a different ground, that thousands will, and do, allow themselves to be deceived-to be beguiled to spiritual sloth-and so perhaps to be undone for ever, by measuring the life that now is and its duties on too narrow a scale, and weighing them in nothing but a worldly balance. Under this error, the wealth of this world is the measure commonly taken. How many think that money can do every thing! at any rate, that nothing can be done without it. All that I shall answer to such notion now is simply this; so thought not Jesus Christ. The view of life and duty taken in the New Testament, describing us as many members yet but one body, all equally important to the life and welfare of the whole, proceeds on no such calculation. That measures things by a much surer scale-the scale of truth. That lays an equal obligation to discharge of duty upon rich and upon poor. It is the form of duty only that is different to these; the principle and obligation are the same.

Instead of laying such vain stress on this world's means, it is much nearer to the truth to say, that after all, money and the fancied powers of present wealth are but among the least and lowest offerings to be contributed to the great general work of Christian holiness, and

growth in grace. Think for a moment, and you will perceive it must be quite impossible that any gift or talent should be that of highest value, from which the will of God has of necessity shut out the greater portion of his reasonable creatures. And such a gift is this world's wealth. God is not so unequal toward them that love him, and who truly seek him. He gives not wealth to all; but things which are far better, and more powerful, for the promotion of his will, he has placed equally within the reach of all. And some of such are these; a spirit of humility and fear, of meekness and of love;-a reverence of his most holy name, and of his holy day and worship; a heart of kindness to bestow, and of teachableness to receive, good counsel;-the power of setting personal example;-a temper of obedience toward those above, of justice and of gentleness to those below us ;-the exercise of diligence and active usefulness;-the graces of sincerity, of speaking truth, of honesty, and patience.

And cannot all contribute much, through qualities like these, to the great stock of common happiness and real godliness? Who (for example) may not regard the day of holiness and rest unto the Lord, if he be so minded, and come into the

Lord's house to render praise to his great Maker, and to learn his duty?—Who may not cease from idleness and swearing and from bad company, and take himself instead to reverence and fear of the Lord?-Who, that is a parent, cannot at least set before his children a good example in his own person?-Who may not take care to be obliging and kind and courteous ?-Who that is a labourer, or servant, or in trust, may not be honest and just to his employers? or who, in turn, may not be just and faithful toward those who labour for him?-Who may not speak the truth and hate lies?-Who, in a word, may not be circumspect and careful to lay no stumblingblock of gross offence in the way of his Christian brethren?

These and the like are things which have but little, you will see, to do with money or the wealth of this world!-Yet these, and things like these done "heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men"-are the joint contributions which must, and can alone promote our real welfare and are they not within the power of all? As we must surely see they are, so let us pray in singleness of heart and faith to God for grace, that he may mercifully teach us to

:

* See more at large, Sermons VII. and VIII.

contribute them to the advancement of his

will!

We have, then, seen the ground on which it is not only possible that Christian ministers may truly care for all the Christian brotherhood, but certain that they will so care, if they themselves be right minded. And we have also seen what thoughts and just pretensions of their duty should be raised in others also, by that same Christian view of life and its concerns, which will create in Christ's especial servants that love for all their flocks which has been spoken of. Let it be added, in the way of constant remembrance, that each party—whether minister, or people can do no more, in any case, than each his own work, and his own share of the work common to all. No single strength can do the duties which belong to many. There must be joint exertions to a common end, wherever true improvement is desired.

And Scripture-which will ever teach us all true wisdom-may serve us with an illustration of the way in which such good effect may be accomplished.

We read in the book of Nehemiah, that the Jews, at the rebuilding of Jerusalem in his day, though sorely pressed upon by enemies, soon

built a wall, which they had need of to protect them against the furiousness of their adversaries, because" the people had a mind to work'." This is the secret. And so may any Christian company that has a mind truly to deserve its name of Christian, build up a temper and condition of good faith and holy conversation that shall become too strong, in Christ's protection, for evil to prevail against it. But they who hope for this, must work as we are told these Jews worked; every man contributing his share, and every man encouraging his neighbour. And as among them every one of the builders had his sword girded by his side, to be ready against enemies" and so builded;"-so must each member of a Christian brotherhood have ready to his hand "the sword of the Spirit, which is the "word of God;" for a defence against scoffers and gainsayers; for comfort under difficulties; and for the warrant of his hope. That word will surely teach him so to labour, as that his labour shall not be in vain, in the Lord.

Nehem. iv. 6, &c.