among the most zealous Christians. To attempt to account for this singularity, would be equally unprofitable and vain: neither would I go so far as to infer, that unless a man act the decided part of a peace-maker, he cannot be called a child of God.-God forbid. Many persons may never once have had an opportunity of manifesting, literally, on any important occasion, their real character in this respect, who are themselves peaceable, and have the good will, and every requisite quality, should an occasion offer: but I think it may fairly be inferred, that should any one have such an opportunity, with sufficient ability, and neglect its due performance, he is in great danger of not being owned a child of God; inasmuch as he is thus deficient of so distinguishing a mark or characteristic; and at all events, it will be one of his accountable sins of omis. sion.

As, however, it may be necessary to have clear ideas in what the character of a peacemaker really consists, I shall in the first place, by the blessing of God, endeavour to define it; and secondly, how we may prove our title to the character; and thirdly, the blessing itself.

First, Some persons may possibly, at the first view of the subject, imagine, that the

character we are considering belongs exclusively to ministers of the gospel, as they are undoubtedly the messengers of peace to exhort and enjoin us to be reconciled to God, through Jesus the mediator of the covenant of peace; but whether they ever perform the duty of peace-makers in its literal sense, striving earnestly, actively, and personally, to reconcile man to his neighbour, each individual can decide for himself. It must, however, be allowed, that the character itself may not consist in the single and positive acts of peace-making, but in promoting peace among men by every means in our power; and living so peaceably, as not to give offence to any one. In this sense the Christian must actually exercise forbearance, and show good will to man; for he cannot be a Christian, unless he does. He will not only live in the practice of this duty, but he will seek peace, and pursue it. He will first seek peace and reconciliation with his Maker, and be, as far as possible, like unto the God of peace. Thus will he be happy in that inward serenity which ever results from being in this state of acceptance. He will keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace; striving to preserve a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man. Such a one will be cautious not to use even

a harsh expression, not rendering railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing; knowing that he is thereunto called, that he should inherit a blessing. He will keep his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.

If at any time circumstances should arise requiring more particularly his interference and arbitration, he will beware how he speaks to the grief or hurt of any one, who may already be too deeply wounded. He will meliorate and soften, as much as possible, where he cannot heal; and will cast no obloquy or asperity on either party: great mischief has frequently been done merely by unguarded and injudicious inferences, drawn from ill-founded suspicions, or misrepresentation: much less will the Christian accuse the aggrieved, or the adversary, of any thing in which he is not perfectly justified by the clearest conviction of his own mind. Even a surmise or a conjecture expressed with acrimony, shows that the arbitrator has not the essential qualities of a peace-maker. There can be no indwelling of the Spirit of peace in his heart; therefore, he has no title to the character. But the true peace-maker is one who studiously avoids whatever is calculated to irritate or wound the feelings of another; and he will

imitate his divine Master, by making the conscience of each person testify to itself, whether he is without fault-enforcing the great duty of forgiveness of injuries by all those arguments enjoined in the Scripture, and the humbling sense of how much we need to be forgiven; and yet, that the mercy and forbearance of our offended Judge and Father is still waiting to be gracious,

We must now consider, secondly, how we may prove to ourselves, whether we have any title to the character of peacemaker; and in order to ascertain how far we have any claim to the promise annexed, we must come to some decision. We will then inquire, first-Have we sought peace with God? And if we have accepted the gospel terms of salvation, and profess to be the disciples of our Lord, are we living in peace with man? Do we ever evince in our conduct, the real spirit of the gospel of peace? Have we ever, in our lives, after having had a disagreement with another, shown any anxiety, or taken measures to be reconciled, to forgive, or to be forgiven? O let us reflect, that, in many cases, unless we have done this, that each time we utter the Lord's prayer, it is a mockery; nay more, we are calling down a denunciation on

ourselves. It must be admitted, that there are instances of disagreement which can only be settled legally, by appealing to the laws; and there are others, where such opprobrium and insult have been lavished, with dismissals from posts of honor and emolument, merely when caprice, pique, or passion dictated, as renders it impossible for the aggrieved party to sue for, or seek a reconciliation: where, then, we cannot conciliate, let us forgive, and strive to root out every rancorous feeling from our heart. But some may say, I have experienced such cold and unfeeling malignity, where I have uniformly shown kindness. St. Peter saith, "What glory is it, if when ye are buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently; but if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God."

Let us ever bear in mind, who was oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; and who when he was reviled, reviled not again: the chastisement of our peace was upon him. Let us, under all revilings or despiteful ill-usage, consider, whether the Almighty himself may not be allowing us thus to be chastised with the stripes of men-"For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his own ways. Does the conscience of any one whisper that