on charity, which is the bond of perfectness ? that charity which thinketh no evil, and is kind? Are we doing all those good works which it was ordained that the children of God should perform, and for which we were created? for by our fruits we shall be known, whether we are true disciples. Or is our belief a mere assent to certain doctrines, that we have scarcely given ourselves the trouble to examine? which is, I fear, too often the case in the present day; even in those who make no small profession. But what shall I say to those, if any such be here present, who see no beauty, no excellence in the Saviour, and do not even bestow a thought on their salvation by him; or feel any concern about their real character in the sight of God; neither examine into the state of their souls, nor consider what is to become of them hereafter? To such I must address the language of St. Paul, "If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his :" and in another place it is said, "How shall they be put among the children ?" Your case is indeed deplorable;-but yet there is hope, If the wicked forsake his ways, and the un, righteous man his thoughts, and return unto the Lord, he will have mercy upon himand to our God, and he will abundantly

pardon. Turn then to the strong holdbelieve, and repent. This day, if you harden not your hearts, may be an accepted timemay be a day of salvation! And let it not be said of any to whom the gospel is preached, that "Christ came unto his own, and his own received him not."

I would now, in conclusion, inquire, are we really living in a holy communion and fellowship with the Father of spirits, as his adopted children? are we walking humbly with our God, in a holy conversation and good works? And here I would address a few admonitory words to those who have a good hope, through faith, that they have been adopted into the family of God, and to all who are earnestly pressing forward to the mark for the prize of their high calling. I would say, Grieve not; quench not the Holy Spirit of God by any act of sin, or neglect of duty. It is even more culpable in you who do acknowledge the divine influence to grieve that blessed spirit, than it is in those who deny or resist his power. Take heed, then, lest you lose the consolations and supports which it is the high privilege of the real Christian to enjoy for the Holy Spirit is promised as a comforter in all our sorrows and trials a sure guide in all our dangers and necessities-a strength to

the needy in his distress-a defence for the oppressed-a refuge from the storm-a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible one is as a storm against the walland, finally, will bring them to that haven of rest where they would be; and none shall make them afraid, neither shall any pluck them out of the Father's hand. And, as it is the Christian's chief privilege and delight to worship and serve God here below, so will it be his reward hereafter: he shall be admitted to serve him day and night in his temple, and follow him whithersoever he goeth, and shall participate in the joy of his Lord.

DISCOURSE VIII.

COLOSS. iii. 14.

Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

THIS portion of the Holy Scriptures I have purposely selected in preference to any other in the sacred volume, on the subject of Christian charity, as they form part of an exhortation which comprises a summary of Christian duties, given by St. Paul to the Colossians, whom he reminds, that as they had received Christ, so to walk in him. And though he had heard such a high report of them, that in his Epistle he addresses them as saints and faithful brethren-prays that they might be filled with all spiritual wisdom-and that as they had put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge and true holiness after the image of him that created him, yet doth he specially enumerate those graces which were also to be put on to prove and adorn their Chris

tian character. And in the verses preceding my text, he saith, " Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any one have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." And then he adds, "Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness,' or completeness; and further, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts." To the Macedonians he saith, "As touching brotherly love, I have no need to write unto you, for you do it unto all the brethren;" and yet he enjoins them to increase more and more. I have ever, my brethren, considered that charity and humility, in their true and compre hensive sense, in whomsoever they appear, are the strongest evidences of their being sound in the faith. In confirmation of which we have some instances recorded in the Gospels the most remarkable is that of the Roman centurion; in whose character there is so striking a union of real benevolence, humility, and faith, as ought to fill many of us with wonder and self-abasement, as we read the account given of him by the Evangelists. In St. Luke it is related, "That the Jews said, He loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue :"-And it was his