weapons of our warfare are as 'mighty through God' as they ever were, to the pulling down of the strong holds' of selfishness and sin. Still the Jew requires a sign,' still the Greek seeks after wisdom,' but let us meet such demands as did the Apostles, and preach Christ crucified,' which, however derided as foolishness,' will always be demonstrated as 'the wisdom of God, and the power of God.' We need not accommodate this truth to the fluctuating philosophies of the day. No altered state of society will diminish the truth of our Saviour's declaration-"I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." Though there is much of what is conventional in our estimate of character, though what is admired in one age often loses its charm in another, the life of Jesus appeals to every heart, and is suited for all time, even they who reject Christianity being unable to suggest one improvement, to point out one defect. The restless tide of change which leaves no trace on the granite cliff rising majestically from its bed, sweeps hither and thither the shift

ing sands of theory. Even theology has its cycles, and the prominent doctrines of one age almost disappear in another. But God manifest in the flesh, revealing his great love to men, reconciling the world unto himself, even by toils, and reproaches, and sufferings, and death, bestowing gifts on the rebellious, and saying to the very vilest, 'Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest ;'—this great truth proclaimed by every action in the life of the Man Christ Jesus,' presents an object unchangeably attractive and sublime, like the snow-white summit of some stupendous mountain, ever the same, while the torrents. which flow down its sides often alter their course, and the flowers and foliage by which it is clothed, change their hue, decay, and re-appear. Let us then direct men to Jesus. When philosophy demands a doctrine suited to the mind of the age, let us 'preach Christ crucified.' When moralists and philanthropists ask for some system to check the progress of vice, and promote the happiness of men, we will point the

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to Christ crucified.' If some barrier is required to check the headlong tide of selfishness and worldliness, and make men remember there are others besides themselves, and a life beyond the present, we will again tell them of Christ crucified. Let us make known a personal, living Saviour, and not a mere dogmatical Christianity. We are in danger of losing sight of Him even when proclaiming his truth, which loses all its power when separated from himself. Let us then preach Christ; not churches, creeds, and sacraments, but Christ; not theology, but Jesus; not the mere doctrines of the Gospel, but the Christ of the Gospel, not even justification by faith, but Christ the Justifier.

Such preaching however is not that of the lip alone. It was not mere sermons however eloquent which were instrumental in effecting such wonders in apostolic times, but the more impressive utterances of a Christ-like life blending harmoniously with the spoken word, the whole church thus uniting with one voice in the proclamation

of the truth, and impressing it on the hearts of men. It must not be an affair of the pulpit alone, but of the pew, not of the clergy but of the people. Christians should aim to present to the world a transcript of the life of Him whose name they bear, they should be living epistles of Christ known and read of all men.'

If then we desire to extend the Saviour's kingdom, while we earnestly seek the assistance of that Divine Spirit without whom all human efforts are in vain, let us see to it that our preaching, while doctrinally correct, is not essentially defective. It was a visible Christ, a great fact, which impressed the world; it must be Christ re-produced in the spirit and conduct of his followers which can alone effect similar results in the present day. Let us then be filled with his spirit and imitate his example. If we would win the ear and gain the heart of the multitude, let us, as he did, 'go about doing good,' the friends of the poor, the advocates of the oppressed, 'minding not

high things but condescending to men of low estate.' If we would have them believe in the sincerity of our efforts to raise them from a spiritual degradation of which they are alas little conscious, let us shew sympathy with them, as Jesus did, in a manner which they are able to appreciate. Let them have confidence, that Christians while faithful in reproving their faults, will always be found to be their staunch and disinterested friends. The Christian Church should resemble the ancient Roman Tribunes of the people, ever prompt to plead their cause, and shield them from wrong. While we believe that minor philanthropies apart from christian principle will effect but little good, our religion, instead of being made an excuse for withholding co-operation in any benevolent enterprise, should prompt us to labours more abundant, even as the impelling motive is purer and stronger. Never, never let it be for an instant imagined that men who think lightly of Christianity, are more concerned than ourselves to advance the physical, intellect