sleeps will more set on the acquirement of worldly watch over you. You cannot go where wealth for his children, than on the ac- he is not. His power acts independently quirement of "the unsearchable riches of of time and place. His purposes cannot Christ?" Shall he attach more import-be contravened even by the ruthless arm ance to forming a part of the retinue of an earthly sovereign, than being attached to his service who has the name written on his vesture and on his thigh, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS?" Shall

of death. Go, in his name! And though seas may roll between us, and continents sever, we shall still be one in nature and in grace; and when we meet, it shall be in inseparable union and in everlasting peace.